Unfortunately, getting here hadnt been that difficult. No one had tried to stop him, and his gift hadnt been on the fritz. Tucker had cast illusionssomething hed been able to do his entire life. Whatever he envisioned in his mind, he could create around him. Or rather, make people think was around him.
If he pictured a gutter, a gutter would seem to encase him. If he pictured a circus, a circus would seem to appear, with him in the center ring. On his way out of the hospital, hed pictured himself as the wall beside him. Outside, hed pictured himself in a T-shirt and jeans, rather than this paper-thin gown.
So now, here he was. In pain, again, still weak from the vampire bites hed endured only a few days agoor maybe hours ago, he didnt know anymore. Time was justtime. Ticking away, but not part of his awareness anymore. Maybe because he didnt care.
Which he didnt understand. Hed been tied to a table as if he were dessert, and vampiresreal-life freaking bloodsuckershad been allowed to simply lean over and bite him. Anywhere they had desired. Hed wanted to die. But then, as the blood had drained from him, his body growing cold, his conscious mind dimming, hed wanted to live. So badly.
Then Aden Stone and Mary Ann had come to his rescue. Hed been so grateful. Hed thought, Im going to turn my life around. Im not going to cause trouble anymore. When I want to do bad things, like grinding my fist into as many faces as I can, watching the blood pour and hearing the screams echo, like stealing and fighting and hurting my mom with mean words just to hear her cry, Im going to ignore the urges.
Yet now, without the threat of death hovering over him, without the utter helplessness, without the drugs, he wanted to do all of those things again. And he couldnt ignore the urges. On the way here, hed punched a middle-aged man hed never met, felt the guys teeth cutting into his knuckles, and had laughed. Laughed. Because hed liked inflicting pain.
Im a monster.
The only time those kinds of urges left him was when he was with Mary Ann. Theyd dated for several months, and for those several months hed been blissfully happy. Of course, being Tucker, hed managed to ruin everything.
Shed taken off one night, so hed visited her neighbor and best friend, Penny Parks. He and Penny had tossed back a few beers, had stupid unprotected sex, and now Penny was pregnant with his kid. Or so she said.
Part of him believed her. The human part of him that hated when he acted like a maniac. The other part of him, the part where all those urges churned, didnt want to believe her.
He needed Mary Ann again. Not as a girlfriend. Just as a friend. He wasnt sure hed ever really wanted her romantically. He just liked how she made him feel. She would fix him, make him better again. And maybe then he could be a better dad to his kid than his own father had ever been to him.
Somewhere in the dark, he heard the whisper of cloth against flesh, the sound somehow far more obscene than the squeak of that mouse. Then, You came, a hard, emotionless voice said from the darkness. Good boy.
The voice. Only this time, it wasnt inside his head.
As his heart pounded out of control, Tucker straightened. He still couldnt see anything. There wasnt a single beam of light in this crypt, and dust layered the air. Dust and death. Y-yes. I try to be. He would try to be anything this man wanted. Who are you?
I am your king.
Four simple words, but they changed Tuckers life. Irrevocably. Yes. He belonged to the owner of that voice. It was strong, powerful, almost as if magic floated from each syllable, wrapping around him, tighteningtighteningcontrolling. More than being what this man wanted, Tucker would do whatever was asked of him, whenever it was asked. Happily.
Vlad, he said, knowing the name deep in his soul. He inclined his head in reverent greeting, even though he couldnt be seen. Or could Vlads gaze pierce the darkness?
Yes. I am Vlad. And there is someone else you know, Tucker. Someone I am deeply interested in. Aden Stone.
A statement, not a question, yet Tucker replied anyway. Yes. He couldnt help himself. Must please Vlad. Must always please Vlad. I know him.
You will watch him.
Yes. No hesitation.
You will tell me everything you learn.
Yes. Anything. Everything.
That is good. I am counting on you, Tucker. Do not let me down. Because, you see, he took my crown, and when the time is right, I will take it back.
THE NEXT FEW HOURS of Adens life passed in a blur. Shannon realized something was wrong with him and tried to distract him, telling him about his day and how Mr. Klien, their chemistry teacher, had had him stand at the front of the class doing finger-strengthening exercises the entire period for dropping one of his test vials.
At the same time, Thomas continued to barrage him with rapid-fire questions. Why cant my kind see or hear me anymore? Why did I disappear into a black hole after the vampire and werewolf left?
At the same time, Elijah demanded they discuss the coming vampire assembly. Plans needed to be made. What if there was a rebellion and someone tried to de-throne him?
At the same time, Caleb outlined what Aden should wear to impress Victoria enough to make out with him. Black leather was a top contender. Whipped cream, too.
At the same time, Julian wrote an Im-sorry poem for him to give to Victoria. Oh, sweet darling, my heart bleeds. But you love blood. And I am mud. Forgive me.
Thats when Caleb became mocking, and Elijah incensed. Blah, blah, blah.
Through it all, Aden even thought he heard wolves howling in the background. Arf, arf, arf, he thought mockingly.
His head throbbed. He couldnt keep up with the chatter, the words and sounds doing more than blending together. They were creating an ever-increasing buzz that hammered against his skull.
Finally, he gave up. He rolled over, closed his eyes and tried to block out all of them. Peace. He just needed a little peace.
Soon, lack of rest and dying-by-proxy twice caught up with him, and he drifted in and out of agitated slumber. No, slumber wasnt the right word. He wasnt asleep, but he couldnt move. Even when Shannon shook him, he couldnt move or respond. It was like someone had tied his arms and legs to the bed. Like his eyelids had been taped open, and he couldnt blink, even when his eyes dried and burned.
What was wrong with him?
He was vaguely aware of Shannon leaving the room and returning with Dan, who looked him over with concern. Dan tried to talk to him as he undressed Aden and tucked him under covers, but still Aden couldnt answer. One, his jaw was as useless as the rest of him, and two, he simply couldnt wade through the sea of voices, his awareness still being tugged in too many different directions.
Besides, Dan would think he was crazylike everyone had always called himif he answered something incorrectly.
Finally, Dan left and he sighed with relief. Short-lived relief. On and on the souls chattered. On and on Thomas spewed demands. Then Dan returned with Dr. Hennessy, Adens newest therapist, adding something more to the mix.
Dr. Hennessy looked him over, as well, frowning but not concerned. The doctor was a short, balding man, with wire-framed glasses and cold brown eyes, and he never showed any type of emotion. He was clinical, impersonal and always radiated shrewd awareness.
Questions were hurled at him. Aden could only decipher two words: catatonic and regressed.
Were they talking about him?
Of course they were. Pills were shoved into Adens mouth, and he tried to spit them out. Dr. Hennessy pinched his nose closed and held his jaw still, his purpose clear. If Aden wanted to breathe, hed have to swallow.
Take your medicine like a good boy, Aden, the doctor said crisply. Youve had these before. Im not giving you anything new. A sigh. Still determined to resist? Well, if you dont take them, Ill simply give you an injection. Wouldnt you prefer to avoid a needle?
Only when his lungs screamed in protest and his throat began to convulse did he swallow. A second later, he could breathe.
He sucked in mouthful after mouthful of air, but his Im-going-to-live happiness disintegrated when he realized what hed swallowed. Those pills always fogged Adens brain and put the souls into a stupor, two things he loathed. Two things they loathed. More than that, he needed to be clear-headed tonight. He needed The blood-brain barrier was broken almost instantly, and dizziness washed through him.
The fog hed feared appeared behind his eyes, thickening, spreading, fuzzing his thoughts.
Sorry, he managed to croak out, jaw once again working. So sorry.
Julian was the first to quiet. Then Caleb, then Elijah, who fought the hardest to remain heard. Youll need me, Aden. Tonight istonight is
Even Thomas, standing beside Dr. Hennessy, glaring down at Aden, began to waver, shimmer, there but not there, an outline without substance.
Hell need to visit me tomorrow morning, Dr. Hennessy was saying to Dan as he straightened, wiping his hands together in a job well done. First thing.
Dan crossed his arms over his massive chest. He was a former pro-footballer, tall, wide, pure intimidation with pale hair and dark eyes. He has school. If hes well enough, and I think that he will be. He always pulls himself together quickly.
He can miss one day.
No, actually, he cant. His studies are just as important as his therapy.
Thank you, Aden wanted to say, but didnt allow the words to move past his lips. No reason to encourage attention or unwittingly admit he understood what was being said. Dan cared about the boys here. Truly cared. Even about Aden, as his insistence proved.
Ill bring him to you immediately afterward, Dan continued. How about that?
I highly recommend you reconsider. This boy doesnt need to be in school, around normal children. I could take over his
Excuse me, Dr. Hennessy, Dan said tightly. I may not have a fancy degree, but I know this boy better than you do. Hes a good kid with a lot of heart, and hes doing well here. Hes excelling in school with those so-called normal kids, and hes even made new friends and gained confidence. Hes doing better than ever and I will not disrupt that progress.
Yes, but he still talks to himself. And today, well, he lost himself inside his mind. I would hardly call that better than ever, Mr. Reeves. Would you?
Dan stuffed his hands in his pockets, going all well, shucks, on the doctor, a sign Aden recognized as growing annoyance. We all occasionally regress, as you said, but hes pulling himself together.
Thats the pills.
Thats the boys strength of will.
Slowly Aden relaxed, rubbed a hand over his face. His vision was slightly blurred, his movements sluggish, but at least his mind was quiet. Still. Poor souls.
The two men continued their conversation a while longer, until finally it was decided that Aden would attend class, then immediately be driven to Dr. Hennessys office for a session.
Great. Those sessions were nothing but a pain in the ass. The good doctor always wanted to touch him. Nothing overt, and nothing too creepy, just a hand-holding, skin-to-skin thing. That, on top of the fact that he had to be in therapy at all, aggravated the piss right out of him.
At last the men left, and Aden gingerly sat up. His stomach burned as if a fire had been set there, and that burn rose into his throat, his brain. More fog, more dizziness. He closed his eyes. In the distance, a wolf howled.
So he hadnt imagined the howling. Riley must be nearby.
S-sorry, man, he heard Shannon say.
His lids cracked open, and he saw that Shannon was beside the bed and crouched in front of him, his features tight with concern.
D-didnt want to get Dan, but didnt k-know what else to do. You were really o-out of it. Never seen you l-like that.
Dont worry about it. He blinked, doing his best to focus. What time is it?
About ten-thirty.
That late? Wow. Riley really would be here any minute. How was Aden going to sneak out now? Dan would check up on him throughout the night, Aden knew that he would. Apparently, thats what people who cared about you did. Checked on you. It was new and wonderful and yet, hell on the social life.
Something clanked against the window, and both Aden and Shannon turned. The glass rose, then Riley was there, smoothly climbing through. He was dressed in a black suit, was cleanly shaven and had his hair arranged in perfect spikes. In his arms, he clutched what looked to be a garment bag.
Shannon, he acknowledged with a stiff nod.
Shannon, who was used to Adens nightly visitors, nodded in return. Riley.
Ive gotta borrow our boy for a little while.
Shannon frowned. Hes b-been sick and needs his r-rest.
Riley frowned, too, gaze darting to Aden. Sick? Again? How?
Again? Shannons focus swung back to Aden. When were you s-sick before? What was wrong?
Oh, yeah. Aden hadnt explainedor lied, as hed plannedso Shannon had no idea how iffy things had been for him.
Shannon, a musical female voice said from just beyond the window. Victoria had arrived. You are tired. You must sleep now.
Sleep, the boy muttered, yawning. Yeah, Im pretty tired. He scaled to the top of the bunk bed and lay down. He was softly snoring a few seconds later.
So much power in one little voice, Aden thought. A voice she used liberally, but always to help him, so he didnt want to complain. Even though a part of him sometimes feared shed one day use that voice against him. How would he combat the compulsion to do what she wanted if, like, he made her mad and she told him to do something tragic?
Dont think like that. She cares about you.
He blamed the drugs for his illicit thoughts.
Still outside, she moved backward one step, two, though remained in a beam of light spilling from the room. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head, he noticed, and several ringlets framed her pale face. Her eyes had been outlined in black and black glitter sprinkled on her lids. His favorite? Her lips were painted bloodred.
From what he could see, she wore a silky black robe with thin straps on both shoulders and a neckline that dipped low in the center. New favorite, he thought. He even liked the metal bands winding around her biceps like thin, bejeweled snakes.
She was breathtaking.
Mine. The thought was his own, no one elses. Because she was. His.
Aden, Riley said, claiming his attention. You were sick?
Aden nodded, and had to blink against the sudden renewal of dizziness. Stupid pills. He explained what had happened, what had been done to him. How hed been drugged.
Riley shook his head. I dont know how you deal with all those voices anyway. But dont beat yourself up about it. One slip-up in how long? A year or more? Thats reason to celebrate. You know, at a vampire mansion. Like, now.
At least the wolf wasnt snarling at him.
Help him dress, and Ill ensure Dan stays away from this room for the rest of the night, Victoria said from her outer post, and then was gone.
Riley unzipped the bag he held. I seriously hope youre not going to make me do all the work.
Please. Id have to be dead to let you put your hands on me. Aden stoodand almost tumbled back on his bed, his knees were so weak, but he managed to remain upright, and held out his hands. Several articles of clothing were thrust at him.
He dressed quickly, and realized he was now wearing a suit almost identical to Rileys. Black, silk, expensive. He brushed his hair and teeth, then splayed his arms wide, silently requesting inspection.
Better, but not done yet. Riley held out his open palm.
Aden saw what rested in the center and actually backed away. No. No way.
You must.
The ringVlads ringglistened with a luminous shimmer in the light. Bad idea, all the way around.
Your coronation ceremony will take place in thirteen days and
Thirteen days, he interjected. That seemed relevant somehow. Familiar. So why wear it now?
As a symbol of your power.
Power? Please. He had no power. Not any that mattered.
We must go, Victoria said suddenly, at the window again. Everyone is waiting.
Riley arched a brow at him and shook the ring. Youre king, ceremony or not, and the vampire king wears this ring. Always. Your people wont take you seriously without it, and youre going to have a hard time being taken seriously anyway since youre human.
Thanks for the newsflash. I dont want to be king, he thought, but he reluctantly pinched the band between two fingers and slid the thing in place. A large opal stared up at him, casting multihued beams in every direction. His foggy mind could have studied those beams forever, lost.
Hed wear the ring tonight because, in their minds, he was king. According to their lawsof which he knew only this onehe who killed the king became king. But Aden planned to appoint someone else, someone deserving, someone competent and equipped. And soon. Without letting himself be killed.
Go. With a push from Riley, he was stumbling toward the open window.
Chilly air enveloped him as he climbed out and strode toward a dark blue sedan the pair had hidden a few yards from the ranch. Stolen, no doubt. They didnt own a car, so Victoria borrowed one when she needed to be driven somewhere. Or rather, have Aden driven somewhere. All the while, crickets sang and wolves continued to howl.
Goblins out tonight, Riley explained as he settled into the drivers seat. Though theyre thinning out, and should be contained soon.
Goblins. Little monsters who liked to eat human flesh. Aden hadnt met one yet, but had heard the stories about sharp teeth ripping through human bodies like a knife through butter. Little wonder he wanted to put off that introduction as long as possible.
Aden and Victoria had claimed the backseat. She had tried to sit in front, in the passenger seat next to Riley, but Aden had grabbed her hand and tugged her back with him. She could have fought him, but allowed the restriction, silent.
Once they were on the road, she withdrew a cologne bottle from the center console and sprayed him from top to bottom. Soon he was choking on the scented mist that clogged the air.
Enough, he said, waving his hand in front of his face.
This is necessary. Believe me, you dont want to smell like the Fae when you face my people.
So I still smell like him?
Yes, she and Riley said in unison.
Great. Not at his best mentally and he reeked. What a night. So wheres Mary Ann?
Home, Riley said, and there was all kinds of fury in his tone. The kind of fury Aden had been expecting since the wolfs arrival. Which meant Aden had just opened a big can o crap. Theres no reason for her to be involved in this. Plus, she checked out some books at the library and is currently reading them, hoping to learn everything she can about the witches. And speaking of Mary Ann his voice rose with every word why the hell were you shoving her around today?
Yep. Crap. Im sure you asked her, and Im sure she explained that I was teaching her to defend herself.
No, I didnt ask her. I figured the defense thing out on my own, thanks, but I wanted to chat with you about it first. Did you have to be so rough? Shes only a human.
Im only a human. And yeah. I had to be rough. Thats the only way to learn.
No, it isnt. In fact, Im taking over her lessons.
Oh, really? Sorry, but she didnt ask you. She asked me. So Ill be the one continuing with her lessons. He could have relented. Wasnt like he cared one way or the other. But allow Riley to boss him around? Multiply hell, no by dream on and divide by suck it, and the answer was the wolf could bite the big one.
That earned him a thick and heavy silence.
Aden sighed and dropped his head against the seat rest. He needed Riley on his side tonight. More than that, he had a thousand questions he needed answered. How was this meeting going to go down? What was expected of him? Was there anything he should or shouldnt say? Anything he should or shouldnt do? But as he sat there, peering up at the cars roof, mind drifting, churning, he could only make himself care about Victoria.
Shed sat through his exchange with Riley, stiff and too quiet, as if she didnt dare breathe because she might miss something. Was she jealous of the time he spent with Mary Ann, as he was often jealous of the time she spent with Riley? Or was she still hurt about earlier? Or both?
Either way, he didnt like it.
Hed dreamed about her for six months before hed actually met her, and in that time, shed become the most important part of his life. A part he needed, craved. Like Mary Ann, she accepted him for who and what he was, and had from the beginning. Even though her own people considered him unworthynot to mention his own. She understood what it felt like to be considered different. She was a princess, set apart. And hadnt he vowed just today to only ever make this princess laugh?
Just so you know, Riley gritted out. If you hurt her again
Youll call me a bad name? Aden retorted. Or maybe tell your friends not to like me? He knew he shouldnt provoke the wolf. Rileys claws could rip through bone in a blink. But again, bite the big one, wolf.
Riley growled from low in his throat. Expected. What wasnt expected? Victoria laughed, an honest to God laugh.
Im sorry, she said when Riley tossed her a dark look. But that was funny. You know it was.
Whatever, Riley replied, but there was now suppressed amusement in his tone.
Adens chest puffed up. Hed done that. Hed caused that reaction without even trying. But then Victorias laughter subsided, and she once again refused to look at him.
More. He had to have more. Victoria, he began. About what happened
I know, she said on a trembling exhalation. I already figured out your reasons for ditching me at the ranch.
Oh, God. Was she going to cry? I didnt ditch you, I swear.
Well, I know that, too.
He shook his head, confused. Thered been no trembling that time. Wait. You just said I did, in fact, ditch you. Soyoure not mad at me?
I was at first, but then I wasnt. Dont you see? Grinning, she clapped, clearly proud of herself. Ive been teasing you since we picked you up. I was using exaggeration. Like a human. Did I do good? Did I fool you?
His lips twitched in relief and pleasure. They had a lot to work on in the humor department, but he said, You did real good. And she had. She was trying to drop that ever-somber air. For him. You look beautiful, by the way.
Thank you. So do you. Practically edible.
His lips twitched again. Ediblethe highest form of praise from a vampire.
Her hand slid over his and their fingers twined. As always, her skin was hot, smooth. Perfect. Thank you, by the way. For what you did with the fairy, she said, suddenly serious.
Youre welcome.
I wish I could reward you, but instead, Im taking you into a potential war zone. Are you scared?
No. But he should be, and he knew it. The drugs have made me a little detached.
Perhaps thats a blessing. Fear can be smelled, and most vampires really like the taste of it.
He snorted. Baby, even if I was afraid, I doubt anything can be smelled except my perfume.
Another laugh bubbled from her, bells tinkling together, and he grinned. Twice in one day. He couldnt have been prouder.
As I told you, my sisters are in town, she said, then explained something about a fourteen-day waiting period. He didnt tell her that hed met her sisters already in the vision. Not that he recalled much more. But with that thought, another formed. There was something he needed to tell her. Something urgent. For the life of him, however, he couldnt remember what it was. Lauren is
Hardcore, Riley finished for her.
Victoria rolled her eyes. She is not. He says that only because they used to date, but Lauren broke up with him. Anyway. Lauren is strong, opinionated and determined not to like you. Shes a warrior and one of the fiercest among us. Shell come around, though. Stephanie, my other sister, is very humanlike. She used to sneak out of our home, to my fathers fury, and socialize with the food, as he would say. She might just be your biggest supporter.
Good to know I have one. Has your mother arrived yet? Aden knew her mother had been locked away by her father, a punishment for revealing vampire secrets to humans. Upon Vlads death, though, Aden had decreed the woman free. His first act as king.
The title had him shaking his head. Weird, and not at all suitable for him. He could barely manage his own life.
No, Victoria replied. She cant teleport like me, and so she would be traveling by human methods if she had agreed to come to Crossroads. But she didnt, preferring to stay in Romania.
In protest of Adens rule? he wondered.
Nothing like this has ever happened before, you know. My father has always ruled us. He was the first of us, after all, and he believed humans were good enough to be food or blood-slaves, but nothing more. Victoria tapped a finger against his chin. Im sorry, but that is the mindset you will be up against this night.
The car slowed as a tall iron gate came into view, the bars opening to welcome them. Two wolves sat at the sides, watching. Guards? Further up, a five-story, sprawling mansion consumed acre after acre. The black brick and black-shrouded windows pandered to every eerie stereotype there was, but perhaps that had been done on purpose. A way to keep humans at bay.
The roof dipped and rose into several points, knifing into the sky, where the moon seemed to have shifted away, looking elsewhere, as if afraid to peek inside the home. That was probably for the best.
Last time Aden had been here, a vampire had tried to murder him. That same vampire had murdered an acquaintance of his. He wondered what awaited him inside this time.
EIGHT
I WANT YOU to stay home tonight.
But I want to go with you. Be with you. I want to help Aden.
Id rather you were safe.
And thats how Riley had left it. Hed called, dropped the stay home bomb and hung up before she could protest again. Now, at close to eleven, Mary Ann paced through her bedroom. Each of her walls was painted a different colorpink, blue, green, redand those colors blurred together. Half of her wood floor was covered by a multicolored rug that somehow managed to clash with the walls. A decorating scheme her motherher real motherhad loved and her aunt, the woman who had raised her, had carried on.
What was happening at that vampire mansion? Was everyone okay? Had the vampires accepted Aden without protest?
Clearly, Riley viewed her as weak. A hindrance. Shed suspected, but thisthis was proof. And she didnt like it. Wouldnt stand for it. But what could she do?
She couldnt kidnap a witch on her own. That was just craziness. One, she didnt know the extent of their powers or how they wielded that power. Even though shed spent the last few hours studying every book shed checked out at the library, as well as scouring the Internet yet again, looking for obscure details. Anything. There was tons of information out there, most of it conflicting.
Witches drew their power from the elements. Witches drew their power from inside themselves. Witches were good, benevolent. Witches were bad, evil, servants of the devil. Witches liked to perform ritual sacrifices. Witches were merely delusional.
Youre getting sidetracked. You were thinking about why you cant kidnap a witch. Oh, and two, she doubted she could subdue someone physically just yet. And three, where would she keep the witch? In her closet? Her dad wouldnt find anything odd about that. Yeah. Right.
Still. Waiting for Riley, Victoria and Aden to do something grated.
She wasnt the best at spotting witches, but she could do it. Riley had taught her how. So. Maybe she could go into town and count how many witches were out there, discover what they were doing and where, exactly, they were congregating. Or even find out if none were out there. Tomorrow, she could report her findings, helping her group instead of dragging them down.