Crossroads

by Jennifer Ann Reed

  Once it was time for our joint class, I trudged to the door and was instantly relieved when the teacher was speaking with Jessie in the front of the room. I sneaked to my seat in front of Austin and sat as the bell rang. The only seat available for her was across the room from us. I hated the bad feeling I had about her, but accepting her was harder for me than it should be. I didn’t have that problem with Gwen. The more I thought about it the more I realized it was probably all due to her animated response to meeting me.

  You okay? Austin’s voice filled my mind.

  I’m fine. The lie was harder to send through our link than I cared to admit. I didn’t want him or the others worrying. We had enough to worry about with our upcoming trip into Faerie.

  You ready for your date tonight? Caden hasn’t stopped talking about it since you said yes. Austin’s amusement seeped into my body and I had trouble not giggling myself. Sometimes this telepathic link we shared allowed me to feel his emotions and if they were strong enough, I’d behave the same way.

  I’m not discussing Caden with you! We can share some secrets but not that. It is not happening! Just a few weeks ago, Austin had been interested in a relationship with me. Then we found out that he didn’t have my mate markings. Since then it seemed as if he’d come to terms with fate. We’ve become even closer as friends and now he voices his opinion freely on the matter of my singleness.

  Just remember what I said about him. Austin’s insane idea that Caden had one of my mate marks caused my wolf to dance while I scoffed. I slammed the door on our connection and kicked Austin out of my head. He hated when I did itt, but I wasn’t entertaining his crazy notions.

  After we were released for lunch, Jessie skipped up to us and engaged Austin in a conversation about her impression of our school so far. I stayed back a little bit and followed them into the cafeteria. Allie and Gwen waved me over to them as I was about to join the lunch line.

  “Gwen’s mom made us lunch today. Isn’t she awesome?” Allie opened a brown paper bag and pulled out a long container. Another bag sat beside her and I took my seat in front of it as Allie popped the top off of her food container. The scent of steak and mashed potatoes filled my nostrils and I had to check for drool.

  “Yes she is awesome. I could get used to this.” I hauled a huge spoonful of warm mashed potatoes into my mouth. Allie must have heated it before I got here.

  “Your uncle told her she could use the leftovers from last night for our lunches. She’s offered to do a lot of the cooking and wants to make sure we have what we need.” Gwen held her fingers in front of her lips until she finished chewing. “She’ll mother you all to death if you’re not careful.”

  “I don’t think any of us are going to mind,” Zander was grinning as he pulled out his own brown bag and sat next to Gwen. “I like being spoiled.”

  “Where’d you leave Jessie,” I asked as Austin plopped down on the other side of Gwen. Her shy smile in his direction warmed my heart and Austin’s face reddened.

  “She’s in line. Linc said he’d wait with her.” He glanced in Gwen’s direction and quickly turned before she caught him staring.

  “I’m sure he did.” Curtis shook his head and a wrinkle appeared in his forehead. We turned in the direction of his gaze and noticed a lanky younger boy approaching our table. The boy was so small he had to be a freshman and he shook like a leaf.

  “You need to leave.” His voice was just as shaky as the rest of him. “Your kind don’t belong here.” Weren’t we past this already? It took me a minute to realize he was speaking to Gwen instead of me as hatred poured from his sweat glands. Earlier this year, I’d faced the same type of prejudice. Anger bubbled to the surface as I watched Gwen shrink in on herself. I started to tell the boy to get lost, but was interrupted by another voice.

  “Listen here.” Jessie slammed her tray onto the table. “You can return to your lackeys with this message. Any more nasty comments about Gwen and you all will be messing with me and Kitra. Gwen is one of us. Got it?”

  “Don’t forget about the rest of us.” Caden’s voice rumbled from his chest . The formidable force of all of the guys at our table caused the boy to wilt like a flower on a hot day.

  “Ye...Yes,” he squeaked and retreated to his own table with his tail tucked between his legs.

  “That goes for any other person who has anything to say.” Jessie shot daggers at the rest of the students in the cafeteria as she sat.

  “Thanks for that.” Gwen’s watery smile tore at my heart. Austin wrapped an arm around her and squeezed.

  “You’re welcome, but I was only doing what was right. Kitra’s good with you, so I am too.” Maybe I’d been wrong about her. Perhaps my earlier feelings really stemmed on her strange admiration. I was still going to keep my guard up around her, but I felt the ice encasing my heart thawing bit by tiny bit.

  The rest of lunch and the school day passed in slow monotony as I counted down the time until my date, but at least there wasn’t any more drama. Caden had sat close in Advanced Chemistry and was ever watchful in Physical Education. After the final bell, he walked me to my car and told me he couldn’t wait until seven that evening. I was just as excited as he was, but doubts tried to fill my mind. By the time I pulled into my driveway, I had come up with a million different excuses enabling me to cancel our date but I couldn’t do it.

  After opening the front door I realized that I was home alone and then I remembered Allie and Gwen were shopping for a surprise dress for my date. I had promised Allie she could pick something for me to wear. After what she made me wear to my birthday party, I knew it was probably a bad idea but I hoped she had toned it down a bit for tonight.

  I dropped my bag off in my room and grabbed a piece of chocolate before I went to the patio to work on my fairy magic like a good little winged imp. First, I worked on drawing energy into a ball in my palm with my eyes closed. I tried it again with my eyes opened and struggled a little a more. I needed to master the use of these powers if I ever hoped to use them to defend myself, my friends, and family.

  I kept calling forth the purple orb in my hand until it came with ease before I moved on to levitating objects or myself off the ground. Slowly it too became easier, I didn’t even have to try to do either; all I had to do was think it and it happened. I peeked around to make sure I was still alone before I attempted to call forth the fire in my veins. Calling it during training had been an accident and I scared myself and the others when the gym ignited. I didn’t want to take the chance of anyone getting hurt while I mastered this feat.

  Not sensing anyone around, I focused on the feeling of warmth moving through my blood and focused it on my hands. Would it answer my request without being angry? A small gasp escaped my lips when a small flame flickered to life in the center of my palm. It was waiting to be of use. It sizzled and danced across my skin harmlessly, but I knew the destruction it could cause. I’d seen it firsthand and didn’t want to lose control of it.

  “Kitra!” Allie startled me as she yelled from inside the house. The flame vanished into thin air and I jumped to my feet. “You need to get that pretty butt in here and get ready!” Why did I do this to myself?

  With a deep breath, I walked back inside for Allie’s preparations.

  Chapter 5

  I FOUND ALLIE AND Gwen sorting their store haul on my bed. Gwen jumped in front of me and ushered me to the bathroom as Allie spread her arms out wide, becoming a fairy obstacle in front of what she’d chosen for me to wear tonight. Her body’s protective stance in front of the items dared me to try to get past her. I stifled a nervous laugh and closed the bathroom door behind me.

  Black undergarments were laid out on the sink. At least I knew I wasn’t going to be dressed in a light color or something crazy, but with Allie anything was possible. I quickly rinsed off and forwent washing my hair so it’d be easier to style. I’d learned a long time ago that if I washed it every day, it’d get super frizzy. After I wrapped up in my cozy robe, I made my
way back into the room.

  “Sit,” Allie ordered pointing to my vanity stool. I followed her orders as she and Gwen stood behind me discussing what to do with my hair.

  “How about pulling half of it back and giving her soft waves,” Gwen asked. “That way, the earrings I picked out will be shown off.”

  “I like how you think. I knew from the moment I met you we’d work well together and become fast friends.” Allie’s remark left a huge grin on my face even though my unknown wardrobe terrified me. My wolf and I were happy because she and the others had readily accepted our new housemate.

  Forty minutes later, I was deemed worthy of stepping into my date outfit. Allie gave me charcoal smoky eyes and a ruby red lip. She assured me that the lipstick was smudge-proof and wasn’t going anywhere. Gwen artistically curled, teased, and twisted my hair until it hung gracefully down my back. The earrings she had chosen were red roses with green stems reaching up my earlobe. I already felt stunning because of their help.

  Allie pulled the dress out of a garment bag and my breath stopped. I couldn’t wait to get it on. Every girl should own a little black dress and I already owned several, but this one had to be my favorite. The top was cinched in at the waist and the bottom shifted into a flaring tulle skirt that ended at the knee. They helped me step into it and zipped the back. Then, Gwen threaded a red patent leather belt through the two loops at my sides and fastened it. I had to fight the urge to twirl and Allie saved me from embarrassing myself by handing me a pair of pumps which matched the belt.

  “I think this is some of my best work yet, all thanks to Gwen.” Allie’s hands were on her hips as she scrutinized my ensemble. I couldn’t agree more. Gwen nodded and grabbed her camera. After taking a couple of pictures, a knock sounded on the door.

  “Thank you both so much. I love this.” I truly did. I felt very feminine and pretty; ready to conquer the world. I was confident Caden would appreciate the outcome too.

  Gwen opened the door and Curtis told us that Caden was waiting downstairs. The girls followed Curtis down the hallway and left me to descend the stairs to Caden on my own. Butterflies fluttered in my lower stomach and slowly ascended into my throat. They were close to bubbling out and taking flight, but my tongue lay as still as stone preventing their escape thus allowing the wings to choke me. I was afraid my hands were going to start to sweat. What were we doing? Caden and I were once childhood friends, but had lost touch after my parents died and I moved away. We’d had a rocky start since I returned, and now we were trying to move past friendship. How was this supposed to work?

  In truth, I was petrified of what my future could be with Caden. The logical part of my brain said this would never work; I should resist his advances. He had hurt me during my first few days in Serenade Falls, but he’d made up for it later and apologized. After he promised to never do it again, Caden had been nothing but a gentleman ever since. I’d gotten my childhood friend back and since the return of the memory I’d lost from PTSD I felt like I had known him forever.

  I clutched the banister until my knuckles turned white and I was afraid I’d splinter the wood. Caden was waiting for me. I needed to descend the stairs, but my feet stayed planted to their spot, immobile. What was wrong with me? This was Caden. The guy who made my heart stutter with just a glance. The protective wolf that my own wolf claimed as her own; I didn’t need to be scared. I let go of the banister and shook out my hands and arms, stretching my neck from side to side. I could do this. Big breath in. Hold. Long exhale. One step became two and then I was walking downstairs.

  Caden had his back turned to me until I was halfway down in my descent. Almost in slow motion he faced me. His red button-up and black slacks matched my dress and I hoped it was by total accident and not because of Allie’s scheming. His lips spread into a beaming smile as his eyes traveled the length of my body heating my cheeks and I ducked my head unable to meet his stare.

  “You are beautiful.” I wasn’t used to that statement from anyone, let alone coming from his lips.

  “Thanks,” breezed past my lips. I focused on my nails like they were the most interesting thing in the world. I needed to snap out of it.

  “I agree,” Uncle Kalen breezed into the foyer. “Caden, I expect her home by 10 o’clock and no later.”

  “Yes, sir.” Caden stood taller, taking the command like a trained soldier.

  “I wasn’t finished.” Uncle Kalen’s eyes narrowed and Caden visibly shrank. “This is Kit Kat’s first real date.” I wished I could beat my forehead against the wall. Why did he have to point out the obvious? “If she comes home with one hair out of place, you’ll be dealing with me. Understood?”

  “Yes, sir.” Caden’s voice was higher than normal.

  Uncle Kalen pulled me to the side. “You remember the move you loved so much from that movie you watched?” I nodded remembering last time I used SING from Miss Congeniality. Caden had been the unlucky recipient of it then. “Don’t hesitate to use it again if you need to.”

  “Don’t worry.” I kissed Uncle Kalen’s cheek. “Caden is quite familiar with it already.”

  “Good.” Uncle Kalen’s lips stretched into a satisfied smirk before he gave me a squeeze. “Have fun.” He walked down the hallway as I turned back to my date.

  “I’m sorry Uncle Kalen acted that way.” He usually treated Caden like a friend, especially after I had been kidnapped.

  “It’s fine. I’d expected nothing less. He loves you and wants to protect you.” Caden’s cheeks were tinted pink. “You know? We’re already the couple dressing alike.” He pointed at our clothing, changing the subject. “You ready?”

  “Sure.” I finally met his eyes and noticed the laughter he was trying to hide. “What?”

  “Just relax. I’m not going to bite…yet.” His wolfish grin earned him a swat to the arm and the laughter he tried to stay erupted. “Claws away tonight, Kitten. Unless you’re into that type of thing, then I’m game.”

  Caden better be glad looks couldn’t kill, but the homicidal glare I was rocking shut him up. However, it didn’t wipe the stupid smirk off his face. He walked me to the door and held it open before rushing forward to do the same with his black Hummer. Usually, he’d just manhandle me and toss me inside, but tonight Caden held out his hand and helped me into my seat. After making sure I was buckled in, he ran around to the driver’s side. Once we were moving, he reached for my hand and clasped my fingers between his. I already felt delicate and petite next to him, but his palm engulfing mine made it worse.

  The tiny tremble between our joined hands wouldn’t be noticeable to a normal human, but it caught his attention and he brought our fingers up to his silky mouth and placed a feather light kiss against my skin. He gave me another one of his tender smiles which melted my heart. Where was my mercurial Caden? Mr. Sour Pants whose ego I had to keep in check? I was living the real life body snatchers. The Caden next to me was caring and attentive. It definitely wasn’t behavior I was accustomed to from him.

  I marvelled at our joined hands until the vehicle came to a stop. How much time had passed since we left Frost Manor?

  “Where are we?” I didn’t recognize the restaurant or this part of town. The sign above the door read Bella Ragazza. “What does the name mean?”

  “We’re just past the high school on the outskirts of town. The name means Beautiful Girl; I had to look it up. It’s perfect really.” He grinned kissing my hand again. “Stay there. I’ll open your door and help you get out.” He was out of the Hummer before I could protest.

  My door opened and I turned, scooting to the edge of my seat. I’d planned to hop down to the running board, but that wasn’t what happened. My wonderful gracefulness ended with my red pumps catching on the floorboard and sent me flailing forward with a glass breaking screech. Two strong limbs wrapped around me, preventing the inevitable face plant against concrete I was doomed to endure. I threw my arms around Caden’s neck and buried my face in the crook while I fought the wrackin
g sobs which threatened to surface. I never wanted to show my face again. Mint and fresh cotton invaded my nose and my soul sighed. I was home, but I took a deep breath as I rationalized how I should just get Caden’s mockery at my clumsiness over with. I’d rather stay in his arms than see his amusement at my expense.

  Why did I keep feeling like Caden’s arms were exactly where I was supposed to be? Where was it even coming from? I knew my wolf was delighted any time he was near, but was this something she was pushing to the forefront of my mind? Or was my heart trying to tell me something more? Was I crazy for my scattered thoughts?

  I clutched onto him not wanting to lose the feeling of surety, but then I realized how rigid he was standing and how tightly he held me against him. At that moment, a sheet of paper wouldn’t fit between us and the slight blush I wore earlier turned tomato red and raced down my throat.

  “Sorry.” I pulled back, but Caden didn’t let go. His eyes were glued to my painted mouth and his tongue peeked out to dampen his pillowy lips. “Caden?”

  I knew that look. I’d read about it many times and saw it portrayed on the romantic comedies I watched with Aunt Mauve. Was I ready for this? It’d be my first kiss. Caden’s mouth descended and I closed my eyes waiting for the connection. My foot slipped again and landed on the running board, breaking the spell. A resigned sigh breathed past my ear as Caden moved back and helped me down.

  The hostess greeted us with a shy smile as we entered the restaurant, but the statuesque older blonde whose name tag read Stacy, showed us to our table and she kept sneaking peeks at Caden. He wasn’t looking at her but her pink lips would curl into a leer when she looked at me. What was her problem? Self doubt crept and filled my heart with uncertainty. Didn’t she think I was attractive enough to be with Caden? Was she jealous? It made me want to punch her in her camera ready face. I had to fight my instincts; it wouldn’t be a good way to start this date. Thank goodness, we were assigned a young male waiter instead of her. He gave off nerdy vibes even though he resembled a famous superhero who wore glasses at his day job.