Chapter 9
Running through the woods, large, dark shadows by my side. Looking back to see if he is close to catching up, I gasp at the beauty in his smile. I stop and turn to watch him run toward me. "What's wrong my love are you ill, is it the baby?" He asks while placing his hand gently on my stomach. I look down in shock and take in my protruding belly from its white, lace, beaded covering.
"Baby?" Confusion and panic suddenly set in as I could not remember how I had arrived in the woods, or when in the hell I got pregnant. The look of fear that must plaque my face puts Bash in distress.
"Sweetheart you are making me nervous, perhaps we should go back home so you can rest." He reaches out for my hand and I stare at it with uncertainty. Lifting and stretching out my hand and toward him, I prepare to take the arm he offers me. Suddenly the sound of a wild horse causes both of us to jump. To the right of where we stand comes a white stallion with Lance as the rider.
"Run Maddie, get away from him. He wants to hurt us and our child," Lance shouts with fervor. Looking from Bash to Lance I cannot find the motivation to move. I am drawn to both of them but something internally is telling me to take Bash's hand.
I look down at my belly and I can hear a small voice say, "mommy you know what is best, only you know where we need to be." Still so unsure of what to do I run in the opposite direction from the both of them creating an unbearable but necessary distance. I refuse to be rushed into making a decision. I begin to pick up speed when a large cumulus comes crashing down in front of me, blocking me from further escape the cloud consumes me. Before I know it I am lifted off the ground and beamed straight up into the sky. The speed of travel makes me dizzy and the degree of fear I feel increases as I look up and see a limitless abyss. Just as I thought my trip would never end I crash into an even bigger, darker, grey cloud.
The pain that runs up and down my back is excruciating. I fell off my bed and landed on my back. I hear Amelia running up the stairs and shortly after rushing into my room to check on me. "Are you alright, Maddie?" she asks breathing heavily.
"Yes, embarrassed, but I'm fine. I was dreaming that, (taking a pause I decide not tell Amelia the complete truth), I was floating around on a cloud until it disintegrated and I crashed down to the ground." Giving Amelia a weak smile, I use the bed to help myself up. The look on her face says I do not believe you, child! Clearly, she knew I was leaving something out, but before she could give it much more thought, I ask about breakfast.
"Oh, well I was going to ask you what you would like today. You're father remembered some things from when you were a child but I am sure your taste buds have changed since then." So my father was the one who had shared with Amelia some of favorite meals. I would be lying if I didn't admit that it feels good knowing my father remembers some things about me. "You know it's easy to miss important information presented in a day, and most times our dreams help bring those lost details to the surface."
"Right, thank you. I'll keep that in mind during the next dream."
"And sometimes your dreams can help you work out problems you are having. Maybe in even give you clues into what you really want to happen," Amelia continues.
"Thank you. Amelia, I appreciate it. I will give the details some thought." I am hoping she will continue. I breathe a sigh of relief as she walks to the door.
"You do that." Amelia smiles as she closes the door behind her. I take another deep breathe as hear her heading down the stairs. I sincerely hope I did not miss a detail like getting pregnant. I did however decide to take Amelia's advice and write down what I could remember from the dream. Maybe there are some clues about Bash, Lance, or myself that can help answer the millions of questions coursing through my mind. Glancing up at the time I reluctantly leave my bed rubbing my back. Opening my closet door I look through the sweaters and skirts' section looking for something in fall-like colors. After choosing an ensemble I head to my bathroom to shower and get dress. Forty minutes later I am applying the finishing touches to my makeup, and grabbing my bag. I walk down the stairs stopping to smile at the pictures that line the wall. They have become my favorite part of this house. The familiarity I feel with the couples in the picture overwhelm me. I stare a moment longer at the pair in their Victorian garb, before making my way down the stairs. I go into the kitchen and meet Amelia who somehow anticipates what I want. Waiting for me on the island in the middle of the kitchen is a whole-wheat bagel toasted with butter. In the glass is freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
"Amelia are you a mind reader? There is no way my father would have known the type of bagel and juice I prefer." I smile as I take in my delicious and appropriately quick breakfast.
"I pay close attention to what you say and what you gravitate to. The more I get to know you the better I will get at anticipating your needs and desires." I glance up at Amelia stopping mid-bite. Amelia begins to hysterically cackle, and my mouth opens wide in shock.
"Seriously you can decipher the needs of others just by getting to know them? That's amazing, I haven't even mentioned to you what foods I like, or any allergies I may have. What a gift?!? Is this a skill that can be taught, do you think you could teach me?" I ramble on like a fan-crazed teenager until I realize Amelia hadn't stopped laughing.
"Oh Maddie you are a riot. I can read your mind it comes along with being a seer. How am I supposed to provide the best support possible if I don't already know what you want? Ha ha ha, oh thank you for that morning laugh. Laughter is really the best way to start your day." In a sulking manner I look down at my bagel continuing to eat. She acts as if this is common knowledge, well maybe it is in the supernatural world, but she should keep in mind I did not grow up with many supes around. I rely solely on what my grandmother has taught me. The idea that I would encounter let alone be inheriting a familiar/seer in the future is the furthest thing from my mind. I am still battling what to make of Lance, Bash, while keeping my guard out for the many out there who probably wish me dead. Finishing up the last bit of my breakfast I thank Amelia, who is still chuckling to herself, grab my bag and head off to school.
Preparing my schedule so that I have Friday through Sunday off is the best advice my counselor could have given me, next to declaring myself a psych major. I walk eagerly into the building knowing that at the end of the day my weekend will begin. Entering the lobby my senses are heightened as I try to gauge where in the building are my new friends. The first person I pick out is Vanessa. She's in the library looking through a comic book. Not too far away from her is Jessenia looking for a book in the self-help section. I head toward a corner near the elevators and close my eyes. It would take all the concentration I could muster up to pinpoint where I could find Hailey. Once again the seer has me and everyone else blocked. I can feel her purple-blue aura but I can't tell where her physical form can be found. I take a deep breath and use the memory of her appearance to perform a locator spell.
Through my mind's eye
connect me to the seer like a tie
A vision of Hailey appears in my mind. She is standing in a hall with a large group. Suddenly the group disperses and she came walking toward me. I open my eyes and watch as Hailey approaches with a smirk on her face. "Cleaver little witch. You couldn't sense me mentally so you used your other gifts. Maybe you and I have more in common than I thought," Hailey said.
"Hi Hailey, listen I may have been a bit hasty last night. Although I don't appreciate the approach you and the others took to meet me, I do agree that I could use some friends around here.
"You seem to be getting smarter by the minute. We don't know who or why yet, but there are rumors among the supes in school that someone is interested in testing your abilities. Apparently you foiled someone's plans to teach a certain professor a lesson." I knew she was referring to what happened in yesterday's Theories of Psychology course. This would be as perfect a time as any to test her loyalty.
&
nbsp; "There was a magical attempt on my Theories of Psychology professor yesterday, but I handled it with discretion, or so I thought. It didn't seem like they really knew what they were doing, let alone could detect my power."
"My guess is that they didn't want to necessarily hurt the professor, but really find out what you're capable of handling. You stopped a basic energy ball while keeping innocents out of the loop. The next attack won't be as mundane. You must prepare yourself. The girls and I have changed our schedules so that you are never in a class without one of us with you." Pulling out her phone she says, "speaking of which, we are going to be late for class." She grabs her bag, books, and we head down the hall. Hailey and I run into class just as the professor prepares to shut the door. Closing the door behind us, he begins explaining the objectives and assignments for the week. Shortly after starting I tune him out as I think about who could be after me already. My father and grandmother went to great lengths to keep my arrival a secret, yet two guys who are oddly invested in my future and who maybe threats have unmasked me in a matter of a week. I think someone has a big mouth. Before I can analyze the theory any further class is done. Hailey opts to walk me to my next class, but half way there Vanessa is standing against a wall tying her laces. According to the schedule the girls coordinated, her and I are in the next class together.
Sensing my arrival Vanessa turns in our direction and with a big smile says, "Hey Maddie, can I call you Maddie, or do you prefer Madeline. Your dad said Maddie, but you know how parents tend to ignore what we really want." Thinking Vanessa and Archie would make the best couple, my matchmaker antennas go up.
"Please call me Maddie, Madeline is just too formal for me. Are you ready to head to class?" Vanessa nods. "See you later Hails."
"Hails, oh no, Hailey, Hail-lee," she pronounces for me. With a chuckle I wave her goodbye snaking my arm through Vanessa's. We walk away, leaving Hailey seething.
"So Vanessa, are you seeing anyone?"
"Oh, wow, I am so flattered, and don't get me wrong, you are gorgeous, but I'm not interested in girls. I mean I tried it, but it just wasn't for me," Vanessa's honesty is so refreshing. I am convinced she is perfect for Archie.
"Actually I have a friend that I think is perfect for you."
"Oh, ha ha ha, I thought you were hitting on me. Phew! I didn't want our friendship to get awkward right as it is just beginning. So tell me about your friend," Vanessa's eagerness is so child-like. To be honest her entire demeanor is so sweet and innocent.
Approaching the entrance to class I spot Bash down the hall talking with a group of guys. Reluctantly taking my eyes off of Bash I look at the faces of his friends. My heart drops as I recognize them from the energy ball fiasco. Not wanting to get caught staring I quickly avert my eyes toward the classroom but not before taking another glance at Bash. This time, of course, he catches me so I give him my stern I know what you're up to look and walk into class with Vanessa in tow. She points to a pair of seats near the window, but I have other plans in mind.
"Actually there is someone I want you to meet," I say eagerly pointing in Archie's direction.
Waving feverously, Archie sits a couple of rows in the back center trying to get my attention. Vanessa turning her eyes in the direction of my finger, she notices Archie, their eyes lock and I am certain everyone in the room disappears. The two practically gravitate to each other. Following Vanessa toward the back of the room I take the seat to Archie's right as Vanessa grabs the one on his left. "Hey Archie, this is my friend, Vanessa."
"Hey Maddie, he says without even taking his eyes off Vanessa. Vanessa's porcelain complexion turns tomato red and she smiles coyly. "Well hello there, Archibald Xavier Wellington, and you beautiful are?" Archie's smooth, hypnotic tone surprises me as I watch him place a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.
"Vanessa Dubois, it's a pleasure to meet you, Archibald," Vanessa blushes and casts her eyes down. I love it when a plan comes together. They really do make a cute couple.
"Please my sweet call me Archie, all the important people in my life do." Important people?!? We've known him all of two seconds. It's amazing how love controls the mind.
Although I am enjoying the love between the two blossom, I can't ignore the surge of anger coming over me as sense Bash entering the room. Thinking he knew better than to try to sit next to me, I am surprised when he heads in our direction. Preparing to ignore him I turn toward Archie and Vanessa but they are engulfed in a love cocoon. "Hhm", Bash clears his throat. "Is this seat taken?" I look at him with a glint of anger, which fails to last as I peer into his stormy, gray eyes.
"Yes, the seat is available, but if you are going to have your buddies make another lame attempt on someone's life you may not want to sit so close to the window."
"What are you talking about?" I look at Bash with shock in my eyes.
"Are you seriously going to deny it?" At that moment the professor walks in.
"Sorry, I'm late everyone. Let's begin." I straighten in my seat looking at the professor as he puts his briefcase down.
Madeline what are you talking about, an attempt on someone's life?"
"Ssshh" I put my index finger to my lips. Bash's eyes widen, and in frustration with a wave of his hand everyone in the room freezes. "Uh, what are you doing, are you nuts?"
"You will explain yourself, right now, Madeline!"
Still staring at Bash in awe, I gather my thoughts. "Are you not aware of the attempt made on a professor yesterday?"
"Yes, I've heard, but what does that have to do with me?" Bash genuinely looks baffled.
"I stopped a group of guys, the same group of guys I saw you talking to in the hall earlier, from tossing an energy ball at my Theories of Psychology professor."
"What?!? Are you crazy! You ran the risk of exposure, and for what?"
"Don't you dare turn the tables on me. You expect me to believe you hang out with them and had no idea what they were up to? Who are they anyway?"
"They are young warlocks in need of training and I thought it would be prudent to teach them what I know. I had no idea they were using what I've taught them for mischief. I swear, Madeline." Bash says pleadingly. Perhaps he is telling the truth.
"Well now that you know what are you going to do about it?" I say sternly.
"I am thinking they will need a better teacher, one who is more familiar with the consequences of toying with the craft."
"Well I can't argue with you there. A Demon teaching warlocks about magic, that's interesting," I say with a hint of sarcasm. "I would imagine you have a number of witches and warlocks in your circle of friends better equipped to teach." Not hearing a response I take my eyes away from the professor who is stock still at the board, preparing to write notes. I am immediately struck by the level of guilt coming from Bash.
"You do believe me, don't you? I would never allow anyone to hurt innocents. I knew their powers were weak and never for a second thought they would play around with their gifts."
"Yes, I believe you. You have to keep in mind that they are young, excited, and careless. They have to earn their teacher's trust before taking the liberty to practice on their own. You must speak with them. Make them understand, they were endangering the lives of everyone in that room.
"You are so much more then I was expecting, my Queen. You and I will make quite a match." At that point Bash turns and seemingly places his focus onto the professor.
"Um, Bash."
"Yes, Madeline," Bash looks at me with adoration.
"I think it's time to unfreeze the room, don't you?"
"Oh, right. Of course," Bash is taken out of his daze. Just as quickly as before, he waves his hand, filling the room with the sound of movement, and the professor's lecture.
I turn to face the front but fail to absorb anything the teacher is saying. I could not get over that Bash unknowingly orchestrated the attack. How is it possible tha
t such a powerful Demon cannot anticipate the thoughts of juvenile practioners.
At the end of the class I ask Vanessa if I can copy her notes, and begin gathering my things. She agrees as she looks over at Bash and then back at me with the I completely understand why you missed the lecture, look in her eyes.
"Would you be interested in helping me teach my young friends? You are definitely a seasoned witch, I am sure they can learn a thing or two from you," Bash aks with an eager look on his face.
I look at Bash as I continue to pack my things. "What exactly would you like me to show them?"
"Mostly defensive charms, maybe a couple of the offensive ones. Does your question mean you are interested?" Bash is beaming that boyish charm my way and just as I start internally swooning I give myself a mental slap.
"Well the last thing I want is some overzealous Demon leading young practitioners to their demise. So, I'll teach them defensive charms, basic parlor spells, and one offensive spell. The rest will be up to them. In the meantime find them a coven willing to take them under their wing. They should be someone monitoring them as they practice." I grab my bag and look up at Bash and notice his smirk. "What?"
"Spoken like a true Queen. I will gladly do as you ask, my loyalty to the crown knows no bounds." Bash delicately grabs and kisses the top of my hand. "Until we meet again." Not realizing I am standing in my spot holding my hand to my chest. The sound of Vanessa clearing her throat breaks the spell and she smiles knowingly at me.
"Let's get to our next class," I say quickly. Vanessa maintains her grin as we walk down the hall.
"So is the Demon winning the race?" she asks.
"What are you talking about, what race? I frown.
"The race to the Queen's heart of course. The Demon versus the Vampire. This should be an intriguing battle. I do have to say your dad should be pleased at how heavily guarded you are."
"First of all there is no race, and secondly when we are in school I barely see Bash or Lance. They do not count as protection, and until I find out what they are really after I am going to keep it that way." Thinking over my last comment I second guess myself. Truth is I want to spend more time with both of them. According to the book and the prophecy I am going to rule with one of them by my side. Whether it is better to lead from the dark or from the light will probably be the hardest decision of my existence. It would definitely be in my best interest to leave any and all emotions out of the equation.
"I hate to bust your self-assured bubble Princess, but one if not both are always around watching you. You may not realize it but we do. And by "we" I mean us girls, your dad, and Amelia." I am take back as I realize so many people are involved in my protection detail. I wonder if Bash and Lance were also "hired" by my father.
"No Princess they were not hired, and as much as you try to keep your emotions in check, they are going to play a significant role in the decision making process," Hailey says as she approaches us from behind.
"I thought we agreed to stay out of my head," I say with annoyance.
"Well I thought you were going to practice putting up a wall. I can't help it if your signals come through loud and clear." The three of us had the next class together. The following two hours of lectures are a waste as I find it too difficult to stay focused. My thoughts continue to go over Bash's request and the idea of spending more time with him and Lance. Deciding, reluctantly, to take Hailey's advice I call Lance to ask him if he wants to get together to study for our first exam. To keep it light I will also invite Vanessa and Archie. Although I am not sure how much studying those two are going to get done being in the same room. After confirming the idea with Vanessa and then Archie I give Lance a buzz. As soon as I arrive home I run upstairs to my room, grabbed my cell out of my bag and dial his number.
"Hello Maddie, I'm glad you called," Lance said sweetly.
"Hey, so I was wondering since we have our first test coming up, if you want to join my group and study together." I couldn't help but notice the nerves that came through my voice.
"Who would be in this study group?" Detecting a hint of annoyance in his question I work to make the response perky and carefree.
"Just my friends Vanessa and Archie. Archie is a wiz and extremely organized, and Vanessa just joined the class so I thought she could use the help." The silence on the other end had me worried that he might decline the offer.
"And no one else?" He asked suspiciously.
"Is there anyone in particular you're concerned about?" I send out mental feelers to assess what or who is on his mind in case he decides not to share. Bash's face came at me like a moving train. The overall negative energy emanating from his thoughts cathces me off guard and I feel the need to sit down.
"No, no one in particular, it's just I wouldn't want anyone interested in only partying to break our concentration. The study group sounds perfect. When will we meet?" I am not surprised Lance decided to lie, but the amount of jealousy and hatred coming from his thoughts iss something I wasn't expecting. I thought the two didn't even know each other well, but apparently Lance has been doing his homework. He is internally going haywire as he tries to figure out my connection to Bash.
"How about this Friday night, my house at 7pm?" He takes a couple of seconds to respond.
"At your house, with your father?" I never thought I'd hear the day that my gorgeous, seemingly confident Vampire would be nervous to come to my home and meet my father. Remembering my father's position among the supes and humans I understand his apprehension.
"I doubt he will be home, and even if he is he won't be around us. Don't worry about my dad. Although I understand if you don't want to hang out with the Chief's daughter. No pressure over here." I smile just thinking about how nervous he is about coming over.
"I'll see you Friday then," Bash said ignoring my mocking tone.
"Great, it's a date!" I gasped at my idiocy. Blurting out the words like that made me appear like a high school girl with a crush on a upper classman. I was so embarrassed and felt the need to explain the comment. "Well you know what I mean, not a date date, but you know. Well anyway I'll see you Friday."
"See you then," Lance said with a chuckle. And with that we hang up the phone. I dramatically bury myself in my pillows and fall asleep imagining what a date with Lance would be like.