But unfortunately, Sabines manners are much better than mine. And Ive barely finished the sentence before she shakes her head and says, Dont be ridiculous. Come inside and relax. And, Ever, why dont you order yourself a pizza or something since I havent had time to get to the store.
I follow, lagging behind as much as I can without literally dragging my feet. Partly in protest, and partly because I cant risk bumping into either of them, not trusting my quantum remote to bar me from a sneak peek of their date.
Sabine unlocks the front door, glancing over her shoulder as she says, Ever? Okay? Youre good with the pizza?
I shrug, remembering the two slices of vegetarian Jude left me, which I proceeded to tear into little bits and flush down the toilet as soon as he left. Im good. I grabbed a little something at work. I meet her gaze, thinking this just might be the perfect time to tell her, knowing she wont freak with Munoz (Paul!) standing nearby.
You got a job? She gapes, all wide-eyed and slack jawed right there in the entryway.
Um, yeah. I pull my shoulders in and start scratching my arm even though it doesnt itch. I thought I told you, no?
No. She shoots me a look thats loaded with meaningnone of it good. You definitely failed to mention it.
I shrug, picking at the hem of my shirt, trying to appear unconcerned. Oh, well, there it is. Im officially employed. Chasing it with a laugh that, even to my ears, rings false.
And just where did you get this job of yours? she asks, voice lowered, gaze following Munoz as he heads into the den, eager to avoid all the bad mojo Ive so brilliantly introduced.
Downtown. At a place that sells books andstuff.
She squints.
Listen, I say. Why dont we discuss this later? Id hate for you guys to be late or anything. I glance toward the den where Munoz is hunkered down on the couch.
She glances at the den, expression grim, voice low and urgent when she says, Im glad you found a job, Ever, dont get me wrong. I just wish you wouldve told me, thats all. Well need to find a replacement for you at work now, and She shakes her head. Well, well talk about this later. Tonight. When I get back.
And even though Im thrilled to learn that her plans with Munoz do not extend to the morning, I still look at her and say, Um, heres the thing. Havens cat died, and shes having this memorial service, and shes really upset, which means it could run really late, so I shrug, not bothering to finish, allowing her to fill in the blanks that Ive left.
Tomorrow then. She turns. Now go talk to Paul while I change.
She runs up the stairs, briefcase swinging, heels pounding, as I take a deep breath and make for the den, taking my place behind a big, sturdy armchair, hardly believing its come to this.
Just so you know, Im not calling you Paul, I say, taking in his designer jeans, untucked shirt, hipster watch, and shoes that are way too cool for any teacher to wear.
Thats a relief. He smiles, gaze light and easy, resting on mine. Might get kind of awkward at school.
I swallow hard, fiddling with the back of the chair, unsure just where Im expected to take it from here. Because even though my entire life is undeniably weird, being forced to make entertaining banter with my history teacher who knows one of my biggest secrets takes it to a whole new level.
But apparently Im the only one whos uncomfortable around here. Munoz is completely relaxed, sitting back on the coach, foot resting on knee, the absolute picture of ease. So what exactly is your relationship to Sabine? he asks, arms spread wide across the cushions.
Shes my aunt. I study him, checking for signs of disbelief, confusion, surprise, but all I get is an interested gaze. She became my legal guardian when my parents passed away. I lift my shoulders and look at him.
I had no idea. Im so sorry He scrunches his face, voice fading as sadness fills up the space.
My sister died too. I nod, caught up in it now. As did Buttercup. She was our dog.
Ever He shakes his head in the way people do when they cant even begin to imagine what its like to be you. I
I died too, I add, before he can finish. Not wanting to hear his awkward condolences, struggling to find just the right words when the truth is, those words dont exist. I died right alongside thembut only for a few seconds, and then I was brought back, resurrected, given the elixir that grants eternal lifeI shake my head. Well, then I woke up. I shrug, wondering why I just confessed all of that.
Is that when you became psychic? His gaze is unwavering, fixed right on mine.
I glance toward the stairway, making sure Sabines nowhere near, then I glance at Munoz and just nod.
It happens, he says, neither surprised nor judgmental, more matter of fact. Ive read up on it a bit. Its a lot more common than youd think. A lot of people come back changed or altered in some way.
I gaze down at the chair, fingers tracing along the top of the cushion, glad for the information but realizing I have no clue how to respond.
And from the way youre fidgeting and glancing at the stairs every five seconds, Im guessing Sabine doesnt know?
I look at him, trying to lighten the mood when I say, So whos psychic now? Me or you?
But he just smiles, searching my face with a new understanding that, thankfully, erases the look of pity that lived there before.
We stay like that, him looking at me, me studying the chair, the silence lingering for so long I finally shake my head and say, Trust me, Sabine wouldnt understand. Shed I dig the toe of my sneaker into the carpets tight weave, unsure just where to take it from here but knowing its imperative that I make myself clear. I mean, dont get me wrong, shes a great person, really smart, and a super successful lawyer and all, but its like I shake my head. Well, lets just say shes a big fan of black and white. Shes not so big on gray. I press my lips together and look away, knowing Ive said more than enough, but needing to make one final thing clear. But please dont tell her about meokay? I mean, you wontwill you?
I peer at him, holding my breath as he considers, taking his time as Sabine heads down the stairs. And just when Im sure I cant take another second he says, Well make a deal. You stop cutting class and I wont say a word. Hows that?
Hows that? Is he kidding? Hes practically blackmailing me!
I mean, I know Im not in the best positionespecially since Im the only one with something to lose, but still. I glance over my shoulder, seeing Sabine pause in front of the mirror, double-checking her teeth for stray lipstick tracks, as I turn toward him and whisper, What does it matter? Theres only a week left! And we both know Im getting an A.
He nods, rising from his seat, a smile widening his cheeks as he takes in Sabine, though his words are directed at me. Which is why you have no good reason not to be there, right?
To not be where? Sabine asks, looking way too beautiful with her smoky eye makeup, fluffy blond hair, and an outfit that Stacia Miller would probably sell a kidney for if she were twenty years older.
I start to speak, not trusting Munoz not to blow my cover, but he jumps right in, voice overpowering mine when he says, I was just telling Ever to get on with her plans. Theres no need to stick around and entertain me.
Sabine glances between us until her gaze rests on Paul. And even though its nice to see her looking so relaxed and happy and eager to get the night going, the second he places his hand on the small of her back and leads her toward the front door, its all I can do not to hurl.
CHAPTER 26
By the time I get to Havens, everyones gathered, looking on as Haven stands just outside the window where she first found her cat, saying a few words in Charms memory, while hugging a small urn to her chest.
Hey, I whisper, sidling up beside Damen and glancing at the twins. What did I miss?
He smiles, looking at me as he thinks: Some tears were shedsome poems were read He shrugs. Though Im sure shell forgive your latenesseventually.
I nod, deciding to show Damen the reason for my latenesspresenting the entire debacle in full Technicolor glory. Watching as Haven sprinkles Charms ashes over the ground as the images from just a few moments before stream from my mind to his.
He slides his arm around me, comforting me in just the right way, placing a full bouquet of red tulips briefly into my handscareful to make it appear and disappear before anyone sees.
Was it really that bad? He glances at me as Haven hands the urn to her little brother Austin, who scrunches his nose and peers inside.
Worse. I shake my head, still wondering why I chose to confide in Munozof all people.
I move closer, leaning my head on his shoulder as I add: And the twins? What are they doing here? I thought they were afraid to go outside?
They stand beside Haven, faces identical with their solemn dark eyes and razor-slashed bangsbut the similarities end there, having ditched their usual private school uniforms for ones of their own. With Romy striving for the all-American wholesomeness of a J. Crew catalog model, while Raynes look hails straight from the Hot Topic aisles with her edgy black minidress, torn black tights, and towering platform Mary Jane shoes. Though I doubt they actually shopped at those stores. Not when Damen can just manifest for them.
He shakes his head, arm tightening around me as he responds to my thoughts. Nope, thats where youre wrong. Theyre venturing out. Eager to explore the world outside of TV, magazines, and my Crystal Cove gated community. He smiles. Believe it or not, they chose those outfits themselves. Even paid for them too. Using the money I gave them, of course. He looks at me. Just think, yesterday the mall, today a cat funeral, and tomorrowwho knows? He turns, smiling in a way that lights up his face as Haven says a final farewell to the cat practically no one here knew.
Shouldnt we have brought something? I ask. You knowflowers or something?
We did. Damen nods, lips grazing my ear when he adds, Not only did we bring those flowers over therehe points to a giant bouquet made of colorful spring bloomsbut we also made a very generous, though anonymous, donation to the ASPCA in Charms memory. I thought shed appreciate that.
Helping people anonymously? I gaze at him, taking in the slant of his brow, the curve of his lips and longing for them to press against mine. I thought you were against all of that?
He looks at me, obviously misconstruing the words Id meant as a joke. But just as Im about to explain, Josh motions for us to come over.
He peers at Haven, making sure she cant hear, before turning to us, saying, Listen, I need your help. I messed up.
How? I squint, even though the answer just appeared in my head.
He crams his hands into his pockets, dyed black hair falling into his eyes when he says, I got her a kitten. This guy in my bandwell, his girlfriends cat just had a litter and I thought it might help her get over Charm so I took the black onebut now she wont even talk to me. Says I dont understand. Shes seriously mad.
Im sure shell come around, just give her some time, and shell
But hes already shaking his head. Are you kidding? Did you hear her just now? He glances between us. The way she went on and on about how Charm was one of a kind, how she can never be replaced. He shakes his head and looks away. That was for me, make no mistake.
Everyone feels that way after losing a pet. Im sure if you I stop, gazing into eyes so defeated I know Im not making a dent.
No way. He lifts his shoulders, looking at her, the loss clear on his face. She meant it. Shes sad about Charm, mad at me, and now Ive got this kitten in the backseat of my car and no idea what to do with it. I cant bring it home, my momll kill me, and Miles cant take it because of the whole Italy thing, so I thought maybe you guys would want her. His gaze darts between us, silent but pleading.
I take a deep breath and glance toward the twins, knowing they would love nothing more than a pet of their own, especially after the way they reacted to Charm. But what becomes of it once their magicks restored and they head back to Summerland? Is it possible to bring the cat with them? Or will she become our responsibility?
But when they turn, the two of them gazing at me, Romys face lifting into a smile while Raynes drops to a scowl, I know I need all the help I can get where theyre concerned, and a cute little kitten might be a good start.
I look at Damen, knowing the moment our eyes meet that were on the same page.
We head for Joshs car as he says, Lets have a look.
Omigod! Are you serious? Shes seriously ours? For reals? Romy cradles the tiny black kitten and glances between us.
Shes all yours. Damen nods. But you should thank Ever, not me. It was her idea.
Romy looks at me, a grin spread wide across her face as Rayne twists her mouth to the side, pursing her lips in a way that makes it clear shes sure shes being played.
What should we name her? Romy glances between us before focusing solely on Rayne. And dont say Jinx the second, or Jinx squared, or anything like that, because this kitty deserves her own name. She hugs the kitten tight to her chest, planting a kiss on the top of her tiny black head. She also deserves a much better fate than the other Jinx had.
I look at them, about to ask what happened when Rayne says, Thats all in the past. But Romys right, we need to find the perfect name. Something strong and mysticalsomething truly worthy of a kitty like this.
We sit, the four of us sprawled across the various chairs and couches in Damens oversized den. Damen and I sharing a cushion, limbs entwined as our minds sift through long lists of suitable names until I clear my voice and say, How about Luna? I glance between them, hoping theyll like it as much as I do. You know, like the Latin word for moon?
Please. Rayne rolls her eyes. We know what Luna means. In fact, Im pretty sure we know way more Latin than you.
I nod, struggling to keep my voice calm and composed, refusing to rise to her bait, when I add, Well, I was thinking that since they say cats are connected to the moon and all I stop, taking one look at her face and knowing theres no point in going on, shes dead set against it.
You know, it used to be said that cats were the children of the moon, Damen says, determined not only to rescue me, but also to prove, once and for all, why Im worthy of their respect. Because like the moon, they both come to life at night.
Then maybe we should name her Moon Child, Rayne says. Nodding when she adds, Yes, thats it! Moon Child. Its so much better than Luna.
No it isnt. Romy gazes down at the sleeping cat in her lap, stroking the narrow space between her ears. Moon Childs all wrong. Lumpy. Too much. A name should be only one word. And this kitty is clearly a Luna to me. Luna. Thats what were calling her then?
She glances between us, counting three nodding heads, and one that refuses to budge just to spite me.
Sorry, Rayne. Damen clasps my hand, a sliver of energy the only thing that separates his palm from mine. Im afraid the majority rules in this case. He nods, closing his eyes as he manifests an exquisite velvet collar of the deepest purple that instantly appears around Lunas neck. Romy and Rayne gasping, eyes shining with delight when he manifests a matching velvet bed. Perhaps you should place her there now, he says.
But were both so comfortable like this! Romy whines, not wanting to part with her pet.
Yes, but we also have lessons to get to, dont we?
The twins glance at each other, then rise simultaneously, carefully placing Luna in her new bed and hovering at its edge, making sure shes sleeping comfortably, before turning back to Damen, ready to begin. Taking the seats just across from him, ankles crossed, hands folded in laps, more obedient than Ive ever seen them. Ready for whatever Damens got planned.
Whats this about? I shift as we untangle our limbs.
Magick. He nods, glancing between them. They need to practice daily if their powers are to return.
How do you practice? I squint, wondering if its anything like the classes Judes planning to teach. I mean, are there exercises and tests, like in school?
Damen shrugs. Its really more a series of meditations and visualizationsthough far more intense and of a much longer duration than the ones I put you through on our first journey to Summerland, but then, you didnt require as much. Even though the twins hail from a long line of very gifted witches, Im afraid that as it stands now, theyre back to stage one. Though Im hoping that with regular practice, theyll recapture their abilities in reasonable time.
How long is reasonable? I ask. When what I really mean is: How soon do we get our life back?
Damen shrugs. Few months. Maybe longer.
Would the Book of Shadows help? Realizing just after its out, that I shouldnt have said it. Damens expression is not at all happy, though the twins are now poised on the edge of their seats.
You have the Book of Shadows? Rayne says, as Romy just sits there and gapes.
I glance at Damen, seeing hes none too pleased, but since the book could very well help them as much as I hope it can help me, I say, Well, I dont exactly have it, but I have access to it.
Like for real? Like a real Book of Shadows? Rayne phrases her words like a question, though her gaze tells me shes sure its a fake.
I dont know. I shrug. Is there more than one?
She looks at Romy, shaking her head and rolling her eyes before Damen can say, I havent seen it, but from Evers description, Im sure that its real. And quite powerful too. Too powerful for you at the moment. But maybe later, after weve progressed through our meditations we can
But Romy and Rayne are no longer listening, their attention focused solely on me as they rise from their seats and say, Take us there. Please. We need to see it.
CHAPTER 27
How will you get in? Romy whispers, edging up alongside me and gazing at the door, a wary expression crossing her face.
Duh! Rayne shakes her head. Its easy for them. All they have to do is unlock the door with their minds.
True. I smile. But having a key is handy too. Jangling it so they can see before inserting it into the lock. Careful to avoid Damens gaze, though its not like I need to see to know he disapproves.
So this is where you work, Romy says, stepping inside and gazing around. Moving lightly, gingerly, as though shes afraid to mess anything up.
I nod, placing my finger against my lips in the international sign for shush as I lead them toward the back room.
But if the stores closed, and were the only ones here, then why do we have to shush? Rayne asks, her high-pitched voice practically bouncing off the walls, wanting me to know that while shes pleased that Im about to show her the Book of Shadows it doesnt extend much further than that.
I open the door to the back office and motion them inside, telling them to sit, while Damen and I consult in the hall.
I dont like this, he says, eyes dark, focused on mine.
I nod, very well aware of that but determined to stand my ground.
Ever, Im serious. You have no idea what youre getting into. This book is powerfuland in the wrong handsdangerous as well.
I shake my head, saying, Listen, the twins are familiar with this brand of magick, much more so than you and me. And if theyre not worried, then how bad could it be?
He looks at me, refusing to budge. There are better ways.
I sigh, wanting to get started and frustrated to be dealing with this. You act like Im going to introduce them to evil spells or make them bad witches with warts and black hats, when all I want is the same thing as youfor them to get their power back. Careful to shield my mind so he cant hear the unspoken part, the real truth behind this visitthat I spent most of yesterday at work struggling to make sense of the book to no availthat I need help if Ive any hope of convincing Roman to hand over the antidote. Knowing its better unsaid. Damen would so not approve.
There are better ways of doing this, he says, voice patient but firm. I have their lessons mapped out, and if youll just give it the time to
How much time? Weeks, months, a year? I shake my head. Maybe we cant afford to waste that kind of time, did you ever think of that!
We? His brows merge as his gaze studies mine, a hint of understanding forming in his eyes.
We, them, whatever. I shrug, knowing I better move on. Let me just show them the book and see if its even the real deal. I mean, we dont even know if it really works, maybe my reaction waswell, maybe that was just me. Come on, Damen, please? What could it hurt?
He looks at me, convinced it could hurt plenty.
Just one quick lookonly to determine if its real or not. Then well head right back home and get started with your lesson, okay?
But he doesnt say anything. Just nods and motions me in.
I head for the chair on the other side of the desk, settling in and leaning toward the drawer when Rayne says, Just so you know, we heard everything. Our hearing is exceptional. Maybe you should stick with telepathy instead.
Determined to ignore her, I place my hand on the lock, closing my eyes as I open it with my mind, flicking a quick glance at Damen as I rummage inside. Digging past the pile of papers, the folders, and tossing the calculator aside, before reaching the false bottom, grabbing hold of the book, and plopping it onto the desk. Fingers tingling, ears buzzing from the energy it contains.
The twins rush forward, gazing upon the ancient tome with more reverence than Ive ever seen from them before.
So, what do you think? Is it real? My gaze darts between them, so breathless I can barely form the words.
Romy tilts her head, face quizzical, until Rayne reaches forward and opens to the very first page. The two of them gasping, twin intakes of breath, as their eyes grow wide and they take it all in.
Rayne perches on the edge of the desk, angling the book so it faces her and her sister, as Romy leans across her lap, tracing her fingers along the series of symbolsmarkings that are completely indecipherable to methough from the way their lips move makes perfect sense to them.
I glance at Damen standing directly behind them, his face belying any emotion as he watches the twins mumble and giggle, jostling each other in excitement as they flip through the pages.
So? I say, unable to take the suspense and needing a verbal either way.
Real. Rayne nods, eyes still focused on the page. Who ever put this together knew their stuff.
You mean, theres more than one? I squint, glancing between them, barely able to meet their eyes under their lush fringe of lashes and jagged-cut bangs.
Sure. Romy nods. Theres tons. Book of Shadows is just a generic title for a spell book. They think the name originated due to the fact that the books had to be kept hidden, in the shadows so to speak, because of their content.
Yeah, Rayne cuts in, but some also say its because they were often read and written by candlelight, which casts shadows as you know.
Romy shrugs. Either way, theyre written in code to avoid the danger of falling into the wrong hands. But the truly powerful ones, the ones like thisshe stabs the page with her index finger, which is newly painted ballet slipper pinkare extremely rare and hard to find. Hidden away for the very same reason.
So its powerful? And real? I repeat, needing it confirmed one more time.
Rayne looks at me, shaking her head like Im too dense to be believed, while her sister nods, saying, You can actually feel the energy of the words on the page. Its quite powerful, I assure you.
So, you think itll be useful then? You think it might help usyouwith your needs? Eyes darting between them, hoping theyll say yes while carefully avoiding Damens gaze.
Were a little rusty Romy starts. So we cant say for sure
Speak for yourself, Rayne says, flipping back toward the front until finding the page that she wants. Repeating a stream of words I cant even begin to understand as though its her native tongue. See that? She waves her hand in the air, laughing as the lights flicker on and off. I wouldnt exactly call that rusty.
Yes, but since they were supposed to burst into flames, youre still a long ways away, Romy says, arms folded, brow raised.
Burst into flames? I glance at Damen. He was right, this is dangerous in the wrong handstheir hands.
But Romy and Rayne just laugh, falling all over themselves when they say, Psych! We totally psyched you! Ha!
You are too gullible to be believed! Rayne adds, seizing any chance to make a fool of me.
And you guys have been watching way too much TV, I say, slamming the book shut and moving it away.
Wait! You cant take that! We need it! Two sets of hands frantically reaching and grasping my way.
It doesnt belong to me. So its not like we can take it home or anything, I say, holding it just out of reach.
But how will we get our magick back if you hide it like that? Romys face drops to a pout.
Yeah, Rayne adds, shaking her head. First you make us leave Summerland and now Stopping only when Damen raises his hand to silence them.
I think its best you put that away, he says, eyes on mine, jaw clenched tight. Now, he adds, with new urgency.
I nod, thinking hes more upset than I thought, taking a stand and insisting I stick to our deal. Until I follow his gaze to the monitor and watch as a dark blurry figure walks in.
CHAPTER 28
I slide the drawer open, frantically shoving the book inside as a soft thud of footsteps makes their way down the hall.
Barely getting it closed before Jude sticks his head in and says, Working late?
He steps into the room and offers his hand to Damen who hesitates, taking a moment to size him up, before offering his own. Even after releasing Judes grip his gaze remains focused, unmoving, his mind far away.
So, whats going on here? Is this take-your-family-to-work day? Jude smiles, though it doesnt quite reach his eyes.
No! We were just I swallow hard, having no idea what comes next, meeting his deep knowing gaze and quickly looking away.
We were looking at your Book of Shadows, Rayne says, arms folded, eyes narrowed. And we were wondering where you got it?
Jude nods, lips lifting at the corners when he says, And you are?
Romy and Rayne. I nod. Theyre my I glance at them, wondering how to explain them.
Nieces, Damen says, gaze locked on Jude. Theyre staying with me for a while.
Jude nods, glancing at Damen briefly before returning to me. Moving just shy of the desk as he says, Well, if anyone could find it, its you.
I swallow hard, glancing at Damen who continues to eye Jude in a way Ive never seen from him before. Like his entire being is on a full-scale alertposture stiff, features controlled, eyes narrowing to the deepest, darkest points, all the while taking him in.
Am I fired? I ask, laughing a little, but mostly Im serious.
Jude shakes his head. Why would I fire my very best psychic? My only psychic! He smiles. Funny, that books been in the drawer since last summer and yet no one found it til now. He shrugs. So whats your interest in it anyway? I thought you werent into magick and stuff?
I swivel back and forth in my seat, uncomfortable, squirmy, especially with the way Damen keeps looking at him. Im not, but the twins are very much into
Wicca, Damen says, placing a protective hand on each of their shoulders. Theyre interested in learning more about Wicca, and Ever thought this book might help. Though obviously, its far too advanced.
Jude looks at Damen, slowly taking him in. Looks like I just got my second and third sign-up for class.
Theres another? I say, quickly, without thinking, glancing briefly at Damen and feeling an inexplicable flush rise to my cheeks.
Jude shrugs. If she shows. Seemed pretty interested though.
Honor. I know it without even peering into his mind. Honors the first sign-up, and Ive no doubt shell show.
Class? Damen asks, hands still on the twins, gaze darting between Jude and me.
Psychic Development level one. He shrugs. With a small emphasis on self-empowerment and magick. Im thinking we should start soon, maybe even tomorrow. Why wait?