Evergreen Academy - The Complete Series

by Ruby Vincent

  Ace: Whatever my new Knights have planned will be nothing compared to the fallout from releasing this video. Maybe you will explain yourself to the cops.

  I calmly set my phone down on the nightstand and padded to the bathroom. I took a hot, lazy shower, and then stepped out and went through my nighttime routine. It was only when I was comfortable in bed that I picked my phone up again.

  Me: Stop banging that drum. If you wanted to release that video, you would have done it a long time ago. I don’t want to, but if it came to it, I could explain to the cops why Scarlett died and why we didn’t come forward. No jury would convict.

  She did things that would make any decent person vomit. You’re not a decent person, but I don’t think even you would be okay with it. You chose the wrong side, Ace. You have proven that the Spades are nothing more than what everyone has feared. You’re a bunch of mindless, bullying thugs taking advantage of people who can’t fight back.

  I tapped the last period and then shut off my phone once more. It felt insanely good telling Ace off. I was not scared of them and it was time they knew.

  I burrowed into the sheets and let my eyes fall shut. I knew as I drifted off to sleep that I would have no nightmares that night.

  Chapter Three

  “You’ve got a funny look on your face.”

  I glanced up from packing my bag and met Sofia’s narrowed eyes. She was reclining against my bed like we didn’t have to be in class in ten minutes.

  “I don’t have a funny look. This is just my face.”

  “I’ve known that face for four years. That is your I’m-planning-something face.”

  “You’re mixing it up with my we’re-going-to-be-late-for-class face. Which we will if we don’t leave now.”

  “Spill it, Valentina Blythe Moon.”

  “Hey,” I hissed. “Don’t go tossing my full name around. Anyone could hear.”

  “I want to know what you’re planning. We’re a team, remember. Tell me so I can back you up.”

  Sighing, I dropped my head. “You can’t back me up this time. This I have to do myself.”

  “But—”

  “What I really need my best friend to do... is trust me.”

  Sofia studied me for a long time—long enough that we missed our chance to be on time for class. Finally, she said, “Okay. I trust you.”

  “Thank you.”

  She picked herself up off the bed and got her things. Together we booked it to the fourth floor and burst in to Roundtree’s tsk.

  “Ladies,” he began as he rose from his seat. “Late on the second day. I’m afraid that means you’ll spend the afternoon in class with me—helping me organize the back room.”

  “I’ll take that punishment,” Paisley whispered when I sat down. “I’ll take all his punishments.”

  Sometimes I forgot how X-rated Paisley could be, but she was always quick to remind me.

  We got through class with no more punishments being handed out. The nine of us broke apart outside the door and headed for our lockers. Ryder fell in step beside me. I waited until we stopped in front of 999 to speak.

  “Ryder, I wanted to let you know I’m going off campus this weekend.”

  “Okay. Why?”

  “I’m going to see Caroline.”

  Ryder went rigid. He froze with his hand half out of his locker. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m going to see your mother.”

  “Why are you doing that?” His voice was tightly controlled. “You’re not going to ask her to step in even though—”

  “No.” I put my hand on his arm and made him face me. “I’m giving the money back.”

  His anger was chased away by confusion. “The money?”

  “All the money she gave me after I found out about Adam. I appreciate what she’s done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am now without her, but I think if we’re going to have a future, I need to have a normal relationship with your mother.”

  Ryder’s eyes traced my face, looking for what I did not know. “So... you’re doing this for us?”

  Heat rushed my cheeks, but I pushed through. “Yes, I am. I don’t know what’s involved. It’s a large sum of money so I want to meet with her and handle the details. It would also be nice to sit and talk with her for a bit. I think she would like that too.”

  “She would. Mom genuinely likes you. She asks me all the time how you are. I tell her you’re still the same pain in the ass.”

  I folded my arms. “You’re going the right way for a kick up the backside. How’s that for pain in your ass?”

  Laughing, Ryder gently flicked my nose. “Just kidding, Moon. I only have good things to say about you. You’re amazing.”

  I didn’t have time to reply before he grabbed my folded arms and tugged. I flew into his chest and he wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. “Thank you,” he whispered into my hair. “I want you and Mom to have a real relationship too.” He kissed my head as I drowned in his spicy scent. “I’ll get a pass for this weekend as well.”

  That dragged me out of my fog. “Why? To spend time with me or to make sure your mom doesn’t bust out the baby pictures?”

  “Both. Definitely both.”

  I giggled. Ryder could make moody people seem like a bundle of laughs, but I couldn’t deny that I felt comfortable with him. We had fun together when his guard was down and he was free to be himself. Plus, he was amazing with Adam. Spending a weekend away with him was something I’d wanted for a long time.

  Clearing my throat, I stepped out of his embrace. “We should go. I don’t want to be late for another class.”

  Ryder bumped into me as he walked me to environmental science. The back of our hands brushed in a spark of electricity. The next time he bumped me, he hooked his pinky through mine. I turned my palm out and threaded our fingers together. Nothing felt more right at that moment.

  “YOU ARE SENIORS AND this is an advanced class. I expect nothing but hard work and no excuses,” said Professor Patchett. She was a short, fussy woman with hair the same length as mine. “This year, we’ll be studying geosciences, atmospheric sciences, ecology, and environmental chemistry. Our work will even take us outside and on an end-of-semester field trip.

  “Today, I’ll give you an overview of the class and where this field will take you for those that plan to further their studies in higher education. Now, take out your textbooks and turn to chapter one.”

  “Are you planning to take your studies to higher education?” Darren’s voice slithered into my ear. My stomach writhed with disgust. I knew when he sat down behind me that he wouldn’t resist running his mouth. “Don’t you have a violent little kid to think about?”

  “My son isn’t violent. He just doesn’t like assholes any more than I do.”

  “He gets that from you, does he? What does he get from his dad?”

  I tensed. “We’re not chatting, Darren. Leave me alone.”

  Darren went on like I hadn’t spoken. “Who is his dad? We know you had him in middle school. Isabella cornered Claire and got out of her that you disappeared from school because of a bad case of mono, but she couldn’t think of anyone you had been with at the time.”

  My nails dug half-moons into my palm. “Did you hear what I said? Leave me alone.”

  “I only want to know who his dad is. Or... do you not know?” He clicked his tongue. “Like mother, like daughter. Your mom doesn’t know who your dad is either, isn’t that right? Got knocked up on some spring break cock cruise? No, wait— Ryder found the guy in freshman year. How did the reunion go?”

  “You think because Ryder is sitting across the room that you won’t get your face bashed in? You’re going to find out how wrong you are if you keep talking about my family.”

  “I—”

  “You two,” Patchett bellowed. “Quiet and open your textbooks.”

  Darren thankfully closed his mouth and did as she said.

  I got through my morning classes and left psychology with Paisley
. We met up with Sofia outside of her math class.

  “I’m actually looking forward to lunch,” she said. “I missed breakfast and my stomach is eating itself right now.”

  “I missed it too,” I said. “I know the chef never does the same dish twice, but I’m hoping he pulls something out with salmon. He does magic with that fish.”

  “You have to stop blatantly loving the food here, Val, or Evergreen will never ease up on the diet.”

  Paisley laughed. “If anything, us loving it might get him to change. He loves taking away things we enjoy.”

  I joined in on the laughter to cover my swirling emotions. It’s time. It’s almost time.

  “I think the new Knights get the credit for taking away what we love,” Sofia replied. “Science club hasn’t started, but I have a feeling Cade would close the door in my face.”

  “Maybe not,” Paisley said. “The academic clubs are run by the professors. They can’t have turned something like that over to a student.”

  “This entire school is run by students.”

  Paisley couldn’t argue with that. The conversation came to a halt as we approached Sofia’s locker. She grabbed the lock, but then hesitated like she didn’t know the combination, but of course she did.

  Seeing her standing there pulled the memory out of my mind.

  “Darren got off easy.” Sofia walked next to me, radiating anger. “Ryder should have broken more than his jaw.”

  I faced ahead and ignored the looks being thrown our way. “He said he’d get the mark lifted if I gave him what he wanted. He was always disgusting, but he’s gotten even worse since Ace made him a Knight.”

  “A real Knight taught him a lesson he won’t forget for the next six weeks.” Sofia paused in front of her locker and spun the combination. “He’ll spend his summer vacation with his filthy mouth wired shut.”

  “I can’t wait until the nurse explains it to his par—”

  Sofia threw open her locker. Everything happened faster than I could see. One second we were talking and then the next second Sofia’s scream ripped through the hall.

  She turned to me, eyes huge, as blue dye dripped down her face. Laughter rang through the hall, loud enough to cover her when she started screaming.

  I shook away the sight. We knew that the Spades could get in and out of our lockers as they wished, but that was the first time we had opened one to find more than a joker card. The dye got in and stung her eyes. I rushed her to the nurse amid their laughter, but her eyes were red for days—almost as long as it took the dye to fade.

  She stepped off to the side and opened the locker. Nothing happened. She relaxed as she put away her books. “I can’t wait until we graduate,” she mumbled. “I’m sick of this place.”

  We continued to the lunchroom when she was done. Along the way, we picked up more of the group. Zane put his arm around Sofia and whispered something in her ear that replaced her frown with a smile.

  I’m glad Zane is staying after we graduate, I thought as they kissed. I want my best friend to be happy even if we’re far apart.

  A tinge of sadness laced the thought. We might not be in the same place next year. It was hard to think about that after all that we had gone through. A year was still a long way off, though. I still needed to get through senior year. I needed to get through today.

  Paisley, Zane, Sofia, Kai, and I pushed through into the cafeteria. The four seated on the dais took note of us when we stepped inside. They stood.

  “Shit,” Kai said under his breath. “I bet they’re about to start something. Can’t we just eat in peace?”

  “Hey, you!” Natalie leveled a finger at us. “Out.”

  Kai raised his voice. “Relax. We’re just getting our lunch.”

  “Not in here, you’re not,” Airi cut in. “You’re banned from the lunchroom too.”

  The four of them climbed off and planted themselves in front of us.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” asked Paisley.

  “You’re not allowed in here,” Isabella confirmed. “You eat in Roundtree’s class now. The staff has been told to bring your meals there.”

  “So we’d better not see you in here again,” Darren finished. “Get out.”

  The Knights stepped forward as rage blotted my vision. That is enough of this. I’m doing it now.

  Natalie put out her hands like she was getting ready to shove me. I darted around her.

  “Hey!”

  I ignored her as I stormed up the dais. “We’re doing this again,” I cried into the room. “More bullying, more insults, more freezing me out. Another stupid card shows up in my locker and you turn on me—”

  “Valentina!” Airi shouted.

  “—but have any of you asked why?” I climbed on the dais and kept climbing until I was on top of the table. The new Knights rushed me and I was reminded of the last time I stood up here. “Do you know why I was marked? Do you know why you’ve been torturing me and the people who have tried to help me?”

  “Get down!” Natalie seized my leg. Her nails dug into my skin hard enough to make me cry out. Without thinking, I doubled over and brought my hand up.

  Smack!

  Natalie let out a scream as her head snapped to the side. Her friends grabbed her as she stumbled back from the force of my slap and I took my chance.

  “I know exactly who marked me in freshman year—”

  “Valentina!” This shout drew my attention. Maverick, Ryder, Ezra, and Jaxson had entered the lunchroom. Ryder was the first one to run at me.

  No, I have to do this.

  Every eye was on me as the secret I had been keeping for years fell from my lips. “It was Scarlett LeBlanc. She was an art professor, a Spade, and... a pedophile. She marked me when I found out the truth.”

  The final word was barely out of my mouth before Ryder took hold of me. The room blurred as I flew off the table and into his arms. Ryder spun and raced toward the door, trying to get me out as quickly as he could, but there was one more thing I needed to say.

  “You’ve been attacking me on the orders of a child-molesting predator!” I shrieked. “So what are you going to do now?!”

  Mayhem descended the moment the doors swung shut. The shouting and screaming echoed through the halls and was only ended by the stairwell door. There was no Knight room to take me to so Ryder burst onto the main floor. I yelled at him to put me down the whole way to our dorm, but he didn’t listen.

  It was only when the door was locked and bolted behind us that he let me scramble out of his arms.

  Our chests heaved as we gazed at each other across the front room.

  “Valentina.” Ryder’s eyes were glittering silver pools. “What did you do?”

  “I did what I said I would do last year. If I had, none of this would have happened. Ace wouldn’t have come for me. The class wouldn’t have followed the mark.”

  “People are going to investigate her now—her disappearance. They’ll interrogate you!”

  I tossed my head. “You don’t have to be worried. I won’t tell anyone what Scarlett did to you or—”

  “You think I’m worried about me?!” The bellow blew me back. “We don’t know what Ace is going to do now! You’ve outed one of them as a pedophile. If there is an investigation and you start tossing the word Spades around to the police; they’ll have to dig deeper. They have hidden themselves for decades. They won’t be brought out of hiding now. What if they decide to shut you up permanently?”

  Everything Ryder said I had considered a hundred times. I knew what I could be setting off, but I also knew a war with the Spades was inevitable. It was either going to be me who started it or Ace, because a thousand marks wouldn’t get me out of this school.

  I held his gaze without wavering. “I had to take that risk. I’ll do what it takes to protect all of you.”

  Ryder opened his mouth to say what I would never know, because, at that second, the door flew open and the others ran in. Seven voices pelte
d me at once and Ryder was pushed to the side as Sofia grabbed me in a tearful hug.

  We ended up missing our classes. I only managed to get out when the final bell rang because I reminded them my phone was still in the box. I said I would go alone, but got a resounding no from the entire room.

  I could feel Ryder’s eyes on me as we crossed the courtyard. His gaze was as penetrating as Jaxson’s, Maverick’s, and Ezra’s. We desperately needed to talk alone.

  Roundtree looked up when we entered the classroom. “I thought you forgot.”

  “Forgot what?” Sofia asked.

  “You’re spending the afternoon with me.”

  I had forgotten. Ryder looked for a moment like he was going to argue, but I placed a hand on his arm.

  “What do you need us to do, Professor Roundtree?”

  He shook his head. “Not you, Miss Moon. The headmaster wants to see you in his office an hour ago. You should go now.”

  “Okay.” I turned to leave, but it was Maverick’s turn to take my arm.

  “Val, wait. We have to talk first. What are you going to tell him?”

  “I’ll tell him what I can,” I said softly.

  Ezra stepped to my side. “I’ll go with you.” There was a determined set to his jaw. “I’ll—”

  I smiled to let him know what that meant to me. “Not this time. I don’t know what I’m walking into. Let me speak to him first.”

  “Miss Moon,” Roundtree interrupted. “Get going.”

  I slipped out of Maverick’s hold and made for the door. Jaxson stepped into my path as I reached for the knob. He didn’t speak. Instead, he cupped my cheek and kissed me, banishing any doubt that I was doing the right thing. They had protected me. Now I had to protect them.

  Jaxson stepped to the side and let me go. The halls were quiet as I walked to the headmaster’s office but my mind was anything but. Mrs. Khan looked up when I entered. There was no smile on her face.

  “You can go in, Valentina. They are waiting for you.”

  They?

  I went inside and found out exactly who they were. Headmaster Evergreen sat at his desk. Behind him stood Gus and Mrs. Stanton, the school nurse.