Crossroads

by Jennifer Ann Reed

  “Okay, subject change before I vomit in my mouth.” Zander pretended to be ill.

  “Well, I can’t wait for Danny’s party.” Allie’s comment was met by other enthusiastic agreements. “You coming, Kitra?” This was the question I’d been outrunning all morning.

  “Umm…I don’t know.” My gaze connected with many pleading ones.

  “Oh, come on. It’ll be great. I promise you will have fun. Please come.” Austin puckered his lip begging me to join them.

  “He’s not lying,” Caden’s low voice added. I stared into those bright sapphires and made up my mind.

  “I’ll go.” The others cheered and Caden gave my fingers a squeeze under the table.

  “Okay, Gwen. You and I have some work to do after school.” Allie studied me as if I was the worst dressed person she’d ever met. “Jessie, do you want to get ready with us?”

  “I can’t. I have to run an errand for my mom.” She brushed her long dark hair over her shoulder. “I’ll meet you all at the game though.”

  “Then it’s settled.” Allie rubbed her palms together reminding me of a certain creature coveting a ring.

  The rest of the conversation focused on the party I really didn’t want to attend, but I didn’t want to let my friends down either. When Caden and I sat down for Chemistry, we didn’t get any time to talk since the teacher had scheduled a test and it began right after the tardy bell. Then, in P.E. the coach separated the boys from the girls as we learned how to play volleyball. Before I knew it, I was at home and I raced to my room burying the doll under my bed.

  The girls followed me upstairs a few minutes later and soon I was dressing in dark blue skinny jeans and a deep purple halter top for the party. Both Allie and Gwen wore similar outfits, stating they wanted us to look like “triplets from another mother.” Their words not mine. Gwen insisted that each of us wear dangling earrings with our hair in loose curls, while Allie tried to con us into wearing heels, but after my last mishap with the dreaded style of shoes I put my foot down. She then suggested I wear some knee high black boots instead after she realized I wasn’t budging on the matter.

  Once we got back to the school, a crowd was starting to gather so we decided to grab some food at the concession stand before we found our seats. Allie warned me, under threat of death I was not to spill anything on my ensemble. While I was inhaling deep fried Oreos, Jessie plopped down and startled me. Some powdered sugar dropped on my jeans and I peeked at an oblivious Allie. As inconspicuous as possible, I wiped at it afraid she’d notice and burst an artery. The willowy redhead didn’t look much older than a child with her huge blue eyes and porcelain skin but I knew better. The girl was deadly.

  “Hey girls!” Jessie had to yell over the sea of people who surrounded us. Her outfit was eerily similar to my own and told myself it was a coincidence. I also had to remind myself she’d been tortured because she looked like me so I tried to cut her a little slack before I overanalyzed my mirror image.

  “Have you eaten?” Gwen pointed at her hotdog. “I’d get in line soon if you haven’t yet. This crowd is no joke.”

  “I ate earlier. No worries. Yes!” Her fists pumped in the air. “I didn’t miss the kick off.”

  The crowd roared as our Wailing Banshees ran a touchdown on the kick return. I didn’t understand the game and sort of zoned out, but I did cheer and jump up when everyone else did. After half-time, I watched as Caden hurled the ball downfield earning the first down. The score had been close the entire game and we were only up by three points after the field goal we were forced to kick during our last drive.

  The opposition team was made up mostly of shifters just like our team and evened the playing field for both sides. The momentum swung back and forth between both teams and now, even I was on the edge of my seat. With seconds to go and the score tied on our fourth down, our coach called a time out. My nails had been chewed down to the nail beds so all I could do was fidget with the rest of the crowd. It’d take a miracle to score.

  Back on the field, Caden took the snap and was flushed out of the pocket by two linemen. He sprinted towards the sideline and hurled the ball downfield to the end zone as the pass defenders blanketed our receivers. Silence fell over the entire stadium. Austin and a safety leaped for the ball at the same time with the opposing player’s fingers tipping the ball to the side. I thought it was game over, but the ball bounced off the defender’s gloves and landed in Austin’s outstretched hands. He fell into the end zone with the game winning touchdown. Screams erupted on the home side as we all cheered, and a mob rushed the field.

  “That was amazing!” Jessie bounced up and down with the rest of us. I was positive we would lose the game tonight, but I was as ecstatic as the rest of Serenade Falls.

  “Well ladies, I hate to interrupt, but we have a party to rock.” Allie started walking down the bleachers. “I want to be able to park close, so let’s go.”

  Jessie followed in her own blue Honda and the rest of us piled into Gwen’s mother’s white SUV. Danny Blevins lived on the outskirts of town in farm country. Allie assured me the reason why the police never busted up his parties was because he lived so far out in the boondocks the noise never bothered his scattered neighbors.

  By the time we pulled into his driveway, music echoed from inside his house and multiple people were walking through the front door. I dreaded going in and stayed glued to my seat while Allie and Gwen hopped out into the grass. I wished we’d turn around and go home. Parties were something I never had been invited to and they really weren’t the scene I tended to participate in. Even in Serenade Falls, I fell victim to bullies because of my heritage. Caden’s ex-girlfriend, Layla Fuller, had been our high school’s Queen Bee and got most of the student body to shun me. The only reason they wanted me here now was because of my relationship with Caden. Their sudden acceptance didn’t sit well with me. Even my wolf covered her head and refused to go inside.

  “Not happening, missy.” Allie yanked my door open. “You are not sitting in this car like a nonsocial hermit.”

  “Caden is the only reason I’m even allowed to be here.” My arms crossed on their own accord. “You remember how they treated me before.”

  “Forget them.” Both of Allie’s hands landed on her hips as she huffed and stamped her foot. “You are not behaving like the Kitra I know. The Kitra I know isn’t afraid of anything and would never allow people to walk all over her.”

  It wasn’t that I was letting these people walk over me. I’d always been the outcast who looked in on the sparkly people. Before, I never allowed myself to get too close to anyone in fear of exposing my Dire Wolf side, but here, my classmates knew all of my dirty laundry and they faulted me when Aelfric wreaked havoc on our small town.

  “Listen, Kitra.” Allie continued in her speech. “They don’t matter. What matters is what we think.” She pointed to herself and Gwen. “Not anyone else. Pull up you big girl pants and let’s show them what they’re missing.”

  “Kitra, I know I haven’t known you as long.” Gwen hesitated biting her lower lip. “But you’re the strongest person I know and you’ve stood up for me ever since I got here. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you and Allie. If you want to leave, then let’s go, but don’t let it be because of a bunch of idiots.”

  They were both right, but it didn’t mean I was happy about it.

  “Alright.” I got out, shutting the door. “Let’s do this. Wait, where’s Jessie?” I realized we were missing one member of our new entourage.

  “She went on inside.” Gwen nudged me with her elbow. “Said she wanted to see if Linc was here yet. I think she’s crushing on him.” Jessie and Linc had been spending a lot of time together. I hoped she’d be able to tame my flirty Guardian.

  “What about you?” I nudged Gwen back. “You hoping to spend some time with a certain dark-haired fairy?”

  “What?” Her cheeks tinted pink. “I…I mean.”

  “Oh, I know he’s wanting to spend
time with her,” Allie cast over her shoulder. “They’re both too shy to admit their attraction though.”

  “Why,” I asked as we reached the white wrap around porch which hugged the blue stucco two-story colonial that was bursting at the seams with teenagers.

  “The Order,” Gwen whispered in my ear before watching to see if we were overheard. “You know it’s forbidden.”

  The only reason the ruling was made was to keep hybrids from existing and look how good that worked out for the Council; two of their own members broke it resulting in my birth. Part of me understood the law was created because of the prophecy stating a hybrid would open the prison gate which housed beings able to destroy the world. In reality, all it did was make each race living in the human world bitter and frightened. I knew several people who were in love but remained apart or dated in secret because they were afraid of the repercussions. Even Allie and Curtis pretended to only be friends in public.

  “After I get rid of Aelfric, the next thing on my list will be to remove that stupid ruling.” My vow was lost in an explosion of sound.

  Bodies were packed in every available space and we bulldozed our way past the front door. A set of French doors were propped open down the hallway and opened up to a living room. A dance floor had been created in the middle by pressing overstuffed couches against the walls. A massive stereo system took up most of the right side of the room. The floor vibrated with each pulse of the bass emitting from the speakers. All the noises, smell of sweat, and constant movement caused my senses to go into overdrive and caused my wolf whimper.

  Allie pulled Gwen and me down the hallway and around the corner that opened into a large kitchen. The tiled island in the middle was riddled with different beverages and food. A tall, lanky boy with black hair was standing behind the island filling up plastic cups for the giggling girls wearing mini-dresses which left nothing to the imagination.

  “Allie!” His high-pitched voice squealed over the other noise. “You brought the half-breed. Awesome!” I instantly didn’t like him. “What can I get you ladies?”

  “We’ll just have some sodas, Danny.” Allie smiled sweetly while he opened a mini-fridge retrieving our drinks. “Thanks.” Her stiffened posture alerted my wolf to an impending confrontation.

  “So, Kitra.” His voice grated on my nerves as he slinked around the island and stopped within inches of my personal space. “So, you and Caden?” He bent leveling his watery gray gaze with mine. “When, he’s done with you I wouldn’t mind the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about with our very own hybrid.”

  “If I ever get tired of Caden.” I made sure I emphasized the statement as I stepped back. “I wouldn’t stoop down to the likes of you, sorry.” I smiled politely instead of dumping my soda on his greasy hair.

  “No worries, Danny.” Mint and fresh cotton engulfed me as a strong arm wrapped around my waist. “I won’t get tired of Kitra. Now if you’ll excuse us.” Danny’s mouth opened and Caden’s warning growl silenced our host.

  Caden led me back the way we’d come and down a set of stairs into an open den. Allie and Gwen trailed behind us. My other Guardians were playing a game on a large flat screen TV and were seated on a black sectional with Jessie squished between Linc and Zander. She attempted to pull his attention from the screen several times, but he and the other boys were engrossed. Others from the football team were enjoying a game of foosball in the far corner.

  Allie grabbed my arm. “Kitra, I’m so sorry. Danny is a bit sleazy, but I never thought he’d say something to you. He usually only approaches the freshmen who don’t know any better. Do you want me to go back upstairs and rearrange his face?”

  “No, I’m fine.” I hugged her to show I was being honest. “We’re with our friends now, so let’s forget it.”

  “I’m with Allie.” Gwen joined our embrace. “He’s being a rogue. Let me take him out.”

  My laugh surprised all three of us. “I’m fine. Go to your boys.” I was left with Caden as Austin’s thoughts pushed into my mind.

  You okay? I feel you’re still reeling from what happened with Danny? What did happen? Austin’s own fury was rising and I needed to douse the flames fast before he did something he shouldn’t.

  Austin, like I told the girls, I’m good. Danny was being a jerk. I handled it so calm down. I didn’t need him to get riled up over nothing.

  Only if you’re sure. He still wasn’t completely satisfied with my explanation.

  I’m sure. No need to worry. I took a deep breath dulling my feelings so he’d believe me. In all honesty, I was still debating whether I should teach Mr. Blevins a lesson myself, but what good would that do?

  “Kitra? Kitra?” Caden’s voice rumbled past my inner monologue and conversation with my familiar. “Earth to Kitra.”

  “So…sorry.” I shook my head focusing my attention on my…what were we? Was he my boyfriend? We hadn’t made anything official so I didn’t know what to call Caden.

  “Where did you go?” He interrupted my musings and scrubbed a hand through his hair which caused it to stick up in every direction.

  “Oh, Austin was checking on me.” My eyebrow rose as Caden pinched the bridge of his nose. “What’s wrong?”

  “I wish we were able to communicate like that when we are out of wolf form.” His arms crossed as he closed himself off and created a barrier between us. “Sometimes, I think it’s the Creator punishing me for the way I treated you when you came back home.”

  All eyes in the room were on us.

  “I don’t believe that.” I whispered hoping the party drowned out my words before they reached the others.

  “Humph.” He edged closer into my personal space. “ If you wouldn’t flaunt it every time you two spoke telepathically, maybe I wouldn’t feel this way.”

  “Caden, what are you talking about?” Flaunting? What was wrong with him?

  “You always have the biggest grin I’ve ever seen when you two are communicating?” Caden’s face reddened as his eyes narrowed. “Do you like Austin? You went to the Masquerade Ball with him. I thought you went as friends, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe you’ve been leading me on and laughing the entire time.”

  “Are you serious right now?” My wolf’s hackles raised as my body tensed. “You can’t be that dense.” Our rigid postures matched as we stared each other down. “You are that dumb! I don’t know what’s wrong with you! I can’t believe you’d even think such a thing.” Tears welled in my eyes as his demeanor didn’t change. “You know what?” I didn’t care whether the others heard me or not. “I’m not fighting with you over your delusions. When you get your head out of your rear end, come find me.”

  I walked back upstairs in search of a bathroom and some needed privacy from my classmates. My skin tingled as I felt like every eye followed my movements. The bathroom on the main floor was unoccupied and I slipped inside locking the door behind me. My knees gave out and I collapsed with my back against the tub. How could Caden think I was leading him on? Austin and I were just friends. It wasn’t my fault he and I shared a telepathic link.

  Was this how it was always going to be with Caden? Fighting his jealousy? I knew heartbreak was our future, but I assumed I’d have a long wait before we spiraled out of control. Was this tumultuous relationship worth salvaging? I was Icarus and Caden was the sun. It was impossible not to fly too close to him without getting burnt. Did it matter if I plummeted to the sea because of him?

  I spent twenty minutes examining the pros and cons of fixing things between us much to the disgruntlement of the partygoers. The cons outweighed the pros, but I couldn’t stay away over a misunderstanding. It hurt when he hadn’t come made an appearance to apologize over his Neanderthal behavior yet. Did it make me seem weak if I folded and went to him? Or did it prove to everyone I chose him? Right now, the only thing which mattered was finding Caden.

  As one of the partiers was about to knock and demand entrance again, I opened the door and rushed past them back to t
he den. Caden wasn’t among our group of friends.

  “Where’s Caden?” Urgency dripped from both words.

  “He went in search of you.” Curtis’s voice faded as I ran back upstairs.

  I used my wolf senses and caught the minutest hint of mint and fresh cotton coming from the second floor and followed it to a door sitting ajar. I pushed it slightly open and watched a Jessie step past an unmade bed. It always caught me off guard having her as a doppelganger. She approached Caden whose back was to the door as he leaned his forehead against the cream colored wall. His shoulders were tense and his breathing was rapid.

  Time stood still as her palm lifted to his shoulder. Caden spun searing his lips to hers, fisting his fingers into her wavy chocolate locks. Jessie sighed and became putty in his hands. She arched against his chest deepening the kiss. My heart died and hardened falling like lead to my toes, rooting me to the spot. I was unable to look away. I wanted to call out and demand to know what was happening, but a tiny gasp was the only sound I was able to produce as I swayed in the doorway.

  Caden ripped his head away from Jessie’s mouth annoyed by the intrusion. Confusion clouded his vision as he glanced from me to Jessie which he still held in his arms. He released her and she landed in the floor. Footsteps bounded up the stairs as Caden reached for me.

  “Kitra, I…,” his voice hitched. “I…I thought it was you.”

  “I’m sure you did.” I was empty; void. The smell of dark chocolate surrounded me indicating Linc stood behind me. He was followed by the sunshine scent I associated with Austin and Allie. I knew the others weren’t far behind.

  “If I’d known it wasn’t you, I wouldn’t have kissed her.” Jessie’s face fell as she peered at Caden under damp lashes.

  “But…” Jessie’s bottom lip trembled.

  “Now, you’ve hurt me like you said I hurt you.” I was close to shattering into a million glass shards. This wasn’t going to be pretty. “Unlike you, I did nothing wrong.” I turned witnessing Linc’s own shock to what had occurred between Caden and Jessie.