No, I told myself firmly, you shared a kiss with Stark as he was dying. He was a different kid before Neferet messed with him, but now she has messed with him and you have to remember that. You shared a nightmare with Kalona. Period. Thats all there was to it.
The fact that in my nightmare Kalona had insisted I was A-ya was just crazy. It wasnt true. Sure, Id felt drawn to him, but so had practically everyone else. Plus, I was me, and A-ya had been, well, dirt until the Ghigua women had breathed life and special gifts into her. I must look like her, weird as that is, I told myself. Or maybe hed called me A-ya just to mess with my head. That seemed more than possible, especially if Neferet had told him stuff about me.
Nala had settled back down on the pillow beside Stevie Rae and was purring again with her eyes shut. Obviously there were no nightmare monsters lurking about because Nala would have been freaked. Glad at least of that, I gave her head and Stevie Raes a little patneither opened her eyesand then ducked through the blanket door and into the hallway.
The tunnels were absolutely silent. I was glad that the oil lanterns were still lit; darkness and I werent exactly on good terms right then. Ill also admit that, even though I kept a wary eye on the shadows between lights for bats and whatnot, it did feel reassuring to be snuggly underground and not anywhere near open, moonlit meadows or trees with ghostly shadows perched in them. I shivered. No. Dont think about it.
On the way to the kitchen I paused by Kramishas doorway and peeked quietly in. I could just make out her head in the middle of her bed under mounds of purple comforter and pink pillows. The Twins were zonked out on sleeping bags with their hateful cat, Beelzebub, curled up on the floor between them.
I closed the blanket flap quietly, not wanting to wake up the Twins before it was their turn to be on watch. Actually, I should grab my brown pop and relieve Damien and Jack and let the Twins sleep. I definitely wouldnt be doing any more sleeping for a whilelike years. Okay, just kidding. Sort of.
No one was in the kitchen. The only sound was the small, homelike hum of the refrigerators. The first one I opened caused me to take a little step back in shock. The entire fridge was filled with sealed baggies full of blood. Seriously. And, of course, my mouth started to water.
I slammed the door shut.
And then reconsidered and opened it again. Resolutely, I grabbed a baggie. Id had next to no sleep. I was under major stress. A stupid immortal fallen angel bad guy was after me and calling me some dead dirt girls name. Lets face it, I needed a lot more than brown pop to get through the day.
I found the scissors in the top drawer of the butcher block island and, before I could guilt or gross myself out of it, snipped open the bag and upended it.
I know, I know. My slurping down blood like it was from a collapsible juice box sounds completely nasty, but it was delicious. It didnt taste like blood, or at least not that coppery, salty way blood used to taste to me before I was Marked. It was delicious and electrifying, like drinking rare gourmet honey mixed with wine (if you like wine) mixed with Red Bull (but better tasting). I could feel it spreading through my body, giving me a jolt of energy that chased away the lingering terror of my nightmare.
I crumpled up the empty baggie and tossed it in the big garbage can in the corner of the room. Then I grabbed a bottle of brown pop and a bag of nacho cheese Doritos. I mean, my breath already smelled gross from the blood. Might as well have Doritos for breakfast.
Then I realized: one, I didnt know where Damien and Jack were, and two, I really needed to call Sister Mary Angela and find out how Grandma was doing.
Yeah, I know it sounds weird that I was calling a nun. It sounds even weirder that I trusted said nun with my grandmas life. Literally. But all the weirdness stopped the moment I met Sister Mary Angela, prioress of the Benedictine nuns of Tulsa. Besides doing nun stuff (praying and whatnot), Sister Mary Angela and the nuns from the abbey run Tulsa Street Cats, which is how I met her. Id decided that House of Night fledglings needed to get more active in the community. I mean, the House of Night had been in Tulsa for upward of five years, but it was like we were a little island of our own. Everyone with any sense knows isolation and ignorance equal prejudicehello, I read Martin Luther King Jr.s Letter From Birmingham Jail the beginning of my sophomore year. Anyway, what with two vampyre professors being nastily murdered, Shekinah had agreed with my idea of helping a community charity, as long as I was well protected. Which was how Darius had gotten so involved with me and my group. So, Id chosen Street Cats, well, cause what with all the cats at the House of Night, it just made sense.
Sister Mary Angela and I had hit it off from the moment we met. Shes cool and spiritual, and wise and nonjudgmental. She even thinks that Nyx is just another version of the Virgin Mary (and Mary is majorly important to the Benedictine Sisters). So I guess you could say Sister Mary Angela and I became friends, and when Grandma was attacked by the Raven Mockers and ended up in St. Johns Hospital in a coma, it was Sister Mary Angela I called to sit with her and protect her from the Raven Mockers hurting her again. When all hell broke loose at the House of Night irit Zand Neferet killed Shekinah and had Stark shoot Stevie Rae, Kalona rose, and the Raven Mockers became substantial, it was Sister Mary Angela who got Grandma safely belowground.
Or at least in theory she was supposed to have gotten Grandma, and the rest of the sisters, underground. I hadnt talked to her since last night, just before our cell service was cut off.
So, in order of importance, I needed to call Sister Mary Angelaassuming my phone was working againand then get directions to Damien and Jack so I could relieve them. Figuring I could kill two birds at once, I retraced my path back down the tunnel, heading for the basement entrance and Darius. Hed know how to get to the boys, and I could probably get cell service in the basementunless the aboveground world had gone all postapocalypse and cell service was out forever. Thankfully, being filled with blood made me feel slightly optimistic, and even the possibility of a disgusting (and unattractive) I Am Legendtype world didnt seem utterly hopeless.
One thing at a time. Id just take it one thing at a time. First, Id find out how Grandma was. Then Id relieve Damien and Jack. Then Id try to think my way through that awful nightmare.
I remembered the dark angels voice and the way pain and pleasure had somehow melded into one when he touched me and called me his love. I jerked my mind from those kinds of thoughts. Pain couldnt equal pleasure. What I had felt in the dream was just that, a dream, and by the definition of dream (or nightmare) that meant it wasnt real. And I was definitely not Kalonas love.
It was about then that I also realized some of the nerves skittering through my body were fearful, and that had nothing to do with Kalona. While Id been preoccupied with thinking about him Id been pretty much ignoring the subconscious tightening in my body. My heartbeat had sped up again. My stomach rolled. I had the distinct and terrifying feeling that I was being watched.
I spun around, expecting to seeat the very leastbats flapping nastily around. But there was nothing except the dead silence of the deserted, lantern-lit tunnel stretching behind me.
You are utterly freaking out, I said aloud to myself.
As if my words had caused it, the lantern closest to me went out.
Dread filled me, and I started backing down the tunnel, keeping my eyes open for anything that might be more than my imagination. And I backed into the metal ladder that had been welded to the wall and led up into the basement of the depot. Giddy with relief at finding the end of the tunnels, I balanced my can of brown pop in one hand and smooshed the big bag of my breakfast Doritos noisily in the other. I had just started to climb when a strong male arm appeared from above, scaring the bejeezus out of me.
Here, give me the pop and chips. Youre going to fall right on your butt trying to hold on to them and the ladder.
My gaze flew up to see Erik smiling down at me. I swallowed quickly and gave him a perky Thanks! Handing him the pop and chips, I made my way more easily up the rest of the ladder.
The basement was several degrees colder than it was in the tunnels, which felt good on my fear-flushed face.
I like that I can still make you blush, Erik told me, stroking my hot cheek.
I almost blurted that I was freaked by shadows and unseen crap down in the tunnels, but I could imagine him laughing and accusing me of jumping at bats again. And what if I was just ultrasensitive because of the dream? Did I really want to talk to Erik, or anybody, about Kalona right then?
No.
Instead I said, Its cold up here, and you know I hate it when I blush.
Yeah, the temperatures dropped like crazy in the past few hours. Its going to be an icy mess out there. You know, I think youre adorable with those pink cheeks.
You and my grandma are the only two people in the world who think that, I said, smiling begrudgingly at him.
Well, that puts me in good company. Erik chuckled, reaching for a chip while I glanced around the basement. Everything was quiet up here, too, but not scary quiet like the stupid tunnels. Erik had a chair pulled over near the entrance to below and beside it were a couple oil lanterns (brightly burning), a half-empty liter bottle of Mountain Dew (eesh!), and, surprise, surprise, Bram Stokers Dracula with a bookmark stuck in it at about the halfway point. I waggled my brows at him.
What? I borrowed it from Kramisha. He was smiling kinda guiltily, which made him look like an adorable little boy. So, I admit it. Ive been curious about the book ever since you told me a while ago that its one of your favorites. Im only about halfway through, so do not tell me what happens.
I grinned at him, flattered that he was reading Dracula just because of me. Oh, please, I teased. You know how the book ends. Everybody knows how the book ends. I really loved that Erik was this big, tall, hot, studly guy who reads all sorts of books and watches old Star Wars movies. My grin got wider. Sooooo, youre liking it?
Yeah, I am. Even though I didnt really expect to. His grin mirrored mine. I mean, come on. It is a little old school, what with the vamps being monsters and all.
My mind instantly went to Neferet, whom I considered a monster in a beautiful disguise, and to my unanswered questions about the red fledglings, but I pulled my thoughts away from all that, not wanting darkness to intrude on this moment with Erik. Refocusing on Dracula, I said, Well, yeah, Dracula is supposed to be a monster and all, but I always feel sorry for him.
You feel sorry for him? Erik was obviously surprised. Z, hes pure evil.
I know, but he loves Mina. How can something thats pure evil know love?
Hey, Im not that far in it yet! Dont give it away.
I rolled my eyes at him. Erik, you have to know Dracula goes after Mina. He bites her and she starts to change. Its through Mina that the Count is tracked and eventually
Stop! Erik said, laughing as he grabbed me and covered my mouth. I wasnt kidding. I dont want you to tell me how it ends.
My mouth was covered by his hand, but I knew my eyes were smiling at him.
If I take my hand away, do you promise to be good?
I nodded.
Slowly, he uncovered my mouth, but he made no move to step away from me. It felt nice to be close to him. He was gazing down at me, with a small smile still tugging at the corners of his mouth. I thought about how hot he was and how glad I was that we were together again, and I said, Want me to tell you how I wish the book ended?
His brows lifted. How you wish? Which means you wont really be telling me the ending?
Cross my heart. Automatically, I crossed my heart. We were standing so close that the back of my hand brushed his chest.
Tell me. His voice had gone deep and intimate.
I wish Dracula hadnt let everyone come between him and Mina. He should have bitten Mina, made her like him, and then taken her away so they could be together foreverand lived happily ever after.
Because theyre the same and they belong together, he said.
I looked up into Eriks amazing blue eyes and saw that all the kidding had gone out of them.
Yeah, even if bad things happened in their past. Theyd have to forgive each other for the bad stuff, but I think they could have.
I know they could have. I think when two people care about each other enough, anything can be forgiven.
Obviously Erik and I werent talking about fictional characters from an old book. We were talking about ourselves, testing each other to see if we could actually make it work between us.
I had to forgive Erik for being so awful to me after hed caught me with Loren. And he had been horrible, but the truth was Id hurt Erik a lot more than hed hurt meand not just with Loren. When Id first started dating Erik, Id still had a relationship with Heath, my human boyfriend. It had pissed Erik off that I had been seeing him and Heath at the same time, but hed believed that I would come to my senses eventually and understand that Heath was a part of my old world, my old life, and that he wouldnt fit into my future like Erik would.
And Erik had a point. Now that the Imprint with Heath had been broken, which I knew for sure because he and I had had a very ugly scene when I ran into him just a couple of days ago at Charlies Chicken (of all places). My ridiculous mistake in having sex with Loren had had a domino effect of messing up lots of things in my life. One very big mess-up was the painful way it had broken my Imprint with Heath, and hed made it clear he didnt ever want to see me again. Sure, Id warned Heath about the Raven Mockers and Kalona being loose, told him to get himself and his family to safety, but it was over between Heath and me, just like it had been over between Loren and me (even before hed been killed), which is really how it should be.
I continued to meet Eriks gaze. So you like my version of Dracula?
I like your endingthe one where the two of them are vampyres and they have a happily-ever-after, especially because they care enough to get over their past mistakes.
Still smiling, Erik bent to kiss me. His lips were soft and warm, and he tasted like Doritos and Mountain Dew, which wasnt as nasty as you might think. His arms went around me, and he pulled me close, deepening the kiss. It felt good to be in his arms. So good that at first I managed to tune out the little alarm bells that were ringing in the rational part of my mind as Eriks hands slid down my back to cup my butt. But when he pressed me hard against him, grinding intimately into me, the lovely warm fog hed started inside me began to clear. I liked him touching me. But what I didnt like was the feeling that his touch had suddenly become too aggressive, too insistent, too she is mine, I want her, and Im going to have her now.
He must have felt me stiffen because he pulled back, gave me an easy smile, and then said, So, what are you doing up here?
I blinked, disoriented at the instant change in him. I took a little step away from him and grabbed my pop from where hed put it on his chair, taking a big gulp and pulling myself together. Finally I managed to say, Oh, I, uh, came to talk to Darius and see if my cell would work. I fished into my pocket for it and then held it up like a dork. Glancing at it, I could see three bars lit up. Yea! It looks like it might!
Well, the rain changing to ice stopped not too long ago, and I havent heard any thunder for a while, either. If we dont get another wave of this crappy weather, service might actually stay up. Hope thats a good sign.
Yeah, me, too, Ill try to call Sister Mary Angela in a sec and check on Grandma. My words were coming easier now. I studied Erik as we talked. He seemed so nice and normal, just his usual good-guy self. Had I been overreacting about his kiss? Had what happened with Loren made me too sensitive? Realizing there was a bunch of dead air between us and Erik was starting to give me a questioning look, I said quickly, So, where is Darius?
I relieved him early. I woke up and couldnt get back to sleep, and I figured hes going to need the extra rest since hes basically our entire army.
Was Aphrodite still trashed?
She was passed out. Darius carried her out of here. Shes going to have a killer hangover when she wakes up. He sounded pleased at the prospect. He was going to Dallass room to sleep. He hasnt been gone long, so maybe you wont even have to wake him up.
Well, I really just wanted directions to Damien and Jack. I couldnt sleep, either, so I thought Id relieve them and let the Twins rest.
Oh, thats easy. I can tell you how to find them. Theyre not far from the entrance up into the depot we took before.
Good, I dont really want to bother Darius if hes actually resting. Youre right. Our army needs to get some sleep. I paused and then added, in a way-too-nonchalant tone, Hey, you didnt notice anything, uh, weird in the tunnels on the way up here, did you?
Weird? Like what?
I didnt want to say blackness, because, well, they were tunnels and for them to be dark wasnt weird. Plus, as Id already imagined, I could hear Erik reminding me of how much the bats had freaked me out. So I blurted, Like the lanterns suddenly going out.
He shrugged and shook his head. Nope, but thats really not all that weird. Im sure the red fledglings have to refill their oil pretty often, and I would bet that recent events have messed up their schedule for that.
Yeah, that makes sense. And it did. So, just for that little moment I let myself feel a sense of relief that even then I knew deep down wasnt real, and grinned at Erik. He smiled back at me and there we were, grinning at each other. I reminded myself that Erik really was a great boyfriend. Id been glad that he and I were back together. I was still glad we were back together, wasnt I? Couldnt I just stay glad and not let the good things we had between us be messed up because I was freaked that he was going to want more from me than I could give him right now?
Farther to the back of my mind I shoved the memory of the kiss Stark and I had shared and Kalonas nightmare visit and how hed made me feel things no guy had ever come close to making me feel.
I stood up so abruptly I almost knocked the chair over. I gotta call Sister Mary Angela!
Erik gave me an odd look, but only said, Okay, walk a little way over there, but dont get too close to the door. If anyones hanging around outside I dont want them to hear you.
I nodded and gave him what I hoped didnt look like a guilty smile. Then I walked a little ways through the basement, which, I noticed, also wasnt as disgusting now as it had been last time Id been down here. Stevie Rae and her group had obviously done a lot of cleaning and throwing away of the street peoples stuff that had been littering the place before. And, happily, it didnt smell like urine anymore, which was a definite improvement.
I pressed Sister Mary Angelas number and mentally crossed my fingers while it said it was callingcallingand then it actually rang, once, twice, three timesMy stomach was just starting to hurt when she answered. The connection was really crappy, but at least I could understand her.
Oh, Zoey! Im so glad you called, said Sister Mary Angela.
Sister, are you okay? Is Grandma?
Shes fineall fine. Were She was definitely breaking up now.
Sister, I cant hear you very well. Where are you? Is Grandma conscious?
Grandis conscious. Were under the abbey, but There was static and then suddenly I could hear her clearly. Are you influencing the weather, Zoey?
Me? No! What about Grandma? Are you guys safe in the abbey basement?
fine. Not to worry, we
And the line went dead.
Hell! This connection sucks so much! I paced a short path of frustration while I tried to call her back. Nothing. I had service, but the screen kept saying that it was a lost call. I tried several more times before I saw that, not only was I not getting her back, but my phone was getting ready to die. Hell! I repeated.
What did she say? Erik had come up behind me.
Not much, cause I lost the connection and cant get it back. But I did manage to hear her say that shes okay and Grandmas okay. I even think shes finally conscious.
Thats really good news! Dont worry; everythings going to be fine. The nuns have your grandma safe underground, right?
I nodded, feeling stupidly close to tears that were really more because of frustration than fear for Grandma. I completely trusted Sister Mary Angela, so if she said Grandma was okay, then I believed her. Its hard not knowing whats going on. Not just with Grandma, but with everything out there. I jerked my thumb up at the outside world.
Erik stepped up beside me and his warm hand closed over mine. He turned me so that I was facing him, and then with his thumb he gently traced the new tattoos that covered my palm. Hey, well get through this. Nyx is at work here, remember? Just look at your hands to see proof of her favor. Yeah, our group is small, but were strong and we know were on the right side.
Just then my phone made the little chime that said I had a text message. Oh, good. Maybe this is Sister Mary Angela. I flipped open the phone and stared at the message, not really getting it.
All fledglings and vampyres are to return to the House of Night immediately.
What the hell? I said, still staring at my phones screen.
Let me see, Erik said. I flipped the phone so he could read it. He nodded slowly, as if the text confirmed something hed already thought about. Its Neferet. And even though its sounding like one of those schoolwide text broadcasts, Id bet shes talking directly to us.
Are you sure its her?
Yeah, I recognize her number.
She gave you her phone number? I tried not to sound as annoyed as that made me feel, but I doubt I was very successful.
Erik shrugged. Yeah, she gave it to me before I left for Europe. Said if I ever needed anything I could call her.
I snorted.
Erik smiled. Are you jealous?
No! I lied. Shes just such a manipulative bitch that it makes me mad.
Well, shes definitely into some bad shit with Kalona.
Yeah, thats for sure, and were not going back to the House of Night. At least not right now.
I think youre right about that. We need to find out more about whats happened above before we make our next move. Plus, if your instincts are telling you we need to stay clear of the school, then thats what we should do.
I looked up at him. He smiled reassuringly down at me and brushed a strand of my hair back from my face. His eyes were warm and kind, not sex crazed and possessive. Jeesh, I had to get a grip on myself. Erik made me feel safe. He believed what he was saying. He believed in me.
Thank you, I said. Thanks for still believing in me.
Ill always believe in you, Zoey, he said. Always. Erik wrapped me in his arms and kissed me.
The door to the outside was wrenched open, letting in the murky light of a stormy afternoon and a blast of frigid air. Erik whirled, pushing me behind him. I felt a heart-thundering rush of pure fear.
Get below! Get Darius! Erik shouted as he moved forward to face the figure silhouetted against the gray upper world.
I had started to run back to the basement ladder when Heaths voice stopped me.
Hey, is that you, Zo?
CHAPTER 10
Heath! I hurried toward him, practically shouting my relief that it was him and not a terrifying Raven Mocker or worse, an ancient immortal with eyes like the night sky and a voice like a forbidden secret.
Heath? Erik didnt sound nearly as pleased. He grabbed my arm so I couldnt run past him. He frowned, still managing to stay protectively in front of me. You mean your human boyfriend?
Ex-boyfriend, Heath and I said at the same time.
Hey, arent you that Erik guy? Zos fledgling ex-boyfriend? Heath said. He ignored the three stairs that emptied into the basement and jumped lightly down, looking every inch (and I do mean at least six feet tall with kinda curly, sandy, blond-brown hair and the cutest eyes and guy dimples you have every seen) the star quarterback he was. Yes, Ill admit it freely, my high school boyfriend was a cliché, but at least he was an adorable one.
Boyfriend. Eriks voice was flint. Not ex. Just like vampyre, not fledgling.
Oh. Id say congrats on the makeup with Zo and on not drowning in your own blood, but that would pretty much be bullshit cause I wouldnt mean it. Know what I mean, dude? He talked as he walked around Erik to snag my wrist, but before he could pull me into a big hug he glanced down and saw the new tattoos covering my palms. Whoa! Now that is majorly cool! So, your goddess is still takin care of you?
Yeah, she is, I said.
Im glad, he said and pulled me into the hug Id been expecting. Damn, Ive been worried about you! Then he held me at arms length and checked me out. You all in once piece?
Im fine, I said, a little breathlessly. I mean, last time Id seen Heath hed been breaking up with me. Plus, I could smell him when he hugged me and he smelled amazing. Like home mixed with my childhood mixed with something that was delicious and exciting and was calling to me from everywhere his skin touched mine. I knew what was calling mehis blood. And that messed with more than my head.
Excellent. Heath let go of my wrist and I took a quick little half step away from him and toward Erik. I saw a flash of pain go through Heaths eyes, but it was only there for a second before he grinned nonchalantly and shrugged like the hug hadnt been a big deal because he and I were just friends now. Yeah, well, I figured you were okay. I mean, I thought even though that blood thing between us broke, Id still know if something bad happened to you. Hed said the words blood thing with a sexy emphasis that had Erik stirring beside me. But I needed to see for myself. Plus, I wanted to ask what-the-fuck about the weird call last night?
Call? Erik said. His eyes were guarded when he looked at me.
Yes, call. I lifted my chin. Erik might be my boyfriend again, but no way was I going to put up with his being all possessive and insanely jealous. The thought flitted through my mind that maybe Erik wouldnt ever be able to really trust me after what had happened between us, and Id have to put up with some obsessive jealousy. Id kinda earned it. But I said in a cool voice, I called Heath to warn him about the Raven Mockers and tell him to get his family to safety. He and I arent together, but that doesnt mean I want anything bad to happen to him.
Raven Mockers? Heath asked.
Whats going on out there? Erik asked, his voice all business.
Goin on? What do ya mean? Like the major storm thats been goin on since about midnight, and has turned into a mess of ice, or the gang bullshit that happened? And whatre Raven Mockers?
Gang bullshit? What do you mean by that? Erik snapped.
No. Im not sayin shit till you answer my question.
Raven Mockers are demonlike creatures from Cherokee legend, I answered. Up until about midnight last night, they were only evil spirits, but all that changed when their daddy, an immortal named Kalona, broke free from his prison inside the earth, and is now making his new address the Tulsa House of Night.
You really think its a good idea to tell him all that? Erik said.
Hey, why dont you let Zoey decide what she wants to tell me and what she doesnt want to tell me? Heath puffed up like he was dying to take a swing at Erik.
Erik puffed right back at him. Youre a human, he said the word like it was an STD. You cant handle the same things we can handle. Try remembering that I had to help save your stupid human ass from a bunch of vamp ghosts just a couple months ago.
Zoey saved me, not you! And Ive been handling Zoey for about a zillion years longer than youve even known her.
Yeah? How often has your stupid human ass put her in danger since shes been Marked?