The Uptown Witch

by Chandelle LaVaun

  Alone and no friends? Jeebus.

  “May I?” I whispered to McCallis and pointed at her.

  He nodded.

  I walked over and crouched down in front of her so we were eye-to-eye. “Hi sweetheart, how are you?”

  She shrugged. I needed to make this right somehow. If I could, I’d take her under my wing and — OH. I wasn’t going to be much help, but I knew someone who could be.

  Amelia.

  I smiled at the girl. “What’s your name?”

  “Landy,” she said softly.

  “HI, Landy. I’m Emersyn.” I shook her hand. “You just got here today, right?”

  She nodded before I’d even finished asking.

  “I’m sure this is a bit scary and overwhelming, right?” When she nodded, I smiled. “That’s okay, though. We understand. But if it’s okay with you, I’d like to introduce you to my friend Amelia.” I tucked my hair behind my ears. “She’s your age and you’ll love her. She’d be thrilled to show you around school and New York, introduce you to people. What do you say?”

  Landy pursed her lips and glanced around the room. “O-o-okay. I’d – I’d like that.”

  I grinned and stood straight, then held my hand out for her to take. “Then follow me.”

  Chapter Nine

  Emersyn

  There was some seriously terrified energy rolling off of Landy as we walked across campus. Amelia’s schedule was the one thing I knew by heart here. Which was good because Landy was squeezing my hand so tight I was going to have bruises—not that I told her or even let on that she was hurting me.

  I just wished I knew what to say to her. Everything that came to mind just didn’t sound right. How you liking the weather here? Are you cold? How’s your dorm? Do you miss Issale? Has anyone taught you about automatic flushing toilets?

  But I had faith in my plan to introduce her to Amelia.

  She was too much like Deacon for this to not work. She was confident and charming, and genuinely cared about people’s feelings. And now that I knew she was a Ravenclaw, I knew she’d be thrilled to learn more about the shifter species – since she’d already asked us a million questions about them over the weekend.

  It was a win-win. In theory.

  Amelia was currently in her basic charms class, which I didn’t feel guilty about pulling her out of since I was a Wand and could teach her anything she missed. Or I could ask Lennox to teach Amelia anything she missed. Because this was important. Landy was our only student from Issale - shifter home country. If things didn’t go well…I didn’t even want to think about that.

  As we entered the main building, I pulled Landy close to me and hurried us down the hallway. Amelia’s class was one floor up, so we took the stairs. All the while, Landy never spoke. She just watched everything around us with big, wide eyes.

  When we got to the door, I paused then turned to Landy. “Do you want to wait outside the room for us?”

  She bit her lip then nodded.

  I spun and grabbed the handle, then yanked it open. These students were witches, my people, I wasn’t worried about startling them as much. In fact, the students didn’t even flinch. Some of them paid me no attention at all. Granted, most of them stared. Amelia sat front and center. Shocking. And she spotted me in an instant. Her violet eyes sparkled as she sat up straight in her seat. She grinned and waved at me.

  I smiled then turned to her teacher. “Pardon my interruption, but may I pull Amelia out of class for a bit?”

  The teacher – a young woman with crazy red curls whom I hadn’t learned the name of yet – smiled and nodded. “Of course. Miss English, go ahead and take your things. Don’t forget your homework.”

  Amelia was already on her feet and skipping over to me. Her tulle skirt swayed with every step. She met me by the door and bounced out into the hallway. “So, what’s up?”

  I wrapped my arm around her slim shoulders, then led her into the hall and over to Landy.

  Amelia gasped. “Oh…hello…”

  “Amelia, this is Landy. She’s a shifter from Issale who just got here.” I gestured to my soulmate’s cousin. “This is Amelia.”

  “Hi!” Amelia lunged forward and gave Landy a huge hug but stepped back quickly. “Welcome to New York!”

  Landy blinked and tucked her black hair behind her ears. “H-h-hi.” She looked down at the ground and pulled on a loose thread of her gray sweater.

  “I love your necklace!”

  Landy looked up with wide eyes.

  Amelia pointed to her throat. “Your necklace? With the beads and shells? I really love it, is it handmade?”

  Landy nodded. And twirled a couple of the beads around the thin piece of leather.

  “May I look?” Amelia asked. When Landy nodded, Amelia leaned forward to inspect the beads. She grinned. “They’re so cool. This is exactly how I pictured the Camp Half-blood neckla—"

  “Camp Half-blood!” Landy gasped. Her face paled. “You know Percy Jackson? The books?”

  “Know them?” Amelia shook her head and waved her arms around. “Girl, those are my favorite books – well, tied with Harry Potter, of course.”

  “You…you’ve read them?” Landy’s jaw dropped but her eyes shined a little brighter. “All the books?”

  Amelia nodded then frowned. “Yeah. Wait, do you have bookstores in Issale?”

  Landy sighed. “There’s not, but my brother takes me down the mountain sometimes to this little town and they have a really small bookstore there. Those were the only books for kids they had.”

  “Wait, wait, wait.” Amelia did this excited little dance. “You made your own Camp Half-blood necklace! Oh my Goddess, I want one. I need to make one – why didn’t I think to make one?!”

  I chuckled. “You know, Tegan loves those books, too.”

  Both girls gasped and spun toward me.

  “Are you serious?” Amelia squealed. She turned to Landy. “Tegan is like the coolest. She’s like Percy and Annabeth combined! She’s the High Priestess.”

  “Pretty sure I heard her and Bettina having this same discussion the other day when they were trying to decide which cabin they’d be —"

  “Which one did they pick?” Amelia whisper-shouted.

  I giggled. “Tegan said she was Team Poseidon all the way, because she does what she wants. Bettina said Hades, because it’d be really cool to control an army of the dead. Both answers are, of course, very concerning.”

  “Which one did you pick?” Landy asked.

  “Pick?” I pursed my lips. “Not sure which one I’d want, but given my abilities, I think that would put me in Hephaestus’ cabin.”

  Landy frowned. “Abilities?”

  Amelia’s grin turned absolutely wicked – and it reminded me too much of Deacon. “Oh yeah.”

  I flicked my wrists and two bright glowing flames filled my palms. “Fire.”

  Landy’s jaw dropped. “Whoaaaaa.”

  The bell hanging on the wall just over our heads blared – we all flinched and covered our ears. Note to self, turn that volume down a notch. Damn. Then the sound registered. It was the bell to dismiss class. I looked down at my watch to see where we were headed next.

  “LUNCH TIME!” Amelia cheered. She hooked her arm around Landy’s elbow and smiled. “Come on, Landy. You gotta meet my friends. They all love the books, too.”

  “Really?” Landy looked shell-shocked. She kept staring at Amelia like she was a unicorn or something. “Do you think they’ll like me?”

  “Of course they will! You have a Camp Half-blood necklace!” Amelia led her new friend down the hall toward the stairs, her long blonde hair swaying back and forth. “Diana insists she’s Diana, because they share the same name, even though you can’t possibly be in her cabin since she’s a maiden – but we let her have it. Nicole is Apollo. Brooke is Aphrodite—”

  “They all love the books?” Landy asked in wonder as we went down the stairs. “No one in Issale has read them.”

  “Oh ye
ah. We love them so much. Although, Megan is only on Mark of Athena, so no spoilers.”

  I laughed and shook my head. Ten minutes ago, Landy had been cowering in the corner and now she was bouncing down the hall chatting away. I wasn’t a book nerd like my twin, but I had to admit the power they had was amazing. Two perfect strangers with no reason to have a single thing in common had an instant bond…over a book.

  Tegan would love this. I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and opened up a text thread with Tegan and Bettina. So new shifter girl from Issale just got here, scared out of her mind. Introduced her to Amelia (D’s little cousin) and they immediately bonded over Percy Jackson books.

  YESSSSSSSSSSSSS. Tegan responded immediately, followed by GIFs of the ocean and a trident.

  Bettina followed with a GIF of the Greek God Hades from the Disney movie Hercules. My kind of ladies!

  I chuckled and snapped a picture of Landy and Amelia walking with linked arms in front of me. I knew Amelia would be a good friend but damn. I did not expect this.

  Awww. A blonde and a brunette! Bettina replied. Looks familiar.

  I scoffed. Yeah, except SOMEONE betrayed us.

  Come to the dark side, twin.

  Wait. No. DON’T DO THAT. Tegan sent immediately after with laughing emojis.

  Bettina sent a GIF of some girl spitting her drink from laughing.

  I glanced up as we entered the lunch hall, but Amelia and Landy were already halfway across the room. I shook my head and looked back to my phone. I have a good feeling about these two new friends. Hopefully they won’t be as troublemaking as two OTHER besties I know.

  I plead the Fifth.

  DFnksdnvsldvnsdv – sorry, you’re – ajlsnclasncsdv – breaking up – jdcadadvcad.

  I snorted and a big group of girls my age gave me weird looks. Tegan, you’re a dork. You just made me snort in front of preppy teenagers.

  Light ‘em up if they bully you, twin.

  I can send you some Black Widow videos if you need impressive moves. Worked on Jackson.

  I shook my head. You two are bad influences. Are you trying to get me in trouble?

  Bettina sent a GIF of Professor Snape shrugging. I know the Coven Leader, he’s pretty soft on me now that I look like him again.

  Oh, our Coven Leader is feeling pretty…worn out…this morning, Tegan said with a winking emoji. Now is your chance for questionable behavior because he’ll be sleeping it off all day.

  As your best friend, I applaud you…as his sister? Gross.

  I snorted. Again. Don’t give Tegan that kind of ammunition, B.

  Damn it, I knew I shouldn’t have deleted those videos……

  TEGAN. Bettina sent the puking emoji. IF I EVER SEE THAT I WILL HAVE MY VENGEANCE.

  The giggle-snort that came out of me was embarrassing, so I didn’t look up to see who was watching me. Although…a video of that nature could serve as a serious weapon against Cooper.

  OMG EMERSYN!!! Bettina replied. HE WOULD NEVER RECOVER.

  Those texting bubbles popped up, and then Tegan said… On a completely unrelated note, do you think Tenn would wake up from a flash? It’s pretty dark in here right now.

  TEGAN I KNOW YOUR SECRETS AND I WILL USE THEM.

  “Emersyn?”

  I jumped and spun around to find Headmaster Muller standing behind me. “Oh, Headmaster, hello.”

  She arched one black eyebrow and smirked. “You all right? You’re just standing here cackling…”

  I sighed and hung my head and a little chuckle slipped out. “Sorry, yes, I’m fine. My twin and her best friend are texting me and…yeah…”

  Muller smiled. “Ah, okay. Well, I was actually looking for you.”

  “Oh, yeah?” I smiled, even though my phone was vibrating nonstop in my hand and I was dying to see what Tegan and Bettina were saying. “What’s up?”

  “Well, we have a new shifter student today—”

  “Oh yes!” I glanced over my shoulder and pointed to where Amelia was introducing Landy to all of her friends. “I’m hoping Amelia will be helping her feel more comfortable here.”

  “That’s wonderful, although I wasn’t referring to her.”

  I frowned and turned back. “You weren’t? We have another new shifter?”

  “Yep.” She nodded and gestured for me to follow her out of the lunch hall. “This student is your age and is a he. His parents are here to make sure he’s all set up. I thought it would be good if you met them as well.”

  “Yes, thank you so much,” I said as we walked into the hall. I glanced down at my phone and saw twenty unread text messages from Tegan and Bettina.

  “They’re actually talking to Deacon right now.”

  My chest filled with heat and I smiled. I looked back up – and froze. My heart plummeted into the pit of my stomach. My whole body locked in place. What??? No. No. No.

  Deacon stood with his back to me as he spoke to three people. Three people I recognized instantly. People I was once super close with. Paul and Joyce Harbor. Two of the sweetest, kindest people you’d ever meet. And in between them was Chris.

  My ex-boyfriend.

  This is not happening right now.

  Chapter Ten

  Deacon

  “Do y’all have a football team? Baseball?”

  “Paul,” the woman hissed and lightly smacked her husband’s arm.

  Paul shrugged. “What? He loves sports and he’s good at them. He’s giving up a guaranteed football scholarship to come here—”

  “He can’t play football in college OR professional, Paul.” She put both hands to her temples and rubbed circles. “You know the rules, nothing in the spotlight.”

  “I’m just saying it’d be nice if he got a little help for college finances—”

  “Dad.” The student in question closed his eyes and shook his head. Then he turned to his father. “Mom is right. We know the rules. Football was for fun, not for college. What if I get hit and accidentally shift while on live television? I’m not interested in the King coming for me.”

  Paul pursed his lips. “What about volleyball? Or golf? OH, maybe the swim team? All non-contact sports. Christian, you could do one of those. No one watches those on T.V. for college.”

  Christian, the student, opened his mouth then closed it. “True. Good point. I could be like Happy Gilmore.”

  “Gentlemen, we will continue this conversation later.” The mother turned her piercing blue eyes to me. “Now, my husband has a point about scholarships for college. Back in North Carolina, he had an advanced academic schedule. I want Christian to attend here, but we need to know he has options for the next step. What can SOMA offer?”

  Right. Because a seventeen-year-old should be fielding these questions. I took a deep breath. “Well, I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’m not sure how much civilian shifters know about what’s going on for arcana – more specifically, The Coven – but myself and the Empress were unfortunately called away for an emergency during the setup of curriculum. However, before I left, I worked directly with your King and his right hand, Silas, to ensure our school had the curriculum that y’all need.”

  Did I just say y’all?

  I said ain’t before, too.

  What is Emersyn doing to me?

  I cleared my throat. “I gave Silas and Headmaster Muller free reign to do what was needed. Now, I’ve only just got back on Friday, so I’m not sure if I’m best suited to field that question. Headmaster Muller will be able to put your worries at ease much better than I could. However, I’m happy to host a meeting for all of us to sit and discuss in detail the class curriculum and make any necessary changes.”

  Christian narrowed blue eyes that were identical to his mother’s. “Are you the Emperor Card? Because you sound like a politician.”

  “Me? The Emperor?” I laughed and shook my head. “Good Goddess, no. That dude is terrifying and definitely not that wordy.”

  Paul scowled. “We did hear about some dangers yo
ur lot was facing, I hope everything is better?”

  I smiled. “Yes, thank you. We’ve handled the issue as swiftly as possible.”

  “And which other Card is here with you?” Joyce cocked her head to the side and looked to the ceiling like the answer was written up there. “I heard there were two Coven members here.”

  Just then – like they’d summoned her – my chest lit up like a furnace. Emersyn. I grinned and shoved my hands into my pockets so I wouldn’t reach out and touch her in front of the new student and his parents. We were trying really hard to remain as professional as possible. But my hands couldn’t be trusted.

  “That is correct. The Empress was sent here with me.”

  All three of their eyes widened, as if they knew of her. I sensed their desires changing. They wanted to impress Emersyn. Interesting. Note to self, talk to Tenn about how much other species know about us.

  The fire in my chest seared through my bones. A wave of heat slammed into my left side and I knew she was near. “As a matter of fact…”

  Christian glanced to his right – then did a double-take. He gasped. His blue eyes widened and his jaw hung open.

  I grinned. Emersyn had that kind of effect on guys and yet she was completely oblivious to it. It was pretty adorable, actually. I glanced over my shoulder and found Emersyn standing just outside the door to the lunch hall next to Headmaster Muller. The second I saw her I had an overwhelming sense of relief. All of the tension left my body. I hadn’t seen her all morning and apparently I was suffering from separation anxiety.

  But she looked breathtaking today. Her hair was wild and wavy, like she’d been running on the beach. She had on those black and gold Chanel boots that went halfway up her thighs and made her legs look eight miles long. And with the all-black clothing, her golden eyes looked like pure sunshine as they stared at us – wait.

  I frowned and focused on my soulmate’s face. Her eyes were wide as hell, like she’d just seen a demon. And her cheeks were flushed. She looked horrified. I pushed my magic out and instantly felt her desire to flee. Quickly.