Evergreen Academy - The Complete Series

by Ruby Vincent

  I kept the smile on my face as I waved Mom and Adam off, but it disappeared the second they did.

  Another semester at Evergreen Academy.

  Christmas vacation had been wonderful—even with that blip at the end with Ryder—and I loved the brief spell of peace. Ace hadn’t texted me once the entire time, but now that I was back, I had no reason to think the stay of execution would continue.

  “Valentina!”

  I turned just as Sofia launched herself at me. We laughed as we hugged, squeezing each other like it had been years instead of a couple of weeks.

  “How was your vacation?” she asked as she pulled back. Behind us the staff were gathering our things to take up to our dorms. “Tell me it was miserable even if it wasn’t because mine was miserable.”

  “It was miserable.”

  “Thank you.”

  “What happened?” I hooked my arm through hers as we lazily made for the gates. “I thought you were liking England from your texts.”

  “I was until I found out why the Madame and Mister brought me out there. It turns out they were planning on going alone until they found out just how often I bring Zane back to the house when they’re not there. They were afraid I’d spend the whole vacation with him.” She scoffed. “You won’t believe it, Val. They actually sat me down and gave me the sex talk and went on about not getting serious too soon. I’d be touched by their parental concern if it wasn’t seventeen years too late.”

  I shook my head. “I’m sorry, Sof. If it is any consolation”—I looked around to make sure no was close by—“I’m not doing so hot on the parenting either. My kid beats up innocent Santas.”

  “Oh no. You didn’t make him sit on Santa’s lap again, did you?”

  “He’s older now,” I said in my defense. “I thought he could handle it.”

  She laughed. “That actually does make me feel better.” She hip-bumped me. “As does what I have to tell you. I spoke to Eric and he’s going to let us come to his place this weekend.”

  “Okay. Why?”

  “Because.” Sofia grabbed my arm and led me to the fountain. The bubbling water covered up her voice for any listening ears. “His family has been going to Evergreen Academy since forever. They’ve got yearbooks, Val. Loads of them. I’ve seen them in his library. I didn’t tell him that’s why we wanted to come because I couldn’t explain. But you could sneak away and check them out.”

  “Sofia, I might love you.”

  She brushed her hair over her shoulder. “You definitely love me. And I love you. That’s why we’re going to finally unravel this mystery of the Spades, Knights, Evergreen and all that’s been going on in this place. If the person texting you is the Ace of Spades, we need to know as much about this secret society as they clearly know about us.”

  “Agreed.”

  She squeezed my arm. “I have to go meet Zane, but this weekend it’s you and me. We’re going to end this and you”—she gripped me tighter—“are going to be careful and tell me if anything happens.”

  “I will.”

  She kissed my cheek before heading off. I walked away from the fountain at a slower pace, lost in my thoughts.

  Is this the Ace of Spades? Ryder made a good point that the person never mentions the Spades once.

  They also wouldn’t need to bother tormenting me, another voice spoke up. They would have marked me again and let the rest of the students do it for them.

  And does the Ace of Spades exist? What would be their purpose if they do? To lead the band of psychos?

  I let out a frustrated sigh. I hated that I didn’t know where to start with this. Two and a half years and the Spades were still a mystery wrapped in shadows. I was no closer to understanding Walter McMillian’s death or why he would be killed if he was as insignificant as Scarlett claimed. I didn’t know who among us was an enemy.

  Sofia is right. Whether they are involved or not, I need to know who they are and how to stop them.

  I passed under the school arch and my phone went off. Mind on other things, I took out my cell and glanced at it. The name on the screen made me halt.

  Ace: Welcome back, Valentina. We’re going to have even more fun this semester.

  I WAVED AT MRS. KHAN when I went in. “Morning.”

  She beamed. “Morning, dear.”

  I liked the people in administration. They were next to useless if you had a problem, but there were always smiles on their faces and they were nothing if not polite.

  “I was hoping for a pass for tomorrow. Just for the afternoon.”

  The first week of the new semester passed in a haze of lectures and homework. The professors didn’t ease us in. With standardized tests coming up and college applications to prep for, the juniors were feeling the pressure.

  Eric was looking forward to the three of us going to his place the next day. He had us by the pool sipping virgin margaritas before we got there.

  Mrs. Khan lost her smile. “Oh, I’m sorry, Val. But I’m not allowed to give you passes anymore.”

  I blinked. “What? But I haven’t done anything.”

  “It’s not my decision, dear. The headmaster says all passes you request must be approved by him. He is free now if you would like to speak with him.”

  “Yes, please,” I forced through gritted teeth.

  Evergreen didn’t lift his head when I came in. “Hello, sir.”

  “Miss Moon. Here to request a pass I suspect.”

  “Yes.” I didn’t bother to sit down. “It’s only for a few hours, not the whole weekend.”

  “Miss Moon.” Evergreen raised his head and placed it on top of his steepled fingers. “I shall tell you now that there will not be a repeat of last semester.”

  I was careful to keep my tone respectful. “Did I do something against the rules? I asked for passes and they were granted.”

  “You left campus eight weekends out of fifteen. We like to allow juniors and seniors more freedom as you become adults, but this is a privilege not to be abused.”

  “All I did was go home to see my family.”

  And made a few pit stops with Maverick and Jaxson along the way.

  “I can appreciate that it is tough to be away from loved ones. I too miss my family.”

  Family? Evergreen has a family?

  My eyes flicked down to his bare finger. I had never seen a ring on that hand or a family photo in this office. I had assumed he was married to this school.

  “But when I am here,” he continued, “I give the academy my full attention and that is what I expect of my students. Going forward, weekend passes will be restricted to no more than three a semester for all upperclassmen.”

  Great. Everyone is going to love me when they find out I’m the reason.

  “Then I would like to use my first one now,” I stated. “I believe you’ll approve, sir. I’m going to meet Eric Eden’s mother and discuss Somerset University. She graduated from there and said she is happy to walk me through the application and possibly give me a recommendation.”

  Not all of that was a lie. Eric did mention that his mother went to Somerset when I brought it up.

  “Somerset University?” Evergreen’s hands fell away from his chin. “That is a fine institution, Miss Moon. You would do well there.”

  “I hope so, sir.”

  “Well, you are correct in that I approve of this use of your time.” He rose from his chair. “You may have the pass.”

  I thanked him and left. I didn’t let the anger show on my face until I was halfway down the hall.

  Only two passes left and fifteen weekends to go.

  No more seeing my son whenever I want. No more sneaking off with Jaxson and Maverick. Not to mention the time I’ve been desperately trying to carve out with Ezra.

  Why did every semester at this school only seem to get harder?

  “ALRIGHT. MY MOM IS home so steer clear of her.”

  Eric held the car door open for me to get out. His car was sweet with a capital S. A
sleek silver Mercedes that tried to seduce me with its heated leather seats and smooth interior. I was one stolen key away from adding it to my harem.

  “Why do we have to avoid her?”

  Eric shot me a look as he put his key in the lock. “She’s been cooking all these heart-healthy meals since Dad’s heart attack and making everyone who gets near her be taste testers. She says she wants to take care of him so she’s taken over lunch and dinner from our chef.”

  “Aww,” cooed Sofia. “That’s sweet.”

  “It would be if the woman could cook.” He placed his hand over his chest. “I love her. She gave me life. But if you see her coming: run.”

  We cracked up as Eric threw open the doors. We made it three steps before a woman rounded the corner and appeared in front of us.

  “Mom,” Eric cried.

  Her full lips curled into a smile. “Hello, sweetie. Introduce me to your friend.” She zeroed in on me.

  “This is Valentina Moon.”

  I stepped forward to shake her hand. Her resemblance to Eric was so strong there was no doubt she was his mother from her lips to the curve of her cheekbones to the shape and color of her eyes.

  “My name is Helene. I’m happy to have you in my home.”

  “Your place is incredible. Like a castle.”

  “It’s old and stuffy but we like it.”

  Those weren’t the adjectives I would have chosen for this place. Out of all the mansions around Evergreen that I had the chance to visit, this was the biggest. This was twice the size of the biggest. Castle was right in that the mansion was made of a smooth gray stone and topped with turrets. The inside was even more breathtaking by their choosing to go with the theme and fill the place with antique furniture.

  “We’re just going to hang out by the pool, Mom,” Eric broke in. “Get a break from the academy.”

  “A break after one week? It only gets more difficult from here, sweetie. I hope you’re taking your studies seriously.”

  “Of course, I am. It’s just a few hours.”

  “A few hours is all it takes.” Helene’s voice was the definition of measured, but I picked up the scolding.

  “Yes, Mom.”

  Her smile returned. “You all go on. I’ll bring you a snack in a little while.”

  “You don’t have to,” Eric said quickly. “I know you’re busy. We can feed ourselves.”

  “I’m never too busy for you,” she replied as she walked away. “Make sure you say hello to your grandmother before you leave.”

  Eric waved us on. “Sof, you guys get changed and I’ll meet you by the pool. I’m going to tell the chef to sneak us something decent to eat.”

  Sofia turned on me the second he disappeared. “Okay, the library is down that hallway. Fifth door on the left. I spotted the yearbooks on the bookshelves in the back by the window. Let me show you where the pool is first so you can find us after.”

  “Okay.”

  Sofia took me through the sprawling manor and out to the pool. Making my way back to the library was tough. I turned down the wrong hallway twice before I finally ended up where we started. It was simple from there to find the fifth door hanging open on the left.

  The library of Eden Manor was as impressive as the rest of the home—maybe more so. The bookshelves reached as high as the rafters. They were as large as the grand windows that cast light on the quiet place.

  My feet were soundless on the hardwood floors as I made my way to the back by the windows. I had no trouble finding the yearbooks exactly where Sofia said. My fingers swept the spines as I went thirty-eight years in the past.

  This is it. This is the one Scarlett showed me.

  I pulled it down and flipped through until I found the sophomore class.

  There they were. Nora Wheatly and Walter McMillian.

  Now let’s see if you went to school with someone I know.

  I flipped back to the freshman class and began there. I squinted at every face and name. I was halfway through the sophomores when a flicker of recognition stopped me.

  Elizabeth Fairchild.

  This was her. A different last name and a younger face, but there was no doubt in my mind that I was looking at the girl who would become Professor Markham.

  I lowered my hands as that hit me. Markham didn’t only know them. She was in the same class as Walter and Nora.

  Markham was there when she was marked. She might know why it happened. She might have joined in on running her out. Then there’s Walter. That was the year one of her classmates was killed. She must know something about it.

  I shook my head. I would come back to Markham. Right now, I needed to find Scarlett’s father. Somehow that woman became a Spade. If we could find out more about her. We might understand why she was chosen.

  Two years ahead of Walter. That’s what she said.

  I paged straight through to the “L” last names.

  Lake. Laban. LaBarre. Landis. Leon.

  That was it. No more last names that started with “L” and no LeBlanc. The only name that came close was LaBarre and she was a girl.

  “Argh!” I burst out.

  “Hello?”

  I jerked. The yearbook slipped through my fingers as a creak sounded in the library. It was soon followed by footsteps.

  Stupid! Why didn’t I check to make sure no one was in here?

  “Who is there?”

  “I... um...” I trailed off as a woman appeared at the end of the row.

  She squinted at me through round-framed glasses. “Who are you? What are you doing in here?”

  The wrinkles lining her face and hair that was more white than brown told of her age. Even so the straight back, tailored pantsuit, and stern expression told me she wasn’t one to mess with.

  “I’m Valentina. I’m a friend of Eric’s. Are you his grandmother?”

  “I am. My name is Wilhelmina Eden.” She approached, still eying me suspiciously. “Why are you in here by yourself?”

  “I-I was just—” My eyes were drawn down to the book at my feet and hers followed. “I was curious about Evergreen in the old days. I hope it’s okay that I looked.”

  Her frown smoothed out. “Of course, it is. They are here to be looked at after all. Have you met my son? Eric’s father.”

  I shook my head.

  “Surely Eric has told you all about him,” she stated. It wasn’t a question.

  “Yes, ma’am. Graduated top of his class. Ivy League university. On the board of Shea Industries.”

  She inclined her head. “My son does cut an impressive figure. I see why you started with his yearbook.”

  “His yearbook?”

  She picked up the fallen book and flipped to the page she wanted in a second. She turned the book toward me and pointed to a face at the bottom.

  Andrew Eden.

  Something jiggled loose as I took in Andrew’s charmingly handsome face. “There was something else I heard about him,” I began. “Eric told me his dad... was a Knight.”

  “That is correct.” She answered so easily I was taken aback. I couldn’t speak about this stuff with Olivia or anyone else in the real world. I forgot sometimes that the world around Evergreen was an entirely different place. “It is a mantle that my son wore proudly. He did his duty to ensure he honored our legacy and the legacy of the academy. As I did when I was a Knight.”

  Pride was the word I would have used. It was woven through her every word. My brows drew together as I looked at her. This wasn’t what I came here for but I may still learn something.

  “Do you mind if I ask you questions?”

  “Not at all.” She lifted her chin a little higher. The first smile since I met her formed on her lips. “Ask away.”

  “Why were you and your son chosen?”

  “I told you, dear. Legacy. Every generation there has been an Eden at Evergreen Academy and there always will be.”

  “Every generation?”

  “Oh yes. All the way back to when the schoo
l began. My great-great-great-great grandfather was in the very first class.”

  “Wow,” I breathed. “So did you know you would be picked?”

  “No one ever knows, but I had a strong inkling.”

  “It must have been hard.”

  “Hard?”

  “Fifteen years old and expected to cut your hair and keep a school full of kids in line. Did you ever regret becoming a Knight?”

  “Never.” She replied before the question was fully out of my mouth. “Duty, dear. It is all about duty. One can whimper in the face of it or they can stand up and do what must be done. Evergreen is what it is today because of those that did not shirk their duty and we are all better for it.”

  “Did your son feel the same way?” The words fell from my lips before I could stop them. “About Nora Wheatly.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

  “He was a Knight when she was marked. He was there when her boyfriend was killed trying to protect her. I can’t imagine he enjoyed being a Knight then.”

  Her gaze sharpened. The silence stretched between us as I wondered if I had gone too far. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft.

  “You know quite a lot about this.” She closed the yearbook with a snap. “What did you say your name was?”

  “Valentina Moon.”

  She hummed low in her throat as she returned the book on the shelf. “You speak plainly. I admire that. So I will do the same.”

  “Thank y—”

  “Nora Wheatly was a common slut.”

  I choked. Of all the things I had thought she would say, that didn’t come close.

  “What?”

  “She was a slut,” Wilhelmina repeated. “She brought shame to herself and, more importantly, to the school. She couldn’t be allowed to remain and she accepted that. It was that boyfriend of hers that couldn’t. That is the truth but what happened to Walter McMillian was unconscionable. It never should have come to that.” She looked me dead in the eyes. “But you can be sure of two things: my son played no part in that boy’s death and, two, he did his duty.”

  I nodded for lack of a better thing to do.

  “Do you have any other questions?” Her smile was gone.

  “No. I should go find my friends.”