by Katie Dunn
After she's gone, I lean in close to my mom. "Why did you sign me up for the Lyle's party?"
"Because it'll be good for you," she replies. "And Melinda needs lots of help."
I sigh and cross my arms over my chest. Troy stares at me.
"Why are you staring at me?" I ask.
"Do you want me to volunteer, too?" he asks.
I shake my head. "No, it's fine. I'll just ask Riley. You know she'll do anything to not spend time with her parents."
Troy nods. "True."
"I didn't catch that last part," Riley says. She and her parents sit two rows up from us. "I know I heard my name."
I stand from the pew and shift, so I stand as close to her as possible. "Somehow I got roped into assisting with the Lyle's party this week. Do you want to join me?"
"Sure. It'll give us more time to chat after school," she agrees.
I smile. "Great! I was gonna be pretty bored without you."
Riley smiles. "Glad to help."
In the front, Pastor Dever approaches the podium. I sit down as the service begins. Game on, D'yavol pack.
͠
After church my brothers, Troy, Lenny, and I meet up in my bedroom to discuss the pack. The twins and Lenny sit at the window, Derek sits in my desk chair, I sit cross-legged on my bed, and Troy stands. Our earlier conversation picks up exactly where it left off.
"We're not strong enough," Derek repeats.
"We have to practice more," Troy says. "We are probably the only people in Brighton who can stop them. If we try to wait for them to leave, it'll be too late. They'll have killed half of Brighton's population by then."
"So we practice, practice, practice and then what?" I ask. "How do we know that they won't have already killed us before we're ready to try to take them on?"
"We'll have to live long enough to," Lenny says.
"But how?" Kendall asks.
The room falls silent as Troy and Lenny ponder any options we may have. I try to consider our options as well, but I don't know what is and isn't possible with magic.
Lenny stands from his spot beside Kendall and Casey. "Troy, do you remember that witch we met in Kentucky? She kept yammering about a cloaking spell. What if it's possible? What if we can do cloaking spells? I mean it's not much, but our enemies can't attack us if they can't see us."
"Lenny is right," I agree. "How can they attack us, if they've never even seen us from the beginning?"
Troy crosses his arms in thought. "It is a good plan, but it would be a very complicated spell. I will have to figure out how to execute it."
"Okay, so we continue with some basic training until Troy can master the complex spells, and then we'll work on those," Derek proposes.
"Sounds good to me," I say.
"Me too," Lenny agrees
Troy meets my gaze and smirks. "I guess we have a plan."
"Lunch is ready!" My mom hollers up. The twins hurry out of the room with Lenny and Troy following—now that the secret is out, they don't miss a meal. I also stand up, but Derek remains sitting in my desk chair. "What's wrong?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "Nothing's wrong."
I take a step closer. "So why are you still sitting there?"
He meets my gaze. "How do you feel about lying to Tom? Is it easy or do you wish it didn't have to be this way?"
I scoff as I sit on the edge of my bed. "Of course I wish it didn't have to be this way."
I always imagined love as being honest, but I haven't been with Tom. I have been lying and desperately trying to keep Troy's secret a secret. But I have to. If Tom finds out, he may not be very understanding. He may take it the wrong way and tell someone else about skinwalkers. Who knows how many lives that could cost.
"I wish I didn't have to lie to Tom," I continue. "But you know how important it is we keep quiet about skinwalkers."
Derek nods as his gaze falls to the floor. "Yeah, I know. I was just wondering." He looks up at me again. "How do you think Riley would react?"
Huh? Did Derek ask about Riley? Did I even hear him right? I am stunned. First, Riley says Derek is cute, then Derek asks about Riley. This is really happening, and I barely have a clue as to what's going on. I wouldn't have a problem with them together as a couple, but I sure would have trouble understanding it.
"I'm not sure, Derek," I reply. "Why are you even asking?"
"Uh, I was only curious," Derek says as he stands up. He walks toward the door.
"What exactly is going on between you and Riley?" I ask before he gets to the doorway.
He turns around with a surprised look on his face. "Huh?"
I stand up and cross my arms. "You heard me. Now answer the question."
"Nothing," he replies. "I promise. It's just that…" He trails off.
"It's just that?" I push.
"I had a dream. You know, one like the crash dream. And in it, Riley and I were talking and holding hands. And I could feel it—how I felt in that moment." He shakes his head. "I didn't even think I liked her until I had the dream. I figured maybe it was one of those prediction dreams. That's why I've been all weird around her."
So I'm right. Something has been up with the two of them. Although, I wish I knew why I haven't had this prediction as well. Normally, the boys and I share these types of dreams. I guess it's not too odd that we didn't share this one, but still can't help but wonder.
Putting those thoughts aside, I say something to my brother that changes his whole world. "Derek, if you like Riley, then you should ask her to go with you to the Lyle's party."
Derek gapes, clearly shocked at my words. I am a little astonished too, but I know I'm doing a good thing for my brother. I want him to be happy, and if my best friend makes him happy, then he should be with her.
After Derek blinks a few times and shakes off his bewildered state, he speaks. "Really? You think I should?"
I nod. He smiles. "Great! But are you sure you're cool with it?"
I stand from my bed. "I'm sure. Besides, I think she likes you, too."
Derek's smile grows. "Really? She does?"
I nod. "Oh, yeah. She said so herself that she thinks you're cute."
Derek's eyes light up like the Fourth of July, and his cheeks turn red. He tries to stay calm and keep cool, but I know that inside he's bursting with joy. "So yeah, I'll think about asking her," Derek lies, trying to seem like he's keeping his cool. In my mind, I know he's already thinking about when, how, and where to ask Riley.
"Okay. Think and keep me updated on it."
Derek stands up and nods. "I will." He leaves the room.
I am thrilled for Derek and Riley—for twelve seconds. Imagining the couple at the party makes me picture my night. I'm gonna be hanging around with Tom in awkward silence. We won't have much to talk about and on top of that, Tom hates dancing. My night will be pretty boring. I'll be all dressed up, and I won't even get to dance. Friday night is going to suck.
FOURTEEN
TROY IS hurting me. He has flung me across the yard several times and each landing is more painful than the last. Because we are not going to be getting any practice in after school today, Troy thinks it will be good to do it before. My brothers, being themselves, come up with excuses. My stomach hurts. I have to finish a paper that's due today. I don't want to.
Troy and I are the only people out in the morning sun and air. I don't refuse to admit that it is kind of nice. Without the boys being out here, it's quiet and serene, which is helping me concentrate better.
Troy and I stare at one another, sizing each other up. He knows he is more experienced than I am. But he also knows that because I am less experienced, I'm more dangerous. Every time we practice, I worry I may cause him or one of the boys harm. But why wouldn't I, when I have caused the loss of one of my brothers?
I make my move. I summon a ball of water in my hand and with a flick of my wrist, send it hurtling toward Troy. The ball of water never touches him. It seems to hit some invisible barrier and splashes to
the ground. The barrier is Troy's doing.
He raises his hand almost to his mouth and blows, sending a gust of wind in my direction. Before I have time to react, the force of the wind lifts me up from the ground and hurls me ten feet away. I land on my side. "Son of a—" I stop myself from saying a word I really shouldn't.
Troy saunters over and offers me his hand. "Are you all right?"
I don't answer him. Instead, I lift up my shirt just enough to see that my side is covered in red blotches. I wince and let my shirt fall back down. "Great. I already have to help with the stupid party, and now I'm gonna have bruises running up and down my body."
Troy's expression darkens to a gloomy look, knowing he's the reason for my aches and pains. He tries to lighten the mood. "At least you are getting better."
"Yeah, at offense. Not defense," I mutter while taking my ponytail down.
"Are you ready for breakfast?" Troy asks, glancing at the house and attempting to change the subject.
I shake my head. "No. I'll go ahead and get ready for school."
Troy and I step inside the house. I grab two water bottles from the refrigerator and hand one of them to Troy. I lean with my back against the counter, while Troy sits at the island. After a minute of silence, he speaks. "You could still have fun at the party, Britt."
I almost spit out my water. "You've been reading my thoughts again!"
"I'm sorry, Britt," he says. In my gut, I know that he really is.
He sighs. "You haven't really seemed yourself this week. I promise you, I only did it to find out why."
I screw the lid back onto the bottle and sit on the stool next to him. I take a deep breath. "So how can I have fun at the party?" I ask, giving up on being upset with him.
Troy shrugs. "Well, you could have a boring night with Tom, or you can stick with me, and I'll make sure of it that you have a grand time."
My heart leaps in my chest, and my cheeks grow warm from my blushing. I have to remind myself to breathe and blink. "Troy, are you asking me to be your date?"
He smirks. "Why? Do you want to be my date?"
I smile and playfully shove him. He takes my hand in his, and his face sobers. "Seriously, though. If you don't think you'll have much fun with Tom, then I'll go with you. I will ensure that you have a wonderful time."
I don't know what to say. I am absolutely speechless. Would it be okay if I went with Troy instead of Tom? Would Tom get mad and dump me or would he understand that it is only two friends going to a party together? That is something I would have to ask him.
"Yes," I breathe. "I would love to be your date, Troy."
Troy is practically glowing for the rest of the day. He receives a D+ on his history test and gets gum stuck to the bottom of his shoe, but maintains a smile on his face through it all. At lunch, he sits beside me and unexpectedly takes my hand in his. He keeps hold of my hand under the table to obstruct everyone's view. I'm not sure why he does, the act surprises me. Maybe he's taking the whole date thing a little too far.
Nobody notices our hand holding, except for Lenny. He glances between us and Tom the entire time. He sits between Riley and Derek, who awkwardly avoid each other's gazes. They glance at each other off and on but look away as if trying to make their newfound relationship non-existent to those around them. I am not sure if Derek has asked Riley yet, but just by looking at the two, I can acknowledge Riley accepting his little proposal.
When we finish eating lunch, my friends and I head out of the cafeteria. I hang back to talk to Lenny privately. "Has Derek asked Riley about the party yet?"
Lenny nods. "Yeah, but I don't know what she said. Derek may appear to be fine, but in his head he's a little nervous."
"Nervous? About what?"
Lenny shrugs. "I'm not sure."
Giving up on Riley and Derek, I ask about Lenny's plans. "So are you going to ask anyone?"
He shakes his head. "No." He stops walking and turns to me. "Don't tell Troy because he'll never let it go. But there is this girl in my class—she's really beautiful, but she already has a date."
I put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry."
Lenny manages a smile for me. "It's okay. It's not like I'm in love with her or anything. Besides, I already promised Mum and Dad I would watch the twins while you guys are at the party."
We turn and start walking again. "Troy seems pretty happy," I say.
Lenny glances up at Troy, who waits for us to catch up with the rest of the group, and smiles. "He is. You are his best friend, and he wants to make you happy."
I smile as well. "I can tell."
Lenny stops again. "Britt, please be good to Troy, alright?"
I meet his gaze. "I will."
We approach Troy. "What are you guys talking about?" he asks.
͠
After school, my mom, Riley, and I arrive at the Lyle's mansion. As soon as we get out of the car, Melinda gives each of us a different job to do. Riley's is to set out six chairs at each table, mine is to lay tablecloths across every table, and apparently my mom's is to catch up with Melinda.
Riley and I help each other so we can talk. "Last night my dad was bragging that he sold a coin from the Civil War," Riley complains. "Man, do I wish I had your family."
I shake my head. "Believe me, Ri, you do not want my family."
"Sure your brothers can be annoying, but at least they are not boring," Riley states.
We move to the next table. Riley helps me lay out the tablecloth. "Speaking of your family," Riley starts with a grin. "Derek asked me to be his date tomorrow night."
"And?" I ask excitedly.
"And that is something I want to talk to you about," Riley says. "I told him I wanted to make sure it was okay with you first."
I nod and grab a chair. "It's cool with me. Just be good to him all right?"
Riley's grin widens. "I will." She wraps her arms around me and hugs me. "Thank you so much, Britt."
I hug her back. "What are friends for?"
We let each other go and get back to work. "What are you gonna wear?" I ask.
Riley sets her hands on a chair. "I was considering the green satin dress I have. You know, the one with the cap sleeves."
I nod in agreement. "That would be perfect. What shoes?"
"Oh, I bought some silver heels to go with it," Riley advises me.
Off to my right, I catch Tom and his uncle hooking up some lights Melinda wanted on the bushes. I realize now is the perfect time to talk to him alone. "Hey, I'll be back in a few minutes. Okay, Ri?" Before she can get a word out, I walk over to Tom.
He notices me and meets me in the middle. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," I say.
He takes my arm, and we step off to the side. "Do you think Chase has a thing for you?"
I stop blinking and probably breathing, too. "Why would you think Chase has a thing for me?"
Tom's eyes drop to his feet and he sighs. "Because I think when he looks at you, he feels the same way I do when I look at you. And not to mention, he follows you around like a little lost puppy."
I sigh, knowing I have to be honest with Tom. "Actually, he did ask me if I wanted to be his date to the party."
Tom meets my gaze. "You told him no, right?"
I shrug and muster a smile for him. "You never dance with me."
His face portrays a solemn expression, but I know he is angered on the inside. "I can't believe this. Why would you say yes?"
"Because Chase has no friends to go and hang out with. I don't want him to go and be bored and lonely." What I tell Tom is not a lie. Not entirely. Troy doesn't really know many people in town and I want to be sure that he always has a good friend around.
Tom's expression softens. "Really? That's it?"
I nod. "Yeah. We're only going as friends, I promise."
Tom smiles. "I feel so stupid now, getting all jealous." He looks at his feet again. "There for a little bit, I thought you were gonna end up dumping me for him or something."
/>
I put a hand on his arm. "No, never."
That last part was completely true. I would never dump one person to be with another. It's not who I am. I think if two people break up, it should be for a bigger better reason. Tom steps closer and takes my hands. He meets my gaze. "I love you."
It takes me a minute to register the words. Today is full of surprises. First, Troy asks me to be his date, then Tom tells me he loves me. I try to say something, anything, but I can't. I know saying "I love you" is a big deal, but I don't think of it as quite this big of a deal.
I want to just blurt out the words, but Tom has rendered me speechless. My heart skips a beat out of joy and I think my cheeks turn red. My mind finally finds the words I want to say. "Tom, I lo—" I spot something out of the corner of my eye and my mouth stops when I see— "Troy?" He's in dog form. He trots over like a horse and barks at me.
Tom kneels down and pats Troy on his head. "Hey, boy. What're you doing here?"
I meet Troy's gaze. "Yeah, I'm wondering the same thing."
Troy barks at me again and bites down on the hem of my shirt. He tugs on it to lead me off to a more private area. I glance over my shoulder at Tom. "I'll be back in a minute." Troy wastes no time. He pulls me away from Tom and over to some trees and bushes, obstructing everyone's view of us.
He let's go of my shirt and jumps away. As he is in the air, his body transforms into a person. He scratches behind his ear. "Ugh, fleas."
I jump away. "Seriously?"
He smiles and laughs. "No, I am just playing with you."
I glare at him. "What are you doing here?"
His smile disappears. "The D'yavol pack killed another family today while we were at school," he tells me in a hushed tone.
"And why did you walk all the way here to tell me, instead of calling me?"
"Because it was your neighbors that they killed."
FIFTEEN
I FEEL HORRIBLE about my neighbors. My family hadn't hung out with them much, but they had always smiled and waved when they saw us. They hadn't been our friends, but they had been more than just our acquaintances. At times, I had babysat their three-year-old daughter. Every now and then, my dad had helped Mr. Nichols with various house projects. The list had gone on.
