Crossroads (Crossroads Academy #1)

by J. J. Bonds

  “Well, it wasn’t enough for me,” she says unequivocally. “Now let’s go open those presents. It will be so much fun!”

  It’s hard to argue with Lissette. She won’t take no for an answer, and her excitement is contagious. I resign myself to opening the gifts. Lissette and I make ourselves comfortable on the bed, and Aldo takes the chair at the desk. I open package after package, and soon even I’m tired of opening the boxes. Lissette has bought more clothes, some inexpensive costume jewelry I’ll never wear, a bottle of designer perfume that I’m sure was overpriced, a new speaker for my iPod, make-up, an iPad (which I am actually ecstatic to have), and a pair of gold heels with matching handbag that I can wear to tomorrow’s ball.

  “Thank you for everything.” I give them both another hug to show my gratitude for all they’ve done. “This is hands down the most generous Christmas I’ve ever had.” I can’t say it’s the best, because, while the gifts are nice, they’re just things. What matters most has already been stripped away. All I have left are memories.

  I offer them my gift meekly. It seems so inadequate in the face of all they’ve given me. “I hope you like it. I wasn’t quite sure what to get.”

  Lissette tears back the paper and shakes the lid off of the box. Their faces light up when they see the contents. “Katia! This is perfect!” Lissette coos. She holds up the frame so that she and Aldo can both take a better look. I’ve placed a photo of me sitting by the lake back home in the frame. The photo was taken almost a year before I met Aldo, back when things were still good.

  “This is the best gift you could have given us, Katia.” Aldo’s voice is full of emotion. I breathe a sigh of relief. An enormous weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

  Aldo wraps the frame up in tissue paper and places it lovingly back in the box. “I don’t know about you two, but I’m famished. All this excitement is catching up with me. What do you say we make our way to the dining hall for refreshments?”

  “That would be lovely,” Lissette chimes in. “Perhaps we’ll get to meet some of Katia’s professors!”

  Hell’s bells! I hope we don’t run into Professor Lynch. I’ve apologized, but that’s not to say he wouldn’t mention my little incident to Aldo. I can only hope to run interference and keep them apart for the next couple of days.

  The dining hall is bustling when we arrive. Most of the students and faculty have returned for tomorrow’s big event, and, like me, many have their families with them this evening. The staff is rushing around hurriedly and is actually serving the tables tonight. While buffet style may be good enough for the student body, it’s apparent our elders warrant finer treatment.

  I’m disappointed as I realize we will not have the luxury of privacy. We’ll be forced to sit with others at the large banquet tables. Not that I would have asked Aldo the questions that have been weighing on my mind in such an open forum, but it still would have been nice to have them all to myself for the night.

  Oh, well. There’s always tomorrow.

  Chapter Fifteen

  New Year’s Eve dawns with a light snow that coats the campus and refreshes everything it touches, including my attitude. I’m looking forward to spending the day with Lissette, even though it means letting her drag me to a salon where we’ll be getting our nails and hair done. It also means I won’t be seeing Aldo until tonight. I know that he’ll be meeting with some of the other Council members to talk business before this evening’s gala.

  Lissette has coerced Pratt into suspending my punishment for the day, even though I still have another week of work detail left. I didn’t want to tell her about my punishment, but I had no choice when she insisted on treating me to a day at the spa. At least she promised not to tell Aldo.

  She picks me up in the limo just before eleven, and we make the short trip to Rutland. I decide that riding in a limo is overrated. It’s my first time, but I’d much rather be the one doing the driving. The car service is more apt to follow the speed limit than I would ever be. I share this sentiment with Lissette which makes her laugh. Her laughter is music to my ears. Her mood is always light and worry-free. Perhaps this is because Aldo provides her a life of luxury, preventing real problems from ever truly touching her.

  “Always in a rush, Katia. Sometimes it’s good to just slow down and enjoy the view. You have no need to hurry. You have all the time in the world.”

  She may be right, but I just don’t have it in me. I’ve been in a hurry for as long as I can remember. Patience will never be one of my better qualities; I always want to get right to the end result.

  The limo drops us off in front of the salon, and we’re whisked inside by an attentive staff. Money talks and Lissette plans to drop a small fortune on our treatments today. She’s lined us both up for the works. I try not to cringe as the eager salon workers begin to poke and prod. I have never liked being touched by strangers, but I’ll grin and bear it today to make Lissette happy. I’m here to spend time with her, and I don’t want her to think that I’m uncomfortable. It would only ruin her enjoyment.

  “So, tell me about your friends,” she prods, as we sit with our feet soaking in the foot tub. This is my first ever pedicure, and I’m a little distrustful of the gelatinous purple goo that is forming over my feet. Lissette assures me that it’s good for the skin. Human skin maybe, but vampire? I seriously doubt it. I suspect she requested this gunk just to see how I’d react.

  “Please?” she begs. Lissette is a social butterfly. She’s not going to understand the fact that I only have one friend, but I’d rather not lie to her, so I tell her about Shaye.

  “I’ve been really busy with school, so I haven’t made a lot of close friends. But, there is one girl I’d like you to meet tonight, though. Shaye Walker. Her family lives here in the U.S. They’re from Colorado,” I elaborate, as if she cares where Shaye’s family lives. “Shaye’s been a really good friend to me. We have the same sense of humor, and she puts up with my moodiness, so it’s a match made in heaven.”

  “She’s the one that gave you the Christmas tree, right?”

  “Yeah. She really has a big heart, which is why it’s so damn unfair that she’s sick. It’s not exactly public knowledge, but Shaye has the sete de sange.”

  “That’s terrible!” Lissette gasps. “I hate to see one so young fall ill.”

  “She’s a fighter. Some days she’s as healthy as you and I, but other days, not so much,” I tell her matter-of-factly, trying not to dwell on the bad days. “Shaye hasn’t given up though. Her spirits are good, and she has a lot of confidence in the researchers at Dwyer, so I wouldn’t count her out yet.”

  “Good for her.” Lissette nods her head in approval. “Perhaps that is why you two are so close. Kindred spirits.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.” To imply that Shaye and I are too much alike does her a disservice. “Shaye has strength of character I could only dream of,” I say defensively.

  “Well, I look forward to meeting her then.” Lissette browses through the rolling rack of nail polishes that rests between us. She idly picks up bottles and returns them to the cart. Eventually she finds one she likes and holds it up for my approval. It’s a deep shade of crimson. “What do you think?”

  “For you? Perfect.” I know her dress is black because she told me about it on the way over. The red will compliment it nicely. She continues fiddling with the tray.

  “Any boys I should know about?”

  She tries to keep her tone casual, but I can tell she’s excited by the prospect. She’s hoping that I’ve been holding out and that there is someone in my life. I smile, knowing she’ll be disappointed by my reply. It hasn’t changed since the first time she asked. “No one special.”

  She plucks a bottle of dark green polish from the tray and hands it to me. She doesn’t bother to ask if I like it. She knows I don’t really care and will wear whatever she picks for me. Her fashion sense is a million times better than my own. “Thanks.”

  “Come on, Katia. There
has to be someone? You’re a beautiful girl.”

  I laugh and pat her hand. “Sorry to disappoint you, Lissette. But who knows?” I tease. “Tonight could change everything.”

  **********

  I feel vain even thinking this way, but I can’t help it. I look good. Really good. I can’t stop staring at myself in the mirror. It doesn’t even feel like me. It’s kind of like staring at the reflection of a stranger. I hope Lissette gave the women at the salon a big tip, because what they’ve done is pure magic.

  I twirl in front of the mirror so that I can admire my image from all angles and then admonish myself quickly for being so shallow. There was a time when I enjoyed getting all dressed up like this, but that was before. I was a silly girl then. Besides, tonight is not about me per se. It’s about making sure that Aldo’s niece is socially acceptable. Both Aldo and Lissette have expressed confidence that I’ll be able to pull this off. I only wish I was as sure.

  I steal another peek from the mirror and decide that I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be. The emerald dress fits like a dream. It wouldn’t fit better if it had been made for me. I run my hands over the supple fabric and smile. It’s perfect. Although my shoulders feel bare with my hair pinned up, I know this was the right choice. The overall look is sophisticated. Besides, it’s not like I have to worry about getting cold.

  I rub the bloodstone pendant that hangs from my neck and pull together my courage. I need to be confidant and charming this evening. “Just be what everyone expects you to be,” I tell the face in the mirror.

  “Easier said than done,” she replies smartly.

  I meet up with Aldo and Lissette in the main hallway. They both look stunning, as any member of the Elders Council should, I suppose. Aldo is dressed in a simple black tux, and Lissette stands proudly beside him in a svelte black gown that hugs her curvy body in all the right places. Her blonde hair is twisted up in an elegant chignon, showcasing her swanlike neck and the rather icy jewelry that compliments her gown. I try not to think about the total carat weight of the diamonds she’s wearing, reasoning that the value is probably beyond my comprehension.

  I kiss each of them on the cheek, relief flooding through my veins. I was worried I’d have to enter the ball unaccompanied. After Halloween, I’m not sure what to expect, and I don’t want to face it alone if I don’t have to. I fall in step with Aldo and Lissette. We are asked to wait at the doors of the dining hall, and I’m mortified to realize that our arrival must be announced due to Aldo’s position.

  “Why didn’t you prepare me for this?” I whisper through gritted teeth.

  “We didn’t want you to worry about it,” Lissette whispers back. “Just smile. It’s no big deal, and it will be over quickly.”

  Easy for her to say. She’s used to walking in heels and being on display. I, on the other hand, am more likely to fall flat on my face than to pull this off in a dignified manner. I say a silent curse and square my shoulders. No turning back now.

  The doors are thrown open, and we are introduced to the seated guests. We are the last to arrive by design.

  “I present to you Chairman of the Consiliul de Batrani Aldo Lescinka and his beautiful wife Lissette Lescinka. They are joined this evening by their great niece, Katia Lescinka, who is a first year student at Crossroads Academy.”

  The room erupts in applause, and several of the guests stand up to show their respect and adoration. Aldo and Lissette each give a small but gracious wave. The host deftly guides us to our table, and it’s all I can do to follow. I stare straight ahead focusing on the back of Lissette’s head so that I don’t succumb to the panic that is building in my chest. I know there are hundreds of eyes on us right now. I don’t dare look around for fear of losing my cool. It’s bad enough there’s a warm flush rising in my cheeks.

  The host pulls out my seat, and I slide into it as gracefully as I can manage, a smile frozen on my face. Aldo squeezes my hand under the table, and I begin to relax. The applause dies down and normal conversation resumes. The room is buzzing with chatter. I steal a fleeting glance at our surroundings. The dining hall has once again been transformed. This time it’s become a lavish ballroom.

  Each of the tables is covered with a sparkly white table cloth that glistens like fresh powdered snow. The chairs are adorned with matching covers, and each is wrapped with a silver bow. The tables are laden with fine china and large crystal goblets that won’t require constant replenishment as the evening wears on. In the center of each table is an elegant flower arrangement that stands over three feet high, overflowing with ivory blooms and silver accents. The base of each arrangement burns brightly with pillar candles, which contribute to the feeling of intimacy at the table.

  I’m in awe as I take in my surroundings. The staff has really outdone themselves. The walls of the dining hall are lined with stark white trees that twinkle with decorative lights in the dim ballroom. The white lights are also draped from the center of the ceiling, creating the feel of an evening under the stars over the dance floor. It’s a very romantic setting.

  “Katia?”

  “Yes?” I realize Aldo is waiting for an answer, but as usual I was lost in thought and didn’t hear the question. “I’m sorry. I was just admiring our beautiful surroundings. The staff has done a wonderful job,” I reply contritely.

  “No need to apologize. I was just going to do introductions,” he tells me warmly. “I don’t believe you’ve had the pleasure of meeting our dinner companions.”

  “Thank you,” I reply scanning the table, a fake smile still plastered to my face. It’s a good thing too. I can’t believe my eyes when I see that Nik and his family are seated with us. I had assumed that we’d be with another Council member or perhaps some inane celebrity. Is it too much to ask to catch a break once in a while? There are hundreds of vampires here. What are the odds we’d be stuck at the same table? Talk about awkward!

  “I believe you know Anya and Nikolai. These are their parents Grigori and Svetlana Petrov. Grigori is one of the Councils’ leading advisors within Russia. And this lovely gem to his left is Mimi Tanner. Mimi is a very gifted dancer and is currently a principal in the New York City Ballet,” Aldo continues. “Last, but certainly not least, Michael and Blair DeVanie. Michael represents the New York coven.”

  “Lovely to meet you all,” I say politely, stirring up a round of expected pleasantries. I’m saved from saying any more as a server comes by with a pitcher of blood and fills our glasses. I drink thirstily from mine hoping to sate my appetite.

  As the others make small talk, I study Grigori and Svetlana. They are polar opposites physically, but it’s easy to see where Anya and Nik got their looks. Svetlana has summery blond hair, which didn’t stand a chance in the gene pool; but it’s obvious the children inherited their fine bone structure from her. She has the same high cheekbones and slender nose as her offspring. Grigori has more bulbous features, but shares his children’s curly dark hair. All four of them have the same crystal blue eyes.

  Svetlana catches my roving eyes and takes the opportunity to engage me in conversation. I guess that’s what I get for staring.

  “Katia! This is your first year at Crossroads, no?”

  “Yes, that’s right.” I reply politely, refusing to give up any more information than absolutely necessary.

  “How are you liking it so far?” she asks in her less than perfect English.

  “It’s a wonderful school.” I get the feeling she’d grill me all night if she could. She has the same feral look in her eye that Jade and Blaine get when Nikolai is around, like she’d devour me given the opportunity. If everything Nik says about her aspirations for him is true, I’m certain she sees me as a political pawn.

  “What is your favorite class?” she asks. “My Nikolai tells us so little about his schooling.” Nik gives a subtle shake of the head. He doesn’t want me to tell her about our training.

  “Historical Perspectives,” I tell her blithely. Forget the Linkuri; I need to f
ind a career where I can get paid to lie. I’m going to be a pro at it by the time I leave this place. “Professor Moore is fascinating.”

  “Svetlana, that is a wonderful dress,” Lissette cuts in, rescuing me. “Is it a Dolce?”

  “How did you guess? It’s part of the spring collection. It hasn’t even been released to retail yet,” she says looking pleased with herself. They blather on about fashion for a few more minutes. I tune them out and concentrate on the contents of my goblet. I suspect Anya and Nik are as miserable as I am right now. Neither has said a word.

  Suddenly all conversation at the table is cut short by Aldo’s steely tone.

  “I told you I would not discuss politics this evening, Grigori. Perhaps I’ve not made myself clear?” I’ve never seen Aldo like this. His amber eyes radiate anger, and there is a dangerous edge to his voice. I would not want to be sitting in Grigori’s seat right now. I wish I’d been paying more attention. What could he have said to make Aldo so angry?

  Grigori recants immediately. “Forgive me, old friend. You are right. This can all wait for another day. Tonight is a time for celebration. To fresh starts!” he toasts, raising his glass with finesse.

  I raise my glass with the others, but my mind is racing. I’ve often wondered what Aldo is like as the head of the Council. I know that he’s powerful and that a world such as ours is not ruled by words alone, but I’ve never seen it firsthand. Aldo is so different with me that it’s difficult to imagine the ruthless personality that he must harbor inside. He told me once that the Vampir world is no different than the human world: It requires an iron fist inside the velvet glove. I see that now and wonder just what he would be capable of if pushed to the limit of his patience.

  “Nikolai! Where are your manners?” asks Svetlana reproachfully. “You should ask Katia to dance.” It’s clear she’s trying to smooth things over for her husband. I’m certain he’s burning with embarrassment on the inside after the exchange with Aldo.