Thats what Vlad the Impaler had most likely done, and thats what Victoria assumed she needed to do. Someone would have to teach her otherwise.
So. New task to add to Mary Anns ever-growing list. Teach Victoria to respect other species. Hopefully, Riley wouldnt need the lesson, as well. If he did, however, she would give it to him. There would be no killing unless absolutely necessary.
Unless absolutely necessary? Who are you? she wondered again. And just how was she supposed to teach a vampire and werewolf anything when they were far older than she was and had a lifetime of experiences she couldnt even imagine?
When is he going to wake up? Victoria suddenly asked.
Mary Ann pulled herself from her thoughts. When his body is ready, I suppose. Rest is healing.
I wishI wish I could turn him into a vampire. Then his skin would be indestructible.
She really needed to eliminate that word from her vocabulary. Vampire skin could be burned by je la nune; at least, thats what she thought Aden had called it. Hed also said je la nune was fire dipped in acid then wrapped in poison and sprinkled with radiation. Or something like that. Thats what was hidden inside of Victorias ring.
What a painful way to die. Mary Ann wasnt sure Aden would prefer that to the few cuts and bruises he had now.
Hes going to die, you know? Victoria said softly. She rested her head on Adens chest, as if she were listening to his heartbeat. Silky black hair spread around her shoulders and draped over the arm she had wrapped over Adens stomach. Together, they looked like a magazine ad for a fancy perfume. Has he told you yet?
Whats to tell? All humans die.
No. Hell die. Soon.
At first, Mary Ann could only blink over at her, certain shed misheard. Then, as the words penetratedHell die. Soon.they became real. All the moisture in her mouth dried, her limbs shook and her heart did that hammering thing. How does he know hes going to die?
One of the souls inside his head is psychic. A death predictor.
Wh-when is this supposed to happen? How is it supposed to happen?
A knife through the heart. The other, the timingthat, he doesnt know. Only that it will be soon, like I told you.
Soon. What was soon, though? A day? A week? A year? And a knife through the freaking heart? Dear God. An even worse way to die than from the je la nune. He really did need tough vampire skin.
Why hadnt he told her?
Why cant you turn him?
Attempts were made to turn humans in the past. None were successful.
Cant we?
Stop it from happening, now that we know about it? Victoria laughed without any trace of humor. No. Apparently, that will only make things worse for him. He told me that stopping a death, once its been predicted, does not change the outcome, only the way that outcome is achieved. And when changed, that outcome becomes far more excruciating.
Aden. Dead. Soon. No! Tears burned her eyes, stinging down her cheeks. How does he live with that knowledge? Dont talk like that. Something can be done. Surely.
I dont know. But I dont think I could. He is human, yet he is stronger than I will ever be. She traced something over his heart, but Mary Ann was too far away to tell what that something was. If she were guessing, though, she would say it was the same thing Victoria had traced on the tabletop in the cafeteria.
And youre sure you cant make him a vampire? There had to be a way to save him.
I am sure. Our blood isdifferent than yours and in large doses, which would be required to turn someone, it drives humans to insanity and death. Sometimes the vampire trying to do the turning dies, as well, though no one knows why.
No way Aden would risk Victorias life. That she knew. How did you become vampire, then? The question emerged broken, hoarse.
I was born this way. My father was the first to change, you see. He was a blood-drinker, even as a human, and slowly found himself changing. His skin thickening, his hunger for everything else fading away. His body no longer aging. He had his most trusted men and their females drink blood, like him, and they, too, changed. He then had his beloved pets, the wolves, drink. They changed, as well, though they became vicious. It is their offspring, like Riley, that you see now, able to shift into human form.
Why cant Aden drink that blood? What your father and his people drank?
He drank from people, Mary Ann, and those people are long gone. Dust in the grave.
But if Aden drank from peoplemaybe
That, too, has been tried. That, too, has failed.
So that was it? They were supposed to give up and watch Aden die? Soon? No. Absolutely not. She refused. There had to be a way to save him, she thought again. Please let there be a way to save him.
Suddenly Riley strode from the closet, wiping his hands together and claiming their attention. He was fully dressed now. His clothes were wrinkled, torn and bloodstained, and there were streaks of dirt on his face and arms.
Its done, he said, and there was no emotion in his voice. No one will know a prince was killed in Adens home. His gaze raked Mary Ann, ensuring she was okay, before moving to Aden and Victoria. How is he?
Better.
As if hed heard the question, Aden moaned.
Both Mary Ann and Riley stilled before rushing to the bed and crouching beside him. Mary Ann latched onto his hand and squeezed.
Victoria rose over him, on her knees, and patted his cheeks. Can you hear us, Aden?
Slowly he blinked open his eyes. There was a collective intake of breath as they waitedwaited He focused, though his multicolored irises, a mix of brown, blue and green, were glassy.
Victoria? he asked groggily.
Im here. How are you? Is there anything I can get you?
He frowned, his head tilting to the side. He blinked again, and his frown deepened. Then he shocked everyone by snarling, No! grabbing Victoria by the shoulders and throwing her behind him as he popped to his knees. Dont you dare touch her!
Startled, Mary Ann followed the line of his gaze. She sawno one. Aden?
How are you still alive? he demanded. Riley killed you. I felt you die!
Aden? Victoria approached him again and curled her fingers around his forearms, urging him down. Who are you talking to?
The prince. He remained where he was, balled his fists and raised them, ready to strike. The prince who had better be leaving.
Hes here? Riley demanded.
Yes.
But thats impossible. I mean really impossible. I just buried him.
SIX
BURIED HIM.
The words penetrated the fog drifting through Adens head, and he rubbed his face with a shaky hand. Not happening. This was so not happening.
Buried him.
He once again maneuvered Victoria behind him, but Thomas continually reached through him, trying to touch her. No, not just touch her. Kill her. There was hate in the fairys eyes. Only good news was Thomass hand ghosted through Aden and Victoria, every try.
Riley had already grabbed Mary Ann and pushed her against the wall, his body covering hers like a shield. His predators gaze circled the bedroom, searching, his body waiting to act.
Buried him.
Plausible, because Aden had taken a death-blow for him. He shuddered, remembering. The pain Hed never experienced anything like it. In fact, there wasnt a word to describe it. Excruciating was like a gentle massage in comparison.
And thats how Aden was going to die.
Which meant he would have to experience that again. Chest ripping open, organ tearing, blood spilling. The cold consuming him, turning his bones to brittle ice. No. No, no, no. He refused. No one should have to endure that kind of death. And twice? Not just no, but hell, no. Hed think of something, do something, anything, to prevent it.
Yeah, hed tried to save people in the past, hoping to circumvent the deaths Elijah had shown him. And yeah, theyd then died in other, more painful ways. But to Aden, there was nothing more painful than a knife through the heart. Hed take anything else. In a heartbeat. Stupid pun intended.
Why cant I touch her? Thomas snarled.
Back off. Or What kind of threat would scare a fairy? Or youll regret it. Not the best, but all his foggy brain could come up with.
Finally, panting and skin glistening with sweat, the prince stilled. What did you do to me?
Good question. Just leave her alone. Slowly, Aden moved from the bedhis legs had better cooperateyes! He remained standing, arms splayed to block any new attempt. In fact, just leave.
He stiffened as a thought occurred to him. Make you pay for this, even from the grave, Thomas had said before the knife plunged. Pay. Grave. Grave. Ohcrap. Had Aden earned himself a vengeful fairy-slash-ghost-slash-sidekick?
Aden. Whats going on? Victoria demanded, as the prince shouted, I cant! I tried. She moved in front of Aden before he could stop her, ready to fight his demons for him. Tell me what to do, and its done.
Victoria, he said. He couldnt stand the thought of her hurt. And despite everything, this could be a trick. What did Aden know about fairies and their afterlife? Thomas could be waiting for the right time to strike. For real.
Theres no one here, Aden. Just us. The prince is dead. Riley buried the body, like he told you. Yet you see him still?
Yes. But you cant see him? Cant hear him?
A chorus of No rang out.
So. No one but Aden could see or hear Thomas, and Thomas couldnt touch anyone. Maybe this wasnt a trick, then. Besides, Thomas wanted Victoria and all of her family deadenough to die himselfand wouldnt have waited for the right time to strike. He would have simply struck. Aden should have considered that before.
The prince really was a ghost.
At least you didnt suck him into your head, Julian offered helpfully.
Dude, Caleb said. Like thats a silver lining.
The souls had been quiet ever since hed taken that knife to the chest. Hearing them now, as if nothing had happened, was both a relief and a curse. They were alive and well, but he didnt need the distraction right now.
Thomas was here to haunt him.
Sickness churned in his stomach, threatening to revolt. Hed encountered ghosts before. Hell, the souls inside him were ghosts without bodies. And yeah, he now knew Thomas couldnt hurt Victoria, but that didnt lessen his concern. This ghost wasnt simply a deceased human. No telling what Thomas would be able to do.
Leave, he said to Victoria. He latched onto her arm and spun her around, then flattened his hand on her lower back and urged her forward, toward Riley.
Wh-what? She was so shocked by his words and actions, he knew, she offered no resistance.
You have to leave. Not once did he remove his gaze from Thomas. Just in case.
I dont understand.
You, too, Riley. Take Victoria and go. He wanted to explain, but didnt want Thomas to hear that Mary Ann blocked supernatural abilities, just in case other fairies were able to see and hear him. He didnt want the fairies to know that she even blocked Adens. That, when she was around, he didnt hear voices. That he didnt see ghosts or wake the dead. Except when Riley was with her. Somehow, Riley muted her ability to, well, mute. One day hed figure out how. Until then For Gods sake, go!
Riley frowned but nodded. Yes, my king. Ill keep both girls safe.
I thought I told you not to call me that. Aden was no ones king. And Mary Ann needs to stay.
No. Green eyes narrowed on him. Mary Ann goes with me, and thats final.
An argument? Now? For once, he would have preferred the reverence. Actually, Mary Ann stays. Thats an order.
Her dark head peeked from behind Rileys shoulder. She made a slashing motion over her throat, silently telling him not to go there. Thomas watched, gauging. Deciding what next to do?
There was a pause, heavy and tension-filled. Finally, Riley growled, Yes. My king. All shall be as you order.
Aden pressed his lips together to stop his retort. He was getting what he wanted; he could let the sarcasm slide.
Aden? Victoria said, and he could hear the questionwhy are you doing this?in her musical voice. Worse, he could hear the hurt.
He suddenly hated himself. Shed endured enough hurt lately, and he didnt like adding to the mix.
Dont be so harsh with her, Aden, Caleb scolded him. You know I only want to show her a good time.
A good time. Yeah. Thats all Aden wanted to show her, too. Always. Shed spent her life obeying one rule after another, sheltered, not really allowed to laugh, yet here he was, pushing her away without explanation.
Moment they were safe, hed tell her why. And then hed tease her until she laughed. Hed only heard her laugh once, and still dreamed of hearing that tinkling sound again.
Please dont tell me youre listening to Caleb now, Julian snapped. Weve got work to do.
Yeah. Sexy work.
You are such a pervert.
Boys. Elijah sighed. Is arguing necessary? Now?
Looked like Elijah had taken over the role of mother hen now that Eve was gone.
Aden, Victoria repeated, drawing him back to the present.
He ground his teeth, irritated with himself. His concentration sucked, even in times of great danger. Call me later, was all he said, still unwilling to explain while Thomas could hear.
Ill do more than that. Ill return for you this evening. Victoria grabbed Rileys hand before the wolf could protest. My family wishes to meet you, and their wishes are not something you can ignore.
With that, the two were gone.
A second later, Thomas vanished, as well. A second after that, the souls inside of Aden gasped, as they always did when Mary Ann muted them, fading from his mind, falling into the black hole theyd once told him about.
They despised that black hole, but they didnt complain. They loved Aden. They wanted him happy, and they knew these private moments were necessary.
As necessary as letting them go, he thought, guilty again.
Aden sank to the ground, his back sliding against the wall. Yeah, he was going to have to set them free, no matter how much he might want to keep them. First, though, he had to figure out exactly who they had been as humans. Then he had to help them finish whatever was keeping them bound to the earth. To him.
Thats how hed lost Eve. Once hed given her what her human self had wanted mosta day with her daughtershe had disappeared in a snap.
So much to do, he thought. Overwhelming. First up, it seemed, was meeting Victorias family. The sisters hed already seen in that vision. Laurel andno, that wasnt right. He wracked his brain. Their names remained just out of reach.
Is the fairy Mary Ann began.
Yeah. Hes gone. But most likely, Thomas would return the moment Mary Ann left the ranch. What would Aden do then? He couldnt keep her here all day and all night.
Good. Now dont take this the wrong way, okay? She walked to the bed and threw herself on the mattress, bouncing up and down. But you really need a shower.
He glanced down at himself, heat blooming in his cheeks. Streaks of blood decorated his chest, and sweat had dried his boxers to his skin. The bathroom is down the hall. Will you stay here? Ill hurry.
Ill stay, she said with an impish grin. Now, less talking and more showering.
As weak as he was, he had to use the wall to unfold from the floor and stand. And while digging through the closet for clothes, he fought wave after wave of dizziness. Finally, though, he was in the bathroom, having managed to stalk down the hall without running into any of the other boys, hot water streaming down his body, cleaning him inside and out.
His first private shower, he mused. He wondered how far Mary Anns ability stretchedand he wished he could enjoy the solitude more. Yeah, really enjoy it. Instead, he had to hurry as promised.
When he finished, he dressed in a T-shirt and jeans and headed back to his bedroom. Just before he reached the door, the scent of peanut butter sandwiches drew him into the kitchen. There was a tray piled high with them, but no boys in sight. They should be here, studying.
You killed their teacher, remember?
Sad and guilty once again, Aden confiscated two of the sandwiches, eating each in two bites, and searched the rest of the bunkhouse. All the chores were done, so the boys had been here. The wood floors were polished, the oak table and scuffed chairs dusted. The walls were scrubbed clean and smelled of soap.
A few months ago, those walls had been filled with horseshoes and pictures of the ranch as it used to be a hundred or so years ago when it had first been built. But then two of the boys had gotten in a fight, and one of them had used a metal horseshoe to bash up the other. Or so Aden had heard. Dan, the owner of the ranch and the guy in charge of their care, had taken everything down.
There was no sign of the boys anywhere. Were they okay? Where had
Laughter suddenly rang out.
At the far window in the entryway, he brushed the curtains aside and looked out. An overcast sky fashioned a gray canopy over the D and M as the boys played football in the field between the main house and the bunkhouse.
Aden experienced a momentary pang of jealousy. Once, thats all hed craved. Friends, games. Acceptance. Now he finally had it, for the most part, but he also had a little too much on his plate to enjoy it.
Youre gonna get into trouble, he told them, even though they couldnt hear him. Dan wasnt herehis truck was gonebut Meg, his wife, rarely left the main house, and she would report what had gone on.
But no tutor, no studies, Aden supposed, and his guilt increased. Dan was going to have to find a new tutor, having no idea why Mr. Thomas had left as suddenly as hed appeared.
Aden liked Dan. Respected him. A lot. The man was honorable and truly wanted to give the boys here a better life. Yet time and time again, Aden made his life more difficult. Dont think about that now.
Back in his bedroom, Aden found that Mary Ann was still on the bed, though she was propped against the headboard and reading one of Shannons books. The door clicked shut behind himno lock, though, since Dan had removed themand she looked up.
Much better, she said with a nod.
Thanks for staying.
My pleasure. She set the book aside and straightened. How are you feeling?
As good as I smell.
She laughed exactly like he wanted Victoria to laugh. That good, huh?
Sorry you had to stick around.
I didnt mind. I wanted to talk to you about something, anyway.
He sat at the desk, marveling that the room was perfect, nothing out of place. After Riley and Thomas had ravaged the entire building in that other dimensionwhich still freaked him outhed expected some sign of what had happened. Yet there was nothing. Not even a speck of blood.
Are you listening to me? Mary Ann asked with another laugh. I thought the souls were quiet when I was with you.
He grinned sheepishly. Sorry. Im so used to being inside my head, I often get lost in there.
Well, I was saying that you know how to fight.
Yeah. He should. Hed been fighting his entire life. Other mental patients, doctors, other foster kids. Zombies that Julian, the corpse whisperer, raised from eternal slumber.
Well, Mary Ann said, squaring her shoulders. I want you to teach me.
He arched a brow, not sure he understood. You want me to teach you how to kick asuh, how to fight?
How to defend myself and how to attack, yes.
There was a big difference in what people needed to do to defend themselves and what they needed to do to attack someone else. A big, dangerous difference. Riley wont like it.
She shrugged, swirling a finger along the cotton comforter. Hell have to get over it. I need to do this. I dont want to be a liability anymore.
That, Aden understood. Perfectly. Ill teach you.
She clapped as if hed just told her shed won the lottery. Thank you.
My pleasure, he said, mirroring her earlier words. So when do you want to start?
She whipped her cell phone from her back pocket and checked the time. We have a few hours until I have to be home from school. And I cant believe Im saying this, rather than rushing back to class, butwhy not now?
Those sandwiches had given him strength, though he wasnt one hundred percent racer ready. Still. He nodded. This girl had been the first person to accept him for who and what he was; he owed her. Well have to go out back. The boys are in the front, and itll be better if they dont see us.
Sounds good to me.
Outside, the clouds were thicker than theyd been even a few moments ago when hed peeked through the window, the air chilled and laced with dew. A storm was on its way.
He positioned Mary Ann on the grass, then moved in front of her. First up, defense. And to do that, you have to learn how people will strike at you. Which means Ill have to strike at you.
Determined, she nodded. Okay. Im ready.
The next few hours passed quickly, and by the end, they were sweaty, grass-stained and exhausted, but mostly wet and muddy. A fine drizzle had started fifteen minutes ago. Mary Ann was pretty bruised up. Fine, Aden was, too. Hed been jabbed, punched, poked and tripped. And yeah, hed done the same to Mary Ann. Experience was the only way to learn. Because, if she was afraid of pain, she would cower rather than act. So hed had to show her she could withstand anything.
Surprisingly, she had. Better than hed hoped.
So tell me what youve learned so far, he said, standing in front of her again.
Screaming is good. And punching people in the throat is far more effective than punching them in the face or stomach. Plus, throat punching is something anyone can do, even fragile little girls, since it doesnt take much force to do a lot of damage there. This last was said in a mockingly deep voice, mimicking him. She tightened her borrowed jacket around her middle. The only time theyd stopped practicing was when hed gone to fetch her that jacket from his closet. I should use my fists as if theyre hammers, or even hit with my open palm.
Good. What else?
Anything can be used as a weapon. Rocks. Keys. A purse.
He nodded. What else?
I shouldnt use my toes when I kick. Theres not enough power there. I should use the flat part of my foot. Oh, and kneeing my attacker in the groin is acceptable. Even encouraged. So is eye-poking. I shouldnt be afraid to cause this person pain, since their main goal is to hurt me. She spoke as if she were reciting gospel. If my back is to them, I should try and elbow the guyor girlin the face. That causes a lot of pain and stuns them, allowing me to try and get away.
Good. Now lets put some of that information to the test. Im going for your neck this time, he warned her. My plan is to choke you. Do you remember what to do?
She nodded. As quickly as possible, Im to move both my arms between yours and hit your elbows with mine.
And?
And knee you in the groin.
Yeah, but lets just pretend on that last one. And by the way, an attacker wont usually give you a heads-up.
Her lips quirked at the corners. Much as I wish otherwise.
Next time, he wouldnt warn her what he was going to do. Hed just act, and shed have to figure out what to do without forethought. Ready?
Read
Leaves rattled a few yards away, and they both turned.
Aden? Mary Ann? Shannon had just stepped from the forest, a backpack dangling at his side.
Hey, they called in unison.
II wondered where youd gone after lunch, Shannon said to Mary Ann.
Guilt danced in her eyes. I should have told you I was leaving. Im sorry. But if youre home, that means schools out, and I have to leave again now. She closed the distance to Aden and kissed his cheek. Will you be okay? she whispered. Because the fairys going to come back. The moment Im gone, hes going to come back.
I know. And yes, Ill be fine, he lied. He had no idea how to deal with Thomas, or how far Thomas could roam. Still. He gave Mary Ann a gentle push toward the forest. Go home before you get into trouble with your dad.
Im going to call him and tell him Im heading to the library. Which is true. I want to dig around and see if I can find any books on spells, that sort of thing. Ill keep you updated.
Thanks.
Welcome. And thank you for the lessons. Not that my gratitude will save you from my ferocious wrath during our next lesson.
Those are fighting words, girl, he said with a laugh. But maybe you should go home and change before you hit the library. He gazed pointedly at her muddy jeans.
Will do! Laughing herself, Mary Ann took off, stopping only to kiss Shannon on the cheek. When she reached the line of trees, a pair of green eyes and bared white teeth flashed through a thick bush.
Animalhiding. The realization jolted him, and Aden sprinted forward. But then Mary Ann uttered another laugh, the sound just as free and happy.
Riley, he realized, stopping. A pissed Riley, at that. That scowl had been for Adens benefit, he was sure. Had the wolf watched the defense lesson? Or had he witnessed the kiss Mary Ann had bestowed upon his cheek?
Hed find out. Later. First, he knew, Riley would walk Mary Ann home.
Thank God, Julian said. Were back.
What happened while we were gone? Caleb asked. Why are we outside?
Were youfighting? Elijah demanded.
Guys, he muttered. Ill have to explain later.
Shannon reached him, clearly concerned. W-where were you t-today? I told Dan youd already l-left for school this morning, so youre clear on that front.
Thank you. Aden was still amazed that he and Shannon were friends. They hadnt started off that way, but they were pretty tight now. And it was nice. Even so, he couldnt tell Shannon the truth. Boy knew nothing about the real world and the creatures populating it, and that was for the best. Come on. Lets go in, and Ill tell you everything. Yet nothing.
They headed into the bunkhouse, where the others were already washed up and in dry clothes, watching TV in the living room as if theyd just finished up their schoolwork like good little boys.
Aden waved at them, and kept moving. He and Shannon needed to talk, but what he would say, he still didnt know. After that, he needed some time alone to talk to the souls. Where he would go, though, he didnt know.
Well, well, another familiar voice said when he entered his room. Look whos back. Me.
Freaking fantastic, Caleb grumbled.
Not good, Elijah said with a sigh.
Aden didnt have to look around to know that the ghost prince had indeed returned. His hands curled into fists as he wondered if hed ever lead a normal life.
Aden? Shannon said beside him. You okay? The guys asked if y-you wanted to watch Sports Center with them.
At the same time, Thomas said, Tell me what you did to me. Tell me why Im here, why my people cant see or hear me. Why no one but you can. Tell me!
The voices blended together, making the words intelligible. He knew then that he wouldnt be having a conversation with Shannon anytime soon. Nor would he find that private moment with the souls.
Not knowing what else to do, Aden covered his ears and threw himself on his mattress to wait out the storm.
SEVEN
TUCKER HARBOR HUDDLED in the corner of a dim, damp crypt, surrounded by darkness and flat-out creepiness. A spider might have just crawled over his hand, and was that a mouse squeaking? He would have given anything to see.
He hadnt wanted to come here. Hed been lying on a hospital gurney, hooked to all kinds of monitors, drugs pumping straight into his veins, chasing away the pain. Yet the voice had called to him, drifting through his head, and hed found himself unhooking the tethers, rising, walking, finally running, desperate to be wherever the voice wanted him to be.