Evergreen Academy - The Complete Series

by Ruby Vincent

  “What kind of dresses are you getting?” Paisley asked. Things would always be a little weird between us, but I had let go of my anger toward her. I’d never be as close to her as Sofia, but I could handle a day of laughing and shopping together. “I don’t really know what to wear for A Night in Paris. I wish Artic Paradise had won.”

  “I heard the Diamonds are pressing the headmaster to send them to Paris over spring break,” said Sofia. “They got everyone to vote for this theme as a less-than-subtle hint.”

  I made a face. “Send to Paris? For what?”

  Sofia poked her head over the bus seat to make sure no one was listening, then she gestured for Paisley to come closer. The other girl squeezed in next to me, sharing our two-person seat, as she spoke.

  “I heard she’s trying to elevate the status of the Diamonds,” Sofia continued. “Make them as important and official as the Knights. Best in academics, best in art, best in music, all of it. They’ll be known as the best in and out of the school and have say over their specific areas.”

  “Say over their areas?” I repeated. “As in dance? What kind of say does Isabella want?”

  She gave me a look that said it all before she opened her mouth. “She wants classical dance in, and everything else out.”

  “My goodness that girl doesn’t quit. Evergreen can’t go along with this.”

  “Who knows what he’s going to do. The Diamonds bring in a lot of great press and attention for the academy whenever Axel smashes another track record or the art world praises Genesis for her sculptures.” She shook her head. “You know Evergreen is all about the school looking good.”

  “That is sadly true.” I leaned my head back, sighing. A lot had gotten better since school started, but one thing that hasn’t changed was the Diamonds’ hatred of me, especially Natalie, Isabella, and Airi. Those three would hate me until I was in the grave and beyond.

  The bus rumbled to the entrance of the Evergreen Promenade and we pushed the Diamonds from our minds. We had a rare afternoon out of the academy; we were going to enjoy it.

  “Let’s go to Maxfield,” Sofia announced as we climbed out. “They hooked us up last time.”

  “Sounds good,” said Paisley. “They have a dress I was eyeing online last night.”

  “Sofia! Val!”

  We looked across to the second bus as the twins stepped down.

  “You girls weren’t serious about ditching us, were you?” Zane asked.

  “Yes, I am.” Sofia’s voice was firm even while she threw her arms around his neck. “I don’t want you to see my dress until tomorrow.”

  “What does that have to do with me?” Kai piped up.

  “You’ll tell him what it looks like.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  Sofia snorted. “Because you’re trouble, Kai Thomas.”

  Grinning, he winked at her. “Can’t deny that.” Kai moved over to me and put his arm on my shoulder. “Val will hang out with us. Won’t you?”

  “I could. I’ve already got my dress, but Sofia booked me for the afternoon.”

  “That’s right.” She linked arms with me and pulled me away. “You can’t have my best friend. You’ll have to settle for your brother.”

  He heaved a sigh like he couldn’t think of anything worse. “Fine. I’ll have to steal Valentina away tomorrow night.”

  The boys loped off. Paisley grabbed me the moment they were out of earshot.

  “You’re so lucky, Val.”

  “Me? Why?”

  “Kai is so cute.”

  I blinked at her. “Okay.”

  “I can’t believe he hasn’t asked you to the dance yet. It’s obvious he wants to.”

  “He— He does not!”

  Sofia shook her head. “Don’t go there, Paisley. Val is in deep denial that Kai likes her. Besides, she’s got her hands full with the suitors she does acknowledge.”

  “Tell me about it. Maverick Beaumont, Ezra Lennox, and Jaxson Van Zandt on her tail. Did I mention how lucky she was?”

  “I bet that tail is pretty sore,” Sofia shot back and they howled.

  “You guys are the worst,” I grumbled under my breath.

  “Nope. You love me.” Sofia planted a kiss on my cheek. “Now let’s go. There’s the cutest restaurant near Maxfield. We can eat there after we shop.”

  Our band made it three steps before another group stepped into our path. The six of us locked eyes.

  “Hey, guys.” Eric favored us with a smile. “If it’s cool, we were wondering if you’d want to hook up for the day.”

  Claire and Ciara stepped forward. “Now that we can put all the other stuff behind us,” said Claire, “it would be nice to hang out like we used to.”

  Claire, Eric, and Ciara had formed their own threesome since Paisley came back to us. We had been civil to each other, but no one had forgotten what Eric and Claire said minutes before the Knights lifted the mark. Awkwardness hung in the air between us like a bad smell.

  Sofia glanced at me. “It’s up to you, Val. What do you think?”

  I considered them for a while. I’m not interested in grudges or drama anymore. Things have been good. I want to keep it that way.

  “Okay. You can come with us.”

  The three of them fell in step beside us as we headed for the dress shop. Maxfield was just how I remembered it—wall-to-wall clothes that cost more than my mom’s rent and a cozy sitting area in the middle of the store. Eric, Ciara, Claire and I sat while the other girls looked around.

  “You’re not going to look for a dress, Val?” Eric asked. He bent over to pour himself a cup of tea. He held up one for me.

  “No, thanks. And, no. I have my dress already. I ordered it last week.”

  “I ordered mine too,” Claire spoke up. “The shops around here are too expensive so I went online. I think the one I got is cute.”

  “It is cute,” Ciara said. “Ethan is going to love you in it.”

  Claire sunk into the couch, red staining her cheeks. Ethan was a junior, second in our class behind Cade, and apparently responsible for the smile on Claire’s face.

  “Are you two going out now?” I asked.

  “Yes,” said Eric.

  “No!” If anything, Claire got redder. “It’s just a dance. Neither of us has time for dating. We’re both trying to get into Ivy League schools.”

  Eric shook his head. “There’s always time for sex.”

  Claire shoved him and he almost spilled his tea, he was laughing so hard. I held back from joining in on the banter. I wasn’t a part of this group.

  “How about you, Val?” Eric turned to me. “Who are you going to homecoming with?”

  “No one. I’m going solo.”

  His brows snapped together. “Really? But I heard—”

  It was Ciara who swatted his shoulder this time.

  “What? What did you hear?”

  He shrugged. “I heard there were plenty of guys who wanted to ask you.”

  I looked away. I did have a few asks—three to be exact. But I told Ezra, Maverick, and Jaxson that I couldn’t possibly pick one of them...

  When I wanted to go with all of them. I sighed as that thought passed through my mind. I assumed keeping things casual would make it easier and give me time to sort through my feelings, but if anything, I felt more mixed up than ever.

  I was addicted to all of them for so many different reasons. The way Jaxson made me laugh and kissed me until I couldn’t breathe. Or curling up with Maverick with my head on his chest while his heart beat in my ear. Or sitting with Ezra on the roof while we talked about things we couldn’t tell anyone else.

  They hadn’t pressured me or pushed for more. They had actually been great about it when I turned down their individual offers to the dance, but something was building inside of me. More and more, the sense was overwhelming me that the time would come when I would have to make a choice.

  But what would that choice be?

  “What do you guys
think?”

  I shook free of my tumultuous thoughts as Sofia and Paisley emerged from the dressing rooms to show off their choices. I joined in the oohing and aahing and focused my attention on our day of fun.

  It turned out to be a good time after all. After everyone got their dresses and Eric his tux, we went to dinner at the place Sofia liked. I scarfed down the most delicious prime rib with herb sauce.

  “You guys are going to have to roll me out of here.” I pushed away my empty plate. “I’m stuffed.”

  “Dude, I’ll be rolling with you.” Eric plucked two mints off the table and handed me one. “My tux won’t fit now. Know anyone who can do last-minute alterations?”

  “They’ll be busy letting my dress out.”

  We cracked up, and for a minute it felt like old times.

  “We should go, guys,” Ciara piped up. “Markham said eight o’clock.”

  Sofia paid the bill ignoring our protests, then we headed out. The sun had set on the promenade. Old-timey lamp posts lit our way to the buses and the waiting Professor Markham. We fell into an easy conversation as we passed through the entrance.

  “There’s a party at the cliffs after the dance,” Paisley told me. “I heard a few of the juniors got weekend passes so they’ll be able to sneak in booze.”

  “I might skip out on that.”

  “Why? It will be...” Paisley trailed off as her eyes fell on something ahead of us. “Maybe he will change your mind.”

  “What? Who?”

  I took my attention off her to see Jaxson propped up against the bus. I let Paisley go ahead as Jaxson peeled himself off and walked up to me. He smiled that smile that turned my knees to jelly

  “Hey, baby.” Jaxson pushed the hair behind my ear before cupping my cheek. “I was hoping to catch up with you while we were out.” His thumb caressed my lips. “I’ll have to come by your place tonight instead.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “And tomorrow night...”

  I held my breath. Is he going to ask me to the dance again? It was hard enough saying no the first time.

  “...save me a dance.”

  My lips quirked up in a smile. “Are you asking me or telling me?”

  He winked. “You pick. The result will be the same.” Jaxson kissed me then strode off to the other bus.

  “Val, we’re leaving.” Kai waved at me from the steps of the bus.

  “Coming.” I spared Jaxson one last glance before jogging up to him. “Did you find a tux?”

  Kai shook his head. “Nothing I liked so I’m having Mom bring one over from home.”

  “Okay, I—”

  Buzz. Buzz.

  “One second.” I fished my phone out of my pocket and glanced at the screen.

  Ace.

  I lurched to a stop, staring at those three letters. Why now? What do they want?

  “Val, you okay?”

  I tore my eyes up and looked into Kai’s concerned face.

  “I’m fine,” I rasped. I dropped the phone to my side. “It’s cool. Go ahead.”

  Kai turned his back and I chanced the opportunity to open the message.

  Ace: Hope you didn’t miss me.

  My reply was quick.

  Me: Who are you? What do you want?

  Ace: Right now, I want to know how you got Jaxson Van Zandt eating out of the palm of your hand. You must be wicked good in bed, but then I wouldn’t expect anything else from a pro.

  Me: Fuck you.

  Ace: LOL. You’re tough. Maybe that’s what he likes about you. As much as he likes playing with your hair.

  Me: Just tell me what you want! What will it take for you to delete that video?

  Ace: I’ll tell you what it will take...

  The next reply made my eyes widen. The phone shook in my hands as I typed my response.

  Me: You can’t be serious! I’m not doing that!

  Ace: If you don’t, I’m sending this little video to the police. Try me. It’ll be just as fun seeing you hauled in for questioning.

  “Hey!”

  I jerked. The phone went sailing out of my hand.

  “Get out of the way, Moon,” Airi snapped. “People are trying to get on.”

  Kai bent to pick up the cell at his feet. I dove for it, snatching it up before his fingers could close over it. He gave me a crazy look. “Val? What’s up with you?”

  “Nothing.” I shoved the phone in my pocket. “Everything’s fine.” I picked myself up and scurried off. Paisley and Sofia waited in the back for me. They happily chatted away as I took my seat, their minds on beautiful gowns and handsome dates. A thought penetrated my mind and flooded me with an awful certainty. These weeks of carefree fun were over.

  Ace was going to make my life hell.

  “IT’S NICE TO HEAR FROM you again,” a smooth, and distinctly female, voice sounded in my ear. “I had fun working for you last year. I’m guessing you have more interesting projects for me.”

  I paced the length of my room, breathing deep to slow my racing heart. I was surprised Alex had picked up the phone. We had spoken only through text when my hired hacker helped me get my revenge.

  “I need your help,” I announced. I wasn’t beating around the bush. “Someone is blackmailing me and I don’t know who. If I give you a phone number, can you do anything with that?”

  “I can do a lot with that.”

  “Perfect. I’ll send you the number right now.”

  “My standard rates apply.”

  “Money isn’t an issue.” I stopped pacing and sat on my bed. “I’ll pay anything. I just need this to stop.”

  “I’ll text you the amount. Pay within the hour.”

  “Fine.” I fell back onto the comforter. “Oh, and can I know your name now?”

  “No.”

  Click.

  Sighing, I let the phone fall from my hand. I couldn’t blame “Alex” for her secrecy. She was smart. Maybe if I had been, I wouldn’t have gotten into this mess.

  Someone else had been in the woods that day, watching us, filming us, and we never knew.

  People know about the cliffs. Anyone could have been out there. I was so stupid to suggest meeting up there after Scarlett. I was even more idiotic to not realize she was following me.

  Stop, another voice countered. Beating yourself up won’t change anything. I just have to hope Alex comes through for me.

  A knock from downstairs shook me from my thoughts. I went down to let Jaxson in.

  “Hey.” He enfolded me into a hug and I buried my face in his chest. I must have held on too long because he pulled back, the grin missing as he looked down at me. “Are you alright?”

  “Yes, I’m just glad you’re here. Let’s go up.”

  Jaxson caught me halfway up the stairs and lifted me into his arms. I laughed as he raced me to my room and made short work of undressing me. I loved sleeping with Jaxson. I felt relaxed and comfortable with him like I hoped I would when the time came to be with someone.

  We faced each other that night, noses brushing as we gazed across the pillows.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Jaxson tangled his fingers in my hair; it didn’t bring the usual surge of happiness. “You’ve been acting strange for a while.”

  I don’t give this guy credit. He’s way more perceptive than I thought.

  I chewed my lip, considering what to share. “It’s been a weird few weeks. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never really get out from under the mark.”

  His hand stilled. “What do you mean? Have people been messing with you?”

  “No. If you don’t count the usual from the Diamonds. It’s just... how do we know everything that happened last year is really over?”

  “You’re talking about Scarlett.” Jaxson propped himself up. The blankets fell down to his waist, drawing my eyes away from the look on his face. “Val, that is over. She’s dead. She can’t hurt anyone anymore.” There was a hardness in his voice that came about specifically when Scarlett was brought
up.

  “That doesn’t mean this is over. Someone could find out that there is more to her being gone.” I picked myself up to look him in the eye. “There could be more Spades.”

  “If there were, we would know by now. They would have acted after we told everyone the mark was gone, but there’s been nothing.”

  I studied him. “You really haven’t heard anything? No notes? No cards? No rumors?” I took a breath. “No texts?”

  “Nothing.” Jaxson grasped my shoulders. “Baby, it’s over.”

  I let him gather me in his arms, saying nothing.

  I didn’t know what it meant that Ace was only targeting me and apparently leaving the Knights alone, but I did know one thing: this was not over.

  “VAL, WHAT DO YOU THINK?”

  “You look amazing. Zane is going to be drooling.”

  Sofia twirled in front of my vanity, grinning away. “That’s the idea.”

  The dress she had chosen was perfect—a pretty pale pink with a tight bodice and a skirt that flared at her waist. It rose above her knees as she spun. We were getting ready for the dance in my dorm. Or at least, Sofia was getting ready. I was in my bathrobe lying on my bed.

  “We’re going to the party afterward,” she continued. “Please say you’re coming. I heard the Knights will be there.”

  I stood and joined her at the vanity. I reached for my lipstick while she dug through my earrings. “Why does everyone think that will convince me? I don’t have to be everywhere they are.”

  Sofia lifted her brow at my reflection. “Four smoking hot guys competing for your attention. Why wouldn’t you be wherever they are?”

  I might have laughed if it wasn’t for one word. “Three guys, Sof. Not four.” I bent my head until our gaze broke. “Ryder has not been after my attention.”

  She was quiet for a moment. “What’s going on there? I thought things were better between you two.”

  “I thought so too. He hasn’t been mean or cold or anything. He says hi when he sees me, and he talks back if I speak to him, but he doesn’t try to spend time with me alone. He hasn’t even started his ‘labors.’ I guess he’s not interested in apologizing after all.”

  “But he seemed into it when he came to your house over the summer.” She nudged my elbow. “You should talk to him. You guys have a tough history. It was always going to be harder with him than with the others, but if you want him, get him.”