Simply Enchanting

by Amber Lynn

  “We need to talk later. Save a dance for me.”

  His words are quiet. I’m not sure Ian, who’s standing next to me, hears them, but I imagine my personal chaperones both hear it.

  I try to put on a fake smile and clear my mind, but I’m sure neither action is how I want it. I’m screwed. I do my best not to show it as Ian extracts my hand from Michael and spins me around to head back towards my mom and Mr. Hamilton.

  I really should start calling him Noah, at the very least in my thoughts. The fact that my mom does is what’s been stopping me. I want things to be as formal as possible with my teacher until I figure out what all that nonsense is.

  Obviously, not important right now, but I’m working on filling my head with anything to not think about the one thing that would get me in trouble. I feel Ian’s almost wild energy as we stop in front of the “adults.” I can’t even pretend to replicate it, so I just keep the fake smile on my face for as long as I can.

  “Michael might be an issue. He just asked me to save a dance for him.”

  I’m getting used to this staring at the ground thing, so I keep my focus at my feet. It’s not as easy as it seems. Ian squeezes my hand, which instinctively makes me want to look at him. My head turns slightly before I can correct it.

  “I didn’t hear him say anything,” Ian says.

  “Neither did I,” Ophelia adds. “Are you sure?”

  Like I don’t know when someone asks me to dance. I was pretty sure it came from his lips, but maybe it didn’t. I know he doesn’t need to vocalize to get his message across, but I usually feel something in my head if he does the creepy speaking in my mind thing.

  “Did I forget to mention he likes to read my mind and can speak back to me in there?”

  “What?” Mr. Hamilton sounds pissed with just the one word.

  It’s spoken in a shout, causing everyone to turn our way. I can’t see them turn, since I’m stuck staring at the floor, but I feel the eyeballs on us. They don’t burn as much as Michael’s, but I feel those too, as well as a soft chuckle from his direction that works its way up my spine.

  The stupid angel really needs to stop using his powers to mess with me. It’s plain stupid to do it in front of my mom, who I feel heat almost up to spontaneous combustion level.

  I really should have mentioned Michael’s tricks before we got here.

  “Even if that was true,” Ophelia says slowly and calmly, “I’ve got things taken care of there, so don’t worry. You two go get a few dances in and eat something. You’re looking pale, Jazz, and could use some sugar.”

  I could also use a full-frontal lobotomy, but I’m guessing that isn’t on the table. If they didn’t hear Michael, I’m not sure I trust whatever measures Ophelia’s taken to ensure my mind is my own. I noticed when we pulled into the parking lot that the Angelica seemed to be missing, but I thought that was my ramped-up craziness in overdrive.

  “We can do that.”

  Ian sounds sure, which is something I really have to talk to him about. His positivity and go-with-the-flow attitude is going to get him hurt one of these days.

  Now isn’t the time to bring it up, especially since I’m letting him drag me on the dancefloor. I feel Michael’s eyes follow along. I almost flip him off. I can’t believe he comes to these stupid dances. The manboy must have better things to do with his time.

  I know. I’m here at the dance, so I shouldn’t be talking, but I’m being forced here. I’m certain he’s not.

  I’m whirled around before I can continue my little internal tirade. Ian surprises me with the motion, and the closeness as his hands center on my lower back. My arms reach out for his shoulders as we start to sway along with the mild tempo music. The kid was nervous about asking me to the dance in the first place. I didn’t expect him to take charge.

  “Are we allowed to be this close?” I ask.

  It’s not that I mind it. The movies I’ve watched have always included chaperones enforcing an arm’s distance policy. We’re not exactly brushing our bodies together, but you probably can’t fit more than a dollar bill between us.

  “I’m the sad kid with a mom in a coma. Unless Mr. Hamilton or your mom stops us, no one’s going to say anything.”

  There is still heat coming from the direction of the check-in table, so I’m pretty sure someone else might have something to say about it. I just don’t know why he’s so focused tonight.

  He’s barely paid me any attention, aside from warning me he ruled the school, which Ian has tried to put some doubt on. I don’t see how Mr. Hamilton has any say over the angel, but he definitely has some clout with my mom, which isn’t something to overlook.

  “Do you have any friends?”

  Since I’m looking over his shoulder, I can’t see his facial expression, but I feel his body stiffen. I didn’t mean anything bad with the question. I just haven’t seen him interact with anyone other than me.

  “I like to think you’re my friend. I took you to my secret hiding place. No one else has ever been there with me.”

  I pull him closer and kiss his cheek. It’s unlike me, but in the moment, it seems logical. I’m sure I’ll be questioning that logic later.

  I suppose I knew he thought I was his friend, we talked about it at the faery mound. I just wasn’t totally sure I was it. For someone his age, with his persistent personality, it’s surprising.

  “We are friends, Ian. I guess I’m already planning ahead a little. You know I have to move around a lot.”

  I don’t come right out and tell him he needs to find more friends or that my usual five or so years in one place may be extremely shortened. But, I’m thinking about both of those things.

  “Mr. Hamilton said that if you move, we’re going too.”

  “When did he say that?”

  I move back a little and have to again fight my instincts. I already know how lost Ian gets if he sees my eyes, so I can’t chance it. As bad as him getting all googly eyed is, I’m starting to think my jerky reactions are going to give things away too.

  “After your mom asked us to go home the other day. I don’t think I should say everything he said, but he made it clear you guys weren’t leaving without us.”

  I laugh. The idea of Mr. Hamilton stopping my mom from doing whatever it is she wants is kind of hilarious. I know that’s not exactly what Ian is saying, but I don’t see a bloodsucker and a pair of humans, one comatose, tagging along on our adventures.

  “We’ll see how that turns out. I’m sure we’ve got plenty of time before we need to worry about it.”

  I wish I meant the words. I’d have a better feeling about them if I didn’t feel the bane of my existence closing in on us. I don’t need to look over my shoulder to know whose finger touches my bare skin. The spark gives it away.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  “I hate to interrupt, but I’d like a chance to dance with Jazz.”

  Ian and I are barely starting our second dance, so it’s not like Michael’s been waiting around all night. More like eight minutes.

  My current partner squeezes me tightly, almost like a hug, and lets go. I would’ve loved to see a little more fight, but it’s probably best not to question the angel in the room.

  As it is, I can feel my mom from the side of the room trying to weave some spell. The energy gathering is making the hairs on my arms stick up.

  I turn to look in her direction and shake my head. I don’t know specifically what she has planned, but I need to handle the situation on my own. We knew coming would be a test, and I have to see if I can fool one of my toughest targets.

  “Go tell my mom to calm down,” I whisper to Ian.

  I have a feeling he’d stand two feet away during the dance if I didn’t give him something to do. As much as I enjoy a little chivalry, this isn’t the time for it.

  “If you need help, tap your nose three times,” he replies.

  My one friend in the world is an idiot. I don’t tell him that. Instead I smile and nod
as I watch him walk away.

  I don’t want to turn around and face my new partner, but I do. Even with things changing, I’m not chicken when it comes to dealing with people who don’t know how to mind their own business.

  “What if you are my business, Jazz?”

  My eyes have already found a spot on the floor to concentrate on when Michael asks the question. I manage to keep myself from looking at him, but my heart sinks. I wasn’t sure whatever Ophelia claimed to have in place worked. I guess I have my answer.

  “You can still get in.”

  Stating the obvious isn’t always my thing. It seems to be a new habit.

  “It’s not so much getting in. Your mom’s spell would keep me out if that’s the case. She’s pulled out all the stops tonight, which I appreciate. I was a little worried about you going missing and your little friend feeling like he was an energy bomb suddenly.”

  We’re just standing there as couples dance around us. Either picking up the thought or deciding he wants to dance, Michael grabs my hands and puts them on his shoulder before he puts his on my hips. No bare skin touches, so the uncomfortable zapping doesn’t start up.

  “I think uncomfortable is the wrong word, but to each their own. Are you okay? I really was worried.”

  One of his hands moves to touch my chin, causing me to growl. He doesn’t take the warning and tries to lift my head. I fight him, but he’s a little more determined.

  “I was worried about how bored you were getting locked up in your room. From what I’ve seen, you don’t do well with boredom.”

  I’m still trying not to make eye contact, but he moves his head around with mine to make all my attempts futile. The fact that he seems to know how I spent my last two days throws me off enough that I stop fighting.

  “I was feeling under the weather. I wasn’t locked up.”

  A big smile spreads across his face. He knows more than I think any of us could’ve guessed, but I’m not sure exactly what he knows. He could’ve just walked by my house and figured out the room stuff.

  “Jazz, a truthseer isn’t supposed to lie. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard specific rules against it, but it’s really bad form.”

  Well, I guess that answers what he knows. I look over to Ophelia and see that she oddly isn’t rushing to break things up. I assumed at the mention of the word, she’d whisk us out of the gym faster than anyone can blink.

  “They can’t hear if I don’t want them to. I’m sure the concern on your face will cause some agitation, but as far as they know, we’re just talking about the weather.”

  I turn back to him and stare into his eyes. It’s no use hiding mine, so I figure I might as well give him everything I’ve got. He’s not human, so he’s not going to turn into a babbling fool, but it’d be nice if he would.

  I’ve been so busy trying to not look at him that I didn’t notice he isn’t wearing his normal glasses. He’s not wearing any, and his light hair is slicked back, totally changing his appearance. He looks older. I don’t know if the hair and glasses are just there to make him look like Jimmy Poindexter, and I’m seeing what he really looks like, or if he’s just playing dress-up for the dance.

  “There is a lot you don’t understand, about me and yourself. I’ve known since before you got here what you are. I’m not a threat, but you do have to be more careful now that things are changing.”

  More careful. Is he insane? I was doing a fine job of being careful before he came in and forced me to look at him. Wait. How long has he known about me?

  “It’s fun seeing which direction your mind decides to go. It’s never where I think it will.”

  I scowl at him. I want to lift my knee up and see if he thought my mind was going for a direct hit of his boy parts, but making a scene isn’t in my best interest right now.

  “How are you getting in my mind? Are you doing it with everyone in here?”

  I know Ophelia said she had it covered, but I added my own energy to try to block everyone from my thoughts as soon as I remembered Michael tended to dip.

  “I’m sure we’ll get to that eventually, but it’s not important right now. Tell Ophelia and Noah that I’ve been protecting you for over a month, and I plan on continuing it, whether they like it or not.

  I open my mouth to respond, but he shakes his head.

  “I wasn’t done. Sadly, my protection means we’re only going to get the one dance. I can’t pay as much attention to you as you deserve, but someday soon, things will be different.”

  A laugh or at least a smile is expected with the words, but his face has gone neutral. It’s official. I wish my mom would’ve picked any other city in the world as our latest pitstop. This place is full of patients who have clearly escaped the looney bin.

  “I’ll let you go back to your date to finish up the hour you’ve committed to being here, but I have a couple requests.”

  “And you think you get to make requests?” I quickly throw out there.

  I have plenty of requests, but I’m sure none of them are going to be considered. I don’t understand why in the world he’d even bother making some of his own.

  “If you don’t want me to hurt your friend, I do. Should I continue?”

  It figures. Big bad angel is going to threaten the human. I guess that shows me what kind of guy he really is.

  “Don’t make assumptions. You have no idea what kind of guy I am.”

  His head tilts down so his face is closer to mine. His blue eyes look almost alive as he stares at me.

  “You’re the one threatening a human.”

  “And if he puts his hands here again, there’s a good chance at least a few fingers are going to be broken.”

  Both of Michael’s hands slide to touch the spot Ian’s hands were earlier. The heat from his hands causes a shiver I try to suppress.

  “The respectable place for his hands is on your hips,” he says as he moves his hands back.

  I nod, not realizing I am. As soon as I do, I stop and narrow my eyes.

  “I’ll make sure they stop this string of slow songs and stick to upbeat songs for a while. That way you can make your appearance without riling me up.”

  “I’m riling you up?”

  What in the world has he been doing for the last ten minutes. The second he tried to put the stamp on my hand he’s been riling me up.

  “Just tell him to give you a little air, okay? I know his feelings are confused because of what you mean for his mom now, but Ian doesn’t really want to be part of this world. He’s only along for the one lifespan.”

  I highly doubt Ian’s voiced those words to Michael. I know he said some stuff at the faery mound about it, but I’m hoping Michael wasn’t listening to our conversation and just picked it up some other time.

  “I told you that I’ve been protecting you for a month. Do you think I’m just going to let you wander into his secret hiding place without being around? You know how unpredictable faery mounds can be.”

  “Don’t you think it’s unfair that you can read my mind and are stalking me? You really need to pick one or the other. I nominate the stalking.”

  I suppose our hips are still swaying, but we’re not really dancing. I didn’t make note of the song when we started, but I can’t believe it’s the same one.

  “Neither of us have a choice in the matter. I keep my distance and make sure you’re safe. People around here aren’t always what they seem. You need to be careful.”

  Really? He’s the one telling me he’s been protecting me in his creepy way. He needs to look in the mirror if he thinks people aren’t what they seem.

  “Go back to your chaperones and let them know I’m on board.”

  He steps away, making me realize I never once tried to get away from him. I should have with how the conversation went, but I was eerily comfortable standing there talking to him.

  I turn to follow his directions, not because they’re a command, but because I really want to get some fresh air. A quick chuckle from h
is direction makes me roll my eyes. I hope he just thought of a funny joke and isn’t reacting to my confusion.

  “Hey, Jazz,” he calls before I’m too far away.

  Against my better judgement, I stop and look over my shoulder. The neutral face he’s kept during the conversation has been replaced with a smile.

  “What?” I ask, on the verge of running as fast as I can out of the building.

  “I forgot to mention you look beautiful tonight.”

  His smile fades as he turns and disappears into the crowd. For the first time since I entered the room, the burning sensation finds a little relief. I don’t doubt for a second it’s only temporary, but I plan on relishing it for as long as I can.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  “What was that?” Ophelia barks, while I’m still en route.

  If the lighting was better, I’m pretty sure I’d see the smoke steaming out of her ears. If I wasn’t so confused, I’m sure mine would be the same.

  “Michael had a few things he wanted to talk about. He figured pretending to dance would be the easiest way to do that.”

  Since I have no idea what the exchange looked like from an external point of view, I’m curious to hear what they observed without telling them what happened. Not surprisingly, Ophelia’s look makes it clear she doesn’t appreciate that.

  “How were you able to just have a full conversation without me being able to hear a word?” Her tone hasn’t changed, but she’s lowered her voice some.

  “You honestly think I have the answer to that? Don’t you think I would’ve have used that nifty spell sometime over the last century at the very least?”

  “Why did you let him look in your eyes, Periwinkle?” Mr. Hamilton asks. “Did he see anything?”

  “I have no idea what he saw, but it doesn’t matter. He claims he’s known for a while and is only trying to protect me.”

  After the words leave my mouth, I realize it’s probably not the best location to reveal that news. Ian hasn’t spoken up yet, nor can I look at him to get an idea of his reaction, but he’s spent enough time with the other two that I imagine his glare is pretty close to theirs.