“I think you should just talk to Ace,” Maylee suggested.
I moved to stretch my left leg as I responded to Maylee. “And say what?” I snapped. “He is just too moody and I need someone who I can really talk to.”
Hurt flashed across Maylee’s face, and I tried to stifle the guilt I felt for being so rude to my friend.
Just then, Thomas, Levine, Collin, and a very brooding Ace made their way down to the basement.
“Good evening, ladies,” Collin said, sauntering into the space.
“So, Lizzie has something to tell you all,” Nora sang out, already stirring the pot.
I could smell the drama storm brewing and already I was getting nervous.
All four of the guys turned to look at me and I felt the spotlight burning a hole right through me.
My throat suddenly became dry and it was difficult to speak. “Well, uh…” my train of thought disappeared and I found it difficult to find the right words to say. I had been so brazen and ready to make this decision and now that I was faced with the reality of it, I just couldn’t force the words out of my mouth.
Ace stood with his arms crossed his chest while the rest of the guys looked more comfortable and at ease.
“Lizzie wants someone else to train her,” Maylee spit out, surprising us all with her burst.
My friend had betrayed me and I wasn’t sure what to think about that. Maylee, who was usually shy and quiet, finally found her voice. I just wished that it wasn’t on something to do with me
Thomas let out a hearty laugh while Collin and Levine smiled at me. Ace, however, stormed off in a flash. I barely had time to blink before he left.
I tried to pretend like his departure didn’t bother me, but it did.
Clapping his hands together, Thomas looked amused. “So, Lizzie, which of us would you like to select?” he asked.
The boys were clearly enjoying this and that made this that much more painful.
Huffing, Maylee left, too.
I felt like I was upsetting everyone I cared about and now, I was left with the birds.
“Who is up for the challenge?” Nora questioned. She was clearly enjoying this.
“Well, I would love to take you on, sweet Lizzie, but I hate to tell you I am busy with handling communication with the Crow Haven Council. I would recommend Levine, but he’s too gentle to get down and dirty with training. Which leaves us with Collin,” Thomas finished, looking at his cousin.
“Is Ace going to kill me?” Collin asked. He was kidding, but at the same time, everyone in the room was surely thinking the same thing.
“No. Ace has been helpful, but I think I need someone who doesn’t hate me,” I said, my voice breaking.
“Trust me, Ace doesn’t hate you,” Collin muttered under his breath.
Nora laughed and the rest exchanged knowing glances. I felt like they were having an unspoken conversation that I wasn’t privy to.
Story of my life.
“Anyway,” I cut in, “Can we begin training tonight? I have to look for the necklace, too,” I reminded them.
“Sure. I will bring you home and we can continue searching,” Collin agreed.
Everyone went back to their business while Collin and I began training. While we focused on escape tactics, it felt strange training with someone other than Ace. I felt like I was having a ping pong match in my own head. I wanted this change. I needed this change.
At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.
Chapter Twenty
Bad, Bad News
O
ver the course of the next few days, my life took a drastic turn. Maylee was upset with me and barely answered my texts. We talked at school, but even that was guarded and I hated how cold I felt when we were together. Kade and I had spent the last three evenings together. First, going on a double date with Sawyer and Garrett to get ice-cream at Brewsters and then going on a Ghost tour at Camp Nelson.
I hadn’t seen Ace around school or Crow Haven and as much as I hated to admit it, I was saddened by his absence in my life.
The animal attacks were still weighing heavily on everyone's minds and as I was just settling into my new life without Ace, everything flipped upside down.
While I was out dress shopping in Lexington with Sawyer for the upcoming Fall dance, my phone alerted me to a text message.
Mom: Another animal attack. Call me.
Just as I read her text, another one came in.
Maylee: Crow Haven was just notified of another animal attack.
Ace: Animal attack.
Hearing my phone pinging like crazy, Sawyer stopped me as I looked over a long, red satin dress.
“Wow, someone is popular,” she teased.
We were in a large department store and there were lots of other girls searching for dresses just like us. I leaned into Sawyer and whispered, “There was another animal attack. I need to call my mom.”
Worry filled her features as Sawyer nodded in understanding. “Sure, I need to call my parents, too.”
We left the store and walked out into the main part of the Fayette Mall. I dialed my mom first and she answered after the first ring.
“Lizzie, there was another attack,” she said.
“Tell me what’s going on,” I demanded.
I was pacing circles and I knew people thought I was crazy.
“From what I have been told through the news clips, a man who worked maintenance at Camp Nelson was found dead near the main house. HIs body was clawed and his body drained of blood. The authorities believe it was another animal attack. The local hunters are going out again tonight,” she said.
I found a bench and sat down, feeling as though I may pass out.
“What does this mean for me?” I asked. I had to be careful with what I said and disclosed out in public.
“Lizzie, this means we have to find the necklace. I have been searching the supernatural world for signs and information. I am getting information from authorities as I write my articles, so I can keep you updated. Get to Crow Haven. You need their protection,” she finished.
I ended my call with mom and then quickly dialed Maylee’s number.
“Hey,” she answered, sounding distant.
“Maylee, I need to come to Crow Haven. Can I meet you at my house and then we go together?” I asked, lowering my voice so Sawyer couldn’t hear me.
“Sure, I will meet you there in an hour,” she said, then hung up.
Clearly, she was still angry at me. I knew she wanted me training with Ace and maybe she had some insane idea that me and Ace could be friends, but I knew that would never be the case.
Sawyer and I left the mall, without dresses, and headed home.
I made it home just as my mom and dad were both walking into the kitchen.
My mom had been on the phone and was ending a call as she held up a finger, asking me to wait a minute.
My dad and I hugged as we waited for my mom to finish. Finally, she sighed and we all sat down at the kitchen table.
“Lizzie, your dad and I have been talking about the recent attack. We are very worried about you being out without one of the Crows with you,” she began.
“Mom,” I interrupted, “I promise to be more careful. I just need to find the necklace.”
Nodding she and my dad exchanged glances. “I’ve been searching the house all day and your dad went over the property. We both believe your Great Aunt Morgan has hidden it for your protection. If anyone else were to get their hands on that necklace, especially a Demon, it could be terrible for everyone.”
“You think it’s here, though. Right?” I asked.
“Of course, Lizzie. I know it’s not in the house. It has to be outside. We will help you and the Crows look tomorrow. But for now on, I don’t want you out without protection. I know how dangerous the supernatural’s can be,” she finished, shuddering.
“Maylee is on her way to come and get me. I will ask Collin or Thomas to go out when I go out with Kade,�
�� I added.
“What about Ace?” my dad asked.
“Ace isn’t my trainer anymore,” I said, trying to keep my tone even.
“What happened?” dad asked, his tone rising.
“Nothing,” I quickly replied. I didn't want my dad to think Ace had done anything inappropriate. In fact, it was the complete opposite. “Ace doesn’t like being with a teenager,” I finished.
“He is a teenager,” my mom noted, chuckling to herself.
“Sort of,” I stated. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve got someone else helping me now.”
“As long as you are happy and safe, that’s all that matters,” dad said, easing up a little.
Well, I’m safe. Happy-- that’s a different story.
On my ride to Crow Haven with Maylee, Kade called me.
It was awkward to be on the phone with him with Ace’s sister sitting beside me, but I couldn’t let any of that get to me.
“Hey,” I answered the phone, sounding way more cheerful than I really felt.
“Hey, beautiful,” he greeted, making me blush. “I wanted to see if you could hang out tonight. I thought we could go out to my family farm and have a bonfire.”
The offer sounded nice, but I needed to see what the Crows had in store for me, first.
“I'm actually out with Maylee right now. Sawyer and I went looking for dresses for the Fall dance and then Maylee called. How about tomorrow?” I didn’t want to tell him no, but I had to put my own safety first.
“Tomorrow is perfect. I just want to see you,” Kade swooned.
I wished that my heart would flutter when he said that to me. Even though I blushed and enjoyed his company, that same intense spark just wasn’t there.
“Great, I will text you later.” I ended the call and felt Maylee’s energy growing darker.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” she asked.
It was the most she had spoken to me and, yet, it still felt so cold and distant.
“Going out with Kade,” I replied, refusing to look at her. I kept my eyes locked outside the car.
Exhaling a deep breath, I heard Maylee tighten her grip on the steering wheel. “Lizzie, it’s not safe for you to be out with Kade. At least, not until we find the necklace,” she stated.
“I’m still looking for the necklace, but I have to live my life, too. Kade likes me and wants to spend time with me.”
“Lizzie…” Maylee tried to cut in, but I refused to hear her out.
“No,” I wailed, this time turning to face her. “I can’t control very many things in my life, but I can control who I spend my time with.”
Nodding her head Maylee clamped her mouth shut and didn’t say another word until we reached Crow Haven.
The Crows were all perched along the iron fence lining the long drive to the home.
As Maylee and I exited her car, they flew all around us and then disappeared somewhere behind the home.
Once inside, Maylee and I found our way to the massive, formal living room. Moments later, the guys along with Nora joined us.
I sat down on a plush, red leather couch as a blazing fire warmed my outsides. Maylee, who still remained icy cold to me, sat on the far edge of the couch. She stared into the crackling fire as I watched the Crows arrive.
As everyone found their place in the room, I took a quick scan and realized Ace was missing. I wanted to ask Maylee where he was, but thought better of it. So, I closed my mouth and waited for the Crows to talk.
Thomas was the first one to speak. “As I am sure you already know, there was another murder today,” he began. “The Crow Haven Council is growing increasingly concerned about the attacks and that the Demons have now taken animal form. Mediators, like your mother,” Thomas stated, pointing to me, “have been contacted as well. It’s not safe for Lizzie to be alone without our protection.”
“My mom notified me about everything. We have to find the necklace,” I said, my voice shaking and my bottom lip quivering.
“Your magnetic pull to the Demon world is intriguing and terrifying,” Levine spoke.
I was shocked to hear him speak. He was a man of few words, and right now, his words were shaking me to my very core.
“I didn’t ask for this,” I pleaded my case.
“None of us asked for our supernatural birthright,” Collin interjected. “However, we all have to make the best of it. Right now, our main goal is to keep Lizzie safe until we can find the necklace. Once we locate the necklace, we can vanquish the Demons and stop the attacks from plaguing our town.”
Everyone grew silent as we let that sink in. While it wasn’t new information, it was still unsettling to know so much was riding on me. Anger surged inside of me. Why couldn't my great Aunt Morgan just tell me where the necklace was? Why did she have to make my survival such a riddle?
“We need to get back to my house and find that necklace. I refuse to go another day without it,” I demanded. Standing up, I headed to the entryway. “Collin, are you coming?” I asked, turning to face him.
He stepped toward me, his boots leaving heavy footsteps as he walked. “Yes, but I think you need to talk to Ace, too.”
“Why?” I countered, venom spewing from my lips.
I hated how I still grew anxious thinking of Ace. He wasn’t concerned with me, so why should I care about him?
“Why?” Collin sneered, a cocky grin growing over his face. “Ace has destroyed his bedroom and punched holes through the basement walls. Whatever happened between the two of you needs to be resolved.”
“I have no idea what he’s upset about,” I argued. “He doesn’t want to hang out with teenagers, so I released him from his prison.”
Stalking forward, Collin was nose-to-nose with me. “You need to talk with him. I can’t worry about Demons and an enraged Ace, too,” he stated.
Everyone stared daggers my way and I knew that if I wanted to leave here and have any luck finding the necklace, I had to at least talk with Ace.
“Where is he?” I asked, clearly annoyed by all of this.
“Out back on the terrace,” Colln said.
I stormed out of the room and found my way down the long foyer and out the double, glass sliding doors.
I slowed my pace as I stepped out onto the stone terrace. The sun was just setting and the sky was painted with a beautiful array of pastel colors. The cool wind swept over me as I spotted Ace standing near a grove of trees.
My Converse sneakers padded along the stones as I made my way toward Ace. I knew he heard me approaching, as his shoulders tensed and his fists clenched at his side. However, he didn’t dare turn around until I was right on him.
“What do you want, Lizzie?” he asked, his tone sharp like a double edged sword.
Ace turned around so that we were now face-to-face. I was struck speechless by his rugged beauty. It was almost criminal for someone to look that good.
My first instinct was to turn and run out of there. We had avoided one another for this very reason.
“I was told you have been on a destructive rampage,” I mocked, causing him to take in a quick breath. There was a tortured sadness in his eyes that I tried-- and failed to ignore.
“What I do shouldn’t concern you,” he said, his eyes watching me carefully. “You don’t need me as your Protector.”
The dying sunlight shined against his silver eyebrow piercing and the reflection beamed onto me.
“I agree, but your family insisted I come out here before we head to my house.” My tone was heavy like my heart. “You know, so I can do stupid teen stuff without you.”
Rolling his eyes, Ace was clearly irritated by my immature antics, but I didn’t care.
“I just want you safe,” Ace whispered into the nearing darkness.
“You have a strange way of showing it,” I mumbled, crossing my arms across my chest.
Running a hand over his face, Ace’s jaw clenched as the last ray of sunlight shined down on him. Colors splashed across his face and all I cou
ld do was stare at him.
“Lizzie, you have to understand something,” Ace began, making sure he had my attention.
I was so captivated by him, there was no way I wasn’t going to hear what he had to say. “My role in this world is to be a Protector. When the Crow Haven Council told me I would be protecting a Shadow Seeker, I had no idea what was in store for me. You are stubborn, sassy, and determined. When I’m with you, I feel like I’m losing control. You drive me crazy.”
Tears poured down my face as hurt slashed through me. When I had walked out here to confront Ace, the last thing I expected was to have him drive the stake further into my wounded heart.
“I can’t listen to this.” My voice betrayed me as it shook from the sobs threatening to escape. I didn’t need this. I had Kade and, soon enough, I would have the safety of the necklace-- that was what mattered.
I spun on my heels and went to run as far away from Ace as possible, but he reached out and grabbed me by the arm, halting my escape.
“Stop, Lizzie. Just let me finish,” he pleaded.
I closed my eyes, refusing to look at him.
“Ace, I don’t know why I came out here. I just need to go,” I cried.
“Not until you hear what I have to say,” he demanded, refusing to release his hold on me. I stopped fighting him and he finally let go of me. He wasn’t hurting me with his grip, but I could tell from the sparks ignited between us, that he was hurting just as much as I was.
“Fine, go ahead,” I said, finally opening my eyes.
In the seconds that I had closed myself off from the rest of the world, darkness had descended on us. All I could see of Ace was his eyes and his striking form against the shadows of the night.
Releasing a heavy breath, Ace spoke and his words ignited a fire in my soul. “Lizzie, working with a Shadow Seeker is difficult, but with you, new difficulties have risen because of the connection we have. It’s not just about our supernatural abilities or that I’m a Protector. I feel alive when I am with you. For decades, I have forgotten what it’s like to be young and carefree. Your spirit calls out to me and makes me want to just be free, with you. I care for you more than I’ve ever cared for anyone in my life. I want to be with you, but…”
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