Nothing in the journal, upsetting as the entries had been to her, had explained such an intense reaction. She cleared her throat. Yes. She was. But that didnt mean shed obey. Aden was a part of her life she would not give up. Ever.
If I have to, Ill call the school and
She slapped her palms against the table. Dont you dare! You would get him in trouble and they would pull him from class, then shove him back into a mental institution. A place he doesnt belong and you know it! Tell me you wont do that to him. Tell me you arent that cruel.
Shed never spoken to him like that, and he blinked over at her in astonishment.
Tell me! Once more she slammed her hands against the table, rattling the dishes.
I wont, he said softly, but I need you to tell me you wont hang out with him anymore.
Why?
He pressed his lips together, refusing to answer.
The doorbell rang.
Her dad frowned. Whos that?
I dont know. She unfolded from her chair and strode to the front door, happy for the reprieve. When she opened it and saw the visitor, her heartbeat picked up speed. Riley. He looked as rugged and ruthless as always, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, his dark hair unkempt from the wind.
What are you doing here? she whispered, glancing over her shoulder to ensure that they were alone. They werent.
Yes, what are you doing here? her dad asked rudely from behind her. And who are you?
Unperturbed, Riley inclined his head in greeting. Hello, Dr. Gray. Its nice to finally meet you.
Dad, this is Riley. Keeping the elation out of her voice was a struggle. Hes new to my school. Ive been showing him around and stuff.
Does he
No, she interjected, knowing he meant to ask if Riley hung with Aden. He doesnt. He hangs with me.
So I ask again, what are you doing here?
Dad!
Its fine, Mary Ann. To her dad, Riley said, Im here to pick up your daughter for school.
She likes to walk.
Not today. Ill be right back. Behave, she said to her dad. She raced into her bedroom, grabbed her backpack and soared back down the stairs. Her dad and Riley were watching each other silently.
She kissed her dads check, noticed that he appeared older than he ever had before, with lines of tension branching from his eyes. Bye. Love you.
I love you, too. He didnt say anything else, didnt try to stop her. She was glad. She didnt know how she would have reacted or what she would have said. She needed Riley right now. Her dad had answers, but Riley had those comforting arms. Inside his shiny red sports car, she buckled.
When they rounded the street corner and were out of sight, he twined their fingers together. Her world suddenly felt right again.
Whered you go? she asked.
Had to see to Victoria, shower and change.
Oh.
I hated to leave, though. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
Goose bumps broke out over her skin. A little bit down the road, the trees thinning, she realized he wasnt leading her toward the school. She frowned. Where are we going?
He flicked her a grim smile. You need to learn how to survive in this new world youve found yourself in. You also need a distraction.
What does that mean? About surviving.
Youll see.
CHAPTER 18
Victoria skipped school. So did Mary Ann, and so did Riley. What kind of students ditched class when it was only their second day at school? And what about supposed rule-follower Mary Ann? She sure was ditching a lot lately.
Were the three of them together? Aden wondered throughout the crapfest of a day. A day that had started with Ozzie threatening to kill him again and worsened when Shannon, coughing and weak, had insisted on coming to school anyway and Aden had practically had to carry him to the building. And then to discover that his friends were gone
Now he desperately wanted to leave, to head out and look for them, but couldnt. Not if he wanted to return. A single ditch, and Dan would send him packing. Victoria could fix that for him, of course, but only if she still wanted to hang out with him. After last nightI told you to stay away from me and I meant it, shed said after spying the male vampire in the windowhe couldnt be sure.
Who had the guy been? Why the sudden change in Victoria? He had no answers. And hadnt Victoria wanted to protect him from the creatures now in town? Guess that had changed, too.
What made the day even odder was the way everyone waved and smiled at him as if he was their best friend. Guys patted him on the shoulder, girls flashed their pearly whites and giggled as if they were too nervous to talk to him but wanted to be near him all the same. Why?
As if reading his mind, a senior walked by and said, Way to put Tucker in his place, man, with a nod of approval.
Ahh. Now he understood (the welcome reception, at least). No one had liked Tucker, but theyd pretended to, simply to keep the tyrant from turning all that evil on them. Now they thought Aden was their savior, that he would destroy Tucker if necessary.
No pressure, he thought dryly.
All through chemistry, geometry, and Spanish he half listened to his teachers, half listened to his companions, who were now awake and no longer drugged into a stupor by the medsthough truth be told, he had been tempted to take them this morning. During that third class, John OConner once more appeared beside him, crouching at his desk.
Why do you always ambush me here?
Because I had this class with Chloe. Speaking of, have you talked to Chloe yet?
Aden spared him only the briefest of glances. He looked so real. Or perhaps because he was so recently dead. Perhaps because hed had a power of his own when hed been alive.
Aden nodded at the rightness of the thought. That made sense. He drew vampires and werewolvesand goblins, fairies and witches, apparentlyso why not ghosts whod been gifted during life? Or did he draw all ghosts, gifted or not?
Surely not. Thousands of people died every minute of every day. If all ghosts came to him, he would never see anyone or anything else.
He wanted to question John, but they were in class and surrounded. Hed just have to do so stealthily, he decided, so that the teacher and students around him wouldnt notice.
John babbled about Chloe while Aden considered his options. He couldnt speak out loud, not even in a whisper. He didnt know sign language, and even if he did, John might not. He couldnt leave the classroom; because of his past, he wasnt allowed to roam the halls during class time. What option did that leave him? A note?
A note! Of course. He lifted his pen and began writing. When you were alive, did you have ahow should he word this? superpower? He swirled the paper around and slid it toward John.
John continued speaking, oblivious.
Aden tapped the page, keeping his gaze on the teacher.
What? Oh. You want me to read that?
He nodded.
A moment passed in silence. Then, Nah. Not really. I mean, I could sense other peoples emotions, which really freaked me out, but that isnt a superpower. It was just me being too sensitive. Like a pansy, as my dad would say. Thats why, I, you know, self, uh, medicated.
An empath. John had been an empath. Aden knew about them only because hed met another boy with a similar ability in one of the institutions and that boy had studied the ability in an effort to stop feeling so much, so strongly.
What does my pansy factor have to do with anything? John asked. Never mind. Dont answer that. It doesnt matter. I need you to talk to Chloe for me. I want you to tell her what I cant.
He could have resisted. He still didnt know what would happen if he failed, or even if he succeeded. But right now he was Johns only link to the living, and he knew what it was like to want something desperately but be unable to have it. Okay, he wrote.
John sucked in a breath. Really? Youll talk to her?
He gave another nod.
You swear?
Another nod.
Today?
Nod. What do you want me to tell her?
If youre lying John balled his fists and slammed them against Adens desk. The intensity of his emotion must have given him some solidity, because Adens desk rattled. As the students around him jolted, John said, Ill follow you. I swear I will. Ill haunt you until you do it.
Aden tapped his finger against the question.
Johns anger melted, dejection taking its place. Tell her Im sorry. Tell her I didnt use her, that Iloved her. I did.
Adens brow creased in confusion.
Shame coasted over the boys face. We didnt hang with the same people, but I asked her out on a dare. I never expected to like her. But I did. Her emotions are so pure, you know? Not overpowering. Then she overheard my friends teasing me about her. They wanted her to hear. Planned for her to, I think.
John stared down at his wringing hands. God, man. Her devastationI can still feel it. Its like I soaked it up and it became a part of me. I tried to talk to her, to explain, but she wanted nothing to do with me. I was desperate to forget, to feel nothing, you know, and did something stupid. Now, here I am. His voice trailed off, perhaps too shaky to work past his throat, and he coughed in renewed embarrassment.
Mr. Stone?
Aden straightened in his seat. The teacher was holding out a piece of chalk. Im sorry, what?
Ive been listening to him, Eve said, always the one to his rescue. He asked you to conjugate the verb run in Spanish.
Never mind, Aden muttered, pushing to his feet. He approached the head of the class with trepidation. Sí, señor was the only Spanish he knew.
Good luck, Caleb said. I could tell you the color underwear the blonde to your right is wearingrojo. That means red, by the way. But thats all I know.
Ill help, John said, keeping pace beside him.
Thank God. With John telling him what to write, Aden managed to impress the teacher for the first time. He didnt feel guilty about cheating, either. As hed listened to John and written what hed heard, hed learned.
Halfway back to his seat, the bell rang. Crap. He wasnt finished talking to John. He quickened his step, swiped up his backpack, then lifted the pad and pen and wrote, Since Im helping you with Chloe, will you help me? I need a bottle of nail polish.
John barked out a laugh. Are you kidding me? I didnt peg you as the type.
He shook his head as kids filed past him, jaw locked together, cheeks heating. Its for a girl. Last night after Victoria had left him so abruptly, hed started to think. She had to paint her fingernails with that metal to protect herself fromhe couldnt recall the name of the liquid in her ring, but she could paint her toenails and she loved color, so
Still laughing, John asked, Any particular color?
Doesnt matter, he wrote. As long as its not black. If you cant, Ill
Oh, I can. Ive learned a few tricks these last few months. And I happen to know where Mr. White keeps all the bottles the teachers confiscate from the students.
Has to be unopened, never used.
Mr. Stone. The bell rang, the teacher, Señor Smith, said impatiently. You need to leave.
Never used wont be a problem, John said.
Aden crossed the room to the door. John remained beside him until he hit the hallway, then disappeared.
Time to hunt for Chloe. It was now lunch, so she should be in the cafeteria. Hed planned to sneak off campus and into the forest for an hoursearching for Victoria rather than Riley this timebut that would have to wait. Hed given John his word. And he wanted that nail polish.
Something slammed into his shoulder, and his bag went flying. Suddenly Tucker loomed in front of him, scowling, pure menace. Determined. Watch where youre going, Crazy.
He ground his teeth. Get out of my face, Tucker. He didnt need the threat of Tucker now, on top of the threat Ozzie still presented. Not to mention all the creatures newly arrived in town.
What cha gonna do about it, huh? No ones here to save you this time.
The world around him faded, another taking its place. This one was an empty alleyway, redbrick walls colored with graffiti. There was a Dumpster and rats ran along the edges. In the background, he could even hear the wail of a police siren. What the hell?
Its just you and me now, the jock said, smug.
Aden saw the way Tuckers eyes were swirling, the gray laced with sizzling silver. This had to be an illusion, he realized grimly. Tucker had tried before, but it hadnt worked. This time, Mary Ann wasnt standing next to him. This time, there was nothing to negate Tuckers power. Except
Riley somehow always negated Mary Anns negation, allowing Adens companions to talk and act even in her presence. Tucker had tried the spider thing when both had been around him, yet had failed. Shouldnt that mean Tucker simply couldnt use his ability against Aden, no matter who was or was not with him?
Lost in thought as he was, he was unprepared when Tucker shoved him and went flying backward. He tripped over his own feet and fell to the ground. Though his eyes told him hed hit a brick wall, that wall jumped away from him with a curse. Had he actually hit a person?
Tucker grinned, and there was an evil edge to it. This is gonna be fun.
As Aden popped to his feet, Tucker launched forward. Back to the ground he went, but this time he rolled, pinning Tuckers shoulders. He drew his knees up, straddling Tuckers waist, holding him down.
I dont want to fight you, he snarled.
Chicken? Tucker jerked his arms free, grabbed hold of his shoulders and tossed him aside.
Just determined to stay here. He stood, fingers curling into fists. Why cant you just leave me alone? Ive never done anything to hurt you.
Go ahead. Tucker stood, too. Get up and walk away. Ill just follow you. Ill be your new shadow. Every time you turn around, there Ill be, my fist in your face. Then, when Im done with you, Ill turn on Mary Ann. After that, Ill go after that new chick, Victoria. Shell
Aden roared, his rage springing up, spilling over. Tuckers eyes widened as Adens fist came at him. Contact. Cartilage snapped and blood poured. Tucker howled in pain.
Stop, Eve said. You have to stop. Hes just taunting you, trying to force you into this fight so youll be kicked out of school.
Aden was past the point of listening. No one threatened his friends. Him, sure. Hed dealt with threats his entire life. But Mary Ann was too delicate, Victoria toohis. He drew back his fist for another punch, but stopped when Tuckers image changed, shifting into Mary Anns. He blinked in confusion.
Next thing he knew, a fist was connecting with his nose. Again, cartilage snapped and blood poured. His own. He felt a sharp sting, then nothing as adrenaline surged through his bloodstream.
Destroy him, Caleb said.
No matter whose face he shows you, attack, Julian added.
Eve is right, Elijah said, trying to be the voice of reason. Hes provoking you on purpose. Only reason he hit you back is because his own temper is too volatile to control.
In the distance, Aden thought he heard kids cheering. He just couldnt see anyone. So badly he wanted to whip out his daggers, but he didnt. He didnt want to kill Tucker. He just wanted to stop him. Perhaps humiliate him in the process.
Aden crouched and leapt, arms wrapping around Tuckers middle and propelling him into the wall. Cocky laughter filled his ears. When he straightened, drawing his elbow back, he saw that Tucker now looked like Victoria.
Not her, not her, not her. Aden threw his punch, Tuckers eyes widening as it neared. No longer was he fighting fairly. He hit Tucker in the throat, cutting off his air. The boy hunched over, trying to breathe. Aden then kneed him in the face, cracking his cheekbone and sending him to his back, where he writhed on the ground.
Aden leapt on top of him. Over and over he beat his fists into Tuckers face. Teeth cut his skin, but he didnt care. After a while, Tucker stopped writhing. Then stopped moving. You dont ever threaten Mary Ann. You dont ever threaten Victoria. Do you understand me?
Aden, Victoria said softly from behind him.
An illusion, he told himself, continuing to punch and punch and punch. Victoria had told him to leave her alone. Victoria wasnt even at school.
Gentle hands settled on his shoulders, inexorably hot. You have to stop.
He whipped around, ready to attack this new illusion when he noticed the alley had vanished and the halls of the school had once again appeared. Kids were all around him, no longer cheering. Not even smiling. They were gazing at him in horror. In fear.
Today was game day, so many of their faces were painted with Go Jaguars and Were #1. That paint was stark against the paleness of their skin. His wild gaze flew back to Victoria.
She really was here. She was breathing heavily, her fangs peeking over her lips in a show of absolute hunger. Couldnt be an illusion. Tucker didnt know she was vampire. Aden pushed to shaky legs and reached for her. His hands were covered in blood.
She backed away from him. Canttouch you right now, she croaked out.
Did she fear him, too? Or did she simply crave the blood that covered him?
Oh my God! Principal White pushed his way through the crowd and peered down at Tuckers motionless form. What did you do? What the hell did you do? Someone call 911.
Victoria shook her head, seeming to drag herself out of her stupor, and shouted, No one move, in that husky voice of hers. Power hummed from her. Hear me and obey. Except you, Aden.
Everyone froze. Including Shannon, who now stood in the crowd, stopping midcough. No. Shannon had been kind to him these past few days, and theyd had each others backs. Aden hated that the former dreg had seen him like that, bloody and vicious, hated that Victoria now had to use her vampire powers against him.
A tall, blond stranger came onto campus and fought Tucker, she said, and everyone nodded. You all saw it. Then you watched as that blond stranger ran off. You didnt follow him because you were too concerned for Tucker. Now go about your day. Principal White will handle things from here.
When she lapsed into silence, everyone started moving at once, backing into the shadows. The kids mumbled fearfully about some blond stranger, Shannon sneaked away, probably wanting no part of the interrogation that would come, and Principal White bent down and cradled Tuckers head in his lap, feeling for a pulse.
Hes alive, he said with relief.
Adens shoulders sagged. He hadnt killed him. Thank God.
Victoria cupped his face, forcing his attention on her. Meet me in the parking lot. Im going to convince your last three teachers that you are in class, even though you wont be.
No, John said, suddenly beside him again. I put the polish in your backpack. Pink, glittery and brand-new. You have to find Chloe now.
Aden flicked him a glance, took in his panicked expression, before turning back to Victoria. She didnt act as if she saw the ghost. Ill be a few minutes. Theres something I have to do first. He didnt give her a chance to ask what. He bent down, kissed her hardshe licked his lips, eyes closed in surrender as the flavor of blood hit her tongueand raced toward the cafeteria.
Stop in the bathroom and clean up first, John demanded at his side. Youll scare her.
Aden quickly obeyed. There was no ridding himself of his bruised nose and hands, so he simply mopped up the blood as best as he could. When he finished, he resumed his journey. Word of the fight was spreading fast. He even heard kids on the phone with their parents, telling them about the unidentified man. Those parents were probably on their way now, meaning to take their precious children home to safety. Would news stations come out? Interview witnesses?
Aden gulped.
Everything will be all right, Elijah said. You wont be sought and Dan wont be worried.
Youre only encouraging his bad behavior, Eve reprimanded.
Where is she? Aden asked John. He scanned the crowded cafeteria, face and hands throbbing. Since learning John was a ghost yesterday, hed made it a point to find out who Chloe Howard was. She hung with the smart kids, the ones more concerned with grades than appearances. A cute little thing with thick glasses, skin covered in freckles, and braces. She had pen-straight brown hair she always wore in a ponytail.
There, John said, pointing to the far back corner.
Aden worked his way over. When she spotted him, she ducked her head to her tray. There were three other kids around her, books in front of them as they talked and studied. A moment passed. She glanced up, realizing he was still coming toward her. She looked behind her, saw no one, and her mouth fell open.
Can I speak with you? he asked when he reached her.
Her gaze fell to her friends. They, too, were watching him with confusion.
Alone, he added. Please. I need to talk to you about something important.
John moved behind her, bent down and breathed her in. He pressed his lips together. To silence a moan? A whimper?
She nodded to her friends, who pushed from their chairs and walked away slowly, eyes never leaving them. Aden sat across from her. John remained behind her, hand brushing her cheek with longing. She didnt seem to notice.
Im Aden, he said.
I know. A blush stained her cheeks. Once again she turned her attention to her food, picking at it with her fork. What happened to you? And what do you want?
He ignored her first question. I have a message for you. There was only one way to present Johns case without admitting his own abilities. John OConner and I were friends. He told me about you, how he loved you. As he spoke, her color became ashen. He tried to tell you, but
She jumped to her feet. Hands shaking, she gathered up her tray. How dare you! she whispered fiercely. Let me guess what happened. You heard the rumor about ourrelationship and you decided to taunt me. I thought he was cruel but you A pained cry left her.
Dont let her leave, John rushed out in a panic. Not until she understands.
Aden, too, stood. It might have started out as a dare, but he fell in love with you and wanted to be with you.
She turned, ready to stalk away.
Aden, John said, eyes beseeching him. Please.
Maybe Johns empath powers had somehow transferred to him, because Aden felt his desperation bone-deep. He had to make this right. Had to make this girl understand. Even at his own expense. Wait. Youre right. I didnt know him, he admitted, not when he was alive. But the past few weeks Ive been able to see the dead and he came to me, wanting only one thing. For me to talk to you.
At least she didnt race away. He had her attention, whether she believed him or not.
John must have taken heart, for he jumped in front of her and said, Tell her I meant what I said the last time I called her. I would have run away with her. I even tried to give her a ring, my grandmothers. I placed it in the glove box of her car to surprise her.
Aden repeated every word.
Slowly she pivoted around and faced him. Tears were streaming down her face. I dont know how you found out about that ring and I dont care. She closed her eyes, exhaled a shuddering breath, and reached for the chain around her neck, tugging it from under her shirt. A diamond ring hung in the center, the small stones winking in the light. I just want you to leave me alone.
Aden followed her stunned gaze. A beam of light had streamed in through the window, hitting John and outlining the shimmer of his body. Openmouthed, Chloe reached out, fingers misting through him. He leaned into her touch anyway.
John?
Hey, Chlo. God, I miss you.
Can you hear him? Aden asked her.
No, she whispered.
He relayed what had been said. A long while passed in silence. The beam faded, and so did John, but Chloe didnt move.
What I just sawthats not possible, she said, shaking her head.
Its more than possible, Aden told her. Later, you can tell yourself it was only your mind playing tricks, but for nowWhat would you say to him if you could?
She swallowed, licked her lips. Id tell him that I forgive him. Id tell him that when I found the ring, I realized hed been telling me the truth and that III loved him, too.
Thank you. Thank you so much. John pressed a ghostly kiss to her forehead, his image wavering, shimmering and then disappearing altogether.
Would he ever see John again? Aden wondered. Or had fulfilling his last wish ceased the ghosts torment and sent him away for good?
Chloe stood there, crying, and her friends, who hadnt strayed far, closed in on her, offering support and comfort. Aden left her then. Confused but strangely satisfied, he made his way to the parking lot. Victoria was already there, waiting in front of a plain blue car. He stopped. She gave him an unsure smile.
Where have you been? he asked, equally unsure. Where are Riley and Mary Ann?
She motioned to the car. Get in and Ill show you.
They settled inside, Aden at the wheel. She handed him the keys and pointed north. Aden had a sinking suspicion that his day was about to take a turn for the worse. As awful as it had already been, that well and truly frightened him.
CHAPTER 19
Aden didnt have much practice behind the wheel of a car, so he wasnt as smooth a driver as he would have liked. He hit the brakes a little too hard and took the turns a little too quickly. At least he didnt have to worry about being pulled over. Not with Victoria in the car. She could talk them out of a ticket. Literally.
They had the music turned low in the background. His fingers tapped against the wheel, keeping the wild beat despite the pain in his knuckles. Just as theyd been during his driving test, the souls were nearly giddy.
Whens the last time we were this free? Caleb asked with a laugh.
No doctors, no teachers. Just us and the horses. Julian sighed with contentment.
This your car? he asked to break the silence between them and drown out his companions so that he didnt accidentally start talking to them. Cause Ive never seen you even approach one before.
She shrugged, sheepish. Lets just say I borrowed it. But dont worry. Ill return it and no one will ever know it was gone.
Borrowed. AKA stolen. Most likely shed used that commanding voice and the owner had simply handed her the keys. He couldnt help but grinuntil his lip split and he winced.
Oh, Aden. Eve tsked under her tongue. Riding around in a stolen car? Whether youll get in trouble or not, thats not the right thing to do. Im not sure this girl is the best influence on you. Mary Ann is
No, no, no. Elijah banged his head against Adens skull, rattling his brain. Mary Ann is a friend only, so dont try to push him on her. And Im not just saying that because she knocks us into oblivion. Riley would eat us alive.
Eve huffed. All Im saying is shes a better influence.
Once again, Aden did his best to tune them out. Sodo you know where Riley and Mary Ann are? Were you with them earlier?
Yes. Theyre in Tri City, which is where were headed.
Tri City. Hed been a few times and knew there were restaurants, lots of clothing stores and a theater. Why are they there?
Ithey She blew out a frustrated breath. Its too difficult to explain. It will be easier to show you.
Well, she wasnt the only one dealing with frustration. They had another ten minutes before they reached Tri City, and the wait would not be easy. Have you guys been there all day?
Yes.
Yet theyd willingly left him behind. Ouch. Why not pick me up earlier?
You hum with so much power, we wanted to first make sure we could protect you in case something went wrong.
That, he understood. With him, something always went wrong.
A minute passed. Two. He merged off the highway and onto a side road, slowing the car to an acceptable speed. Hed wanted to talk to Victoria all day. And now here she was. He could ask the question he really wanted answered. Just say it. Put it out there.