Crossroads

by Jennifer Ann Reed

  That night, instead of getting ready for bed like I normally would, I let the shift shed my human skin and shook out my white fur. I’d give my wolf the night to get her own heartbreak out of the way. My head tilted as small footsteps skipped up the stairs.

  Allie waltzed through the door with a terrified squeak.

  “Kitra Noel Frost! What do you think you’re doing?” Her finger wagged back and forth as I hopped up on the bottom of my bed. I circled three times before finding the right spot and settled down. “Don’t think you’re crawling in bed with me even if you’d keep my feet warm.

  A playful grumble left my muzzle as she huffed and marched to the bathroom. Releasing my wolf inside the house wasn’t something I did often, but with Aelfric’s semi-reappearance I didn’t want to alarm the others again by running off on my own. I don’t know how many times I’d been called reckless and now didn’t seem the time to be alone. Not only did I have Aelfric to worry about, but Lucian had warned me the Council was watching. The smallest slip up might land me in their clutches.

  When Allie turned off the light and crawled into her bed, I let my bad thoughts out with a huff. Wasn’t the mantra out with the bad and in with the good true? So far it wasn’t working for me. All I wanted was one night without worry. One night to relax and be normal.

  Allie’s blankets rustled and the soft pad of her light footsteps sounded on the floor. She nudged me over as she scooted in next to me. Small fingers delved into my fur as she soothed my unsettled wolf. Minutes passed and her hand stilled. The smell of sunshine warming an ocean breeze pulled me closer to her, my wolf curled into her side seeking more comfort from my sleepy friend.

  “I better not wake up to nasty dog breath in the morning.” A yawn garbled her words. “You are one of my best friends, Kitra. I’m here for you while you deal with whatever you’re going through, but dog breath is where I draw the line.” I listened as her breathing evened out and lulled me into unconsciousness.

  Monday morning, I woke to an empty bed and shifted back to my human self. I heard Allie’s musical laughter downstairs as the boys bickered back and forth over the last of the Lucky Charms. I paused as I walked in front of the mirror and back stepped to peer at my reflection. Instead of seeing dark circles staring back at me, a radiant glow shown beneath my skin and reached my hair. What was going on with me? Was this the result of staying in wolf form all night or was it my fae side shining through? My complexion looked more like Allie’s with each day.

  I tried not to focus on the difference as I got ready for school. When I reached for my customary jeans and t-shirt, my hand stopped. Today, I wanted to feel pretty, especially after the kiss incident at Danny’s party. I knew the rumor mill was running rampant and I didn’t want to feed it by looking like the frumpy, jaded ex-girlfriend. Today, I’d pretend I didn’t have a care in the world.

  I chose a lilac sundress with strappy sandals and added a white cardigan since the temperatures were beginning to grow cooler. My hair dropped past my shoulders in soft waves as the necklace my aunt had given me for my birthday bearing the symbol of the Seelie Court nestled against my chest. I swiped a layer of cherry lip gloss over my lips and met the others in the kitchen.

  “Meow!” Linc hooted past the mouthful of cereal he was chewing. It seemed he’d won the earlier argument over the Lucky Charms. “We’ll have to fight all the roguish wolves off you with a stick today, Kitten.” My hand moved to soothe the ache in my chest from the use of Caden’s nickname for me. I didn’t like the distance I had put between us. He was a huge part of my life and I didn’t want to lose him. Thankfully, no one noticed my anguish.

  “The only rogue she needs protection from is you.” Curtis smacked the back of Linc’s head.

  “Hey! Watch my hair! It took me twenty minutes to get it to look like this.” Linc’s hand smoothed the back down.

  “Twenty minutes to look like you just got out of bed?” Austin’s laugh stopped with Linc’s glare.

  “Shut it, Tink! I have people to impress today.” Linc’s gaze met mine. He knew exactly why I’d dressed up because he did the same and he looked good dressed in black jeans over motorcycle boots and a skin tight black t-shirt. Austin mumbled under his breath and Linc’s head whipped in his direction. “Hey! I heard that!”

  “Well, don’t call me Tink.” They glared back and forth vying for the title of most macho.

  “Alright ladies. Let’s leave the little boys to their shenanigans and get to school before the bell rings.” Allie flipped her flaming locks over one shoulder and Gwen and I followed her out the door as Austin and Linc continued to argue.

  We made it to homeroom early and picked the seats at the back. Gwen and Allie started up a conversation, but my attention was on the door. Some students had entered and their eyes bore into me as the whispers and giggles started.

  “Kitra?” Gwen snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Earth to Kitra. What are you looking at?” She and Allie followed my gaze.

  “Don’t worry about them or what they say. We know the truth so anything they make up is just that, make believe.” Allie grabbed my chin forcing me to look at her. “Understood?”

  I agreed as the boys entered the room and sauntered towards us eliciting sighs from the harpies at the front. Linc played up the scene acting as if the aisle were a runway in Milan. He sat to my left with a wink.

  “You’re so bad.” I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics.

  “You should try it sometime.” His grin grew wolfish and I bit my lower lip to lessen my smile. A menacing growl came from the front and I faced its owner. Caden’s breathing was coming in deep puffs and his nostrils flared as he stared down his friend. “See, I warned you about wolves today.”

  “Stop antagonizing him.” Caden’s anger deflated when he heard my voice and he sat at the edge of our group with Curtis. I could tell he was trying to give me the space I asked for.

  Jessie chose that moment to grace us with her presence as she sashayed to Caden’s side.

  “Caden! I didn’t hear from you all weekend. Didn’t you get my text messages?” Her dark lashes fluttered as she placed a hand on his forearm.

  My teeth clamped together and my hands fisted until my nails dug into the flesh of my palms. All I could see was her lips and body pressed to Caden’s and my vision went red. Corded power curled from the center of my soul racing through my veins in a fierce storm demanding destruction. Small vibrations bounced my desk as I broke each finger touching his skin in my mind. A large, callused hand clamped down on my arm pulling my hate filled gaze to its owner.

  “Get your fairy under control.” Linc’s hazel eyes filled with sympathy. “Remember, this isn’t supposed to bother you so act like it.”

  “You’re right.” I took a deep breath before shoving a piece of chocolate in my mouth. Once I felt stable again, I smiled and opened my eyes. “Better?”

  “Better.” Linc patted my arm and Caden’s concern caught my attention. I didn’t want him to see how upset I’d been so I plastered on a fake smile and paid attention to Linc and the others.

  Caden let out a frustrated sigh and pushed Jessie’s hand off his arm. “I did get your texts, but chose to ignore them.”

  “I’m not going to let this go Caden. No one who delivered such a powerful kiss can deny they have feelings for the one in their arms.” Jessie’s hands went to her hips and she stamped her foot.

  “The only reason this sad event even happened was because I thought you were Kitra. She’s the only person I want to kiss.” Caden’s jaw clenched and I heard his teeth grind. “Now please, get away from me Jessie.”

  Her eyes narrowed and her glared turned towards me. “This isn’t over.” Jessie stormed from the room as the bell rang.

  I grabbed my bag and raced to my next class not wanting to face any more drama. By the time lunch rolled around, I’d blocked Austin’s probing questions and ignored the gossip about this morning. Outside the girl’s restroom, a younger student po
inted in my direction before scurrying off and giggling with her friends.

  “I’ll meet you in the cafeteria. I need to visit the ladies room.” Austin was about to say something, but I’d already walked through the door. Inside, I sat my messenger bag on the counter and splashed some cold water on my face. Dabbing it dry with a paper towel, the door squeaked opened. A tall, slim girl with black hair and eyes that matched turned and flipped the lock.

  “What are you doing?” My hair raised on the back of my neck as a sinister gleam twinkled in the deep black orbs consuming her pale face.

  “Finishing what Aelfric started.” Faster than a flash of lightning, the girl launched herself across the room with her hands ready to grab my throat.

  Years of training kicked in as I sidestepped her, throwing my elbow between her shoulder blades and she slammed against the wall. She hissed and within seconds she’d turned and kicked my legs out from under me. Air left my lungs in a rush as I crashed onto the hard floor facedown. Coarse nylon rope wrapped around my neck and tightened as she sat on my legs, pulling on the ends.

  AUSTIN! HELP! My block dropped and I screamed for my familiar.

  The rope pulled taunter and my fingers burrowed under the cord as I tried to keep her from cutting off all my air. Why were these people always trying to strangle me? Stars floated across my eyes as the answer came to mind. They can’t spill your precious blood, you idiot, or they won’t be able to open the gate. I felt her lean in and I took a chance slamming my head backwards. I heard a satisfying crunching noise and then a warm liquid flowed down the back of my head. She howled and rolled away, loosening the rope. I quickly found my footing and kicked out, connecting with her chin. She slumped backwards, out cold against the tiled wall.

  A thunderous crash sounded as the restroom door was rammed and I scooted towards the sinks. After two more crashes, the door splintered open with bits and pieces sailing across the room. Caden stood in the entrance with Austin and the rest of my Guardians behind him. Caden’s eyes zeroed in and he surveyed me for any damage. Once he saw my raw neck, he slid across the floor and gently grasped my cheeks with the slightest pressure.

  The girl who attacked me whimpered as she woke up.

  “Secure her,” Caden barked while delving his hands into my hair. His face paled as he drew his hands back and noticed the red moisture wetting my chestnut locks.

  “It’s not mine.” I rushed to reassure him as well as my scratchy voice allowed. “I think I broke her nose.”

  An anguished sound escaped his lips and he crushed me to his chest. My wolf rejoiced at the warmth his arms gave us and my mind screamed I was finally home. I was safe again, but the moment was ruined by the maniacal laughter starting behind us. A green glow filled the room before a sucking pop resounded. Caden loosened his grip enough for me to see my attacker was gone.

  “Wh…what?” Zander touched the spot where she’d been. “It’s cold. How is this possible?”

  “She was fae.” Watching the doorway with her dagger drawn, Allie stood above us with Gwen beside her. “Some are able to teleport. It’s rare, but I’m not surprised Aelfric has someone with that gift working for him.”

  “What else can fae do?” Linc paced in front of the stalls.

  “We don’t have time for that now. We need to get Kitra home before Aelfric sends reinforcements.” Austin touched my cheek. “I can feel her pain.”

  “Call my Dad.” Caden cradled me in his arms before hesitantly handing me off to Linc. “And tell Kalen we’re on our way.” Caden stormed from the school building in silence as the comfort and safety from being held in his arms was ripped from me and tore a hole in my heart. This distance was what I had asked for. Before the tears could come, the black dots dancing in my vision finally won.

  Chapter 9

  I WOKE TO HURRIED whispers outside my door and attempted to get up. Until recently, I never truly realized how many neck muscles aided the back and core in the simple task of sitting up. This was the second time I’d almost lost my life at the hands of one of Aelfric’s minions. I couldn’t help but question how many more attempts they’d make until my nemesis was dealt with for good. After one more unsuccessful try to get out of bed, sharp pinches under my chin and intense spasms from my throat flattened me against my pillows. This was definitely worse than last time.

  The voices outside my room picked up speed, but their whispered words were too soft for my wolf hearing to detect. I knew it had to be about my encounter with a Dark One at school and I didn’t want to be left out of this conversation. Their intentions to protect me were in the right place but it didn’t mean to keep me out of the loop. Many roads leading to the worst places were paved in good intentions. If the owners of the voices were going to be sneaky about their conversation, then so was I in hearing it. The only problem was sitting up. My first attempt at the Mt. Everest type feat caused me to fall victim to a million hornets jabbing my tender skin from my chin down to my shoulders.

  If I couldn’t sit up, then I’d roll out of bed, literally. My knees hit the carpet with a muted thud and I waited to see if whoever was outside heard my not so graceful landing. When no one entered my bedroom, I used the drawers on the bedside table as a ladder to pull myself up. This rattled the collection of odds and ends on the table including the picture frame of my parents and a silver lamp. I caught the lamp before it toppled over and realized the voices outside had stopped. I wanted to kick myself, but at least I was standing up when Uncle Kalen poked his head inside.

  “I thought I heard you moving around.” He came and sat on the edge of my bed. So much for being stealthy. “How are you feeling?”

  “Like.” I winced at the rough deepness escaping my lips. It sounded like nails digging into metal inside a cavern. I cleared my throat twice before I attempted to speak again. “Like I was run over and when the driver saw me twitching, they backed up to do it again.”

  “Good to know your humor is still intact.” Uncle Kalen chuckled, shaking his head. Both of his hands went to his face as he covered his reddening cheeks. How much more of this would he be able to handle? If the roles were reversed, I’d be losing my mind. “How many times is Aelfric going to try to take you away from me?”

  “Until one of us is dead.” We both knew it was true. Aelfric would never give up as long as he was still breathing.

  “We need a new system to protect you. I can’t lose you.” He puffed out his cheeks and wiped away tears streaming down his face. I reached for him, hugging him tight until he pulled back and stared me in the eyes. “That’s what Lucian and I were discussing and I know you’re not going to like it.” Well, at least he told me what they’d been doing. I stepped farther back as Uncle Kalen’s eyes dropped to the floor. I waited while he examined the fibers of the carpet. If he believed the answers to his problems resided there, I’d be waiting a long time.

  “Just spit it out.” No reason to leave me waiting in unwanted suspense. I wasn’t the most patient person and snapped when I’d been pushed enough. This usually led to being disciplined, but all I got was a dark glare. “Sorry.”

  “As Alpha, Lucian has decided that during school you are going to have one of his trained sentinels with you at all times.” I tried to interrupt and Uncle Kalen threw up his right hand in a stop motion and I sputtered. His nostrils flared and I crossed my arms pursing my lips. “He’s your Alpha, Kitra. His word is law.”

  “He’s being unreasonable.” His reaction to my objections cooled my temper even if I wanted to kick him and Lucian in the shins. All I pictured was one of Lucian’s enormous and scary goons babysitting me until I got home each day? That was all I needed. More attention.

  “Do you really believe that or are you just being melodramatic?” He didn’t wait for me to respond. “Think of all the people who’d be devastated if something happened to you. Your Aunt Mauve and me…Your friends…Caden.” He had to bring up the blue-eyed devil. “Just think about it before you throw a fit.” Uncle Kalen patted my
head. “Get some more rest.”

  When the door closed behind him, I slumped onto my cushioned window seat and gazed at the forest. Limbs danced back and forth to the tune created by the breeze and the leaves were slowly changing from dark greens to vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges. Each day, the air seemed to grow cooler bringing a brief, brisk freshness to nature before its slow spiral into hibernation. Was this how my life was always going to be? Waiting for the inevitable end to make itself known?

  I reached for my chocolate bowl and tore the foil from the small square. I let it rest against my tongue and savored the smooth creaminess until it melted to nothing, but one piece wasn’t enough.

  Kitra! We need you downstairs! Austin’s mental voice broke through the barrier I had created. Are you okay? I’d hoped he hadn’t felt my turmoil.

  I’m fine. I’ll be down in a minute. I scooped up the tower of foil from the past few days and dumped it in the trash and went downstairs.

  Before I even realized I was doing it, my eyes landed on my dark prince as I made my way into the dining room. I took in his fit frame topped with hair as dark as night and the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. Caden stood at the end of the dining room table with Uncle Kalen and Lucian as they studied a map of Serenade Falls. No matter what my brain said, my heart gravitated to him on its own accord. I wanted to take back my words and pick up where we’d left off, but I knew distance was right. He couldn’t have just the part of me he wanted. It was all or nothing.