Wait. Mary Ann wanted his birth certificate? That had to mean she believed him. That had to mean she was going to help him. He wanted to laugheven though hed told her to stay away from the beast, not recruit it to his cause. No, I dont. But Im not giving you the license until I hear from her. I dont trust you.
Well, youd better start, because shes trying to help you and your friends and wont be able to sleep until she has that license. I dont like the thought of her tossing and turning.
Shed told the wolf about the souls; shed confided his darkest secrets to his enemy. Aden waited for a sense of betrayal to overtake him, but it never did. She was trying to help him. Nothing else mattered.
What does the name of the hospital I was born at matter? What do my parents matter?
Youll have to ask her.
I will. Aden crossed the room to his desk and dug through the top drawer for the requested item. Here. He held it out and the wolf clasped it between his teeth. I dont want her tossing and turning either. If you hurt her
She has nothing to fear from me, human. I wish I could say the same about you.
HERE YOU GO. Riley dropped the license in her lap.
Mary Ann bent down and hugged him. Thank you.
My pleasure, he said, purring against her hair.
Now that shed seen his human form, the action made her want things she shouldnt. Things she didnt want to name, not to Riley and certainly not to herself. But she couldnt help but wonder if Riley wanted those unmentionable things, as well.
Why else would he hang out with her so much? Unless
She pulled back, a smile frozen on her face. Did she make him feel calm, as she did with Aden and apparently Tucker? Was it part of his job, something that helped him protect Victoria?
That was not what she wanted.
The fake smile fell away. She faced her computer to hide her now-pinched expression. All I have to do is send a note with my request, a copy of a photo ID and ten dollars, then boom, his birth certificate is mine. Can you believe that? Im going to order mine, too, since apparently my dad lost it.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Riley back away from her, shake his head. I have to go. The clothes Ill leave behind. Hide them from your dad.
Hed freak out if he found them, thats for sure. Hed only just gotten used to the idea of me dating Tucker. If he knew a boy was actually sneaking inside my bedroom She shuddered. Id be placed on total lockdown.
Your dads reaction to Tuckers appearance would not have come close to mine. But like I said, hide the clothes. Ill need them next time Im over.
Next time. He was coming back; she would see him again. Maybe by then shed have her new, silly feelings for him under control. I will.
Oh, dont worry that the underwear is missing. I dont wear any. See you tomorrow, Mary Ann.
CHAPTER 13
The next morning, Aden did a double take as he arrived at school. Victoria stood just outside the front doors. What was she doing out in public? Everyone could see herand every boy that passed her couldnt help but stare.
Shock pounded through him, an urge to hide her riding fast on its heels, and he quickened his step. Mary Ann had to run to keep up. Theyd met in the forest, halfway between their houses, and had walked the rest of the way together in a rare moment of privacy. Shannon had stayed home sick. The wolf was also absent. Shed grumbled about him the entire way, wondering where he was, what he was doing and why he wasnt with her. There hadnt been an opportunity to thank her for deciding to help him.
What are youoh, Mary Ann panted. Was that excitement in her voice?
He followed the line of her gaze. The boy Aden had seen with Victoria that day in the forestRiley, the bodyguardstood beside the vampire, clearly angry to be there.
But Aden was more interested in Victoria. Today she wore a glittery black shirt that hung midthigh like a dress, a pair of black tights and slippers with little bows on top. Her blue-streaked hair was pulled back in a ponytail that swung behind her. The only thing that was the same was her opal ring.
She noticed his scrutiny and shifted from one foot to the other. These new clothes are uncomfortable, but for once we were concerned with fitting in. Do you like them?
Youre beautiful. And she was.
Her lips slowly lifted into a smile. Thank you.
Hello, Riley, Mary Ann said to the bodyguard.
Riley nodded in greeting. Mary Ann. Was that gruff affection in his voice?
Aden frowned, his attention whipping to her. You know him?
She nodded, gaze not leaving the boy. Man. Whatever he was. He looked older and harder than all the guys entering the building. You know him, too. Hes the one you warned me away from. Dont worry, though, she rushed to assure him. He wont hurt us.
The only personthinghed warned her away from was the werewolf. With that thought, Aden sucked in a breath. The werewolf. Riley the bodyguard was the werewolf?
He moved in front of both girls, splaying his arms, and studied the boy, this human version of the big, black animal.
As Mary Ann just told you, Im not going to hurt them, Riley said, rolling his eyes.
Aden remained in place. His gaze landed and remained on Rileys legs. There wasnt a bumpy area to indicate bandages.
I heal quickly, Riley explained with only the barest hint of anger. Only limped for a day. He shrugged. Or two.
This was so unexpected. Surreal, unbelievable.
Eve? Aden said aloud, and Riley frowned.
Yes, Eve responded.
The only time Mary Ann had failed to banish the souls was when shed been with the werewolf. That meant the wolf somehow negated her ability, the same way Mary Ann usually negated Adens.
When hed considered Shannon the wolf, hed thought that Shannon, in human form, simply could not affect Mary Annand therefore Adenin any way. But Riley did, even in human form.
Which meant Aden was indeed standing in front of the vicious and bloodthirsty creature that hated him. The vicious and bloodthirsty creature that had helped him last night.
Aden? Eve prompted. Did you need something?
Oh. Sorry. I was just checking to see if you were with me or in the black hole, he muttered.
Who are you speaking to? Riley demanded as Eve said, I want to talk about Mary Ann. Theres so much I
Who to answer first? A friend, he told Riley. And Eve, you know I cant talk to you in public. Please understand.
She growled at him, not unlike the wolf had in their prior encounters, but lapsed into silence.
Actually, I shouldnt be speaking to any of you. Not here. Aden scanned the area, said, This way, and took Victoria and Mary Ann by the hand, leading them under the towering oak that shaded the side of the building.
A frowning Riley followed. His narrowed gaze remained on Aden and Mary Anns twined fingers until Aden released her.
Whats going on here? Mary Ann kicked a pebble with the toe of her shoe, looking nervous, unsure. If Aden wasnt mistaken, she was watching Riley through her lashes.
Poor Mary Ann. She obviously liked the boy, yet Aden knew that wouldnt end well for her. One day soon she would find herself running through the woods, tears streaming down her cheeks, Riley the wolf chasing her. To hurt her?
Or maybe to comfort her, he thought suddenly. Stranger things had happened. Obviously.
Ill explain in a moment. Introductions are in order first, I think, Victoria said, breaking the awkward silence.
How could he have forgotten? Victoria, this is Mary Ann, he said. Mary Ann, this is Victoria. Everyone but me already knows Riley, apparently.
Nice to meet you, Mary Ann said.
Victoria nodded, her gaze darting between Mary Ann and Aden. You, as well. Ive heard much about you. Her tone was far from welcoming.
Was shejealous?
I dont see anyI mean Mary Anns cheeks bloomed with color. Never mind.
They are retracted, Victoria explained. They elongate when the hunger comes upon me.
Mary Ann covered her neck with her hand. Oh.
She wont bite you, Aden said.
Victoria didnt offer an assurance of her own. Maybe she was jealous. He wanted to grin.
He studied each of the people around him, marveling. How diverse they were. A beautiful vampire, a mysterious shape-shifter, and a seemingly normal teenage girl. They hadnt known each other long, not really. Strange how hed already come to feel so close to them. Well, two of them, anyway.
You told me werewolves were vicious, he said to Victoria. If thats the case, why is one guarding you?
Her mouth kicked up at one corner. He is vicious. To everyone but me, that is. And thats exactly why hes my guard.
Excellent point. That didnt mean he liked it. What about Mary Ann?
I told you. I would never hurt her, Riley said, offended.
Thats good to know. But if you ever change your mind, Ill make you regret it. He stated it matter-of-factly. Because thats what it was: a fact. He didnt have many friends, and those he had he would protect with his life.
Riley traced his tongue over his sharp, white teeth. Are you threatening me, little boy?
Hey, now, Mary Ann said. None of that. You two need to play nice. Riley, Aden is only looking out for me. Aden, you remember how Riley helped you last night, right?
Yes, he said grudgingly. Between her questions about the wolf, Mary Ann had told him that when his birth certificate arrived, they were going to hunt down his parents. As grateful as he was to her and as brilliant as he found her plan, he wished he were more excited about it. Actually, any emotion besides dread would have been welcome. But he just couldnt work up a single ounce of enthusiasm at the prospect of meeting the people who had abandoned him.
Since were on the hurt-a-girl-and-pay subject, you should know that I take my job seriously, Riley said, the warning clear. Harm Victoria, I wont just make you regret. Ill hang you by your own intestines while youre still alive.
Mary Anns eyes rounded, as big as saucers. Had the wolf scared her? Part of him hoped so. She needed to know what kind of personthingshe thought to call friend.
Riley noticed her expression and offered her a half smile. Sorry. Ill make it quick and painless, okay?
You shouldnt threaten, she said. Rather than fear, he heard anger in her voice. A whole lot of anger. So why was she looking at Victoria now, rather than Riley?
Aden replayed the conversation through his mind and realized she hadnt liked the way Riley had rushed to the vampires defense. Jealousy must be contagious, because they all seemed to have caught it.
I would never hurt Victoria, Aden assured him. You, on the other hand He would not back down and Riley needed to know that. He had his daggers, and he wasnt afraid to use them. Even here.
Victoria stepped forward and placed her hand on Adens shoulder. He felt the burn of it, the sweet sizzle, and his attention swung to her, the werewolf momentarily forgotten.
Her ocean-water eyes glowed. He couldnt have turned away to save himself from a bullet to the head. Just then they were the only two people alive, transported back to their pond, splashing and laughing and brushing against each other. Hed held her, had almost kissed her.
He will not attack you here, she said. You have my word.
A gust of wind swirled between them, lifting her hair and casting several locks in his direction. They danced across his cheek, tickling.
Now. Lets talk about something other than your intentions toward each other, she suggested.
Im all for that, Mary Ann said. Her anger appeared to have drained. What are you guys doing here? Dont get me wrong. Im happy youre here. She flicked Riley a glance. I just cant figure out why you are.
A tremor moved through Victoria and she dropped her arm, focus wavering between Adens face and his neck. You know how I told you that my people sensed you?
He nodded. Was she thinking of drinking from him?
Wellwe werent the only ones. Others have arrived. Concern radiated from her as she leaned into him, careful not to make contact. Goblins, fairies, witches, she whispered. Theyre searching for the source of the lure.
Dear God. More creatures? And they were searching for him? Aden shook his head, wishing the bombshell Victoria had just dropped could be dislodged and lost. Wishing he could forget the trouble that was sure to come. How much more could he take?
We were raised among them and know how they operate, she continued. Theyll want to capture you. Study you.
Thats why we, Riley said, butting in, are here to protect the two of you from being taken or injured by these creatures.
He laughed until he realized the werewolf was serious. I can take care of myself. Hed been doing it his entire life.
Regardless. Riley shrugged. Orders are orders. Vlad doesnt want you harmed before hes had the chance to meet you.
Aden tossed up his arms. Why cant he meet me now?
Riley ignored him. And you, he said to Mary Ann, are Adens closet friend, which means you could be used to get to him. Which is why youll be protected, too.
She nodded and it looked like she was fighting a smile.
So did Riley. The good news is, Victoria and I are now students here. Youll be seeing a lot more of us.
Victoria, with him all day? Okay. Maybe being hunted by goblins, fairies and witches wasnt such a bad thing. StillI havent seen anyone suspicious. Or different, for that matter. Wait. That wasnt true. The old lady at the shopping center, the girl that first day here at the school and then the boy pretending to be John OConner. They glittered and pulsed with energy.
What if they were goblins, fairies or witches? But they hadnt tried to hurt him or Mary Ann.
Again, Riley shrugged. You might not have noticed them, but that doesnt mean they havent seen you.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. What do those creatures want with me?
The same thing we did, Im sure. Victoria twirled her ponytail around her fingers. To figure out how you blasted that energy, how you hurt them with it. And how youre still humming with a strange sort of power. Except, she added, tilting her head, when youre with Mary Ann. Only then does it stop. Well, except when Riley is with you. Why is that?
I dont know. But he wanted to figure it out. What can you tell me about those Im up against?
With witches, you must be careful. Victoria clasped his hand briefly in warning. They can smile while cursing you. Goblins enjoy eating human flesh. Unlike vampires, they do not take only a few pints of blood and walk away. They eat the entire body. Fairies are equally powerful, their beauty a mask for their treacherous hearts. She had spat the word fairies.
Dont like fairies much, I take it? Mary Ann said, brow arched.
Riley nodded. They are our worst enemy.
Even though Aden had dealt with weirdness his entire life, he realized anew that there was a whole world he knew nothing about. He might not want to learn it all, but he had to, every little detail.
I spoke to my father yesterday, Victoria began.
Victoria, Riley snapped.
What? He needs to know.
You father will not like an outsider knowing of his frailty.
Aden wont use the information against him. Once again she reached out and squeezed Adens hand. Anyway, during SamhainHalloween, you humans call itmy father will officially rise. In honor of that, he is hosting a ball and it is there that he wishes to meet with you.
There was a catch, he knew there was. There was too much guilt in her tone. Then her words sank in and he gaped at her. You father, Vlad the Impaler, wants to meet with me on Halloween night? And what do you mean, he will officially rise? I thought he was alive and well.
Yes, he does want to meet you, and by rise I mean just that. For the past decade, he has been in hibernation to calm his mind, to prevent his too-long lifetime of memories from driving him insane. Your energy woke him early, though his body isand will continue to beweakened until the ceremony.
Good lord. Hed woken a beast. Literally. No wonder Vlad had wanted to kill him at first.
Im asking you to please come, Victoria said. Do not try and thwart him. You will not like the consequences.
Had she ever tried to thwart the man? he wondered as he peered into her now-haunted eyes. What had been done to her in punishment? Perhaps it was best that he didnt know. If Vlad had hurt her, Aden would want to kill him. And if he tried to kill the king of the vampires, even in the mans weakened condition, hed most likely be chopped into little Aden bits and scattered throughout Crossroads.
Suck it up. Be a man, he told himself. Hed faced corpses before. Yeah, theyd bitten him and yeah, this one was possibly a thousand times more vicious, had sharper teeth, wasnt really dead and still enjoyed the taste of blood, but he liked Victoria. For her, he would face anything. Anyone.
Please, she said, taking his silence as resistance.
Ill be there, he said. He had a month to prepare, body and mind.
She grinned. Thank you.
Inside, a bell sounded, signaling they had five minutes to reach their first class. Youre students, right?
Victoria and Riley nodded in unison.
Come on, then. We cant be late.
Reluctantly, the four of them headed toward the school. Their reprieve was over, and they wouldnt get another one for a while yet.
Do you guys have schedules and should we give you the tour? Mary Ann asked, shyly glancing up at Riley.
Yes and no, the wolf shifter replied. Yes, we have schedules and no, we dont need a tour. Weve already looked around.
They had? When?
Last night, Victoria said with another grin. This one was sheepish.
God, he loved when she smiled like that.
His pulse must have spiked because her gaze fell to his neck; she licked her lips. Thinking of biting him?
That didnt scare him anymore, he realized. Not even a little. Good thing, too. Soon, she would do it, unable to resist, just as Elijah had shown him. Finally Aden could lay two of her fears to rest: he would not be horrified by her actions and he would not become a blood-slave.
What if you do? whispered through his mind. He ignored the thought. Not like it would matter. He wasnt going to be alive much longer, anyway.
Did you see him? a girl whispered to her friend as they walked past the tree and onto the pavement.
Oh, yeah. Who is he? another asked. Hes hawt!
I know!
Just as their voices trailed off, a group of boys passed. Christmas must have come early. Have you ever seen a girl that fine?
Think the new kids already hit it?
Does it matter? Theres enough for everyone.
They laughed, then the doors closed behind them, cutting off the rest of their comments.
Adens hands clenched at his sides.
Humans, Victoria said with a roll of her eyes.
Shall I punish them for you? Riley asked her.
That should be my job, he thought darkly.
She laughed, even as Mary Ann stiffened. No. Thank you, though.
Just before they reached the doors themselves, something slammed into Adens shoulder from behind, propelling him forward. Riley caught him with a hand on his chest and pushed him to a stand, keeping him from eating the entrance. He spun around, eyes narrowedand came face-to-face with Tucker.
Youre in my way, the jock growled.
He raised his chin, the fury hed felt a minute ago nothing compared to what he felt now. Since Mary Ann was no longer dating him, Aden didnt have to play nice. So go around me.
You cant fight him, Eve said, no longer content to remain quiet.
Yeah, but he cant walk away, either, Caleb told her. Hell look like a wuss.
And if hes kicked out of schoolJulian sighed.
Elijah remained strangely silent.
Get. Out. Of. My. Way. Tucker shoved him again.
The kids in the parking lot rushed forward, expecting a brawl. Wanting it, even. They began chanting, Fight, fight, fight.
Tucker, Mary Ann said, grabbing for his wrist. Dont do this.
Riley grabbed her wrist before she could even touch the jock and shoved her behind him. Oh, no you dont.
Victoria approached Adens side. When she opened her mouth to speak, he held up his hand to stop her. She could save him from this fight, yes, but Tucker would come back. Bullies always diduntil someone gave them a reason not to, exactly as hed done with Ozzie.
If you dont get out of my face, jock, Im going to grind your teeth into the concrete and everyone here will know you arent the tough guy you pretend to be. That youre just an overgrown baby who runs to his girlfriends best friend to cry.
Good one! Caleb said excitedly.
Tucker sucked in a breath. Youre going to die for that.
Ohh. How clever, he said and clapped. A death threat. You know whats funny? Thats not even my first of the day.
For a long while, Tucker just glared at him. Then the glare became a frown of confusion, and the frown of confusion a scowl of irritation. Finally, he pivoted on his heel and stomped into the school.
Okay. What had just happened? Why had Tucker walked away without Aden having to throw a single punch?
The kids surrounding Aden moaned in disappointment but followed Tuckers lead.
Very strange, Riley said. I could see spiders springing from the blackness of his aura. It was almost as if he was projecting them at you, as if he expected you to see and feel them all over your body.
What are you talking about? Inside that glass foyer, Aden watched as Tuckers attention swung to the boy beside him. A second later, that boy screamed so loudly it shook the glass, patting at his body, ripping at his clothes.
Yeah, what are you talking about? Mary Ann asked. What do you mean, projecting spiders?
Demon, Victoria said grimly.
Riley nodded. Youre right. Of course. I should have guessed. Clearly Tucker is part demon. A very small part, but it grants him the power of illusion.
What? Aden and Mary Ann exclaimed simultaneously.
And did you say demon? Mary Ann added, mouth floundering open and closed. That cant be right. He was my boyfriend. We dated for months. I mightve been distracted for much of that time, but cmon. I would have known if he wasnt human. Right? I mean, Im studying to be a shrink. A trained observer. And okay, yeah. Yesterday I wondered if demons could maybe walk among us and thats who Aden had trapped in his head, but I didnt really believe it.
Aden didnt want to believe it, either. A demon, like, possesses him?
Riley shrugged. Either that, or theres a demon in his family tree.
Pennys baby, Mary Ann gasped out. Will it be a demon?
Again, Riley shrugged, though his expression was sympathetic. And relieved, if Aden wasnt mistaken. Only time will tell.
Shane Weston knows about Tucker, I think, and doesnt seem to care. I wonder if that makes him one, too. She massaged the back of her neck. Very soon youre going to have to tell me how this kind of thing is possible. I mean, I still dont want to believe you about this demon thing, but I guess it explains Tuckers cruel streak, the way he once produced a snake out of thin air and why he was so adamant about dating me and later, when we broke up, about remaining friends.
He wanted to stay with you because you are beautiful, Riley said.
You think Im beautiful? Not that it matters, she rushed out, then shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. What I was saying was that Aden once told me I calm him, then Tucker later told me the same thing. Maybe Im, I dont know, like a tranquilizer to anyone whos not human.
Not a tranquilizer, Aden said. A neutralizer.
Well, if I negate powers, how was Tucker able to produce that snake? I was on the other side of the door from him, but we were still close.
Perhaps to do any negating, you need open space between you and the one with the power, Aden suggested.
Lets not talk about this here. Riley eyed the many cars in the parking lot, the doors in front of them and the students still in the foyer. Anyone could walk up on them at anytime. Anyone could be hiding in the bushes nearby.
They strode into the building, leaving the cool morning behind. Students rushed along the halls. Aden leaned into Victoria and whispered, Are you going to be okay? He rubbed his neck to let her know what he meant.
Yes, she whispered back, her breath warm on his skin. She didnt sound sure.
If you get hungry
I wont, she said. Again, she didnt sound convinced.
Well, Im here for you, anyway.
The bell rang and each of them froze.
We better get to class, Aden said with a sigh. Were already late. And just how was he going to explain that to Dan? Hey, Dan. You cant toss me out because I was talking business with a vampire and a werewolf.
Ill take care of it, Victoria said with a grin. No one will know.
Howoh. Her voice voodoo. He grinned, too. Hanging out with a vampire princess certainly had its advantages. Thank you.
My pleasure.
He expected them to all go their separate ways, but it turned out Riley and Victoria had done more than sneak into the school; theyd ensured Victoria had the same schedule as Aden and Riley the same as Mary Ann.
Victoria. At school with him all day long. He would get to spend more time with her, see her openly, talk with her, learn more about her and her people. Did it get any better than that?
Actually, yes. Mary Ann was helping him and Riley wasnt threatening to kill him.
His optimism didnt last long, though. Something would go wrong and soon. It always did. That wasnt paranoia. That was the simple crux of Adens life.
Elijah, he mumbled as he entered first period beside Victoria.
The psychic knew what he wanted. Bad is indeed on its way, my friend. I told you that before you began this journey.
Yet hed embarked on it anyway, so whatever happened would be his fault.
THIRD PERIOD, the boy pretending to be John OConner was waiting for Aden, practically bouncing up and down in the doorway. Aden was still furious with him, plus now suspicious of his origins, and pretended not to hear his eager questions.
Did you talk to Chloe, huh, huh? I couldnt get to the cafeteria for some reason, but I tried.
Victoria claimed Johns seat, forcing the boy to stand beside Aden. Others were filing inside, staring at her with openmouthed astonishment. He wanted to hit them.
Go away, Aden growled.
Who? Me? Victoria asked.
He motioned to John with a tilt of his head. No. The pest.
She frowned as she peered over at John. Or tried to. Her gaze never quite made contact. What pest?
Is hedo you think he could be
Come on, man, John said before Victoria could reply. Its not like Im asking you to solve world hunger or anything. I just want you to talk to Chloe, see how shes doing.
Aden flattened his palm against Johns chest and shovedor tried to. His hand slipped through as if he were only touching air. Electrically charged air that zapped him as if hed stuck his fingers in a light socket.
For a long while, he simply peered down at his tingling hand. The teacher started talking, then forced Victoria to stand in front of the class and tell everyone a little about herselfHi, my names Victoria and Im from New York. Im happiest when Im alone and my favorite ice cream flavor is butter pecan. Thank you.
He raised his gaze to John, studying him through new eyes. The glittery skin, now so clearly an outline of the body he used to have. Not a goblin, fairy or witch, after all. How had he not known? How he had not reasoned it out?
What? You didnt know? John asked him. The real John, after all. Killed by a drug overdose and now, apparently, a ghost.
Figured, Aden thought. Were these spirits after him now, too? If so, how was he supposed to be guarded from them?
THROUGHOUT THE DAY, the gossip about Victoria and Riley intensified. One group claimed they were models trying to hide out from the media. Another claimed they were the children of models trying to hide out. Everyone thought they were wealthy and a few even speculated they were here to film a reality TV show.
Mary Ann rolled her eyes at it all, not quite sure how money and stardom had entered the equation. She could hardly believe Riley was here. And in human form!