“Yeah, me too.”
In the stall, I took slow deep breaths. At least it was morning and the smell of cleaner still hung in the air. He’d triggered my fight reaction, and I had to get my emotions under control. Hannah clearly owned the cheer squad in everyone’s eyes, and there was a formula for how we were supposed to be. I didn’t belong to Hannah or anyone else, and if there was one thing I hated, it was to be expected to be a certain way. As if being half vampire and half witch didn’t come with enough stress, a cheerleader couldn’t be smart or into counter culture, whatever that meant. Nick didn’t seem any better than Ganby. The bell rang, and I took another deep breath, wanting to hit a wall.
I took out the calming oils Orm had mixed for me. Dabbing the solution of cedarwood, lemon, and lavender on my wrists, I waved the bottle in front of my nose sucking in the scent. In two seconds, my blood pressure and heart rate dropped to normal. Washing my hands, I shot across the hall and slinked around the back of the room to my desk on the other side.
Thankfully the teacher hadn’t gotten to my name on the roll or I would’ve had to figure out mind compulsion to spell myself out of a tardy. It wouldn’t do to have Mother or Orm questioning a late attendance report. As it was, I’d need to explain the scent of calming oils on me. Thinking I might take a shower after cheerleading, I focused on the calculus lesson.
As soon as the bell rung, Nick spun to face me. “I’m not sure where I was going with all that. My mouth gets ahead of my brains sometimes.”
“I’m sorry I reacted weird. I’m new here, and I don’t get the whole Hannah thing. Let’s start over. What are you doing your paper on?”
“King Arthur and his legends.”
I cocked one eyebrow.
“I know. I know.” He brushed past me. “But it’s European history. There’s not much else.”
“We can share Mary Stewart’s The Crystal Cave. It’s got Merlin and Arthur.”
“If you say so.” He stood back to let me through the doorway first. “I’ll see you in science.”
“Okay.” I waved.
After European literature and physics, I found myself walking to the courtyard with Nick. “The football players and cheerleaders usually eat over here.” He indicated a group of tables under a huge shade tree. Reaching them, Nick slung his pack under one of the benches and sat with the group of guys. Eyeing my choices, I chose a seat by Melody. It probably wasn’t good I’d been walking with Nick, and I wanted to smooth things over.
“Hey, Melody,” I whispered in her ear. “Nick says he’s going to the party tomorrow.”
“Since when are you guys buddies?”
“We ended up with three classes together. He’s almost the only person who’s talked to me.”
Her eyes cut to my shirt and then back up to my face. “What are you wearing?”
“I don’t know. I’m exhausted. The whole murder at that sushi place has me freaked out. Did Sophie tell you I had lunch there yesterday?”
“Why would Sophie tell me anything about you? I couldn’t sleep all night either though. That restaurant is just a few blocks from here. What if that had been one of us? My parents told me not to walk anywhere alone until they get this serial killer captured. Did you know they think it’s the same person as those other two murders earlier in the summer? That perp is majorly messed up.”
Hannah leaned in front of Melody, eyeing me. “You better be ready to practice this afternoon. We have the pep rally and game tomorrow. I do not want to look bad in front of seventeen hundred kids.”
“You won’t. I won’t let the team down.” I may drop you on your head, but everyone would thank me for that, I thought. Pulling my calming oils from my pocket, I dabbed some on my wrist and brought it to my nose.
“Good.” Hannah pulled Melody’s arm, and they walked towards Nick’s table.
Thinking a nap would do me better than food, I set off in the direction of the library. Realizing the empty stairwell was a perfect place for a locator spell, I pulled Orm’s book from my bag. Clasping it in my hands, I cleared my mind. Within a few seconds, an image of him and Elizabeth at the food market formed. Stowing the book, I messaged Mother the little information I had, which consisted of the story Melody had recited to me. Finding a table at the back of the room, I rested my head on my folded arms. It wasn’t ten minutes later that I heard the bell signaling the end to lunch, and I made my way to French as I munched on some nuts.
The Ganby kid stayed quiet, and with not one patient bone left in my body, I was grateful. When my sixth period class ended, I strolled down the hall looking for an empty room. My phone buzzed, and I pulled it from my pack.
We studying today? Nick texted.
Sorry. Have an errand before cheer practice.
No problem. Catch you tomorrow.
As the students cleared the hall for seventh period, I found a janitor’s closet and slipped inside. Tucked in the center of the building, it was the perfect room to cloak my magic. I pulled Orm’s book from my bag and sat on the floor one leg crossed over the other. Hoping he was doing something more interesting than food shopping, I closed my eyes. My nose twitched with the irritation of the cleaning solutions, but I blocked out the sensation. Clutching the book with both hands, I focused on Orm. It took a few seconds to visualize his location. He walked the aisle of a garden shop with Elizabeth. Obviously, he wasn’t up to anything exciting. Perhaps they decided Elizabeth shouldn’t venture out alone.
Considering the risks of walking to the library, I decided to take my chances. I headed outside and down the street, making sure to be extra wary. In a few blocks, I found the main entrance and sucked in a large breath. Sensing no supernatural beings, I approached the computers and typed in a search for witch literature. I located the books, registered for an account, and checked out. When I made it back to school, my teammates were changing in the locker room.
“Alena.” Sophie smiled at me as I approached. Feeling I’d spent a whole day among enemies, I fought the urge to hug her. I hoped Mother would let me sleep over at Sophie’s place after the game. I needed some good friend time. “How are you? How was your day?”
“Not too bad, considering.”
“I know. I can’t stop thinking about that girl.”
“What are these?” She tapped her fingers on the stack of books I’d set on the bench.
“Research for my history paper.”
She picked up the top novel and the others in succession. “Macbeth, The Odyssey, The Crystal Cave.” She spun to face the other girls. “Hey, what about that bookstore we found a couple of blocks from here?”
“What? The one we went into looking for costumes with the creepy guy who told us kids to take a hike?” Katie said.
“He was a little creepy.” Sophie turned to face me. “But, they had all kinds of cool paranormal stuff. I bet you could find something interesting. I’ll text you the address, but I would take mace.”
“And maybe a bodyguard,” Katie and Micaela said in unison as they passed us on their way outside.
“It’s the perfect place,” Sophie insisted, picking up her phone and typing the address into a text screen.
“Thanks. Maybe I can check it out tomorrow in my free period.”
“It’s a couple of blocks. You totally could.”
My concentration was split in practice, but it didn’t matter. I could do the routines in my sleep, almost literally. We went through our pep rally sequences and then all the game day cheers three times before Hannah decided we had it down. Running over our regular practice time put me behind, but I switched shoes and met my running trainer on the track. Not only did all the exercise help keep me in top physical condition, but it also dispelled the extra energy pent up under my calm facade.
After the hour workout, I showered and found Elizabeth and Orm waiting in the car.
“Long practice?” Elizabeth asked as I plopped onto the back bench.
“Hannah wanted to make sure we were perfect for the fi
rst pep rally and game.”
“I can’t wait to see you cheer. I’m glad you’ll be on the front row.”
“So, you guys are coming?” I poked my head between Elizabeth and Orm.
“Of course we are. We have to embarrass our granddaughter as much as possible her last year in high school.” Orm chuckled.
“Wonderful.” I leaned back in my seat. “Any news on the killer?”
“No. They lost his scent after a couple of blocks.” Elizabeth turned to face me. “What of Hannah and the boy who is your friend?”
“Boy’s name is Nick, and things were fine today.” I blew out a breath and leaned back onto the seat.
“Anyone you felt like killing?”
“No. I went to the library on my open period.”
“What do you mean?” Elizabeth spun to face me.
“The library down the str—”
“We told you not to stray from the campus!” Orm yelled at me.
“It was in the opposite direction, and I was careful. And obviously, I’m alive.”
“A rogue vampire is on the loose. That was not okay. Your mother—”
“Please don’t tell her,” I pleaded with them.
“I don’t think we’ll worry her with this piece of information seeing as you are fine.” Elizabeth folded her arms over her chest. “But dear, please stay where you are told.”
“I will.” Closing my eyes as Orm weaved through traffic, I practiced deep breathing. As we stopped, I pulled out the vial of energizing oils from my bag and took a whiff.
We were early for dinner in LA, and the wait was short. Reaching the table, I sat between Orm and Elizabeth. “Can we get the question out of the way?”
“As you wish.” Elizabeth nodded.
“Anyone interesting at school today?” I asked, copying Mother’s voice. I continued in my natural tone. “No, no one, and copy that three more times.” I rolled my eyes for effect.
“Your mother is trying to keep you safe.” Elizabeth squeezed my hand.
“By keeping me in the dark. Do you guys even know what we’re looking for?”
“Not with the outings again.” Orm pleaded.
“Well, don’t I have a right to know?” I looked between them.
“Your mother has her reasons. Let’s focus on enjoying dinner,” Orm stated.
“Are you going to make me?”
“I could.”
“Both of you, stop.” Elizabeth cut in. “This is supposed to be fun.”
“You’re right.” I smiled at her. “So, I got invited to a sleepover and party tomorrow after the game. It sounds really fun.” I detailed my desire to hang out with Sophie the next afternoon and evening.
The waitress came and took our order, and Elizabeth took my hand again. “I think you deserve a little fun after your week. I will try and persuade your mother.”
“Yay.” I clapped.
The rest of the dinner we spent discussing their day and my project on witches. We rode home in silence, me napping in the back seat. In our condo, I changed, stowed my backpack in my room, and met Orm in his study.
“What are we learning tonight?”
“I think you could use a night off.”
My eyes grew huge. “Really? This is awesome because I have tons of homework. Thank you.” I hugged Orm.
Zipping to Elizabeth’s room, I rapped on her door. “I’m retiring to my room for homework. Good night.”
“Good night, dear. I hope you sleep well.” She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed me tight. “You will see, all will be well.”
In my room, I flicked my finger to turn on my twinkle lights, changed to pajamas, and dove into my bed. Setting my alarm for twenty minutes, I napped and then started on my homework. Finishing history, calculus, physics, and my language assignments, I started reading The Crystal Cave.
Halfway through the first chapter, I heard Mother enter the foyer. I threw a sweatshirt over my head and zipped to meet her before Elizabeth did. As it was, we nearly collided.
“Greetings, family.” Mother set her keys on the table. “I’m assuming there is some news.”
“Is there any news about the suspect?” I asked.
“They found a bar that seems to be a hangout for drifters. I have some people going undercover tonight. It’s not far from your school either. I don’t want you going anywhere alone, do you understand?” She looked at me over her no-prescription, strictly-for-human-benefit, reading glasses.
“Yes.” I cut my eyes to Elizabeth, hoping she’d keep her word about not telling Mother about the library.
“Okay, well, I’m exhausted.” She shed her coat. “I’m turning in.” She kissed me on the cheek. “Good night.”
When my alarm sounded the next morning, I jumped out of bed. Pushing energy at the blinds, I commanded them to rise. In the east, the horizon shone pink with the promise of sunrise. To the south, the city lights still sparkled from the buildings. In the west, the ominous ocean stretched out like a dark abyss. I didn’t care that my mind fought alertness. I had one goal: getting to the bookstore Sophie sent me the address for.
I’d been told not to venture out alone. I would be in trouble if I got caught, but the itch in my brain wouldn’t leave. A vision of a coven initiation ceremony had co-mingled with Chase’s and Ivy’s images in my dreams. Sophie said they had many paranormal titles, maybe I’d find something about a summer solstice baby in addition to books for my paper. Thinking of my friend, I realized the more pressing challenge might be getting Mother to agree to let me go to the party and sleepover.
I showered and dried my hair out straight with the blower. Finding my uniform, I put it on and fitted the bow on a high ponytail. There wasn’t any room for self-expression. The goal was to look like clones. Checking my look in the mirror, I saw Elizabeth approach.
“I still don’t see why those skirts need to be so short, or why the tops barely come to your waistband.”
“We’ve been through this before. It makes it easier to do stunts. Is Mother up?”
“No, she had a late night. Give her a half hour.”
Elizabeth squeezed my cheeks. “Don’t pout. You’ll get wrinkles like me.”
“You don’t look a day over forty.”
“Wait till I’m nine hundred. I will then.”
Pulling on my socks, I followed her to the kitchen. She had rosemary bread and quail eggs for me again.
“I figured you needed to fuel up for your big day,” Elizabeth said as she laid a plate in front of me.
“Thank you.” I dipped the bread in the eggs.
As I finished, Mother entered, heels clicking across the marble floor.
“Good morning.” She smiled and kissed my cheeks. “How are you? How was yesterday?”
Glancing in Elizabeth’s direction, I guessed Mother hadn’t been briefed on my outing to the library. “School was weird. Everyone’s on edge. But I got invited to sleep over at Sophie’s and a party at Hannah’s house.”
“The cheerleading captain Hannah?”
“Yes, can I please? This is my senior year, and I’ll stand out more if I don’t go to things like this.”
“Will the boy Nick be there?”
“Yes, but Melody likes him. He and I are just friends.”
“That should be fine.”
“Really?” I jumped to my toes.
“Yes.” She smiled at me over her coffee.
“Thank you.” I kissed her cheek. “Can Sophie and I go shopping after school?”
“If you come home and change first. And I need to approve the outfit.” She rose from her seat. “I’ll take breakfast in my study, Elizabeth.”
“Hey, did they find the guy last night?”
“No, no sign of him. He seems to have disappeared. But you be careful today, okay?”
“I will.”
“Good. I will see you after school then.” She lifted her coffee and marched to the door. “Oh.” She spun to face me. “But I need you here by noon t
omorrow ready for some mother-daughter time.”
“Got it.” I held a thumb up in the air. Mother-daughter time was code for one of our scouting trips. I hoped I could find more answers at the bookstore before she dragged me all over town hunting for some huge unknown. I liked the time with her, but my looming eighteenth birthday was starting to form a permanent pit in my stomach. Vampires shouldn’t stress as much as I did.
Grabbing my bag, I met Orm in the foyer.
“You seem chipper this morning.”
“Big day.” I smiled at him as we exited to the hall.
On the drive we discussed the afternoon schedule, and before I knew it, we were in front of the school.
“See you here at three fifteen,” he said as I exited the vehicle.
“And Sophie will be with me.”
“Got it. No weird witchy anything in the car.”
I laughed at him and closed the door. From the steps, I could feel the pulse of extra energy in the air. At my old school, Fridays and especially game days were always chaotic. What probably excited most teenagers put me on edge, and I pulled my calming oil from my pack and rubbed some on my inner wrists.
“Hey, what’s that?” Sophie appeared, lifting my arm to her nose.
I held the bottle up to her. “Calming oils. It’s aromatherapy. Here.” I produced the vial for the focus promoting oils from my bag. “Use this. It’ll help you concentrate.”
She sniffed it. “It smells good. What is it?”
“Ginger, mandarin, and peppermint.”
“I can use all the concentrating power I can get.” She swabbed the mixture on her wrist. “I can’t believe we’re flyers today.” Her voice rose an octave.
“Are you kidding? We worked dang hard. We deserve it.”
“It helps to be little too.”
“Definitely don’t want the little guy on the bottom.”
“Hannah doesn’t care about that. If you crossed her, you’d be on the bottom all year, no matter how good you were at stunts.”
The bell rang, cutting off our conversation. “I’ll see you in the gym.” I headed in the direction of my class.
The cheerleaders and football players were excused from class after roll call, and I followed Nick out of the room.
The Kingdom Journals Complete Series Box Set Page 5