- I have to pick up my dry cleaning.
I rolled my eyes.
- Funny. See you soon?
- Give me an hour.
The relief came abruptly and I fell back onto my bed, quickly dialing Sam as promised. An hour would be plenty of time to fill her in on my incredible weekend. Afterward, Nicholas and I could discuss how we’d rid the world of the vampires in town: AKA Alora and her evil new followers.
Chapter Ten
Completely exhausted, I drifted to sleep easily after Nicholas kissed me goodnight. He promised to stay close by after I freaked out about the vampires being back in town. I also convinced him that by using my emotion-reading power we could find the coven’s hide-out in the daylight, so he could surprise attack them at dusk when they came out. Nicholas was open to the idea considering how difficult it was to find them the last time they were here. Vampires with the ability to fly leave virtually no scent to track.
Morning came too quickly though. After slamming my hand against the alarm clock to stop its incessant racket, I rolled over and wished for a few more hours of sleep. If I’d gone out with him the night before like I wanted, I would’ve been seriously wasted.
At school, I compartmentalized myself into my own personal force field, completely separated from everyone’s drama. I almost skipped down the hall in my new found independence. People responded differently to the uncontainable smile plastered across my face. But in History I accidentally drifted off to sleep and the emotional tsunami came crashing in, waking me up with a start. Mr. Marshall wasn’t amused. At lunch, I wished for a caffeinated beverage, cursing the powers-that-be who took out the vending machines, and bought my usual milk carton and a pizza pocket.
“Yo, yo,” Cameron said when he saw me walking towards him at our usual table.
“Yo yourself.” I punched him lightly in the arm before sitting down, amused at his sudden transformation from geek to chic. Instead of his usual science camp T-shirt, he wore a plain grey crewneck with a button-down shirt over the top, and faded jeans. Something completely out of character and trendy. Plus, he’d had his curls straightened, resulting in hair that now swooped across his forehead in a very emo fashion.
“How’s it do?” he asked.
“Okay,” I said, biting into my pizza pocket and hiding my grin. “I like your hair cut and your new shirt.”
Cameron’s cheeks flushed. “Thanks.”
For a brief second I allowed myself to enjoy Cameron’s pride swell before I clamped the wall back down when a group of cocky jocks walked by.
The rest of our clique quickly joined us. Dena gracefully flitted up to the table under Morgan’s arm; her hands held their lunch tray. Sam followed behind, saying a quick goodbye to Todd—her boyfriend—who ate with his linemen buddies and the cheerleading squad instead of us outcasts. It always hurt her feelings, but today I didn’t have to sense it. Katie seemed to be missing in action.
Cameron was technically the only single guy at our table, but, if his transformation stuck, I suspected that wouldn’t last for long. A nearby group of freshmen giggled as one redhead slyly eyed him. They’d be cute together with their matching red locks.
Only Sam knew of my relationship with Nicholas. I’d kept it a secret to avoid Katie’s incessant questioning, and to protect them from retaliation in case some vampire got clever and decided to read their minds to find out our lives.
“Where’s Katie?” I finally asked, unsure since she wasn’t in any of my classes now.
“Who knows,” Dena said with a little more candor than usual. “She’s been so unpredictable lately—like she’s too good for us.”
Morgan agreed with a chuckle.
“She wasn’t in Calculus,” Cameron added while trying to keep his cool and eat his Doritos at the same time.
Sam shrugged after I shot her a look.
“Maybe she’s sick?” I pulled out my phone and sent Katie a text to check.
- Are you at school? We still on for later?
“Did you see my new toe ring?” Dena pulled her foot out of her flip-flop to show Sam and the rest of us. “Morgan got it for me this weekend.”
“Cool,” I said, still slightly worried about Katie. She may have been a rebel, but grades and attendance where two things she took seriously.
Dena continued to share about their weekend at the beach. Sam appeared to be listening, but kept peeking over at Todd as he carried on with his buddies. She scowled when Eliza, the hot new transfer, touched his shoulder. With nothing to share, I stayed silent, waiting for Katie’s return text.
The conversation shifted with the current rumors haunting Mr. Brewster. He’d apparently had no qualms in denying Mr. Walentine’s request for microscopes in Biology while new furniture and a very expensive painting showed up at Mr. Brewster’s office. But once the school district got involved, he magically produced proof he’d paid for the items out of his own pocket. A week later, the microscopes showed up without question. I laughed, just hearing the story for the first time. The incident was totally Mr. Brewster’s style.
I scanned the lunchroom and noticed Mandy hadn’t returned after leaving with sudden flu-like symptoms in first period P.E. class. Tyler wasn’t too disturbed by her absence as he flirted blatantly with Amanda, the head cheerleader. I assumed they must still be broken-up.
At the warning bell for fifth period, my phone buzzed with a text from Katie.
- Yeah, let’s meet at Mr. Pickles on Front Street at 6:30.
I knit my brows together and punched a text back.
- Where are you?
- Tell ya later. Super busy with stuff to do.
- Okay. I guess
I nudged Sam on our way to Algebra. “Katie and I are still meeting later.”
“Why isn’t she at school?”
“Who knows? She said she’s doing stuff. I’ll get the scoop tonight.”
We walked into Algebra and my heart sank.
Fractions again. Ugh!
: : :
The first thing I felt when I got home was my dad’s concern rushing through the house like a rough wind.
“Dad?” I called through the hallway.
“In here, Jules.” His voice floated from the kitchen along with something that smelled really yummy. I followed my nose to find him at the stove with a spatula in hand, grilling cheese sandwiches.
“Don’t scare us like that, Dad.” My words caught up in my throat as he turned around. A bandage covered his forehead and a row of stitches trailed down his bruised cheek bone.
I gasped. “What happened?”
Dad grazed his black-and-blue eye with his knuckles. “It looks worse that it is,” he said quickly in embarrassment. “I’m fine.”
“Fine?” I walked over to get a better look at his wounds. “Luke said you’d had chest pains.”
“I did.” He wrapped me up into a hug. “And fell down some stairs.”
“What?” I pushed away and looked at his wounds. He suddenly appeared older to me and a tad bit thinner. “How did that happen? Are you okay?”
“Ah, it was nothing. I wasn’t looking where I was walking.” He rested his hands on my shoulders, seeping irresponsibility. The fear and doubt added to the flurry around us. Something else had to be wrong. “I’ll be fine; don’t worry.”
Partially true.
“Really, Dad?” Whatever the news, I wanted it straight.
“My doctor wants to do a few more tests to be sure. They let me go, so it can’t all be bad.” Truth. “But the good news is I’ll be home for a couple weeks.”
I wrapped my arms around his chest again and listened to his heart beat, willing it to keep going. He always seemed like the rock of our family, infallible and unbreakable. Looking up into his grey eyes surrounded with laugh lines, I saw he wasn’t. His health issues also came at the worse time with all the vampire drama coming back into town. I’d have to be more careful under his watchful eye so I didn’t add to his stress level.
“D
on’t worry, Jules,” he said softly. “This is just my body’s way of telling me to slow down and take better care of myself.”
I sighed as my own concern swirled around me and bit my lip to stop the tears from welling up.
“I’m going to be here a good long time,” he said, returning to his griddle. “Are you hungry?”
“Yeah. Sure.” Actually, I was starving.
After we ate and caught up, I ran upstairs to change. Dad thought I was going to work at the deli tonight and meeting Katie afterward for a late dinner. Instead, Nicholas and I were going to scout for vamps and already planned the whole evening out, including a brief intermission with Katie.
On the drive to Mr. Pickles, butterflies darted around in my stomach with the anticipation of seeing Nicholas again. I pulled into the parking lot and smiled with glee when I saw his car. He got out and the sunlight danced on his brown hair, highlighting the copper strands. The light continued to illuminate his neck and shoulders, making him look so kissable. He turned to look at me with sunglass-covered eyes and my pulse raced. His smile made me weak in the knees. I fought the urge to run towards him, walking slowly instead.
He pulled me into a tight embrace and kissed me tenderly. I wanted more, but he rarely showed affection in public. Today was different, though. Deep down, he really missed me.
“Hi.” I stood on my tip-toes, attempting to steal another kiss. He kissed my nose instead.
“I have a surprise. Come on,” he said with a familiar gleam in his eye. He led me by the hand towards the strip mall. At the end of the line of stores was a cell phone shop.
“Seriously?” I asked, raising my eyebrow.
“Seriously.”
I squealed and hugged his torso, tempted to skip through the open doors.
Adding me to Nicholas’ account was easy, but getting the watch phone that didn’t look so obvious was the problem. We opted for a smaller version I could attach to my keychain instead. I was happier with the choice until we discovered they’d just sold their last one. Replacements wouldn’t be delivered for another week. Total bummer.
“Sorry,” Nicholas said as we exited.
“It’s only one more week.” I tried not to appear disappointed. “I can wait.”
“That’s my girl.” He rested his hand on the small of my back, giving me chills, and guided me towards the passenger side of the car. “We’ve got to get going, not much time before dusk.”
It was a lucky thing Katie didn’t want to meet earlier.
“So,” Nicholas said, sliding into the driver’s seat and starting the car. “I’ve covered most of the west side today and figured we’d cover the east together. I ran through it last night, but any hint of scent would have dissipated after they evacuated their hide-out. I’m hoping they’ll stick to their familiar territory.”
“Me too,” I agreed, too distracted to watch the road while studying his jaw line, wanting to attack it with kisses. He was so adorable when in hunting-mode. “Have you run into that guy again?”
“Which guy?”
“The one who was selling the venom?”
“No,” he said with a twinge of disappointment. “I think he’s too afraid to show his face around here again, though it was stupid of me to overreact. I should have followed him to the source. That’s my next project after we deal with this coven.”
I smiled at the fact he said “we.”
“How’s your dad?”
I took a deep breath and Nicholas took my hand. “Okay, I guess. Just a chest pain scare they said. Dad’s supposed to take it easy, so he’ll be around for a few weeks.” I decided to leave out the fact he fell down the stairs too.
“That’s good, right?”
“Yes, but not the being around part. Kinda hard to get away with anything when he’s there, checking my cell phone GPS and stuff.”
“You put your phone in your car, right?”
“Yes,” I said, not appreciating the parental overtones of his question, but knew he was just trying to keep me out of trouble. “Of course.”
“He loves you, Jules. That’s why he’s doing this. I’d be upset if he didn’t seem concerned.”
“I don’t need him to worry. I’ve got you.”
Nicholas squeezed my hand and brought it to his lips. “That you do.” He smiled crookedly and I blushed.
Nicholas drove us down to the industrial center of town. We passed the burned down building Nicholas fought Phil and the rest of Alora’s vamps in a few months back, and I sensed Nicholas’ satisfaction. We drove by the other building a few blocks down—the one they lived in—and I took a deep breath. The building looked just as ominous during the day as it did at night. Nicholas studied my countenance.
“They’re not here,” I said, knowing he was curious to see if I’d sensed anything. “I imagine they’re smart enough to find a new place.”
“It’s not easy finding refuge being a vampire. You must be invited within if it’s been occupied recently by humans or vampires.”
“I know,” I said, feeling a little perturbed. I didn’t mind being under his protection, but I remembered the details of the curse rules.
We drove a few blocks further down the street in silence when I sensed it. Like the putrid stink of a skunk—the hunger, the longing, the craving for power and blood swooped upon us in a thick fog. My pulse raced.
“Stop,” I whispered.
He slowed down and parked, watching my reaction intently. I scanned the buildings towering over us. They all seemed abandoned with broken-out windows and graffiti on the walls. I closed my eyes to search the source. The feelings ran the gamut as usual, but not completely the typical animalistic kind I’d felt in the past.
“Are they here?”
“Maybe,” I said, trying to pull more from my senses. “There seems to be a group of people inside, but only a few vampires. Why would people be hanging with vampires?”
“Are you sure?”
I began the exercise Grandma taught me. I started with the ones discharging typical human feelings and began to encapsulate them. After separating about ten or so, I ended up with only two vampires. One was definitely Alora.
“This is so confusing.” I put my hand to my head.
“I guess there’s only one way to find out. Wait till dusk.”
I opened my eyes and turned towards Nicholas. “I’m waiting with you.”
“But you have a date with Katie.”
“Screw Katie, this is serious.” I raised my right eyebrow.
Nicholas’ eyes crinkled. “And what are you going to do to help?”
“I don’t know. Throw stakes?”
He pursed his lips. “Julia, it’s almost impossible for me to concentrate and do what I’m supposed to do with you nearby.”
“Then I’ll stay in the car.”
“I don’t plan to park anywhere near here.”
I grumbled.
“Julia, you said there are only two vampires among ten or so humans. I can handle two vamps. Remember, I’ve killed hundreds.”
Nicholas started the car, turned it around, and headed back to town.
“Where are you going?” I said with a raised voice.
“To Mr. Pickles, so you can meet Katie.”
“No, I’m canceling with her right now.” I felt my pockets for my cell phone. “Crap . . .”
Nicholas pulled the car to the side of the road.
“Look at me.” He leaned forward and shot his magical green eyes at me, sending an electric jolt to my stomach, melting my core. “I can’t do what I do best with you there. It puts me in danger because I worry about you.”
I looked back, wringing my hands. Yeah, but you don’t know Alora. “I want to be with you.” To save you.
“I know, and I’ll come pick you up as soon as I’m done. It’ll be quick. I usually am.”
“But . . .”
He put his finger to my lips. “Please understand and let me do this my way. I bet those humans are going to be
their next recruits. I need to save them before anything else happens, don’t you understand?”
“I guess so.” I sighed heavily, feeling fear prickle down my spine.
“Meet with Katie and I’ll be right back.”
I looked down at the floor. “All right,” I said softly.
“Thank you.” Nicholas tilted up my chin and his lips met mine.
This time I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back so deeply his whisker scruff hurt my lips. The worry I’d never see him again pushed the fire behind my passion. Nicholas didn’t seem to mind and responded to the intensity.
He pulled back and pushed the hair out of my eyes, wiping away a tear.
“I love you,” he said, his emerald eyes twinkling.
I was too choked up to respond, only nodded.
Nicholas put the car into drive and headed towards Mr. Pickles. I held onto his hand the entire way and he caressed my fingers with his thumb.
Once we arrived, the pit that formed in my stomach took my breath away. It required all my effort to open the door and climb out without falling apart. Once outside, my legs quivered. Everything inside me screamed not to let him go. I held the talisman for support, but it lay dormant under my fingertips.
“Be strong,” he said, excitement surging from his pours. “I promise I’ll be right back.”
I only nodded, sniffling.
He leaned over the passenger seat and we kissed one last time before I closed the door. I wanted to heave right there on the sidewalk as I watched his car drive down the street and out of sight. The prophecy—like a warning siren—kept blaring through my mind.
“. . . the one to save us all from them.”
I stumbled to my car—pushing through my urge to follow him—and took my phone out of the glove box. No texts from anyone.
I walked down the street to Mr. Pickles and decided to wait outside on a nearby bench. The pickle cut-out, complete with a white chef’s hat, taunted me with his welcoming smile. I looked away and my attention drew to the horizon. The setting sun displayed the most incredible colors across the horizon. My heart sped up, knowing at any moment Nicholas would meet Alora for the first time. I clasped my hands together and asked God to protect him, even if Nicholas was a half-vampire.
The Sapphire Talisman Page 8
