“Oh! HI, Cris. I, um, do that sometimes. I'm a little crazy. I just go on and on talking to myself. Talking about nothing. Just talking.” She winced.
I burst out laughing, and Cris just raised his eyebrows.
"You are crazy... Crazy funny!” I gasped between spurts of laughter.
Charlie gave me an annoyed look.
“I see. Well, you know what that means." Cris smirked, saying, “You must be fun to talk to if you like your own company.”
“Yep, I’m my number one fan. Yay!” Charlie threw up her hands. Then she shook her head and looked down, blushing.
I felt bad. “Ok, girl, stop talking now and show him to his next class before he thinks you have really lost your mind.”
Charlie nodded slightly and said, “C'mon, let’s get you to your next class, shall we?”
Cris looked over at me, tightening his eyes. “Yes, let’s."
As they walked away, I stood there in disbelief. Did he really just look at me? Or was I just seeing things?
I knew one thing: Charlie was right. There was something off about this guy.
Chapter Five
Charlie
I was at my locker when I felt strong arms wrap around my body. I tensed for a second, but I knew it was Tru. I wasn’t really tightening up only because of him. It was a number of things that I’ve been through this past year: Moving to a new town, starting a new school, almost having my virtue taken from me, and the threats on my life. I’ve also learned a lot this past year. There are supernatural beings and other worlds besides this one. Little ol’ me was one of those supernatural beings, but not just any kind.
I am an Anomaly. I am a Dulcedo. I am the Chosen One, for all the good that's done me! All this magic has given me so far is a major headache, a future I am supposed to change, and a whole lot of grief.
“Hey C, where are you at in that head of yours?” Tru asked, turning me around.
Looking at his beautiful face, I felt so torn. I knew I had to do something because the weight on me seemed too heavy. The way things were going, sucked.
“Thinking,” I shrugged. “Hey, um, I have to go home. I'm sorry. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said as I turned to leave. I heard a low growl coming from behind me. I stopped dead in my tracks and slowly turned around. Tru was looking at me with hurt and anger. His eyes glowed bright amber.
“You better tell that mutt to settle down, or I’ll hop over and do it myself, Kitten.”
“Not now, Asher!”
“Fine, don’t shut me out this time. I’ll leave on my own.”
I checked my mind, but he was a man of his word. Gone!
“Tru, are you okay?” I asked.
“No!” he snarled. Tru grabbed hold of my biceps and shook me a little. “I know it has only been a couple of days since your party and I know you went through a lot with those sickos. Everything seemed good with us, C. Hell; I even told you I loved you. I gave you a part of me that I've never given anyone. Yet, all day long you've been dodging me. I can feel you pulling away. What gives? And I'm not going to take you saying some kind of bullshit like ‘It's nothing’ or ‘We can talk about it later’. We will talk about it now!”
I looked around and saw all of our friends watching us. Even Cris, Nikko, and Jace were watching. They didn’t look happy. Nikko looked worried. Jace looked ticked; he had his fists clinched, looking ready to charge, and Cris looked dangerously scary. I shuttered.
Oh god. I had to tell him. Tru had to know everything, but first, I had to tell my mom and dad my plan to do so. .
I gently removed his hands from my arms and said, “I will tell you. But not here, and not while everyone's looking! Come to my house… Okay?”
Tru closed his eyes, breathing in deep. I watched as he calmed. “Ok, that's fine. I have to run home anyways, but I’ll be there. C?" He kept staring at me like he wanted to say something more.
"Yes?" I waited.
"I’m sorry if I hurt you. I was angry. I don’t want to lose you, so I kinda lost my head.” He frowned.
I shut my eyes and inhaled in the scent of him. “I'm fine.”
He studied me and then with a curt nod, Tru turned and left.
“Wow, talk about needing anger management. What's got his fur in a bunch?” Nikko asked.
I shook my head and sighed. “To him, it seems like I've been avoiding him for no reason that he knows of,” I said defensively.
“Ok—ok. Sorry I asked. But you’re fixing the problem, so everything will be fine.” Nikko declared as we rounded the corner to my car.
“I hope I can fix things, Nikko. I really hope I can,” I said, looking at him with an air of sadness intertwining with my words. I knew one of the things I had to fix was him.
“Who is Nikko?” A smooth voice whispered into my ear.
I jumped and spun around to see Cris looking at me intently.
“Oh, hey Cris. Um, Nikko… W—w—why?” I stammered.
He gave me a slow, measured grin. “You do not have to worry. I know your little secret,” he said, his eyes glinting something dangerous.
My mouth fell open, and I pointed at myself. “My secret? You know my secret?”
I was freaking out, but I don’t think he noticed. At least, I hope he didn’t. “What makes you think I have a secret?” I asked defensively.
He laughed sinfully, coming in close. His breath was warm and inviting. I wanted to run my hands over his body, but I quickly pushed my traitor hands into my jeans and looked away.
His hot breath brushed my skin as he said, “Everyone has secrets.”
I looked at him cuttingly. What did he mean? “Yeah, everyone has secrets. Apparently you think you know what my secret is?” I asked, a derisive tone in my voice. Cris stepped in even closer. What's with this guy and personal space? I shuttered. I couldn't breathe with him this close. Crap! I really wish I didn't like the whole invading-my-personal-space habit of his.
He whispered, “The ghost standing beside you. That is what I am referring to.”
I just about had a panic attack. Red flags waved in ominous warning, and my defenses stood at full attention. I started thinking of all kinds of ways I could get out of this: Go get Jace and siphon off of him. Call on Asher to kill him. I almost laughed. In the end, I went with the more normal approach.
“How do you know that?” It wasn’t the smartest move, but it would have to do.
Cris shook his head. “I have been different all my life. When I first saw you talking to him, I knew you were different as well. I have never found another person like me before, that is until you,” he declared.
Oh boy! What was he? Did he know about the supernatural worlds?
“So do you know what we are? Do you know where you come from?” I asked.
He stood stock still, as if he was contemplating his next words. He rubbed the back of his head, which struck me as a little odd. I know. Crazy, right? Why would the sight of him rubbing his head seem odd to me? But everything about him was odd. He was not a normal guy. From the way he walked, the looks he gave people, even his appearance and the manner in which he spoke were strange. This guy was more shocking to me than Asher, and that’s saying something.
Cris said, “No, I do not know what we are. I just know I am different from other people.”
I looked at him, amazed. Could he not know about the Sup world?
“So when did you realize that you were something more? Are your parents like you?” I asked.
Cris narrowed his eyes. “I have never met my parents. So I would not know,” he said solemnly.
I frowned, more confused than before. One thing I knew for sure was that there was more to the story then he was telling. I think I'm going to have to bring him before Eli.
“I’m sorry,” I said sympathetically. “So who raised you, if not your parents?” I asked. I was so nosy.
Cris glared at me. “Did you not have to be somewhere? We shall talk about this on another day. Besides, I am planning on
spending a lot of time with you, Charlize…” He grinned as his sentence trailed off.
“Oh, you are?” I asked, somewhat flirty. I didn’t know why I was encouraging him. There was something about him that I couldn’t shake. I wanted to be around him. Maybe it was his voice, which sounded familiar, or this strong connection I felt when around him, similar to what I feel with Jace. Yet, the pull I felt was much stronger than Jace’s and that scared me. Why did this keep happening to me? Why do I keep finding guys who mess with my relationship?
He leered and said, "Maybe one day you will find out." He then turned and walked away.
I was left wondering if that statement was over the question I asked or if he just read my mind.
Chapter Six
Crispin
I saw her walking with the wolf-shifter and smiled maliciously, remembering the Native American tribe I long ago came in contact with. I nearly eradicated all of the tribal warriors that day, except for Isha.
It infuriated me to no end how much I hated seeing her with him. Tru had some power being a shape-shifter, I surmised, but it was nothing like Charlize’s and certainly nothing like mine. Tru leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. It was not anything special, yet it had my blood running hot. I stood there, watching her and wanting to be the one that kissed her cheek. She was mine! Not anyone else’s, but mine! What was wrong with me? I was not here to play kissy-face-Prince-Charming! I was here to take her power, to take her life essence.
Charlize slowly turned around and saw me. I stood stock-still, smiling at the shocked expression that she bared on her beautiful face. It was enchanting, to know I had taken her breath away. Her long, brunette hair spilled around her face in waves as her deep, brown eyes penetrated my mind and body. I felt her fear, need and lust. Shuddering, I clenched my fists. Oh, how I wanted to take her right then, but I controlled the need flowing through my whole being. I watched as she took a slow step back and my smile broadened.
“Run, run little girl, but there's nowhere to hide from me! I am going to eat you alive, oh, how delicious you will be.”
I smugly chanted as I turned and walked away, observing as I left that her shade Nikko, followed me. I wondered if Charlize knew that this presence was living a half-life and that he was her familiar. I wondered if she knew she was connected to the boy in essence. Even more, I wondered if she knew there were more supernaturals here than just herself, Jace, the shade, and the wolf. I glanced over at the blond that was casually leaning against the wall. I noticed her watching me as I entered the school, and I knew that most supernaturals would have felt some kind of presence upon my entrance. They might have just shook it off as nothing but an afterthought before shielding themselves, but not her. This particular creature was more astute, and I knew exactly who she was. She smiled devilishly in my direction.
Hmm? I wondered. What are you doing here, Wicked? What kind of trouble are you up to? Did, perhaps, Kate send you?
I thought about reading her mind but quickly shook the thought away. I knew what I was going to do and decided to glance into her future, anticipating I could find her purpose for being here. With a smug smile directed at her, one clearly stating my intention to know her purpose soon, I turned and headed into the office, knowing now wasn’t the time. After working my magic on the school secretary, I was now, as planned, in every class she was. When I headed off to home room, I noticed that the shade, Nikko, was trailing behind. It was beginning to grate on my nerves, plus all these human girls looking and lusting after me was growing old, fast. I shook my head, disgusted. I did not know how long I could play this little game that I had set into motion.
Admittedly, I was not a very patient man, and all this childishness I seemed to be treading through, was growing tedious. As I strolled into class, I walked right up to the teacher, Mr. Pots, and told him that Charlize was going to show me around. Mr. Pots laughed. I could not believe the audacity.
I smiled darkly and said, “Mr. Pots, you might want to re-think that laugh of yours." I sent a little magic into Mr. Pots mind, and a hazy fog filmed over his eyes. Mr. Pots blinked several times then nodded his understanding. I would take care of the pudgy-fat teacher that laughed at me later. No one ever laughed at me, even if they didn't know any better. But, I would be certain to make that known. I sat down and smiled, leaning in. I was enjoying her, relishing in the flirty game we were playing. I felt her probing my mind. It was a little pressure that started in the front of my forehead, it slowly moved over the top of my head, and pushed downwards. I knew the only way to be in her world entirely was to let her see me as someone more than human, someone she would want to know. Someone she could trust, and once I had her in my web, I would take what was mine.
When I blocked her out, I gave her a knowing look. She gasped and pulled back.
I raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Is there something wrong?"
She shook her head, but I, of course, knew better. When I saw her use her air magic on Miss Johnson, I reveled in the power as she pulled it from her shade, Nikko. It was amazing to see her in action, to know that she was powerful, almost as powerful as me. I smiled. I knew that soon her magical power would be mine. The thought alone had my body yearning to take her now. Yet again, I resisted the urge; I was enjoying the game.
It was not time just yet, I mused.
Later that day, Charlize called on her fire magic. She almost lost it in the dining hall, but I stopped her from setting the place on fire. I did, however, find the thought rather entertaining. Something it seemed I was lacking as of late. Amused and feasting on my boredom, I found myself walking up to the boy and using my own magic on him. I knew it was petty and child’s play, yet I couldn’t bring myself to give a care. Every opportunity I had for entertainment was an opportunity I intended to explore, especially when I was the one setting the entertainment into play.
“Tru,” I said, approaching the boy.
“Yep, you remembered. Cris, right?” Tru said with a boyish smile.
I wanted to rip out his heart and eat it, and it would not take much effort either. I pictured myself quickly thrusting my hand out and it sinking deep into the boy’s skin. Tru would gasp in pain, and his eyes would widen with fearful knowledge knowing that he was about to die. I pictured Tru's final breath. Smiling inwardly with satisfaction, a certain wolf came to mind.
I remembered it clearly: I stood on the precipice of a valley as prone bodies lay dead at my feet. I smiled down at the broken man as I licked the blood from the Wolf's heart in my hand. I delighted in the blood, pain, utter-agony, and loss.
Oh, if this boy only knew I was the one that dismembered and demolished the lives of his people and that wolf, I don’t think he would be so down right chummy. In addition, if the boy knew what I was about to do to him now, I was sure he would try and kill me, that is if he truly loved the girl.
“Yes, that is precisely right.” I nodded.
I looked into Tru’s eyes and quickly took hold of his mind. The boy was strong, and the wolf inside him nearly broke my hold. This kid was more powerful then I assumed.
Tru might be an Alpha, but to me he was still a pup, I thought.
I felt the wolf inside Tru snarl and growl, biting as the tentacles of magic snaked into his mind. I shook my head and said, “That’s enough of that. Now listen to me closely. When you go to Charlize’s house, she is going to tell you a little story. Once she says the word Dulcedo, you will feel hate, revulsion, disdain, and loathing towards her. But no matter what, you must listen to the entire story. After she is finished, you can hate her, but only after. You cannot hurt her physically, but emotionally you can hurt her to the point of devastation. Do you understand?” I pressed, my magic sinking deep into Tru’s mind, wrapping around his brain like a python strangling the life out if its quarry.
Tru nodded, and a satisfied grin etched my face.
“Good, now forget you just spoke to me. Forget you ever cared for our Charlize and do as I decreed.” I waved my hand an
d Tru shook his head, surely attempting to break from the muddled mess now in his mind. Tru was unaware of what wicked devastation I had set in motion for Charlize. Without a word, I turned and left the school.
Oh what a tangled web I weave!
I pondered with a wicked grin as I headed off to Mr. Pots’s house for a little more fun.
I knocked on the teacher’s door, and my patience was not pressed as Mr. Pots promptly answered. He gave me a questioning glance before speaking.
“Yes? Cris, is it? May I help you with something, son?”
I gazed deep into Mr. Pots’s eyes, ensnaring him in my web. The teacher froze, his eyes glazing over as he stared at me. Lifting one hand, I gestured for Mr. Pots to turn around and step back into the house. Like an obedient pet, Mr. Pots did as he was told. I looked around the old, pudgy man’s house, getting a feel for his taste. Bland, nothing worth looking at, nothing interesting at all… Just like the teacher.
I eased up on the pressure on Mr. Pots’s mind just a little, just enough so the man knew what was going on. When the realization hit him that he couldn’t move, Mr. Pots’s eyes widened with fear. He was, indeed, trapped in his own body. His heart rate increased, and sweat broke out on his brow. He tried in vain to move. The only faculties Mr. Pots had going for him were his breathing and facial movements. Everything else was locked away, trapped behind the eyes of evil.
I smiled and leaned in, my lips mere inches from the man’s robust jowls. “Yes, be afraid. I know you are merely human.” I all but rolled my eyes in disgust. “However, I do not think it gives you the right to laugh at me. I’m sure if you knew who I was, you would have never laughed at me. I’m also sure you would have been kneeling at my feet, protecting yourself. Yet, that is all irrelevant. I do not care that you didn’t know who I was. Furthermore, your life means nothing to me. You are just taking up air that surrounds us, and unfortunately for you, I am bored, so I decided I would teach you a little lesson to quench my boredom. Your life, however, will only serve as an appetizer. What I have planned for dinner will be delicious. ”
A Ghost of Magic: Chosen Saga Book 3 Page 3
