Holding their hands, Kallos feels safe and knows that for now everything is all right. Ian looks down at their connected hands and smiles. Then, he turns that beautiful face and wonderful smile toward her. It makes her instantly smile. She looks at Sean, and he has a similar expression.
“I told you guys that I needed time and I do. It doesn’t mean that I don’t feel what we all are feeling. You guys have to understand that I have no clue what I’m doing. I have never had a boyfriend and never had these feelings. Now, I may have two boyfriends. You really have to be patient with me,” Kallos says and looks both of them in the eyes. They both nod and smile.
They continue walking to school, and they are still holding hands. Kallos really loves being next to both of them. A car honks next to them; stopping dead in her tracks as she looks up she sees her dad’s car. The boys must have known because they quickly let go of her hands, and she can see her dad nod. As he drives past, she and the boys let out the breath they were all holding.
“Your dad scares the crap out of me,” Sean says, and Kallos bursts out laughing. Sean is her bad boy. She thought nothing could scare him, but she guesses everyone is afraid of something. “I thought he was going to rip my head off this morning. At least I was the one wearing clothes,” he teases and looks at Ian. Ian just laughs. Thinking about Ian fresh out of the shower and just wearing a towel makes Kallos’ face burn.
“I’m sure he would have killed me, but he didn’t see. From now on, we’ll text in the morning if we need each other. We can’t afford not to be with you, Kallos,” Ian states. That was true; she needed to be by at least one of them all the time. Ian bent down to whisper in her ear, “But that kiss this morning was amazing!” Kallos looks straight ahead because she is getting tired of trying to hide her blushing. She can see the school and sighs with relief. As they walk up to the door, Sean and Ian reach to open the door at the same time. She chuckles and walks in. When she gets to her locker, she notices that the nice girl whose locker was on her left isn’t there anymore. Sean is to her left and Ian is next to him. Kallos slams her locker shut and walks towards her first class. Of course, both of the boys catch up to her. Sean pulls her into a janitor’s closet and Ian shuts the door.
“Why are you mad?” Sean asks as he rubs his necklace. “And don’t tell me you aren’t; I can feel it. It’s like your anger is burning my skin.” This must be the connection that Ares was talking about. They would know her feelings, know all about them.
“I don’t like not knowing what’s going on,” she says. Kallos knows that she sounds ridiculous. It doesn't change the facts that they kept the locker change from her.
“Kallos, is this about the lockers? The only reason we changed lockers is because all of our classes are closer to this side of the school. Plus we need to be with you,” Ian says and moves closer to Sean and her. “We won’t ever keep anything from you that are important. I promise you that,” he says as he takes her hand.
“I also promise not to keep anything from you,” Sean adds and takes her other hand. Just like that, her anger vanishes as if it just melted away. She understands why they need to be with her; they proved it last night.
“I’m sorry; I really don’t know why I freaked out like that.” Kallos has never reacted like this before. Maybe it's because she has never had feelings for someone before. She feels both of them tighten their hold on her hands.
“Kallos, we should get to class. You will see Sean in your next class, and if your dad already talked to Mr. Nelson, he’ll sit next to you.” Ian opens the door and glances out. He nods, as she feels Sean push her out of the door. There are some kids still in the hallway, but they are all hurrying to class and aren’t taking notice of them. Sean brings Kallos’ hand to his mouth and gently kisses it. Ian is pulling her away.
“Come on; we’re going to be late.”
Kallos is giggling when they enter the classroom. As soon as Ian and Kallos walk in the door, the shrill bell rings. She hopes that Sean made it on time. She and Ian hurry to the last two desks. Karissa is staring in awe at Ian. Kallos now knows why Karissa doesn't like her. Karissa has a thing for one of her soul mates.
“Hey, Ian, I called you last night, and it went to your voice mail,” Karissa gives him an enormous smile.
“Yeah, Sean and I are staying at Kallos’ house.” Kallos is the only one that sees the anger on her face.
“Oh, both of you?” she asks, and he gives her a nod. Maybe he did know her feelings.
Today, they have free time, unless they had homework, and Kallos needs time to herself. Since she doesn't see that happening in the near future, she is going to take this time to think. She opens her textbook to make it look like she is studying. Her thinking is interrupted when she starts to feel the pain.
This time it feels like it is rising up from her toes and into her chest. Once again, it gets hard for her to breathe. Suddenly, she feels a warm hand touch her back. Her sharp pain slowly goes back to a dull aching pain. Kallos turns around, and the look on Ian's face scares her. The bell takes her by surprise, and she jumps half way out of her seat. Ian is still sitting and pain is clearly written all over his face. Is it like this every time they take her pain away from her?
“Ian, are you okay?” His eyes are on her, but he doesn’t say anything. He puts his hand on his chest and takes a deep, long breath. When he releases it, he lets out a groan. “Ian?” Kallos tries to put her hand on him and he cringes. He is shaking his head and putting his hand up to stop her.
“Don’t touch me. Not now, Kallos.” He sounds like he is out of breath and is just starting to get it back. She hears footsteps behind her and knows its Sean. She doesn't turn to face him.
“What’s going on?” Sean asks as he looks between Ian and Kallos. “It’s getting worse; isn’t it?” Ian doesn’t respond; he nods in response.
“Wait, this isn’t the first time is it? It’s every time!” Kallos can feel her anger rising. Not more than an hour ago, they promised that they wouldn't keep things from her. It looks like they are.
“We didn’t want to worry you,” Sean says as he helps Ian up. Kallos glares at them. “Let’s walk toward our next class.” Ian only needs help for a few steps, and then pushes him away.
****
Sean and Ian watch Kallos rush away. They know that they made her mad; they can feel it. Her anger starts to burn them.
“We should have told her how we were feeling,” Sean says and looks at his brother. He isn't just hurting from taking Kallos' pain; his other half is coming forward. Sean remembers how it would show itself to him when he was hurting and when he was mad.
“Why, so she can tell us to stop!” Ian glares into the area where Kallos just stood. “You know how much the change hurts. Do you really want to put her through that?”
“Of course not!” Sean raises his voice then really takes a close look at his brother. Maybe this is too much for him. “You know, I can take care of her tonight; I think you need to talk to Mom.” Ian's glaring, now midnight-colored eyes at Sean.
“You just want to be alone with her. Guess what? That isn't happening.” With each word, Ian’s eyes grow darker.
“Okay! Well, have you talked to Mom yet?” Sean starts to walk to the door, and he knows that Ian is following. Sean knows that if Ian doesn't talk to their mom, he will.
“No, and you don't need to tell her anything. I'm fine,” Ian fires back. Sean glances at Ian, and the darkness is starting to fade. “You know I don't chase girls; they chase me. I think Kallos needs to see that,” it’s Ian’s voice, but this isn’t Ian. Ian has always been so nice and caring. Maybe the darkness is going to stick with him.
“Wow! Ian, what are you planning on doing?” Ian doesn't say anything, he just walks away. Sean knows this isn't going to end well.
CHAPTER TEN
Kallos walked to her next class alone. She doesn't want them to take her pain if it causes them pain. She can’t hide if she is in pain now because of their stupid n
ecklaces. Sean walks into the class about a minute after her. The only seat left is behind her. With every step, his eyes are focused on her. She doesn't need a necklace to tell her that he’s concerned about her.
At lunch, Kallos sat with a bunch of people. Karissa is sitting next to Ian, and Nikki is on the other side of him. Mary and Vicky are on either side of Sean. Kallos sits next to Kellee who gives her a smile as Kallos sits down. Kallos isn't in the mood to eat so she just sits there and stares at her food. She can hear a girl giggle; she looks over at Ian and Nikki. He says something that Kallos can't hear, and Nikki is giggling again.
This time Nikki puts her petite hand on Ian’s face. Kallos knows that she’s getting mad; she can feel her jealousy burning her to her core. Kallos wants to rip that tiny hand off and shove it down Nikki's throat. Sean and Ian both are looking at Kallos. She knows that they are feeling her jealousy.
“Kallos, how’s your day going?” Kallos smiles at Kellee’s question.
“It's great,” Kallos answers through gritted teeth and looks back at Ian again. Nikki is still touching Ian. Kellee follows her gaze.
“You know about them?” Kellee asks, and Kallos looks at her.
“What about them?” Kallos raises an eyebrow and questions Kellee.
“They were together all of last year and all summer. Then, all of a sudden a week before school started, he broke up with her.” This was all new to Kallos. Yeah, she thought something was up with them, but hearing it makes something break inside her. She looks back up just in time to see Ian kiss Nikki's hand. That does it; Kallos is done. She looks at her uneaten food and gets up. She drops her food off, and it doesn't take long before she hears her name.
“Kallos, will you stop?” Sean asks. She knew that they would follow her.
“Why?” Kallos barks as she turns around to look at them.
“Why, what,” Ian smirks. Kallos wants to scream. Ian smirks at her. Kallos explodes, “Jerk!”
“Okay, we all need to calm down. Ian, knock it off, and Kallos just breathe,” Sean tries to take control. Kallos takes a deep breath, and Ian turns away from them. “Okay, now, Kallos tell us what is going on with you, besides Ian being a jerk.” She looks back and forth between both of them and Sean winks at her. Ian turns back around and just stares vacantly at her.
“Why didn't you tell me how much pain you guys were in when you take the pain from me?” Kallos wants to touch them, but doesn't. She is still furious with Ian.
“We thought you wouldn't let us help you,” Sean says and smiles. They are right; she wouldn't have let them help her. She doesn't want them to hurt that badly.
“And that makes it all right?”
“No. I know we promised to not keep things from you.” Kallos glares at Sean and then looks at Ian. The first thing she notices is Ian's baby blue eyes are getting darker. “We didn’t feel anything until we put on the necklaces,” Sean said.
“Ian, is there still something between you and Nikki?” Kallos has to know. Ian's eyes narrow. “Don't try to lie to me. I'll just ask Kellee.”
“I wasn't going to lie. There’s nothing. We dated and it's over.” Kallos looks down; she doesn't want him to know that he has crushed her completely. “Kallos,” Ian whispers and she slowly looks up. His eyes are back to his baby blues. As single tear rolls down her cheek, Ian moves closer to her, “I’m sorry, Kallos.” Ian kisses her on her soft cheek.
“Sean is with you in your next class. I’m going to go back to the lunchroom,” Ian says as he is walking away. She turns her attention back to Sean, and he is moving closer to her.
“We have little time before class starts. Do you want to go for a walk?” She gives him a nod and takes his hand.
****
Ian walks back into the lunchroom. He doesn't know what is wrong with him and why he is acting so mean to Kallos. He notices Nikki and Karissa are talking and knows that can’t be good. Karissa is his best friend and never liked Nikki, and Nikki hated Karissa just as much.
“Hey,” he says and narrows his eyes. Karissa looks away and Nikki just smiles.
“Hello, handsome. How is Kallos?” Nikki moves closer to him. There was a time when he would have done anything for her, but she only sees money when she looks at him. He knows the truth now.
“So, what's going on?” Ian looks at Nikki and then at Karissa.
“We were just talking about Kallos.” He doesn't really want to know what they were talking about. He knows that Nikki doesn’t like Kallos, but he was hoping that Karissa would.
“That's nice. Kris, can we talk?” She looks up at Ian and nods. “See you later, Nikki.” Nikki grabs Ian's arm.
“Ian, I don't like to be played with. Remember that!” She glares and Ian pulls his arm free. He doesn't know what to say so he just leaves with Karissa following.
When they’re alone, he turns to face Karissa, “Are you going to tell me what is really going on?” She nods and takes a deep breath.
“I don't like Kallos. It isn't right for her to have both you and Sean.” Ian knew it was about his brother. He walks over to her and hugs her. She wraps her little arms around him passionately. “She doesn't deserve you Ian. You have a good heart and you deserve someone who is going to love you with her whole heart, not half of it, let alone your brother at the same time.” She slowly looks up at him. Ian is shocked.
“Kris, what are you saying?” He thinks he knows but hopes he is wrong.
“I love you, Ian. I never loved Sean. It’s you I’ve wanted and it always has been.” He lets go of her and moves away. This is his best friend and he does love her, just not in that way.
“Kris, you know that Kallos is my soul mate.” She nods.
“That doesn't mean you should be with her. You should be with someone who won’t break your heart. Ian, I won’t.” He can see the tears in Karissa’s eyes. He never thought he would hurt her like this. He knows that he might have just lost his best friend.
“I have to go, but we’ll talk later.” He normally would kiss her forehead or hug her, but it doesn't feel like he should touch her right now. He turns around and can see Nikki watching the whole thing.
****
Kallos hasn't had time to really look around the school. She already knows that the school has a forest along the back, and a small lake on the east side. When her dad told her that they would be moving, she found the school on the Internet and checked out everything she needed to know. Kallos’ dad did tell her during lunch she can go outside if she wanted to, but he thought she should wait until the spring. It isn’t freezing yet, but it was starting to get cold. As they are walking, Sean reaches for her hand, and they walk out the front doors.
At first, Sean scared Kallos; he didn’t seem like a boy she would ever want to date. Now, he is changing her mind all the time by the way he looks at her and how kindly he speaks to her. He makes her feel good. Even now with his hand in hers, she feels like nothing bad can happen. Kallos notices he is leading them to a small garden with a water fountain in the center. They are walking towards the bench in front of the fountain, and sit down on the cold stone bench. She feels herself shiver; it’s colder than she thought sitting in the shade. Sean takes off his leather jacket and puts it over her shoulders, his hand returns to hers. Kallos can feel Sean’s thumb rubbing along her knuckles, and looks at their connected hands and smiles. She looks up at him and meets his gray eyes. She can feel herself falling for him fast and she almost gets lost in his ashen colored gaze.
“What are you thinking?” Kallos asks. Sean and Ian know what she is feeling, but she has no clue how they feel about her.
“You want to know what I’m thinking.” She gives him a small nod. “Do you know what your name means?” She shakes her head; Sean smiles, “It’s a Greek word for beauty. I know why your parents picked it. You are so beautiful, Kallos. I never thought someone could actually take my breath away and you do.” Both Sean and Ian know what to say to make her blush. Kallos can't get over that she
has two soul mates. Then there is this change thing coming, and she is so scared. The break through pain she keeps having from the change makes her body feel like its being torn apart by Clydesdale horses. If she couldn’t breathe last time what’s going to happen the next?
“You remember your promise that you wouldn’t lie to me?” Kallos asks Sean.
“I did promise you,” he said, sounding guarded.
“How much more pain is there going to be. Last time, I couldn’t breathe and it took longer for you guys to take away my pain.” His eyes flash again.
“Well, you have two of us to take your pain, and we are hoping that we are enough. I don’t know what happened last time. Maybe it took longer because you were with Ares and he blocked it. I plan on asking him the next time I see him. It scared me when you didn’t respond to us.”
Sean looks away from Kallos. “But to answer your question, the pain that comes with the full change feels like your body is being ripped apart and burned. Your head is pounding so hard you’re going to want to split it open.” She gasps. It sounds as if she is going to die. How is she going to handle it? She knows he hears her gasp because he looks back at her in concern. “Kallos, I don’t want to scare you. You asked me to tell you and I did.”
“I didn’t think you would be that honest with me.” Sean just gives her a grin.
“Babe, you’ll be finding out soon, and lying to you isn’t going to do you any good.” Sean had a point. If he told her everything would be fine, then she wouldn’t be prepared when it happened. Even though he could have told her differently, she is happy he told her. Kallos knows that Ian wouldn’t really lie to her, but he wouldn’t have been completely honest with her either.
“We should start heading to class,” Sean gets up and puts his hand out for her, and she takes it. She notices people are staring at them. Some even point at them, and then she hears Ian’s name. She knows that people think she is cheating on Ian with his brother.
Kallos (Kallos Series) Page 9
