Cave of Terror (29 page)

Cheyenne. Wake up, little
Vanator
. It's time to come out and play. I have such wonderful things to show you. Meet me tonight. You know the place. I'll be waiting for you. Don't disappoint me.

I yanked my head off the desk and glanced around the room. Adrenaline shot through my veins, causing my pulse to skitter. Roxie growled underneath the desk.

"Did you hear it, too, girl?” I whispered.

How could she have heard if it was only a dream?

The alarm buzzed. I jolted from my seat, sending the chair crashing to the wooden floor. Roxie scrambled to her feet and barked at the fallen chair. I really hated that stupid alarm clock.

I got ready for school, then ran downstairs to grab breakfast. My stomach felt hollow, so I popped a ‘special’ vitamin.

"Good morning, Sunshine,” Dad said—way too cheery for my liking.

"Hi."

"Your mom said she'd be down in just a minute to take you to school.” Dad kissed me on the forehead. “I'll pick you up. Be waiting for me out front."

I had totally forgotten about Mom and Dad having to take me everywhere. What a pain in the butt. And how freakin’ embarrassing. “Dad, wait. It's Mandy's turn to drive. Can't I just go with her? We'll be together the whole time. I promise. And I've never been bothered when I've been with other people. Please?"

"You know the
Liliacs
are getting desperate. I don't think it's a good idea."

"What's not a good idea?” Mom asked as she entered the kitchen.

"Your daughter wants to ride to gym with Mandy instead of having me pick her up from school."

Mom put one hand on her hip. “Cheyenne, we discussed this last night."

"I know, Mom, but I'll be with Mandy the whole time. We'll be really careful, okay?"

She glanced at Dad, and he lifted his shoulders. “Okay. But I expect you to go straight from school to the gym. Period. No stops, no coffee, no nothing. Understand?"

"Yeah, I get it."

"Good. Let's go. I'm going to be late for work.” She grabbed her purse and left, expecting me to follow.

"Bye, Dad."

"Please be careful, honey,” Dad yelled after me.

I climbed into the passenger seat of Mom's car, then clenched my teeth and prayed. She wasn't exactly the best driver. To be exact, she scared the crapola out of me. By the time Mom dropped me off at school about five minutes later, I wanted to fall to my knees and kiss the ground. The new driving situation seriously sucked. And I had Constantine to thank for that.

When I reached my locker, I dumped off most of my books, then slammed the door shut, muttering to myself the whole time.

"Good morning, Sparkie,” Ryan said.

I slapped my hand over my heart. “You scared me."

"Something bothering you? You seem awfully distracted, like you have a lot on your mind."

"No. Just a bad morning. My mom drove me to school."

"And that's a bad thing?” He laughed.

"How about you ride with her and then you tell me?"

"Ah, I see. Why didn't you drive?"

Caught off guard, I didn't know what to say. I couldn't exactly tell him the truth, so I just stood there running possible reasons through my head. “Oh, well my car wouldn't start."

He cocked his head to the side and drew his eyebrows together. “That bites. I can give you a ride home."

"Thanks, but I'm going with Mandy. It's her turn to drive to the gym anyway."

"Okay, but I'm around if you need me. Are we still on for tonight? What time do you get out of gym?"

"About that. My parents want me to go straight home from gym tonight. I won't be able to make it.” I bit my lower lip. “Sorry."

"Are you grounded?"

What could I say? No, but they're worried I might get kidnapped by a blood-sucking psycho? “No, I'm not in trouble or anything. They just want me home.” That sounded so lame. He'd probably never ask me out again.

"Oh. Maybe another time. I'll walk you to class."

We walked side by side in the crowded hall. Our hands brushed, sending static pops throughout my body. Every now and then, Ryan captured my fingers and squeezed. The attraction I felt for him differed completely from the morbid pull I felt toward Constantine—like sunlight versus dark.

"I'll see you in biology.” He winked, then hurried down the hall—only seconds before the tardy bell would ring.

I had a hard time keeping my eyes open during class. Several times, I jerked myself awake just before my head would have slammed onto my desk. I must have been the class entertainment because every time I snapped my head back, I heard laughter around me. Whatever.

By the time I got to biology, I must have yawned a thousand times. I didn't even remember walking to class. I slid into a seat, not even caring which one, and braced my head in my hands.

"Hey, girl, what's up?” Mandy asked. “I didn't see your car this morning, and you weren't at the locker."

I lifted my head. “Oh, hey. Yeah, Mom and Dad insist on driving me everywhere now, so my car is at home. Apparently, I need a babysitter. They barely agreed to let me ride with you to the gym. They're being really paranoid."

"Why? What's going on?” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Does it have anything to do with Constantine?"

I glanced around the room. “Yep, exactly. I'll tell you about it later.” I didn't need anyone eavesdropping on our conversation.

The second Ryan entered the room, I sensed his presence. Tiny vibrations danced across my skin. He slid into the seat next to mine.

He smiled, melting my heart like hot fudge. “Hey, Sparkie. I missed you."

My face heated. “Hey."

A cackle of feminine laughter snapped our attention to the door. Val entered with her entourage following close behind, making sure everyone noticed her grand entrance.

Mandy's jaw dropped. “Omigod! I can't believe it. Just look at her smug self. Makes me want to hurl. How did she get out of suspension early? She only did one day's worth."

"I'm sure her father had something to do with it,” I mumbled.

Val made it a point to walk between me and Mandy, tossing a warning-infused glare in my direction. Actually, it was more of a promise-of-revenge kind of stare. Then, she turned and walked back up the aisle while letting her red claws run along the desk tops. Realizing she had the attention of the entire class, she turned and walked down the aisle between me and Ryan. Only this time she emphasized the swish of her hips for his benefit. I had to give the guy credit. He barely glanced in her direction even though she practically did a lap dance for him. Aggravated by his lack of enthusiasm, she sauntered back to her cheer clique and sat.

Why couldn't Val just move on and leave me alone? What had I ever done to her to deserve such treatment? We used to be friends. It's like she turned into a witch the second she got boobs and put on her short cheer uniform. I'd never understand.

All through class, her glares blazed into me. The heat of her hatred singed my back. I sighed with relief when the bell rang. At least I wouldn't have to deal with her for the rest of the day. Well, at least not in any of my classes.

Ryan slipped his arm around my waist and squeezed. “Bye, Sparkie. If I don't catch you later, I'll see you at gym."

I pulled away. “What?” I told him I couldn't do anything after gym. What was he talking about?

"My little sister has gym class. Remember? I'm dropping her off."

"Oh, yeah.” Talk about feeling stupid. He's helping out his parents by taking the time to drop his sister off, and I'm making it all about me. When had I become so self-centered?

By some miracle, I managed to make it through the rest of the day. I met Mandy after my last class.

She fell back against the wall next to my locker. “I'm so tired. I really don't feel like going to gym today. Aaaag! And we have stairs today."

"You're tired? I don't think I've had a decent night's sleep in almost a week."

"Yeah, I bet. You have good reason. I've been staying up late yapping with Brad.” She grinned, a wicked gleam in her eye.

"So, you and Brad are still going strong, huh?” I had been so caught up in my own life I hadn't really paid much attention to hers. Some best friend I was.

"Yeah, you could say that.” Her face glowed.

"That's really great. He's a nice guy, and he's not too bad to look at either.” I waggled my eyebrows like Ryan always did. I had to laugh at the goofy expression on her face.

"We both lucked out, huh? Ryan is drop dead gorgeous."

"Yep, we did."

As soon as we hit the parking lot, the sickening scent of almonds slapped me to attention. I glanced around. Constantine lurked very near. A frigid sensation bit into me. My instincts warned of danger—like in the beginning when Constantine used to be more aggressive. My heart pounded in my chest.

I leaned over and whispered, “Constantine is here. We need to go and fast."

Her eyebrows rose and her lips parted. “What's wrong?"

"Just hurry. I'll tell you when we get into the car."

I kept looking back as we raced to the car. Mandy fumbled with the keys, her hands shaking.

His presence suffocated me. My hair moved and I squealed, lashing out with my hands and only coming up with air. Hot breath heated the back of my neck. “Hurry, Mandy!” Maybe I should've listened to Dad. Panic rose inside me. “Mandy! Now."

She popped the locks and I jumped inside, locking the doors. I grabbed my pendant. “Fill the dark void in my soul ... fill the dark void in my soul.” It heated, spreading an instant calm over me. I exhaled. We would be safe for now.

Mandy backed out of the space and zoomed out of the parking lot. “What just happened? You scared me to death.” She clutched her chest.

"Constantine is stalking me. I refused to go to him willingly, so Mom and Dad think he plans to use force now.” My voice shook. “That's why Mom drove me to school and why they didn't want me driving with you to gym. I should've listened. I might have put you in danger. I'm so sorry.” My chin trembled and my eyes filled with tears. What have I done?

"Omigod! How freaky. I didn't know it was so serious. I just thought you were being dramatic. And I don't think I'm the one in danger so don't worry about me.” Her gaze fixed on my hand still holding the pendant. “What's with the necklace? I saw it glow. And what did those words mean. The ones you kind of chanted?"

"This was my great-great-grandmother's. It protects me somehow.” I rubbed my thumb across the smooth surface of the stone. “The words activate it. I can use it to form a sort of barrier when I'm inside a building or a car apparently. As long as I wear it, Constantine can't enter whatever building I'm in where I've said those words."

"That's awesome.” She tapped the steering wheel with her fingers. “Then, how did he get in the gym?” She bit the inside of her cheek, a nervous habit she's had ever since I could remember.

"I can't exactly wear the necklace when I do gym. That's the problem."

"We should probably try to figure out a way where you can.” Fear shimmered in her eyes. She seemed as spooked as me.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. Nicoleta said to always wear it. I don't want him lurking in the gym. I'm not about to go to the bathroom alone, and I'm not sure I can hold myself for five full hours."

When we got to gym, we stayed put. Neither one of us made a move to leave the protection of the car. We stared at each other—me biting my lip, her chewing the inside of her cheek.

"Okay, let's go,” I said, challenging both our fears.

We practically sprinted to the gym door. If we weren't so creeped out, the situation would be rather comical. I hadn't felt Constantine's presence outside. Maybe he would leave me alone for a while. Not likely, but I could hope. Mandy pushed the door open to the handicap stall, and I took the stall next to the baby potty one.

"Any ideas of what I can do about my necklace?” I asked.

"What if we use the sport wrap and tape it to you?"

"Yeah, maybe. I just need to make sure it's secure. I can't afford to lose it in the pits or under the tramps. I'd never find it again."

Mandy helped me tape the pendant to my chest just inside my sports bra. I covered it with my hand. “Fill the dark void in my soul ... fill the dark void in my soul,” I chanted. The pendant warmed, casting a glow from under my leo and between my fingers.

"That's crazy,” Mandy said.

"Yeah, but it works. We should be good to go ... unless I lose it."

Mandy curled one side of her lip. “Then, I suggest you don't."

For Wednesday's ‘fun’ warm-up, we played butt ball. We used our butts as bats and tried to hit a big bouncy ball as it was hurled toward us. We looked completely ridiculous, but it was always good for a laugh. By the time we started our first event, I had forgotten about Constantine. By the way Mandy giggled, she had forgotten as well.

Even though I hadn't slept well, my skills looked pretty good. I couldn't complain—not until we got to conditioning. We had stairs. I hated stairs. Talk about a knee killer.

We put on our shoes and started the hike up and down like marching soldiers. Sweat dripped down my leo, so I kept checking to make sure the tape didn't loosen. So far, so good. After Larry called a halt to conditioning, we stretched and cooled down. Thank goodness for short workouts on Wednesdays. I wouldn't have lasted for the usual five hours. No way.

"Oh crap. I have to run to the car. I left the tuition check in it. I'll be right back.” Mandy grabbed her stuff and ran out the door.

She'd forget her head if it wasn't attached. As I gathered my stuff, a horrible thought occurred to me. Mandy had gone out alone! Nestled in our safety zone, I had let my guard down.

I hurried after her and as soon as I opened the door, a gust of almond scented wind knocked me backward.

Oh, God! Oh, God!

Constantine was here.

I ran to Mandy's car. Her bag sat askew next to the driver's door along with her keys, but she was nowhere to be seen. Frantically, I glanced around.

"Missing something?"

My blood froze. I slowly turned to meet the predatory stare of Constantine. “Where is she?” I demanded.