I stopped and pulled myself out of his arms. “No, I have no idea what I am doing. I’m a Shadow Seeker, but the shadows can’t help me. I can’t do this.” I winced as the disappointment stung.
Grabbing me, Ace held my shoulders and forced me to look at him. “Lizzie, you are doing great. The supernatural life is not easy. I have faith that you will find the necklace.”
I looked into his eyes and saw admiration and strength looking back at me. If Ace believed in me, then maybe I should, too.
“Ok,” I sighed. “I might have another idea. The shadow said the necklace isn’t here. It has to be at my house. I just need you all to trust me. I don’t really know what I’m doing, but I have a gut feeling.”
Maybe I was going insane or just relying too much on what I wished would be true. But, I needed everyone on my side if I had any chance of uncovering the necklace.
“Lizzie, I trust you,” Ace said.
His words gave me the final push I needed to put aside my own insecurities and continue to fight.
Later that night, after I was safely tucked into my bed, I spotted a Crow--Ace-- perched outside my bedroom window. His promise to always protect me sang through my mind as I drifted to sleep.
Chapter Eighteen
Shock Wave
T
he next week was filled with chaos. The entire town was on high alert with the news of the murdered body left on the courthouse steps. The victim, Christopher Coleman, was a local farmer who sold his fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market every Saturday. He was beloved by many and his death was a shock to so many, especially,in the manner that he was killed.
Thankfully, his murder had been ruled a freak animal attack, but that didn’t lessen the fear that filled every resident of our small, southern town.
My days were filled with school, while my nights had been consumed with training at Crow Haven with Ace and Maylee then searching my property for signs of the necklace.
Sitting in class, my mind was lost on anything but history.
“Hey,” Sawyer whispered, as she leaned in to me.
We were supposed to be working on a group project, but I had been in my own haze.
“Yeah,” I replied, looking up from my textbook.
“Have you heard about the Jamboree Festival?” she asked me.
Maylee was sitting at the table adjacent to ours and I saw her look up at the mention of the Jamboree.
“No,” I shook my head.
“Well, it’s this three day event we have each year. This year, they are having it at the end of the month. I know everyone is freaking out about the animal killing, but the town is still hosting it,” Sawyer continued. “There is a parade, carnival, and booths lining Main Street with lots of shopping.”
“Sounds fun,” I said, trying to fake interest.
“I know you aren’t into many things,” Sawyer kidded. “But, this will be fun and Garrett said Kade wants to ask you to go to the dance.”
“Dance?” I asked.
Our teacher was walking around the room and noticed us talking. We all tried to appear busy and on task, even though we were discussing anything but the assignment.
“The school has a big Fall dance the Friday before the Jamboree. We all wear costumes and masks and get dressed up. It will be fun,” she insisted.
“I will think about it,” I lied.
Right now, I had too much going on in my life to worry about a school dance or a festival. I had Demons and my life to consider.
By the last period of the day, I had somehow evolved from my haze and started to notice the world around me. Flyers announcing the dance and upcoming Jamboree littered the halls. Everyone was buzzing with excitement and it was comforting to hear something other than talk about the animal attack.
Maylee walked along with me as we approached our last class of the day.
“Are you considering it?” she asked, pointing to a large poster with the dance information.
Shrugging my shoulders, I averted my eyes from the poster. “I doubt it. I’m too busy with training and searching for the necklace.”
“Lizzie, you should go to the dance. It might be fun,” Maylee told me.
“Are you going?” I asked her.
A small smile crept over her face. “Maybe. No one has asked me, but it still might be fun. I think you should go with Ace,” she prompted.
Now, that had me sirking. “Ace would never go to a dance,” I said.
The words stung like a thousand bee stings. It didn’t matter how I felt about Ace, I knew for him that our relationship was only about training and protection.
We walked into the class and sat down, but Maylee’s words remained with me until the final bell rang.
Later that afternoon, I changed into a pair of black yoga pants and an East Jessamine t-shirt. I went for a run to clear my head. It was refreshing as the cool September air washed over me. The leaves on the trees were beginning to change, and I felt like I was running through a shower of reds, oranges, and yellows.
After dinner, I showered and had a nice dinner with my parents. My mom informed me that the town had created a team of hunters that were going to search for the wild animals that were making their way into town. While there are many deer, coyote, and wildcat sightings in small, rural towns like ours, the animals never bother humans. At least, not until now.
It was difficult listening to this, especially, when my mom was having to write an article for the Jessamine Journal on the attack. We knew the real reason for the attacks, but she couldn’t very well write that into her piece.
“Are you and Ace training tonight?” she asked, as we cleaned up the kitchen after dinner.
“Yeah, and then we will search the barn again,” I added, loading the last plate into the dishwasher.
My mom smiled as she poured the dishwashing liquid in. “I think you and Ace are really getting close,” she remarked.
I could see the twinkle in her eye that told me she was trying to get information out of me.
“He’s training me, mom. It’s his job as a Crow Protector,” I argued.
I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince; myself or my mom.
“You know, any member of Crow Haven could train you, including Maylee. I think Ace likes you,” she winked.
Rolling my eyes, I turned so she couldn’t see me blushing. “I don’t think Ace likes anyone.”
By the time I made my way outside, I spotted Ace perched on one of the large oak trees in our backyard.
I knew instantly it was Ace. He flew down behind the tree and after a few minutes, emerged dressed in a pair of denim jeans and a white shirt.
“Is Maylee coming, too?” I asked.
“No, she is training tonight with Nora,” he said, stepping into the light from our porch.
“You know, she wants to go to that silly dance at school,” I noted, as we began walking toward the barn.
“Really? Has anyone asked her?” He seemed upset by this.
“I don’t think so. She just brought it up today.”
Ace thought this over for a minute. “Good. Maylee shouldn’t be going to some dumb school dance. We may have to pretend to be high schoolers, but we aren’t.”
I felt the sting as his words poured venom into my veins. Is that what he really thought? Did he think he was above me, too?
We walked out to the barn and I looked around, confused. “Aren’t we going to Crow Haven?” I asked, hoping to shift the subject.
Shaking his head, Ace leaned against the barn. “Not tonight. I think we need to get you training in the dark and outside.”
“Ok,” I replied, nervously.
So far, all of our training has taken place in the comfort of Crow Haven. The thought of being outside in the elements made everything feel more real.
We went to work, focusing on having my kick and spin, so if I were to get cornered, I could escape. We did this for about an hour. I was beyond exhausted and sore when Ace finally stoppe
d our session.
Like always, we went straight from battle training to becoming detectives. As we scoured through the barn, Ace and I remained silent.
Moving boxes, farm equipment, and old tools around, we tried to keep our spirits up, but it was starting to get frustrating. I had no idea where the necklace was hidden, and I was growing upset.
By nine that night, we had both decided to stop searching for the night.
“We have been through this barn a million times and nothing is here,” Ace stated, sliding down the side of the barn. He sat down, his knees up and his elbows resting on his jeans.
A squawk rang out in the distance and I noticed Ace shaking his head.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Maylee is coming,” he said, pointing to the Crow that was landing near a grove of trees.
After a few minutes, she jogged over to us.
“Hey,” she waved.
“Hi,” I said, sitting down next to Ace.
Maylee joined us and we filled her in on our training and the search for the necklace.
As Maylee listened, I could tell that she wasn’t just here to check on our progress.
“So, why are you here?” Ace asked, coldly.
I nudged his arm, chastising him for his behavior. Even though I knew it was of no use.
Without missing a beat, Maylee responded. “Well, brother, I am here because I texted Lizzie here several times about the dance coming up. I want to go,” she insisted.
Ace shook his head as a scowl appeared over his face.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he stated through clenched teeth.
“Why not?” I shot out.
Stormy eyes looked back at me and a chill raced down my spine.
“First, we have Demons after us and until the necklace is found, no one is safe. And...dances are stupid,” he growled out. “I thought we already talked about this.”
A hurricane erupted inside of me as my heart spiraled out of control. I knew Ace hated things like this, but to hear him say the words aloud just broke me.
“I talked to Sawyer today. She said if I wanted to go, her boyfriend, Garrett, had someone I could go with,” Maylee said, sounding hopeful.
I sat there in silence as the siblings bickered.
“No way. You aren’t going,” Ace yelled, jumping up to his feet.
“Why can’t you just be cool for one night?” I asked, jumping to my feet, too.
Chuckling, Ace looked up at the star filled sky before turning his gaze back to me. “Cool? I guess I’m not cool. Look, I don’t have time for your childish games.”
Crossing my arms, I tried to fight the urge to hit him. “You think I’m childish? Well, you are a big jerk,” I shouted. I knew I was being immature, but I just couldn’t help it.
Ace paced the ground around us as he ran a hand through his short hair. “You two are insufferable. It’s not safe. Besides, you barely know these people,” Ace argued.
“We have gone to school with them since kindergarten. Maybe it’s time for us to stop being the town freaks,” Maylee cried out.
Exhaling a deep breath, I spun around and faced Ace. “These people are my friends, too. If you don’t want us going because you think it’s too dangerous, then why don’t you just go with us?” I asked.
My heart was in my throat as I asked the question. Part of it came from my own worry and the other part was created from my own interest. As much as I hated to admit it, I wanted to go to the dance. To be young and free for just one night. And, to be honest, I wanted to be young and free with Ace. However, it appeared he didn’t feel the same way.
Letting out a deep, dark belly laugh, Ace threw his hands up in the air. “I wouldn’t dare go to some stupid, high school dance. If you all want to act like kids, go for it.”
If I thought my hurt was in pain before, it was now splintered from the axe that Ace had just used to break it into a million pieces. There it was, he would never go to the dance, nor would he ever do teen things.
Storming off, I left Ace and Maylee out by the barn as I left the scene. Refusing to look back, I cried until I fell asleep in my bed.
Chapter Nineteen
Change of Heart
F
or the first time since moving to Nicholasville, I decided to drive myself to school. I had woken early and sent Maylee a text notifying her about the change in our schedule. To say she wasn’t happy was an understatement.
I hadn’t slept since Ace stopped being my Protector and trainer. The nightmares were far worse now and I could never anticipate when they would visit. I knew without Ace in my life, without his protection, the nightmares would continue to plague me. I missed Ace, even if I refused to say it.
I was just too frustrated with Ace to have to spend time in a car with him. Sure, it was my own fault for allowing any false pretenses to sneak up on me that Ace may actually want to go to the dance or spend any time with me outside of training and searching for the necklace.
As I escaped my house for an early run, I saw a thick white fog rolling over the road like waves on an angry ocean.
The morning sun was just waking and it was the perfect time to run and just be alone. While I knew the risk of Demons was still there, I put it all aside to pretend like my life was normal.
Running along the road, I turned off Chrisman Mill and continued over the small bridge that housed the large creek that snaked around our town.
I stopped once I reached the end of Chrisman Mill and turned, making my way back to my house.
After showering and dressing in a light mustard colored sweater and jeans, I prepared for the drive to school. I almost felt guilty for ignoring my car for so long.
Pulling into the school parking lot, I instantly spotted Ace’s Camaro in his designated spot. He and Maylee watched me pull in and I tried to pretend like I didn’t notice them staring at me.
Kade’s massive monster truck idled in next to me and I saw a beaming smile spread across his face as he spotted me in the space next to his.
Jumping out of his truck, he ran over to my car. Opening my door, he looked adorable.
“Hey, Lizzie,” he greeted, grabbing my backpack out of the back seat.
“HI, Kade,” I said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Kade made me nervous-- giddy even. I liked that feeling, but still in the back of my mind, I knew it wasn’t the same emotions I felt when I was with Ace.
But, I knew I had to forget that. Ace wasn’t interested in me and Kade was.
We began to walk toward the school; and as we passed by Ace’s car, I risked a glimpse of him. His stormy eyes stared back at me and I felt the storm that he was throwing at me.
Kade noticed my tension and he looked over at Ace. He sighed and then began talking. “So, I know you and Ace have something going on,” he began.
Shaking my head, I quickly stopped him. “No, Ace and I are barely friends. I’m friends with Maylee, and he just sort of comes with her,” I kidded, trying to lighten the mood.
Kade’s shoulders seemed to relax with the new knowledge.
We walk into the school and head up to the second floor where my first class and locker is located. Students move around and barely notice my presence. A few guys slap hands with Kade as they walk by, but I continue to be ignored.
Approaching my locker, we slow down as I begin to grab the books I need for my first class.
Kade leans against my locker, his smile never wavering.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that you and Ace are friends because I wanted to ask you to the Jamboree. I know Sawyer has probably talked your ear off about it. I thought it would be cool for us to go to the dance and then the carnival,” Kade offered.
His blue and green letterman jacket made his eyes pop and I just couldn’t find a reason to say no.
Mustering a smile, I closed my locker and looked up at a hopeful Kade. “Sure, I would love to,” I said.
The slamming of a locker caused both K
ade and I to jump and turn our heads down the hall. An angry Ace was storming away, leaving behind a trail of confused students.
I just couldn’t understand why Ace was so upset. Had he heard Kade ask me to the dance? And, if he had, why would he care? Ace had made it painfully clear that he wanted nothing to do with a teenage life.
Kade turned back to me and I just shrugged my shoulders at Ace’s outburst. “Good. We should go out this weekend and get dinner or something,” Kade asked.
“That sounds great.”
“I will text you later,” he finished, leaning in and placing a soft kiss to my cheek.
As he walked away, my eyes followed him as I placed a hand to where his lips were just lingering on my cheek.
Leaving my locker, I caught Maylee and Sawyer as we all entered our first class of the day. None of us spoke of Ace’s tantrum and I was grateful for that.
I found myself back at Crow Haven later that evening. Maylee had picked me up, not wanting me to drive out to Crow Haven myself.
After leaving school today, I had decided to make a huge change in my training, and I was preparing myself for the backlash of my new decision.
As Maylee and I stretched with Nora, they could both see the concern on my face.
“What’s wrong with you?” Nora asked, not daring to lessen the blow.
“Nora, why are you always so rude?” Maylee chastised.
Waving her off, I decided to just jump right into it all. “Maylee, it’s fine. Nora is right; there is something wrong. I have made a decision about my training and the search for the necklace,” I began, releasing a heavy breath.
They both waited for me to continue and I had to brace myself. “I’ve decided to no longer train with Ace. I think he clearly doesn’t want to be my Protector so I want to ask someone else here to help me,” I rushed out.
“Who are you thinking you should train with?” Nora asked, her voice filled with skepticism.
“Thomas, Levine, or Collin,” I stated.
I was trying not to let Nora’s attitude affect me.
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