Dark Promise (Between Worlds #1)

  *

  The doorbell started ringing at six o’clock. I paced around my room trying not to look in the mirror. How could I go down there knowing I had pointed ears? And wings?

  “Rylie!” Mom called my name impatiently.

  I should have been downstairs greeting the first guests as they arrived, but I was a mass of nerves. I opened my bedroom door and called, “Coming.”

  A few deep breaths to prepare me, and then I slowly walked down the stairs. I look like a human, I repeated over and over in my head, trying to supplement the image I held firmly in my mind. I can do this.

  Adam was at the bottom of the stairs. He looked even more handsome than usual. His hair was still damp from the shower, and he had on a white button-down oxford and khaki pants. I watched as his eyes lit up and his smile grew. He put his hand out and I took it. “You look beautiful.” He pressed a brief kiss to my fingertips, and then teased, “Took you long enough. Making a grand entrance?”

  I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “Maybe I was. And, thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

  He leaned in and softly kissed me on the lips. His clean, masculine scent surrounded me. “Happy birthday.”

  I pulled back and grinned. “Where’s my surprise?”

  “Later.” His grin was cocky.

  I elbowed him. “I hate when you make me wait.”

  Emma and Jack waited behind Adam. I peered around him and smiled at them. “Hey, guys. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Happy birthday, Rylie,” Emma said, taking a few steps towards me. “I love your dress.”

  “Thanks.” I hugged her. She looked gorgeous, like always. Her long, curly hair was a wild mess and her makeup gave her eyes a catlike appearance, making her look even more exotic than usual.

  The doorbell rang again and my mother continued to cheerfully answer it, letting in more and more of my friends from school. As each one entered, my paranoia increased. I gripped Adam’s hand, trying to keep from shaking. If he noticed, he didn’t mention it.

  The party would be down in the game room, which was in the basement. Ages ago, it had been my doll room, where I kept dollhouses and boxes of lovingly tended Barbies. I used to disappear there for hours at a time. As I grew up, it went through several incarnations, and finally landed somewhere between college dorm and video game room. At that moment, I’d have given anything to be that little girl with Barbies again, instead of a winged faery.

  Adam parted the metallic curtain of beads that covered the doorway to the basement and said, “Birthday girl first.”

  I giggled and took his hand. As we walked down the stairs, we passed by an old, circular mirror that had hung on our wall as long as I could remember. I caught a glimpse of sparkly, colorful wings. My heart started racing, and I couldn’t breathe.

  Dropping Adam’s hand, I choked out, “I’ll be right back.”

  I rushed to the basement bathroom, where I slammed the door and locked it behind me. Avoiding the mirror, I sat on the toilet, tucking my beautiful dress around my legs, and tried to calm down.

  I can’t do this! Why is this happening to me? It’s not fair! Over and over, I screamed these things inside my head.

  I don’t know how much time passed as I stared around the tiny room. It was a half-bath with horrible blue floral wallpaper and white tiled floor, but it was safe and familiar. Even the toilet paper holder—shaped like a swan head and completely hideous—made me feel better.

  There was a tap at the door.

  “One minute,” I yelled as I stood up. Pull yourself together.

  Gripping the sides of the sink, I stared at my reflection. I couldn’t imagine ever getting used to seeing myself this way. Everyone was waiting, so I’d just have to deal with it later. I pushed my shoulders back and stood a little straighter. I had to pretend for the evening that I was a normal human girl, and enjoy my birthday. I turned and pushed the door open. To my surprise, Ian was standing outside.

  “Oh, hey, sorry. I was having a slight panic attack over… So I ran to the bathroom to compose myself,” I started blabbering.

  “No problem. Happy birthday, by the way.” He paused, and then a shy smile touched his lips. “I hope you don’t mind I showed up—Sierra invited me.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and shifted back and forth.

  “Of course I don’t mind. I’m happy you were able to make it. I better get back to the party. They are probably wondering where I ran off to. I’ll see you in there.”

  I willed myself to remain calm. My mother had spent a lot of time on my party, and I didn’t want to ruin it for her or anyone else. I smiled when I saw the huge banner that read: Happy Sweet Sixteen, Rylie!

  The basement was filled with black and pink. Balloons, glitter hearts, and streamers hung from the ceiling. Kids were throwing confetti around so that it coated the concrete floor. It felt a little immature to me, but I would never tell my mother that.

  The first person I saw was Sierra. I grabbed her arm and whispered in her ear, “I just saw Ian. He actually showed up. He must really be into you.”

  Her face lit up. “Really? I can’t believe it. I didn’t know if he would bother.” She smoothed down the front of her skirt and looked towards the door. It was so cute to see Sierra into someone again. I was happy for her.

  “There’s the birthday girl.” Adam encircled my waist with his arm. “Where did you go?”

  “To the bathroom. You know crowds make me nervous.” I turned and kissed him softly on the lips. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  He looked at me like I was crazy. Then he said jokingly, “Like you’d let me be anywhere else.”

  I wished the two of us could just disappear. Adam was the one who kept me together. This whole stupid faery thing…what if it shattered us? What if it was too much for him to handle? We could run away together, but that would put him in danger if there were any truth to this madness.

  “You look so serious. What are you thinking about?”

  “How lucky I am to have you. I don’t ever want to lose you.” I laid my hand on his arm and looked up, meeting his eyes.

  He snickered. “Are you getting all mushy on me?”

  “It appears so.” I blinked my eyes a few times, forcing the tears back. I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “If I wanted you to go away with me, would you?”

  His smile faded. “Is there something going on I should know about?”

  Yeah. I’m a freaking faery. Ugh! I couldn’t tell him that and yet I couldn’t lie. “Just thinking.” I laughed, feigning indifference as I avoided his eyes. “Sometimes I think it would be fun to pack it up and go somewhere new.”

  “I don’t think your parents would approve, and all your friends would miss you,” Adam pointed out.

  “I know. You’re right. I just like to daydream sometimes.”

  “Nothing wrong with that. We’ll be out of high school before you know it, and we can go wherever you want.” He played with a strand of my hair, and I shuddered as his hand moved over my shoulder and brushed my wings. He was oblivious to their existence.

  Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Jack and Emma were playing air hockey, Kevin and Griffin were playing pool, and a bunch of people were surrounding the snack table. The scene just looked so normal, like any other teen party. None of these people had any idea a magickal creature was in their midst.

  Me.

  “I should mingle,” I told Adam, hoping he’d forget my crazy suggestion to run away. I had a feeling I was raising red flags with him, and should stop being an idiot.

  “Sure, I’ll go talk to the guys. Come get me when you need a break from being a social butterfly.” He winked and strolled off in the direction of his teammates.

  Before I had a chance to move forward, Stacey from choir cornered me. Her dark brown eyes sized me up. “There you are. The guest of honor is not supposed to keep herself holed away from everyone. You look amazing! I love the dress.”

  “Thanks.
My mom got it for my birthday. You know I’m not good with being social.”

  Stacey laced her arm through mine. “I’ll help you. Let’s go say hello to the rest of the girls from choir, and then we’ll make the rounds to the rest of the guests.” As we started walking, she commented, “The decorations are fabulous and the music amazing. I’m impressed.”

  I laughed. “All my mother’s doing. She loves this stuff. I think she’s been planning my sixteenth birthday for a very long time.”

  Stacey laughed, flipping her long wavy brown hair over her shoulder, and started jabbering about choir.

  I went from place to place, talking to my friends, thanking them for coming, and getting lost in conversations that were thankfully inane and gossipy. For a little while, it was almost like I was normal again.

  “Pizza will be here in a few minutes,” Dad called from upstairs.

  “Thanks,” I yelled back up. Slipping away from Stacey, I crossed the room to Adam. “Wanna help bring the pizza down?”

  “Of course, beautiful.” He glanced around the room. “Party seems to be a hit.”

  “Yeah, not bad. Much better than I was expecting.” We made our way up the stairs just as the doorbell rang for the pizza delivery. The poor kid looked like he was about to topple over—he had at least ten pizzas balanced precariously in his arms. When my dad relieved him of his burden, I thought I saw tears in his eyes.

  Adam and I split the pizzas, leaving one upstairs for my parents. We took off back downstairs while my dad was paying. The bottom box was so hot, I practically threw them on the table.

  When you bring pizzas to teens, it’s like vultures are attacking. The boxes were decimated in a matter of minutes. I was hungrier than I thought I would be, my stomach growling as I ate.

  After pizza, my mother came in carrying a white, three-tiered cake with sixteen candles. Thankfully, she had a local bakery make the cake early. Usually, she attempted and failed to make my cake on her own, and then she would have to rush to get one made at the last minute. As soon as she appeared in the doorway, everyone started singing “Happy Birthday”. With everyone staring at me, I was self-conscious. All I could think about were my wings and my ears. Surely they could see them.

  They can’t see your faery body. Remember you look normal to them, I reminded myself. Someone snapped a picture of me. I couldn’t wait to see it—real me, me as a human, the way I was supposed to be. I never cared to have my picture taken before, but now I would be taking every opportunity.

  When it came time to make a wish, I took a deep breath and thought, Please, don’t let me lose Adam. Then I blew out every candle on that cake in one breath. Maybe, just maybe, my wish would come true.

  I had told everyone not to bring presents, and they had listened, which was a huge relief. I didn’t have to be the center of attention while opening them. That would have put me over the edge. Someone cranked up the music, and everyone started dancing. This was what being a teenager was supposed to be about. Not wings and dark faeries.

  A slow song eventually came on, and I searched for Adam in the crowd. It was dim—someone had lowered the lights—but our eyes met through the gently shifting mass of bodies. We crossed the room and met in the middle. He took me in his arms, placing his hand on the small of my back—just below my wings. I put my arms around his neck and leaned my head against his chest, listening to the sound of his heart beating just underneath the bass thump of the music.

  He made me feel safe, secure, normal. I held on even after the song ended. Finally, I released the strong grasp I had on him. He leaned down and softly brushed my lips with his. The kiss grew in passion until he pulled away, breathless. Licking his lips, he said with a smile, “You’re intense tonight.”

  “Sorry.” I blushed.

  “It’s okay. Just different. I like it.”

  Different. The word echoed in my head, but I kept it together.

  “I think it’s time for your present.” Adam gave me his crooked grin. “It’s in the truck. Let’s sneak out.”

  I bit my lip and glanced around. No one was paying attention to us. I grabbed his hand and we ran up the stairs. Even though I tell people I hate surprises, I secretly loved them. Adam had always been the best at picking presents, even when he was really young. I couldn’t wait to see what he got me this year.

  It was a cool evening, and the air smelled of honeysuckle and pine. My high heels tapped along the front walk as we walked to where his truck was parked on the street, loud in the silent night.

  “Close your eyes,” Adam told me when we reached the truck. I heard the door creak open. “No peeking.”

  The suspense was killing me. I groaned and shut my eyes tight. He knew me so well.

  Adam’s hand clasped mine, and he pulled me towards him. “Okay, you can open them now.”

  I looked down. He held a small, square box in his hand. It was perfectly wrapped in white paper with a red bow. “Did you wrap it yourself?” I asked.

  “I might have had a little help with that part,” he said sheepishly. “But I picked it out on my own.”

  “Is it a watch?” I asked as I shook it.

  He laughed. “Just open it.”

  “Fine.” I pulled the ribbon slowly and carefully unwrapped the paper. The box was silver and shiny. “Earrings?”

  “Open it.” Adam nudged me.

  I opened the box and covered my mouth. A delicate, silver charm bracelet lay inside. I had wanted one forever. Carefully taking it out, I saw there were two charms dangling from it. One was a heart with a small diamond in the middle and the other a music note. “It’s perfect.” I held my hand out so he could clasp it on my wrist.

  “Well, I figured you love music, and I love you, so I was hoping you’d like the charms I picked out.”

  “Like it—I love it.” I threw my arms around his neck and the bracelet clinked as it slid down my wrist.

  Adam ran his thumb down the side of my cheek. “I love you, Rylie McCallister.” He lifted my chin with his finger and, with our noses almost touching, he gently pressed his lips against mine. The noise of the party faded, and there was nothing but us for those few minutes.

  I pulled away, dragging a little bit of his lip with me, and smiled as I caught him still with his eyes closed. “I guess we should get inside. They’re probably wondering where we snuck off to,” I said reluctantly.

  “Yeah.” He sighed and slung an arm around my shoulder to walk back to the party.

  The party lasted a couple more hours. I challenged Sierra to a game of air hockey, Adam and I danced more, and I let my worries slip away for a while. But eventually, the fun came to an end.

  Adam and Sierra were the last of my friends to leave. The three of us stood on the front lawn, and Sierra gave me a giant hug. “No car, huh?”

  “Not yet.” I forced a chuckle. Getting a car was the least of my worries right now.

  Her green eyes sparkled. “Guess I’ll be picking you up Monday morning for school.”

  “Yes! Even if I had gotten a car, I wouldn’t want to miss riding with you.” I spotted Ian standing by her car. “Ian’s waiting.”

  She looked in his direction. “I know. I still can’t believe it. He’s so incredible.” She sighed. “Happy birthday, Ry. I love ya.” She squeezed me again.

  “Love you, too.”

  I watched as she practically skipped to the car. She looked so carefree and happy. I hoped Ian would treat her better than Trent had. I didn’t want to see her get hurt again.

  Adam pulled me close to him and whispered into my ear, “Happy birthday.”

  “Not for much longer. It’s almost midnight.” I stared up at the full moon. It was mysterious, secretive. I wondered what else was out there that was kept from humans.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re acting off lately, as if something’s bothering you.” Adam’s brow was knitted together, his eyes darting over my face as if searching for answers.

  “I’m fin
e, just a lot on my mind lately. My parents are already bugging me about my future and college. I guess it’s just starting to get to me. The unknown…you know what I mean?”

  “Not really. That seems like light years away to me.” He winked. “Enjoy the moment. I’ll deal with that other stuff when it gets here. You need to relax, Ry, you get stressed out too easy.”

  “You’re right. Let’s enjoy a few more moments before my parents make you leave.” I tilted my head, closed my eyes, and felt his lips on mine. Why couldn’t everything be this perfect?