by A. J. Macey
Smoke and Wishes
Book 1 of the Best Wishes Series
By A.J. Macey
Blurb:
What do you do when your whole life is a lie? Go to college...
I just found out that I’m a supernatural and now I’m attending Redwood Supernatural University. With its magic and mix of beings from myth and legend, I’m definitely not in the human world anymore. But not everything is picture perfect. I have the Bitch Crew that are determined to get rid of me, a guy that’s hell-bent on teaching me a lesson, and my past haunting me in my dreams. It’s not all bad though; I have my quirky roommate Sadie and six guys who seem intent on keeping me around.
I got this...hopefully.
Warning:
The Best Wishes Series is a WhyChoose/Reverse Harem saga featuring MMFMMMM meaning there is M/M content, and the female main character doesn't have to choose between her love interests.
This book contains references involving PTSD, sexual assault recollections, domestic violence, and other themes that some readers may find triggering.
Contents
Smoke and Wishes
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Epilogue
Smoke and Survival
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Copyright © 2019 by A.J. Macey
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof
may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the author
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Dedicated to:
My daughter, Evelyn Rose.
You are capable of more than you know.
Smoke and Wishes
Book 1 of the Best Wishes Series
By A.J. Macey
1
August 23rd
Thursday Afternoon
Lucienne
The ladder creaked under me as I shifted to shelve the second book in the stack I had cradled in my arms. Since it was the week off of classes between the summer and fall semesters here at the University, the library was barren of students except for the small number of freshman who came in earlier to familiarize themselves with the expansive collection of books, study corrals, and plush chairs scattered throughout the stacks. Currently, the only people in the library were Muriel, who was the head librarian, myself, and a student I hadn’t seen before seated in a leather chair flipping through a paperback book.
I slid the last book into its proper place before carefully climbing down off the old rolling ladder. Returning the now empty book cart, I wheeled it to its proper place under the ‘Returns’ sign. Muriel shuffled out from behind the checkout counter with a twinkle in her green eyes and a small smile which made her permanent smile lines more pronounced.
"Lucienne, did you find out which dorm building you'll be moving into tomorrow?" she questioned. She was the only person I've met who refuses to call me by anything other than my full first name. "As much as I love having you in the small rooms in the back, you need to go be a real adult and be around other younglings. Not hanging around this frail, old lady." She gestured a spotted hand towards herself.
"Oh Muriel, you are the exact opposite of frail, and you know it," I snorted as I eyed her. "But to answer your question, I did find out. I'll be relocating to the West Wing dorm building, room 216."
"That's good, darling, I'm going to miss having you around here all the time though. So I was thinking”—her fingers fumbled with the button on her cardigan—"if you wanted to, you could keep some of your stuff in your current place here at the library. That way if you ever need space away from your roommate or what have you, you'll have a place to go." She looked at me with a hopeful expression on her weathered face.
"Of course I can keep some of my stuff in the back rooms, you know how much I love it here. Besides, someone has to keep an eye on you and your crazy schemes.” My heart warmed at the idea of having a permanent room here in the library. I also wasn't lying when I brought up Muriel's crazy schemes. She loved to experiment with different spells, potions, and other alchemic ingredients. “Because why not?" as she put it when I asked after a particularly nasty explosion left her without any eyebrows. Her face split into a broad grin as she clapped her hands before turning around and slipping back into the main office. I turned back towards the large study area adjacent to the checkout counter. The quiet was peaceful, the comforting surroundings pulled a small grin from me.
My smile grew when I noticed that student was still here. His jean-clad legs were stretched out in front of him. Classic Converse All-Stars adorned his feet, bouncing slightly against the carpet as he pushed his black plastic frames up his straight nose. It was too far a distance to see what he was reading, but he seemed intrigued with furrowed brows and an intense stare. Brown mussed hair brushed against his pale forehead. One elbow propped on the arm of the chair, long fingers rubbed against his kissable lips. Woah Lucie, calm down there. Shaking my head at the thought, I moved around the counter and grabbed the squeaky book cart from its home.
My gaze wandered back to the lean guy lounging in the chair. Only this time, his eyes were focused on me, paperback left forgotten in his lap. Ducking my head quickly, my cheeks flushing under the sudden attention. Please don’t be too obvious, I pleaded. Unfortunately, my luck didn’t hold. Taking a chance, I peeked up through my lashes blushing even more. His lips curled into a smirk behind his fingers. The faded t-shirt he wore was tight against his muscled chest and arms as he stretched, drawing my gaze down his body.
I forced my attention away from him and turned down the main aisle heading toward the reference section. The back corner of the library was quiet except for the repeating squeak emanating from one of the wheels on the cart and my hushed footfalls on the worn carpet.
Once I reached the reference section, I busied myself by grabbing the three books that needed to be shelved, trying desperately to stop thinking about the cutie in the chucks. With the thick tomes safely secured in my arms, I pulled the rolling ladder to the proper location and stepped slowly up to the correct height. The first two volumes slid into their spot easily. The third was just out of reach. Now do I do the smart thing and crawl down the seven rungs and move it over, or do I just try and reach? Looking at the distance, I was pretty sure I could make it. Here goes nothing.
I was able to stretch my left arm while holding onto the ladder. The book rested on the edge of the shelf. Unfortunately, the angle to slide the manuscript into the correct slot was a bit too far askew. Closing my eyes and huffing out a breath, I tried to lean just a bit further. Come on, I mentally urged, just a little farther.
Suddenly, unable to believe my eyes, the bookshelf curved towards me like some trippy hallucination. Stunned, I didn't pull my arm back. When the shelf stopped its psychedelic movement, it was close enough and at the right angle for me to easily slide the book into its proper place. I blinked hard a few times, wondering if maybe I had fallen off the ladder and hit my head on the way down, but the shelf stayed. Once I released the book though, the shelf straightened itself out and resumed its proper position. I could feel m
y jaw fall open as my arm shook slightly at my side. What the hell just happened?
"Well, that was certainly impressive," a warm, baritone voice declared. The words were accompanied by a small clap. Startled at the sudden sound, I whipped around finally coming out of my stupor. My eyes landed on a tall, muscular man dressed in a tight, grey, short-sleeved shirt, dark-wash jeans, and a black leather belt that held a small matching pouch. At least I didn't fall off the ladder like some cliché.
He was leaning against the corner of the bookshelf behind me, a smirk curled on his honeyed face as he crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes sparked dangerously as he watched me. A shiver crept down my spine, consumed by the intense heat that blazed in his stunning lavender-violet eyes.
"I haven't seen that power in a long time. What did you say your supe type was, princess?" he questioned with a single raised eyebrow. Thick, inky black hair shone under the library’s overhead lighting. Pushing off the shelf, he strode over to the base of the ladder, black boots thudding lightly. His movements were controlled yet laid back, confidence radiated in each step as he made his way over. I felt like small prey in the midst of a predator and steeled myself against his penetrating gaze.
"I didn't." Which he very well knows since I've never met him before in my life. I shifted back until I was centered on the ladder before climbing down. "Who are you exactly?" I asked as I reach the floor, arching a brow to mimic his previous facial expression. I edged around him towards the cart. Making sure to leave enough space between us, I didn't want to accidentally brush against his left arm. His eyes glowed brighter as I moved around him as if I had amused him in some way. The violet streaking with amethyst and lavender watched me intently. Is it hot in here? God, this guy is yummy. Before he could answer, Muriel popped around the corner. Her eyes lit up when they landed on my strange companion.
"Ah, Mr. Nguyen! Such a pleasant surprise to see you back on campus. How was your summer term? You and those boys keeping out of trouble I hope." Chuckling, she turned to me. “Darling, your shift is over. Don't worry about the rest of these, you head out and get ready for tomorrow." She shooed me away before I could protest or be questioned anymore by ‘Mr. Nguyen’.
I weaved my way through the stacks towards the opposite corner of the library. Before pushing open the door labeled ‘Employees Only’, I glanced back towards the reference section. Mr. Nguyen and the cutie from the leather chair were waving at Muriel before making their way towards the front of the building. Of course they know each other, I rolled my eyes and made my way into the back.
The hall was lit by several sconces lining the walls, three closed doors sat between the lights. One was a supply closet, and one opened towards a service staircase to the basement where all the overstock and rare items were kept. I unlocked the third door on the wall opposite of the other two, stepped in, and turned on the light. My small and temporary— before Muriel offered it up permanently—bedroom and bathroom had initially been for the head librarian. At least they were before a remodel a few years ago added on an additional set of rooms behind the main office.
The room was on the smaller side, but not overly cramped. A queen-sized bed was set against the right wall with a pair of small wooden nightstands on either side of the wooden headboard. A cushioned bench seat sat under the window on the far wall. The pale olive walls didn't hold many personal items except a set of string lights above my bed and a plum mandala tapestry above my small dresser. The cream carpet was soft under my feet after I slipped my black flats off and dropped my yellow cardigan on the bed. I turned on my small speaker after plugging in my phone, Shawn Mendes' “In My Blood” began playing softly. I turned it up a bit before walking through the door to my bathroom, intent on packing everything I’d need for the move tomorrow.
My gaze drifted towards the mirror as I pulled out my most used toiletries. Sapphire eyes stared back at me, dull and tired, emphasizing the dark circles under them that I could never seem to get rid of. My blonde hair was pulled up in a messy bun haphazardly thrown on the crown of my head, the light brown roots dark against my pale skin. A glint reflected in the mirror, bringing my attention to the gold chain around my neck. The coin pendant resting securely between my breasts, hidden from view under my top. My thin frame had filled in since the beginning of the summer, no longer looking like the poster child of poor eating habits.
Making a mental note to fix up my nails, I noticed the navy blue polish had started to chip away. I took my time in packing my small suitcase making sure I had the essentials. Deciding to leave the majority of my belongings here, I only filled half of it. After everything was set near the door to my room, I fell into another night of restless sleep.
August 24th
Friday Morning
Lucienne
"Lucie," his low voice called out cutting through the ringing in my ears, "where are you going baby girl?" In a haze, I continued moving away from the voice as fast as my weakened legs could carry me. My breathing grew ragged, something dripped into my vision causing me to stumble. I rubbed the slick liquid away from my eyes with trembling fingers. Before I could take another step with my cleared vision, I felt a smooth hand grip my upper arm…
I shot up in bed, the pounding from my heart radiating in my head. The tightness in my chest slowly eased the longer I took meditative breaths. Once I could feel my pulse slowing to a reasonable pace, I crawled out from the burrow of blankets I somehow made during my fitful sleep. The clock glowed 6:39 AM, standing out in the pale morning light that filtered through the window.
I knew the dining hall was open, but I wasn't sure I could stomach a full breakfast. What else is new, I rolled my eyes at the thought. I debated whether to make a quick stop for something small as I slipped into my usual summer attire of shorts and a plain t-shirt. Making sure to grab my ID and dining card, I walked through of the library and out into the quad.
The campus was still asleep except for the overnight security and maintenance crew. Both groups were walking towards their cars to head home. I recognized Bill and Troy, two of the night time security guards. I chuckled remembering the previous interactions with them when the security system for the library was on the fritz after an upgrade to the system. I waved at them as I turned down the walkway heading towards the dining hall. After a returned wave from both and a shouted "stay out of trouble, Luce" from Bill, I was alone in the quad.
Since the sun had just risen over the horizon not too long ago, the birds were still chirping in the trees, and the light dew on the grass glistened in the early morning light. The peaceful walk settled the last of the anxiety in my stomach and chest, helping solidify my decision to grab some breakfast before heading to the Housing Office to start my move.
The dining hall smelled deliciously like pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee. Oh, thank god caffeine. I quickly grabbed a large to-go cup and filled it with the fresh brew. Before I ran through the checkout line, I grabbed a banana and a granola bar, figuring they would be easy on my stomach. After scanning my dining pass and opening my granola bar, I sank into one of the plastic chairs at a table in the far corner. The longer I sat, the more my nerves built again about move-in day. You’ll be alright, I commanded, silencing the spiral of thoughts.
Two hours later, I found myself standing outside the West Wing dorm building. My room key and a paper that had the access code to the front door scribbled across the crinkled page clutched tightly in my trembling hand. Deep breath, I commanded. Inhaling before entering the building, I headed directly for the stairs off to the left of the open entryway. I would check out the main common room and lounge after dropping off my suitcase and bag.
I found the dorm room empty and quiet as I pushed open the door. I stepped into the small seating area that was adorned with a loveseat, two chairs, a round coffee table, and a small cabinet which I assumed was meant to hold a TV. There were three open doors on the far wall. Two were bedrooms while the middle door revealed a bathroom. I immediately walked to take t
he room to the right since it was furthest away from the sitting area.
The room looked like a stereotypical dorm; with a desk, nightstand, bed, and an open doorway showing a small closet that held a three drawer dresser. The bed was bare. Totally forgot I would need more bedding. I made a mental note to pick some up. The furniture all matched in the same wood stain and dark hardware. I put my messenger bag and suitcase on the bed and opened both.
As I finished hanging the last of my shirts on the bar in the closet, the front door to the dorm opened, followed by a loud huff. I peeked my head out to see a curvy girl with dark blue hair styled in a messy pixie cut breathing heavily. Her eyes lit up behind her purple framed glasses when she saw me standing in the doorway to my room.
"Oh my goodness, hi! I'm Sadie, I'm your roommate. Though I'm sure you've already figured that out since I am in this dorm room with a key and a suitcase.” My eyes widened slightly at her enthusiasm. "This place is so nice, I'm so glad we have separate rooms. Not that I wouldn't want to share with you, because I'm sure you're really nice and everything, but I love to draw and paint, and I tend to make quite the mess." Her gaze bounced around the room taking everything in as she continued her rambling.
