by Jada Tarrant
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said, patting the bike. “Tonight, you can learn to ride a bike. Tomorrow, a pool game. Then we'll see how it goes from there.” It almost sounded tempting, but I knew I would get in trouble. “Your friend still owes us a few grand.” I thought the bike had paid him off. He shook his head. “Sold it for eleven grand. Still four grand short.” Ah, so my guess would be that I'd have to pay his debt. He then nodded again. “And a job for you.” A job? My heart jumped at the thought. Then I wouldn't have to ask Nathan each month for money.
“Okay,” I said and he threw the keys in my hand. He got off the bike. “I want to see this out of the driveway now,” he said. After that, I fired it up. The balance was a bit shaky but I got out of the driveway. How do I park this thing?
Charles came up, took the keys out, and pulled out the kickstand. “That's how you park it,” he said, handing me the keys. Mine, or borrow until further notice? I'm confused.
Well, I definitely can't let Nathan see the bike so I lifted it carefully into the truck bed. The tarp I had laid in there I threw over it. It made it look like a few tires bulging out from underneath. It was time to get new tires anyway though.
The next day I had just dropped Derek off as I headed for my place. I remembered that there was room to practice in the back of the property. The only problem was that it was like a maze back there, but there was some visible paths where I could take the bike around. Nathan never went back there, which makes it even sound more perfect.
As I lifted the bike out the back of the truck, I steered it into the backyard as I leaned it against the garage. Then I went back to the truck to put the tailgate back up. Time to go practice.
Vroom, vroom! I eased my hand over the throttle as I went through the fields slowly. Derek's place was deep inside the fields heading eastbound. But I wasn't planning to go that way as I pressed into the overgrowth that scratched my arms the further I went in. There was a moss covered stone deep in the ground which I hit as I slipped off the bike and hit the corn stalk hard. The corns and stubs were on my jeans, and it took a good minute to pull myself out of them. Even the bike wasn't too far as I looked around to see where I was at, which I didn't know at all. Nighttime was closing in and Nathan would be coming home soon. I had to hurry.
Testing my luck, I swung towards Derek's place as there were people outside. I'm sure they could see the headlights from afar, but not me. As I came across familiar grounds, I eased up on the brakes heading onto the trail towards the house. Surprisingly Nathan had just arrived after I shut the bike off. So I slipped into the house from the back quietly as I tiptoed my way to the bathroom.
In the bathroom, bruises travelled all the way up and down my arm. My face was dirty and my hair had cobs in it. So I went to brush it all out of my hair as I turned on the bathtub. Nathan wouldn't even date to step in here while I bathed, unless he needed to use the bathroom badly. He knocked.
“Thanks for listening,” he said, even though his voice was quiet because it was muffled out by the door. “Tomorrow I'll take you out for dinner.” Deciding not to respond, I pretended like I couldn't hear him over the running water. “Love you.”
After cleaning up, the wounds were still there. Dark bumps laid raised upon my left arm, and there was a slight cut above my eyebrow. What will I say to Nathan? Maybe I could tell him about being in the backyard, as long as I didn't tell him about the bike. It could work, since it was the truth anyway. The bike's hidden well in the overgrowth, so he wouldn't know what I did.
Nathan eyed me funny after I came out of the bathroom. It looked like he had a comment. “Did you get too bored that you went to go play in the fields?” he snorted. Now that sounded perfect, so I nodded. His face hardened as he realized I wasn't joking. “Well don't do it again.” So I slipped into my bedroom after I said, “I will.”
In the morning when I went out to my truck I realized the tire was flat. On my knees I dropped my eyes lower to get a better inspection. The tire had dry-rotted on me. Damn it. So I pulled out my phone and dialed Derek's number. There'd be no way I could drive on that.
“Hello?” he answered. “Hey Derek it's Jada,” I said and he cut me off. “You can't drive me, right?” he said angrily. A quick thought crossed my mind after he spoke, so I hoped he had a tire. “I might make it to your place but my tire is screwed,” I said and he grew silent. Then I added. “Dry rotted.” After that I was sure I heard a silent 'oh' on the phone. Before he could answer though the phone died out as it had no signal. If he has a tire I'd go, but other than that the bike was the only option. And I wasn't going to risk Nathan seeing that just now.
Julies rolled into my driveway with Derek not even seconds later. His friend got down on his knees as he looked at the tire. How the hell did they get here so fast? Derek walked up to my truck, realizing that I hadn't lied to him. Julies slipped a tire out of his tailgate. “You'll owe me later for this,” he said with a smile. “Life fifty bucks.” Okay, fine by me I guess.
Then after they put it on they rolled out the driveway. Once they were out of sight I cranked the radio up with Hollywood Undead playing before barreling out of my driveway. I let the engine roar to life as I floored it.
It seemed as if Derek turned around as I saw him eyeing me directly behind them. I looked down at the road as I noticed I could pass them if I wanted. The lane seemed to be empty so I fed more gas to the engine, cutting them off as I went back into their lane to get on the highway. There was maybe ten minutes to make it into the parking lot. Seems like a day where I'll have to push my luck.
Julies cranked his truck next to mine, trying to see what I'd do on the highway. I pushed my truck to 80 as he stayed at 60 and I switched lanes. The looks on their faces in my rearview mirror were priceless as I kept going.
At the exit, I slowed into the school parking lot, jerking the truck straight into park. I slouched to the side as I locked my passenger door. Derek had an awkward expression on his face, and his body language pointed out that he was freaked out. He probably thinks I'm crazy.
“How are you?” Derek asked, but I sped past him into the building. Julies sent him a look that said 'watch out' as he continued to follow. He ran up to me, following my strides. “I'm fine,” I answered as I let the door hit him in the face. The huge thump I heard was enough to tell me it hurt as it looked like it took all of his strength to pretend to be calm.
Before he could ask again, I went into the classroom. He followed me in and the teacher's eyes snapped up as she saw him. Derek then clasped his hand to my arm. “We need to talk,” he said cooly, letting his gaze drift to the teacher. “Do you mind if I take her away for a few moments?” The bell soon rang as the teacher gave him a slight nod as he dragged me out into the hallway. His eyes were filled with rage.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” he asked, pounding his fists into the lockers. The sound reverberated into my ears, nearly making me want to cover them. “None of your business,” I said and he laughed cynically. “Whenever you say that it isn't,” he said. Hearing him say that made my heart sank, since it was half trueish. “Tell me now or else.” So he pinned me against the lockers, lifting my legs into the air behind him. Refusing to answer, he carried me off into an empty room, laying me onto a table. I scowled at him as he smiled mendaciously at me. “You had your chance.”
Then he tried to cram his tongue into my mouth, prying it open as I resisted with my teeth. His fingers split my jacket open as it feel to the floor. All my sense of direction lost me once his skin touched mine. He was going to get what he wanted, and I'm not sure if I could stop it.
Both of his hands reached the back of my neck as my mind split into images. A part of me could see my past reeling back like a movie. Derek soon smiled, watching my eyes go to the back of my head. He was pressing for information that he didn't even need to know.
A smile formed on his face. “Mine now,” he said and kissed me on the forehead one last time before I blacked out.
I felt like I was falling into a deep dark hole.
Later on, I woke up in my truck clinging with sweat. It smelled like Derek until I realized it was me. Confused, I looked to my left to see that Derek and Julies were whispering.
“If RAD's looking for her then we're in trouble,” Julies said, looking over to me. “I don't know, but this seems dangerous compared to the usual,” Derek said, petting my hair. “I think I like her.” Then Julies rolled his eyes. “Or her powers,” he remarked, taking in a sigh.
“Charles is already training her,” Derek pushed, smiling. “Maybe we can influence as well.” Then my stomach twisted at the thought as it disgusted me. “Sleeping beauty's waking up finally.”
So I sat up, taking in my surroundings as Derek was shirtless and Julies watched out from the window staring at me. “I'll leave you two alone,” he said and left. I started trembling knowing I was alone with Derek. Something about him scared me now, and I didn't know what. His eyes glowed right into me.
“Darkling,” Derek said, grazing my mouth with his tongue. “We're both demon class, but you're much stronger than you'll ever know.” Frozen with shock, my mind rolled that word over and over again. This is the truth that I was running from.
“Welcome to the team.” He slipped a ring onto my finger and my hand tensed up. “My way of saying thank you.” I examined it, tilting it back and forth. A blood ring? The hairs on my neck rose in alarm as I contemplated it. “My blood before the changeover from mortal to immortal.” Then his eyes darted up to mine, slicing through me with truth. “It'll help you more than me. Changeover happens at 18.” I sighed, taking in a breath of relief. “Won't be long for you.” Realizing that, I clenched my fists. What did I just got myself into?
CHAPTER 14
PORTSMOUTH, OHIO
NOVEMBER 8TH, 2013
Crack! That's what sound my body made once I hit the pavement. Derek wasn't kidding about them wanting me in the crew. I nearly cried as it became nearly impossible to stay out of everyone's way. Now this?
Most of my body twitched as I rose to my feet, seeing more people surround me. Some of them had weapons ready in hand. Were they going to kill me? The look on my face mirrored the warning I felt as I got myself to stand. It seemed like they were staying still, as I was nearly about to wet myself.
A few of them broke out into laughter. “The real world comes tonight,” someone said, letting their demon side show. “No backing out now,” another said. I turned around and they all agreed. What?
“Pool match at Stag's, then you'll see what we do after dark. Also Dave wants you,” John said before they all dispersed. Once I blinked, they were all gone. Are all these people trying to play with my head?
Julies and Derek pulled into my driveway around six. All I got from them was a dark glare that meant trouble, and it gave me the chills.
“Pool match starts in ten,” Julies said as he pulled into Stag's, eyeing me from the rearview mirror. “Better hurry.” After he said that, I got out and slammed the door. A bunch of people turned their heads toward me as a few of them smirked at me as I headed inside. Nearly every part of me shook in cold fear as I entered.
Once I was in, Dave's eyes fell upon me the second the door shut. Other turned their heads as I approached them. A wicked overgrowth of a smile covered his face that made me shudder. It almost made me realize what he wanted. Me alone.
He rose from his chair, putting his cigar out as he pulled forward to put a kiss on my cheek. Smoke blew across my face as I began to cough. Around him it looked like there were guards. I gave him a questioning look as he led me into a private space in the bar. My skin began to tingle as it became dark.
“You just need to stay still,” Dave said, pressing his hands onto my hips. His touch nearly made me flinch as my head began to spin. The feel of his skin against my body nearly burned me. I sucked in some air the moment he took a break. “The less you know the more fragile you are.” Then Dave's voice felt like a whisper in my head. “Soon you'll be able to do this too.”
Shivering, I realized that he did get into my head. How? The voice appeared to be silent.
“Pretty easy if you ask me. You are mentally aware of me more than physically.” Both of his hands tightened even more at my waist as he brought me up to his chest. A pale glow emanated from his eyes. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest. “RAD will never own you, ever. You and I, our strengths combined can bring them down.” He seemed to sound rather confident. “I will teach you how to use your powers, but you have to take that necklace off.” Necklace? Ohh, that was the one thing Drew gave me.
As my hands found the chain, a voice rippled through my head. 'Don't do it.' I took in a sigh, breaking it off. My eyes began to start glowing like moonlight.
Pool didn't go the way I wanted, but the person I was partnered with saved it. No one introduced themselves and now they were distributing money. So I let my eyes wander elsewhere. Julies and Derek were at the bar table drinking. Deciding to walk toward them, I pulled out stool out and Derek swung his legs around. He looked surprised as the shock that had curtailed his face turned into tranquil abyss.
“How did it go?” he asked cooly, stirring his drink. “I'm not good,” I admitted. “But the person I was with saved the day.” That seemed to get a rouse out of them. “Crazy Joe never loses,” Julies added with a chuckle as the guy headed this way. He rested his hand on my shoulder.
“Those block shots were good, but not the corner shots,” Joe said, looking down at me. He slipped something into my hand. “Your portion of the winnings.” Money? I eyed it as I realized it was nearly four hundred dollars. Then he left before I could even say thank you. Derek and Julies just stared at me.
“For that tire,” I said and slipped Julies a hundred. He flipped out his wallet, putting the cash in their slowly. The silence was nearly deafening. “Where's my cut?” Derek laughed as he smiled at me. I let my eyes cross as I looked at him, making a funny look. “You haven't paid me for driving you for the past three weeks,” I said. Then his face went white as it seemed like he was just remembering that.
“But I pay you a different way,” he said as he rubbed my chin and brushed his leg against mine. Static from his touch ran through me as my heart pumped faster at the contact. Julies didn't look like he wanted to be caught in between. “He's still waiting to take your virginity,” Julie said, rolling his eyes. “Then he'll forget all about you.” His gaze went straight to the door as he watched it intently. “Tomorrow's race night. Be prepared. Time to take you hellhound's home.”
Upon arriving home, Nathan was there but he was knocked out on the couch as a movie was playing. Constantine, again. He had watched it about twelve times in the past week. I sighed as I noticed the empty bottle of jack on the floor next to his hand. Most likely the chance that he passed out from the consumption of alcohol.
After I lifted the bottle off the floor I headed into the kitchen. It was a complete mess as food was laid out across the stove and there was at least a case of empty beers in the sink. I'm beginning to worry about him, since this is the second time it's happened within a month so far.
“Jada?” I heard him mumble, hearing him crash to the floor. Then I saw him crawl into the kitchen as he tried to stand himself up with the aid of a chair. From the way his head slung forward told me he was dizzy. His eyes met mine as he seemed to recognize something. Were my eyes glowing?
“Can't keep secret much longer,” he slowly said as his gaze dropped to the floor. “You're not human.” I already knew that as I had heard it before. Then he waited as it looked like he was thinking hard about something. “Danger waits for you here. Dragon parents, your mom was a dragon.” He then smack his head, burying his fists into his skull. “Your real father came with her and didn't lose his memory like she did.” Okay, now it sounds like it's getting interesting. “But he got turned to be a teenager, stuck in his youth here. Drew, Drew. The halfloid.” I froze, not wanting to hear anymore. So I left the kitchen. “Wa
it.”
In the hallway I turned around as he was dead in front of me. The smell of alcohol on his breath made my eyes water. “I will show you. Let me,” he said, hugging me. He felt feverish, so I pushed him away. “No,” I said sternly. His eyes went out of focus at the word, then he stomped away. I went into my room and it felt chilly. What did I do wrong?
The next day went ratherly fast, except for Nathan's words pounding at the back of my head. Most men talk madness when drunk, and some tell truth. But it stressed me, as I knew had had mental issues for a while. He visited a head doctor every two weeks for his 'illness.” I'm pretty sure Nathan isn't human either, but talking about Drew shocked me. If he was my dad he would have never treated me in the manner that he did, ever. In another reality if that is true, that would be fucked up.
VROOM, VROOM! The area was too loud to think as I stood in my Doom Crew attire. It was a leather vest with Doom Crew engraved on the back. The whole point of tonight was to watch and realize my allies as well as my enemies. Most of my focus was on Dave when he entered in his Porsche as he sat in the back row of cars. The other cars looked to be decked out with stock engines, vintage designs, and butterfly doors. Everything looked expensive as if these people put a lifetime into these cars to race them. It really piqued my interest.
A few other demons joined my side as we waited for the race to begin. The flag finally dropped minutes later, starting the race. After that I broke away into the crowd, letting my intuition guide me. Faeries, demons, and I could feel that there was another death angel other than Dave around. The others warned that the angel I sensed was from RAD, and to be cautious. But I didn't let the tension rise to my face as I grabbed a bite from the food cart. My hunger for food distracted me from paying attention. Then someone from far away stood still, analyzing me. A smile became plausibly recognizable on his face. That must be the angel.
