Under A Blood Moon (Elemental Enchanters) (22 page)

As soon as Thomas pulled into her driveway, she opened the door and got out. He met her on the other side.

“You can go home,” she said.

He grabbed her arm. “I
don’t think we should split up now.”

She jerked away from him. “I have to see my father.”

“Ava, don’t be angry with me.”

“It was so easy for you to kill him, wasn’t it?”

Thomas’ss eyebrows knitted together. “What are you talking about?”

“Withou
t question, you just killed him.”

“He wasn’t your dad, though.”

“You didn’t know that,” Ava screamed.

“I just thought-I mean, I’m pretty sure Gabriel wouldn’t have told me that
-.”

“
I have to go.” She turned away from them and headed toward front door.

Feeling
Thomas’ss eyes on her, she fumbled to get the keys out of her purse. Her hands shook as she turned the key and unlocked the door.

“Dad,” she cried. “Dad!”

He came down the hallway, his face twisted confusion. “What’s the matter, Ava?”

A sigh of relief left her lips, and she wrapped her arms around him.

It was hot. She pushed the covers aside, but it didn’t help. Ava slowly opened her eyes and felt the warmth of the sun. Her clothes reeked of smoke and something else that she wanted to forget.

She groaned, and felt sick thinking about last night.

Seeing her father bleeding and in desperate need of help worried her enough. But hearing his pained cries as Thomas burned him alive would always haunt her.

Except, it wasn’t her father.
Some Enchanter had morphed into him. Ava was angry with Thomas for killing the man without question, but furious with herself for being so easily tricked. What were the spies trying to accomplish? It didn’t matter at this point. She would be ready next time.

Ava wanted to
get out of the clothes she was sweltering in, and take a shower. She got out of bed, started the water in the shower, and waited on the edge of the tub for the water to warm. They were killers now, but what was to stop Devon from sending more spies? Would they be killing incessantly? Why couldn’t they just find Devon and kill him? Then end it all.

Once the
steam rose from the hot water, she switched the shower on, and cleansed herself. The water immediately calmed and energized her. It was an incredible difference.

Ava
stepped out of the shower and dried off. Once dressed in a wool jade sweater and jeans, she went downstairs.

“Good
afternoon,” her father said.

“
Hey.”

She was still in somewhat of a shock to see her father sitting next to her. The man last night looked and sounded just like him. How could she have ever known the truth if Gabriel hadn’t shown up? Ava watched her father’s eyes narrow as he read the paper. The way he stirred his coffee absent-mindedly and then brought it up to his lips to sip it slowly.
Or the way he pursed his lips when he read something disagreeable.

“What is it?”

“He looked just like you, Dad. Your eyes. Your voice. Everything.” Her eyes blurred from tears.

He lowered the paper. “
He wasn’t me.”

“I know that now.”

“How about we come up with a secret code?”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Really?”

“Why not?”

“Like what?”

“Dakota Seth.”

It was her mother and father’s middle names. She nodded. “Had anything like that ever happened to you?”

“No.” He took her hand. “But you must prepare yourself for such things.”

“How? How am I supposed to know it’s not you?”

“Ask questions. But detailed questions that only you and that person know.”

She buried her head in her hands.
“This is ridiculous.”

“Don’t be like that.
We will get through this, Ava.”

“I’m just going to be wary of everyone now.”

“It’s not a bad idea.”

The break had ended, but Ava didn’t know if she was glad to be back at school. She hoped it would help keep her mind off Barkley Towers and the haunting image of her father supposedly dying. She hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep in what felt like ages.

They’d gone back to Blackhart Manor after Barkley’s death and trained some more with the Elders and the other Aureole. But it didn’t do anything to stifle Ava’s fear of spies. They could be anyone and anywhere.
Gabriel had told her to remain calm and since she was able to feel Barkley’s presence, that maybe she had the talent for being able to tell when Enchanters were near. It still didn’t put her mind at ease, but maybe being at school would keep them safe.

Melissa, Jeremy, and Ava all agreed that spying on Xavier and his gang was probably one of the dumbest ideas. They realized the others were right about him. He might have manipulated and bullied people, but he never did anything like Barkley.

Ava took a seat in the chemistry lab at a table for two. She hoped she’d get a decent partner for the class. She looked toward the door and her heart raced as Peter strode inside the room. Their eyes met and he seemed to slow down as he neared. She opened her mouth to greet him, but he just walked past her without saying anything.

Ava bit her lip and turned her attention to the window. She was foolish to think he still wanted to talk to her. It was ridiculous that she even still thought about him.

But she did. Every day. And would fantasize about being with him.

She felt a presence and stiffened. It felt just like the night Barkley showed up. Ava turned
her head toward the door, and Xavier Holstone took a seat next to her. She looked straight ahead. Why had she felt that odd sensation around Xavier?

“Good afternoon,” he said.
“You don’t look so well. Are you okay?”

“Why are you sitting here?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “All of the other seats are taken.”

“We are not going to be partners.”

“Just give it a chance. I’ve decided to forgive you for almost choking me.”

“You deserved it.”

“Look, I’d like to put the past behind us and be friends. Besides, I think you and I have more in common than you think.” He smiled.

“That’ll never happen.”

He shrugged smugly. “You never know.”

This could not be happening. She had to change this.
She was not going to spend an entire semester sitting next to him.

The bell rang, prompting t
he teacher to stand at the front of the class. He called roll and then mentioned that the person sitting next to them was their permanent partner for the semester. He didn’t like to switch around things because it took up too much time.

Xavier leaned over. “Looks like we’re stuck together.”

The teacher handed out some random worksheets
to do in class, of course with their partners.

“So
, how was your winter break?” Xavier asked. “You look like you didn’t sleep at all last night.”

Why was he making small talk? Or even pretending that they were friends?

“Why don’t you just do the assignment and shut up?”

“I’m really sorry for the miscommunication we seem to have had before.”

“Miscommunication? Are you kidding me? You knocked me out.”

“I apologized for that.”

“Well it doesn’t make it all better.”

He leaned closer. “I thought you liked jerks.”

“What?”

“That’s why you’re still with Thomas, isn’t it?”

“I don’t see how it’s any of your business.”

“Because I like you. I think you and
I would be perfect together.”

“Don’t make me sick.”

He chuckled. “Think about it.”

“Don’t you have a girlfriend?”

“I like to keep my options open. As do you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m surprised Peter isn’t sitting with you. Weren’t you two secret lovers?”

“
Leave me alone.”

“Ah, it’s a sore subject I
take it. Well maybe I can help. He’s looking a little lonely, too. Maybe my friends and I could cheer him up.”

Ava clenched her teeth, but then took a breath. She had to play this cool. “I don’t care.”

Xavier scooted his chair closer and draped his arm across the back of her chair. “Must have been a bad breakup. Did he find out that you’re a freak?”

Ava snapped her head in his direction. “What is your problem?
”

He shrugged. “Your necklace tends to bring that out in people. Why
do
you wear it? I wonder.”

Why did Xavier always talk about her necklace? It raised her suspicions again, but
how could she possibly convince the others to spy on him?

When class ended, Xavier didn’t say a word and left. Ava relaxed the second he was gone. She had to talk to the teacher about switching partners. She gathered her books together, stood up, and bumped into someone in the aisle. She looked up and met Peter’s eyes.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t sit with you,” he said. “I didn’t know Xavier was in this class.”

It wasn’t his fault, but she had to pretend that she didn’t like Peter. “Whatever. Why don’t you watch where you’re going,” she spat.

He furrowed his eyebrows and then left.

“So what?” Melissa said, after Ava explained what happened in chemistry. They were hanging out at the cabin. “He’ll stay out of harm’s way now. What did the instructor say about switching partners?”

“He won’
t let me.”

“Maybe you can get some information out of
Xavier. You play the interrogator. See what he’ll tell you.”

“How do I even do that?”

“You might have to loosen up to him, and maybe start flirting with him,” Melissa said slowly.

“
Absolutely not.”

“Oh come on, Ava. How else are we going to know for sure? Just take your time with it. It doesn’t have to be tomorrow or anything.”

“I don’t know. Maybe we should just focus on training and school.”

“
Yeah, we should. But in the meantime, find out what he’s up to.”

“But he hasn’t done anything
except make new friends.”

“That doesn’t mean he’s not on the prowl. He mentioned cheering up Peter.”

“Why would you say that?” Ava asked. Melissa didn’t even want Ava to be with Peter.

“Because I know you still think about him and you still care. You can still protect him from afar.”

Ava hoped she was right. “Okay. Maybe I’ll try in a few weeks.”

“Good. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve found out.”

Ava sat on the edge of the bed, wishing that she could just slide back under the covers and fall back asleep, but she’d already missed an entire week. She had several missed calls and texts from her friends and Thomas. Even Thomas had come by a couple of times during the week, but Ava didn’t want to be around him. It didn’t stop him from staying and watching TV with her dad though.

Once she dressed, Ava
walked out into the cool March morning. It was overcast, but the storms were supposed to pass right over them. A heavy storm wind blew as she slid behind the wheel of her car. She took a deep breath, and then started the engine. Ava hated this time of year.

It had been te
n years since that horrible day, but it never got easier.

The
last couple of months were drab, and strangely calm. If Xavier really was an Enchanter working for Devon Maunsell, they sure were taking their time. Ava hadn’t tried being nice to Xavier because he made it impossible, or maybe the thought of being nice to him repulsed her. The annoying banter with him went on daily about being his girlfriend or joining his group or trying to get Peter to join. It was nothing but empty threats. She did notice he had a tattoo on his arm of the numbers 042713. Everyone in his gang had the tattoo. It was strange. Xavier wrote it on everything, carving it into the lab table several times. She didn’t know what it was.

There weren’t any incidences with spies
, but they still trained and practiced at Blackhart Manor, though Ava was beginning to think it was a waste of time. Even Xavier’s gang seemed to have calmed down and the bullying and torments were losing their steam. Things were looking up.

And while she and Peter were still not talking to each other, they glanced at each other. He
seemed to be fine, and she still thought about him daily. Especially since she and Thomas were sort of together and arguing as usual.

Ava walked into the chemistry lab room and sat at her usual table next to Xavier.
Maybe today, she could suck it up and finally try to be nice to him and get some information out of him. Although, now it seemed like a lost cause since nothing had happened. Maybe he was just a lonely new kid. But it still didn’t explain how Ava, Thomas, and Jeremy had mysteriously fainted.

“Welcome back,” Xavier said. “Were you sick?”

“Sure,” Ava mumbled.

“Glad you’re back.”
He slid a postcard across the table to her.

“What’s this?”

“An invitation. My friends and I are throwing an end of the year bash.”

“Why are you inviting me?”

He sighed. “Must we dance around this obvious attraction every day? Besides, everyone will be there.”

“I’m not everyone.”

“Peter will be there. And so will your friends.”

“You spoke to my friends?”

“Not yet. Everyone’s invited.”

She studied his face, trying to figure out what was up with him.
“Why are you being nice? After being so cruel to everyone. It’s like you’ve done a complete 360.”

“I want to make it up to everyone. I know it was wrong of me to make them my friends and to
bully the others.”

“Then why did you do it?”

“I’m sure you can understand wanting to fit in. Besides, at my last school I wasn’t anyone’s favorite person. I was the outcast. So I came here wanting to start anew.”

“So torturing people was your way of changing that?”

He smiled. “I learned my lesson. Which is why I’ve been a good boy this semester.”

“How did you get all of them to be your friends?
What happened? Why were they gone so long?”

“You ask so many questions.”

“So do you.”

“Fair enough. Let’s just say I’m a very persuasive person.”

“And they’ve forgiven you? I mean they are completely different people now.”

“They didn’t like who they were before. I look to find people who seem to be struggling.”

“None of them were having issues.”

“That you know of.” He leaned closer. “And I know you have deep issues. So does Peter.”

Her skin crawled at his closeness. “Is that why you’re being so nice to me?”

“
That and I like you. But I know you still have feelings for Peter.”

“No I don’t.”

“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Ava couldn’t believe how candid he was, if he was really telling the truth about everything. It still didn’t make sense. And how could he tell she still liked Peter?
Or that she had issues.

She flipped over the card and it read
End of the Year Party! It’ll be explosive! 04/27/13
. Well, that explained the tattoo. How could someone be so excited over a party that they tattoo the date onto their skin?

When she got home, her phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and saw that it was Melissa.

“Hey,” she answered.

“So what’s the deal with Xavier’s party?”

“I don’t know. He’s inviting everyone.”

“Why is he suddenly being so nice? What’s really going to happen at this party?”

“It does seem strange that they would have tattoos of the date.”

“We need to find out more.
He likes you, so he’ll tell you anything.”

Ava sighed. “Mel, his answers are vague and he gives me the creeps. We have one more month until school ends and I’m trying so hard not to make it even more miserable. I’m done. He’s not a threat.”

“Don’t you think it’s strange that everything just stopped? Xavier’s bullying and the spying?”

“You don’t know if anyone is watching us. But I’ve not felt anyone since Barkley.” And Xavier in class, but she was getting used to him.

The doorbell rang, startling Ava. She opened the door, and inhaled a sharp breath. “I gotta go,” she told Melissa and hung up the phone.

Staring back at her, with r
elief in his brown eyes, was Peter. She’d missed his eyes, his unkempt hair, and the dimples in his cheeks.

“Peter?”

“Hi,” he sheepishly grinned.

S
he crossed her arms in front of her. “Why are you here?”

“
I had to make sure you were okay. You weren’t at school all last week. I was worried about you.”

“Worried?”

“I thought Xavier had taken you. Given how chummy you two seem to be lately.”

The thought hadn’t crossed her mind that Peter would worry about her joining Xavier.
She didn’t even think Peter still cared or thought about her.

She closed the door behind her, and leaned against the porch railing.
“No. He didn’t take me. I didn’t feel like being at school last week.”

“Oh. Crap. It
was the anniversary, wasn’t it?”

She nodded. “Yes. Is that really the reason you’re here?”

The look in his eyes grew tense. “I also wanted to talk to your dad,” he said with a serious tone.

“
Why?”

“
Ava, you’ve been skipping a lot of school lately and when you do come, you look like…well, you don’t look so well. I’m worried about you.”

“
We haven’t spoken in three months. Why should you suddenly start caring?”

“
I never stopped.”

“Well, y
ou shouldn’t. I’m fine.” She hadn’t expected him to be at her house ever again. But seeing him made all the emotions wash over her. Ignoring him and secretly glancing at him in school was easier than this.

“I don’t believe you.
I thought I could leave it alone, and I’ve tried for so long, but I can’t stand seeing you like this. No matter what, you don’t deserve this.” He stepped closer, until he was right in front of her.

Her heart faltered.
“What are you talking about?”

“
Thomas. I think he’s controlling you. Did he make you get back together with him?”

“No.”

“Why do you stay with him, Ava? I see how you are around him, and I know you’re miserable. I know it’s hard to talk about, but please, you know I’m still here for you.”

Be strong.
“Thanks.”

An awkward silence fell between them.

“I’ve missed you,” he said.

She spoke without thinking. “I miss you too.”

His gaze was deep, and she couldn’t look away. She gripped the wooden railing for support, while he stood dangerously close. He slowly raised his hand, and softly touched her cheek. Her pulse edged up a degree, and her insides twisted. No one had ever made her feel this way. It had been so long, but her feelings for him were still very much there.

“I can’t resist this temptation,” he said, and leaned closer. “I want to be with you.” His sweet breath made her jaw clench. She wanted to taste his lips, and feel his arms around her.

Her lips parted. She inhaled two short breaths and froze. No, no, no. She couldn’t do this. “Peter.”

He
removed his hand, and stepped back.

She exhaled. Her heart throbbed against her chest.
A surge of anger punched her, and her amulet warmed. She turned to stone. Thomas. Her phone rang, and she silenced it. Maybe she could make up an excuse by the time she got to the cabin. This wasn’t going to be easy.

“What is it?” Peter asked.

“Why did you do that?” It was easier being angry with him because then it masked what she really felt.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You almost kissed me. Why?”

“I wanted to.”

“I have a boyfriend,” she shouted and then pushed him.

“What am I supposed to do when I think about you all the time? This isn’t some cute high school crush. At least, it doesn’t feel that way to me.”

“I’m sorry that I seemed to have led you on.”

He stepped closer. “I know you still feel the same way about me as I do you.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Why do you let him control you? You’re better than that.”

She shoved him again and he stumbled off the porch. “Get out of here.”

“Has he threatened you? I’ve read cases about that. Girl can’t leave boy because he threatens her—.”

“Give it a rest,” she snapped. “He’s not abusing me.”

“They warned me about you being blind to the fact.”

Ava stood at the top of the stairs with her arms crossed. “They?”

He hesitated. “I spoke to someone. Anonymously. Look, it’s okay that you’re afraid. You just have to get away from him.”

“Peter, you don’t know what you’re talking about, okay? I told you we can’t be friends, so leave me alone.”

“You’ve changed, you know that? You don’t laugh anymore. You’re always on edge, like you’re expecting something to happen.”

“Don’t make me force you to leave,” she said. She tightened her fists, constricting the blood. They throbbed from the pressure.

Peter glared at her. The staring match and silence made her impatient. She couldn’t afford to be n
ice. She needed him to be safe from Thomas.

“Fine. But when Thomas puts you in the hospital, don’t come crying to me.”

That stung. “Just go.”

With defeat in his eyes, he sighed, and then walked to his car. Ava
stormed inside, slammed the door, and pressed her back against it. She took several breaths, trying to calm down. Her hands were shaking.

Ava couldn’t believe what had just happened. She wished she
could’ve let Peter kiss her, like any normal, sane girl would have. She’d missed him so much, and the ache of not being with him returned.

Hours
later, Ava apprehensively arrived at the cabin. She’d done nothing wrong. They couldn’t possibly have felt her, but she knew that was a lie. She hadn’t exactly mastered hiding her feelings from the necklace.

J
ust as she entered, Thomas seized her arms, and slammed her against the wall. “I know you were with him.”

“What are you talking about?”

His blue eyes glowered. “Don’t lie to me.”

“
You’re overreacting again. I was at home with Dad.”

His hands squeezed harder
and began to warm her skin. “I can feel you, Ava. Stop lying. I know he was there.”

She
inhaled. His hands, like hot irons, burned through her sweater, and pressed into her skin. The stinging, scorching pain injected through her.

“Thomas
,” she cried. “Stop. It-it burns.”

“Hey,”
she heard Melissa yell. Seconds later, she tried prying his hands from Ava. “Stop, Thomas,” she demanded. “You’re hurting her.”

With a quick movement, he pushed Melissa away, forcing her to fall.
“You will
never
see him again,” he insisted.