by Bria Lexor
“So, who are you guys?” I asked, hoping they were on our side. “We are the Slayers.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“So, why are you guys after Shinka?” Abel asked, instinctively pushing me behind him.
“We heard Shinka has been under attack.” Brooke eyed me curiously. “We have no interest in harming her.” Brooke paused. “Keeping her protected is our objective.”
Abel scoffed. “Well, if you haven’t noticed,” Abel pointed to himself then to Drake, “we are her protection.”
Brooke smiled. “And who’s going to protect you, Prince Lapis?” Brooke asked as she examined her fingernails. Abel growled.
Brooke turned around, getting ready to leap off the balcony. “We’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
And just like that, Brooke and Cadman were gone. Were the Slayers here to protect me? Or did they have another agenda they were not telling us about? The next day in school, I noticed Kaitlin had a black eye and some bruises she was trying to cover up with concealer. The bell rang, and we took our seats. Two familiar faces showed up in class.
“We have two new students joining us. Brooke and Cadman Arkwright.” Mr. Golden beamed as he looked at me. “They are Shinka’s cousins.” My jaw dropped and nearly hit the floor.
“Your cousins, huh?” Abel whispered to me. I rolled my eyes at him.
“They’re up to something. Let us just play along and see what they want,” I whispered back, forcing a smile, as Brooke sat a few chairs away from me.
“I’m so excited to be staying with my favorite cousin in the whole wide world!” Brooke was even faker than Kaitlin was. Speaking of Kaitlin, I looked at her, and she looked scared of Brooke. Maybe Brooke was the Slayer who kicked her ass last night.
“I’m surprised to see you here, cousin?” I let the last word hang in the air. Brooke smiled as she looked at Abel.
“Your boyfriend is such a hottie,” Brooke said, winking at Abel. Abel grunted at her. Brooke settled herself in her seat and class was underway. The rest of the day went by slowly. And by slowly, I mean like the Slowskys slow. Abel met up with me in the parking lot, and we drove to his house. We did not really have time for cuddling lately, so Abel surprised me when he threw me down on his bed. We started making out when someone burst in through the balcony doors. It was Brooke.
“You guys should really get a room,” Brooke said, as she walked casually inside, uninvited of course. “Someone might see you; you know?”
“This is my room!” Abel growled. “And would you stop landing on my balcony. It’s annoying you know!”
Brooke laughed, obviously ignoring Abel’s ranting. “Do you really think I care what you think of me?” Brooke asked seriously. “Because I don’t.” Brooke walked toward the door looking back at us. “And by the way, Cadman and I are going to be your guests for as long as it takes us to complete this mission.” Brooke smiled and left the room.
Abel groaned as he lay back on his bed. “Why can’t we get rid of them?”
“Come on,” I urged him. “They can’t be that bad.” As if on cue, we heard the stereo blaring full blast. Abel raced down the stairs with me on his heels. I stopped halfway and could not believe my eyes. Cadman and Drake were playing video games and laughing like they were old friends or something. Abel angrily turned off the stereo. The guys looked at him like he was crazy.
“Hey,” Drake said, pausing the game they were playing. “You’re messing up our tournament.”
“I’m sorry,” Abel said, throwing the remote onto the couch, “the last time I checked this was my house!”
“This is by far the coolest place I’ve ever stayed at!” Cadman said, taking a long drink of his Mountain Dew.
“You know,” Abel said casually. “You guys could stay at a hotel or something. I’ll even pay for it if you want?”
Cadman shook his head. “Naw,” Cadman said as he stared at the screen, “your place is fine.” I caught Abel’s arm before he had a chance to punch Cadman into next week.
“Abel,” I said. “It’s okay.”
“They’re taking over my house.” Abel sighed in annoyance. “My private sanctuary is no longer private!”
I smiled as he said that, and his mood lightened a bit. Brooke came skipping down the stairs and went right into the kitchen. A look of horror crossed Abel’s face as he heard her open the refrigerator door. Brooke started rummaging through his food. That was it. Abel had had enough. He stormed into the kitchen and practically pushed Brooke out without her consent.
“What the hell!” Brooke protested to Abel. “I was going to make a sandwich or something.” Abel sighed in exasperation. “No one is allowed to cook in the kitchen but me, you got that?” Abel said, rubbing his temples.
I guess he had a major headache because he grabbed a bottle of Ibuprofen and popped a couple of them into his mouth. Brooke rolled her eyes.
“Well, I’m hungry, and I need food to survive,” Brooke replied, crossing her arms in front of her. She glared angrily at Abel. “Well?” Brooke demanded, tilting her head to the side. “I’m waiting.”
“Grr...” Abel growled at her and stomped into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and grabbed a package of hamburger meat. He turned on the stove and placed a pan over the flame, then went to the sink and washed his hands. He went back to the counter and cut open the package. Abel grumbled something I could not quite understand, under his breath, as I sat in front of the island. He flattened the meat and threw four circles into the pan. It sizzled as he seasoned them. Abel placed them onto a black plate, and the smell filled the room. I did not know I was hungry until my stomach rumbled. The others were coming into the kitchen just as Abel was walking out.
“Plates are in the third cabinet to the right and the buns are on the counter.”
Abel rudely pushed past Brooke, and she threw him a dirty look. I decided to put my grumbling stomach on hold as I followed Abel up the stairs and into his room. He was sitting on the edge of his bed, and he looked up as I entered.
“Hey,” Abel said, trying to act like nothing was bothering him, which was a total lie because I
was starting to figure him out.
I sat down next to him on his bed, and he just stared at me. I shifted uncomfortably under his piercing gaze.
“Are you okay?” I asked. Abel sighed and shook his head.
“I don’t know,” Abel replied running his fingers through his spiked hair. “I just don’t trust them, Shinka.”
“Why not?” I asked, not feeling threatened by Brooke and Cadman’s presence.
“I get they are Slayers, but what if they’re here to do you harm.” Abel gave me a worried look. I forced a smile and gently kissed him on the forehead.
“They won’t,” I replied, looking down at my feet. “Because I know you won’t let them.”
“I hope you’re right about that,” Abel replied as Brooke knocked on the door. Abel threw her an annoyed look and sighed loudly. I looked at him, then at Brook.
Brooke dropped her tough girl act and seemed friendly. Abel scowled at her as she entered his room. “What do you want now?” Abel snapped. Brooke flinched at his words.
“I wanted to thank you for the burger,” Brooke replied, simply, as she stopped right in front of us. Abel didn’t look at her as he nodded.
“Look Lapis,” Brooke said his real name, and he looked at her. “We’re not here to chastise you or your work.”
Abel grunted. “Then what are you doing here?” Abel asked coldly.
I wanted to tell him to stop being so rude to Brooke, but I did want to find out what their purpose truly was. So, I stayed quiet as they talked.
“Aphrodite killed our mother, and lately she’s been on a killing spree.” Brooke paused and Abel just shrugged.
“Sucks to be you,” Abel replied dryly. I elbowed him in the side. He glared at me, and I gave him my 'chill out' look, then he relaxed a little.
“What does that have to do with us?” he asked.
>
“Well,” Brooke said, gazing out the window. Darkness started to fall, and Abel was getting ready to transform into his gargoyle form. “As I said before, Aphrodite’s been on a killing spree, and she’s been selling Greek blood of the Gods to the Hunters.” Brooke hesitated as she looked at me. “We think the Hunters may have used some of that blood and injected it into Shinka’s bloodstream.”
I gasped; my mind started to race as did my heart. Kaitlin had injected me with something. But I did not know what it was. Could it possibly be Greek blood of the Gods? What would it do to me? Would it kill me? Would it give me superpowers? I did not know. But by the look on Brooke’s face, it was not good.
“What do I do if it really is Greek blood of the Gods that flows through my veins?” I asked Brooke.
She sighed inwardly. “I don’t know, Shinka. But if it is Greek blood of the Gods, at the most you will only have seven months to live...
Chapter Twenty-Two
“That’s insane!” Abel cried in outrage. “For your sake, you’d better be wrong about this, Brooke!” Abel stood and transformed just as Cadman and Drake raced into the room.
“What’s all the commotion about?” Drake asked, looking from face to face. I just walked outside as the other gargoyles started to awaken from their slumber.
“Brooke’s going on about this Greek God crap and...”
“It’s not Greek God stuff!” Brooke shot back angrily as she met me out on the balcony. Abel growled at her, and she flipped her hair at him in return. I hopped onto the ledge and the other gargoyles did not know what was going on.
Finally, Queen Llewellyn slammed her silver staff on the ground, and it sent a loud ringing throughout the balcony. Everyone quieted and looked at her.
“What is the meaning of this?” Queen Llewellyn growled. Brooke and Cadman knelt before her and rose to their feet.
“Forgive us for the intrusion Queen Llewellyn,” Brooke said, going back to her tough girl persona. “My brother and I were sent here to protect Shinka.” Brooke paused. “But, I’m afraid we are too late.”
“Protect Shinka?” Queen Llewellyn asked, making it sound more like a question. “Shinka is under the protection of the Haven Clan and the dragon, Drake Montague.”
“Yes, we know that,” Brooke replied, trying to rephrase her words. “Aphrodite has been killing Greek Gods and selling their blood to the Hunters. Normally the Slayers would stay out of the Hunters affairs, but a fellow Slayer has asked a favor of us.”
“What is this Slayer’s name?” Queen Llewellyn hissed. Brooke bit her bottom lip. “Bru Fox.”
Gasp! I felt shocked. “This can’t be real?” I said, looking at Brooke with a confused look on my face.
“My mother is a famous painter, not some Slayer who kills Demigods for a living!”
Brooke let out a nervous laugh. “That’s what her cover is Shinka. Your mother works to protect our identities, so the humans don’t come after us.”
“But why would she lie to me?” I asked, hopping off the ledge. “Why didn’t she just come out and tell me what her real occupation is?”
“Because your mother wanted you to have a chance to live a normal life; she didn’t want you to live the life of a Slayer. You are constantly looking over your shoulder to see if someone is following you. Always trying to stay alive and hoping to see the next day. Shinka, your mother sacrificed so much so that you could have a future, a good future. Do you really want to jeopardize her identity and your freedom?”
I knew Brooke was right. But I also did not want my mother to get killed because of me. I would not be able to live with myself if anything happened to her. You only get one, and in my opinion, mine was one of a kind. I love her, but I also had a promise to keep to the Haven Clan. I cleared my throat as it started to tighten. I blinked away the tears and looked at Abel.
“How do you know my blood is tainted with the blood of the Greek Gods?” I asked the million-dollar question.
“I know all of you want to protect me,” I said, taking a big gulp of air. I smelled roses, and they smelled wonderful. They reminded me life was short; even a rose would not last forever.
“But this is my life, and I’m going to do what I think is best for me.” I looked at everyone and for the first time, I felt empowered and confident. “I made a promise to the Haven Clan, and I plan on keeping that promise. I am not going to back away from the Hunters even if they come at me with all they have got. I have seven months to live, and I’m not going down without a fight!”
Everyone was so stunned by my words as they sank in, and I continued without hesitation, “So I’m going to get back the Alarica jewels, and I hope I have the best, kick ass group by my side.” Abel walked over towards me and looked as fierce as I felt. “I’m in, if this is truly what you want to do, Shinka.”
“It is,” I said, giving him a small smile. “What about the rest of you?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. “Are you with me?” Brooke, Cadman, and Drake all stood in front of me, and I could tell by their stance they were.
Brooke nodded and smiled at Drake. She was using her feminine charm on him. He, of course, being a guy and all, fell for it.
“I heard you were looking for me.”
Drake gave her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?” he asked. “I’m only half Demigod,” Brooke said casually.
“What’s the other half?” Drake asked cautiously.
“I’m the last female dragon on this planet.” Brooke looked at Abel and smiled sweetly at him. He hated when she did that.
“Well, Abel,” Brooke said, flipping her hair. “It looks like you’re not getting rid of me as easily as you thought." She laughed as she turned on her heels and headed inside. “I’m going to get situated in my room now.”
Abel started to protest, but I grabbed a hold of his hand and made him look at me.
“Well,” I said, as I watched Drake and Cadman follow Brooke inside. “It looks like you finally have some friends.”
Abel scoffed, as he picked me up in his arms, ignoring my words. “Are you ready to chase down those Hunters?”
I nodded my head as he spread his wings and glided into the night’s sky. “Kaitlin Franchot’s going to wish she never messed with Shinka Fox or any of you guys...”
Solace of Night:
Book Two
Dedication:
In memory of Bru Capps. You will not be forgotten.
Chapter One
Being a pop star is not easy. How do I know this? Because I am one, I have these huge plans of being the next Pink or Fefe Dobson. My life has always been in the spotlight because my mother, Bru Fox, is a famous artist. Unfortunately, my mother failed to tell me she was also a Slayer on her off days. And what is a Slayer you ask? Well, a Slayer is someone who hunts down Greek Gods for a living. You heard me right. Slayers kill the Greek Gods, Goddesses, and protect their offspring, known as Demigods and keep their identities hidden from humans.
Now if that is not crazy enough, try being hunted by a group of humans calling themselves Hunters trying to kill you and take a necklace they claimed was stolen from them. Of course, I would have handed it over to them if they were not trying to kill me and my friends! It turns out the necklace is not a necklace at all; it is called an Alarica jewel. And what is an Alarica jewel you ask? It is a gargoyles heart. If you have one you control that gargoyle forever.
The gargoyle I have by my side is a prince named Lapis Haven or, as I know him, Abel Lapis, and he is a half-breed. A half-breed like him is rare and when I say rare, I mean one of a kind! In daylight, Abel looks just like any other ordinary human kid, tall, jet black hair, beautiful bluish green eyes, and a super hottie! But do not let his good looks fool you because when nightfall hits, he transforms into a gargoyle. Destiny brought us together again, because as I found out Abel fell in love with another gargoyle from the Meta clan, Tuffara Meta and she was killed by a group of humans. So why did I say us?
Because I am Tuffara’s reinca
rnation, and I am also going out with Abel, so yeah, I guess you could say we were destined to be together. My mother did not think Abel and the Haven clan were protecting me well enough because she sent in not only one, but three others to keep me safe! I mean, how paranoid can you get? Okay, I admit it is not every day someone puts a hit out on your daughter, but I was still entitled to my freedom, wasn’t I? Apparently not! Because my mother sent a dragon named Drake Maverick and two Demigod siblings, Cadman, and Blair Arkwright, who also happened to be Slayers who worked with my mother. By the way, my name is Shinka Fox, I am 18, and I go to a private school with my friends called Fusion Academy in Los Angeles, California.
I was putting the finishing touches on my debut album which was due to drop soon. I was sitting in the living room of Abel’s house going over the pictures from the photo shoot a few weeks before. I must have taken over two dozen pictures because my manager Kain had sent them over and I told him I would look through them without his help. Kain was not pleased I wanted to make such a big decision for the album cover alone but I could not let him see Abel transform into his gargoyle form, now could I?
“So which picture of these is your favorite one?” Brooke asked as she skimmed through a handful and placed them down on the table frowning at me.
I shrugged. “I don’t know.” I said, tossing my dark black hair behind my shoulder. “I’ve never had to pick a picture for an album cover before?” I said, biting my lower lip nervously. Honestly, my mind was far from my rising popularity and super stardom.
I was more focused on what had happened a few days ago when I found out I had been injected with Demigod blood and I was dying. I had been kidnapped by my so-called best friend Kaitlin and the Hunters; they injected me with it for their sick pleasure or something. Personally, I was disgusted with them, but I had to make the most of my situation and act like everything was fine, even though it was not. I sighed inwardly and Abel gently lifted me up from my seat with his hand and I smiled when I looked into his beautiful eyes. I mean seriously, his eyes could really draw a girl in.
