I wrapped my hand around the doorknob. Maximus seemed heartless. He’s almost unfeeling and I can’t ignore that it pisses me off.
“You’re upset with me. What would you have me do?” asked Maximus.
I snorted. “If you must ask you weren’t listening. Besides, we both know you’re going to do what you want to do. Just go.” This isn’t how I pictured ending the night. I’ve been debating giving him my number for the last thirty minutes and now I can’t foresee ever speaking to him again. Aiko is out there in the woods and werewolves are probably going to eat her alive.
“I’m not the typical guy you’re used to. I’m different and I’m listening.” Maximus rubbed my hand. He opened his mouth to say something, but I placed my finger on his lips. His eye widened at my boldness.
“If I don’t see you around be safe. Aiko is out there alone right now. The least you could do is make sure she gets home safe before you send her to slaughter.”
“Arianna, you’ll see me again. I promise you,” said Maximus.
Crossing the threshold, I paused my steps. There are so many emotions going through me. I need a moment before anyone converges on me. Running my hands through my hair I walk forward. The corridor is dark and there is no one out here but me. Thus far I have not seen anything that makes this school look impressive or different.
At the end of the cobblestone walkway there is a door. After waiting a minute, I open the door and fall through. Falling in the darkness I hear nothing as my heart slams against my chest.
When I finally opened my eyes, I was in a forest. This forest looks like nothing that I have ever seen. The flowers are all different colors and have faces. They are talking or singing to be exact. I’m no longer standing anywhere near a door and a bookstore. Scrambling to my feet, I walk through the talking flowers. I feel like Dorothy in Oz and suddenly I want to go home.
“Excuse me. Where am I?” I leaned close to the red rose. She was talking the loudest among all the flowers. It smelled so sweet and I inhaled lightly enjoying the fragrance. The thorny roses were spread out and there were thousands of them. I hope the door wasn’t through there. The sun shined bright.
“Why you’re at the Angels Academy of Eastwick.” The ruby rose petals moved as it spoke.
“Is this the front door near here?” I pointed toward the right where there weren’t thousands of flowers and the road was paved with gold bricks.
“Baby, are you slow? You have already fallen through the door. The academy is a school without walls,” said the yellow rose.
What? How do you have a school without walls? I must be losing my mind. I’m asking the roses for directions. Walking past them; I headed right following the paved bricks until I saw him. My breath caught in my chest and my mouth dropped open. His tan skin glistened in the light and his jet-black curly hair was slicked to the back.
He sat down and turned toward the water fountain. The water dropped down the sides of the brick and evaporated into mist. Squatting, he picked up several squiggly looking trees. The light reflected off the trimming shears in his hands
He turned to me.
“You must be new here. My name is Cade Cohen.” He held out his hand to me.
“Arianna Deeds.” I shook his hand. When he turned around, I quickly fixed my hair. Sliding my hands in my pocket I sat down next to him listening to the waterfall.
The ticking of the water calmed me down. All night, I’ve been in reaction mode and I hadn’t had time to process everything that happened tonight. Closing my eyes, I prayed.
“I think I met your sister, Kyra.” He picked up a rock and tossed it into the side of the water.
“Yes, my identical twin.” I smiled. Kyra wasn’t expecting me. She wouldn’t escape my wrath. I hope she met with the headmaster and he sent her home.
“I can tell you two apart.” He smiled and opened the door.
“We’re identical twins most people can’t tell us apart.” I stepped through the threshold holding my breath. I exhaled when I didn’t fall through a black hole of nothingness. A strong eucalyptus aroma drifted to my nose and calmed me down. There were huge paintings of angels on the wall. Each painting showed a different era in history for the angels. I was in awe at all the warrior angels that hung on the wall.
The lights came on as I followed him down the hall. He strolled past a conference room where the hearth had a blazing fire.
“The fire is unattended?” The warm glow of the fire made the room feel cozy. The coffered ceiling and built-in bookshelves looked amazing. There were so many books I’d never leave this room if I had my way.
“The fire puts itself out. There haven’t been any fires here,” said Cade. He turned right down another long corridor with doors on each side.
“I’m taking you to your sister’s room but depending on what the headmaster says; he may assign you to stay with someone else.”
“I’m surprised that the headmaster hasn’t come down to meet me. Does he know I’m here?” The academy looked beautiful but I’m guessing there’s more than meets the eye here. Are there other magical people here besides angels?
“Liam knows everything that goes on behind these walls.” Cade cut his eyes at me and kept walking. Reaching inside his pocket, he pulled out a plum and took a bite.
“Did he meet with my sister yet?” I tried not to stare at his plum, but my stomach growled. I was starving and my mouth was dry. I would fight all the vampires in the city for a glass of cold water.
“You must be starving. I’ll take you by the kitchen and you can grab some fruit to take to your room and eat.” He glanced at my stomach then smiled.
“Nope, she wasn’t feeling well and retired to her room. She was sick with worry for your welfare.”
“I’m sure she’ll feel better once she talks to Liam.” I can’t wait to see her face when I open the door. Her behavior tonight was deplorable, and I’ll never forgive her for her betrayal.
He walked through the double doors into the kitchen. The kitchen was bigger than mom’s house. All the appliances were stainless steel and shine like glass. The kitchen looked fit for the finest chefs. I watched him pull a plastic container from the drawer. He pulled out a tray with cheese, meat slices, and fruit.
My mouth watered. We were poor, so we didn’t get to eat fruit. Ever since the government abolished democracy and initiated supreme law, things had changed. The government rule abolished all freedoms and laid out rules. One rule was that only the elite could eat fruit. I’m surprised to see the school has fruit and I can’t wait to eat it.
Cade placed two apples in the container, and I eyed them like the pretties diamonds I’d ever seen. To me, apples were everything because it was my favorite fruit.
“Your facial expression looks priceless. If apples are your favorite then you’re in for a treat, because these are Fuji apples, and they are sweet.” Closing the container, he kicked the refrigerator door closed with his foot.
“Apples are my favorite fruit. It’s been so long since I had one, I might not remember how they taste.” I didn’t know what to say, and here I was standing here staring at him like I’d never seen a hot guy before. One thing is true; I’ve never seen a guy more beautiful in my life. He makes Maximus look ordinary.
Cade has answers about this place. He seemed nice enough, so I should prepare myself for what lies ahead of me here. I’ve had all the surprises that I can handle in one night.
“How long have you been here at the academy?” I took the plastic container he handed me and leaned against the wall. The apples were fresh and their sweet scent caused a dull ache in my belly.
He leaned against the granite countertop. “This is my second year here.”
I stopped slouching against the wall. “What is it like battling demons? Are we fighting the vampires until a demon threat comes to Earth? I think Earth will be a better place when the humans are not prey to others.”
“Do you hate the vampires? What happened to you tonight to cau
se you to get separated from Kyra?”
I shrugged. “Well, I don’t know. I guess I hate them. A vampire tried to have me for dinner.”
“Kyra said werewolves were after you.”
“The werewolves were after us and I tripped and fainted. Once I got away a vampire attacked me. So, yeah, I hate vampires, that look human but lack human emotion and only exist to suck your blood.”
“It’s interesting that you hate the vampires and not the werewolves. The werewolves tried to kill you too. I guess things like facts get hazy when you see six-pack abs and a pretty face,” mumbled Cade.
“What did you say?”
“That’s why we’re at the academy. We are here to protect humans from those that would harm them. I want to protect humans, as decreed from Valcrum, and be the best warrior I can be to the weak.”
“If angels are weaker than who will protect you from them?”
“What?”
“I’ve never hunted a demon before. I guess I should tell you; I’m the hired help. I wasn’t special and they didn’t come for me. My family needed me and I work this job to take care of them but I guess you wouldn’t know anything about working a job.” He brushed past me out of the kitchen.
“I’m not sure why you’re offended. I’m sorry if I said something offensive. I work a job too. I understand family obligations and needing to step up.”
“I’m sure you do. Kyra told me that she works at Pratt Labs, while you hang out with your friends all day. It sounds like you’ve had a real hard life princess.”
“What. I’m the one that works at Pratt Labs. I have my paycheck stub in my purse to prove it.” I patted myself down but I didn’t have my purse. I didn’t have any belongings with me except the dingy, dirty, clothes that were on my back.
“I’m not going to stand here arguing with you. I’m exhausted.”
“Maximus brought you here so I’m sure you’re tired. I hope he didn’t leave you with a baby in your stomach like he did Letoya.”
“He helped me get here safely. Whatever. Girl’s lie all the time. Who is Letoya anyway?”
“You’re so beautiful yet so stupid. Your sister’s room is down the hall third door on the right.”
I’m a straight “A” student and I don’t like to be called stupid. This is the first time someone has called me that and it’s the last. What is his problem anyway? He must be a human in denial. “If he took your girlfriend maybe it’s because you suck as a boyfriend.”
“Letoya was my fourteen-year-old virgin sister who he raped. I’d ask you to ask her, but she slit her wrists in the tub last summer.” He walked down the hall and turned the corner disappearing out of sight.
Maximus raped a fourteen-year-old. He was a lady’s man but a pedophile? He could have any girl he wants and he chose a virgin baby. There was nothing shy about the kiss he gave me. The promise that he’d see me again suggested he pursues the women that he wants. I’m seventeen and he’s mature for me, but a fourteen-year-old wouldn’t stand a chance against Maximus’s maturity.
My temples throbbed and I just needed my brain to go blank. Why did I assume it was his girlfriend? The tenderness that made his voice drop an octave should’ve been my clue. I intend to stay away from Maximus and Cade. Cade is a jerk. Maximus is just nasty.
Reaching Kyra’s door, I turned the knob. It wasn’t locked so I went inside. The bathroom light was on and the door was cracked. I stood for a second hoping that she was in there so that I could catch her off guard. After a few seconds, I strolled into the bathroom. The countertop was junked up with all her makeup and hair products. A purple towel was thrown on the floor. The clothes she had on were all over the bathroom. If Liam lets her stay, I’ll request another room. No matter what happens with her and the headmaster she’s on her own.
Walking to the bed, I noticed my purse and book bag were tossed on the chair under the desk in the corner. That was a plus. My fist balled up as I crept to her bed. I ripped the rouge duvet back, but Kyra wasn’t there. Frowning I pulled out my phone and checked my messages. Other than a text from mom saying she’ll call me in two days after I’d settled in, there was nothing from Kyra.
Walking over to my bags, I found my phone charger. I do want to speak with mom when she calls. Scrolling down my text message, I see a text from my phone to an unknown number. Whatever. I don’t recognize the number and right now, I don’t care. Flopping down on the bed I close my eyes. As I start to drift off to sleep, I wondered where the heck was Kyra?
Cade
Sometimes I think death would be a solace. We aren’t meant to live forever, and what kind of life do we have when all our loved ones are gone? Why attack us and take the cameras with you? I’m beginning to think that the cameras disappearing and the attack may be two separate incidents. If I had an issue with someone that would be the perfect time to get even. Liam, as smart as he is, isn’t investigating the cameras being destroyed. If the demons did it, they wouldn’t destroy the one thing that would give them the advantage.
I still can’t face the fact that Melody is gone. Liam buried her before I could see her body. A part of me resents him for that but I guess I didn’t need to see how she looked dead. This way I’ll always remember her alive and vibrant with life.
Three days have passed and Liam has Maximus patrolling the perimeter. I lost Letoya, Melody, and I’m about to lose Leonardo. I’ve tried to talk some reason into Liam, but he just won’t listen. If Maximus won’t find Claire Sands then I will, or I’ll die trying.
I wasn’t prepared to meet Kyra Deeds. She was a piece of work. I’ve never met a more self-absorbed person in all the hundreds of years I have lived. I’m wondering why Liam even allowed her to come. She clearly doesn’t fit in. I’m willing to bet she doesn’t have any magical powers. The only power I’ve witnessed is her ability to incessantly tell lies. She’s a habitual liar. I can’t stand liars and I’m going to watch her like an eagle stalking its prey.
Liam is right about one thing. Arianna Deeds is one tough cookie. I was impressed until she opened her mouth to state she hates vampires. I understand a vampire tried to kill her but so did werewolves. Why discriminate?
She survived a night out there all alone until she stumbled on Maximus. He has time to save the girl and get a kiss too. What a jerk. I need him to find Claire. I’ll deal with Liam later. I dialed Maximus before I could talk myself out of it.
“What’s up?”
“I need to see you. Can you meet me out front in ten minutes?” The phone rang six times before he picked it up. I felt warm all over as I stood up and paced my room.
“You know you don’t have permission to kill me?”
“I know. You don’t need to remind me. Are you scared to meet me alone?” Why is he wasting so much time? He knows I know I can’t kill him. My jaw hurt from me clenching it so tight. I mentally counted to ten. He gets on my nerves,
Maximus chuckled. “I’ll be there in five.” He hung up the phone.
Where was Maximus? How can he get here in five minutes? Rolling my eyes, I walked out of my bedroom. I hadn’t been to the enchanted garden since I lost Melody. Looking at the door hurt. I’m glad I shared my special place with her but now it holds painful memories for me. I can’t bring myself to come out here. She faced her fears for me, and I will do the same for her.
Flinging the door open I walked into the garden. Closing my eyes, I reminisced of our encounter in the garden. I remember kissing her and her soft lips on mine. I’m not one to share my thoughts, but I’m glad I told them to her that night. I just don’t understand how she’s gone. My beautiful place of solace no longer brought solace. This place was like salt in an open wound that was festered with gangrene. There was a hole in my heart that could never be filled.
She had so much life in her left. The heaviness in my limbs made it hard for me to stand. My eyes watered until I couldn’t see. Hanging my head, I wept. Wiping my face, I glanced at my watch. I still had two minutes before I had to meet
Maximus. I walked back toward the end of the gardens where the rose bushes were planted.
Strolling down each aisle of planted rose bushes, avoiding their thorns, I paused near the yellow rose bushes. There was blood splattered on the yellow roses. It was way too much blood to be from thorns. Liam said the attack was in the courtyard, so why was there blood over here? Melody must have been attacked.
To the left of the pink roses, there were patterns of blood mixed with dirt. Bending down I touched the blood. Putting it my face, I inhaled it. It was still fresh. Whoever did this, they didn’t have time to clean up. Melody was attacked and killed out here. This wasn’t an accidental death from allergies. Melody said she saw a girl that night, in the hallway. That night she confessed to being allergic to roses. Whoever killed her knew that she had an allergy to roses and placed her here.
“Are you alright?” asked Maximus. He stood right behind me.
“Tell me. What do you see?” I stepped back and out of the way so he could look at the garden with fresh eyes.
“There is blood splattered when you first walk here on the underside of the stone seat, and there is blood near the pink and yellow roses. Did you have another attack?” Maximus stepped back and looked at me.
“Melody, my girlfriend, supposedly died from an allergy attack out here in the rose bushes.”
“Then whose blood is out here?” Maximus looked around then walked over toward the path the led to the retaining wall. “The footprints suggest whoever did this came from the inside then left by the retaining wall.”
I looked at Maximus.
He frowned and turned away. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Be sorry for the person that did this because when I find them, I won’t show any mercy.” Most angels didn’t have the power to withstand the poisonous flowers at the back near the retaining wall. If I can find out which angels have that power than I can find out who killed Melody. “We need to find Claire Sands. I know that he has you patrolling, but can you put someone else over that?”
Shape Shifter’s Demons in the Mist: Angel Academy Page 15
