He kissed my neck slowly, all the way down to my shoulder. “Take as long as you want,” he murmured.
I turned to face him when he had moved away slightly and pressed my lips to his, reaching my hand up to touch the side of his face.
“Go on then,” I said between kissing him.
“Umm,” he said, pulling away and smiling.
“Quickly, before I change my mind,” I said, releasing my grip.
“See you soon.” He jumped out of the bed.
“Hopefully.”
“You will,” he said before he jumped out the window and was gone.
I was actually starting to think he was more comfortable sleeping here last night rather than back at his house with the numerous amounts of covens wondering around. It would be like a hotel at night I reckon.
“So why am I here again?” I asked Sam.
I was standing in the garage at his house and waiting for him to get something.
“You are here because we are taking the Hummer to school today,” he explained, walking in the garage excitedly.
“You don't have a license,” I pointed out.
“Technically, I do,” he said, which confused me until I remembered the ones they had made up.
“What about the other guys?”
“Come on,” he said, pulling me towards the huge silver Hummer. “They are all taking their cars today as well, so we will see them in the parking lot at school.”
I let him pull me to the passenger door. He opened my door for me and I grabbed the handgrip and put my foot on the step so I could jump up in the car. He shut the door behind me and walked around the front of the car while I put my seat belt on and threw my bag on the floor. I could only see his head until he opened the drivers side door and jumped in, putting his seat belt on as well. He put the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life while his foot was on the accelerator. He put the car into first gear and the garage door opened when he pressed the button on the dashboard.
“You know were going to be way too early. School doesn't start for another hour,” I said to him as we reversed out of the garage.
“No, we might just be on time today,” he said, turning towards me and smiling as he manoeuvred the car by driving around the circular garden. We were now driving down the long driveway.
“You're not going to give me any clues to what youre doing, right?”
“Right,” he answered, smiling his smile, which was vastly becoming my favourite smile.
He always had a different smile for his moods, and this one was one of my favourite. His sneaky surprise smile.
We drove for about 5km until he finally started to slow down and I could see the ocean. We were in Roseville.
We pulled up, and in front of us was a café called Echo on the Marina.
“A café?” I asked with one eye brow raised, jumping out of the car.
“Yes, a café for breakfast,” he said, coming around to me and offering me his hand.
I looked at him mystified but took his hand and we walked into the fancy looking café, dressed in our green uniforms.
It had an extraordinary view overlooking the water and it was even more beautiful because the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon.
Sam was such a surprise, and in his own way he was very romantic, no matter what he did he was always looking out for me. Deep down I knew he was just a big cuddle monster, though when it came to everyone else, they actually feared him, except his family of course.
We left after half an hour of being there and we eventually made our way back to Forestville. After we drove back from Roseville we pulled into the school parking lot. We parked between the familiar yellow SUV and the new small white Dodge Viper. It was the Dodge Viper from the garage back at the Archer house, and James was leaning against the hood of the sleek Viper looking like a giant. Next to him was the purple Honda S2000 and Elane was leaning against the side of that, staring off into the distance. And as usual there was Hunter leaning against his familiar old gloss black Mustang.
I jumped out of the silver Hummer with my bag and Sam jumped out as well, meeting me around the front of the car. He smiled at me and looked at his brother and sister leaning against their cars.
“Hey guys, can I join in?” Sam asked jokingly, jumping up onto the bull bar of his car and then onto the hood.
Everyone started laughing and so did I. He extended his hand down towards me and I rolled my eyes, but took it while putting one of my feet on the bulbar to boost myself up. Although I only had to exert so little effort because Sam practically lifted me up himself. He pulled me up with one swift movement, without straining to lift me with just his one arm. He then wrapped his arm around my shoulder and leaned back against the windshield with me when he was sure I wouldnt slip forward.
“We should come up here more often,” he said to me jokingly.
“Yeah, hey I think I can see someone who's balding from here,” I mused.
“Mr. Archer and Miss Atkins. Off the car now,” Mr. Stern said, walking out to do his morning car park inspections.
I knew it was him who was balding.
Sam leaned forward and smiled. “Yes sir,” he said sarcastically, saluting Mr. Stern.
He jumped down with precise movements, landing without so much as a jolt or miscalculation. He outstretched his arms for me to jump to him and I leaned over and slipped off. Luckily he was prepared and he caught me in his arms. He smiled breathtakingly and pulled me closer until the tips of our noses were touching and I could clearly see into the depth of his light green eyes.
“30cm rule Mr. Archer,” Mr. Stern hounded as he walked back past.
We both rolled our eyes and said yes sir while Sam put me on the ground. Mr. Stern finally walked away again with a long look at us, then we all burst into laughter when he was out of sight.
“Hey, where's Fredric?” I asked, looking around me.
Hunter was here with his car but Fredric was no where to be seen. James was here with his car, Elane was here with her car, Jane was here with her car, and Sam and I were here with his car. But still, where was Fredric?
“He'll be here soon,” Hunter said slyly.
“Why exactly isn't he here now?”
Hunter didn't answer, he was looking at a late model red motorcycle entering the parking lot. It pulled up in between the cars and the rider pulled his helmet off to reveal himself.
“Fredric?” I asked, confused.
“Yep, this is my ride,” he said gleefully.
“Yamaha XJ 900. Nice,” I said approvingly.
“Thanks, I did some work on it and now I finally got it running this morning.”
“Cool,” I said.
I went over to him and smiled as much like an angel as I could.
“So… could I pretty please have a ride one day?” I asked lightly.
He smiled warmly. “How about after school? I asked Hunter to chuck an extra helmet in the back just in case.”
“You know me well,” I said, mussing his hair before he got up, then I skipped back to Sams side, taking his hand.
“Let us go to class,” Sam suggested. “We will all admire our rides later.”
Everyone laughed and started walking with us towards the gates, ready for another day of school.
We were a whole family and no one could change that. As we walked into the front gates, it was as if we were normal teenagers. But really, we weren't, not even close.
18. Time To Strike
It was Saturday night. We would strike the Warrigal coven tomorrow night; less than twenty-four hours.
Since Drakes leaving on Wednesday, we have heard back from him once. He had a hard time being passed off as a defender of Dark, but he did it somehow. Since he has been on the inside he has discovered they are staying at one of the old abandoned houses on the outskirts of Forestville. Everyone had been shocked that theyve been that close all along, it sort of scared us, but yet it was predictable. Jane had told me the Dark cov
ens think of humans as animals that need to be tamed, and they need me to fulfil their plans in doing so, it's why they have been trying so hard to get me.
Drake didn't hear exactly what they're doing but they are leaving that place for some reason on Monday, so that only gave us so little time for more preparation. Sunday was the earliest we could strike them, so that was what we had to do. Sam said he wouldnt risk leaving me behind this time so I was to go with the rest of them, but if a fight broke out I was to stand behind everyone and be guarded instead. I wasnt so happy about that part, so I wasnt exactly looking forward to tomorrow night, but then again I dont think anybody was looking forward to it. Maybe James was.
I lay in my bed, staring at the dark ceiling.
“Whats wrong?” Sam asked me quietly, lying on his stomach with one of his arms over my waist.
Dad had only just got home from work so we had to be quiet.
“I'm not so sure about tomorrow,” I answered quietly, turning my head to look at his face.
He had his hand cupped under his chin and was looking at me adorably. “We will be fine, but if anything does happen-”
I cut him off. “I know, I know. Head behind everyone and keep out of sight, no matter what. But… I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that.”
He sighed. “I will never let you get hurt again, ever. Theyd have to get through me first,” he vowed, wrapping me in his arms.
“Now you should sleep. Relax, everything should be fine,” he said lightly.
“Should?” I questioned.
“Just sleep, or do you want me to leave?”
“Okay, okay. I'm going to sleep,” I said, worming myself closer him.
I still couldn't get over his touch, his smell, everything about him enchanted me. And it was amazing how flawless he was, well not just him, but most of the Supernatural beings. They all had energy that I could feel roll off them, they seemed so much more experienced and good at everything. Unlike me, I'm just an average girl with average grades and average skills. I was so different to the people whose world I happen to belong to. But maybe that was part of my ability. If it was, well that sucked big time.
****
I opened my eyes to my blaring alarm. Last night I didnt have a very pleasant dream and I was covered in sweat in the cold morning.
There were a lot of faces in the dark that I didn't recognize, but all of a sudden I was running and I didnt know why. Abruptly I stopped and a bright orange light came flying towards me, I put my hands up to shield myself and I felt burning heat hit my hands.
“Whats wrong?” Sam whispered urgently, feeling me wake with the alarm.
“Nothing,” I said, wiping my face.
He looked at me dubiously for a moment and ran his hand down the side of my face lightly. “Okay then. Im going to go get ready for school,” he said, kissing me goodbye.
“Okay, I'll meet you in the garage,” I said, closing my eyes to think and stop to breathe.
“Love you,” he whispered, climbing out the window.
“Love you too.”
I jumped out of the Hummer in the school parking lot and walked over to Jane, Elane, James, Fredric and Hunter who were all standing by the front of Janes SUV.
I took Sams hand and tried to pick up on what they were talking about as we approached.
“7:30pm sharp,” Jane said, her face was hard.
“Well be there,” Hunter and Fredric replied.
I sighed. I already knew what they were talking about; the gathering tonight.
“Can we go,” I whispered to Sam urgently.
I just wanted to bask in my last hours free of fear and with Sam.
“Sure,” he said, looking at me confused.
I wasn't really the one who loved to go to school, so I think he knew.
“We will see you guys at lunch,” Sam called behind his shoulder as I was dragging him away.
“Okay,” James said, looking at us curiously.
We walked away and I couldn't help but feel like a coward. I didn't know if I was usually a coward, but I had never been put in a situation where I would have to use courage.
“It's okay, really. We are going to be fine,” Sam said after a couple of minutes of walking in silence.
“I know it's just… I'm probably over reacting.”
He stopped walking and turned me towards him. He took a long look at me and kissed my forehead sweetly.
“We will be alright,” he murmured, stroking the side of my face softly.
“I hope so,” I said, looking at his face.
I couldn't bear to lose him again, or any of my family. This was so dangerous for everyone who was willingly to help, it was unbearable to think of the pain.
The bell sounded and we started walking again, towards my first session Math class.
“I'll pick you up from your English class,” Sam said, turning towards me and caressing my face with his smooth hand.
“Okay,” I simply said.
This was so hard for me, to just let everyone risk their lives for me. It was crazy and ludicrous put together.
I walked into my Math class and sat down, my mind was somewhere else. Someone sat down next to me and I barley noticed until they spoke.
“Hey Lays,” they said cheerfully in that charming Scottish accent.
I froze and turned my head mechanically towards Sylar.
“You! What are you doing here?” I spat out.
I was freaking out on the inside, but I couldnt make a mockery of myself here in school.
“Relax. I'm not here to hurt you, I broke out to see you. I need you to know that if you come with me now, it could just be you and me. None of this coven nonsense, we could be outsiders together and I will take care of you.”
I was still stunned that he was here and he was alive. “You better get out of here,” I said.
I still hadn't forgotten what trouble he had caused me.
“I will, as soon as I can,” he said, brushing his hair back.
“Why don't you get a head start now before I do something I might not regret,” I hissed, looking into his eyes.
I was only so close to taking all his power and knocking his lights out... permanently.
“Please, consider it?”
“I will never. Not after what you did to Sam,” I said, glaring profusely at him.
“Don't you see, Sam is a loser. He's not good enough for you, he can't give you what you want... but I can,” he said, he tried to touch my hand but I flinched away, disgusted.
“Leave!” I nearly shouted.
Everyone in the class had quieted down and was now looking at me.
He raised his hands in defence. “I'm going, but you belong with me Layla, remember that.”
I looked straight ahead and waited until he left the room, just after he did, Mr. Henrys walked in. What great timing that man had!
“Alright class, page 83, exercise 3F,” he said, making the whole class turn back to the front.
I exclaimed and put my head to the desk. How could this be happening, and more importantly, why was this happening? Maybe it was punishment for something I did wrong, or maybe I just wasnt supposed to exist and this was the universes way of getting rid of me.
I sat through Math, my mind somewhere else yet again, but this time I was even more worried about tonights plans. I could feel something was going to go wrong, but I hoped and prayed that I was wrong.
The bell finally rung and I packed up my stuff and shoved it in my bag, then I walked out the door and headed towards English to find James. I walked through the door, past Mr. Stern and went and sat down next to James, instantly getting out my book and writing a note on it.
He came
I wrote messily. I slid the paper over to him. He read it and instantly looked confused.
Who?
He wrote back neatly, looking out for Mr. Stern. Now that I thought about it, his name was ironic because of his attitude, but back to the subject at hand.
S
ylar.
I wrote, definite and final. I looked up at his face, it was a hard mask of ferocity. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it while looking at me reassuringly. I knew what that meant. They were still going to carry on with tonights plans, but this time more determined.
I sighed and listened to Mr. Stern drag on about poetry, and to top it off, he was going to give us another assignment. Great!
Just like Sam said, he was waiting outside my classroom door. He took in James and my faces when we came out the door and instantly became wary.
“What's wrong?” he asked, pulling me to his side as I reached him.
He was looking at James just as masked.
“Sylar,” was all James had to say before Sam understood.
He nodded. “Inform Jane and I will tell Elane,” Sam said.
James hugged me goodbye and he left.
“You're going to be okay,” Sam assured me in my ear.
I nodded and we started walking towards D block. I took note that he said youre not we which got me even more worried.
“Sam, he told me that you're not good enough for me, and can't give me what I want, and that he could,” I murmured, making him look at me sadly. “What does that mean?”
“I do not know. But Layla, know that I will always try to give you everything you ever want or need, you are the centre of my world,” he said, wrapping me in his arms.
Sam had told Elane what happened and that had only made her stick to me like glue. It was sort of comforting how they would do this, but yet, I couldn't help but feel guilty and responsible every time.
I walked to the lunch table with Elane closely by my side and I took a seat next to her. We were the first ones at the lunch table today and I think Elane was a bit nervous that it was just the two of us alone.
Finally Hunter and James arrived closely followed by Sam, Fredric and Jane. Sam sat down next to me without a word and pulled me in close to his side. I knew he wasn't going to let up unless this was over.
“Lays, were going to get you out of here after Biology,” Fredric said, leaning over the table towards me.
“Why?” I asked.
“They were here and we can't have them too close to you, you are what they want. Sam will take you home and we will come after school. It's too risky now, there are teachers everywhere. But when the bell goes for last session you will head for the car park with Sam.”
The Hidden Revelations: First Light Page 33