Nightshade

by Андреа Кремер

  I waited for the joke. None came.

  “H-How?” I finally managed to stammer.

  He took a hesitant step closer.

  “What’s the stick up their ass?” he murmured, leaning toward me. Breathing became a challenge.

  I am in control. I am in control.

  “The union. The new pack,” I said. He was close enough that I could see the flecks of silver inside his dark eyes.

  Ren nodded. His smile became a grin.

  “And who has control over its success or failure?”

  My heart hammered against my rib cage. “We do.”

  “Exactly.” He straightened, and I could breathe again. “I thought we might do something about that.”

  “Like what?” I watched his neck and shoulders tighten and almost shivered. He’s nervous. What has the power to make Ren nervous?

  “Like spend more time together. Get the pack’s loyalty transferred to us instead of the elders,” he said. “Maybe convince our friends to stop hating each other. Could make the Keepers relax, lay off a bit.”

  I pulled my lip between my teeth as I considered his words. “You want to start moving toward the union now?”

  He nodded. “Ease in. It will make the adjustment easier for everyone instead of going cold turkey in October. I thought we could hang out.”

  “Hang out? Together?” I bit my lip hard so I wouldn’t laugh.

  “Couldn’t hurt,” he said quietly.

  The laugh died in my belly when I realized how serious he was. Unless they rip each other’s throats out.

  “It’s risky,” I said.

  “Are you saying you can’t control your Nightshades?”

  “No. Of course not.” I glared at him. “If I say so, they’ll toe the line.”

  “Then it shouldn’t be a problem. Should it?”

  I sighed. “The Keepers have been on you too?”

  Ren pulled his gaze from mine. “Efron expressed some concerns about my . . . habits. Worried that you’d be unhappy or concerned about fidelity.” He chewed on the last word like a piece of gristle.

  I doubled over laughing. For a minute he looked chagrined.

  “Serves you right, Romeo.” I aimed my fingers at his chest, miming a cocked pistol. “If you weren’t Emile’s son, your pelt would already be nailed over a fireplace belonging to the father of some brokenhearted girl.”

  Ren flashed a wicked smile. “You’re not wrong.” He put his hand against the locker just above my shoulder. “Efron has visited our house once a week for the last month.” His grin didn’t fade, but his eyes looked troubled.

  Fear curled my fingers around his shirt, pulling him closer. “Every week?” I whispered.

  He nodded, passing a hand through his espresso dark hair. “Don’t be surprised if he’s packing a shotgun at the union.”

  I smiled, but my breath caught in my throat as he leaned down. His lips brushed against my ear. I pulled away. The Keepers took this purity thing seriously, even if he didn’t.

  “I think they’re worried the next generation might not fall into line. But I’d never leave you at the altar, Lily.”

  I punched him in the stomach and instantly regretted it. Ren’s abdomen was rock hard. I shook my aching hand as I drew it back.

  He braceleted my wrist in a fierce grip. His smile didn’t fade.

  “Nice hook.”

  “Thanks for noticing.” I tried to pull my arm away, but his lock on my wrist remained firm.

  “So what do you think?”

  “About hanging out?” I couldn’t meet his eyes. He was much too close. I could feel the heat of his body, and it was making my own temperature rise.

  “Yes.” His face was inches from my own. He smelled like leather and sandalwood.

  “It might work,” I said, certain I’d melt into the locker at any second. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Good.” He pulled back and dropped my wrist. “See ya, Lily.”

  He danced out of reach. I could hear him laughing as he disappeared into the crowd of students.

  FOUR

  I BOLTED FOR MY DESK AS THE FIRST BELL rang. From the desk behind mine Bryn clucked her tongue. “Spill.”

  “It was interesting,” I said, sliding into my seat.

  Mr. Graham cleared his throat. “Ladies, gentlemen. A moment of your precious time.”

  I gasped as Bryn’s hand shot out, fingernails digging into my forearm. “Bryn, what?”

  Her eyes were locked on the front of the classroom. The roar of student chatter faded.

  “Much obliged.” Mr. Graham’s raspy tone wafted through the room. “We have a new student matriculating at the Mountain School today.”

  I began to turn in my chair and winced, certain that I’d lost some skin to Bryn’s claw-like grip. Then I froze, catching the scent of a spring breeze full of sunlight. No, it can’t be. But it was.

  Standing in an uneasy pose next to Mr. Graham’s desk was the hiker I’d saved not twenty-four hours earlier.

  “This is Seamus Doran,” our teacher continued, beaming at the boy, who looked distinctly uncomfortable.

  “It’s Shay. I go by Shay,” he said quietly.

  “Welcome then, Shay.” Mr. Graham’s eyes cast about the room. My heart dropped when I saw his gaze fix on the empty seat to my right. “There’s a seat for you next to Miss Tor.”

  Bryn kicked the back of my chair insistently.

  “Knock it off,” I snapped, half turning toward her. “What am I supposed to do?”

  “Something.” Her voice was low but alarmed.

  I was trapped between being thrilled and horrified to see him again. Even if I couldn’t sort out my muddle of feelings, I still knew that when he recognized me, it would be disastrous. I pulled my hair forward in an attempt to veil my face.

  Where is my hoodie when I need it?

  Shay walked slowly to his desk. When he reached his designated seat, I met his pale green eyes for a moment before looking away, but there was no doubt. He knew it was me. I was afraid, as I should have been, but the fear was tinged with satisfaction. In the mere seconds our eyes had locked, I’d seen his astonishment. I’d been a dream to him, and now I was real. His backpack slipped from his hands. A couple of pens rolled along the floor between our desks. I swallowed a groan and visored my face with my hand; it felt like flames were licking my belly. Bryn kicked my desk again so forcefully that it scooted forward an inch.

  I panicked and bolted to the front of the classroom. Mr. Graham took several steps backward as I rushed toward him.

  I whispered, “Cramps,” and, “Bloating.” Mr. Graham blushed and scribbled out a hall pass. I ran down the hall to the girls’ bathroom. Fortunately it was empty. I sank to the floor, shaking. The bathroom door creaked open.

  “Cal,” Bryn whispered as she knelt beside me.

  I tempted fate and now it’s hunting me down. I should have let the bear kill him. But the thought of anything hurting the new boy snatched my breath away. “He cannot be here.”

  “I know.” Bryn scuttled closer and wrapped her arms around me. “But he must be somebody. I mean, in the human world. Why else would he transfer in as a senior? That never happens.”

  “Oh God, Bryn.” I raised my face from behind my fingers. “What if the Keepers know?”

  She shook her head. “No. They don’t. When something goes wrong, our mistress deals with it. Instantly. You’re safe.”

  “You’re right.” I got up and went to the sink. “They don’t know.”

  I caught her glance in the mirror. “But who could he be?”

  “Just the kid of some banking czar or a hotshot senator, like all the rest of the humans that go to school here,” she said. “He’s nothing to us.”

  I’m such a fool. My legs were still rubbery. I can’t believe I saved him.

  “Put this on; you’re pasty.” Bryn pulled blush from her bag, handing it to me. “No one knows about what happened but us and this boy. And he probably barely bel
ieves it himself. I mean, what outsider would? Just pretend it never happened.”

  “Okay.” I swallowed my own horror at the realization that I actually wanted to see him. I felt his mouth against my arm and shivered. The stress of the union has finally gotten to me. I’m losing it.

  I decided to skip the rest of first period, but I knew hiding from Shay Doran wasn’t a realistic option. Considering that fewer than thirty students constituted the senior class, I was bound to see him in another course later in the day.

  French?

  No.

  AP Biology?

  No.

  Organic Chemistry?

  Yes.

  Ms. Foris directed the should-be-dead hiker to join a pair of human students. As if he sensed my watchfulness, Shay turned and caught my stare. I quickly looked away, wishing I could keep my eyes on him. Instead I turned to Ren, who was arranging our lab materials. I tried to focus on the lab, but I could sense the stranger’s inquisitive glances from across the room. I bit my lip to stop my smile. He wants to watch me too.

  Ren handed me a beaker. “So have you thought about it?”

  “Thought about what?” I set the beaker down and reached for another bottle.

  “Hanging out,” he said, resting his hand on my lower back. “Or are you still doubting your ability to control your pack?”

  The rush of heat was as sudden as if I’d been branded by his handprint. I didn’t look at him. “I’ve got a bottle full of hydrochloric acid in my hand, Ren.

  Don’t piss me off. You know you’re not playing by the rules.”

  He laughed but snatched his hand back. When I’d finished measuring the volatile liquid, I set the bottle down.

  “I’ve had other things on my mind,” I muttered, wishing I didn’t want him to reach for me again.

  “That’s too bad.” His teeth flashed partly in friendship, the other part in warning.

  “And why is that?” I leaned against the table.

  “Because I was going to offer a rare invitation.” He began to make notes in his workbook.

  “An invitation to what?” I peered over his shoulder. As ever, his notations were perfect, but I enjoyed pretending I doubted his studiousness. I fought off the desire to snatch the pen and start a game of keep-away.

  He wore a wry smile. “I don’t think I could extend any courtesy if you have doubts about our ability to interact peaceably.”

  I didn’t take the bait. “I’m interested, Ren. What are you offering?”

  His eyes flashed, streaks of silver against black.

  “Efron’s having a VIP party at one of his clubs in Vail this Friday. Some new bigwig’s in town, and our master is wining and dining him as usual. We were going to hit it. You could come. Bring your pack.”

  I started at his words. “Seriously?”

  “Would I toy with you?” He cocked his head at me, eyes wide in affected innocence.

  “Yes,” I said, and he laughed. This time he reached for my hand. I didn’t flinch when his fingers trailed over mine.

  “The offer stands. Take it or leave it,” he said, turning back to his workbook. He pulled his hand away, leaving my heart to its own ferocious pumping.

  “Which club?”

  “Eden.”

  I clenched my teeth together so my jaw wouldn’t drop.

  “Okay. We’ll be there. Thanks.” I kept my tone nonchalant though anticipation made my limbs quiver.

  He didn’t hide his smile. “All your names will be on the list.”

  I chewed on my lip.

  “What?” Ren frowned.

  “I’m not sure about Ansel.”

  Ren shrugged. He gripped the sides of the table and bent forward, arching his back in a languid stretch. “If his name is on the list, he’ll get in.”

  I put my hands behind my back, threading my fingers so I wouldn’t reach out to feel the flexing of his muscles.

  “He’s fifteen.” I averted my eyes from the fluid lines of his body.

  “Cosette’s fifteen and she’ll be there.” He moved closer to me. “Will he forgive you if you don’t let him come along?”

  “Probably not.” I imagined the outrage on Ansel’s face if I were to tell him about the club and his exclusion from the outing.

  “His name will be on the list, but he’s your brother. Your call, Lily.”

  “Will you please stop calling me that?” I snapped.

  “Never.”

  “Uh, hi.” A new voice sounded just behind me. Ren’s brow furrowed and I turned to face our visitor.

  The hiker hovered at the end of our lab station.

  Oh God.

  “Can I talk to you?” Shay asked.

  “Why?” My retort was knife sharp and harder to spit out than it should have been. I wanted to talk to him, but that wasn’t an option. I could sense Ren’s surprise at my hostility without looking at him. The force of my question drew the alpha near. I couldn’t decide if I felt grateful or offended. After all, I was an alpha too.

  The new boy’s gaze moved to Ren. I could see his menacing expression reflected in the stranger’s eyes. No human could withstand a Guardian’s warning glare, especially one that emanated from an alpha. I almost felt sorry for him.

  “Nothing. Never mind,” Shay murmured as his nervous gaze darted from me to Ren, whose hands now rested on my hips.

  My instincts battled back and forth between the desire to tear Ren’s fingers off my body and relief from his closeness. I reveled in the strong, soft pressure of his hands, but I resented his attempt to possess me. I glanced up at him, filled with a nagging irritation. And then it hit me as my eyes returned to our uninvited guest. This isn’t how I want Shay to see me.

  Shay shook his head as though he’d been caught in a disorienting fog. The bell rang and he hurried away.

  “Weird kid,” Ren murmured, dropping his hands from my hips. “He’s new, huh?”

  “I guess. He was in homeroom with me and Bryn. Got stuck in the seat next to me, probably just wanted directions.” I tried to look bored. “He hasn’t figured out the rules yet. No mixing.”

  Ren returned to putting away our lab materials. “Right, that rule.”

  “Just ’cause you have boundary issues doesn’t mean everyone else does. The rest of us respect the Keepers’ wishes.” My voice dripped honey sweet.

  He just shrugged.

  Damn it, stop being so arrogant.

  “Look, I’m starved. You got that?” I gestured to the remaining beakers and bottles that needed to be reshelved in the classroom’s cabinets.

  “No problem.”

  “Thanks.” I grabbed my bag, walking swiftly from the room.

  The Guardians always ate lunch on the far side of the cafeteria. While the two packs sat at different tables, we still hovered near each other. Across the room were the Keepers’ children, decked in Gucci and Prada, looking put out to be anywhere near the rest of us. The human students sat sandwiched between the wolves and our masters’ children. Sometimes I felt sorry for the mortals. In their own world they wielded immense power. But not here. At the

  Mountain School, the humans knew they were at the bottom of the food chain.

  Ansel and Mason already occupied our usual table, and I pulled up a chair next to my brother.

  “So what did Ren want?” Ansel’s eyes were bright with anticipation.

  Mason leaned forward, interested, but he didn’t speak.

  “Let’s wait until everyone is here.” I pulled the turkey sandwich out of my bag.

  Ansel growled impatiently and I shot him a warning glare. Steel legs screeched against the tile floor as Bryn took a seat close to me. Fey dropped into the chair beside Mason.

  My gaze swept over my now-circled packmates before flickering to the next table, where the Banes sat. Sabine drummed her long vamp-painted nails on the table and whispered in Cosette’s ear. The younger blond girl pursed her lips. Her skin was so pale it was like you could stare right through her, and her constant f
idgeting made it appear that she wished everyone could.

  Dax and Neville began an arm-wrestling match. Though Dax—clad in a Broncos jersey and baggy jeans—clearly outweighed the lean junior, beads of sweat began to appear on Dax’s forehead. Neville, head-to-toe in beatnik black, slowly began to push Dax’s arm toward the tabletop. Ren perched on the edge of the table, laughing at his friends’ antics, but his eyes darted frequently toward us.

  I swallowed a mouthful of turkey and wheat bread. “Okay, listen up.”

  In a single movement the Nightshades leaned forward. Except Mason, who tipped his chair away to balance on its back legs and crossed his arms behind his head. He glanced at the Banes and then winked at me. I laughed.

  “Ren’s watching. Be cool. Be Mason.”

  The rest of the pack mumbled embarrassed excuses, trying to assume more casual poses with varying levels of success.

  “The Bane alpha made an interesting suggestion.” I chewed on my sandwich, ignoring my lurching stomach.

  Bryn twirled her spaghetti around the tines of her fork. “And what was that?”

  “He wants us to start hanging out.” I tried not to cringe as my pack struggled to hold their composure.

  Ansel sent corn chips scattering across the table. Fey’s lips curled up in disgust and she threw an incredulous look at Bryn, who had drawn in a hissing breath. Only Mason remained unruffled. He stretched his arms languidly, looking pleased. My low growl made the pack settle.

  Bryn spoke first, in a hushed voice. “Do you mean he wants to date you?” I winced at her incredulous tone.

  “No, us.” I swept my hand around the circle of the table. “Our packs. He thinks the Banes and Nightshades should start to merge now. Before the union.”

  “Oh, come on.” Fey was livid. “Why would we want to do that any sooner than we have to?” She shredded a napkin that had the misfortune of resting on her lunch tray.

  Mason rocked back and forth in his chair. “Could be interesting.”

  “Bryn?” I turned to face her.

  “What’s his motivation?” Her eyes darted to the Bane table.

  I followed her gaze. Dax looked crestfallen, while Neville pulled his tweed cap over his eyes, dropping his head back against his chair to nap. Ren had taken a seat near Sabine, who leaned into him, her lips moving rapidly as she spoke. Cosette’s head bobbed in affirmation as she listened.