Aunt Sage: Ha, don’t think you’re not going to hear it from me.
Me: I know and I’m sorry.
Aunt Sage: All has ended well, but that might not be the case the next time. I always want you to tell me the truth, even if you know I’ll be upset. It hurt me more to learn you’d kept things from me.
Me: I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m truly sorry.
Aunt Sage: I guess that means you’re growing up, since you don’t always depend on others to help you now.
Me: No matter how old I get, I’ll always need you.
Aunt Sage: Awww. Love you, sweetie.
Me: Love you too. I hope you get tons of business from the show.
Aunt Sage: I’m debuting the Inara Designs Collection. Actually, that’s how you can make it up to me. I need help putting sets together, labeling and such. Can you come over Friday night? I’ll make dinner and we’ll get all the stuff ready. Come around six.
Me: I’ll be happy to help. See you then.
After I hit send, I jump in the shower. I’d just finished blow drying my hair when the doorbell rings.
“I’ll get it,” I call as I run down the stairs.
I make it to the bottom step to see Mr. Dixon holding the door open and Houdini throwing himself excitedly at Ethan.
“Down, boy.” Ethan laughs and pats Houdini’s head. He steps inside and nods to Mr. Dixon, then shifts his gaze to my mom standing in the kitchen and talking to the tech guys about how to operate the keypad.
“We’re getting a security system installed.” I pretend Ethan doesn’t already know what’s going on as I walk up to him. “Someone tried to break in last night, but Houdini saved the day.”
He rests his hand on Houdini’s head and glances down at him. “I told you he’s a great watch dog.”
“I doubt whoever was trying to get in wanted to tangle with Houdini.” Mr. Dixon shuts the door and gestures to the back of it. “He really wanted to tear them to bits.”
Deep claw marks gouge the door from the middle all the way down.
“That’s some fierce defending.” Ethan scrubs the dog’s ear and glances away to hide his satisfied smirk.
My heart sinks. “Was it a demon?” I whisper once Mr. Dixon joins Mom in the kitchen.
Ethan snorts as if trying to get a nasty smell out of his nose, his expression hard. “Yes.”
Nara
“Coach said to be there at five.” Lainey glances at me after she backs her car out of my driveway and puts it in gear. “Matt said Drystan’s not coming tonight. He had other plans he couldn’t get out of.” Tucking a piece of hair from her ponytail behind her ear, she says, “Tell me all about your dad.”
She’d insisted on driving me to practice, since running errands for my mom took up the rest of my day. Thinking about my dad makes me smile and my stomach tense. I wish I knew for sure if I’d see him again. “It was so great seeing him after all these years. Thank you for covering for me.”
Lainey’s ponytail swings as she raises her eyebrows. “Why don’t you want your mom to know you were seeing him?”
“My parents had a rough separation. I have to break it to my mom gently. Not slam her with the news I snuck up to D.C. to see my dad for an evening. She’d feel so betrayed.”
“Wait…separation? Your parents are still married?”
I’d always let Lainey assume my parents were divorced. It’s the conclusion most people came to since he wasn’t part of our lives.
When I nod, Lainey snickers. “I wonder if Mr. Dixon knows he’s an unwitting participant in adultery?”
“Don’t you dare tell anyone,” I say, then snort. “Seriously though, it’s not like that. My parents have been apart since I was five. They’re divorced in every sense of the word except the paperwork.”
“Then why didn’t they just make it legal?”
I shake my head. “It’s complicated. And now that I’ve decided to hopefully see more of my dad, I’m going to have to figure out a way to let my mom know without hurting her.”
“And parents say teens are all drama.” Lainey rolls her eyes, then pulls into the gym’s parking lot. Nodding toward my soccer bag, she says, “Go on inside so Coach knows we’re here. I just remembered I need to ask my dad if I can go to the Coldplay concert with Matt. Tickets go on sale tonight. I’ll be inside in a couple minutes.”
Grabbing my bag, I’m thankful the snow has already melted in the parking lot. I head into the gym’s bathroom to change clothes. Once I’m dressed, I start to walk out of the bathroom when Lainey bursts through the door. Crying in hysterical gulps, her ponytail askew, she holds her hand to the left side of her face and babbles incoherently.
“Lainey, I can’t understand you. What’s wrong?” When I pull her hand away and see a bright red handprint across her cheek, I quickly wrap my arms around her and hug her tight. “Who did this to you?”
Pushing back a little, Lainey takes a breath, then points toward the main door. “Har—Harper attacked me while I was trying to lock my car.”
“What?” I grab my phone, intending to dial Ethan’s number, but I have a text from him that he must’ve sent while we were talking.
Ethan: Tried to call. Turn your ringer on! Harper’s around. Get inside the gym with Lainey and stay there. On my way.
“It’s too late to call for help,” Lainey says, drawing my attention as I start to type a message to Ethan. “Harper’s gone. Danielle knocked the crap out of her and she took off.”
“She did?”
When Lainey nods, I say, “Wait here.”
She grabs my arm before I can walk out. “You’re not going out there, are you?”
I shake my head. “I just want to talk to Danielle.”
“Don’t go. Harper was after you. She said she was going to hold me hostage until you gave her what she wants. She was dragging me away when Danielle jumped in between us and whacked her hard.”
“I’m so sorry, Lainey,” I say, my voice trembling slightly.
Lainey frowns and releases my arm. “It’s not your fault she’s a nut job. And you weren’t kidding about her strung-out strength. She pulled me around like a rag doll, and damn my face hurts like a mofo.” She finishes, flexing her jaw. “Glancing up at me, she asks, “What does she want from you?”
“I have no idea. The girl has fixated her cray-cray sights on me for some reason.” I shrug, then tilt my head. “What was Danielle doing here?”
“She mentioned coming to watch us play the other day.” Turning to face the mirror, Lainey pulls her rubber band out. Her hands shake slightly as she grabs up her loose hair to fix her ponytail. “I know you don’t see eye to eye with her, Nara, but I’m really glad she came tonight.”
“I’m glad she came too.” I might not like Danielle, but I’m so relieved Lainey’s safe. “Did Harper say anything else to you?”
“No, nothing else.”
While Lainey pats a wet paper towel on her cheek, I send a couple of quick texts. I sent Matt a message, asking him to come watch the scrimmage and follow us home. I’d also sent Ethan one filling him in and asking him to touch base with Danielle. Meeting Lainey’s gaze in the mirror, I squeeze her shoulder. “Are you okay to scrimmage? Or do you want to wait for Matt and then go home?”
Tossing the paper towel, she steps back and shakes out her hands as if trying to knock off water. “I’ll play. It’ll be a good way to work off this freaked out adrenaline.”
Ethan and Matt sit on the bleachers and watch our scrimmage. Once it’s over and Lainey and I meet them at the gym’s entrance, I’m glad to see the red mark has disappeared from her face.
Matt quickly pulls Lainey into a tight hug, mumbling, “They need to arrest that bat-shit crazy chick.”
“I’m okay. I’ll tell my dad when I get home. It’s time to press charges…well, if they can find her.” Lainey says against his shirt and then pulls back to look around. “Where’s Danielle?”
Ethan shrugs. “I didn’t see her when I got
here.”
“I didn’t see her either,” Matt says.
“How weird that she didn’t come in.” Lainey wraps her arm around Matt’s waist. “I wanted to thank her for saving me. Guess I’ll tell her tomorrow at school.”
I glance at Ethan. I know we’re thinking the same thing. She probably went chasing after Harper. “Lainey, I’m going to ride home with Ethan, okay?”
She nods and smiles at him. “Thanks for coming, Ethan. It’s nice to know people have my back.”
“I’m glad you’re okay, Lainey.” Ethan hooks his arm around my neck and presses a kiss to my sweaty temple. “And I’m sure Matt will agree it was our pleasure. We love watching you girls run.”
As Matt reaches over and high fives Ethan, I arch an eyebrow at Ethan until his gaze drops to mine. The look that passes between us makes my legs tingle. Smiling, I grip the back of his jacket and move closer to him as we walk outside.
“Did you dream about Harper?” I ask once we’re alone in his car.
He nods. “Yeah, I was so tired I took a nap and dreamed Harper got ahold of Lainey and made her call you and lure you outside the gym. I woke up and tried to call, then sent a text.”
“Danielle showed up and nixed that plan. Did you get in touch with her?”
“She took her time responding to my text asking about Harper.” He shakes his head as he starts the engine. “Unfortunately, she never caught up with her.”
My shoulders slump. “Harper got away?”
Ethan touches my cheek. “As soon as I drop you off, Danielle and I are going looking for her.”
Nara
Of course, the minute I get home, Houdini has to go out. I swear this dog has a sixth sense when it comes to holding it just for me.
Sighing, I zip my sweat jacket closed and hook his leash on. I’m thankful the snow on the sidewalks is gone as I walk him in the dark down the street. At first, I look over my shoulder every couple of seconds and jump at every little sound, but when I see how calm Houdini is, I take my cue from him and force myself to settle down.
Up ahead a car pulls into Mr. Wicklow’s driveway. I pause as the headlights dim and the engine shuts off. I hear two sets of deep voices, but I can’t make out anything in the dark. That’s one downside of our neighborhood. The streetlights are only at the entrance. Unless people turn on their porch lights, it’s really dark at night.
As Mr. Wicklow and his guest walk up the sidewalk, his porch light comes on, bathing their heads in a soft yellow glow. I blink and shake my head, staring at Drystan talking and laughing with Mr. Wicklow. Their voices fade as they walk inside and I stand there unmoving as pieces start falling into place.
Mr. Wicklow works at the University. Drystan said his uncle was a guest visiting the university at the request of the history department. And even though Drystan’s from Wales, he’d told me his uncle lives in England. I feel so dumb for not putting it together before now, but Drystan had never called his uncle by name. And his uncle never mentioned he had a nephew here in Virginia.
My gaze narrows as lights come on in Mr. Wicklow’s house. Distrust tightens my chest. Why didn’t Drystan tell me about his uncle? What is he hiding? Why did he pretend not to know the significance of the raven necklace he’d seen me wearing? With his uncle running the Order, he has to know why the necklace is important even if I don’t.
I turn back toward my house, walking in brisk steps, pulling Houdini along.
Just as I step inside, my stomach pitches and the leash drops from my hand when another thought crosses my mind.
Oh God, does Drystan think I’m Corvus? Is that why he insisted that I learn to defend myself? And why he pursued our friendship? Was being an exchange student just a cover to get closer to me?
Drystan fits the criteria for a Paladin. He has a special ability and with his parkour skills, he knows some unique defense techniques. Did his uncle assign him as my Paladin without my knowledge? Is that how the Order works? Through subterfuge? Anger flashes that he and his uncle deceived me so thoroughly, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
“Nara?” Mom calling in a raised voice draws me out of my worried musings. “Are you okay?” She’s looking at me with concern. Half the spaghetti noodles are still in the pot as she hangs it over the strainer in the sink.
“Um, yeah. Just thinking about a test I have coming up. What did you say?”
“I asked if you’re hungry. Dinner’s almost ready.”
My stomach rumbles as the smell of simmering meat sauce hits my nose. “I’m starving. Let me get a shower and I’ll be right down.”
Mom nods. “I want to go over the security system with you. I have to leave very early Saturday morning and won’t be back until Monday around five.”
“You’re going out of town for work?”
She nods again and raises her hand. “But don’t worry. I’m going to call Sage and have her come stay with you while I’m gone”
I shake my head as I pat the top of Houdini’s. “Between the security system and this big guy here, no one’s going to mess with me.”
Mom presses her lips together. “I’d feel better if your aunt stayed with you or you stayed with her.”
“Aunt Sage has a booth at the Artisan show this weekend. It’s one of the biggest draws for her business. I’m helping her put stuff together Friday night for it. Don’t worry. Houdini will take good care of me.”
Mom finally nods, then says, “I won’t be gone long. I’ll be back just in time to celebrate Christmas on Tuesday.”
“We’re celebrating on Christmas day?” I gesture toward the living room. “But we don’t even have a tree yet.”
Mom laughs. “David is going to bring a tree Monday night and we’re going to decorate it together.”
My stomach drops. We’re celebrating Christmas with David? I want so badly to tell my mom about Dad, but the words stick in my throat.
Mom smiles and pats my cheek. “I see I’ve shocked you speechless. I know, we haven’t celebrated Christmas on Christmas since you were little. It’ll be a nice change of pace, I think. Go on and get your shower, and then we’ll go over the password and phone number for the monitoring service. I want to do it now while it’s fresh in my mind.”
As soon as I get upstairs, I receive a text from a number I don’t recognize.
Unknown: This is my new cell phone. Text whenever you like. I’ve got several loose ends to tie up here. Probably be a week before I’ll get down to see you, but I’m coming, Nari. And in case you’re wondering, my dreams are definitely gone. It’s strange to have dreams that make no sense whatsoever.
A week? But Christmas will happen before then. I think about Ethan’s advice and let the panic in my chest go. My parents are adults. They’ll figure things out. At least I hope they do.
Me: Got you in my contacts now. Looking forward to seeing you. I want to show Mom the videos you made. Text me the day before you plan to get here. I’m not going to mention Ethan. I’ll tell her that after you recovered from the kidnapping, your dreams just stopped.
Dad: The videos might help her understand. Agree it’s best to leave Ethan and Fate out of this. Will let you know when I’ll be heading down.
Me: I’ll be happy to have you back in my life.
Dad: You and me both, kiddo.
At least I have a few days reprieve before the Christmas “event” happens. I have no idea how my mom will react to my Dad’s videos or what she’ll say. Having David in her life complicates things, but she deserves to know the truth about why my dad left and that he never stopped loving her.
After dinner, I have to endure Mom going over the security system three times before she sighs and announces, “Okay, I can fly out tomorrow morning without worrying about you.”
She’s so tense I raise my right hand and say, “I solemnly promise not to set it off by accident and bring the police, ambulance, and fire trucks to the house while you’re gone.”
Mom cups my face and shakes her head. “You
know I want to keep you safe.”
I think about my dad and smile. It’s nice to have both my parents’ concern again. “I know, Mom. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
I didn’t get a text from Ethan until almost midnight.
Ethan: We haven’t found Harper. None of the people in the places she supposedly hangs out have seen her. We’ll try again tomorrow evening.
Me: Mom’s got the house locked up like Fort Knox. I’ll be fine. By the way, she’s going out of town Saturday morning and won’t be back until Monday night.
Ethan: Hmm, I think someone should stay with you and keep you safe while she’s gone.
I snicker and type back.
Me: I have Houdini.
Ethan: He doesn’t know how to make you purr. Night, Sunshine.
Me: Night
Stomach fluttering, I roll over and sigh happily, looking forward to Saturday night already.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Nara
“What have I done to upset you?” Drystan speaks right in my ear, making me jump. I gulp back a yelp of surprise, my fingers skipping across the computer keyboard.
When the teacher sitting in the corner of the school library whispers a loud, “Shhhhh!” and then glares at us, I quickly toggle away from the screen where I’ve been researching other past natural disasters and cross-referencing them with any videos I can find that tie to inexplicable accidents. Inferni breaking through don’t always leave a path of destruction to follow, but having a larger sample size would help prove that natural disasters are definitely a precursor to the thinning veil and potential Inferni breakthroughs.
“What are you doing in here?” I say in a low voice.
“Getting answers.” Drystan sits down at the computer terminal right next to mine, then pulls his chair close. “This morning, I asked how your dad was and got a one word response. When I asked how the scrimmage went last night, you just shrugged. Then Dark Boy shows up and I’m completely ignored.”
Not completely. When the class bell rang, Ethan made sure to kiss my forehead and say one thing to me before he headed off to class. “I still don’t trust him.” As Ethan walked away without another word, I wanted to shake him for leaving me hanging. He knew this conversation with Drystan would happen, and his comment gave no indication how it would turn out.
Destiny, YA Paranormal Romance (Brightest Kind of Darkness Series, Book #3) Page 33
