Dark Seeker (24 page)

“Albania was wrong. I’ve already forgiven you,” she said. He kissed her.

Janie did her best to make it through her morning classes. She found herself staring at the clock for most of the morning, making the time creep by even slower. After school she’d be meeting Jerome and the other vampires he picked to help them stop Antony. She glanced out the cafeteria window. Only a few puffy clouds lined the sky.
If Albania’s spell doesn’t work, Jerome and his crew are going to be toast.

Kai would also be there. It might be the last time she would see him. She still hoped he’d change his mind. Before he came along, she couldn’t imagine doing anything but her job. Now, things had changed; her priorities had changed. One thing stayed true—love complicated things. The question remained, though—was it worth it?
Definitely.

Ava and Luke approached her cafeteria table. They’d chosen to eat on campus. Janie felt a need to stay close to school with everything about to take place after classes ended.

Luke cast a smile Ava’s way. His eyes were blue again—colored contacts, no glasses. As they walked, their arms brushed together. Ava giggled nervously and her face shaded to scarlet.

She’d been so wrapped up with Kai and everything else going on, she hadn’t noticed that her two best friends were actually flirting with each other.

 
“What’s up, you two? You’re looking awfully giddy today.” Janie took a bite out of her apple, regarding both of them suspiciously.

“What do you mean?” Luke pulled out Ava’s chair. She thanked him with a smile.

Janie made a circular motion with her hand. “I mean all of this. The giggling, blushing and
pulling
out the chair.” She paused. “Come to think of it, yesterday, when Matt asked you about Homecoming, you were acting weird then, too. Is there something you need to tell me?”

“It’s nothing.” Luke looked away. “I forgot a napkin. Do you need anything?” he asked Ava.

Janie breathed in. “No Pippy comments today. Does she need anything? Come on, you’re not fooling anyone. You like each other.”
 
She took another bite of her apple. “You are so going to the dance with us because you like each other.” Janie finished chewing. “It’s kind of weird, but I’ll go with it, if you’re happy.”

“Believe what you want,” Luke said. He pivoted and sauntered toward the kitchen, one hand on his hip.
He can’t be into Ava; she’s a girl.

Janie became serious and leaned in closer to Ava. “I’ve got to talk to you before Luke gets back.”

Ava put her un-eaten sandwich down. “What’s up? Did you and Kai, or Matt, or—” She waved her hand around hesitantly, not sure which guy to mention, “—break up or something?”

“For the record, like I told you. . .I Imprinted Matt, so we are not really ‘together.’”

“So he wants to be with you, but you’re just not that into him.”

“I guess.” Janie rolled her eyes. She didn’t know for sure. This Imprinting thing was new to her. “Isn’t that a movie?”

“A good one, but I think it’s the other way around—
He’s Just Not That Into You
.” Ava popped open her can of soda. “And Kai?”

“I’m into him, and I think he feels the same.” Janie’s heart hurt. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. After today he’ll be gone.”

“What? Why?”

“I’ll tell you about that later. I really do have something serious to talk to you about before Luke gets back.” Janie searched for Luke. He’d stopped at a table full of guys, not jocks or brainers, but somewhere in between.
Like Luke.
“I need you and Luke to leave right after school today. Don’t hang out in the parking lot, just go straight home.”

“Are you going to give me a reason why?”

“Remember when I told you about Antony and his crew of Daychildren the day you helped me study for my Algebra exam?” Ava nodded. “They’re planning to Turn the football team today at practice.”

Ava’s mouth dropped open. “How are you going to stop them?”

“The vamps have agreed to help us. We don’t really have a plan since we don’t know how Antony intends to carry out the mass Turning.” Luke approached. Janie shoved the apple in her mouth.
 
“Just make sure you’re gone,” she said through a mouthful of chewed fruit.

Ava switched to covert agent. She often did this when they were discussing “secretive” Seeker stuff. “Affirmative.”

“What’s affirmative?” Luke sat, neatly laying his napkin over his lap.

“It’s girl stuff,” Ava said.

Janie stood. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve got to go.” Her eyes shot over their heads. They traced her gaze. “Oh, no. Matt’s here. I’ve managed to avoid him for most of the day.”

“Oh—come—on, he’s cute. Have you ever seen eyes like that. . .and the hair? Who wouldn’t give to have that hair?” Luke fluttered his lashes.
Seriously, girls? No way!

“Leave her alone. She has her reasons.” Ava tapped him on the leg. Her hand rested there longer than Janie felt comfortable.
They can’t be together. It’s practically incestuous.

“Kai,” Luke said. “He’s pretty hot, too. The motorcycle thing is bitchin’.”

“Bitchin’?” Janie and Ava said.

“I’ll tell him you said that.” Janie smiled.

Luke glared at her and turned a deep shade of tomato red. Janie laughed. “I’ll see you later.” She whispered in Ava’s ear. “Remember what I said.”

Ava saluted.

She had to do it. She’d avoided him all day. He stood next to his locker getting ready for his next class. His varsity jacket hid part of his
very nice
butt.
Focus.
All she had to do was tell him to leave school on time. She’d feel horrible if anything happened to him. He’d already been attacked twice and Imprinted.
Here we go.
She continued forward.

Janie greeted Matt at his locker. “Hey.”

“Hey.” Matt turned, dropping his books. He bent over and picked them up. After righting himself, he said, “Are you avoiding me? I’ve hardly seen you today.”

“Nope, I’ve just been kind of busy.” She noticed Molly over his shoulder, standing with a pack of cheerleaders, smacking her gum and shooting Janie looks that could kill.
I don’t have time for her. Ignore her.

“Are we still on for Saturday?” Matt looked so excited, it broke her heart.
What had she done to him?

“Do you still want to go?”
It was worth a try.

“I do. . .I just wanted to make sure it’s still cool with you and all.” He placed his hand on hers.

“It’s cool.”
Kai is leaving. I can go with Matt as a friend. There is nothing wrong with that.

“Do you want to do something after school?” He moved closer to her.

“That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.” She stepped back against the locker.

“Go ahead.” He waited.

“Do you remember the undead things that attacked you, twice?”

His face went blank. “The ones who turned Billy into a zombie thing?”

“Yes, them, but they aren’t zombies. . .never mind.” Janie drew in a deep breath. “What I’m trying to say is, they are planning to do something here at school this afternoon. I’d like it if you left right after school. You’ve already been attacked more than anyone should be in a lifetime.”

“What are you going to do? Come with me.” He reached for her as if grabbing her physically would convince her to flee with him.

She pulled back. “I can’t. I’m the Seeker. It’s up to me to stop them.”

“But you could get hurt.” He moved closer again. She could smell his cologne—spices and musk.

“I’ve got help.”

“Who Kai, Albania?” A hint of jealousy in his tone.

“Among others, yes.” She didn’t feel she had to explain herself. She only wanted to warn him, not explain her relationships or the reasons for her actions.

“You like him—Kai.”

“I’m not going to lie to you. I do,” she finally said.
Maybe he’ll drop it now.

“He’ll never feel about you like I do.”

“You’re probably right.”
You’ve been Imprinted, he hasn’t.

 
“Promise you’ll be safe. Use those tiny Bruce Lee moves.” His demeanor turned playful again.

“I will.” She smiled. He was a good guy. “So then you’re leaving, right after school.”

“Stop worrying.” He grabbed a book from his locker and closed the door. “I’ve seen you kick vampire-zombie ass. You’ll do great.”

Thanks for the support.
“Well, then.” She tapped him on the shoulder.

He roped her into a one-armed hug. “Be safe.”

She held him for a moment. It hurt not knowing if she didn’t make it through the fight she’d never see Matt again. She stepped out of his embrace. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

CHAPTER 17

Janie accelerated into her driveway and parked behind Abram’s Lexus.
Crap.
What’s Mom doing home? And Abram. This isn’t good.

She entered the living room. Kai stood in the doorway to the kitchen. His hand rested on the wall. He looked pale and somehow thinner. She couldn’t read his face; he looked somewhere between ready to fight, worried and exhausted. Deep circles ringed his eyes, making the green appear duller. The only brightness around him were the white highlights streaking through his sandy hair from the sun pouring in through the kitchen window behind him.

She sprinted into his arms. He tightened his hold around her. With one large breath, she took every inch of him in.
If only we could stay like this forever.

“Janie,” Abram spoke behind her. His heavy footfalls shook the hardwood floor.
Is he wearing boots?

She turned, still holding onto Kai. She stared at Abram with wide eyes. “Where’s your suit?” Abram wore an old Duke sweatshirt and camouflage khakis, Army grade. He paired the get-up with Doc Martins. His thick belt was equipped with at least four silver daggers, including one under his pant leg, strapped to his ankle. She hadn’t seen him dressed like a Seeker since he had trained her. Even then, he never walked around layered in weapons and camo.
He looks tough.

“Your boyfriend paid us a visit today. He’s worried about you.” Abram stepped closer to Janie, his eyes locked on Kai. “He told us what will be happening after school.”

“Us?” Janie looked past Abram. Isabelle entered the room, dressed in a black sweatshirt and camo pants. She’d never seen her mom and Abram look so matchy-matchy. Silver daggers were placed strategically around Isabelle’s belt. Janie blinked, surprised at how tough her mother looked—a side of her she’d never seen before.

“Kai thought it was best if we knew,” Isabelle said. She focused on Janie’s arms around Kai. Pain filled her eyes, like the distant longing for Janie’s father. But this longing was stronger, deeper, like when the wound was fresh. Even after she’d “healed,” Isabelle never acted the same.
What’s going on?

“We’ve decided to help. The more of us, the better our chances.” Abram still hadn’t taken his eyes off Kai. They weren’t as hate-filled as before, but they were anything but accepting. Janie knew the only reason he hadn’t attempted to kill Kai was because of her. He’d spent years searching for the Daychild with green eyes. She’d gotten some of her stubbornness from Abram. He had to hate the resistance of not killing Kai.

“You’re going to fight?” Janie broke from Kai’s hold and turned to face Abram and Isabelle. Kai’s arms folded around her waist. She trembled at his breath on her hair.

“Don’t be so shocked. We’re not that old. We have done this before.” Abram shot Isabelle a hesitant look.

“There’s a catch. Isn’t there?” Janie stiffened. Her pulse started to race. “Abram, tell me why you keep looking at her!” She turned to her mother. “What’s going on?”

Isabelle tried to calm Janie. “Honey, we are Seekers and we’re family. We want to help you. It’s our duty. Those are the only reasons we want to fight alongside you.” Isabelle’s words didn’t reassure Janie.

“Abram,” Janie said. She enlaced her fingers through Kai’s. He held her tighter. His chest no longer rose and fell against her back, and she could no longer feel his breath on her hair.
Is he breathing?
Something’s very wrong.

Abram didn’t speak for seconds. He was doing it again, looking for the right words, darting his eyes back and forth to her mother. As he thought, Abram formed a steeple with his hands. The tip of his fingers rested against his mouth. “I’ve told Kai I’d stop hunting him.” He cleared his throat. “He’s obviously been an asset to you. He’s proven his loyalty on multiple occasions. And for that I’ve promised not to kill him for what he did to your father.”

But—I know there’s a “but” coming.
Janie could hardly focus on Abram’s words. There was a catch; she knew it. She realized she was holding her breath, too. Trying to breathe became too difficult. It felt as if walls were caving in on her. Everything came crashing down around her.
But why?