“I’m going to tell her you slept with me. She will never take your side over mine because she trusts me.”
“I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you. Save your lies Kyra and tell him goodnight. I’m going to beat you down. I’m sure you don’t want him to see it.” I tossed the cover from me and strolled towards Kyra.
“Ari, it isn’t what it looks like. He was trying to rape me.”
“He asked you if you were twenty-one and you said yes. You are seventeen just like I am. Girls like you get guys into trouble.”
“Maximus get out and don’t come back.”
“I didn’t touch her. I swear I didn’t even kiss her.”
“I believe you, but it doesn’t change anything. Get out and don’t come back.”
“Damn Cade Cohen.” Maximus hopped out of the window.
I balled up my fist and punched her in the gut. When she dropped to her knees, I kicked her in the face.
“You are on your own Kyra. I’m telling the headmaster what you did tonight. I hope he sends you home.”
“You’re just jealous that Maximus wanted me over you.” Kyra wiped her bloody nose on her dress sleeve.
“Come on. Do you want a piece of me? You aren’t worth my time.” I walked over to the window and locked it. Rolling my eyes, I tossed the covers aside and slid in them. I didn’t know when class started but I knew I needed more than thirty minutes of sleep.
“You’ve always been jealous of me. It’s not my fault that I’m beautiful and you’re plain,” said Kyra. She straightened her pink dress and put her curly hair up in a ponytail.
“No-one wants you, Kyra. You don’t even want you. That’s why you’re in the street throwing my name all around town. You’re just sad, and I pity you.”
A second later Kyra strolled out of the bedroom door. Closing my eyes, I leaned against the headboard. I couldn’t afford to sleep heavy, which I do sometimes when I’m exhausted.
Five minutes passed and a bell rang. It was loud. Opening my eyes, I stared at the ceiling. Shuffling to my feet I opened the bedroom door. The hall flooded with students rushing down the corridor. Great. It seemed that school starts at five in the morning. Slamming the door, I dashed to my bag grabbing the first outfit that matched and ran into the shower.
After taking the quickest shower of my life, I rushed down the hall with my notepad and pencil. My skin was still damp and my hair curled up in a ball at the back of my head. I didn’t have time to detangle, which meant at least a four-hour detangling session later. Could this day get any worse?
Turning at the end of the corridor the hall was suddenly empty. Turning left then right I rushed past three closed doors. A tall blond-haired girl wearing a very short lime checked shirt and white blouse strutted down the hall.
“Excuse me. I’m lost I’m not certain where my first class is located. Can you help me?”
“Sure. You probably are in Ms. Jenkins class, the third door on the left.” She pointed to the door and flounced into the classroom. The door slammed shut behind her.
“Thanks.” I ran to the third door and flung it open. I stumbled into the classroom, and everyone looked at me.
“I’m new and I thought this might be where I’m supposed to be.” I walked forward to the empty desk in front of me.
“This class is for third level students. You need to report to the third classroom on the right.”
“Thank you.” Clutching my notebook, I rushed out of the door and quietly closed it.
Running to the next classroom I rushed inside. The door closed behind me and I saw Kyra standing there. She was still wearing the pink dress from last night. She looked like a deer caught in headlights, but I moved past her and went to sit down in the empty chair in the front.
The girl that gave me the wrong directions looked at me and laughed. “I see you made it to class.”
Kyra moved to the right side and slid into a seat. She pulled the bottom of her dress down toward her knees when she heard the guys in the back snickering at her.
“I would’ve been here sooner if you hadn’t sent me to the wrong class. What’s your problem?” I looked at her. I’m not used to being bullied and I’m not going to start.
“You prissy girls always think you’re better than someone else.”
“I don’t know you and you don’t know anything about me.” Turning toward the front of the classroom I dismissed her. I’m two seconds from ripping all her thin blond strands from her head. I’m sleepy and cranky. I just don’t have time for her crap today.
“I’m Bethanny Holland and I run this place. There’s nothing that goes on here that I don’t know about. You aren’t as innocent as you look.” She tossed her blond hair over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes at me.
The classroom door opened and Cade walked inside. He looked around then walked over to sit next to me. Placing an apple on the desk he laid his notebook down.
I could smell him from here. He smelled of a salty ocean breeze on a mid-summer day. He was more beautiful under the bright florescent lights than he was last night. It seemed as if fate was against me today, first with blond bimbo and now Cade. What did I do to deserve this? His apple reminded me that I didn’t eat anything last night.
“Is that the girl that snuck out with Maximus last night?” The red-headed girl pointed to me, then blew a huge bubble.
“It looks like her to me,” said Bethanny.
“That was Kyra, Arianna was with me. I gave her a tour of the enchanted gardens, as well as a grand tour of the place,” said Cade. He handed me his apple and winked before turning his attention to Bethanny.
“They’re identical twins how can you tell them apart,” asked Bethanny.
I glanced at Kyra who sank deeper into her chair when everyone looked at her. The guys whispered about her short pink dress too. I had never seen her uncomfortable in that dress as she was today.
“It’s easy to tell them apart. At least, I can tell them apart,” said Cade.
Bethanny mumbled something under her breath and the red-haired girl fell about laughing. She had tears in her eyes when she finally sat up.
“I didn’t know you were giving people tours. This place is so big. I’d love to see the enchanted gardens if you have time,” said Bethanny. Her eyes shot daggers at me while I savored every morsel of the apple.
“Peter can show you around, Bethanny.” Cade shook his head and turned around dismissing her.
“I’d love it if you showed me.”
“No can do, Bethanny,” said Cade.
An older man walked through the door. “My name is professor Ben Barnes; we’re going to talk about angels and demons today.” He laid his briefcase on the table. Once he opened it, he took out two large stacks of papers.
I held up the empty apple core and smiled. My stomach wasn’t full, but it wouldn’t be growling loud in public.
“Kyra Deeds, you need to report to the Wisdom Chamber, where you’ll meet the Headmaster, Liam Moretti,” said Ben.
Silence fell over the classroom. I glanced at Kyra who grabbed her notebook and walked out of the classroom. When the door closed behind her, everyone looked at me. I wanted to slide down in my seat and hide but I didn’t want them to see me sweat.
A girl elbowed me in the side. “My name is Ivy Tussac. You must be scared to death for your sister. I hear it’s a scary thing to meet the headmaster.”
“My name is Arianna Deeds. Kyra knows that there’s a chance that the headmaster might send her home.”
“That must suck. My name’s Audrey Davenport. I’m a second-year student, so I know all about how rumors get started here.” She pulled her brown hair in a ponytail and leaned down to turn her phone on vibrate.
Audrey may be a seasoned student, but she seemed nasty. She seemed like the type of girl that thrived on gossip and popularity. I don’t have many female friends for that reason.
I looked at Ivy who shrugged her shoulders. “I thought the class was full of firs
t-year students.”
“We’re all here because of our magical abilities and unique gifts. This isn’t like regular college. Some classes that you take will be mixed with upper-level students and beginner students. There have been some occasions where we have met others,” said Audrey.
“I hope you don’t mean vampires,” said Ivy. She shivered and turned around.
“If you’re scared of vampires how are you going to fight demons?” asked Bethanny. She snickered.
“How many demons have you fought Bethanny?” My patience was thin. I wasn’t known to have patience anyway, and Bethanny was straining what little I had.
“Bethanny is the only upper-level student that hasn’t fought a demon. She’s been running away from the fight. She can’t progress in her training until she overcomes her fears,” said Cade.
“That’s pathetic.” My voice rose and everyone looked from me to Bethanny before laughter broke out. Ignoring Bethanny and her snotty friends, I had a different first day. I wasn’t worried about Kyra and when she didn’t come back to the classroom, I assumed she was sent home.
“Class in order to understand where we’re going, we must understand the past that led us to the crossroads today,” said Ben.
The apples had become room temperature, so I bit into it allowing my mouth to savor the juices. My teeth thanked me that the fruit wasn’t cold. I’ve always had sensitive teeth and mom was too poor to afford a dentist. That’s a shame since robots perform dental surgery and its thirty percent cheaper now days.
The bell rang. Today wasn’t so bad. I understand that Valcrum trusts the angels to watch over and protect the humans. The question in my mind is one I have never voiced until today. Who watches over and protects the angels?
Everyone jumped out of their seats. A huge line forms at the door as everyone rushes out of the classroom. I rose slowly. Glancing at Cade, I see that he’s waiting for the rush to die down too.
“I’m sorry about what I said about Letoya. I’m usually not so defensive.” I glance at him then turn to get my notebook.
“It was a long night and I shouldn’t have judged you. My issue is with Maximus, not you.”
“There’s no sense in you getting lunch alone, we can stop by the advisor’s office, get your schedule and get some lunch,” said Ivy. She strapped her book bag on her shoulders and smiled.
“That sounds like a plan.” I smiled at Ivy and moved away from my chair.
“My name is Arianna Deeds.” I held out my hand to Cade.
“Cade Cohen. I’ll see you around.” He shook my hand then walked out of the classroom.
“Well damn. You’ve only been here twenty-four hours and you have the two hottest guys in Atlanta focused on you. I need to hang out with you, so maybe Gregory Duncan will finally notice me,” said Audrey.
Frowning I looked at Ivy. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play shy with me baby doll. I’m talking about Cade Cohen and Maximus Ward. I hope for your sake you choose Maximus because Cade belongs to Bethanny,” said Audrey.
We walked out of the classroom and down the hall. Cade didn’t seem like the kind of guy that would date a girl like Bethanny. She wasn’t a nice person. They chatted among themselves until we reached my room.
“Cade is gorgeous. Why would he choose Bethanny,” asked Ivy? She closed the door behind her and leaned up against the wall.
“Cade doesn’t know he belongs to Bethanny and she won’t allow any girl to get close to him.”
“I don’t see how she can stop a girl from talking to or dating Cade. It’s up to him who he wants to date. He doesn’t seem interested in Bethanny,” said Ivy.
This conversation was getting out of control. “Cade isn’t interested in me. We had an argument last night that’s all.”
I saw that Kyra’s bags were still stuffed in the corner. The outfit that she had on in class was thrown haphazardly across the bed like I was her maid. Secretly I hoped that she was thrown out of school on her butt.
“It looks like your sister is still a student here at the academy,” said Audrey. She picked up the three makeup brushes that were on the desk and looked at the jars of foundation next to them.
“It sure looks like it, but she’ll need to find another room to sleep in. She’s not welcome in my room.” I placed her clothes over the chair in the corner and dropped my books on the bed.
“She was here first so this would be her room. I doubt that there are any extra rooms here since they never truly know how many students will arrive,’ said Audrey.
“I don’t understand that. If you offer ten spots then ten people potentially would arrive. What’s so hard about knowing how many students are coming,” asked Ivy.
I was under the impression that no one turns down the academy. Some people aren’t very religious but it is deeper than that. I guess some people want a say in what happens in their lives. “Wow. I was told this was the ultimate honor and I’ve never heard of anyone turning down admission to the academy.”
“You don’t get it,” said Audrey
Ivy raised her hand. “I don’t get it either.”
Rushing into the bathroom I fixed my hair. Despite the air conditioning blasting through the building, my hair looked like a frizzy poof ball. I’m glad I didn’t know it looked this bad when I was talking to Cade. Strolling out of the bathroom I grabbed my purse.
“Angels are being hunted and a lot of the angels that are admitted have been found dead. Things have changed. There is a lot going on right now that the school hasn’t been talking about,” said Audrey.
“What does all this have to do with Cade and Maximus? Just to be clear I am not interested in Maximus and I’m not here for a boyfriend. We have a job to do and my family is important to me. My mom has only me because Kyra doesn’t care.”
“The last girl that fell in love with Cade, Melody Ackerman, went missing. She was found dead in the enchanted gardens. They say Bethanny lured her out there,” said Audrey
“Audrey do yourself a favor and stop listening to gossip. Your time here will be smoother and less stressful.”
I opened the door for them. Audrey snorted as she walked out behind Ivy. Closing the door, I ran smack into a wall of muscles. The man’s chest was massive. Looking up my eyes widened when piercing blue eyes met mine. This man wasn’t a student. There was something about him that spoke of sex appeal. His gruff beard did nothing to detract from his gorgeous face. He was stunning. I’m sure he was a teacher or someone of importance and I’m sure I was drooling.
Stepping back, I looked up. “Excuse me.” I tried to step around him and waved for Ivy and Audrey to follow me, but they didn’t move.
“Arianna Deeds, I’m Liam Moretti, the headmaster here at the academy. I hope Audrey isn’t scaring you already on your first day,” said Liam.
“It’s nice to meet you. We were just heading to the advisor’s office so that I can obtain my schedule and get a bite to eat.”
“There’s no need to go to the advisor’s office. I have placed Cade in charge of showing you the ropes and getting you up to speed,” said Liam.
“I’m sure he would rather run through fire after being doused in gasoline. I’m a quick learner and Audrey is getting me up to speed.”
“Ms. Deeds it wasn’t up for discussion. Cade will help you.”
“Are you punishing me because of my sister? I thought when I left home and came to the academy I would be judged on my own merits and abilities and not punished for my sister’s deeds.”
The gasp from Audrey and Ivy didn’t quell my temper or my feelings. I’m tired of being treated badly based on Kyra’s actions. I’m my own person and for once, I want to be treated as such. “I mean no disrespect but last night my sister left me defenseless on an abandoned side of town with rabid werewolves thirsting for my blood, all because she wanted to be a student here.”
“Wow. My sister can’t stand me, but she wouldn’t leave me to die,” said Audrey. She backed up
when Liam cut his eyes at her.
“I would never punish you for another’s actions. I know that you are special, and I seek to develop you. Why did you think this was a punishment,” asked Liam?
“How can the hired help teach me my role in defending the weak?” I hunched my shoulders and threw up my hands.
“Who told you Cade was the hired help?” asked Liam.
“He did. He said that he was nothing special and that he wasn’t a student here. He told me that he cleans the floors.”
Audrey’s laughing in the corner didn’t calm me down. Ivy’s eyes were round as she looked at Audrey who was almost on the ground with her laughter.
“Cade isn’t the hired help. He cleans the floors because he is a germaphobe who suffers from insomnia. He is one of the most powerful beings in this building which is why he isn’t a student,” said Liam.
“Thank you, for your consideration. I don’t think I’m special, but I will work harder than anyone here to make sure I don’t fail you.”
“Great. Your work begins now. Where is Kyra?”
“I don’t know. She left class to go to your office.” I looked at Audrey and Ivy. They each looked at each other and frowned. Kyra couldn’t be so stupid to think that she could stay here and avoid him. Sometimes I don’t know what goes on in her head.
“She’s doing her best to avoid me, and it was amusing the first night. She will meet me sooner or later. For her benefit, it had better be soon,” said Liam. “Do you want to explain why Maximus was in your room last night?”
“Kyra impersonated me and brought him to the room, but she didn’t expect me to be there. When he turned her down, she threatened to say that he slept with her. I asked him to leave and he left.”
“Maximus was in your room. Did nothing I say mean anything to you? You trusted him in your room?” asked Cade.
He strolled up and stood beside Liam. The tick in his face emphasized how he clenched his jaw. His fists were balled-up at his side and his green eyes had turned the color of dark green clouds.
“I didn’t invite him there.” I crossed my arms. Cade acted like I invited the man here. I can understand that he’s upset about Letoya, but after what I witnessed last night with Maximus and Kyra, I’m not so sure that we know the whole story on what happened between those two.
Academy of Magic Collection Page 155
