Pledge (Witches of Coventry House Book 1)

by Christina Garner

  Curfew, shmurfew.

  It was their first night at college.

  Chapter 2

  “Ow! Watch it!”

  Hannah knew she should have gone last.

  “Then hurry up,” Rebecca snapped.

  Hannah had been excited when Eden showed up asking if she and Jules wanted to go with them to a party—who didn’t want to meet hot college guys? When she found out Rebecca was part of the deal, she’d almost backed out, but Jules was so excited—her lost puppy eyes in full-on beg mode.

  Which was how she found herself with Rebecca’s stilettos leaving dents in her head as she grappled with finding the next foothold in a trellis choked with vines.

  A minute later she dropped to the ground, her boots sinking into the moist earth. Rebecca landed with the easy grace of a cat—her attitude wasn’t the only thing feline about her, it seemed. They darted from shadow to shadow, making their way to the driveway.

  “We are so getting caught.” Eden’s voice was barely a whisper. Then she muttered something Hannah couldn’t quite make out—something like, “New Eden is stupid.”

  “Please,” Rebecca said. “If sororities kicked girls out for going to parties, they wouldn’t have any members. Besides, my mom says all they care about is their tests.”

  “Did she mention what they’re testing us for?” Eden asked.

  “What am I, Google?” Rebecca’s heels clicked on the pavement. “Get your own information.”

  Hannah had thought going to a party with the girls might help them bond, but it was looking like the bond might be over hating Rebecca. She glanced back at Coventry House—looking even more ominous in the dark—and fell in line as they started down the steep drive.

  “Thanks again.” Jules teetered in heels that were a size too small.

  When Hannah had seen what Jules planned to wear, she’d had to step in. Pre-intervention, her outfit had consisted of a pair of dress slacks—slacks, like her mother wore to work!—a threadbare blouse that was long since out of style, and brown flats.

  Hannah had hips, so her jeans were as loose on Jules as her shoes were tight, but at least they were the right cut. And jeans.

  “No problem.” Hannah gave her a reassuring smile. “The top looks better on you anyway. You should keep it.”

  Jules beamed but also seemed surprised. Had she really never traded clothes before? Not that Hannah wanted anything of hers in return, but it broke her heart a little to see how clueless her roommate was.

  “First night at college, first party.” There was awe in Jules’s voice, like she could hardly believe it.

  “First college party?” Hannah had been to a few as a senior. College guys were way more exciting than high school boys.

  “Right.” Jules’s smile tightened a fraction. “First college party.”

  Once they finally got to the fraternity house—bursting with people—Jules stuck to Hannah like glue. Eden and Sarah went to find the keg out back, but Hannah preferred to scope out the situation first. Rebecca had insisted she and Paige walk in separately, so who knew where they ended up?

  “There’s so many people.” Jules had a bit of a deer-in-the-headlights look as she took in the crowd.

  This really might be her first party.

  “Let’s get to higher ground.” Hannah grabbed Jules by the hand and pushed through the throng until they reached the staircase.

  “See?” Hannah said when they’d climbed partway up. “Much better.”

  From this vantage point she could see most of the common room.

  “What are you looking for?” Jules asked.

  “It’s not who we’re looking for,” Hannah replied. “It’s who’s looking for us.”

  She swept her gaze over the crowd, stopping on a very cute guy who was looking up at her. She held his gaze.

  One Mississippi, two Mississippi.

  Hannah turned back to Jules and smiled. She gave it thirty seconds before they had company. He might even bring a friend for Jules.

  The moment Eden stepped inside the frat house, she felt claustrophobic. When Sarah suggested they find the keg, Eden agreed—as much to be outside as to get the drink.

  Rebecca’s assurances aside, she was starting to wonder if sneaking out was the best idea.

  “Cheers.” Sarah tapped her cup to Eden’s.

  “Bottoms up.” Eden fought the urge to chug her beer. She needed liquid courage for this type of party, but she also needed to take a sleeping pill later. She had to play it safe.

  Sarah topped her off, and they stepped away to give the next people their turn.

  “So this is a frat party.” Eden scanned the crowd and tried to figure out how it differed from a high school party but came up empty.

  “Seems that way.” Sarah sipped her beer.

  “Kinda boring,” Eden said.

  Sarah laughed. “Come on; it’s not that bad.”

  A girl—drunk and stumbling—pushed between them and blew chunks into the bushes. Eden was about to check on her when two more girls brushed by. One of them held her hair while she continued to empty her stomach.

  “You were saying?” Eden stepped back and inspected her boots for vomit.

  “Things might be looking up.” Sarah grinned over the lip of her cup.

  Eden looked over her shoulder to see a gorgeous guy headed their way. He had broad shoulders and wavy, brown hair.

  “Hi, ladies, I’m Brett—official welcoming committee.” He flashed a dazzling smile that revealed one perfect dimple.

  Eden smiled back. “I’m Eden, and this is Sarah.”

  “Having a good time?” His gaze stayed on Eden, and her cheeks grew warm.

  “Totally,” Sarah said before Eden could answer. “But actually, I need the little girl’s room. Will you keep Eden company while I’m gone?”

  “My pleasure.” Brett had a cleft chin like an old movie star. “Take your time.”

  Once his back was to Sarah, she mouthed, bow chicka bow, bow, and Eden bit her lip to keep from laughing.

  “You having fun?” Brett asked.

  “Definitely.” Eden took a sip of her beer. “Great party.”

  He laughed. “It’s okay; you can say it—it’s a total shit show.”

  “Kind of.” She grinned and gave a small shrug. “I guess I’m more of an ‘open mic at a coffee shop’ kind of girl.”

  “Well then, I’ll have to take you—”

  “Brett?”

  He and Eden both turned to see Rebecca at the keg. She managed to pull off helpless and sexy at the same time—her full, red lips in a pout as she made a half-hearted attempt at the pump.

  “Do your official duties include helping me with this thing?”

  Brett went over to help her, and Rebecca flashed Eden a smug look. Eden waited, but by the time he’d poured her beer, Rebecca had managed two hair tosses and touched his collar. Game over.

  Eden went inside to find Sarah.

  She pushed her way through the throng and down a less crowded hallway. A familiar voice made her stop in her tracks.

  “No offense, but this lighting is not your friend.” It was Brianne—one of the sisters at Coventry House!

  Eden ducked into the nearest room and closed the door until she was peering through a slim crack. Her heart pounded as she spied Brianne and Nicole in the bathroom across the hall.

  “Ugh, I know.” Nicole studied her blemishes in the mirror, a concealer stick in one hand. “I tried to fix it, but everything is all wonky.”

  Brianne gave her a sympathetic look. “Still having trouble when you’re on your period?”

  “As if the zits aren’t bad enough—it’s like I’m out of juice. Nothing works—just like this concealer.” Nicole capped the stick and dropped it into her purse, a disgusted look on her face.

  Brianne reached out and laid a hand on Nicole’s arm. Eden’s flesh pebbled as something rippled through her.

  “Now try.” Brianne wore a satisfied smile.

  Nicol
e turned back to the mirror and gently patted her face. Eden blinked, unsure of what she was seeing. It looked like wherever Nicole touched, her pimples...disappeared.

  “Much better.” Nicole smiled at her reflection. “Thanks.”

  “What are sisters for?” Brianne left the bathroom, and Nicole followed.

  When they’d rounded a corner, Eden stepped into the hallway.

  What the—?

  A hand clamped down on Eden’s shoulder, and she nearly jumped out of her skin until she realized who it was.

  “Sarah, something totally weird just—”

  “Later.” Sarah pulled her farther down the hall. “Courtney is here.”

  “Brianne and Nicole too,” Eden said. “Headed toward the backyard.”

  “Time to go.” Sarah darted through the crowd, and Eden did her best to keep up.

  “Hannah!” Eden waved to her and Jules talking to a couple of guys on a staircase.

  Hannah gave her a questioning look, but when Eden said, “sisters,” she got it and hurried down the stairs, Jules in tow.

  “Does anyone have Rebecca’s number?” Sarah asked once they were outside.

  No one did, but no one was willing to go back inside to get her, either. She didn’t exactly inspire loyalty.

  “Whatever.” Hannah started back toward Coventry House. “She’s the one who said it wasn’t a big deal to get caught.”

  Eden took two steps and halted, cursing her conscience. But it was late, and dark, and even if she didn’t like Rebecca, she didn’t want her and Paige walking a mile back home by themselves. Even in a small town—it just wasn’t safe.

  “I’ll be back in a second,” she called over her shoulder.

  Rebecca stared daggers at Eden when she interrupted her making out with Brett in a corner, but when she told her about the sisters, she hopped to. So much for it not being a big deal. They scooped up Paige on the way out, and soon they were climbing the trellis to Eden and Sarah’s darkened room.

  “All I can say is thank God we didn’t run into Alex,” Eden whispered. She was the last one in, and she pulled the window shut, making sure to secure the latch. “That bitch is scar—”

  The lamp in the corner clicked on to reveal Alex, seated in a chair.

  “Jesus Christ.” Rebecca put a hand to her heart, as if to stop it pounding.

  The rest of them froze, mouths agape.

  “Fun night?” Alex looked from girl to girl, her eyes boring into them.

  “Not so far,” Sarah muttered.

  “How did you know?” Rebecca asked.

  Alex stood, a smug look on her face. Then she crossed to the door.

  “There are no secrets at Coventry House.”

  She closed the door behind her, and there was a collective exhale.

  “So, we’re busted, but...what does that mean?” Hannah sounded almost as anxious as Eden felt.

  “It means psycho-pants has power over us.” Rebecca walked toward the bathroom. “And she’ll use it when she wants something.”

  “What makes you say that?” Eden asked.

  Rebecca shrugged. “Because I do it all the time. Nighty night.”

  She disappeared, and Paige hurried after her.

  “Why did I go back for her?” Eden shook her head.

  “You’re a better woman than me,” Hannah said. “Come on, Jules. Your feet must be killing you.”

  “Oh, they’re fine.” But Jules limped a little on her way out.

  Sarah closed the door behind them and turned back with a grin. “First night away from home. Nailed it.”

  All Eden could do was laugh. She’d gotten caught sneaking out and made an enemy of Alex. She’d nailed something; she was just pretty sure it was herself.

  Eden grabbed her bag of toiletries—knocking this time before entering the bathroom. Once she’d washed her face and brushed her teeth, she contemplated the contents of her little, black bag. A couple of sleeping pills and muscle relaxants, plus a few herbal formulas with names like Quiet Time and Sleep Eazzz. Both the prescriptions were borderline, so she popped the muscle relaxant and chased it with a Quiet Time. Sometimes mixing them gave a borderline a few more days of effectiveness.

  She really needed to get to a clinic.

  Fifteen minutes later, she and Sarah were settling into their beds. It was barely midnight, but Eden was beat.

  “Why do I think Alex is going to bust in here with a bullhorn at the crack of dawn?” Sarah asked.

  “Because what better time for a no-hazing test?” Yet another reason it was dumb to sneak out.

  Sarah groaned. “Right.” She fluffed her pillow.“I’m just glad they didn’t stick me with some stuck-up mean girl.”

  “Same here.” Eden pulled the covers up around her. She still wasn’t sure what the cold test—if that’s what it had been—was supposed to prove. Did feeling cold mean they’d passed or failed?

  “Night, roomie.” Sarah clicked off the lamp.

  “Sleep tight.” Eden stared up at the ceiling. She had a little while before her meds kicked in.

  Ten minutes later, things were going hazy. Eden was about to turn over when something caught her eye. Moonlight glinted off of a metallic candle holder on the desk at the end of her bed. She hadn’t noticed Sarah put it there.

  Eden tried to ignore it—push the thought of its proximity out of her head—but even as the muscle relaxant pulled her down, she was unable to think of anything else. If there was a candle, there might be...

  She checked to see that Sarah was sleeping then crept to the desk, only to find what she’d feared—a lighter. She held it in her hand, running her fingers over the smooth plastic.

  Such a little thing, she thought, to be able to cause so much damage.

  Eden flashed on a memory of a slumber party when she was twelve, six years after what happened. A smoldering sleeping bag and an angry phone call from her friend’s mom to hers and then the worry on her mother’s face when she’d picked Eden up in the middle of the night.

  “But I didn’t do anything,” she’d protested, and her mother had believed her. That time. When it happened at her own house, she ended up in a therapist’s office.

  “Now that she’s older, she’s trying to process the incident,” she overheard the therapist say to her parents. “And it’s causing her to act out.”

  The woman believed Eden that she didn’t remember lighting things on fire—something about her subconscious mind and sleepwalking.

  “But why didn’t we find matches or a lighter? It doesn’t make any sense.” Her father sounded so worried.

  “The mind will go to great lengths to protect itself,” the therapist replied. “If she can find the lighter in her sleep, she can certainly hide it.”

  The therapist put her on a strict program that involved twice weekly therapy to discuss what happened and videotaping Eden while she slept.

  When months had passed and all the video showed was Eden sleeping, the therapist had declared her method a success and claimed that the experience from when she was six had been fully integrated in her psyche.

  But how could something be fully integrated if she remembered it wrong? In her mind it was still a monster—the boogeyman—who’d taken her. Her parents had been able to convince her that he’d been just a man, not an actual monster, but accepting that hadn’t altered her memory.

  But the real question—the one that terrified her—was why had the nightmares started up again?

  She’d kept it from her parents, partially because she couldn’t face more “processing” and partially because she just needed to move on. Dredging up what she did remember about that night clearly hadn’t helped the last time.

  No, what she needed was a clean slate. That would stop the nightmares and free her from the memories once and for all. Things were already changing, and in the meantime, she had her system. But her system didn’t allow for lighters where she slept.

  She looked for a place to stash it, but if she knew where
it was, she’d just be able to get it in her sleep.

  With a glance to make sure Sarah was still sleeping, she slipped out of the room and padded down the hall. In the common room she spied a waste basket and tucked the lighter beneath some crumpled papers. It would have to do.

  As she turned back toward the hallway, a sound pricked her ears—a low buzz that came from below and vibrated the floorboards.

  Strange noises, she thought, remembering what Courtney had said. Check.

  She crept back to her new room and slid under the covers. By the time her head hit the pillow, Eden was drifting into a blissfully dreamless slumber.

  Eden bolted upright—a fire alarm ringing in her ears.

  No, no, no...

  She sprang out of bed, searching frantically for whatever she’d torched in her sleep, but there was no fire—nothing even smoldering.

  Eden caught her breath and realized it wasn’t the sharp beep of an alarm—more of an eerie, low-pitched whistle. She crept to the door and, opening it, found the hallway empty.

  Did no one else hear it?

  She glanced back at Sarah to find that she, too, hadn’t stirred. Eden hesitated, her head still thick from not sleeping off her medicine. But when the sound persisted, she went over and shook Sarah.

  “Huh? What’s happening?” she said, her voice thick with sleep.

  “The whistle,” Eden said. “I think we’re wanted.”

  Sarah blinked up at her. “What whistle?”

  “You really don’t hear that?” If anything, it had gotten a little louder.

  “Are you messing with me?” Sarah said. “Because I’m a real pill without my sleep.”

  “I’m not,” Eden said. “I think it’s some kind of test.”

  “Of course it is.” Sarah yawned. “Because what good is a sorority girl if she doesn’t have perfect hearing?”

  “And what better time than five a.m. to test it?” Eden grabbed a pullover out of her drawer. She wanted to be prepared in case they started messing with the thermostat again.

  Sarah pulled a sweater on over her tank top, and the two filed into the hallway only to find that it was still empty.

  “Should we let the others know?” Eden whispered, thinking it was probably the right thing to do.