Acrid laughter rose in my throat. “Ha!”
His hand shot straight up, like he was about to swear on his Dr. Pepper can. “Honest, I didn’t mean for it to go down like that. You weren’t picking up my subtle hints. That guy was reeling you in.”
“What, so you’re jealous?” The smoldering ball of fury simmered down a little. Of course he really didn’t mean to embarrass me, he just couldn’t help himself. Hmm, smug or cute?
“We went out last week, we were supposed to go out this weekend, and then you’re hanging all over Bryan. I don’t like that guy. He’s bad news.” He slammed his can into the counter.
I jumped back and bumped into an empty stool which seesawed back and forth. “You never called to set something up.”
“Yeah, I did. Don’t you check your messages?”
I tugged my phone out of my pocket. It showed four missed calls yesterday, after my talk with Julia. “Oops, I didn’t notice.”
“No kidding, I guess you forgot about me.” His voice softened on those last words.
“That’s not true. And it doesn’t give you the right to embarrass me like that.”
Sandy tufts of hair fell around his eyes. “I know, I didn’t mean to make such a big deal out of it. I just lost it. I’m sorry.”
The muscles I’d tensed slowly relaxed, the anger evaporating, too. Those annoying little butterflies swarmed in my stomach, enough that I couldn’t deny it. I was still attracted to him, even if he was utterly obnoxious. “If you hadn’t been so rude about it, I’d almost think you were kind of sweet. Wanting to look out for me and all.”
He looked up. “Really? Most girls would call it possessive.”
“They have no idea what it’s really like, then.” If you wanted possessive, you didn’t have to search any further than my ex.
Will tapped the countertop with his fingers. The soft sound brought me back to him. “I’m sorry. I heard a bit about your last boyfriend. One drawback of our moms being friends. Anyway, you deserve better than that, and definitely much better than that Bryan guy out there. He broke my friend’s heart and kicked her out of the Guardians. Trust me, he’s the wrong guy for you.”
“You mean Colleen?” When he nodded, I stuck my hand on the swaying stool, trying to regain my balance. After what Julia said, it was hard to get on Colleen’s side. But Will was obviously right about Jake. Could he be right about Bryan, too? “So what does that make you?”
“Just a guy who wants to be with you.” He inched forward, eyes searching mine. They stayed locked on me for one long moment.
“I, uh ...” My lips parted, but no sound came out. I didn’t know what to say to that. Against my will, my heart flip-flopped around in my chest. I couldn’t move. He had some kind of hold over me, like a snake charmer luring me under his spell.
A shadow crossed his face, his expression turning hungry. He bent his head toward me, lips inches away. Then his mouth brushed mine, and he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me in close. Closing my eyes, I melted into his lips and the taste of Dr. Pepper.
Suddenly an image flashed into my mind. Shadowy, snake-like wraiths hissed and swirled around a single burning candle.
I jerked away, yanking myself free from whatever strange force just pulled me into this guy’s tractor beam. The can tipped and spilled Dr. Pepper all over the counter, wafting a dampness through the air.
“What was that?” I put some much-needed distance between us, tearing off paper towels from the roll by the sink.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.” He hung his head, but his face lit up in that annoying half smile.
“You’re not sorry. Not even close.” I tossed a paper towel at him.
“Too soon?” He stared me down like an eager pup waiting for a scrap.
“I wish it wasn’t.” The paper towels sopped up the sticky liquid at my fingertips. “I wish I was normal, like every other girl who doesn’t have a care in the world.”
“You’re not normal. You’re Lucy.” His smile widened as he reached over to help clean up the mess. “We can take this as slow as you need. Okay, gorgeous?”
Part of me wanted to go back to my room and analyze what just happened. Part of me wanted to kick myself. I couldn’t go back to the party now.
“Don’t call me that.” I could’ve smacked that smirk right off his face after the stunt he pulled. But the concerned look on his chiseled face made my knees go weak again. “I’m beat. Tell everyone I turned in for the night.”
“You got it. I’ll see you tomorrow at the initiation.” He reached over and ruffled my hair, much like Dad always did. It sent a shiver down my neck. “Don’t worry, I’ll figure out a way to tell you what I can about James.” He waved goodbye as he pushed open the kitchen door.
I crushed the empty soda can with one hand, then chucked it at the door after him. Why did I let him kiss me? It only made things way more complicated.
I trudged up the back stairs to my room.
Better question—why couldn’t I stay away from this guy? It felt like I was sucked into the moment, almost like he had me under a spell. The complete opposite of Bryan.
Last week I might’ve chosen Will. Before the ring debacle tonight, I’d started leaning toward Bryan.
Maybe these flip-flopping feelings meant I shouldn’t be on the market right now. My stomach clenched. Deep down, I knew neither one of them would want me if they knew the truth. I still had only one mission, to figure out what happened to my brother. Nothing else mattered.
~
The smell of burning wax singed the air as I stepped into the dark dome of the observatory. Shanda’s gasp drew my eyes upward. The giant telescope hung from the cavernous ceiling like a chandelier, the dome completely closed in for tonight’s initiation. All of my muscles tensed, as if bracing for impact. If Will was really going to tell me the truth about James, I knew I couldn’t turn down this opportunity. Even if I had to join the Nexis ranks … for now. That thought shivered down my neck.
“So wrong.” She whispered as Colleen prodded us into the center of the room. The only light came from the flickering white pillar candles evenly spaced of five-foot-tall pedestals in a wide circle. Their tongues of fire floated in mid-air above the dark circle, the iron stands practically disappearing into the charcoal floor.
Faces emerged from the shadows, one by one. Cloaked in black robes shrouding their heads, they surrounded us. Something prickled the back of my throat with a taste like acid, a definite sense of dread. But these students weren’t the ones who banished my brother. I had to do this for James.
“You have been carefully selected to join an elite international group.” A commanding female voice spoke from my left. All heads turned toward her. “Only twelve members from each class are offered this opportunity every year. Juniors, welcome to the Nexis Semigod Nations.”
“The what?” Shanda snarled in my ear. “Are they serious?”
“I hope not.” I hissed at her, and Colleen hushed us. My brilliant plan to give Nexis a chance didn’t seem so brilliant anymore.
“If you survive the night, you will become a Nexis member forever.” The male voice boomed from my right, and my focus shifted to him. “We have chosen you, but you must also choose us. By completing a series of trials, you will learn about the group, what we believe, and what your role will be. Choose wisely.”
Those words rang like a gong in my ears. Hadn’t I heard them before? Harlixton said that same phrase in one of my classes.
“First, you will learn the twelve tenets of the Nexis Nations.” Another girl’s voice, higher-pitched this time, chirped from dead ahead. Sounded like Monica’s candy voice. It rubbed me raw just thinking about what she supposedly said about my brother. “At each ceremonial flame you will collect an item that represents one tenet of Nexis truth. Once you collect all twelve, you’ll have everything you need for your survival kit. Then you will move on to the next task.”
“The first tenet of Nexis is the most im
portant.” Will’s clear voice rang out from behind me. The whole group spun around and gathered in front of him.
He hoisted a giant antique magnifying glass in front of the flame. “Seeing is believing. Find the one who sees, and the rest will believe.”
His gray eyes narrowed at me as if I were under the magnifying glass. A chill shot up my spine. He passed me an odd-shaped canvas bundle tied with twine. “Hand these out around the circle.”
I reached for the bundle and grazed his palm. Suddenly a black shadow slithered across his hand, then up the sleeve of his black robe. I shook my head. But the snake-like shadow lingered, shining in a dark coil on top of his cloak. This couldn’t be happening, not again. I closed my eyes and inhaled a deep breath. It was so dark I couldn’t be sure I saw anything clearly.
I opened my eyes, and the shadow morphed into a cobra that writhed up his neck. The flame in front of Will flickered as if on cue. If I could control angel fire, could I control demon fire, too? Lucy, the snake hissed. We’re right here. Ready to help you.
“What the—” I jumped backward. The package tumbled from my hand, crashing onto the hardwood floor. The canvas came loose and magnifying glasses spilled everywhere.
Yet that wasn’t even the strangest part. Will’s gray eyes sparked at me like he knew everything I’d just seen.
He slid his hand across my upper arm, those gray eyes softening in a wash of concern. “Are you okay?”
I blinked at him, the vision gone now. I swung my gaze around the room. Candles illuminated only faces in the crowd. Eleven uncloaked ones stared at me. Had I imagined the whole thing?
“I’m sorry, I’m so clumsy. Please continue.” I crouched to my knees to pick up the magnifying glasses.
“Here, let me help.” He knelt beside me, scooping up the plastic toys. “Good thing I got the cheap ones, huh?”
“Yeah, that makes me feel better.” I sneaked a peek at him, catching an eyeful of that adorable cleft under his grin.
He turned to me with a kinder look than I deserved and grabbed my elbow to help me up. This time his touch felt normal. No strange images. I breathed an extra big sigh of relief.
“You’ll need these for your survival kit. They’ll be crucial in the next task.” He passed out the magnifiers.
Each inductee moved on to the next station until I was all alone, standing beside Will.
“Don’t be so nervous. It’s adorable, but completely unnecessary. You got this, gorgeous.” His whisper sent another shiver crawling down my neck. I snapped my head his way. It wasn’t what burned my nerves.
“Don’t call me that.” I hissed at him.
“But you are gorgeous.” He edged close to me, close enough I caught a familiar whiff of spice. “And you’ll be an amazing Nexis member as soon as you’re ready.”
I pursed my lips together and narrowed my eyes at him. Hadn’t I read something about one of the dark Seer powers being mind control? Maybe I could use a little mind control right now to wipe the smug look off this guy’s face.
At that thought, smoky shadows billowed up from the floor, coiling around his torso. One tendril slithered to his temple, as if waiting my command.
Will’s eyes flashed as he leaned in. “Don’t look at me like that, or I’ll have to kiss you again.”
A chill crept up my spine. “Enough.” I backed up, speaking directly to the shadows. Slowly, the black fog dissipated until I could breathe again without my heart pounding like crazy in my ears.
Will clamped one hand down on my shoulder, holding me in place. “Just finish the next task and bring back the book. Then I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about James.”
“Is it really worth it?” A tremor laced my question, so close to him in the dark, and my heart sank. Waiting for Guardian intel on James was probably not going to happen. Will knew my weakness, and I hated it.
“Absolutely.” He squeezed my shoulder, pressing his lips against my hair. “Now go on, you don’t want them to leave without you.”
He nudged me toward the next station, his laughter rumbling in the darkness.
Chapter 14
The chapel clock struck midnight as eleven juniors pounded down the sidewalk of the dark quad beside me. The sky grew blacker as we left the path and skirted along the edge of the woods until we reached the library. Had the Nexis members unfurled the telescope to watch our little initiation stunt? I could almost feel their eyes on our backs as we raced to the library.
My breath puffed out a little burst of white mist in front of me, thanks to the crisp fall night. Was I really about to join Nexis, and would they even tell me what happened to James if I did? My internal questions froze as the initiates halted in front of the library doors, our final destination.
Shanda reached out to yank open the doors. A brave first step, but the steel-encased glass barely moved an inch. “Now what?”
Tendrils of shadow-smoke unfurled from the woods, slithering toward me like they’d followed me from the tower. The shadows curled up at my feet and writhed with a life-force of their own, calling out to me. Didn’t Mr. Harlixton say I could control people with my mind? Or did he say demons? Acrid objections rose in my throat, but I tamped them down. If this was the only way to find out the truth about James, I knew what I had to do.
I leaned over and whispered in Shanda’s ear. “I’ve got an idea. But if it gets out of hand, you have my permission to do whatever it takes to stop me.”
“What are you talking about?” A glimmer flashed as her eyes darted toward me.
“I’m going to try out my dark powers.” I uttered the words, but I could hardly believe it myself. I winced as the shadows snaked up my leg, the icy tendrils sending shivers and goosebumps all over my body. “That’s why I need you to back me up if something goes wrong.”
“Fine.” She huffed. “But I don’t like it.”
“Me either. Just follow my lead.” Glancing around at the ten other new recruits, the shadows sought out the easiest mind to control. If Kevin were here, he’d be my first choice. But I didn’t know these other juniors who weren’t already Nexis members. Shadow smoke rose up, undulating around each student.
At the back of the group, a short guy with black hair stood by himself. I think his name was Tim something. The shadow-wraiths swirled around him. I had my target. With my mind I reached out to Tim, and two dark hands emerged from the shadows, wrapping their black fingers around his forehead.
In my head, I gave him a command. Come up here and pick this lock.
Tim’s body jerked, but he walked toward the doors with stiff, robotic movements. Without asking, he pulled a bobby pin from Shanda’s hair.
“Ouch.” She screeched, shoving him in the shoulder.
But her push didn’t seem to faze Tim. He just ignored her, sliding the bobby pin into the lock as the wraiths of darkness moved his hands. A minute later, the doors popped open like magic.
“Good job, Tim,” someone yelled out.
Tim held out the bobby pin to Shanda, a vacant expression on his face.
“Thanks, I guess.” She folded the bobby pin and stuck it back in her hair. “Is this what you were talking about?”
I swallowed back the bile rising in my throat. “I’m guessing this is only the beginning.”
The rest of the group marched into the library, with Shanda and me rushing to catch up. But Tim’s feet refused to budge.
“C’mon Tim.” As soon as I motioned for him to follow, Tim finally walked into the library, always ten feet behind me.
A strange feeling trickled down my spine, like a dozen bugs were crawling along my back. My dinner curdled in my stomach. I couldn’t take much more of this dark power wielding. It was definitely the creepiest thing I’d ever done.
Bluurgh, blurrgh, blurgh. The siren hammered my ears, echoing up every aisle.
“Great, you set off the alarm.” Shanda pointed at my feet. Sure enough, a red laser dotted the ankle of my black pants.
In a
mad dash, the group herded back toward the front door. Someone called out in the crowd, “Wait.”
Two dozen feet halted.
Tim pushed past me and typed some buttons on the keypad. Suddenly the beeping stopped, and we all just stared at him.
“Did I do good?” His once robotic face had puppy-dog written all over it.
“Yes, that was good.” I gave him one slight nod. “Let’s find this Nexis book.”
“Now it’s your turn to follow my lead.” Shanda hissed in my ear, then turned to the initiates and raised her voice. “Everyone fan out to different stacks and look for the book. It’s probably really old.” She waved her arms like a flight attendant and everyone scurried off in all directions.
“Good thinking. Way to take the heat off of me and Tim here.” Was it bad that I wanted to reach out and pat his head? Yeah, controlling real live people was definitely way too creepy.
“If it’s really old, the book is probably in the ancient mythology section. Over there.” Tim waved us over to the back corner.
“Show us.” I snatched Shanda’s arm, following him until we reached the glass doors of the back section. Covered in shadows, of course.
Tim pressed some buttons on the keypad lock, and the doors opened. No glass shattering tonight. There really was no turning back, not now. I had to see this through if Shanda and I had any prayer of not getting caught. I inched my way into the dark room.
Pungent odors of old leather and aged parchment clung to the air. Every shelf was made of the same cedar wood as the chapel library. How were we going to get out of this one in ten minutes? More like eight now. I couldn’t think for two anymore. I needed my full brain back. Closing my eyes, I released my hold on Tim. He exhaled the biggest sigh of relief. When I opened my eyes, the dark powers left him in one huge breath. He looked with vacant eyes, a daze expression on his face.
“You check this aisle. I’ll check the back row.” I gave him a reassuring smile, hoping the mind-control-free instructions would help his mind function again.
Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1: The Nexis Secret: A Young Adult Urban Fantasy Academy Novel Page 13
