by Amy Hale
I couldn’t help but grin a little. “I don’t know . . . it’s just so different. Not remotely subtle. And it happened overnight. Last night I went to bed with normal, boring hair. Today . . .”
“That’s part of why it’s amazing. You can’t help but gaze at it, like a work of art.” She reached across the table that sat between us and squeezed my hand. “Now lower your hood.”
I played with a small strand of dark hair that had escaped my hood. “I don’t know. I’m not ready for the stares, even if they are because people think it’s cool. I don’t like being the center of attention.”
Miranda started to say something else when Michaela, the inn owner, arrived with our food. She sat back and waited until my plate and both of our glasses were settled on the table, then took a sip of her drink. “Yum. I love this place. Thanks to Michaela, they always have my favorite drink here. She’s a vampire, too, and prefers the same food source I do.” Michaela winked at us before she strolled back into the kitchen, and Miranda smiled at her. “Your mom was right to suggest I take you out today. You’ve gotta come out of your shell a little more, and I’m just the girl to help you do it.”
I groaned. “I’ve been an antisocial freak all my life. One afternoon with you isn’t going to change that.”
“No.” She played with her straw. “But it will help.”
I shook my head.
“Eat up. We have a full day ahead of us.” She pulled out her cell phone, and I heard the clicking sound as she typed.
“Now what are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m texting my mom. I’m letting her know we are going to be in town the rest of the day and that I’m using the credit card.” She flashed me an excited grin.
“I’m doomed.” I pouted as I shoved a French fry in my mouth.
We walked out of Callie’s Consignments with two formal gowns in tow. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the upcoming ball, but knowing that I’d be there with Jordan, I was willing to step out of my comfort zone a bit.
“You could have shopped at Dress Perfect. I wouldn’t have minded at all.” I felt bad that Miranda chose a consignment dress when she could have had something custom made. I, on the other hand, couldn’t afford something custom and wasn’t about to let her pay for it.
“No way. I love this dress!” She held up her garment bag. “I’ve had dresses made before. Looking with you will always be much more fun than standing around for a fitting.”
I smiled. “It was fun.”
“Now we need jewelry.” She jumped up and down in excitement.
“Oh, I have plenty of that. In fact, you can raid my stash and see if there is anything you like.”
“Really?” Her eyes widened. “You’d do that?”
I shrugged. “Why not? I can’t wear it all.”
“But . . .” She hesitated. “How does your dragon feel about that?”
I shrugged again. “It doesn’t have a say. The human side of me is more dominant where that is concerned.” I wasn’t totally sure what my dragon did and didn’t want, but I knew it wouldn’t be upset with Miranda over borrowing a little jewelry.
“Well, if you’re sure, that’d be awesome!” Her smile was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile back.
We walked to her car and placed the dresses in the back seat. After she locked up, we walked toward the shop next to Madame Tahini’s—the business my dad ran for my grandfather. It seemed comical, now that I knew our secret. Wouldn’t people freak if they knew that dragons owned Simple Treasures Pawn Shop?
“Is your dad working today?” asked Miranda.
I shrugged. “I’m not sure. I think so.”
Her grin became mischievous. “Let’s go see all the stuff people have pawned.”
I laughed. “It’s not like we’re gonna find a hidden stash of gold or someone’s deep dirty secrets.”
“You never know. You can learn a lot about a person from their possessions.” She gave me a sly wink.
She was right. But I wasn’t sure we’d know what items belonged to whom, so it likely wouldn’t do us much good. I had just reached for the door when it opened, and the bell above it tinkled loudly.
“Well, hello, Zoey. I was just coming to see you.” My grandfather gave me a slight smile and leaned on his ancient cane.
“Hi, Grandpa.” I turned to motion to my best friend. “Have you met Miranda Saunders?” It seemed rude not to introduce her.
He turned his gaze on her, and his look was shrewd. For a moment, I feared he would be rude. Then he spoke.
“It’s nice to see you, Miranda. How is your mother?” His expression and voice both indicated his sincerity.
“She’s very well. I’ll tell her you asked about her. Thank you, Mr. Mills.” Miranda was every bit the polite young lady she should have been.
I decided to break the brief silence. “So, why were you coming to see me?” I hoped it was for something good.
I noticed real, deep emotion behind his eyes. “I wanted to give you this. It seemed like an appropriate gift for your sweet sixteen.”
He placed a large, flat velvet box in my hand.
I glimpsed up at him. “Wow, thank you, Grandpa. Do you want me to open it now?”
He nodded.
I looked at Miranda, then back at the box. The hinges were old, and the lid raised slowly as I lifted the top. Nestled inside soft blue velvet sat the most beautiful necklace I’d ever seen. It held a dainty silver chain connected to a stunning stone that was also encased in silver. Specks of colors glinted up through the glossy exterior.
“It’s an opal. It was your grandmother’s. She wanted you to have it.” His voice hitched ever so slightly as he mentioned Grandma Christine.
“How is that possible? Grandma Christine . . . I mean . . . I never had the chance to meet her. How could it be for me?” It seemed hurtful to bring up the fact that my grandmother had passed on long before I was born, but I didn’t know how else to ask the question that buzzed around in my brain.
He smiled at me. “Grandmas have a sixth sense about things.” He glanced at Miranda and appeared to struggle with his next string of words. “Trust me. This was meant specifically for you.” He patted my shoulder. “And it’ll match perfectly with your new hair color.”
I felt my eyes go so wide, I feared they’d pop out of my head. How did he know? I’d firmly pulled the hood back up after trying on the dresses, so my hair remained covered. “Thank you, Grandpa. It’s lovely.”
He glanced down at the necklace and smiled once more. “Yes, it’ll be perfect. You should wear it to the Cold Moon Ball. That’s a very special day for all of us, but especially you.” He nodded at Miranda and then hobbled his way around the corner and out of sight.
“Close your mouth, Zoey. You’ll catch bugs in there. Wait, do dragons eat bugs?” Her expression became thoughtful.
I turned to face her. “No, we don’t eat bugs . . . as far as I know.” The thought almost made me gag.
“You know, he’s right. That necklace is a perfect match to your new highlights.” She smiled brightly.
“Not helping,” I muttered.
She nudged me and laughed. “Come on, Zoey. I promise, your hair is amazing. This necklace is amazing. You are amazing. Give yourself some credit.”
Speechless, I pulled her in for a hug.
Monday morning arrived way too soon. By the time I went to bed Sunday night, my anxiety was in a full-blown tizzy. I had convinced myself that the change in my hair would only paint a larger target on my back. I’d slept fitfully, dreaming of an odd mixture of dragons, jewelry, bugs, and bullies.
As I walked up the steps to the school, I’d convinced myself I’d be crying in the bathroom by noon. I pushed through the doors and instantly tensed, waiting for the onslaught. Instead, a decent-sized crowd gathered around someone, all of them talking and laughing. No one even noticed I’d arrived.
I decided to take advantage of that moment and sneak to my locker undetected. Just
as I’d reached the combination lock, I heard Miranda yell my name. I froze, then slowly turned around.
Miranda pushed her way through the group, and they all followed her. I looked at her and dropped the backpack in my hands. Miranda was all smiles as she stepped in front of me.
She put an arm around me and looked at the rest of the students surrounding us. “Doesn’t it look amazing? We decided to both go super contrasty so it’d show up better.” She smiled at me. “Right? We had so much fun getting our hair colored together.”
The shock hit me hard, and I couldn’t respond right away. Miranda’s beautiful blond hair now had dark red streaks blended in. It looked really cool, to tell the truth. Everyone else seemed to be loving it.
A chorus of voices expressed that they liked mine as well, then the bell rang, and we all scattered to our classes. Miranda and I both took our seats near the back of Mr. Zander’s class. I couldn’t keep my eyes off my best friend.
I leaned closer to her and whispered, “What did your mom say about your hair? Did she hate it?” I really hoped her mom had a sense of humor.
“Who do you think did it? When I told her that you were self-conscious about your new look, she was all for the idea.” She looked for the page number written on the chalkboard.
“I can’t believe you did this.” Mind blown.
“Don’t be silly. This is what best friends do.” She patted my arm. “I knew you were worried about it, so I figured if they were gonna mock it, they’d have to mock us both. But see, I told you. Everyone loves it.”
Mr. Zander interrupted us. “Zoey and Miranda, anything you’d care to share with the class?”
“No, sir,” I said meekly.
“Sorry, Mr. Zander. It won’t happen again.” Miranda smiled at him.
He went back to writing on the chalkboard, and we went back to our textbooks. I snuck one final glance at Miranda. I’d been right. It wasn’t even second period, and I was in tears, but not for the reason I’d expected.
Chapter 6
Miranda and I sat in our usual place at lunch. We were chatting along happily when someone approached our table and stood directly in front of me. I raised my eyes to see Kai Reynolds. His six-foot-tall football physique cast a formidable shadow over my fish sticks and tater tots.
“Zoey Mills.” He crossed his arms in front of him.
“That’s my name.” I tried to smile. Kai was kind of intimidating, and at that moment, he reminded me of my grandfather. He was also very attractive, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his face.
“We should talk,” he stated.
Miranda frowned at him. “Kai, why would you need to talk with Zoey? You don’t know her.”
“True, but I know about her.” His emphasis sounded like a warning.
I looked at Miranda. She sighed. “Sit down, Kai.”
He pulled out the chair in front of him, took a seat, then leaned forward on the table. “I hear you’re going to the Cold Moon Ball with Jordan Woods.”
“I am.” I’d decided over the weekend that there was no reason to deny it, despite Katy’s bullying. I didn’t want Jordan to think I wasn’t excited about going with him.
“You should reconsider,” said Kai.
“Why?” Miranda blurted out the question before I did.
He focused his golden-brown eyes on her and raised a dark eyebrow.
“Oh lord. Really? Tell me you’re kidding.” She shot him a glare.
He leaned back in his chair. “Mixing with humans is never a good idea.”
“What?” I squeaked. I looked at Miranda, and I’m sure she saw the horror on my face.
She held up one hand. “I didn’t tell him. Some supes just know.”
“Are you . . .” I didn’t know how to phrase the question.
“I’m like Miranda,” he stated.
“I see.” I really hoped one of these days I’d be one of those that “just know.” I was tired of all the surprises.
“If you really want to go to the ball with someone, I can take you.” He didn’t crack a smile.
Miranda leaned forward. “Wow. That’s a convincing way to ask a girl out. I’m surprised your flowery words haven’t melted Zoey right here in her seat.”
He glared at her, then moved his gaze back to me. “If not me, we can find you a suitable date, but I think we’d suit well.”
My heart beat rapidly. There was something about him that kept me riveted. It was more than just his looks, but I couldn’t put my finger on it, and I couldn’t seem to escape it.
Sanity reentered my brain. I shook my head. “No, thank you. I’ve already told him I’d go with him. And for the record, I don’t care if he’s human or not. I like him.”
He stared at me for a few seconds, then shook his head in disgust. “You’re just like your dad.”
I stood. “Thank you,” I whispered loudly. “My dad is a great man, and I’m proud to be his daughter.”
Miranda stood and put her arm around me to show her support.
Kai frowned. “You’ll regret this, Zoey. It never ends well with humans.”
I shrugged. “It’s my mistake to make.”
I didn’t truly believe it was a mistake. My mom and dad were perfectly happy together.
He smirked at me. “Whatever.”
He stood and walked away. I struggled to tamp down the disappointment I felt when he dismissed me so easily. Why do I care what he thinks?
I turned to Miranda. “What was that all about?”
She sighed and motioned for me to sit back down. She took her chair as I sat in mine. “So, Kai is a bit of a speciesist. He thinks, at the minimum, that supernaturals should only associate with other supernaturals. If he’s being particularly snobby, he’ll insist that most supernaturals should stick to their own specific species.” She paused a moment and glanced across the room to where Kai now sat with his friends. “I think he might like you a bit, though, and would bend his species rule if you showed interest in him.”
My heart lodged in my throat once more. He was so different than Jordan. Arrogant, self-assured, with a sensual vibe surrounding him. It pulled at me, and I hated myself for feeling that way.
“If that’s how he talks to girls he likes, I’ll pass. My grandpa is the same way, which is why he and my mom don’t talk much.” I hoped I sounded more convincing than I felt. I looked at my lunch, but found I’d lost my appetite.
“Either way, don’t let him bother you. Only a small group in town feel the way he and your grandfather do.” She took a sip from her thermos, and I wondered how my life had gone from dull to complicated so quickly.
Once home from school, I sat in my room and thought about the upcoming ball and my birthday. While I didn’t truly believe what Kai said earlier in the day, it did plant a seed of doubt in my mind. I wasn’t expecting marriage or anything, but I did hope that Jordan and I could at least give dating a shot.
Kai was an enigma. I understood my attraction to Jordan. He was cute, kind, and everything I’d ever thought I wanted in a guy. But I had no idea why Kai had become a contender for my feelings. I’d never been one of those girls that chased after the bad boy, and he was very much a bad boy.
“Ugh.” I groaned, shaking off the frustration as I moved to my bed and sat down. I grabbed the ornate jewelry box from my nightstand and placed it in my lap so I could study the maze of lines on the top, as I had so many times before. This time, when I traced the lines with my fingers, they moved.
“What the heck?” I watched in disbelief as the metal changed shape. “I knew this was special. I knew it!” I couldn’t contain my excitement.
Once the pieces stopped moving, I noticed an empty circular spot in the center. I leaned closer to get a better look and grandma’s necklace, which hung around my neck, gravitated to it like a magnet. No way! It couldn’t be!
With great care, I reached behind my neck and unclasped the chain, letting the pendant fall completely into the center of the lid. The lines on
the top moved around once more, and a small compartment in the side popped open.
“Whoa. The necklace is a key.”
I pulled the compartment drawer the rest of the way out and found a letter inside. With shaky hands, I removed the paper and unfolded it. The fragile parchment had yellowed with time. After placing the jewelry box on the bed, I carefully straightened the letter out in my lap.
Dear Granddaughter,
I know this will come as a surprise, but I knew you would be the one to own the box and the necklace. How did I know? Well, let’s just say that not all fortune tellers are frauds. Speaking of which, please tell Madame Tahini thank you for her wisdom and advice. Without her, I would not have known to write you.
While I do not know your name, I do have a somewhat detailed description of what you look like. You are almost at your sixteenth birthday, and lots of changes are ahead. Some have already happened; others are yet to come. Embrace who you are, little one. Be proud of your heritage. You come from an extensive line of Icelandic Frost Dragons who once roamed the earth in mighty droves before the human population vastly increased. We are still a noble species with much to offer those around us. Most of us are wise beyond our years, although at times, I wonder if your stubborn grandfather isn’t the exception to the rule. We possess amazing gifts as well. Some are universal; others are unique to each dragon. You’ll learn what yours are as you mature.
Never fear, little one; you are stronger than you know. Never back down from doing what is right, and always act in kindness and compassion. This will never steer you wrong.
Take great care with this necklace. Opals are known for their magic properties, but this one is extra special. It contains a spell that will help you control the emotions that come with growing up as a shifter. It will also help you with any specific needs you may struggle with. What those will be, I can’t say—only the stone knows. Some days you’ll feel like more of a dragon, others you’ll feel more human. Eventually both sides must coexist in harmony if you choose to stay in Havenwood Falls. That’s a choice only you can make, once you’re of age. Choose wisely, my granddaughter, and know you are loved.
