As his words trailed off, a spark of hope filled me. I had waited too long to hear these words from Ace and, yet, there was a stipulation.
“Please, don’t ruin this,” I pleaded with him.
“Lizzie, we both know it can’t work. If I let myself be with you, I could risk you getting hurt. My defenses could crumble and you could get hurt-- or worse.”
It was a breath of fresh air to finally hear him profess the words I had never been brave enough to say to him; but at the same time, I resented him for not wanting to pursue those feelings.
“But, what if it could?” I asked, my eyes forcing him to look at me.
He didn’t waver away from me when he said, “What about Kade? You have created a new life outside of me and Crow Haven.”
Anger coursed through me at his mention of Kade. I knew why he was asking, but it still hurt all the same.
I opened my mouth to speak, but only silence filtered out. I couldn’t just stand here and fight with him anymore. My heart just couldn’t take the beating any longer.
Pivoting, I began to run toward the house again.
My legs were running faster than I had ever forced them to before. I wanted to run from the hurt and pain caused my Ace.
I could hear him calling my name as he raced after me.
Suddenly, I was lifted off the ground and I was no longer sprinting.
Ace grabbed me around the waist, pulling me in close and taking me completely off guard. Setting my feet back onto the ground, he held me until I stopped fighting him. Meeting his intense gaze, Ace looked at me like he was searching into my soul.
Brushing his hand against my cheek, he leaned in and placed a soft kiss to my lips.
Sparks ignited and before I knew it, I felt breathless and weak in the knees as he deepened the kiss.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him further into me and our connection.
Just as quick as the kiss began, Ace pulled away, breaking the spell we had both been under.
As we both struggled to catch our breath, Ace took a step back and put his hands out in front of him.
I knew what was coming next and my heart was already shattering in anticipation.
“Lizzie, I shouldn’t have done that,” he breathed out.
Tears brimmed my eyes as the anger surfaced once again. “Don’t do this, Ace,” I pleaded.
I had let down my guard against my own better judgement, and he was painfully proving to me that I was a fool to let him in.
“We both know this isn’t right. It doesn’t matter how I feel about you. My role was to be your trainer and Protector and you made it clear you didn’t want me in that role. I can’t do this,” he yelled, running his hands over his head.
“You are so infuriating,” I cried out. “I wanted someone else to train me because you act like you want nothing to do with me. You act like I am a burden to you-- just a job you are forced to handle. Then, you come here angry with me for going out with Kade and wanting a new trainer. Why tell me that you want me, if you refuse to act on it?”
Tears were now streaming down my face and I had lost all ability to control my emotions. The events of the last few weeks were now crashing down on me and there was nothing left to do but allow myself to break.
Ace tried to move forward, but he stopped himself. I could see the turmoil swirling around in his eyes and I wanted to go to him. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and ask him to forget about all the heartache we had both endured. But, I couldn’t... Would he even accept it?
“Lizzie, just go,” Ace said, before his large, black wings expanded and he took off into the night sky.
I watched him leave me as I fell to my knees and held my head in my hands as I cried.
Chapter Twenty-One
Seeing Red
A
fter Maylee and Nora picked me up off the ground, they drove me back to my house. I was more confused than ever after my confrontation with Ace. He had said everything I had wanted to hear, but at the end of the day, he didn’t want me. He didn’t want us.
Seeing my distraught state, my mom had helped me up to my bedroom and held me until I fell asleep. It was mortifying knowing that everyone around me knew that Ace didn’t want me. However, as Nora so boldly told me, I could cry tonight but I had to get myself into gear. The necklace was somewhere out there and until I found it, my life and everyone in this town's lives, were in grave danger.
I had heard the loud squawk outside my bedroom window and even though Collin was supposed to be on protection duty, I knew it was Ace out there watching over me. That thought calmed my nerves, but still infuriated me that Ace would protect me.
The next morning, I woke early for school. It was finally Friday and I had a date with Kade. After a run and a long, hot shower to cleanse my body of the negative thoughts I was having, I had made a decision to forget about Ace and try to move forward with Kade.
Walking through the halls of East High, I met Maylee at her locker.
“Hey, thanks again for last night,” I said, lowering my voice so no one else could hear.
“No problem,” she sighed.
Placing my hand on her locker door, I stopped her so she would be forced to look at me. “Maylee, I’m really sorry about everything that has happened lately. I know you are upset with me for not working with Ace anymore,” I added.
She turned to me and her features softened. “Lizzie, I shouldn’t have allowed Ace to interfere with our friendship. I get it, Ace is difficult,” she shrugged.
“That’s a mouthful,” I giggled.
“Do you want to hang out after your training tonight?” she asked.
Guilt filled me once again. “I wish we could, but I have a date with Kade tonight. Maybe tomorrow? I need to get a dress for the dance. How about you, me, and Sawyer go Sunday?” I offered.
Maylee’s face had fallen, but at the mention of going dress shopping, she brightened up again.
“That sounds fun, but um, are you sure about Kade?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at me.
“I don’t have a choice. Kade really likes me and he’s super nice,” I stated.
I walked into class feeling hopeful for the first time in a very long time.
Later that afternoon, I was breaking a sweat as Collin and I trained in the basement at Crow Haven. I kept glancing at the clock hanging on the far wall, making sure I didn’t lose track of time.
“Do you have somewhere else to be?” Collin asked, watching my eyes move around the room.
I dodged a jab that he threw right at my head, spinning out of his reach. I had learned a lot during my training-- mainly how to escape if I were attacked, but I still felt stronger and faster.
“It’s not any of your business, but yes. I have a date tonight,” I stated flatly, a little out of breath.
Collin stopped jabbing and cocked his eyes at me. “Really? With who?”
“No one you know,” I coyly explained.
A chuckle escaped his lips as he shook his head and offered a sly grin. “You are playing with fire. No wonder you are such a magnet for the Demons,” he mused. “But, I hate to tell you that your life is my business. The Crows are Protectors, especially for little Shadow Seekers like yourself. So, who will you have accompanying you tonight?” he asked.
Oh no! I forgot to get one of them to come along for protection.
“Well, what are you doing later?” I playfully asked, batting my lashes at him.
He let his head fall back as he laughed at my attempt at flirting. “I guess I will be hiding among the trees as you go on your date. Just be a good girl and let’s not make it a late night,” he mused.
“Fine. I will text you everything,” I grunted out.
“I can’t wait,” he mocked.
“How about we save the small talk and just train,” I offered, jumping from toe-to-toe.
“Whatever you say, Shadow Seeker,” he taunted.
Rolling my eyes, I huffed as we got back to training.
An hour later, I was waiting outside of Crow Haven for Maylee to drive me home. They all preferred that I not drive out to Crow Haven. And, to be honest, I was perfectly fine with that. There were so many turns and dips on the way out here, I knew I would get lost every time I tried to drive there.
“How was your training?” a deep voice asked.
My head spun to the side as I caught Ace coming around the side of the house. He was wearing a black, cut off shirt and silver running shorts.
“It was good,” I said, breathlessly.
I wasn’t sure how to talk to Ace right now. The air was thick with an awkward tension that threatened to suffocate me.
Nodding, Ace diverted his eyes to anywhere but me. “Good. Collin told me that you all are going to look for the necklace tonight.”
“We are, when I get back home,” I said, keeping my eyes on the gravel of the driveway.
“Back from where?” he asked, his tone sharp.
“I have a date with Kade,” I admitted.
Ace winced as though I had just stabbed him. His face was cloaked in a darkness that both broke my heart and angered me. He had no right to feel any way about my personal life. Not after everything he had confessed last night.
“Well, have fun,” he said through gritted teeth.
I watched as he walked into the house, not bothering to tell me goodbye.
Arriving back to my house sometime later, I showered and changed into a cute pair of ankle length jeans and a black sweater. I added my black boots to my look then bound downstairs to wait for Kade.
My parents watched me, knowing that I would have the protection of Collin tonight. I still think they wished Ace was with me, but that wasn’t going to happen.
When Kade finally arrived, I made my parents stay inside as I walked out the front door.
To be expected, Kade was a perfect gentleman as he opened the door to his massive truck for me. We took off down the familiar country roads and I enjoyed the fresh, crisp air.
“You look great,” Kade complimented, his smile endearing.
“Thanks,” I blushed, staring out the window.
A few minutes later, we turned onto a small, dirt road.
“This is my family farm. We hunt out in the back acres sometimes, more so than ever now with all of the animal attacks taking place,” he said.
“Yeah, it’s been crazy,” I noted, watching as a two-story white farmhouse appeared in my view. There was a cozy wrap-around porch that looked very inviting.
“Normally, we would have a bonfire way out past the horses, but my mom asked that we stay close to the house,” he smiled.
“Sure, makes sense.” I was glad to stay close to his house. Who knew what evil lurked out there.
Kade parked his truck near a separate garage that had a basketball goal attached. Helping me out of the truck, Kade led me around the garage to where a fire pit was set up. It was quaint with a concrete patio and several, multicolored wooden chairs. Immediately, I felt comforted and happy to be there.
Sitting down, I watched as Kade started the fire. Orange and red flames licked the evening air and the warmth radiating from the fire wrapped its arms around me.
Tonight was going to be a good night.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Date Night
W
ant another S’more?” Kade asked, offering me a plate. Rubbing my belly, I laughed. “No way. I’m stuffed.”We sat around the fire, talking and laughing about events at school, made plans for the upcoming dance next weekend, and ate until we were both about to pop. It had been forever since I had S’mores, or even had such a nice conversation. It was beyond pleasant. Well, except for the glowing yellow eyes that stared down on us from their tree top stands. The Crows: Collin, Thomas, and Maylee had all accompanied me on my date tonight, and I hated how they watched me with judgement.
Sitting back in his chair, Kade turned his head to look my way. “So, I have to ask again. What is the issue with Ace?”
Sighing, I stared into the fire. “I have no idea. He’s Maylee’s brother and we were friends, but he is so moody it’s hard to talk to him.”
I had tried to be open minded with Ace, but he had proven that we were just too different.
“Yeah, I’ve known the guy since like first grade and he’s never had a conversation with me,” Kade began. “Maylee was always the super shy girl, but we all just stayed away from them…” he trailed off.
I could tell Kade wanted to say more, but he was afraid to. Wanting to hear more, I placed my hand on his to prompt him to continue.
“It’s ok, Maylee has told me that the town isn’t the most understanding of her family,” I offered.
Kade shook his head, almost laughing. “They all stick to themselves. All I know is Ace and Maylee lost their parents when they were young. They live with their uncle, who owns like half the businesses in town, but is never here. I’ve seen the others around town, but they all keep to themselves. You should hear the rumors,” he stated.
“Tell me.” My voice was thick with want and I knew I was playing with fire.
“Well, the biggest rumor is that they are Vampires,” he laughed out loud. “But, I don’t believe that,” he finished.
“Why Vampires?” I asked, amused by that rumor.
“Because they hide away at that big house. Who knows really,” he mused, shrugging his shoulders.
“Yeah,” I remarked.
Night was fully on us now and it was getting late. I needed to get home so that I could search for the necklace. We waited for the darkness to shield us from anyone seeing us searching the property. However, I was starting to think we should move our search to the daytime. The late nights were starting to plague me with exhaustion.
Yawning, I checked my phone.
Maylee: Can you be home in an hour? We have an idea.
Her vague text had me intrigued.
“Do you need to get home?” Kade asked, his smile fading.
“Yes, but I’ve had a great time.” Smiling over at him, I squeezed his hand. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized we were still holding hands.
Leaving Kade’s farm we drove as the radio filled the car. It was nice and exactly what I had needed tonight.
However, the moment we pulled into my driveway, I felt all of my happiness pull away at the sight of Crows lining my drive.
“Are those Crows?” Kade asked, peering out of the windshield.
“Yes,” I said, with a sigh.
Little did he know, spotting Crows meant safety and protection. For me, it had other meanings, too.
“Well, with all of the animal attacks, I am going to walk you to your door,” he stated, already putting the truck in park.
I tried to protest, but there was no use. Kade was opening my door before I knew it and was holding my hand as he walked me to the front porch.
The Crows above us were squawking and flapping their wings, obviously enjoying their nuisance.
I glared up at them, willing them to stop. Of course, they didn’t.
Kade looked all around, his body growing tense. “Wow, the animals around here really have gone crazy,” he remarked. There wasn’t any humor in his voice and I hated that they were scaring him.
We reached my porch as my mom opened the door. “Hey guys,” she said, glancing up at the loud commotion outside.
“Kade is just walking me to the door,” I stated, hoping she would leave us alone.
Understanding dawned on her face and she waved goodbye to Kade before going back into the house. We stood under the yellow porch light for a few minutes, my small hand stil in Kade’s. HIs warm, gentle smile caused me to smile, too.
“I really had fun tonight,” Kade began, leaning into me.
My heart began to beat and I hated that we had an audience right now.
“Me, too.”
Pulling me to him, Kade placed his lips on mine. The kiss was sweet like a mixture of vanilla and cherry. Kade was amazing and gentle and ki
nd. But...he wasn’t giving me the spark that ignited my heart into overdrive.
When we parted, I waited-- hoping for that magic to pull me under, but it never came.
“I will call you tomorrow,” Kade said, kissing me one last time before jogging to his truck.
I watched him drive away under golden eyes. Once he was out of view, I shifted emotions.
“You all can come out now,” I yelled.
Maylee and Collin flew behind my house and appeared seconds later. To my surprise, Ace along with Nora and Thomas joined him.
Ace kept his eyes on everything but me as he approached. I knew he had seen my kiss with Kade, but I couldn’t worry about that now. We had a necklace to find and that was where my focus needed to be.
“Now that lover boy is gone, we need to get to work,” Thomas sneered, giving me a dirty look before walking toward the back of the house again.
Rolling my eyes, I followed him as the rest of the group joined us.
“Any news?” I asked, trying to break the awkward silence.
“Why yes, glad you have time to ask,” Collin began, his snotty attitude grating on my nerves. “The Demons have been sighted again and the Crow Haven Council believes they will have another attack this weekend.”
“Why don’t we worry about finding the necklace instead of talking,” Ace interrupted.
Turning to face him, I narrowed my eyes at all of them. “Not tonight. You all tried to ruin my night, but it didn’t work,” I shouted.
They all began to protest, but I held my hands up to stop them. Silence filled the space around us. Without saying another word, I went into my house and shut the Crows out.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Dance Fever
The rest of the week flew by like a blur. I was able to go dress shopping with Sawyer and Maylee after school before my trainings. I found a gorgeous red dress with a beaded neckline and straps. I added a black and red mask with black features to my outfit. Since everyone else would be in some type of costume, too, I felt it was fitting to wear a mask. Most days, I felt like I was hiding my true self anyway. It was all gorgeous and it made me excited for the dance. We had continued to search my property and even began reading through more articles written over the years about the town. With each day that passed without me finding the necklace, I knew the risk was intensifying.
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