“You’re a witch. I met Rose Piccard and I know what you witches think of vampires.”
“Rose is a dark witch. I suggest you stay far away from her unless you have a death wish.”
“Who is this Rose Piccard?” asked Maximus. He sat up and ripped off the rest of his shirt.
Claire’s mouth flopped open. She licked her lips and turned her back on him. “Rose belongs to the Order of Shadows, a dark witch covenant that has grand plans to take over the world,” said Claire.
“I’m just supposed to trust what you say. What happens when the demons unleash the vamp virus on us? They have the power to kill us all and you gave it to them.”
“Do you have a better idea? I don’t care if you believe me or not. Why are you fighting so hard to be negative when you have the vamp virus?” said Claire.
“I told you to stay close to the school. Why didn’t you listen?” asked Cade.
“You didn’t take your own advice, and look at you?”
“Boys, I’d love to listen to you argue but I have things to do and places to be. Cade, you are lucky that I have a cure on me. This cure was supposed to be my ticket to safety if I ran into Trevor.”
My phone vibrated and Orion’s number flashed across the screen.
“Orion. You won’t believe …”
“No. Where are you? You need permission to leave. I can’t believe you took Arianna and two of her friends with you,” said Liam.
“What?”
“Tell me that you have Arianna and her two friends with you. The note in your room, from Arianna, was addressed to you,” said Liam.
“What did it say?”
“It said they were worried about Aiko and that they were going to save her.”
“What?” yelled Orion.
“Put Orion on the phone before he goes and gets himself killed. Aiko is his mate.”
“Is Aiko in danger?” asked Maximus. He stumbled up on his feet and walked over to me.
“I see you found Maximus, alive. Orion, Maximus demands to speak to you,” said Liam.
I handed the phone to Maximus.
“I’m happy that you’re alive. I was worried that they had gotten to you,” said Orion.
“Me too. Stay put until Cade or I call you,” said Maximus.
“Maximus. She’s my mate. It doesn’t matter that she doesn’t recognize it. I’ve been patient like you asked of me, but I can’t have her out there alone,” said Orion.
I snatched the phone from Maximus. “Aiko isn’t out there alone. Arianna is with her. I will find out where they are and call you right back. You can take your frustrations out on her when we get there.”
Maximus snatched the phone back. “As your alpha, I say wait until I see Aiko and make sure she’s alright, then she’s all yours.”
“It’s good to have you back Maximus,” said Orion.
Maximus hung up the phone and handed it to me.
A green long sleeve shirt suddenly covered his chest. “Does my nakedness bother you that bad?” His lips curved as he flexed his muscles and made his pectoral muscles dance.
Rolling my eyes, I dialed Arianna’s phone number. I’m glad that Liam had me memorize some basic information about each recruit.
“Hello?”
“This is Cade, where are you guys?”
“Do they have Aiko? There’s no way they could track her,” said Maximus. He started pacing in the middle of the floor.
“We are in Jones Creek. They tracked me,” said Aiko.
“Tell them to stay where they are. I will bring them to us,” said Claire.
“Let me call Orion now,” said Maximus.
Claire waved her hands and touched Maximus’s shoulder. He paused from talking to stare at her. Orion appeared a few minutes later. His shock wore off when he saw Maximus standing there.
“No. I didn’t do anything wrong. Ari he’s blaming me. I can’t believe it. I am always in trouble,” said Aiko
“Aiko wait until I get my hands on you.”
“I think I’m hearing things. I thought I heard Orion’s voice,” said Aiko
Orion walked up on Maximus. He didn’t grab the phone, but he stood there with his lips poked out. His black werewolf fur started rippling and appearing on his back.
“Orion get ahold of yourself. Did the demons take you against your will?” asked Maximus.
After a moment, I heard something dropping and Arianna’s soft voice came through the speakerphone. It sounded like they were walking. “This is all my fault,” said Arianna.
“You stopped me before, but it won’t happen this time,” said Maximus.
“You have me to deal with. You had better be thinking of how to save yourself instead of someone else,” said Cade.
Maximus hung up. He nodded to Claire and she touched him again. Five minutes later they appeared standing in front of Maximus.
“Oh no,” said Claire. She grabbed her head and collapsed to the floor.
Maximus caught her before she hit the ground. He laid her down on the floor.
“What is wrong with her?” asked Arianna.
“You mean besides the fact she’s a witch?” said Audrey.
“Audrey.” I elbowed her and shook my head.
Maximus looked like he was ready for war. He was bent over her caressing her cheek and barking orders at Orion.
“She’s ok. Sometimes when there’s danger, or something unexpected happens, another witch or family member can summon you there and your body in the present time just collapses,” said Ivy.
“Do I want to know how you know so much about witches?” asked Cade.
“I’m knowledgeable about many different things,” said Ivy.
Audrey snickered. When I narrowed my eyes at her she coughed and moved behind Orion.
Ten minutes later Claire opened her eyes. Her blue eyes widened then she tried to move out of his arms and frowned when he smiled at her.
“Welcome back. Are you alright?” asked Maximus.
“My sister called me. Derrick has decided to kill Kyra tonight. She has had the baby; therefore, they don’t need to keep her alive. I guess demon babies don’t have long gestational periods like humans,” said Claire.
“What did she have?” asked Arianna.
“She had a baby girl, named Catalia Deeds.”
Arianna
I have a niece. Just because my niece is half-demon doesn’t mean she’ll be like Kyra and Trevor. Everyone deserves a chance in life and Catalia does too. That is a pretty name for a baby girl who was conceived by two of the purest evil people on the planet.
I moved toward the door. I couldn’t ask my friends to go to the capital but that didn’t mean I wasn’t going. The people in this room meant more to me than my own family. They certainly cared more about me than my own blood. I wasn’t going to risk their lives to save my niece.
Cade looked worn out. He wasn’t looking so good. He looked pale and beads of sweat had his curly hair stick on top of his head. This wasn’t his fight. They are probably happy that the government is killing Kyra, but I’m not. After all she’s done to me, I still can’t watch her be executed.
Its times like this that I realize I’m not as strong as I would like to be. One day I will be better than I am, but not today.
“Where do you think you’re going? Wait for us,” said Audrey. She yanked my arm.
“My sister and my niece are about to be killed. Where do you think I’m going?”
Ivy walked over and hugged me. “We’re going with you. It’s what friends do. We have each other’s backs no matter what the situation or problem,” said Ivy.
“I’ve got your back,” said Aiko. She pulled away from Orion and rolled her eyes.
“We don’t blame you for Kyra’s actions. She is responsible for her own actions. We care about you and we aren’t letting you go there alone,” said Cade.
“A part of me hopes that Kyra can be saved and that she’ll change. She is a twin, my little sister, the one I grew up taking car
e of my whole life.”
“Too bad Leonardo isn’t at the capital anymore. We sure could use a way inside,” said Orion.
“I can get us on the inside but I’ll be a while before I can get us out. I need at least forty-five minutes before I’ll be able to transport us all out of there,” said Claire.
“We need to call Zane so that he can bring Trinity and the rest,” said Orion.
“Zane should stay and protect the academy while were away,” said Cade.
“Are you talking about Zane Monteiro?” asked Claire.
“Who is Zane Monteiro?” asked Maximus.
“He’s the son of King Gregory Monteiro from Starkum. He is a prince and a powerful witch,” said Ivy.
“How many times have you dreamed of him? When we get back you’ve got to tell me everything about him,” said Audrey.
“If he’s so powerful we need him with us if we have a chance of getting into the capital and out,” said Maximus.
“I can’t call him. I need to rest my powers for the battle ahead,” said Claire.
“Ivy can call him.” I hated putting her on the spot but I think she can call him.
Ivy shook her head. “I can’t call him. I’m sorry. We don’t need him.
“Yes, you can. We are all depending on you.”
I thought only witches could call other witches. How come Ivy can call him?” asked Cade.
“Don’t ask.” I shook my head at Cade and focused on Ivy. She closed her eyes and when she opened her eyes they rolled back in her head.
A few minutes later Ivy came out of her trance. We all tried to give her space, but we didn’t know what happened. I looked around and saw everyone staring at me. I guess I was going to have to ask.
“Ivy, did you reach him?”
“It didn’t work. You can’t just call Zane. He has to want to come,” said Ivy.
“Why wouldn’t he want to come? I mean we’re all on the same side. Does the prince think he’s too good for us?” said Audrey.
“He doesn’t know me so why would he come? We should have had Claire do it. She’s beautiful,” said Ivy, “and …”
“She is beautiful, but she would not have received my attention, not even for a minute. You, on the other hand, have my full attention,” said Zane. He walked out of the shadows and into the light.
“Dang. He’s hot and he wears royalty really well,” said Audrey. She licked her lips and lifted her breasts up.
“Shikakai,” said Ivy. She fainted.
Zane suddenly appeared right in front of me, as he caught Ivy in his arms before she hit the ground. He rubbed his fingers along her jawline, and then he leaned in and smelled her closing his eyes briefly before he stood up.
“I’m thinking I might faint. Can you catch me too?” said Audrey. She smiled and waved at Zane.
“We need to go to the capital and get my niece and save my sorry twin sister. Can you transport us there?” I wasn’t waiting for anyone else to ask. We needed to get going.
“I can, but it’s a suicide mission. Your sister deserves death,” said Zane.
“Can you send Trinity and the other warriors to us? That’s the least you can do,” said Orion.
Zane snapped his fingers and Trinity and Fred appeared. He did not take his eyes off Ivy. I had a feeling if we lived through this night, Ivy and Zane would be getting to know each other well.
“What the heck?” snapped Trinity. She turned to Cade. “Is this about the attack on the academy?”
“We are storming the capital and forming a rescue mission. Here’s your chance for the payback that you want,” said Cade.
Ivy woke up. She stumbled to her feet and froze. “You rested quickly, and you were able to call all of them?” asked Ivy. She looked at Claire.
“I called them. You have me at a disadvantage. You know my name, but I don’t know yours,” said Zane.
“I’m Ivy Tussac. I didn’t mean to call you, but we need your help.”
“Come on Ivy, we’ve got to go. We’ve got to find another way into the capital,” said Orion as he followed Maximus and Claire to the door.
“I don’t understand. He can transport us there,” said Ivy.
“He said no. Let’s go we’ll figure it out on the way,” said Cade.
“How could you say no Zane? That is what friends do. We help each other,” said Ivy.
“Are you my friend?” asked Zane.
Ivy bit her nail as she thought about it. “I’m not your enemy. We don’t know each other, but we can become friends,” said Ivy.
“If I do this and I agree to help you. You must promise me two things. One promise I will tell you now, and the other promise you will find out later at a time of my choosing,” said Zane.
“How can I promise something and you’re being all secretive about it? What if you want something that I can’t give you?”
“I’ll promise. I’m willing to sign my oath in blood,” said Audrey.
Ivy looked at Audrey. She was mouthing something, but Ivy didn’t have her glasses on. “I don’t have my glasses on. These contacts make me look cross-eyed,” said Ivy.
“Ivy is the one making the promises and if she doesn’t then you don’t get the help you need.”
“Ari, what are our chances without his help.”
“Fine. I know they’re slim. What do I do? Have Ivy sacrifice Valcrum only knows what to expect from this prince? Nope. They are probably slim either way. That is why I told all of you to stay here.” I didn’t want her to feel beholden to Zane. He was a power witch and I’m not sure Ivy’s ready for that. He’s a prince and I don’t think he knows how to be tender with her heart.
“Arianna is a true friend. She’s lying to you so that you’re not pressured. The other girl, the jury is still out on whether she’s a real friend or not,” said Zane.
“Audrey is bold. There’s nothing wrong with a woman who knows what she wants,” said Ivy.
“Do you know what you want Ivy?” asked Zane.
“If this conversation took place an hour ago, I would have given in. But I have killed a werewolf, fought vampires, and I lived to tell the tale. I’m not going to let anyone bully me ever again, and that includes you too, Zane. No deal. We will be fine without your help.”
“This is a suicide mission,” said Zane.
“What do you care? Your feelings come with strings attached, just like your help. Come Ari, let’s ride.” Ivy stormed past Zane and out of the door.
“As a prince, I expected better from you.” I scrunched up my nose and walked out of the house.
* * *
An hour later we were hidden on the south side wall of the capital. There were more guards than I could’ve imagined. The twelve-foot fence was electric. I hated to admit it but Zane was probably right; this was crazy. Turning away from the gate I looked at them.
“We’ll break up into two teams. We will all head down to the basement where they are probably keeping Kyra. Alone we are weak but together we are strong. Cade, Maximus, and Ivy you are with me. The rest of you follow Trinity.”
“Follow me everyone,” said Trinity. She ran through the tree. Creeping up on the guard smoking she threw her knife, which landed in his throat. Fred ran ahead and moved him behind a large crate.
Swiping his badge, we went inside of the building. Team two broke away and followed Trinity. I led Cade down the northern hall. A guard came out of the bathroom and ran toward me. I thought of dad and how free and happy I was when he was alive. Staring at the electricity in the wall socket. A blue light of electricity shot the man in the center of his chest.
“Yes! You channeled your powers,” said Ivy. She was watching my back as Maximus guarded the rear and Cade guarded me. I opened the first door on the right and I stopped dead in my tracks.
I saw the baby girl in an incubator. There were needles poking her everywhere and her blood was being transferred to test tubes. My skin felt prickly as the hair on my arms rose. Rage flowed through me at the sight
of a baby being pricked with thousands of needles. Catalia wasn’t crying at all. She was staring at the needles then her beautiful green eyes looked at me.
I opened the glass lid and pulled Catalia free. She felt like a silky ball of joy in my hands. Wrapping the blanket around her I held her to my chest.
Trinity opened the door. “We’ve found Kyra hurry.” She walked around and saw Catalia wrapped in a pink elephant blanket in my arms.
“Is that your niece?”
“Yes. They were experimenting on her and taking all of her blood.” I pointed to the two beakers of her blood.
“I’ll fix them,” said Trinity. She moved Catalia and me toward the door. She opened her mouth and blazing fire erupted burning the blood and the room.
“That can act as a diversion for us,” said Trinity.
“A diversion or attention?” I rushed through the doors. The basement was a place nobody wanted to be because of the smell of chemicals and blood. The walls were dark tan and void of color. The place was like a mental asylum. Kyra was curled up in her cell. Her shirt was bloody at the midsection and she appeared pale.
“If you change your ways you might live. I’d love to tell Catalia how you were a nice person someday and it not be lies.” I rocked Catalia in my arms.
“Give me my daughter,” yelled Kyra.
“You will pay for your crimes and the murders that you caused but you might live. If you stay here, they will kill you and Catalia too.”
“Give up Trevor. He doesn’t care about you. He only wanted the baby,” said Cade.
Maximus stepped back and turned into a werewolf. He started charging toward the door at the back of the wall. Frowning I looked at the back, and Trevor appeared with his demons behind him. He waved his hand, and an orb of red light hit Maximus in the chest. Maximus flew ten feet into a wall and slid into some wooden boxes,
“Honey, I’m home. Did you miss me?” asked Trevor. He stepped forward waved his hand and blasted the lock off Kyra’s cage.
I shot a bolt of lightning at Trevor’s men and they ducked scattering everywhere.
Kyra picked up a piece of steel from her cage and jammed it in my shoulder. She ripped Catalia from me and ran into Trevor’s arms. They disappeared from the basement.
Shape Shifter’s Demons in the Mist: Angel Academy Page 29
