The Wanderers Beginning: The Wanderers, Reborn, & Unforgiven (77 page)

“You could bite me,” he said, his voice shaky.

“What?” I said caught off guard.

“When you bite another –”

“Yeah, yeah, I know all that,” I said, shocked that he would even suggest that.

“Have you ever bitten someone?”

“No,” I snapped, turning back to my books.

“Ever have someone bite you?” he asked in a hushed voice, moving closer to me. I felt that electric pulse again and moved away from him. What kind of girl did he think I was?

“We’re getting off track here,” I said, shuffling through the pages and feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

“Right, maybe we should take a break,” he offered.

“Good idea.”

“I’m going to go outside and have a smoke. You can join me if you want?” he smiled.

“I rather drink tar, but thanks,” I said. “And why do you smoke anyways? I would think someone with such a stellar reputation wouldn’t want to tarnish it.”

“Maybe that’s exactly why I do it,” he said with a wink.

I got up to look for some books. I didn’t even know what I was looking for. I walked through the stacks checking out all the different books when I saw a familiar face. I thought I was hallucinating. “Kyle?”

I closed my eyes and shook my head. When I opened them he was gone.
What the hell is going on?
I was starting to think that maybe being in the library alone was not a good idea. When I returned to the table I found Aidan searching through our papers. “Hey Mr. I mean Aidan.”

“Hey Ella,” he said a little startled. “Working on homework?” he asked, running his fingers over the books.

“A project,” I said. “Is there something wrong?” I asked, wondering why he was here.

“No. Just wanted to see how you were doing?” he said with a half-smile.

“Do you check on all your students to see how they’re doing?” I walked around him, getting a warm, fuzzy feeling. I touched my stomach to try and calm the erratic flip flops it was doing. 

“Only the ones that I feel need to be checked on,” he said, reaching for my hand.

I pulled away. “Do I have a ticking time bomb on my head or something?” I was annoyed at everyone thinking I was going to snap.

“No,” he said defensively. “I just know how it can be being the new student and…different.”

“How am I any different from anyone else?” I was tired of being considered the outsider when all I wanted was to be normal.

“Ella, that’s not what I meant,” he took a step closer to me. “It’s just that I…I…”

I felt an odd pull to him. I closed the distance between us, placing a hand on his chest. I looked up into his eyes. “Aidan,” I whispered when Roman came back into the room.

I jumped away as Aidan took a big step back. “If you need any help with your project I’ll be more than happy to help,” he told us.

“Thanks, but I think we got it,” Roman said curtly, making me wonder what crawled up his butt.

“Well, if you need me I’ll be in my office,” Aidan told us, but I knew he was directing the comment at me. He gave me a sly smile before he left.

Roman sat down at the table angrily flipping through pages. He buried his head in the books and refused to look at me. “What’s wrong with you?” I asked, perplexed by his sudden attitude change.

He didn’t answer. Instead he slammed the books shut and stood up. “You know what, I think I’m done for the night.” He stuffed all his papers in his backpack and took off.

“But what about our project?” I called too late. He was already gone. What the hell just happened? He was fine a few minutes ago and then when he came back and saw Aidan…that was it, it had to be Aidan, but why was Roman upset with Aidan? Not wanting to be in the library alone, I packed up my stuff and left.

The cool blast from the outside air gave me access to what just happened. For some reason I always felt an odd warming sensation from Aidan’s nearness which also caused strange flutters in my stomach. Roman shocked me when our skin touched. This wasn’t some static electricity either, this was something different. Two completely different guys causing two completely different reactions when in contact and even though I’m aware of all this I still have no idea what any of it means.

I zipped up my jacket, pulled up my hood, and tightened my scarf to help keep away the bitter cold. Instead of going back to my room I decided to go see Aidan in his office. With everything that was happening lately I did need someone to talk to and Aidan did say his door was always open if I needed to talk. Of the few people I could trust, I knew in my gut Aidan was one of them.

When I arrived at his office everything was quiet. I didn’t see anyone around and assumed we must be the only two people here. But just in case I was wrong, I knocked on the door. “Ella, come in,” he said.

“How’d you know it was me?” I asked, dropping my hood and loosening my scarf.

“Your smell. You have a distinct smell,” he said, throwing me a sweet smile.

“Don’t we all though?”

“Well, yes, but yours is different. That’s how I knew you were at the library.”

I didn’t even think to ask how he knew I was there. “Is that bad?” This wasn’t the first time someone had said this to me and I was starting to wonder if I stink.

“No,” he laughed, like he knew what I was thinking. “It’s actually a very nice smell, almost intoxicating.”

“Oh,” I blushed.

“So, what brings you down here?” he asked as he stuffed some files away in a cabinet.

“I was hoping maybe I could talk to you?” I was feeling a little sheepish. After saying it out loud I wasn’t so sure this was a good idea.

“Sure, what would you like to talk about?”

“How much time do you have?” I said semi kidding.

He smiled and gestured for me to have a seat. He made himself comfortable in the chair adjacent to mine. I took off my jacket and scarf, draping them over the back of the chair before I took a seat. “What’s on your mind?”

“I think I’m having a hard time adjusting to everything,” I said, looking down at my over picked cuticles.

“That’s understandable. No one expects you to be perfect, and it’s a lot to take in at first. Just give it some time and you’ll get there.”

He sounded just like my mom. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I took a breath, reminding myself he was just trying to help. “It’s not just that. I mean, I don’t want to sound like a whiny kid, but all the other students stare at me because I’m different. They gawk at the blue streak in my hair and not to mention all the recent whispers and stares from the rumors about what happened in my history class.”

“They’ll understand when they receive their powers,” he said comfortingly.

“And I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t know anything about anything!” I snapped, letting it all out.

“Ella, it’s okay,” he said, placing his hand on top of mine. “And not everyone here knows everything. Some students are just as clueless as you are,” he winked, letting me know he was teasing.

“Thanks,” I laughed, feeling somewhat better. I started to get that fluttering feeling again. I self-consciously tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. I knew he was watching which just made my cheeks flush hot.

“I like your blue streak,” he said, reaching up to stroke my hair. I felt a small shiver as his hand gently grazed my cheek. I looked up and our eyes locked. Before I could stop myself my lips were on his. I had no idea what came over me, but I just had the need to touch him, to kiss him, to feel his lips on mine. To my surprise he didn’t pull away horrified or push me back. Instead he kissed me back.

His lips were sweet and tender, but his kiss was a hungry one encouraging me to engage with him more. I pushed him back on the chair and straddled his lap. I had never felt a desire like this before. I wanted to tear his clothes off the instant our lips met. He grabbed my hips and pulled me tighter to his body. I moaned with pleasure as I ran my fingers through his hair.

I couldn’t seem to get enough of him. I knew this was wrong. I knew I shouldn’t be doing this, but I couldn’t seem to stop. It was like
some strange force had pulled us together. Like magnets, unable to separate.

The urge became more pressing the more we kissed. Aidan pulled my shirt up over my head. His hot breath caressed my skin as his lips trailed down my neck and across my breasts. I tilted my head back engulfed in the pleasure. I grabbed his face, attacking his mouth as he thrust his hips into mine, causing us both to groan.

Aidan’s lips glided back down to my neck. I felt a small prick and then a pinch as his teeth slid into my skin. “No stop!” I yelled and he quickly pulled away.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I thought…” he trailed off.

“I have to go,” I said, suddenly embarrassed. I got up, grabbed my shirt, and slid it back on.

“Wait, Ella, you don’t have to go.” He touched my arm and I felt that same rush of desire I felt a few minutes ago.

I quickly pulled away before it was too late. “I’m sorry. I have to go. This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come here,” I said as I rushed out the door. No further explanation. I ran down the hall, down the stairs. I ran until I reached the outside and then I stopped to catch my breath. I ran out of there so fast I forgot to grab my coat and scarf. I was freezing now, but I’d take the risk of walking back in the cold then going back to his office to get my things.

I covered my face with my hands. What the hell was wrong with me? “Ella!” I turned to catch Aidan running out the door.

“Aidan, I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened, I…”

“It’s okay,” he said.

“No, it’s not. That was very inappropriate and –”

He stopped me. “Ella,” he said, softly wrapping my scarf around my neck and then helping me put my coat on. He gently grazed my cheek.

I grabbed his hand and held it out in front of me. “I have to go,” I said, not able to face him at the moment. He didn’t argue with me this time.

On my way back to my room I pondered what just happened. I still didn’t understand any of it. One minute I was stressing out about school, the next I was straddling my teacher. My head was still spinning from the rush of his kiss. I touched my still tingling lips.
Damn it Ella.
I mentally cursed myself. My teenage hormones were screaming
YES!
While the small functioning part of my brain was whispering no. I quieted the screams by reminding myself that he was a teacher. This was a mistake and could not happen again. I did not need another complication in my life. Sighing, I pulled open the door to my dorms.

Chapter fourteen

I rushed up the stairs in my dorm, battling the angel and devil on my shoulders. I threw open the door to my room, slamming it shut behind me before I could change my mind and turn around. I blinked in surprise. “What are you doing here?” I asked winded. Roman was the last person I expected to see after the way he stormed out of the library.

“I’m waiting for Mackenzie. She went to get us something to drink,” he said, seeming in a better mood.

“Well, you guys can’t stay here. This is my room too and I don’t want to sit here while you two make out,” I said snippy. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with his multiple personalities and frankly I was tired of him being nice one minute then an asshole the next.

“What’s your problem?” he asked, getting up.

“I’d just like to be able to come back to my room and not have to deal with you,” I said, unwrapping my scarf, and tossing it on the bed along with my coat.

“What happened to your neck?”

I quickly put my hand over the little bit of blood that was dripping. I had forgotten about Aidan taking a bite. “Nothing, mind your own business,” I snapped.

“It’s kind of hard to when you just put it out there like that,” he growled.

“What are you saying?”

“I think you know,” he said accusingly. If I didn’t know any better I’d say he was jealous considering our earlier conversation.

“You don’t know anything about me,” I said defensively.

“I know enough. I’ve seen your type before.” He gave me a disgusted look and it took everything I had not to slug him.

“Get out!” I yelled, pushing him in the direction of the door. “You are not welcome in here.”

“It’s not just your room.” He stood there with his arms crossed, waiting for me to challenge him.

“Fine, when I’m here you’re not welcome. So get out!” I shouted, tired of this banter. I had enough of Roman’s mood swings for the day.

“Fine, I don’t know why I even bother,” he said, slamming the door behind him.

I took a breath to calm my nerves, then I went into the bathroom to check out my neck. It wasn’t too bad, but I was definitely going to have to hide the marks until they healed. I cleaned off the little bit of blood that was left and opted for a skin colored band aid instead of the bright colorful ones Dixon had supplied me with. I pulled my hair over my shoulder to avoid any more questions from prying eyes.

I splashed some cold water on my face and stared at my reflection in the mirror. I couldn’t get the argument with Roman out of my head. What was his deal? Why was he always in my business and why did he even care? I never met anyone who was so irritating. The worst part about all of this was that there was no way to avoid him. I had two classes with him and he was
‘dating’
my roommate.
Why does everything have to be so difficult?

             
When I opened the bathroom door, I found Mackenzie on the other side with her hands on hips and a scowl on her face. “This is my room too and you can’t kick my boyfriend out,” she hissed.

“Yes I can. It’s ten o’clock and I want to go to sleep. If you don’t like it then tough shit,” I said, not in the mood for her right now.

“I’m going to Mr. Callahan right now and –”

“And what? Tell him that you’re pissed because I kicked your boyfriend out and now you can’t spread your herpes.”

“I don’t have herpes!” she scoffed.

“You know what, I don’t care. I’m tired and want to go to sleep. So you can leave too. I’m now declaring this time as
MY
alone time,” I said, climbing into bed forgetting I was still in my clothes, but didn’t care because I was making a point.

“Gladly, you’re pathetic. What kind of loser goes to bed at ten on a Friday anyways,” she said stomping off. “And this isn’t over. You will pay for this later.”

I had no doubt about that.

After she left, I got up and changed into my pajamas. Then I turned off the lights, climbed back into bed, and pulled the covers up over my head.

I had the dream again where I was in the maze. I searched in and out, spinning around in circles, going around countless turns, and just like last time…nothing. It ended the same. With me face to face with Jack.

              I tossed and turned all night. In between the nightmares with Jack I also dreamed about Aidan. I dreamed that we were together, intimately, and Roman had walked in on us ending the dream.

I woke up sometime in the morning. I wasn’t clear on the time, but by the blinding light of the sun I would guess it was late morning. I looked around the room to discover I was alone. Relieved for the moment, I pulled back the covers, and stood, stretching my arms above my head. I then headed to the bathroom where I proceeded to take a nice, long, hot shower.

              I let the water run for a while, allowing the steam to fill up the tiny room. I stood in the shower thinking about the dreams with Aidan. I thought about the way I felt in his arms, the way he kissed me, the extreme need and yearning to be with him. I stuck my head in the stream of water to try and wash away these feelings. This was wrong. He was a teacher and headmaster. A relationship with him could get him fired if anyone found out, but it might be worth it. No, no, I needed to stop. I needed to forget about him. He probably thought I was just some sex-crazed teenager and wanted nothing to do with me. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to avoid me at all costs.

             
I sighed as I got out of the shower. I ringed the excess water out of my hair, wrapped a towel around my body, and stepped out of the bathroom only to jump back a foot.  “Seriously…what the hell?” I said, glaring at Roman.

             
“Nice towel,” he replied with a cocky smile.

             
“Get out!” I said, pointing to the door.

             
“Relax, I just came by to drop this off,” he said, laying a note book on my bed. I narrowed my eyes and held my towel tighter against me as he eyed me up and down. “Cute tat,” he said, looking at my foot as I self-consciously covered it up with my other foot. Before I had the chance to yell at him again to get out he took off.

             
I locked the door behind him and picked up the notebook he left on the bed. It was our project. Finished. Inside was a note that rea
d
:

             
I finished the spell, but don’t worry I’ll tell Ms. Kraft we both did equal work and I left detailed instructions on how I came up with the spell and how it works.

             
I looked through the notes and saw that’s exactly what he did. I couldn’t believe he did all that work by himself. Either he felt bad for leaving abruptly yesterday or he just can’t stand to spend any more time with me than he has to. I assumed it was the latter and stuffed the notes in my backpack until I could look them over later.

             
I quickly dried my hair and pulled it into a low ponytail on the side to cover up the marks on my neck. Then I threw on some jeans and a sweater and was out the door. Cameron and Sienna weren’t first year students and had permission to leave campus for a few hours. They went ahead and asked Mr. Callahan if Riley and I were allowed to go along with them. I wasn’t there when they asked, but was told he said it was fine as long as we took Gabe with us. 

             
We decided to take Riley shopping for an outfit for her to wear tonight. Riley came from a big family and got stuck with her sister’s hand-me-downs. She told me they didn’t have a lot of money, but they learned to get by with what they had and were happy with the little they got. So given the opportunity to help someone out I jumped at the chance. I told Riley this shopping trip was on me and I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I knew she didn’t want to seem to over excited, but I could see it in her eyes that she was ecstatic. She had told me people aren’t normally nice to her like this and she wasn’t sure how to act. I just told her to have fun and not to worry about anything.

             
I was glad to get off campus and into some normal civilization. Cameron had said there was a town about an hour and half away where they actually had some decent shops, unlike the dilapidated town I saw on my way here.

             
We met Gabe in the parking garage. I could tell he wasn’t too happy about spending the day shopping with a bunch of girls, but he didn’t complain. I was just about to hop in the car when Cameron bumped me on the shoulder. “What is Mr. Callahan doing here?” she asked.

             
I looked up and froze when I spotted him, unsure how to act or what to say. “It’s a new rule this year. When any student leaves campus they must be accompanied by a teacher,” Gabe said as he opened the door for Riley and Sienna. I wondered if this new rule had anything to do with me. I wouldn’t put it past my father to do something like that.

             
“Morning ladies,” Aidan greeted as he approached the vehicle.

             
“Morning Mr. Callahan. If you want you can sit in the back with me,” Cameron purred.

             
He smiled politely at her and said, “Thank you, but I believe it will be better if I sit in the front.”

             
“Your loss,” Cameron said, shrugging her shoulders. I walked to the back to get in almost bumping into Aidan. We did an awkward dance around each other. I avoided looking directly at him. I rolled my eyes at my own stupidity and hopped into the back with Cameron.

             
Once on the road, Cameron and Sienna talked about all the shops they were going to hit and even convinced Riley to get her hair and makeup done. I zoned out shortly after that and ended spending most of the ride staring at the back of Aidan’s head. I wondered what he was thinking – if he volunteered to come along or was forced to because no one else wanted to. I stared so long I knew every curve of his head. The way his hair laid nicely against his head, the small cowlick he had on the left. The way the sunlight hit it just right making it look like he had highlights.

             
“Ella?” Riley interrupted.

             
“Hmm?”

             
“I said what do you think?”

             
“About what?”

             
“Gee whiz Ella, you need to stop spending so much time in la-la land,” Riley said rolling her eyes. “Justin asked if he could bring a friend and I wanted to know if I should say yes.”

             
“That depends, is it a
girl-friend
or a
boy-friend
?” I asked.

             
“Hold on I’ll ask,” she said, opening her phone to text him back.

             
“NO!” Cameron and Sienna said at the same time. Riley looked at them confused.

             
“You don’t want to seem jealous,” Cameron stated.

             
“How would that make me jealous?”

             
“Just tell him it’s fine,” I said. After a lengthy debate whether or not she should tell Justin he could bring a friend, I tried my hardest to pay attention this time. I only lasted about five minutes before my mind wandered back to Aidan.

             
“So Ella, any guys on campus that tickle your fancy?” Cameron asked.

             
My eyes quickly gazed over Aidan before I replied, “No.”

             
“Oh, come on. No one, not one?”

             
“Nope.”

             
“What about Roman?”

             
“What about him?” I said, trying to keep my anger in check. Just the thought of him made my blood pressure rise.

             
“You don’t think he’s good looking? You have to at least admit that accent is super sexy. He’s also the sweetest guy…”

             
I stopped her there. “Okay first, he’s dating my roommate and your stepsister, which automatically gives him negative points.”

             
“I know but I can tell it’s not serious and I’d be more than happy to steer him in the right direction if a certain someone was interested,” she hinted.

             
“Sorry to disappoint but I’m not your girl. That boy has more mood swings then a chick with PMS,” I said.

             
“Okay, are we talking about the same guy?”

             
“Unfortunately yes,” I said, biting my tongue.

             
“Well, that doesn’t sound like the Roman I know,” she said a little defensively.

             
“That’s because the Roman you know and the one I know are two different people,” I said a little bitterly.