Chapter Twelve
THE NEXT MORNING, I woke in bed alone, thank God. I was dreading facing everyone. I rarely cried, and I never broke down as I had done the night before. After I splashed my face with cool water and dressed, longing for my concealer and eye drops, I headed down to breakfast.
Standing in front of the double doors that led into the dining room, I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders, but I stifled a screech and spun around when I felt a light touch on my shoulder. Elaine stood there, sans the scowl she had worn for the past several days. I straightened my posture and raised my chin a smidge as I looked her directly in the eye.
“Sage, we are all very proud of you. You have come a long way in the past several weeks. You are a hard worker, a quick learner, and when most other young women would have broken down going through all the things you have, you tapped into an inner strength and moved on.”
She took a deep breath and continued, “Please forgive me for reacting too harshly. I allowed the worry I felt when I realized you had put yourself in danger to color my actions.” She looked down at her hands clasped in front of her.
I got the distinct impression it was almost as hard for her as it was for me to apologize to anyone. How could I not forgive someone who had helped me so much, someone who cared about me? I impulsively pulled her to me for a hug, and after a moment’s surprise, she hugged me back.
“Of course I forgive you,” I said fiercely. I gave her one last squeeze and then stepped back. Throwing her a quick grin, I entered the dining room for breakfast.
I dug into my food with gusto, and my heart felt lighter even though my stomach felt empty from missing most of the previous night’s meal. When Dr. Blake entered, looking refreshed and charming, my heart gave a little flutter, and I couldn’t help but smile when I remembered how gentle and sweet he’d been the night before.
He met my eyes briefly and gave me a little wink. It was a good thing I was already sitting down. Dang, that man was some major eye candy. I gave him a sassy grin in return and then finished my breakfast. Mrs. Howell informed everyone that instead of our regularly scheduled classes, we would all be meeting in the library to go over some things. I glanced at her, but her demeanor gave nothing away. I was pretty sure I wasn’t in trouble again.
Travis, Dr. Blake, Phoebe, and I waited in the library for Elaine to arrive. I pretended to skim the pages of the book in my hand, but instead I studied my three companions. I couldn’t imagine any of them sending me that blasted note, alerting preternaturals of my presence, or one of them being a traitor.
I looked at Dr. Blake and knew he could be moody and unpredictable. Lord knows he looked dangerous enough to be a bad guy. Surely, I would be able to tell, though. And after holding me gently through the night, I just couldn’t imagine my intuition being that off when it came to him.
I glanced over at Travis and Phoebe, deep in conversation by the fireplace. Travis had saved my life and killed a vampire the day I met him. He seemed otherwise genuine and gentle, but sometimes I wondered about his enthusiasm for killing preternaturals. I also had to consider the fact that when I came home after getting the note, I ran into him acting suspiciously.
I narrowed my eyes at Phoebe, who was currently looking adoringly at Travis through her lashes as he spoke animatedly to her. I hadn’t realized she had a thing for Travis, but any fool could see it right then. I was surprised I hadn’t noticed before. Phoebe was pretty and quiet, and even though she was technically a servant, she was treated as an equal and a trusted member of the group. I didn’t think she was a traitor. Not because she was a woman—I knew better than to make assumptions like that. I just didn’t know all that much about Phoebe, and I thought it unlikely that she would betray a man she felt strongly for. I needed to learn a little more about her before I made any judgments, however.
I shook my head in frustration. Howell Home also staffed several other servants, and although they were considered trustworthy, they would all be at the top of my list to investigate. I might have to come clean to Elaine about the note. I really didn’t want to mess up the relationship we had just mended, though. I bit my lip, thinking about the predicament I had gotten myself into. It was then that Elaine walked in with her normal whirlwind fashion and beckoned everyone to take a seat. Once we got settled, she cleared her throat and addressed us all.
“For the past six weeks, we have all worked very hard together, day-in and day-out, to prepare Sage for her mission. Travis has assured me she has learned all he can teach her about preternaturals. I am convinced she will fill her role as a lady born to this era without flaw… even though she still has a tendency to curse most unladylike under her breath.”
She said the last with a hint of amusement and affection in her voice, and I felt my eyes go a little misty.
“Dr. Blake has also assured me that she has a firm grasp on her abilities as a warper and has been one of his brightest pupils in matters of combat and knife handling.”
My cheeks felt like they were on fire as I glanced quickly over at Dr. Blake. The blasted man grinned at me, probably loving how uncomfortable I was with all the praise.
“So,” Mrs. Howell continued, “we are going to celebrate by attending a house party tonight. Our plan will be put into motion starting then.”
Elaine was beaming at all of us, and I felt like I had been punched in the gut. So soon? Was I ready to do this already? Everyone was talking excitedly and shaking hands, oblivious to my inner turmoil. It seemed the demon of self-doubt had made camp right inside my chest.
Elaine walked over to me. “Sage, if you will meet me in my room, I have a few things to show you, and then we will take you to the townhouse we have procured for you.”
I nodded, barely hearing her. She probably had some last-minute princess advice to impart. I caught my snort just in time.
“I’ll meet you there as soon as I grab a breath of fresh air.”
I caught her worried look just before she masked it. Placing a hand on her arm, I smiled. “Just in the courtyard, I promise. Don’t worry.”
I gave her a quick squeeze before making my way outside to sort out my thoughts and regain my composure.