Lark (32 page)

             
“Oh God, I don’t even want to go there tonight,” I sigh. “Let’s just say, it’s complicated.”

             
I wish that I could explain everything to her, but unfortunately, I’m not supposed to tell anyone about the Light Elves. And besides, it’s not like she would believe me anyway. Nobody wants their best friend to think they’re crazy.

             
“Complicated? Having two ridiculously swoon-worthy guys vying for your attention? Yep, I’d say that is pretty complicated,” she cocks an eyebrow at me.

             
“It’s not like that. It’s just weird and complicated and I don’t know how else to explain it, but trust me, neither are vying for my attention.”

             
She doesn’t look too convinced, but she doesn’t ask me any more questions about Grey or Jacoby during the movie and by the time it’s over, she is gushing over something besides the guys in my life.

             
“Oh my gosh, Mia,” she squeals as we are leaving the theater building. “That was epic! I think it’s my favorite!”

It’s dark already and the air is surprisingly chilly tonight. It causes chills to run up and down my spine and
goosebumps cover my arms and legs. I start to regret the fact that I automatically parked in the very back of the theater like I would do if I was working. The only other vehicles back here are those of the employees working right now which means there isn’t anybody else back here except for me and Hannah.              

“Definitely!
Mine too,” I agree, as I walk swiftly to my car hoping she follows suit. “I liked that it followed the book more closely than the other movies anyway.”

             
It is a huge pet-peeve of mine when movies change a bunch of unnecessary things. I understand that some things have to be altered in book-to-movie adaptations to make them more cinema-friendly, but I'll never understand why they will sometimes cut what I would consider to be important details, but then add completely random things. For example, the Harry Potter movies left out the entire history of the Marauder's map, but managed to fit in a choir singing with toads in the beginning of the movie. How does that make any sense?

             
“Do you want the rest of the popcorn?” she asks as she hands it to me.

             
I know most people probably think it is gross but stale movie theater popcorn is my favorite snack. Next to chocolate covered chocolate chip granola bars, that is.

             
“Thanks,” I take it from her as I try to dig out my keys as quickly as I can. “Where do you want to go for dessert?”

             
She doesn't answer me right away like I expect so I glance up to see what has her attention. She is staring at something behind me. She is shaking and her eyes are as big as saucers. I slowly turn around to look at what has her so scared. A pit forms in the bottom of my stomach as my heart rate accelerates.

             
“So we meet again,” a greasy sounding voice greets me.

             
Brian. His dark, oily hair has grown a few inches since the last time I saw him, but he’s wearing the same dirty white shirt and threadbare pants he has always worn.

             
He isn't alone. There are five others with him all looking us over menacingly. I notice all of them are dressed similarly to Brian, dirty and ragged. Most look like they are older than me. I look at each of them, trying to memorize identifying details just in case we are able to escape.  The guy standing closest behind Brian is wearing an eye-patch and a sneer. Another one reminds me of Mr. Clean with his shiny bald head. Only I’m pretty certain Mr. Clean would never wear a white shirt that dirty. Two other Hulk-size men stand on either side of Brian, cracking their knuckles and glaring at me. 

             
“Where’s your boy-toy, Mia?” one of the guys cackles from behind me. I recognize the voice before I turn around to see his face.

I was so distracted by Brian’s sudden appearance that I didn’t notice the familiar gangly teenage boy with stringy blond hair grab a hold of Hannah. I stop breathing, and my stomach
drops to my feet. How could I put Hannah at risk like this? All for a girls night out so I could attempt to momentarily escape reality. I shouldn’t have been so selfish.

             
“Ethan?”

             
“Miss me?”

             
“You’re one of them?” I ask completely shocked by this sudden turn of events.

             
“You really didn’t think that I would subject myself to rejection after rejection because of your irresistible charm, did you?” he glares at me. “Because trust me, you aren’t that charming.”

             
I’m too stunned to say anything. How could I have been so stupid? I should have known that even if Dugan and the other Dark Elves couldn't come above ground, he would certainly have his human and Half-blood spies watching me, waiting for a chance to get me alone and take me back. The thought terrifies me.

             
I wish I would have listened to Jacoby. If he or Grey would have been here tonight, we would be safe. I should have known better. But then I realize that while I can't escape the threat of the Dark Elves, that doesn't mean I have to be a victim again. I don't want to depend on someone else to save me.

             
This time I plan on fighting back.

             
It's time for me to be the hero.

             
“Let go of her,” I demand.

             
“What are you going to do about it? Perfect little Mia?” Ethan laughs while increasing his grip on Hannah. I respond with the most evil smile I can possibly manage.

             
I know from talking to Jacoby that during a mind attack you can make your victim suffer in several different ways. I’m still just a beginner, so right now the only thing I can do is cause enough pressure in someone's mind to make them feel like their head is being crushed in a garbage compactor.

             
From what I've been told, it's excruciatingly painful.

             
He immediately lets go of Hannah and grasps his head in his hands, falling to the ground. Hannah, finally free, screams.

             
“Hannah!” I yell over her. “Get behind me!”

             
She immediately reacts and cowers behind my back.

             
“You need to leave now,” I tell Brian. I'm hoping that the realization of what I am now capable of will be enough to send him and his cronies back to Dugan with their tails between their legs. I really hope the threat is enough because I am certain I won't be able to do it again. Though I have gotten more control over my abilities, it still is physically draining.

             
He stares at me skeptically for a minute, and I try to stand tall and confident.

             
“You seem to forget, even with Ethan down, you are still outnumbered,” he points out. 

             
“Yes, but how many of you can do what I just did to your little friend over there?” I taunt, pointing to Ethan still writhing in pain on the ground. I sincerely hope that they are all just humans working for Dugan and none of them are Half-bloods who actually could inflict some damage on us. But of course, I’m just not that lucky.

             
“Yeah, yeah. Impressive. But you seem to forget that I have worked for Dugan for years. I know all about elfish magic and how exhausting it can be, especially for beginners,” he snarls. “So sweetheart, would you like to try that again? 'Cause I am betting it is a struggle just to stand upright right now,” he instigates.

             
“I mean it, Brian. Leave us alone.” I try to make my words as confident and forceful as possible.

“Or what?”
He sneers.

“Or else you’ll regret it.”

Brian laughs and then he turns to the Mr. Clean look-alike.

“Marcus, apparently our little friend here needs to be put back in her place.”
             

Marcus nods slowly. With a menacing grin he throws his hands up in the air and fire shoots out of his palms encircling us. We are immediately trapped. Hannah is still cowering behind me screaming at the top of her lungs.  I don’t know what to do. I’m completely helpless. Brian and the remaining four cronies laugh at my expense and I feel the anger boiling inside me.

              What made me think I could ever take care of myself?

             
They surround us, and I am really starting to freak out, when suddenly they are all on the ground groaning with their faces contorted in pain. The circle of fire is gone just as quickly as it appeared. I look around for my savior and my heart bursts in relief when Jacoby appears at my side.

             
“Are you okay?” he asks frantically.

             
“Yes.” I exhale painfully, not realizing that I had been holding my breath until now. “How did you get here so fast?”

             
“You didn't really think I would leave you alone, did you?”

             
I should be mad, but I am immensely grateful.

             
“Let's go!” I grab a hold of his hand and Hannah's.

             
“I'm not quite finished with these losers yet.” He stands in front of me and Hannah, who is shaking and crying uncontrollably. I put my arm around her.

             
“It's okay Hannah. I promise. We are going to be okay now,” I whisper the words of reassurance.

             
“Get up,” I hear Jacoby demand.

             
He must have released them from the mind attack because they are slowly regaining their composure, though most of them still appear to be visibly shaken.

             
“Look boys,” Brian spits out weakly. “It's the traitor.”

             
“Are you trying to offend me?” Jacoby smirks. “Because I can assure you that isn't the way to go.”

             
“Not trying to offend. Just trying to insult you, you ungrateful little bastard. After everything Dugan did to ensure your future, you turn on him for the first chance you get for a cheap piece of pretty little ass.”

             
With that, Brian is once again on the ground in convulsions. The other guys don't even attempt to overtake Jacoby. He is so obviously in control of his enormous power, he is even intimidating me, and I’m not on the receiving end of his wrath.

             
“Don't you dare talk about her like that,” Jacoby growls protectively.

             
“I--guess your—parents died-- for--nothing--after all,” Brian can barely get out the words but it's enough to cause Jacoby to release him from the mind attack.

             
“What are you talking about?” he demands, grabbing Brian by his throat.

             
“Turns out you aren’t that special after all. Your parents were killed and you weren’t even the right one.”

             
I gasp loudly. Oh God. Please don't let Jacoby find out like this. Brian must've noticed my reaction because his eyes meet mine and I can tell that he knows I know something.

             
“Looks like your girlfriend has been keeping secrets from you,” Brian jeers. “Do you still think she is worth it?”

             
“Jacoby,” I reach for him. “Please, let's just go. Okay? Please.”

             
“What is he talking about?” His voice is stoic, but there is a pleading look in his otherwise angry eyes and it is because of this vulnerability that I don't think about the consequences of my actions.

             
I just act.

             
I grab Jacoby and Hannah and transport us to Álfheimr.

Chapter 21

              “What the hell just happened?”

             
“Lark, what was he talking about?”

             
“Who were those guys?”

             
“What was Brian talking about?”

             
“Where are we?”

             
Hannah and Jacoby are speaking over each other so rapidly that it is making my head spin. Of course, it could also be the adrenaline rush that is still in full swing causing my heart to palpitate so fast that I feel as though it will beat right out of my chest. I think I need to sit down before I pass out. I collapse on one of the Queen Anne chairs, bending over until my head is almost resting on my knees, burying my head into my hands.

             
“Mia. Look at me.” Jacoby rarely calls me Mia anymore. “Talk to me.”