Guarding Eden: A Midway Novel Book One (Hidden Wings)

by Cameo Renae

  “Where’s Bastian?” I asked.

  “He hasn’t come down yet,” Kimi replied. “You know him. He’ll walk in after it starts, to make an entrance.”

  I laughed. “I wonder how glam he’s going.”

  “For Sebastian, there is never enough glam.” Trissa did a side pose with jazz hands, and we all laughed.

  “Hey, they’re letting people in,” Trevor came up holding his arm out to Trissa. She wrapped her arm around his, then twisted back to us.

  “Let’s party!” she chimed, grinning from ear to ear.

  As soon as we walked inside, we were transported to a fantasy land. The entire room looked like a dream. The stage had a large fake castle as a backdrop. In the center was a painted stairway that disappeared into the ceiling, and directly in front of it was the DJ. To the right of the stage was a painting of a unicorn, and to the left, a dragon.

  Dozens of fake trees were placed sporadically through the Grand Room, with handmade fairy lanterns hanging on the branches, along with more twinkle lights and tulle. The floor was made to look like stone pathways. Follow the path to the left, and you were taken to the dining area. The tables were decorated with lights and long white feathers. Take the pathway to the right, and it led you to the dance floor which was filled with iridescent balloons, and a huge disco ball was hung directly in the middle. The ceiling was blacked out, and twinkle lights were made to look like stars. It was dreamy.

  “Wow,” Trissa gasped. “I don’t know how they managed it, but this year is even more fabulous than last year.”

  “It really is,” Kimi added.

  I was a bit speechless, taking it all in. There were around one hundred seniors, and each had an assigned seat. Kimi found ours, which was in the back corner, and we were all sitting together.

  While the others quickly took their seats, Alex pulled my chair out and assisted me in.

  “Thank you,” I said, blushing. He was such a gentleman. Even Trissa and Kimi were impressed.

  Then, Sebastian entered the Grand Room, in all his glory. He was wearing silver slacks, with a long-sleeved, white button-up shirt—four buttons undone at the top—all tied together with a matching silver jacket. His shoes were a lighter gray, but somehow matched. His hair was spiked up in the front; the sides slicked back. He looked like he stepped right off a fashion runway.

  He strutted over to our table and greeted each one of us. “Hey, let’s do our photos now, before we get all sweaty and nasty looking.” We all agreed, heading over to the photographer, taking group and couple photos before returning to our seats.

  Dinner was great, and there was a lot of laughter at our table.

  Everyone seemed to get along, and Alex fit right in. Every now and then, I’d catch him stealing glances, then he’d catch me staring at him. But he was pure magic, so it was nearly impossible to pull my eyes away.

  After dinner, the lights dimmed, creating an enchanting evening vibe. The DJ cranked up the music, and bodies filled the dance floor. Trevor and Kevin dragged Trissa and Kimi out for a spin.

  “What about you two?” Sebastian asked, swaying side to side.

  I looked over to Alex, and he offered me his hand. We made our way toward the center where Kimi and Trissa were, and then the music changed. It was a slow song. Alex took my hand, twirled me once, and pulled me tight against his broad frame. His arms wrapped around my waist and mine around his neck.

  We swayed back and forth to the music, and I didn’t want it to end.

  “Hey,” Trevor said, interrupting the end of our dance. “A bunch of us are heading up to Long Beach after the ball. They’ve rented a number of cabins that are supposedly haunted.” A sly grin raised on his lips. “You guys wanna come?”

  I shook my head. I didn’t want to leave the protection of the school. I’d had enough run-ins with dark creatures.

  “Thanks, man. But I think we’re going to stay in.”

  “What? You guys have to come!” Trissa begged, linking arms with Trevor. “It’s our last week together. You can’t stay here.”

  I knew I couldn’t argue with her. Not right now. So, I gave her an answer to tide her over. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Fine,” she sighed, knowing me as well.

  After a few more dances, Alex leaned over. “Want to take a break?”

  “Sure.” I was thirsty.

  He led me off the dance floor, and Sebastian danced up to us. “I need a bathroom break, but look…all the asshole jocks are blocking the way. It looks like I might have to play defense.”

  Alex looked at me. “I’ll be back. I think I need to use the restroom too.”

  I smiled, knowing he wanted to escort Sebastian; especially with Billy and his gang there.

  “I’m going to get us some drinks,” I said, heading toward the punch table. A few girls stopped me along the way, complimenting me on my dress.

  When I finally made it to the drink table, a server with a white button shirt and black bowtie, was pouring drinks. He looked older, dark features and long black hair tied back.

  “Two, please,” I said. He smiled, then poured the first one and handed it to me. After he poured the second, I was about to grab it when a hand took mine. I pulled my hand away, jerking back.

  “What do you want, Billy?” Anger rose to the surface quickly.

  He took an empty cup and handed it to the server. “I just want to say sorry for the way things went down between us. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I got carried away, and that’s no excuse.”

  I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath, trying to quench the fire inside.

  “What you did was despicable.”

  “I agree,” he said.

  It was unlike Billy to act this way. Totally against his nature, and it made me feel a bit uncomfortable. He pushed my drink toward me.

  “I know there is nothing I can do to change the past. But I’m sorry.”

  He was trying to make amends now? Was it because I was with Alex? Something just didn’t seem right.

  I nodded. I couldn’t say I forgave him. Not yet, anyway. The words just wouldn’t exit, and stayed stuck in my throat. “Thanks,” I replied.

  “Save me a dance?” he asked, tilting his head.

  I sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m with someone.”

  “Ah, that’s right. Pretty boy.”

  Alex walked up behind me. “Hey,” he said, wrapping his arm around my waist.

  I watched Billy’s expression sour. “See ya, Eden,” he said, then turned and walked away.

  “Was he harassing you?” Alex asked.

  “No. He was actually trying to apologize.”

  “He should.”

  “Yeah, I’m not going to lie, it was weird. Here,” I said, handing him a drink. I held the other one up. “Cheers, to a fairytale evening, and to new adventures.”

  “Cheers.” He smiled, gently touching his cup against mine.

  “Eden!” Trissa dragged Trevor toward us from across the room.

  “Oh, no. They’re going to beg us to go with them to Long Beach.”

  “Do you want to go?” he asked.

  “Not with those things out there.”

  “You’ll be mortal for less than a week. If you want to spend it with your friends, I’ll make sure you are protected. I can have Midway put a barrier of protection around the cabin, wherever that may be.”

  “Why can’t they put one around me?” I laughed.

  “I wish they could, but it can only secure a fixed area.”

  Trissa headed over to us. “So? Are you guys coming? This is our last hoorah.” She threw her arm around my shoulder.

  “I need to know exactly where we’re going,” I said.

  “Remember last summer, when we went to those
cabins on the ridge? They rented them all out to students. Almost all of the seniors are going. It’ll be a night to remember.” She looked between Alex and me.

  Alex pulled me to the side and spoke quietly.

  “If there will be a crowd of students, the Darkling won’t attack. They won’t risk being seen. And if the area is secure, the Fallen can’t attack either. We just have to remain inside the barrier.”

  “Okay. If you think we can go without dying, or putting anyone else in danger, I would like to go. It is our last week together.”

  “We’ll go,” he said, squeezing my hand. “But you have to promise me you’ll stay within this barrier until I can get to Midway and have them put one up around the cabins. Can you show me where they are?”

  Pulling up Google Maps, I found the area, circled it, took a snapshot, then sent it to him.

  “I don’t think the Watcher will understand this in a text. I’ll have to go myself,” he said. “I’ll be back soon.”

  “Please be safe,” I said, hugging him.

  “Stay inside.”

  “Okay,” I exhaled, and watched him leave.

  I walked over to Trissa. “We’re in.”

  “Yes!” she squealed, throwing her arms around my neck. “Tonight will rock! Kimi and Sebastian will flip.” She looked behind me. “Where’s Alex?”

  “He got a call from his parents and had to take it outside,” I lied.

  The DJ started a new, upbeat song.

  “Wanna come dance with us?” Trissa asked.

  “No. You go. I’m going to rest my feet. These heels are killing me.”

  “Take them off, silly! Mine are under our table.” She showed me her bare feet.

  I laughed. “I’ll do that.”

  She pulled Trevor to the dance floor as I headed toward the table. I felt a little weird. My head started feeling numb. I could feel my heart palpitating in my chest.

  I finished the rest of my juice then sat down at our table and kicked off my heels, my feet instantly felt relieved.

  I took in a deep breath and became nauseous. A cold sweat blanketed my body, and within another few minutes, I started feeling dizzy.

  What the hell was wrong with me? I didn’t drink anything except the punch.

  Oh my God. The punch. Hadn’t Billy handed me my cup? I glanced around the room and saw Billy standing in a corner, by himself, staring at me.

  Numbness started to overcome the rest of my limbs. My eyes became heavy, and my legs felt like there were weights attached to them. I tried to reach for my phone, but I couldn’t seem to control my muscles.

  “Trissa!” I yelled, but my voice was drowned in the music. “Kimi!” I screamed again. No one responded.

  It was dark, and the strobe lights were making me dizzy.

  I watched as Billy made his way over.

  There was no one around, aside from a few loners in a corner, and their attention was on their phones.

  I tried to get up, but my body was numb, weighted. Does Billy have something to do with the way I feel?

  “Hey.” Billy bent down and whispered in my ear. “Wanna dance?”

  “No,” I said.

  “Why not?”

  A wave of nausea slammed into me, and the dinner I’d eaten was coming up. Forcefully pushing myself off my seat, I stumbled for the exit. My legs were weak; I was barely able to stay on my feet. The world around me was spinning, the ground unstable. My eyes were aimed at the door, and as soon as I pushed through, I lunged for a nearby trash can, pulling the rim to me.

  Heaving, I emptied my guts into the can, then dropped to my knees and pressed my back against the cold wall. The hall was surprisingly empty.

  Fear and terror overwhelmed me. I’d been drugged. There was no other explanation.

  A cold sweat beaded across my skin and dripped down my brow. My body was so weak, I could barely move. I could feel my heart hammering, palpitating, and causing me to gasp for breaths. My head was still spinning and my body was numb. I felt like I was dying.

  When I opened my eyes, I glimpsed Billy. I tried to move, but the rims of my eyes were darkening, and soon, the world went black.

  When I gained consciousness, I was being dragged. Billy was above me, pulling me by my arms.

  God no! I screamed, but my voice never left my mind. I tried to flail my body, but the drug was so strong I could barely keep my eyes open, let alone fight back.

  Another surge of nausea hit. I heaved, barely able to turn my head to the side.

  “Shit!” Billy cursed. I tried to kick him off, but it was no use.

  “Stop fighting,” Billy growled.

  I was in a room. A bathroom. But it was empty—a teacher’s bathroom. He was dragging me across the floor, toward a stall. My head was throbbing, and I was fighting to stay conscious.

  “Don’t,” I gasped, but he continued, dropping one arm to open the stall door.

  “No, please,” I exhaled.

  My stomach clenched as I heaved again. This time nothing came out. “What did you do?” My tongue was swollen, my words slurred.

  Billy was talking, but his words were muffled. Darkness closed in and there was nothing I could do. The last thing I saw was Billy hovering above me.

  Chapter 32

  Alex

  I hated to leave Eden during the ball, but her protection outside of the barrier was more important to me than dancing. I’d have to make it up to her later.

  I spared no time, sprinting as fast as I could to the portal. As soon as I entered Midway, I headed straight for Ephraim’s office and gave him the information.

  He agreed to have the barrier set up, and would send a couple of Guardians to help.

  After the meeting, Ephraim looked me in the eyes, serious. “I know attachments can easily be made, especially with visible assignments. But you have to remember, she is just that—an assignment. In a week’s time, you’ll leave her and will have to move on.”

  I didn’t reply. I gave him a simple nod, then quickly exited back through the portal and made my way inside the school. I couldn’t wait to tell Eden that everything had been set up. As soon as I entered the Grand Room, everyone was on the floor dancing. My eyes swept the crowd, but I didn’t spot Eden. Glancing toward our table, I saw it was empty.

  Pushing my way through the bodies on the dance floor, I made my way toward Trissa.

  “Hey, Alex.” She waved. “Where’s Eden?”

  “I don’t know. I just came back and she wasn’t here. I thought you might know.”

  “No, I asked her to come dance, but she said she was going to the table. Said her feet were sore. Maybe she went to the bathroom.”

  I nodded, hoping that was the case. I hurried my way back to the table and noticed that Eden’s phone was on the table, and her shoes on the floor. Where the hell was she? Grabbing her phone, I shoved it in my pocket, then walked over to a corner where a few kids were glued to their phones.

  “Excuse me,” I said. Their eyes glanced up. “Did you guys see a girl in a blue dress leave? Eden East? She was sitting over there.” I pointed to the table.

  They all looked amongst each other, then shook their heads.

  “I saw her.” A short girl with black hair walked up from behind me. “She left pretty quick. Looked like she was sick.” She paused and pointed to the exit. “Billy Jones followed after her.”

  I grabbed her by the shoulders. “How long ago?”

  “Five minutes? Give or take a few,” she replied, her eyes wide.

  Shit! She could be anywhere.

  I let the girl go, and made for the door, grabbing my phone and texting Isaac.

  Me: Did Eden leave the school?

  Isaac: No.

  I exhaled, knowing she was s
till in the building. But my freaking heart was racing, frantic. I needed to find her. Where the hell was she?

  I paused outside the Grand Room and sniffed the air, trying to catch any lingering scent of her. I caught something, but it was faint. I followed it anyway.

  It led me down another hall, toward a teachers’ lounge.

  “Eden!” I hollered, but didn’t hear a sound.

  I ran, trying a few doors, but they were locked.

  When I pushed open a bathroom door, I saw Billy dragging Eden’s limp body into a stall.

  Rage. It consumed me as his eyes met mine.

  “Wait!” he said, dropping her as I ran toward him. He fell between the toilet and the wall.

  “I didn’t do anything!” he screamed, his hands shooting up, blocking his face.

  I was just about to pound his face, when I stopped. I would kill him if I let loose with this much pent up anger.

  My chest heaved, and it took everything inside of me to restrain myself.

  I put him to sleep, promising to deal with him later.

  “Eden!” I dropped to her side. Her face was pale, and she was unresponsive. “Eden!” I said, shaking her gently, trying to get some kind of response. Her dress had vomit on it.

  When she didn’t move, I panicked. There was only one place I could think of to take her.

  Lifting her into my arms, I ran as fast as I could, out of the front door and into the woods. Straight for the second portal Ephraim set up. In seconds, I arrived in Alaska, sprinting toward Alaine’s house with Eden in my arms. I kicked the door, screaming for help.

  Henry answered immediately, his eyes widened on Eden.

  “I need Alaine,” I said, rushing in past him.

  “She’s in her office,” he yelled after me.

  I ran down the hall, through the main lobby area, and headed toward Alaine’s office. “Alaine,” I hollered. “Alaine!”