Alex had met Cade Richman last semester, when they’d been the new kids at Marble Bay High. They connected in many ways. There was insta chemistry and language arts — they totally got each other. There was also biology, if that could be measured by just one kiss. But not enough history. Cade’s dad had gotten transferred to Paris; the family had to move.
Cade had packed a souvenir: Alex’s heart.
Fast-forward. The boy with the dark curly hair, cobalt-blue eyes, and lopsided grin was back. All she knew was that Cade’s dad had gotten him a job and a place to crash — with his boss’s family. But was he here for a summer cameo or for good? The question hung in the air between them. Unasked, unanswered.
“We’re almost there,” she announced. She was taking Cade to a special spot, a place where wonderful things had happened. It was just a grassy field surrounding an ancient elm tree, but it was the highest point in Mariner’s Park and offered a breathtaking view of Marble Bay’s harbor.
Her sister had been drawn to it years ago but had never taken anyone there until Alex came to live with her. Months later, the twins had met their biological mother for the first time, there, under the huge old elm.
Alex hadn’t planned on sharing it with anyone else.
But the best things in life are the unplanned ones. Like Cade.
“I see why you like it here,” he said after she’d stopped and laid her bike down in the grass. Leaning his bike against the tree, he shaded his eyes to check out the boats in the distant harbor. “It’s like a postcard, a snapshot of some other world.” He paused, listened. “It’s so different up here. Quiet, you know? Peaceful.”
He got it. Alex knew he would. She felt herself swaying and her emotional safety net falling away. She’d brought a blanket, but was afraid to sit down next to him. What if she never wanted to get up? What if she got lost in his eyes, in his embrace, and couldn’t find her way back?
Alex wouldn’t allow it to happen. She plunged her hands into her pockets, as if that would keep her from reaching for him. In the right side of her camouflage jacket her fingers found a sharp-edged stone. It began to heat up at her touch. She knew at once that it was a crystal of pink quartz that she and Cam had used in the past to cast spells and practice magick.
She could use it now, Alex reasoned, use it to quiet her emotions and protect her heart, to keep at a distance if not Cade then her own dangerous feelings.
No. The beloved warlock Karsh, who’d given her the crystal, had taught that magick was to be used to promote love and healing, not to hide from it. She let go of the stone, hoping anyway that some of its power had entered her heart through her hand.
Alex wasn’t hungry but deliberately opened her backpack and withdrew a pile of plastic containers. She’d prepared lunch — salad, tuna, cheese, bread, fruit, chips, and bottled water.
Cade whistled in appreciation. “That’s what’s so cool about you. You’re unpredictable. Not what people expect —”
Alex stopped what she was doing and folded her arms. “Let’s see, purple hair, black nail polish, a camo jacket instead of cashmere — that renders me unable to make a sandwich? That what you mean?”
“Busted,” he admitted sheepishly, blushing a little.
“It’s my suburban sister who’s totally kitchen phobic. That girl thinks adding strawberries to Special K is gourmet cooking. Speaking of walking contradictions — looked into a mirror lately?”
Cade was the kid who’d come to school looking rough, raggedy, small-town. Nothing to suggest the well-traveled, rich boy Cade Richman was. “I never did ask you,” Alex gave voice to her thoughts. “Why’d you hide who you really were?”
He leaned over on his elbow. Their faces were inches apart. “I didn’t. This is who I really am. You were the only girl who ever bothered to find out. Besides, we all have secrets —”
“Not me,” Alex lied. “I’m an open book. Ask me anything.”
He did. Which is how they spent the hours, talking, laughing, trading stories, realizing how little — yet how much — they knew about each other. Even leaving out the witch part, Alex felt like she could talk to him forever. And listen, too.
Cade’s dad was some big muckety-muck in a global conglom, and the family moved often. In his sixteen-plus years, Cade had gone to as many schools. He’d finished his sophomore year in Paris. “The city of light, they call it. It’s cool, but not the perfect city people dream of.”
Alex had never dreamed about Paris. Her desires had been more modest. She’d wanted to understand her own weirdness. She’d yearned to move out of the tin trailer she’d shared with her adoptive mother, Sara. And most of all, she’d wanted Sara to regain her health, beat cancer.
Two of her wishes had come true. It was the third, the one that hadn’t, that would always gnaw at her. With all her gifts, her powers, she had not been able to save the only mother she’d ever known or wanted from death.
“Want me to say something in French?” Cade broke in suddenly, teasing. “It is the language of love, after all.”
It was more than flirting, and Alex knew it. He’d sensed her gloom, was trying to pull her out before she got in too deep. He was amazing.
She brightened. “Oui.” Yes was the one French word she knew.
“Okay. See if you can figure this out. Tu es très jolie, Alex, mon petit chou,” he said with a sly smile.
She had no clue what it meant.
Cade leaned in and cupped her chin. “It means, you are so pretty …”
She blushed.
“— my little cabbage head.”
Alex scrunched her face and mock punched him. “I walked right into that one, didn’t I?”
Cade answered by reaching over and pulling her close. “Let’s see if you walk right into this.”
Alex’s heart began to race. She remembered what Cade’s kiss felt like. She closed her eyes and leaned toward him —
This better be worth it. She’d better come through. Or I came a long way for nothing.
— and jerked her head away roughly. What the —? Was that what he’d been thinking? Alex stared hard at Cade. She was so angry, she blurted, “What better be worth it? You mean me?”
Cade was startled. “What’s going on?”
Of course you. You think I’m here to hook up with that prissy sister of yours?
Alex sat up sharply and moved away from him. “I don’t know what game you’re playing —”
“Game? Alex, what’s wrong? What’d I do?” Cade wanted to know.
A game? Great! How ’bout one we both know? Hide-and-seek?
She was fuming. Her face was probably beet red. What could she say? I read your mind, you imbecile? You’re just playing me? Alex leaped up, ready to grab her bike and bolt.
You’re IT, Alex! Find me.… I’ll say if you’re hot or cold.…
She grabbed the handlebars, booted the kickstand, and stopped. Those were not Cade’s thoughts. Someone else was here. Someone powerful enough to break into her head.
“Alex, come on,” Cade said anxiously. “Give me a clue — I’m lost here.” He’d come up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, about to spin her around. She whirled, beating him to it.
Her heart sank. She didn’t have to read his mind. Cade’s hurt and confused feelings were all over his face. She stammered, “I’m … I didn’t mean it… I mean, it’s not you, it’s me.…” Alex awarded herself an A in inane babble. “I know this is weird … I’m acting weird, you’re probably thinking …”
Cade searched her eyes for a clue. She had none to give. She only hoped she could come up with an explanation he’d believe and that he’d forgive her.
Oh, Alex, you’re not even trying! And you, the huntress, shame, shame!
Grimly, Alex turned away from Cade and shot back a telepathic message of her own. Whoever you are, I will find you. You’ll wish I hadn’t! She scanned the landscape, wishing for her sister’s zoom-lens eyesight. On her own, Alex saw nothing.
Ex
cept this. When she turned around, Cade was gone.
* * *
She ached to go after him, to shout, “Wait! Don’t go.”
How could things have gotten so messed up, so fast? Their first quality time alone was ruined. She’d make it right with Cade — as soon as she flushed out this rude intruder.
Intruder? I could be insulted. But I’m having too much fun.
Her jaw set, Alex scrambled down the hill, digging her heels into the soft, grassy earth so she wouldn’t topple. Every few steps she paused, listening, thinking. Her adversary had spied on her and Cade, broken into her head. A witch for sure, but which witch? Not Camryn, nor Miranda, not even her mischievous cousin Ileana would mess with her this way.
You’re overthinking this, Alex. Use your ears… use your instincts.
Don’t tell me what to do! Alex shot back, walking faster, more deliberately. She knew this park, this view by heart. What wasn’t she seeing?
Suddenly, she realized it didn’t matter if she couldn’t flush someone out by sight. She could hear. There was a swishing sound, like someone dragging a blanket across the grass. Then a sliding, skidding, and bump! Her mystery guest had fallen.
A memory came to her. Weeks ago on Coventry Island, a short young witch tripped on her too-long cape and tumbled down a flight of stairs. No! It couldn’t be —
Michaelina?
“Ta-da!” The teen witch, arms outspread, popped out from behind a tree and gleefully announced, “The one and only!”
Alex blinked. Oh, no! It really was her, the double-dealing rival Alex had met on Coventry. What was she doing here?
Michaelina, with her twinkling green eyes, mischievous mouth, and pixie-gone-punk hairdo, had been one of a trouble-brewing trio of witches who called themselves the Furies. Sersee, Epie, and Michaelina. They’d tried to kick serious T*Witch butt and almost succeeded — thanks to Mike, who had briefly befriended the twins, then led them into a near-lethal trap.
“You’re not holding that against me,” Mike quipped. “What do mainlanders say,’Bygones —’”
“In your case, it’s be gone. Now would be a good time,” Alex snapped.
Michaelina smiled big. “You haven’t changed at all. That’s good.”
“What are you doing here?” Alex fingered her moon charm menacingly.
Michaelina held up mini-palms. “I come in peace. Just to check out mainland life. It’s as simple as that —”
Jaw set, Alex demanded, “Who sent you?
“No one! Look, Alex, I know what happened was bad. I learned a lesson, too. I’m not one of Sersee’s servants anymore — I … I know this sounds sappy, but I’m sorta trying to figure it out, y’know? Looking for a second chance?”
“At what? Another betrayal? What makes you think I wouldn’t put a spell or curse on you?”
“No way.” Michaelina snorted. “You’re a card-carrying member of Witches Magnanimous. You totally believe that hooey, ‘that all things might grow to their most bountiful goodness.’ It’s not in your nature to hurt me.”
Mike was right, but for the wrong reason. Alex wasn’t angry enough to hurt the girl. It was something in the sprite’s eyes, the way she put up this totally tough front. It reminded Alex of someone.
It was the way she might have ended up had the beloved warlock Karsh not brought her to Cam.
CHAPTER FIVE
CAM’S MISSION
Shane had come for her. And just like that, her rational mind closed down and her rash heart opened up. Cam did not demand the explanation Shane owed her. She did not demand the cautiousness she owed herself. She forgot about Jason. She forgot about Shane’s betrayal. His arms were outstretched. She knew she’d rush into them.
The massive mahogany doorway of Crailmore, meant to humble those who passed through it, did not diminish Shane Wright. It framed him, as if he were a princely portrait. He was almost posed, it struck Cam, his hands on his hips, legs astride, shiny blond hair brushing his broad shoulders. His eyes, blue as a cloudless sky, searched her face.
Her skilled gray eyes glazed over; her heart was in her throat. Fluttering butterfly wings invaded her stomach, only to settle the moment he closed his arms around her.
Playing it cool was not an option. Not when Shane was so hot.
“You’re here,” was all he said, holding her tightly and sighing with relief. Had he doubted she would come? Shane brushed away her bangs and kissed her lightly on her forehead. “Come with me,” he whispered.
No way. Not until you offer up some real explanation for your betrayal. Not until you tell it to my face, to my mother’s face. I’m not going anywhere with you until you prove to both of us you’ve changed.
Okay. That’s what Cam should have said.
Only, how could she? His hand closed over hers and their fingers entwined naturally. They walked silently down the steps, along the walkway, and through the iron gates that surrounded the mansion.
She’d been so wrapped up in him that Cam hadn’t noticed the black horse, sleek and huge, tethered to one of the fence spikes. Shane pulled her toward it, but Cam shied back. “What is that?” she asked without thinking.
Shane laughed. “That is a stallion,” he explained proudly, reaching up to stroke its dark, silky mane.
In theory, Cam considered herself a friend to all creatures great and small, but when the really big ones got so up close and personal that their hot breath warmed your face and stirred your hair … “friendship” ended there.
“This is Epona,” Shane was saying, stroking the immense beast’s snout. “He looks fierce, but he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“How’s he feel about humans?” Cam asked.
Epona was ink black, from his nervously flicking tail to his frighteningly alert eyes. Evil and angry looking, they seemed almost to be taking her measure. She wanted to turn away, but Shane’s arms were around her shoulders now, moving her gently closer to the stallion.
“Make friends with him.” Shane guided her hand across the horse’s neck. It was taut, muscular, and rough as burned weeds. “He’s our ride to the beach. Aren’t you, boy?”
“Can’t we walk?” In the brief time Cam had spent on Coventry, she’d walked everywhere. So had everyone else.
Shane shook his head. “Too far.”
“And cars are —?”
“Too mainland.”
“So, skateboard, Rollerblades, scooters, bus, train, Learjet…?”
“Horses,” he told her, “played an important part in our history. Black ones, like him, symbolized power and vitality. No one taught you about that? You never heard the name Epona before?”
“That would be a no. And no,” Cam answered.
“I’ll teach you, then. Give me your foot.” Shane laced his hands together and held them out for her to step into. Which she did, reluctantly. He placed her sneakered foot into the stirrup. “Up you go. Hold on to the saddle horn. I won’t let you get hurt. Trust me.”
A rebellious thought crept from its corner. Trust? Déjà vu, anyone? Sequel-itis? This boy has lied to you before. You trusted him, and he betrayed you.
He read her mind with ease. “Cam, you’ve come all this way,” he said, his eyes innocent and clear. “Don’t give up on me now.”
Embarrassed, she squirmed in the saddle and, when Shane hoisted himself up behind her, his arms encircling her waist, she told her instincts to relax.
The young warlock held Epona to a slow pace as they trotted through the countryside surrounding Crailmore and then into the deep woods behind the estate. They were headed to Coventry’s north shore. Shane told her, “It’s usually pretty deserted, since there are no beaches or ferry docks.”
“The shore less traveled?” Cam teased. She couldn’t tell if he’d smiled or not at her poetry reference.
“Really,” he continued, “you should see it. After all, you own it.”
“I what?” Cam looked over her shoulder at him.
“All this” — he nodded straight ahe
ad as they emerged from the woods toward a rocky shore — “this is all DuBaer property. It’s yours.”
“No,” she corrected, “it belongs to Thantos.”
“Your uncle,” Shane pointed out.
“Unfortunately,” she mumbled.
They’d ridden as far as they could take the horse, stopping near the edge of a steep drop-off. Dismounting, they left the animal on flat ground and headed, hand in hand, down a rocky slope, balancing precariously on the sharp edges of rock, formed by decades of wind and mist rising off the Great Lake.
Cam, a natural athlete, turned out to be more agile than Shane. She took the lead a few times and helped him negotiate the rocky sea-battered terrain. It was cooler and windier on this part of the island, and Cam was glad for the scrunchie in her pocket. Once the hair was out of her eyes, she looked around. The view was spectacular. Lake Superior stretched before them, the midday sun glistening on its wind-rippled surface.
“Thanks for coming.” Shane squeezed her hand lightly as they walked along the shore. “I’m so glad, so grateful you’re here.”
Don’t make me regret it, the rebel brain cell piped up again. “Everyone deserves a second chance,” Cam said lightly. “Though in your case, it’s kind of a third chance.”
“There’s no excuse for what I did,” the blond warlock said confidently, almost as if he’d rehearsed it. He brushed a hank of windblown hair off his forehead. “I gained your trust and led you to Sersee, who tried to kill you. There’s no pretty way of saying that.”
She didn’t remind him of the time before that, when he’d used her best friend Beth to trick her. That time, he had been working for Thantos.
“All I can do is try and get you to understand me,” he was saying. “I hope you’ll forgive me. I’m not that guy anymore. I don’t work for Thantos, and Sersee and I are over.”
They walked; he talked. Every so often, Shane picked up a stone and hurled it into the water, breaking the sheen of its surface. Cam didn’t interrupt. Maybe if he kept going, she could bring herself to believe that, this time, he was telling the truth.
“It was despicable, unconscionable,” Shane continued. “I was lost, morally. It’s really hard when you have all these gifts, all these powers, and no guidance about how to use them.”
T*Witches: Split Decision Page 3
