by Nikki Landis
“Colin!”
“Huh?”
Corinne was staring up and into my eyes in amusement. “I said I need help. What are you staring at?”
I couldn’t remember the last time I was so embarrassed. “Right. Nothing.”
“Uh huh.” She giggled and cast a glance in Cora’s direction who was surrounded by a bigger group of teens, most of which were seniors.
Grumbling under my breath, I tried not to show my irritation as the group expanded to include quite a few of the guys from the Lacrosse team. I didn’t realize I was scowling until Corinne placed a hand on my arm. “Careful, Colin.”
Glaring at Cora’s admirers, I loaded my sister’s chair into the car and helped her inside. Cora was still talking to the group. Impatience flashed throughout my body as I forced myself to focus. Making a fuss over this girl was a terrible idea. Cora knew nothing about me, and I would make certain it remained that way.
Self-control was a nonissue.
“Cora, we need to leave,” I growled, completely taken aback by a tiny flare of jealousy.
She looked up, startled by my abrupt tone. “I’m sorry, Colin. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
The sincerity in her voice instantly made me feel guilty. “It’s alright. I need to get back to the house and finish your door,” I explained, hoping I could soften my behavior and tone.
She smiled, lighting up her whole face as I stared and swallowed audibly. “Thank you. I appreciate you repairing it for me.”
Corinne giggled, unable to hide her continued amusement as the two girls began talking and laughing in the backseat of my midnight blue SUV. The car was a gift from my parents for finishing law school at the top of my class. A BMW X7 fully loaded that sparkled under the northern California sunshine. I loved the car but hated the reminder that I wasn’t free to do as I wished.
Some things never changed . . .
Barely holding back a sigh, my eyes swept over Cora in the backseat through the review mirror. She was talking animatedly with her hands, gesturing quickly, telling some joke that Corinne found amusing. There was a sudden impulse to stop the car and listen in, hop into the backseat, and slide my arm around Cora’s shoulders, pulling her close.
What the hell?
Since when was I so ruled by random thoughts and urges?
Silent most of the way home, I said little, but the duo didn’t seem to notice. Only once did Cora meet my wistful gaze in the rearview mirror as our eyes locked. My chest was so tight I could scarcely draw a breath. Those big silvery gray eyes with violet sparks seemed to burrow down deep into my soul. Only one other had ever affected my magic or my heart so intensely . . .
Emma.
Pain lanced every single cell in my body as I looked away much faster than I intended. My fingers gripped the steering wheel with force until my knuckles were almost white. I could never love like that again. It was too painful. Too vulnerable.
Corinne was wrong.
Nothing would ever happen between me and Cora.
Chapter 6 – Cora
“Are you ready Cora?”
Friday night arrived and my first official social event for Xavier Academy was set to begin. Corinne was rather adamant that we attend this party since our entire year and level of popularity depended on whether or not we made an appearance. Those were her exact words. Yeah, whatever. I wasn’t much of a party person, but I figured Corinne deserved the extra boost and I couldn’t deprive her of it.
“I’m ready!” I called out and stepped through my bedroom door – directly into Casey Bradford. The force of our collision sent me flying into his arms before I crashed into the wall or floor. Did he maneuver himself that way on purpose?
“Tsk, tsk,” he rebuked with a slight flick of his tongue, “don’t you watch where you’re going, little Blackbyrd?”
Scowling, I shoved his arms aside. “Stop calling me that. I’m not a damn bird.”
“Oh, but you’re wrong there. You see blackbirds have jet black hair just like you and their feathers are lustrous, also like you. They’re clever and fearless. An intelligent bird but seeks solitude too often. Might be something you share in common,” he added with a sly smile.
Over the length of those few sentences I somehow found myself pressed up against the wall, Casey’s arms resting on either side of my head. He leaned in close and whispered into my ear, “you look beautiful, little Blackbyrd.” He called me that annoying name again intentionally.
All set to rebuke his arrogant behavior, I sucked in a breath when his nose grazed along the length of my jaw before his lips stopped and hovered above my own. A few breathless seconds ticked by as I heard Corinne call my name a second time. As much as I hated to be enticed by his hubris, I couldn’t help my attraction. He seemed to sense my desire no matter how hard I fought it. “Let me pass, Casey.”
“Yes, Casey, let her pass.” Colin’s deep voice filled the empty space like a physical barrier.
I wondered how long he had been standing there so close to the top of the stairs. Was he waiting to see if I needed help? I wasn’t that needy, but I was certainly tempted to use magic and knock Casey’s ass onto the ground.
Casey didn’t move as if he anticipated my next move and wanted to see what I would do. “Remember little Blackbyrd, I’m always watching,” his eyes darted to my lips and rose slowly upward until his intense gaze locked on mine, “and I like what I see.”
“Brother,” Colin warned, moving closer as I heard his approach.
Casey pushed off the wall and winked before he spun and walked away. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Why did Casey’s aura always feel so intense?
I’d have to use divination and seek answers before we met again. Perhaps it was time to use magic in this creepy old house and find out what everyone was hiding.
“You alright?” Colin seemed concerned by my distraction. “Did he harm you?”
I frowned, preferring not to divulge much more than he already knew. “No, but I don’t like that he touches me.” Funny, but I wasn’t as freaked out about physical contact as I was when I first arrived. Maybe the genuine warmth I felt from Rin and her parents was paying off. The boys however, I was still undecided.
“I’ll have a talk with him. I promise.”
“Thank you, Colin. I’m sure you have much better things to do than babysit me,” I gave him a small smile in gratitude, “but I appreciate the concern.”
His deep chuckle was surprising, but I liked it. “Oh, Cora, I don’t think those are the roles we’re playing, do you?” A mischievous smirk rode his handsome features as my stomach fluttered with a thousand butterflies.
The heat of a blush stained my cheeks as I felt the warmth rising up my neck. I never blushed before meeting Colin and Casey. “No, definitely not.”
His cerulean blue gaze roamed my face for long seconds before he replied, “enjoy the party. I’m sure Corinne is anxious to leave.”
As if on cue her impatient voice echoed from the bottom of the stairs. “Cora, you’re killing me!”
Colin followed as I ran down the stairs and then pushed Rin toward the door. Jumping on the back of her wheelchair I rode the ramp all the way down and laughed at her squeal of delight.
By the time we arrived the house was full of teenagers, red plastic cups filled most hands, and loud music was pumping from the impressive stereo system. The bass thumped my chest with every beat, and I found my hips beginning to sway as I immediately surveyed the scene. Most of the faces were familiar since I had attended my first day at Xavier Academy earlier today.
“Cora! Corinne!”
Our names were shouted by a few of the girls I had met earlier who were close friends of Rin. Demi and Sadie were sisters. I knew they had an older brother, but I had yet to meet him. Paige was tall and thin with long white-blonde hair. Tilly and Greer were also sisters. I’d met their brother Jason who played on the Lacrosse team with Cooper and Landon. Coop and Landon were loud and con
stantly cracking jokes, but I liked their easygoing and playful personalities. They seemed to be a tight group and had grown up with one another over the years.
Unfortunately, that knowledge confirmed my own lack of friends my age. I was used to being the odd man out. Life in the system will provide that joyous experience free of charge. Luckily, I had Sarah to look out for my best interests. Maybe this place would finally become the home I’d sought for all my lonely life.
We ended up dancing in a group, laughing and joking as I began to relax. This type of normal experience was something I lacked in recent years. Rin and I both declined the alcohol, but I wasn’t sure if she realized I only did so because I wanted to watch out for her and keep a level head amidst the chaos.
A funny tingle erupted along my spine and I lifted my head in time to catch Casey Bradford enter the house. He was immediately met by a large group of girls who swarmed as if he was Justin Bieber or someone else as equally famous, falling all over every word he spoke and touching his arm or chest like he was some kind of god. Ridiculous. Irritated, I ignored his wide smile and the wink he tossed in my direction. Apparently, he was an expert at flirting and playing games. He gobbled up the attention as if he was a starving man and they were handing out free morsels of food.
Excusing myself from the others, I stomped outside to avoid any further interaction. The backyard extended out several yards until it met the edge of the forest. Well-manicured grass stretched beyond the extensive deck where strands of twinkling white lights gave the area a romantic and intimate touch. Not wanting to pause long enough to be found alone, I walked far enough that I wouldn’t be seen from the back doors or deck.
Casey was seriously a huge pain in the ass. What an arrogant and conceited piece of work. He made me want to throw things – preferably in his direction. In frustration, I pulled out a cigarette from my purse and lit the end, puffing until I had a decent cherry. I could have used magic, but I wasn’t entirely sure that no one would see and that could cause problems.
“It’s rather dark tonight.”
The low baritone was unfamiliar, laced with hints of amusement and boredom. Startled, I squinted into the darkness. “Who are you?”
“A possible friend.”
What a strange and annoying answer. I nearly didn’t acknowledge him. “I’m not sure how to reply to that.”
Soft laughter drifted on the evening breeze. “Honesty. Always a pleasant surprise.”
An uncomfortable feeling settled into the pit of my stomach. Noises from the party – music, laughter, shouts, and multiple conversations – seemed to hang heavily in the air. I wasn’t far but certainly not close enough to call out for help and be heard.
“You’re uneasy. Don’t worry, little witch. If I was an enemy or meant to harm you, I could have done it long before I attempted to make small talk.”
He was probably right about that.
Inhaling and coughing lightly, I decided the cigarette was a vice I didn’t need to indulge. Tossing it on the ground, I pushed the toe of my boot down and extinguished the cinders. I took up the habit out of spite to infuriate the Fishers anyway. There wasn’t much of a point in continuing now.
“I’m Rex,” the stranger drawled, seemingly at ease, “Henshaw. A pleasure to meet you.”
“Cora Blackbyrne.”
We shook hands briefly as he approached and leaned back against the trunk of a tree on my right.
“Why aren’t you enjoying the party, Rex Henshaw?”
“Well, sweet Cora, probably for the same reason you’re alone. I prefer solitude.” He leaned my way and whispered conspiratorially, “and I’m not fond of the Richies.”
Richies?
“You know, the smug, rich bastards that have all the money and make all the rules.” Rex’s hot breath fanned over my neck as he continued, “I prefer to break them.”
I swear an actual shiver tickled my spine as his intense gaze shifted from my face to peruse the dark night, settling on a distant star. The moon decided to make a small appearance and I could finally see his features although I couldn’t tell the color of his eyes. They had an odd sheen to them, almost like a feline glow. There was a predatory vibe in the way he held himself, as if on alert and ready to pounce at any moment.
I had the distinct impression he was hyperaware of everyone and everything around him.
“I can’t say that I knew any Richies before two days ago,” I admitted, brushing back my hair as it blew in a sudden gust of wind.
Rex’s hand shot out and smoothed a few extra strands behind my ear. “I can see that. It’s why I decided to introduce myself.” He shrugged. “Plus, your scent is simply intoxicating.”
Lifting a brow in confusion, I turned away as he lowered his head farther.
“You have the most complicated and rich mixture of smells I’ve run into in quite a long time.”
As I turned my head, he pulled back slightly, but we were still incredibly close for two people who just met five minutes ago. His full lips were inches from my own as they quirked up in a satisfied grin.
“You’re as interested as I am. Fascinating. I think –”
His next words were cut off by none other than Casey Bradford. “Rex, so good to see you. Slumming it again?”
Rex made a sound of displeasure that seemed much closer to a hiss. “Always appearing where you aren’t wanted, Bradford.”
“I appear where I’m needed. You know that.”
Their conversation was confusing and entirely too full of testosterone. “I think this is my cue to return to the party and find Rin. It’s getting late.”
“I’ll be right behind you, Cora.” Casey never looked my way but kept his focused glare on Rex.
“Nice to meet you, Rex.”
“Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Cora. I’ll be seeing you around soon, my sweet.”
A low growl erupted in Casey’s throat. Spooked, I ran back to the party and into the house, scanning the living room for Rin. I hated that she was stuck in a wheelchair and had to miss out on the fun stuff like dancing. She was in the middle of a circle with the other Richies and I had to literally swallow down my thoughts as I saw her wiggling in her chair and moving to the beat. Sheepishly, I sent her a wide grin and promised myself I wouldn’t be so quick to assume Rin was limited simply because she didn’t share the same mobility as everyone else. Clearly, she was enjoying herself way more than I originally thought.
The room was too crowded and noisy, but I planned on telling her about Rex once we were alone. He didn’t seem to be the same age as everyone else. Colin and Casey were both a few years older and I was certain Rex was also out of high school. He was too mature compared to the other guys at Xavier Academy. It didn’t take long to figure out they were mostly jocks looking for a good time.
I liked Rin’s friends and was happy to meet teens my own age who weren’t all messed up or in trouble, living in and out of the system and moving from home to home or facility to facility. For the first time, I felt comfortable around others and hoped I wouldn’t live to regret embracing their friendship.
As Rin grabbed my hand and laughed, I nearly fell into her lap, and I couldn’t resist smiling at the thought.
Chapter 7 – Casey
I don’t know what my obsession was with that little raven-haired witch, but she sparked an interest deep down inside where nothing had blossomed or dared to grow since the moment Connie and Emma died. Although I felt Emma’s loss it was nothing compared to my brother’s devastation. Emma was his high school sweetheart. They were supposed to be engaged and planning a wedding by this fall. As much as that hurt it was my sister Connie’s loss that truly gutted me.
I had been in a state of denial for so long that I never realized how numb I had become to life. Anger was the only explosive reaction I had as intermittently as it decided to surface. Mostly I was reckless – about life, girls, booze, magic, everything. I didn’t care what I said or did and rarely thought about the consequences of my
actions. I lived my life one moment to the next and I didn’t give a shit about following the rules. The harder my father pushed, the greater my resistance. If not for my sister Corinne I would be truly lost. She was the only one who could reach me when the pit of despair threatened to swallow me whole.
A year after that accident and I still couldn’t put the pieces of my broken family back together, much less my severed relationship with Colin. Where I raged against the injustice of it all, my brother internalized and withdrew. We became two clashing entities that couldn’t agree on a single thing. Our harsh words and bitterness drew a wedge between us. We were more enemies than friends now. Colin believed he was so righteous, but I saw the way he looked at Cora. Neither of us were fools.
Our newest guest in the Bradford house was full of secrets. Nobody else had the gall to look around her room but I did. I wanted to know more about the girl who didn’t like to be touched and pretended she liked cigarettes when she clearly hated the habit. Her rebellious nature was a bit of an enigma. What caused her to act wild and impulsive at the oddest times but then pull back as if afraid the next?
She was sent to us without any explanation, but the council knew plenty. I intended to find out more at the soonest opportunity. Until then, I’d invade everyone’s privacy in order to make sense of the council’s decision.
It was no secret that Cora Blackbyrne was the niece of one of the most famous line of powerful witches in the valley. Her uncle Gerard was one of our Elders. At least, until he disappeared. Our Order had been trying to hunt him down for months, but he’d been a recluse for years and was easily concealed. Every lead grew cold. My father was ready to send us on another fruitless chase when Cora arrived, the entire household unprepared for another young female so soon after Connie’s death.
Maybe I was just pissed.
Things weren’t coming together the way I wanted, and I was sick of hiding my abilities from the world. Why shouldn’t Cora know about us? My father thought that keeping her under observation without risking exposure was best until we found Gerard. The Elders unanimously agreed which meant I would be in direct violation of our laws and subject to severe punishment. The kind where they could bind my magic . . . permanently.