I threw Aphrodite a see-someone-has-manners look before smiling at the warrior. Merry meet, Darius. You two look pleased with yourselves. You must have found someplace to get some sleep last night. I paused, glanced at Aphrodite again, and added, Sleep or whatnot.
They assured me they slept. Sister Mary Angela emphasized the word as she joined us in the doorway.
Aphrodite rolled her eyes at the nun, but didnt say anything.
Darius explained to me that the fallen angel has been visiting your dreams, and that Stark seemed to be able to stop him, said the nun in her usual manner of getting right to the point.
Whatd Stark do? Heath skidded to a stop and gave me a giant hug, planting a kiss squarely on my lips. Do I need to kick his butt?
Not likely you could, Stark said, joining us from inside the dining room.
Unlike Heath, he didnt grab me, but his look was so warm and intimate that it seemed to touch me as thoroughly as Heaths hug.
And suddenly I was feeling very guy-claustrophobic. I mean, a buffet of boys sounds like a good idea in theory, but I was quickly finding out that, much like straight-leg designer jeans, its only in theory that the idea is good. As if to reinforce my thoughts, Erik chose that instant to join us. Venus, the red fledgling who was Aphrodites old roommate, was practically Velcroed to his side. Ugh. Just ugh.
Hi everyone. Man, Im starving! Erik said. He blazed the big, warm, movie star smile that I used to heart so much.
Through my peripheral vision I could see Heath and Stark gawking at Erik and his Venus leech, who was definitely suckerfished to his side, which was when I remembered that neither of my other guys knew Id dumped Erik. I stifled a sigh of pure irritation and instead of ignoring him with the icy attitude Id have liked to throw his way, I planted my own fake smile on my face and beamed.
Hi, Erik, Venus. Well, you guys have definitely come to the right place if youre hungry. Everything smells super-good.
Eriks smile faltered for just an instant, but his acting skills were way up to the task of making it look as though hed moved on, like, fifteen seconds after wed broken up. Hi, Zoey. Didnt see you over there. As usual, youre surrounded by guys. Damn, it always was crowded around you. With a sarcastic chuckle he pushed past me, bumping Stark with his shoulder.
If I shot an arrow and thought about an ass, would it surprise you that I hit Erik? Stark asked me in a pleasant, nonchalant voice.
Wouldnt surprise me, Heath said.
I can tell you boys, from personal experience, that Erik does have one nice ass, Venus said as she moved to follow Erik into the dining room.
Hey, Venus, I have two words for you, Aphrodite said.
Venus hesitated and glanced over her shoulder at her ex-roommate. Aphrodite smiled her best mean-bitch sneer and said, Re. Bound. She paused and gave a bitchy smirk and then said, Good luck with that.
It was about then that I noticed every eye in the dining room was turned to us and all the conversations had skidded to a halt.
Erik made a possessive little motion with his hand and Venus practically trotted up to him. Slipping her arm through his, she mashed her boob against his elbow. And then the whispers started like someone had lit them with a match.
Erik and Zoey broke up!
Eriks with Venus!
Zoey and Erik arent together!
Well, hell.
CHAPTER 19
Zoey
I never did like him. Heath kissed me on the top of my head and then ruffled my hair like I was two years old.
You know I hate it when you do that! I said, trying to smooth back my hair that was already too poofy because apparently nuns didnt believe in flatirons.
I never liked him, either. Stark took my hand and kissed it. Then he looked Heath in the eye. I dont like it much that you and Zoey are Imprinted, but I dont have a problem with you.
Im cool with you, too, dude, Heath said. But I dont like it much that you slept with Zo.
Hey, just part of the job description of being her Warrior, keeping her safe and all.
Okay, vomit, Aphrodite said. By the way, testosterone dorks, you should know Z dumped Erikno matter what kind of spin he tries to put on it. Keep in mind she could do that to either of you if you get too damn annoying. She unwrapped herself from around Darius, marched over to me, and looked me in the eye. Ready to go in there and face the pain-in-the-ass masses?
In a sec. I turned to Sister Mary Angela. Hows Grandma this morning?
Worn out. Im afraid she did entirely too much yesterday.
Is she okay?
She will be.
Maybe I should go to her and
I started to walk away from the dining room, but Aphrodite caught my wrist. Grandmas going to be fine. Right now I can promise you shed rather have you figure out what were doing next than stress about her.
Stress? Did someone say they were stressin? Stevie Rae jogged around the corner of the hallway with Dallas at her side. Hey there, Z! She enveloped me in a big hug. Sorry that I snapped your head off before. I guess we both have been stressin too much lately. Forgive me? she whispered.
Of course, I whispered back and tried not to wrinkle my nose as I hugged her. She smelled like basement and earth and something else stinky I couldnt identify.
Hey, I said quickly under my breath to her. I dumped Erik and hes hooked up with Venusin front of everybody.
Well, that sucks like your mama forgettin your birthday, she said out loud, not paying any attention to our audience.
Yeah, I said. It definitely sucks.
You gonna go in and face him, or turn tail and run? she asked with a wickedly cute smile.
What do you think, Ado Annie? Aphrodite said. Z doesnt run from a fight.
Whos Ado Annie? Heath asked.
Dunno, Stark said.
Thats a character from the musical Oklahoma! Sister Mary Angela said as she tried to stifle a giggle by clearing her throat. Shall we have breakfast? Smiling, the nun headed into the cafeteria.
I sighed and had the urge to run shrieking down the hall in the opposite direction.
Come on, Z. Lets go in there and get somethin to eat. Plus, I got stuff to tell yall thats gonna make your boyfriend issues seem like nothin. Stevie Rae grabbed my hand, and swinging it, pulled me into the dining room. Trailed by Stark, Heath, Darius, Aphrodite, and Dallas, we found seats beside Sister Mary Angela at the same table where Damien, Jack, and the Twins were already sitting.
Hey, Z! Youre finally up! Check out the seriously yummy pancakes the nun cooks made us, Jack bubbled at me.
Pancakes? My world instantly brightened.
Yeah! Therere plates and plates of this stuff and bacon and hash browns. Its better than IHOP! He glanced down the table and yelled, Hey! Pass the pancakes!
Platters started to clatter our way, and my mouth began to water. I seriously heart me some pancakes.
We like French toast better, Shaunee said.
Yeah, its not as mushy, Erin said.
Pancakes arent mushy, Jack said.
Merry meet, Z, Damien spoke up, obviously defusing a pancake debate.
Merry meet, I smiled at him.
Hey, except for your poofy hair you look lots better than you did before, Jack said.
Thanks. I think. I said it through a big bite of pancake.
I think she looks amazing, Stark said from where he was sitting a little way down the table.
Me, too. I like Zoeys bed head, Heath grinned at me.
I was rolling my eyes at both of them when Eriks voice drifted across the room to me.
Really, really crowded over there. His back was turned to us, but that didnt stop his voice from projecting obnoxiously.
Why couldnt breakups be easy? Why couldnt Erik just not be a butt? Because you really hurt his feelings flitted through my mind, but I was sick of being worried about Eriks feelings. Hed been a possessive jerk! And what a damn hypocrite. Hed called me a ho, but itd taken him less than a day to hook up with someone else. Jeesh.
Wait, Eriks with Venus? Jacks voice caught my attention.
We broke up last night, I said, nonchalantly forking pancakes onto my plate and waving at Erin to pass me the platter of bacon.
Yeah, thats what Aphrodite told us. But now hes with Venus? Just like that? Jack repeated, staring at Erik and the aforementioned Venus, who was spider monkeying all over him so much that I was shocked that he could eat. I thought he was a nice guy. Jack sounded totally young and disillusioned, like Erik had just burst his perfect-guy bubble.
I shrugged. Its okay, Jack. Eriks not really a bad guy. Were just bad together, I said, hating how upset Jack looked. Wanting to change the subject, I announced, Aphrodite had another vision.
What did you see? Damien asked her.
Aphrodite glanced at me, and I nodded almost imperceptibly. Kalona burning up vamps and people.
Burning them? Shaunee spoke right up. Sounds like something I should be able to discourage. I am Miss Fire.
Right you are, Twin, Erin said.
Brain sharersyou werent in the vision. Aphrodite jabbed her syrupy fork at the Twins. Fire and blood and horror and whatnot were. You two were probably shopping.
Shaunee and Erin narrowed their eyes at Aphrodite.
Where was Zoey? Damien asked.
Aphrodites gaze found mine as she answered. Zoey was there. In one of my visions that was a good thing. In the other, not so good.
Whats that supposed to mean? Jack asked.
The vision was confusing. Seemed like what I saw was a double-edged sword.
To me it was obvious that she was stalling, and I was just opening my mouth to tell her to go ahead and tell them everything when Kramisha, who was sitting down the table to my right, raised her arm and waved around the piece of paper she was holding.
I know what it means, she said. Or I know part a what it means. I wrote this before I went to bed last night. She smiled at Sister Mary Angela. After we finished watching that nun movie.
Im glad you liked it, dear, Sister Mary Angela said.
I did, but I still think them kids was bad.
What are you flailing around? Aphrodite asked.
You could be a little patient, Kramisha said. And show some manners. Its for Zoey anyway. Here, pass it down to her.
The piece of paper was passed from person to person till it got to me. As everyone had probably suspected, it was one of Kramishas poems. I stifled a sigh.
As if reading my mind, Aphrodite said, Please tell me its not another one of those prophetic poems. Goddess, they give me a headache.
Better stock up on Tylenol, I said. I read the first line to myself, blinked, and then looked up at Aphrodite. What did you say just a second ago? Something about a sword?
She said you bein there with Kalona was a double-edged sword. Thats what made me give you the poem now, stead of waitin for a more private time. Kramishas sharp gaze found Erik, then she added, I have more sense than some people bout puttin my business all out in public.
Thats the first line of this poem, A double-edged sword, I said.
Thats spooky, said Stevie Rae.
Yep, I said, staring at the poem. Spooky is a good word for it.
What do you want to do about it? Damien asked me.
I want to take the poem and, with the help of my friends, figure it out. But I want to do it at home, I said simply.
Damien smiled and nodded. Home. That sounds good.
I looked at Aphrodite. What do you think?
I think I miss the Vichy shower in my room, she said.
Darius? I asked.
We have to go back before we can focus on going forward.
Shaunee and Erin?
They glanced at each other, and then Erin said, Home. Definitely.
Stevie Rae?
Well, I have somethin to tell yall before you make any big decisions.
Okay, go ahead, I said.
I watched Stevie Rae suck in a big, long breath and then blow it out through her pursed lips, like she was taking an asthma test. Her words followed her breath and she spoke quickly and clearly, letting what she said carry throughout the room.
Therere more red fledglings than just the kids here. They didnt change when I did like these guys. Theyre still bad. I thinkI think they might still be connected to Neferet. She turned to me and her eyes begged me to understand. I didnt say anything to you cause I wanted to give them a chance. I thought that theyd find their humanity again if they were just left alone and could think through things on their own, or if maybe I could help them. Im sorry, Z. I didnt mean to cause any problems and I never wanted to lie to you.
I couldnt be pissed at Stevie Rae. All I could do was feel relieved that shed finally told me the truth.
Sometimes you cant tell your friends everything youd like to tell them, I said.
Stevie Rae let out her breath on a sob. Oh, Z! You dont hate me?
Of course not, I said. Ive had to keep some pretty crappy secrets, so I get it.
Where are they? Damiens question would have seemed harsh, but his voice was gentle, his warm brown eyes filled with understanding.
Theyre in the depot tunnels. Thats why I just sealed off the dirt tunnel that I made to get everyone here. I didnt want any of the others following us and causing the nuns problems.
You should have warned us last night, Darius said. We would have posted guards while everyone was sleeping.
There were rogue red fledglings at the other end of your tunnel? Sister Mary Angelas hand found the rosary that hung around her neck.
Oh, Sister, you werent in any danger. Darius, we didnt need to post guards, promise! she quickly explained. Those other kids are affected by daylight big-time. They never move around while the suns up, not even in the tunnels.
Dariuss frown said he still would have posted a guard. Sister Mary Angela didnt say anything, but I saw her fingers worrying her rosary beads. It was then that I noticed none of the red fledglings were speaking. I glanced at the only other red vampyre in existence. Did you know about these other fledglings?
Me? Hell no. I wouldve told you right away, Stark said.
I should have told you right away. Im real sorry I didnt, Stevie Rae said.
Sometimes the truth can get buried and its hard to figure out how to uncover it, I told her, and then I looked around the room at the other red fledglings. You guys all knew, didnt you?
Kramisha spoke up. We knew. We dont like them other kids. Theys bad news.
They smell bad, too, little Shannoncompton said from a ways down the table.
They suck, Dallas said. And they remind us of how it used to be.
Thats something we dont like to remember, said muscle-y Johnny B.
I turned my attention back to Stevie Rae. Is there anything else you want to tell me?
Well, I dont think its smart for us to go back to the depot tunnels right now, so going home to the House of Night sounds good to me, too.
Then its settled. We go home, I said.
CHAPTER 20
Zoey
Im all for getting back where we belong, but your grandma should stay here, Aphrodite said suddenly. We dont know what all were going to have to deal with at the House of Night.
Did your visions show you something else? I asked, noticing that she was looking at Stevie Rae instead of me.
Aphrodite shook her head slowly. No, I told you everything I saw in my visions. I just have a feeling, thats all.
Stevie Rae laughed nervously. Well, heck, Aphrodite, were all feelin jumpy and on edge, which makes total sense. We just chased away some major booger monsters, but thats no reason to freak Zoey out.
Im not freaking her out, bumpkin, Aphrodite said. Im just being careful.
It is wise to anticipate dangers, Darius said thoughtfully.
Since there was nothing wrong with being careful, I opened my mouth to agree with both of them when Stevie Rae turned to Darius and in a cold, flat voice said, Just because youve sworn your Warriors Oath to her doesnt mean you have to agree with everything she says.
What? Stark said. You gave Aphrodite your Oath?
Really? Damien said.
Wow, too cool, Jack said.
Erik snorted from the table behind us. Im shocked Zoey let you and didnt just add you to her private collection.
By that time Id had enough. I yelled over at him, Oh, go to hell, Erik!
Zoey! Sister Mary Angela gasped.
Sorry, I muttered.
Dont be sorry, Aphrodite said, glaring at Stevie Rae. Hell isnt a bad word. Its a place. And some people do need to be sent there.
What? Stevie Rae said innocently. You didnt want everyone to know about you and Darius?
My business is my business, Aphrodite said.
Just like I was sayin before, Kramisha nodded sagely. It just aint right to put your personal business all out in public. She turned her dark eyes on Stevie Rae. I know you our High Priestess and all, so I dont mean no disrespect, but I think you was raised better than that.
Stevie Rae looked instantly contrite. Youre right, Kramisha. I guess I didnt think it was that big a deal. I mean, everyone would know sooner or later. She smiled at me and shrugged her shoulders. A Warriors Oath isnt exactly somethin you can hide. She turned to Aphrodite. Sorry, I wasnt tryin to be mean.
Im not interested in your apology. Im not Zoey. Im not going to automatically believe everything you say.
Okay, enough! I shouted. Anger and frustration added power to my words, and I saw several kids flinch. All of you need to listen up and get something straight. We cant fight big, world-ending evil if were bickering with each other! Stevie Rae and Aphroditeget over the fact that youre Imprinted and learn not to embarrass each other. I saw hurt in Aphrodites eyes and shock in Stevie Raes, but I kept going. Stevie Rae, dont keep important stuff from me, even if you think you have a good reason to. I looked squarely at Erik, who had turned around in his chair so he could stare at me. And Erik, we have lots bigger problems than you being pissed I dumped you. I heard Stark chuckle and I rounded on him. You dont get a free pass, either.
Stark raised his hands like he was surrendering. Im just laughing because Erik the Great got put in his place.
Which is real crappy of you since you can feel how much this whole thing with you and Erik and Heath has hurt my feelings.
Starks cocky smile faded.
Darius, its an icy mess out there, but do you think you can drive the Hummer back to the House of Night? I asked.
I do, said the warrior.
Whos good on a horse? Instantly several hands went up like I was a mean teacher and they were all scared of being in trouble. Shaunee, you and Erin can ride the horse you got here on. I looked around at the kids still holding up their hands. Johnny B, can you and Kramisha double on the other mare?
Yep, we can, he said. Kramisha nodded briskly, and they both put down their hands.
Stark, you can ride behind me on Persephone, I said without looking at him. Damien, Jack, Aphrodite, Shannoncompton, Venus, and I stared at a brunette red fledgling whose name I absolutely could not remember.
Sophie, Stevie Rae said hesitantly, like she was scared I might snap her head off.
And Sophie. You guys go with Darius in the Hummer. I looked at Stevie Rae. Can you be sure the rest of the red fledglings and Erik get to the House of Night safely?
If thats what you want me to do, then thats what Ill do, she said.
Good. Finish breakfast and then lets go home. I stood up and took in all the nuns with one long look. I appreciate you helping us more than Ill ever be able to tell you. As long as Im alive, the Benedictine Sisters will have a High Priestess as a friend. Then I turned to leave. As I passed Stark, I saw him start to get up, but I caught his eyes and shook my head. Im going to say bye to Grandmaby myself. I could see that Id hurt him, but he only saluted me respectfully and said, As you wish, my lady.
Ignoring the silence I left in my wake, I walked out of the room, alone.
So, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya, you made everyone angry? Grandma said after listening to me rant while I paced back and forth beside her bed.
Well, not everyone. I hurt some peoples feelings instead of making them mad.
Grandma studied me for a long time. When she finally spoke her words were typically simple but straight to the point. That is unlike you, so you must have had a good reason for acting so out of character.
Well, Im scared and confused. Yesterday I felt like a High Priest-ess. Today Im just a kid again. I have boyfriend issues and a best friend whos been keeping stuff from me.
All that means is neither you nor Stevie Rae is perfect, Grandma said.
But how do I know thats all it means? What if Im a shallow ho and Stevie Raes gone evil?
Only time will show whether your trust in Stevie Rae has been misplaced. And I think you should stop being so hard on yourself for being attracted to more than one boy. Youre making good judgments about the relationships in your life. From what youve said, Eriks behavior was controlling and boorish. There are many young women who would have ignored all of that because hes, how do you put it, so hot! Grandma did a bad teenage imitation. Youll learn to balance Heath and Stark, many High Priestesses do. Or you wont, and youll decide committing yourself to one man is the right path for you. But, darling, that is something you have many, many years to decide.
I suppose youre right, I said.
Of course Im right. Im old. Which means I can also tell theres more bothering you than boys or Stevie Rae. What is it, Zoeybird?
I had a memory of A-ya, Grandma.
Grandmas sharp intake of breath was the only outward sign of her inward shock. Did the memory involve Kalona?
Yes.
Was it pleasant or unpleasant?
Both! It started out as terrifying, but as I got closer and closer to A-ya, it changed. She loved him, Grandma. And I could feel that.
Grandma nodded and spoke slowly. Yes, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya, that makes sense. A-ya was created to love him.
It scares me and makes me feel out of control! I cried.
Sssh, daughter, Grandma soothed. We are all affected by our pasts, but it is within our power not to let what we have done dictate what we will do.
Even at a soul-deep level?
Especially at a soul-deep level. Ask yourself where is it your great gifts originate.
Well, from Nyx, I said.
And did the goddess gift your body or your soul?
My soul, of course. My bodys just a shell for my soul. I was surprised at the firmness of my voice. I blinked in surprise. I have to remember its my soul now, and treat A-ya like I would any memory from my past.
Grandma smiled. Ah, there, I knew youd find your center again. When you make mistakes, whether they are from this life or another, learn from themthen they become opportunities.
Not if my mistakes let Kalona burn up the world, I thought, and almost said aloud, but just then Grandma closed her eyes. She looked so tired and hurt and old that it made my stomach clench and feel more than a little sick.
Im sorry I dumped all this on you, Grandma, I said.
She opened her eyes and patted my hand. Dont ever be sorry for speaking your mind to me, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya.
I kissed Grandma lightly on her forehead, being careful not to hurt any of her cuts and bruises. I love you, Grandma.
And I love you, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya. Go with the Goddess, and the blessings of our ancestors.
My hand had just touched the doorknob when her voice rang between us, sounding strong and sure and wise as ever.
Hold to the truth, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya. Do not ever forget, as our people have always known, there is a deep power in words that speak the truth.
Ill try my best, Grandma.
And that is all I will ever ask of you, my Zoeybird.
CHAPTER 21
Zoey
The ride back to the House of Night was slow and weird and awkward.
It was slow because even with Shaunee and me directing fire to warm the hooves of the horses so that we could trot down Twenty-first Street and take a left at the Utica Street light (which was totally dark), it was still a slick, frigid, difficult trek.
It was weird because everything was so darn dark. Heres what happens when your city loses light: it doesnt look right. It sounds simplistic, especially coming from a kid who is supposed to be one of the children of the night or whatnot, but the world doesnt look the same when the lights go out.
And it was awkward because Shaunee and Erin kept throwing looks at me like they thought I was a bomb that might explode. Johnny B and Kramisha hardly talked to me at all, and Stark, who was sitting behind me on my amazing mare, Persephone, wouldnt so much as rest his hands on my waist.
Me? I just wanted to go home.
Darius drove the Hummer behind us at Im sure what must have felt like a crawl to him, even though the three horses were managing a steady trot. The red fledglings, led by Stevie Rae and Erik, followed the Hummer. Except for the car and the hooves of the horses, the night was as silent as it was dark, though once in a while, creepily, a branch would give up under its icy weight and, with a terrible crack! a tree would break.
Wed turned left on Utica before I said anything.
So are you just not going to ever talk to me again? I asked Stark.
Ill talk to you, he said.
Why does it seem like there should be a but at the end of that sentence?
He hesitated and I could practically feel the tension that radiated off him. Finally he let out a long breath and said, I dont know whether to be pissed at you, or to say Im sorry for the messed-up shit that happened in the cafeteria.
Well, the cafeteria wasnt your fault. Or at least most of it wasnt.
Yeah, see, I know that, but I also know your feelings were hurt by the whole Erik thing.
I didnt know what to say to that, so we rode on in silence for a while until Stark cleared his throat and said, You were pretty hard on everyone back there.
I had to shut up the bickering, and that seemed like the quickest way.
Next time you could try saying something like, Guys, shut up your bickering! I dunno, maybe its just me, but that makes more sense than freaking on your friends.
I stifled the urge to snap back and say Id like to see him do any better. Instead I thought about what hed said. He might be right. I didnt feel comfortable with the fact that Id snapped at everyoneespecially since a bunch of the everyones were my friends.
Ill try to do better next time, I finally said.
Stark didnt gloat. He didnt turn all tough-guylike and patronize me, either. He just rested his hands on my shoulders, squeezed, and said, The fact that you actually listen to other people is one of the things I like best about you.
I could feel my cheeks get warm at his unexpected compliment. Thanks, I said softly. I ran my fingers through Persephones cold, wet mane, liking how her ears twitched back in response. Youre a really good girl, I crooned to her.
Thought you mighta noticed by now that Im not a girl, Stark said with a cocky smile in his voice.
I noticed. I laughed and the tension between us evaporated. The Twins, Johnny B, and Kramisha looked our way with tentative smiles.
So, uh, you and I are okay? I asked him.
You and I will always be okay. Im your Warrior, your protector. No matter what else is going on, Ill have your back.
When my throat cleared enough for me to speak, I said, Being my Warrior might not always be an easy job.
He laughed, full and loud and long. He also slid his arms around my waist and said, Zoey, sometimes being your Warrior will suck royally.
I was going to mention that, just perhaps, his mom sucked royally, but his arms were warm around me and his touch was soothing. So I grumbled something about him being full of bullpoopie, and let myself relax back against him.