I almost didnt, she admitted.
So what if you cant this time? I can take it.
You can, perhaps, but I cant stand knowing that you will have seen me behaving like such an animal.
Victoria? An animal? I would never think that of you.
Her arms circled his neck, her elbows resting on his shoulders. Sharp white fangs peeked over her bottom lip. Aden, she said, then sighed. What am I going to do with you?
Youre going to kiss me.
Still she resistedbut the determination shed exhibited earlier was fading. I could scare you. I could horrify and disgust you. Before he could reply, she pushed away from him. She spun around, refusing even to face him. We should go.
Waves lapped at his chin, and he fought his disappointment. Soon, he told himself, they would kiss. She would bite him, and he would prove to her that such an act didnt disgust him.
You cant leave yet. Its my turn to ask you to stay and your turn to relent. He didnt want them to part unhappily. When she thought back over this night, he wanted her craving another like it. Besides, I have one more question for you and you owe me an answer. Truth or not, he didnt care.
She didnt look back, but she did nod stiffly. Ask.
Slowly he inched toward her. What do you think ofthis. He scooped a handful of water and chucked it at her, drenching her hair.
She was sputtering as she whirled around. Droplets fell into her eyes, catching in her eyelashes. Why did you
Laughing, he tossed another handful. This one hit her dead center in the face.
Why, you littlehuman!
Before he could blink, she had him dunked under the water. When he surfaced, she was laughing, and the sound warmed him body and soul. Like children, happy, carefree children, they played until the sun began to rise. Splashing each other, dunking each other. She won, of course, because she was infinitely stronger than he was, but hed never had so much fun.
Aden, honey, Eve said, speaking up for the first time in hours. Her voice actually surprised him. The souls had behaved and he hadnt even realized it until now. You have to go back. Well be lucky if Dan is still sleeping and doesnt catch you climbing through your window.
She was right.
But dayum, I wish I could feel what you feel, Caleb said. I didnt even mind the forced silence. You were pressed against boobs. Several times!
He barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes. If I dont return, Ill be caught. He reached out and smoothed the wet hair from Victorias temple. I want to see you again, though. More than just once a week. I want to see you every day.
Her smile faded, but she nodded. I cant promise Ill be able to sneak away tomorrow, and as Ive told you before, youd be wise to stay away from me. ButIll try. Either way, we will see each other again.
CHAPTER 11
Inside his bedroom, Aden couldnt stop yawning. He glanced at his bed with longing. He had to sleep soon or he was likely to pass out somewhere in public. But there was no time to rest. Hed stayed out so long he only had a little time before he had to leave for school. His gaze swung to his mirror. His eyes were red and burning, his eyelids heavy. Didnt help that one was blackened from his fight with Ozzie.
At least his lip was healed. Victorias touch had worked wonders.
He grinned, remembering. He wanted her mouth on him again. Only this time he wanted her to linger. Wanted her to wind her arms around his neck, to shift her head so that her tongue flicked inside rather than outside.
What are you thinking about? Eve asked. I can feel our blood pressure rising.
Nothing, he muttered, embarrassed.
He showered and dressed and gave himself a once-over. Thankfully, after a few washings, the writing on his T-shirts had faded. That didnt lessen his pleasure over punching Ozzie for it.
When he entered the hall, Ozzie was waiting for him. One of his eyes was swollen shut, his lip was cut and a lump the size of a golf ball jutted from the side of his jaw.
Say a word about what happened, he hissed. I dare you.
Victoria had kept her promise, then, and returned his memory. Well, probably not about her or what shed done to Casey. Im not afraid of you. He grinned and leaned down as if he had a secret to share. You couldnt win a fight against a sleeping toddler.
Ozzies mouth floundered open and closed.
And anyway, well have to tell Dan we fought. Theres no way around that. Because there was no way Dan would miss their wounds. We just wont tell him why, when or where it happened.
And thestuff? Ozzie spoke from the side of his mouth, gaze zooming down the hall to ensure the bedroom doors were closed and no one could hear. About Casey?
I dont plan to say anything. Ozzie relaxeduntil he added, Unless you mess with me again. Then I have a feeling every little detail will come spilling out. Understand? Aden didnt mind blackmailing the dreg. He was tired of being pushed around, abused, and being unable to do anything about it for fear of being sent away.
Ozzie cursed under his breath. You even think about narcing and I swear to God, youll regret it. He whipped a steak knife from his back pocket, one hed obviously stolen from Dans kitchen, and waved it in front of Adens nose. Do you understand?
Aden rolled his eyes, bent down and withdrew one of his daggers. It was bigger and sharper, specks of corpse blood staining the silver. What I understand is that I could slice you to ribbons. You have no idea how mental I can actually be.
Speechless once again, Ozzie backtracked into his room and slammed the door shut.
Oh, Im so proud. Eve sounded like a beaming mother. You stood up for yourself without endangering your circumstances.
Way to go, Ad! Caleb said. We need to celebrate. With girls!
I wish you could have at least punched him again, Julian said. I hate that kid.
Dont encourage him, Elijah replied. We dont want him in jail. Believe me.
Did Elijah remember being in jail in a past life or had he seen Aden in jail and knew how terrible it would be for them?
There was no time to ask. Shannon peeked his head out of his door, probably wondering what the noise was about. He surprised Aden by entering the hallway.
H-here. He handed him a stack of papers. Ozzie came in l-last night and told me he was going to t-take these. I snuck in first and took them myself.
His English paper, which was due today. Aden hadnt even realized it was gone. All the work hed put into itif Ozzie had succeeded, he would have received an F. He popped his jaw, wishing he had punched the dreg again.
Thanks.
Shannon nodded. Owed you. For His gaze fell to Adens shirt. Y-you know.
When he turned, intending to head off, Aden grabbed his arm. Wait. Youve hardly spoken to me all week, but you just saved me from being kicked out of school. What gives?
A muscle ticked in Shannons jaw. He ripped free of Adens grip, but he didnt race off.
You might as well tell me now. Ill just hound you till you cave. In the forest. At school. After school. During chores
Th-that day in the forest, was the growled response. You were right behind me, man. Then those k-kids showed up and you took off, leaving me on my own. I know we havent always been the b-best of friends, but we had reached a t-truce.
So you really were in a fight?
Another nod, this one stiff.
Shannon wasnt the werewolf, then. That leftwho? Victorias bodyguard, maybe? No. Couldnt be. Victoria thought werewolves were vicious. She wouldnt want to be guarded by one.
Aden thought of everyone else he knew with green eyes. A lot of names came up. What if, when a human shifted into werewolf form, his eyes changed color? Aden was living proof that eyes could change hues in the blink of, well, an eye. If that was true, anyone could be the werewolf.
Im sorry, he told Shannon, realizing the dreg was waiting for his response. I didnt know you were ambushed. I didnt see the guys. If I had, I would have stayed with you. Maybe. I mean, I heard Mary Ann scream and rushed to see what was wrong.
She okay?
Now she is. He hoped. Somehow, some way, he had to corner her today and force her to talk to him. So what made you decide to forgive me for bailing on you?
Hard to be m-mad at the guy who kicked Ozzies ass.
They shared a grin, then gathered their sack lunches from the counter beside the front door where Mrs. Reeves always left them.
Shannon cant be the werewolf, Julian said. He did you a favor. The wolf would have chewed the paper up, spit it at you and laughed.
Then lit you both on fire, Caleb added.
Since Aden hadnt spoken his thoughts about this very subject aloud, they couldnt know that hed already reasoned this out.
Unless this is a trick to throw you off, Elijah said thoughtfully.
Not a trick, he wanted to say, because he didnt want to believe it. His life finally seemed to be on the right track. Hed ruin that himself if he allowed suspicions to poison him. After all, suspicions led to paranoia, and paranoia was classic schizophrenic behavior. Hed be gift-wrapping his doctors diagnosis when hed been struggling so valiantly to disprove it.
He has enough to think about, boys, Eve said, probably sensing the intensity of his thoughts. Lets give him some peace this morning.
Yes, Eve, everyone said at the same time Shannon said, You need a good story for your f-face or youll get kicked out. And maybe dont bring up Ozzie. Do, and h-hell have the others plan a sneak attack.
Took Aden a moment to sort through the voices and pick out what Shannon had uttered. See? The guy hadnt been faking his gesture of friendship; he was still trying to make things better.
I cant leave Ozzie out of it because Ozzie has the same beat-up face that I do. We deny it, and Danll know were lying. Well be in worse trouble.
Maybe youll get to put it off. Maybe hes gone. Some mornings Dan was up doing chores, but a few lucky mornings, he slept in or was off running errands.
For the first time since starting school, they headed outside together. The air was cool, the sky overcast. Dan was at the truck, about to open the door when he spotted Aden and froze. As if Aden were cursed, the sun broke through a wall of clouds and spotlighted him, seeming brighter than ever. He had to blink against it, his injured eye burning and tearing. Guess he wouldnt be putting off the conversation, after all.
Whered you get the bruises, Aden? Dan only used that hard tone when he was fighting his anger.
Here goes. He squared his shoulders, even as his stomach clenched painfully. Ozzie and I had a little disagreement. Were over it, and were sorry. Short, sweet and honest.
Dan stomped around the truck, bearing down on him. You know better than to resort to physical violence, no matter the problem. Thats one of the reasons youre here, to get a handle on your violent tendencies.
This was a one-time thing and wont happen again.
Ive heard that before. The big guy scrubbed a hand down his face, some of the stiffness leaving him. I cant believe you did this. I get you into public school, I buy you clothes, make sure youre fed. All I ask is that you get along.
His companions started screaming inside his head, trying to tell him what to say. Loud as they currently were, he heard only a jumble of indistinguishable words. We made a mistake. We learned from it. Isnt that whats important? Hopefully, that fit.
Dan worked his jaw. Doesnt matter if you learned something or not. Actions have consequences. I have to punish you. You know that, too, right?
Punish me? That, Aden heard. He tossed up his arms, his irritation boiling over with the same potency his rage had boiled over last night. Its not like youre perfect, Dan. Its not like you havent made mistakes.
His caregivers eyes narrowed. Whats that supposed to mean?
Dont do it, each of his companions shouted in unison. No mistaking their meaning this time.
You know, he said anyway. You and Ms. Killerman.
Now his companions moaned.
Dans mouth fell open. He stared at Aden in silence for several moments, the time ticking away in tune to the crickets chirps. Finally, his gaze shot to Shannon. Get in the truck. Ill drive you to school. His tone was no longer hard or upset, but flat. No emotion.
Shannon hesitated only a moment, his expression sympathetic, before obeying.
Dan crossed his arms over his chest. I dont know how you learned about Ms. Killerman or what you think you know, but I assure you, Ive done nothing to be ashamed of. Because thats what youre getting at, isnt it?
He stuffed his hands into his pockets and nodded, the action tentative. Hed started this; he would see it through.
Well, youre wrong. I flirt with her solely for the sake of you boys, and Meg is very aware of it. Sometimes shes even in the same room while Im doing it because its the only way I can stomach what I have to say and hear. But I do it because it keeps you boys here when you should be pulled in for violence. Or drugs. Or theft. Or any number of other things. I do it because your requests are processed before anyone elses. How do you think you got into public school so quickly?
II
Dan wasnt done. At first, I couldnt believe Id called her and asked her to make it happen. But then I remembered your disappointment when I told you it wasnt going to happen. So I called her again and asked her to hurry things along. And you know what? She did. Do you think she does that for everyone? She had to get state and school approval. She had to fight the powers that be. I had to fight.
Guilt, white-hot and laced with acid, swept through him. Hed judged and condemned Dan without all the facts. Something that had been done to him time and time again. Something hed sworn never to do to others. As honest and forthright as Dan was, he should have known better.
Dan, he began, tortured.
Appearances are often deceiving, Aden, Dan said softly. Next time you think poorly of me, I hope youll give me the benefit of the doubt. Come to me, talk to me.
I will. And Im sorry I didnt this time. He raised his chin and met Dans stare. I just hope youll do the same for me. Give me the benefit of the doubt.
Dan crossed his arms over his chest, another of those long silences taking hold. What was going through his head, Aden didnt know. Whatever it was, though, caused his expression to change from suspicion to chagrin and finally to acceptance.
Get in the truck, Dan said gruffly.
Get in thewhat? Did that meanwas he
Am I pretending the fight never happened? Yeah. Ive been where you are, and I know what its like to be judged and convicted when youre innocent. So Im giving you the benefit of the doubt and trusting that you did what you did for a reason. But it better not happen again. Now, dont just stand there. Move, move, move. You dont want to be late for first period.
Aden couldnt help himself. He threw himself at Dan and gave a quick squeeze. Dan grunted and mussed his hair, and Aden grinned before jumping into the truck.
When they reached the school parking lot, Aden saw that Mary Ann was waiting at the double doors, watching the woods expectantly. For him? He wanted to believe it, but as many times as shed run from him after school
The moment the truck reached the drop-off lane, easing forward, that swift, jolting wind cut through him, straight into his chest. The souls groaned, disappearing into their black void. Adens guilt returned, although for a different reason. They had helped him get into this school and endured the pain of the darkness so that he could find them a way out, bodies of their own. So far, he hadnt done anything to keep his part of the bargain.
That would change. Today. Hed already decided to force Mary Ann to talk to him, hoping to learn what was going on inside her head, but now, hed take it a step further. He would reveal the rest of his abilitiesno matter how he feared she would reactand find out how she sent the souls away.
He studied her more closely. She looked tired, as if she hadnt slept in days, and there were shadows under her eyes. A frown pulled at the corners of her lips. Usually she was bubbling over with energy, had a smile for everyone.
Mary Anns frown became a scowl as her friend Penny approached. Penny looked worse than Mary Ann, her face swollen as if shed been crying. Mary Ann said something, head shaking violently. Penny grabbed her hand. Mary Ann ripped it away and disappeared inside the building.
What had that been about?
The truck stopped at the curb. Behave, boys. And Aden, do not resort to violence again. We clear?
Absolutely. Andthank you.
Dan nodded, offered him a half smile. See you later.
Aden and Shannon slid outside and once again walked together as they entered the building. Aden couldnt deny that he liked having someone at his side. Someone who might also watch his back.
Y-you wanna have lunch together? Shannon asked him.
Aw, how sweet, a nearby voice sneered. Tuckers voice. Aden recognized it, hated it. Every time Mary Ann was out of range, Tucker had called him names, tripped him or thrown paper wads at him. Sounds like Stutter and Crazy are dating now.
A wave of laughter swept the hall.
Aden ground his teeth. He ignored the jockno more violence, no more violence, no more freaking violenceand said to Shannon, Ill meet you in the cafeteria.
Shannon gave a barely discernible nod, his gaze falling to the floor, his cheeks pinkening, and was off to his first class.
Tucker slammed into Adens shoulder as he walked by, knocking his backpack to the floor.
Watch it, the jock growled, then stopped and whistled, losing all traces of his anger as he studied Adens battered face. Well, well, well. Someone must have been a naughty boy to have gotten such a spanking.
How could Mary Ann stand this guy? He was like a pile of manure hidden in a shiny box.
Without a word, Aden picked up his bag and stalked off.
Thats right. Run away, coward, Tucker called smugly.
He could feel hundreds of eyes on him, watching, judging, maybe even pitying. They thought he was afraid of Tucker. He hated that, but couldnt set them straight. Not just because he had to avoid violence of every kindand thats what would happen if he challenged Tucker, bloody, gruesome violencebut because of Mary Ann. She might not like it if he ground her boyfriends face into powder.
Bottling his anger cost him, though. He barely made it through his first class. For some reason, Mary Ann wasnt there. He wished he could follow her lead. He almost stomped from the room a thousand times, his nerves too raw to deal with the lecture and the students. The souls were once again chattering in his mind, trying to comfort him but their voices were only growing in intensity, blending with everyone around him and finally culminating into a roar.
Of course, thats when Mr. Klein pointed to him and asked him a question. He couldnt decipher the words, much less form a coherent reply, so Mr. Klein decided to make an example of him and his inattention and had him stand beside his desk the entire class.
If one more person snickered at him, he was going to snap.
His second and third classes werent much better. The second, geometry, should have been pleasant, since he had that with Mary Ann, as well, but once again she wasnt there. Had she left? Plus, there was a new kid whod taken the open desk beside Aden and prattled on the entire hour. New himself, Aden sympathized with the need for a friendbut God, he needed a moment of peace.
You better stop, Aden whispered midway through the class. Youll get in trouble, and you dont want to be on Ms. Carringtons bad side. I hear she bites, and not the good way.
No worries, bro. No one cares what I do. New Kid smiled. He had shaggy blond hair that kept falling into his eyes.
His skin seemed to absorb the rooms light, sparkling. Aden had seen that sparkle before, on someone else. But whothe old lady at the shopping center. Thats right. And just like the old lady, this kid made the fine hairs on Adens body stand at attention.
Im John OConner, by the way. And yeah, Im highly aware that my name is similar to the guy in Terminator. It was my moms favorite movie.
Aden Stone.
Listen, have you seen Chloe Howard around the halls? A brunette with braces, lots of freckles. Very pretty.
No. Hed been too preoccupied with his own brunettes to notice others. He tried to keep his gaze focused on the head of the class. That didnt discourage John.
Oh, man. You are missing out. But thats okay. You have the rest of the day to hunt her down and
Mr. Stone. A palm slapped onto the teachers desk, rattling the coffee mug resting there. Would you like to explain vectors yourself or should I continue?
He sunk low in his seat as everyone spun in their chairs to face him. You should continue. Why wasnt John in trouble?
She held his stare for a moment more before nodding with satisfaction and launching back into her lecture.
Have lunch with me, John told him. I dont want to sit alone, and I want to tell you about Chloe.
Fine, he whispered, just wanting the conversation to end. And maybe talking to the guy at lunch would lead to a revelation about that glittery skin and those electrical charges that pulsed from his body. Ill wait for you by the cafeteria doors.
Sweet.
Finally. Silence.
All through third period he wondered about Mary Ann, where shed gone, what she was doing. When the bell rang, he grabbed his stuff and headed for the door, unsure of what to do. He was meeting Shannonand now Johnfor lunch, so he couldnt leave and walk to her house to see if she was there.
Hed memorized her number. Maybe the receptionist in the office would let him use the phone and call her. Except
That now familiar gust of wind hit him in the chest, and he stopped short.
Mary Ann had to be nearby.
He looked down the halland there she was, rushing toward him. The intensity of his relief was staggering.
Aden, she called.
She halted just in front of him, panting a little, shifting restlessly from one foot to the other. Aden, she repeated more quietly. She offered him a hesitant smile, as if she was unsure of her welcome.
So now youre talking to me again? Aden couldnt help but ask. Why have you been avoiding me?
Her smile fell. What do you mean? I wasnt avoiding you. At lunch, you avoided me.
You kept taking off after school, he reminded her. I would approach you and you would run.
Im sorry. I didnt meanthat wasnt what Ioh, Im making a mess of this. But I promise you misunderstood my intentions. Youre my friend and, well, I need to talk to you. Her gaze darted to the kids shuffling around them. Now isnt the time to explain, though.
A misunderstanding. Thank God. He was new at this friend thing and clearly had a lot to learn. What are you doing here? Why werent you in first or second period?
To answer your second question, I, well, ditched. She chewed her bottom lip. To answer your first, Im stopping you from running off to wherever it is you usually go at lunch.
He didnt tell her hed already had to change his plans. Walk me to my locker, he said, and she nodded. They kept pace beside each other.
So where do you go at lunch? she asked, still seeming nervous.
I sneak off campus and search the forest for the His gaze circled the crowd pointedly. You know.
Her jaw dropped. You do? Why? And Aden, thats not good for you. You need to eat.
No worries. Dans wife packs me a lunch every morning. I take it with me and eat in the woods.
Oh.
Kids still buzzed around them and lockers slammed shut.
You dont need to do that, she said. Look for Wolf, I mean. He and I have talked.
First came surprise. Then anger. Then fear. I told you to stay away from him, Mary Ann. Youre lucky to be alive. Afriend of mine told me wolves like that are vicious killers.
The color in her face drained, and her hand fluttered to her throat. What friend? Someone else knows about whats going on?
Dont worry. Shes not ahuman, he whispered.
Mary Anns eyes widened. What do you mean? What is she?
Should he tell her or shouldnt he? Only a brief struggle was required to reach a decision. He needed her help. Therefore, she needed all the information he could give her, even about Victoria.
Keeping his voice low, he said, My friend, shes a vampire. And a princess, he added. That fact didnt bother him, not anymore, but it still managed to stun him. He was dating a princess. Well, he hoped they were dating.
Mary Ann didnt laugh at him. Didnt tell him he had an overactive imagination and walk away. She gulped and nodded. You mentioned vampires before but I didnt, I mean, I didnt think you actually knew one. She rubbed her neck, as if she could already feel fangs sinking into her vein. How did you meet her?
A group of giggling girls passed him, once again reminding him of their potential audience. Ill tell you everything, just not while weve got ears all around us. Right now, I need you to promise to stay away from that animal. Besides wanting to kill me, theres something off about him. I shouldnt have been able toyou know that day.
Her brow scrunched as she peered up at him through the thick shield of her lashes. I dont. Im sorry.
Possess him.
Oh. Why not?
When Im with you my abilities stop working. But that day in the forest, every single one of them worked perfectly. Has to be because of him. He was the only variable.
First, I still want to know what those other abilities are. Second, Wolf isnt dangerous. Not to me, at least. I think he likes me. Hes walked me to school every morning and home every afternoon. Again she chewed on her bottom lip, and he realized it was a nervous gesture of hers. She drew her arms around her middle. Hes softening toward you, I just know it.
So said the girl who had a very good chance of being on the morning news one day, her body mangled and riddled with teeth marks.
He couldnt believe hed spent so much time worrying about her, thinking she wanted nothing to do with him, and shed merely been playing with a wolf as though it was a pet.
Is he why youve run from me every day after school?
Her cheeks flushed. Yes, but please dont be mad, she said. I cant seem to help myself. Imdrawn to him.
That, he understood, even as it worried him. Victoria drew him, too.
They reached Adens locker and he worked the combination. Im sure Tucker will love that youre crushing on someone else. Especially an animal.
Hey! She slapped his shoulder. Hes not an animal. Not all the time. Not that hes shown me his human form, she muttered. And besides, it doesnt matter if Tucker likes it or not. Were over.
Aden stilled for a single heartbeat, books frozen midair, unsure hed heard correctly. Really? Youre broken up?
She nodded, the blush in her cheeks deepening. No question. He slept with Penny.
Ah. He dropped his books inside and slammed the door shut. Thats what you were so upset about this morning.
Wouldnt you be? They betrayed me, then acted as if nothing had ever happened.
Im sorry. Im not surprised they kept it quiet, though. No one likes to broadcast their mistakes.
Ugh. You sound just like Wo She waved a hand through the air, expression pinched. Never mind.
Her wolf? Sounding just like a vicious killer was not a compliment. Maybe he needed to, like, get in touch with his feelings or something. Act sensitive. Youre better off, you know. Tucker is an
Ass? she said, and they both laughed.
Yeah. An ass.
I agree. She released a shuddering breath as she tugged him forward. Come on. They walked several steps before she picked up the conversation where it had left off. If all weve got to look forward to is disloyalty and treachery, why do we even make friends?