The stars were wide awake, sparkling in the infinite space around them, while the world was silently sleeping.
“Darkling were in the forest,” Isaac spoke, his voice was quiet and barely audible.
“Yeah, I know. I killed two, but one got away.”
“The girl knew too?”
“She believes there is something, but her mind is questioning if what she saw the other night was real or not.”
“Human minds are easy to bend,” he replied, his gaze out over the forest. “I saw her fall.” Isaac was one of little words. I guess when you work alone, you aren’t much of a conversationalist.
“Yes, she sprained her ankle. She’ll be fine, though,” I replied. “At least we know she’ll be safe in her room for the next two days.”
He nodded, his eyes still vigilant, watching the forest. “There have been no signs of Fallen.”
“I hope it stays that way.”
“When is her transformation?”
“Ten days.”
“That gives the enemy time.”
“I know, which is why we need to be extra cautious.”
He gave a single nod. “She has friends.”
“Yes. And they are close to her, which means they will be in danger too.”
“They are not of our concern.”
“They are mine.” Yes, my top priority was Eden, but I would also protect her friends.
We both heard movement in the trees to the right of the school, and made our way across the battlement to the second tower, keeping quiet and low, as not to be seen. When we reached the other side, the sound became louder. I pulled my sword, ready to jump down.
Out from the woods ambled a deer. It was alert, ears listening for sounds, just as we were. It ate a few berries from one of the bushes near the tennis court. Then, there was a cracking of branches, which made it jump and dash back into the cover of trees.
With the possible crisis averted, Isaac and I decided to split up for the remainder of the night, each of us in a tower. It was better that way. I wasn’t much for having idle conversations anyway, especially when searching for an enemy.
Chapter 13
Eden
For the second night in a row, I’d slept so soundly I hadn’t moved. When I opened my eyes, I felt completely rested.
As I sat up, I bent my knee to bring my ankle toward me and felt no pain. I carefully unwrapped the bandage, shocked the dark purple discoloration had faded to a light pink, and the swelling had gone down to almost nothing.
How could that be?
Maybe it was because my foot was elevated all night. But there was no pain. I slowly bent my ankle side to side, and aside from a little tightness, it felt fine. Deciding to try and put some weight on it, I slid off the bed and gingerly put both feet on the floor. I stood with my weight on my good foot, then slowly shifted toward the other.
When there was no pain, I took a step and another, and another, until I’d reached my dresser.
This was mind blowing. Another miracle. But how? Something was happening to me, and I wasn’t sure if it was good or not. I’d seen the movie Phenomenon, where a simple town guy suddenly becomes a genius. Miracles happened around him, but we came to find out that everything was going on because he had a brain tumor. Then he died.
Was the same thing happening to me? Was I experiencing hallucinations because I had a brain tumor?
No way. It couldn’t be. Being healed of a blood disease, and now a sprained ankle wasn’t the result of a brain tumor. If anything, it was just a medical miracle, like my doctors had said. I was completely baffled but glad that whatever was happening, was working to my advantage.
I headed into the bathroom, showered, brushed my teeth and hair, and threw on some clothes. I had two days off, and even though I could walk around on my own, I was staying in my room, avoiding students and teachers.
Knowing my friends would be back to check on me, I rewrapped my ankle. I didn’t want to tell them it had healed overnight. They would freak out and want to touch it. All I wanted to do was rest and read the few new books I’d downloaded.
After being immersed in a good contemporary romance for a couple of hours, my stomach growled. I was hungry. And when I glanced at the clock, I realized lunch would be soon. I was tempted to text Kimi and Trissa and have them run me up some food.
Right before I leaned over to grab my phone, it chimed.
Alex: Are you up? If you aren’t, don’t answer.
A flutter of electricity ran through my body, seeing it was from Alex. I didn’t think he’d text me, and was shocked my besties hadn’t texted me to see how I was doing, or if I was hungry.
Me: I’m up and hungry.
Alex: I have an apple, a chocolate chip muffin, and a small box of fruit loops. They’re yours if you want them.
Me: Yes. I want them.
Alex: How do I get them to you? I don’t know where your friends are.
Me: They’re all in class. Are you off for fourth?
Alex: Yes.
Me: Could you deliver?
Alex: Sure.
Me: Thank you. Text me, and I’ll meet you at the outside door.
Alex: See you soon.
I didn’t realize the giant goofy smile plastered on my face until I stood and looked in the mirror above my dresser. No one else had put a smile on my face like that for the past four years. And Alex did it without even trying. And in a text no less.
I was losing it. I wasn’t the kind of girl who fell quickly for just any guy. I analyzed them—sometimes over analyzed—and then pushed them away.
Besides, he wasn’t here for a relationship. He’d stated that. And neither was I. We’d be graduating soon and going our separate ways.
Laying my phone on my chest, I sighed.
An hour was a long way away, and my stomach was growling. I grabbed my Kindle and decided to disappear into my fantasy to distract my mind. In no time, my phone buzzed again.
Alex: I’m heading up the stairs now.
Me: I’ll be right there.
I jumped off the bed and checked my hair, making sure it was decent enough. Then, I headed down the hall, making my way to the outer door. Alex’s face greeted me.
God, he was handsome. And the flutters that were there when he’d texted me were back, even stronger this time.
“Hey,” he said, sliding his backpack off his shoulder, down his defined arm.
“Hey.”
“You’re walking,” he stated. He raised a brow, not surprised.
“I am,” I shrugged. “I don’t know how. I just woke up and it was better.”
He raked his fingers through his thick hair. “That’s a good thing.”
“It is. And, whatever you did to me last night worked. I went out like a light.”
“I told you. The class I took was amazing.”
“All you did was tell me to sleep, and the next thing I knew I was waking up, the sun was shining, and my foot was healed.” I looked into his dark emerald eyes. “Do you know how that’s possible?”
“I don’t know, but we can probably chalk it up to a miracle.”
“Yeah, I guess.” I’d heard that more than once in my seventeen years.
He unzipped his backpack and pulled out the muffin, a box of cereal, and apple. “Special delivery.”
“I don’t have a tip for you.”
He laughed. “I have one for you. Don’t tell your friends about your ankle. Let them do things for you. Milk it for all it’s worth.” I loved his thoughts.
“Wow. Delivery service and a tip? I’ll definitely be using your services in the future.”
He laughed and winked, making butterflies twirl in my stomach. “I aim to please.”
“So
, what are you going to do now?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know. Probably head back to my room and wait for lunch.”
I paused, wondering if I should ask him to come hang out in my room, or if he’d think it was too forward and awkward. My mouth decided for me. “You’re welcome to come hang out with me. I have snacks.” I held up the food he gave me. “And I can answer any questions you have about Brindle Hall.”
His eyes narrowed. “If you share a few fruit loops, I’m in.”
“You can have all the blues and greens.”
“Deal.”
I was surprised he accepted. I was waiting for him to make up an excuse and leave. It’s what other guys did.
He stepped into the hallway, and I led him to my room. My insides were going haywire.
“Here we are.” I tried to keep it mellow and friendly, reminding myself not to act awkward. It was already hard to act normal around him. Every time I saw him, I swooned. He was so handsome, it was hard not to take him all in.
“Room eleven. I guess I’m directly under you.”
“You’re in room eleven too?”
“I am.”
So many coincidences—same classes, same rooms.
I sat on my bed, placing the food on my spread, deciding on the apple first. I rubbed it against my shirt, just in case someone had sneezed on it. Then, I took a bite. It was crisp and sweet.
“You don’t know how much I needed this. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. I didn’t think they had room service, so I figured I’d take a few things, just in case.”
“My friends haven’t even texted to check on me yet.”
“I’m sure they will when they get a chance.”
“So what were your friends like at your old school?” I asked, trying to make conversation. I hoped he didn’t think I was invading his privacy.
“Most were guys I just hung out and associated with. Some were cool. Some were jerks and full of themselves. I do have a close childhood friend.”
“Does he live in California?”
“No, but he’d love to. He thrives in the sun and ocean. Heck, he would sleep on the beach with a surfboard if he could. But because of his parents and their work, he moves around a lot.”
“So, he’s kind of like you?” I said taking another bite.
“Yes. You could say that.” His eyes were distant, but I didn’t know what else to talk about. I hated when there was silence.
“What’s his name?”
He stood up and walked to the window. “Thomas.”
“You still keep in touch with him?”
“From time to time. Actually, the last time I talked to him was the night before I arrived here. Hopefully, he’ll swing in for a visit before graduation.”
“That would be nice.” I went to take another bite and realized I’d finished the entire apple. Tossing the core in the trash, I unwrapped the muffin and held up the box of cereal to Alex.
“I’m good,” he said lifting his hands up. “It’s all yours.”
“Thanks. So how were your classes today?”
“To tell you the truth, they were pretty boring without you there.”
“The wolves didn’t make it exciting?”
“They tried.” He laughed. “The girl in first asked for my number, and the girls in second and third asked if I was going to the ball with anyone. One even asked me to go with her.”
“What did you say?”
“I just told them I was happy with my date choice, which was you. They didn’t seem too happy about it, and didn’t speak or look at me for the rest of the class.”
I laughed. “In that case, I’m glad to have been the scapegoat.”
“You weren’t though. It was the truth,” he said, his voice low.
I couldn’t define the look he was giving me, but it made my insides tingle. The air in the room thickened, a charged buzz hung in the atmosphere. Our eyes locked and there were no words. Then he turned and looked back out the window.
Holy hell. I had Mr. McHottie in my room, alone, and was royally messing up. I had no experience. No reference point of what to do next. What was I supposed to do?
Friends, Eden. We are just friends.
What would I do if my other friends were here?
The problem was, they didn’t look like him, or make my insides feel crazy things when they came around or opened their mouths. Sebastian was handsome, but he was gay and never took anything seriously.
“You know, I don’t understand how I healed so quickly. Much quicker than anyone else. I mean, it’s awesome, but makes me wonder if there’s something wrong with me.”
“Nothing is wrong with you.” He answered so quickly it took me back. “I mean,” he backpedaled, “your body must regenerate at a faster rate. I know a few others that can heal just as quickly.”
“You do?” I gasped. “Who?”
“Acquaintances. Hey, do you know what’s for lunch today?” he asked as I shoved the last bit of muffin in my mouth. It took me a moment to get it down before I answered.
“It’s taco Tuesday. They have a buffet set up with all the fixings. Or they have the salad bar.”
“What’s with taco Tuesday’s?”
“What do you mean? Tacos are like the greatest food ever invented. Meat, cheese, vegetables, and whatever condiments you want, all wrapped in a crunchy or soft shell. Perfection.” I turned to him, and he chuckled. “You don’t like tacos?”
“I like tacos, but prefer a steak—medium. Or a juicy cheeseburger with fries.”
My cell phone buzzed.
Trissa: Hey girl, how’s your ankle?
Me: Better.
Trissa: Class is over in 5. Want me to bring you lunch?
Me: Sure. You know how I like my tacos.
Trissa: Like I like my men. Hard. ;) jk. I know you like lots of nasty meat, a little cheese, veggies on the side w/ sour cream and salsa.
Me: You love me.
Trissa: Damn straight. Anything else?
Me: Nope. Thanks. xo
Trissa: Cool. See you in twenty. I’ll bring the others.
We’re gonna crash your party.
Me: Awesome.
Trissa: I’ll look for Alex too.
Me: Don’t need to.
Trissa: Why?
I knew she wouldn’t believe me. I smiled, typing the next set of words.
Me: He’s here, in my room. He brought me breakfast.
Trissa: Shut your face.
Me: I will not. He’s sitting at my desk.
Trissa: Prove it.
I held up my phone, waving it in my fingers. “Do you mind if I snap a photo of you? Trissa doesn’t believe you’re in my room.”
“Sure. But I charge for photos.”
“You do?”My eyes widened.
His lips turned up. “I’m kidding.”
I was too damn gullible. I snapped a photo and sent it to her.
Trissa: Holy shit. Get it, girl.
Me: I’m injured and getting nothing.
Trissa: Well, he’s the talk of the school. Crazies think they can sway him to go to the ball, and they know he asked you. Bitches.
Me: If they can sway him, they can have him.
Trissa: Hell no. If you don’t take him, I will. Trevor can go to the ball with Sebastian.
Me: Lol
Alex didn’t seem like the type to be swayed. I couldn’t see any of the wolves influencing his decision, that is unless he was putting up an incredible front. Time would tell. We had a few days before the ball anyway. I doubted anything would change by then.
“Is she going to bring you food?”
“She is. They’re com
ing up during lunch.”
“I guess I’ll head down to the cafeteria. I might be first in line.”
“You might.” He stood and took a few steps closer to me, my pulse racing. “Will you be coming back for lunch?”
“I promised my parents I’d call them. They want to discuss their involvement in my remaining days of school.”
“Okay.” I was a little crushed. “I guess I’ll see you later.”
“Yes, you will.”
“Bye,” I said as he headed for the door.
“Goodbye, Eden.” He turned, smiled, and melted my heart.
Chapter 14
Alex
I had to get out of there. Being alone with Eden was almost suffocating—in a good way. She made me feel things I’d never felt before, although it wasn’t the immortal bond. Everyone who had described it said they undoubtedly felt the bond from the moment they touched their mate. They then endured a strong pull toward each other, until the day they sealed the bond through consummation.