The
A
Girl


Chapter 1: It’s dangerous
“I don’t see what the big deal is.” My adopted sister said with a shrug, and I grew more agitated.
“The big deal is that it’s my job to keep you safe, and you are out sneaking around the vampires, the witches, and the werewolves. You are a human smart up, and stop trying to look cool.” I hissed at her.
“Hey I grew up with a vampire member sissy?” She teased me, and I glared at her biting my tongue with my fangs.
“It’s different.” I persisted and she sighed.
“Besides I was trying to hang out with the demons and the vampires. I promise there were no werewolves or witches in the vicinity.” She joked and I growled at her.
“I’m telling the dean.” I said walking to the door.
“No, please don’t. I just don’t get it is all. You were a half human half demon who got a vampires blood, but you’re fine.” She said to me, and I tried to block out the images that flashed in my head of me being trapped in that vampire’s basement.
“I know, but I can’t control you. Therefore I’m telling him.” I said opening the door as she started to pout. I shut the door and walked down the hall, and got nervous as I passed the angels cabins and the demi gods. Most of them hated me, but a few treated me like a human being.
“Look guys, something wicked this way comes.” An angel said, and I bit my tongue.
“Back off.” I heard a familiar voice hiss at them.
“Nice to see you again Ciaran.” I said to my usual vampire companion.
“Why do you let them push you around like that Ahnallie?” He asked me and I shrugged as he grabbed my hand. No, we weren’t dating, but we were that close. Maybe somewhere inside of him he wanted me, but it didn’t matter. My attention was always elsewhere.
“Hey Allie.” I heard a voice from the demi gods say.
“Hi Chrissy.” I joked with him as he walked over to me earning scowls from the other demi gods.
“Sorry about the angels, they can be real devils if you know what I’m saying?” He said and I smiled, but it left as Ciaran let go of my hand and disappeared. Ciaran didn’t approve of my friendships with people who were well out of my race. Or my species I suppose.
“I resent that.” Aaron said walking out of an angel cabin, and I smiled.
“You’re different of course dear.” I joked, but inside I meant it. I know I know it’s predictable. I fall in love with someone untouchable, but it happens.
“Fantastic.” He said sporting a smile. “Where are you headed this fine afternoon?” He asked and I half smiled.
“To tell on my sister.” I said and they laughed at me.
“What did she do this time?” Chris asked me and I sighed.
“She was hanging out with vampires and demons.” I said and they laughed.
“Just like always.” Chris said and I smiled.
“I just don’t get it! God, when I was her age I was terrified of all of you. Hell, I still am sometimes. I don’t see why she can’t understand that they’re dangerous.” I said exasperated.
“She’s curious just like her sister.” Aaron said, and I smiled up at him.
“I know I’m a terrible influence. I’m always hanging out with everyone.” I said covering my face with my hands.
“You’re hanging with the werewolves now too?” Aaron questioned me.
“Just Krista like always.” I said with a shrug, and relief washed over his face.
“I forgot Krista is a werewolf.” Aaron said and I laughed.
“You are a crappy angel.” I laughed at him.
“Don’t you have somewhere to be demon?” Matt hissed at me from his cabin. Matt was a demi god, and the child of Poseidon because unlike some stories would have you believe it isn’t outlawed for Poseidon to have kids.
“Don’t talk to her like that.” Aaron said standing in front of me.
“Or what you’ll shoot the power of light into my soul.” Matt mocked him, and I saw Aaron start to glow.
“Aaron don’t.” I said knowing only too well what an angel could do. At first an angel is harmless, but they have the power to manipulate someone’s decisions. To literally control there every thought and action.
“You’re lucky.” Aaron hissed at Matt.
“Tell me, what would you have done?” The dean asked, and everyone fled to their cabins except for me, Aaron, Chris, and Matt.
“I didn’t see you there.” Aaron said fumbling for words.
“Obviously not, and you’re lucky Ahnallie was here even though she wasn’t scheduled to be.” The dean said looking at me, and I looked at him steadily.
“I was coming to tell you something, but I’m sorry I got sidetracked. I shouldn’t have stayed here.” I said trying to take all the responsibility like I had a habit to do.
“Well, there’s no harm done so please walk with me, my daughter.” He said to me, and here I’ll rewind. When I was rescued from the vampire’s house my dad realized he couldn’t take care of me, and he gave me to the dean. Well, he begged him to take me, and the dean says he saw something in me. So here I am today.
“Yes, father.” I said following him into his office.
“So what did you wish to tell me?” He asked when we got into his office.
“Oh, only that Elle has been messing around with the vampires and demons. I’m not doing a good enough job. I can’t keep my eyes on her. Perhaps, you were wrong about her father.” I said frustrated with Elle constantly getting into trouble. “She is headstrong, and arrogant. She’s outspoken, and she doesn’t listen to reason. She’s open minded and narrow minded at the same time. She does what she pleases, and despite being punished she does it again and again. She has all the potential to be great, but all she cares about is being something different. She can’t just settle for who she is, and it’s driving me crazy. It’s like she wants to be a vampire or a demon or anything other than what she is.” I said mad at my sister, and frustrated with her inability to listen to me.
“I know. That’s why it’s your job to let her grow and make mistakes. I never told you to keep her from harm or smother her. I just don’t want you to let her die, just keep an eye on her like you do for every student.” He said to me and I got confused.
“You pointed me out to her in particular, and now you’re telling me to treat her normally?” I asked and he nodded. “Okay, I can try I guess.” I said slowly.
“Here’s her detention slip.” He said handing me a piece of paper. “Oh and here’s Matt’s.” He said handing me the slips.
“Shouldn’t you have someone else give him his slip?” I asked not wanting to be anywhere near him and he shrugged.
“You can handle it.” He said and I left. I walked up to Matt’s cabin and knocked on the door.
“What?” He asked when he opened the door, and I held out the slip.
“Next time, you should think before lashing out at the Dean’s daughter.” I growled as he took the slip. Then I walked away, and I heard him slam the door. I smiled as I walked to my sister’s room only to find her missing. I slammed my fists on her desk in agitation and it cracked. Then I used my demon power to teleport to the vampire lobby.
“Where is she?” I hissed at them when I smelled her scent in the air.
“Where is who?” Drake a very dark vampire asked.
“Where is Elaina?” I asked slowly.
“I don’t know.” He said, and I jumped at him pushing him against the wall so hard the wall cracked.
“Do you remember now?” I growled.
“Nope.” He lied, but I could smell her on him. I hissed at him showing my fangs.
“Tell me or I will personally rip you apart limb from limb saving your damned head for last.” I growled, and he swallowed.
“She left after our make out session. I don’t know where she is.” He said, and I dropped him to the floor giving up.
“Where’s Ciaran?” I asked them, and they pointed up stairs. I quickly darted up the steps to his room, and opened the door to catch him kissing some girl. Not some girl, but my sister!
“What the hell’s going on here?” I asked feeling my jaw quiver. Then I felt something hot on my cheek. My sister was with my Ciaran. He was my Ciaran always, and they’d never bothered to try to talk to me. I brushed the tears from my face, but they were quickly replaced. They just stared at me, and I ran back downstairs. When I was outside I tripped, but someone caught me, and I looked up to see an unfamiliar vampire holding me up by my arm with a cigarette in his mouth.
“Are you okay?” He asked me, but I shrugged his hand off, and ran to the dean’s office.
“Dad!” I cried out in his office.
“Ahnallie my darling, what happened?” He asked me, and I swallowed trying to speak. He saw how upset I was and ran over to me hugging me with his hand on the back of my head. He’d never done that before and I just cried my heart out.
“I know it hurts I know.” He said, and I tried to calm myself.
“I’m sorry.” I mumbled, and he laughed.
“Whatever for?” He asked me, and I shook my head.
“I don’t know. For acting like a child and crying like this.” I explained wondering how I didn’t see him falling in love with Elle. How it was possible that I didn’t realize I’d fallen in love with him.
“Honey, your heart is broken. There’s no reason to be ashamed of that.” He said and I shrugged.
“Then why do I feel ridiculous?” I asked him and he smiled.
“Because that’s who you are Ahnallie. You’re the type of girl who likes to have self control all the time, and when she falls in love she doesn’t know it because she’s too busy fixing other people’s problems. Or at least helping or protecting other people. Allie you are a very selfless girl, but it makes it harder for you to notice how you feel. Maybe you should take some time off.” He suggested and I shook my head.
“No, I have a job to do, and I won’t let them ruin it for me.” I said realizing that I resented my sister.
“That’s my girl.” He said patting my shoulder.
“I’m going to go take a nap though if you don’t mind.” I said and he nodded. First though I had plans to visit Elle. I walked into her room where she was fidgeting on her bed.
“Here is your detention slip, and you can double it for today’s second stunt. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to go and expel Ciaran.” I said and she gasped.
“No Allie you can’t.” She said to me and I hissed at her.
“Two things, one don’t you ever call me Allie again, and two I can do whatever the hell I want. He knows the rules and he broke them. I’d expel you if I thought it’d teach you something, but you’re hopeless.” I said and she grabbed my arm.
“Please I’ll listen to you, and I’ll never go over there again. Please don’t expel him though. It’s not his fault, and he didn’t want to. I convinced him to.” She started wanting to tell me about it, but I wasn’t in the mood for sisterly bonding.
“Spare me the details. Fine I won’t expel him, but if I ever see you so much as look at him or doodle his name I swear I’ll do it.” I said and she nodded swallowing her sobs.
“I’m sorry.” She said breaking down in front of me.
“Save your sob story for someone who cares Miss Faine.” I said and she looked up at me surprised.
“Miss Faine? Ahnallie we’re still sisters.” She cried, and I shook my head.
“We were never sisters, and I wouldn’t even think to consider you one now. You’re just someone who stole my last name.” I said closing the door behind me as I walked into the hall. I smiled to myself for a second indulging in the fact I’d finally done something selfish. Then, I dropped the smile, and walked in my room.
“Ahnallie, can we talk?” Ciaran asked and I turned on the light.
“Get out before I expel you.” I said calmly, and he walked over to me.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked me, and I decided to play dumb.
“Why didn’t I tell you what? Actually you don’t get to ask questions.” I said irritated with him.
“Why didn’t you tell me you wanted me like that?” He asked and I felt the urge to kill him.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were hooking up with Elle?” I asked bitterly and he looked down.
“It’s not like it’d been going on for a long time, and you wouldn’t have approved.” He said, and I lashed out at him.
“That’s not the damn point! You should have told me the second you liked her! I thought we were closer than that! I thought I knew you better than that, but that’s all changed. I just want you to go, and I don’t ever want to see you again.” I yelled at him hurt and angry.
“Ahnallie, please we’ve been best friends since you came here.” He started, and my face wasn’t the only thing that hardened against him, my heart was too.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought too.” I said calmly, and his face looked so vulnerable. I got the urge to apologize, but I bit my tongue refusing to feel bad for him.
“Ahnallie please.” He said a single tear rolling down his cheek.
“I can forget a lot of things, and I’ve forgiven a lot of things, but I will never get over what you did to me. I will never forget what this pain feels like.” I said as that one lonely tear hit the floor. “I think you should leave.” I said calmly.
“I truly am sorry, and I hope that one day you move past this.” He whispered, and when he left shutting the door gently, and I punched a hole through my wall.
“Damn it!” I yelled mad that now I’d have to tell my father I broke a desk and a wall. “Sorry.” I yelled to my neighbor knowing it was probably a teacher.
“It’s fine.” The man from earlier said standing in my doorway. “It seems like you’ve had a rough day.”
“Yeah, I have, but thanks for catching me earlier today. I was kind of in a rush.” I said and he smiled.
“Yeah heartache can do that to a person, and it was no problem.” He said, and I smiled looking at him. He had the same dark hair as Ciaran, but his eyes were a piercing green instead of brown.
“You look like him.” I mumbled and he smiled.
“Who?” He asked and I shook my head.
“Just some jerk I know named Ciaran.” I said laughing at myself.
“What did he do?” He asked me and I shook my head.
“Eh, it’s not important, but who are you?” I asked him wanting to get my mind off of Ciaran.
“I’m Adrian. I’m a new teacher here.” He said and I snapped my fingers.
“Drat.” I joked and he laughed. “Well how old are you or were you?” I asked him and he smiled.
“I was twenty two.” He said and I nodded.
“That’s so young.” I said and he nodded.
“I know, but I’m okay with it.” He said and I smiled.
“I’m glad you’re not whining about it like some vampires do.” I said and he laughed.
“How old were you?” He asked me, and I shut my eyes firmly.
“It’s complicated, but I was around seven.” I said and he pursed his lips.
“You don’t look seven.” He said and I shivered.
“I know like I said it’s complicated.” I said and he smiled.
“I have time.” He said and I shook my head.
“Maybe another time, but for now I have a killer headache. My head isn’t used to the pain of crying.” I said and he laughed.
“I’ll hold you to that. So how about coffee tomorrow?” He asked, and I nodded.
“That sounds nice.” I said and he left. It did sound nice a simple coffee with a guy my father would approve of. Uh, wait he’s a teacher so never mind. That would be awkward. Whoa, how did he know my heart was broken, and how did my father know for that matter? Well, great now I have some investigating to add to my schedule. I really could go for a nap well it is when humans would go to bed. Then, I could avoid Ciaran easier. No, I have coffee with Adrian which means a few hours will do. I set my alarm to wake me up at midnight and closed my eyes.
I’m sitting in a dark room, and I can’t see anything other than his red eyes coming towards me. BOOM! I jump as the thunder sounds again, and the vampire laughs at my fear. He comes towards me holding a metallic object and cuts my wrist catching the blood in a cup before the wound started healing itself. I closed my eyes tightly hoping I’d wake up, and this just be a bad dream. I cringed as he touched my face and forced my mouth open to see if I grew fangs which I knew I hadn’t. He frowned cutting his wrist, and forcing the blood down my throat. Then, the thunder struck again…
I sat up breathing fast. I took medicine to keep those dreams away; I must have forgotten to take my pill. I hated remembering anything about my time in that basement. I looked at the still ringing alarm and turned it off silently cursing my choice to take a nap. I stretched before washing my face and changing clothes. I brushed my teeth. Then my hair, and looked at the dark brown wondering if I should do something with it. Then I looked at my eyes alarmed at first thinking they were Adrian’s. They were mine of course, but our eyes were such a similar shade of green that they could have been his eyes.
I left it down and walked into the hall enjoying the stillness to the air. I walked by my sister’s room, and opened the door a crack to see her sleeping soundly. I used to take her with me on my rounds because I thought when I left she’d be my replacement. I was a sort of uniter between all the groups. I reminded them of the rules when they overstepped their boundaries, and I tried my best to protect any student who wondered into the wrong area. I considered leaving her, but I decided it was time for her to prove she could listen.
“Get up.” I said turning on her light, and she groaned. Her eyes were red, and her pillow was wet making me smirk satisfied. “Now or I’ll leave you. If you want my job then start acting like it.” I ordered her, and she dragged herself out of bed and into the bathroom.
“Five minutes. Meet me in the vampire lobby.” I said leaving her to get ready. I walked outside, and over to the vampires area which was bustling with activity. I walked into the lobby to see Adrian talking quickly to Ciaran and I narrowed my eyes.
“Oh, Ahnallie. Are you here to take me up on the coffee?” He asked me, and I turned away from him.
“I told you she’d be mad.” Ciaran said and I turned to him quickly.
“Run along and get to class before I write you up for loitering.” I snapped at Ciaran angrily, and he stalked off.
“Wow, Ahnallie you’re enjoying your place of power now aren’t you?” Drake mocked me and I glared at him.
“Shut it Drake.” Adrian said calmly. “You’re in no place to talk to her like that.” Adrian said.
“I can stand up for myself.” I snapped at Adrian. “To answer your question yes I am so don’t say another word to me or I’ll write you up for talking back.” I growled and he shrugged turning back to his friends.
“I only wanted to help.” Adrian explained, and I smiled.
“I know, and I’m sorry. I’m just angry, but I don’t know the story. So why were you talking to Ciaran?” I asked trying my best to keep calm.
“Well, I knew he upset you, and I was only trying to see what he did.” He said and I smiled.
“Oh, well you could have just asked me.” I said laughing at myself for overreacting.
“I know, but I didn’t want to upset you further.” He said and I nodded.
“So what did he say?” I asked and he shrugged.
“That you don’t approve of him lo-,” He said stopping himself. “liking your sister.” He said and I rolled my eyes.
“He said he loves her? He doesn’t even know her.” I said frustrated with how much I didn’t know about Ciaran.
“Well, that could be true, but sometimes love surprises you.” He said and looking in his eyes I was mesmerized.
“One day you may look at someone you’ve know before, but never noticed and think wow I love her.” I said absently, and I watched his lips curve into a smile and I blushed.
“So, about that coffee?” He asked and I smiled.
“Yeah, I could go for coffee.” I said, and he offered his arm so I rested my hand on it.
“Maybe then we could get to know each other a little better.” He said and I smiled enjoying his company.
“Maybe we can.” I said and he walked me to the parking lot.
“We’re going off campus?” I asked and he shrugged.
“I don’t see why not. You’re not still on the clock are you?” He asked me and I laughed.
“No, I suppose I’m not. I just don’t go out much, and my dad doesn’t know.” I said and he smiled amused.
“You still have to tell daddy everything?” He asked innocently and I crossed my arms.
“No.” I said defiantly. “He just worries about me is all.” I said and he smiled.
“You’re with a teacher what’s the worst that could happen?” He asked, and I half smiled.
“There are plenty of things.” I said and he rolled his eyes.
“Are you always so serious?” He asked me and I smiled.
“Someone has to be the adult on this little outing.” I said and he smiled.
“Is that so? So how old are you really?” He asked me and I smiled.
“I’m 18 well I will be soon anyways.” I said not looking forward to my birthday.
“What are you going to do when you officially graduate then?” He asked and I shrugged.
“I have no idea.” I said noticing we were stopped in front of a black corvette. “No way this is your car.” I said and he smiled.
“You approve of it then?” He said and I nodded.
“It’s gorgeous.” I said and he smiled.
“Well then it’ll suit you just fine.” He said and I blushed.
“Thanks, but I know I don’t look very pretty today.” I said and he laughed.
“Nonsense, you look gorgeous.” He said and I smiled.
“So where are we going?” I asked him and he unlocked the car so I could get in.
“A coffee shop that’s open all night.” He said and I smiled.
“Yeah, I meant to ask, what time is it?” I asked him and he smiled.
“It is one thirty in the morning.” He said and I smiled then my eyes got wide.
“Oh my gosh I told Elle to meet me in the vampire lobby like thirty minutes ago.” I said unbuckling myself.
“Where are you going? Don’t you think she’ll be fine?” He asked and I narrowed my eyes.
“No, I think she’ll be with Ciaran.” I said running towards the vampire lobby. I got there about five minutes later and burst through the entrance.
I looked around, and because I didn’t see Elle I ran up the stairs to Ciaran’s room. I opened the door to Ciaran lying on his bed looking at the ceiling.
“Where is she?” I asked breathing fast.
“I don’t know.” He hissed in my ear suddenly right in front of me.
“Don’t lie to me.” I said trying to ignore the fact that he was so close.
“I have never lied to you. She isn’t talking to me.” He hissed at me yet again, and I tried not to be frightened by his tone or excited by his proximity.
“You’ve never told me the whole truth either.” I said trying to control my temper.
“Neither did you.” He countered and I exploded.
“It’s different! I didn’t know I was in love with you, but you knew what you were doing with my sister!” I yelled and his expression turned to surprise.
“You love me?” He asked and I smirked.
“I loved you; it’s past tense. Another past tense, I trusted you.” I said and he pushed me up against the wall.
“Ahnallie don’t play games with me.” He warned me, and I smirked trying to ignore his hands on either said of the wall next to me.
“If you don’t like the game you shouldn’t have become a player.” I said to him, and he pushed his lips against mine. I tried pushing him off of me because I definitely didn’t want to kiss him, but he was a lot stronger than me being a full vampire.
“Get off of her.” I heard someone growl and Ciaran obliged. I looked over to see Adrian standing in the doorway.
“You know you’re a hypocrite.” I said to Ciaran and they both looked at me surprised, but I wanted to say everything I had to say so I wouldn’t have to talk to him again.
“What are you talking about?” Ciaran asked me.
“You don’t approve of me even being friends with other species, but Elle is a human. She will never be a vampire, and if you try to turn her I will rip your head off. So fair warning if it comes down to it I won’t hesitate. She is perfect how she is, and you’re a monster who’d change her into what you want.” I said and he looked hurt.
“I would never hurt Elle.” He said surprised by my accusation.
“Funny thing is you promised me that too.” I said and he looked down.
“Ahnallie I never meant for this to happen.” He said stepping towards me and Adrian let out a warning growl.
“Yeah because you never planned on falling in love, and you never planned on me figuring out the game you play.” I said and he got confused.
“I’m not playing any game.” He said obviously trying to not look nervous and I breathed deeply as the realization hit me.
“You were making it so that I would only love you. It was a set up wasn’t it?” I asked him hurt by my father’s betrayal. “He thought you were my perfect match so he told you to make me think the same. Didn’t he?” I asked him and he looked down.
“You weren’t ever even my friend. It was all an act, and I walked into it.” I said and Ciaran looked at his feet.
“That’s not true Ahnallie. You are my friend, and I do care about you.” He said, but I shook my head. He walked towards me, and Adrian shoved him to the ground.
“This isn’t your place brother.” Ciaran hissed, and I looked at Adrian.
“Brother?” I asked him looking at their similar features.
“It’s wasn’t your decision to control her life.” He said, and Ciaran growled at him.
“The plan is already set in motion Adrian. There’s no changing it now.” Ciaran said and I furrowed my eyebrows,
“What plan? Who’s controlling my life? Why do I feel like my whole life was chosen for me?” I asked and Adrian grabbed my hand.
“Ahnallie darling please you need to listen to me. Don’t tell anyone what you just heard.” He said and I ran back downstairs right into Elle.
“Elle, don’t let him hurt you.” I said and she looked at me confused, but I kept running.
“Elle.” I heard my dad say as I ran by and I froze.
“Yes?” I asked him, and for some reason I acted like I didn’t know what he did.
“Are you okay?” He asked and I smiled.
“Yeah, I just, Ciaran kissed me.” I said telling him a part of the truth and he nodded.
“What did you think about that?” He asked me and I looked down.
“I don’t know.” I said running into my hall, and then into my room. I heard my door shut behind me, but I lied down in my bed anyways. Then I felt someone lie down next to me, and I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist. I squirmed under his arm so I could face Adrian who was looking down at me.
“Are you okay?” He asked and I buried my face in his shirt, and he kissed the top of my head. I looked up the bed at him and squirmed up a little so I could kiss him gently, but when our lips met I kissed him hungrily catching him off guard. He was just as eager as me though, but I pulled my lips away from his resting my head under his chin.
“Ahnallie you are too wonderful to let an ugly a person as Ciaran hurt you.” He said and I didn’t say anything.
“I’m so confused.” I pouted and I knew he would have smiled if I could’ve seen him.
“I know, but please tell me you haven’t told anyone.” He said, and I nodded.
“I haven’t even though I don’t know why I should trust you.” I said and he sat up looking down at me hurt.
“Ahnallie please tell me you’re kidding.” He said, and I pulled him back down to me.
“I just don’t really know you is all. I do trust you, but I can’t find evidence to support why I should.” I said and he brushed my cheek with his finger.
“I still love you more than I should.” He said and I furrowed my eyebrows.
“What?” I asked him and he smiled.
“I used to be your neighbor when you lived with your father. Ahnallie you were never supposed to be taken from your dad, but the dean interfered with your destiny. Darling we’re supposed to be together can’t you feel it?” He asked me and I searched his eyes for any sign of dishonesty.
“What do you mean the dean interfered with my destiny? Why would he want to do that?” I asked him and he smiled knowingly.
“Elle, you’re the only one of you’re I don’t know kind. You’re unique, special. When you turn 18, and the effects of the human, demon, and vampire blood mix show up you will be like a goddess of death. It’s never been done before, and you were the first person to survive the testing. I remember how scared you were when I found you.” He said and my eyes got wide.
“You were the shadow man who saved me.” I said because everything except who saved me that night was etched in my mind form being trapped in the basement.
“They erased your memories and altered them to suit their purposes Ahnallie. Your dad is still looking for you.” He said and I blinked trying to figure out what kind of weird dream this was.
“Why didn’t you come to me sooner?” I asked him and he frowned.
“Ahnallie, I had no idea what they did with you. I found out a lot though when I was looking for you, and what I know is that being with me changes your destiny. It changes it to something they don’t want.” He said and I nodded.
“Well we can leave.” I said and he shook his head.
“That’s why I wanted to know when you were graduating. If you haven’t graduated then you are considered a run away and I’d be a kidnapper. No one can know that you know what they are doing because if they know you’ve caught on they’ll make it so you fail your classes and be trapped here.” He said and I groaned.
“I hate all these damn secrets.” I said, and he nodded his head.
“I know, and I’m sorry.” He said kissing me gently. “We can’t be together at least for now.” He said pulling away, and I started breathing quick shallow breaths.
“Why?” I asked him.
“They’d know something was up.” He said, and I nodded.
“I can’t do this without you.” I said and he nodded.
“I’ll never be far.” He said, and I nodded.
“So we won’t be able to be together like this.” I said kissing him again and he shook his head.
“Not in public, and we can’t be caught coming in and out of each other’s rooms either.” He said and I nodded.
“I’ll miss you.” I said, and he smiled.
“I love you.” He said and I blushed. “I’ll miss reminding you of that. Could you do me a favor though?” He asked me and I nodded.
“Yeah, anything.” I said and he smiled.
“Tell me you love me even if it’s a lie.” He said and I blushed.
“I do love you. I don’t have to lie about it.” I said, and he smiled kissing me.
“I need to go.” He said and I groaned.
“Please don’t.” I said and he looked torn.
“It’s hard to say no when I haven’t seen you in so long. You have gotten so beautiful.” He said brushing my cheek with his fingers.
“Then stay.” I said, and he smiled.
“You know I can’t.” He said, and I shook my head.
“It’s not fair.” I pouted, and he smiled.
“I know, but I’ll try to come back tonight.” He said, and I frowned grabbing his hand as he stood up.
“Promise me.” I said knowing it wasn’t fair.
“I promise I’ll come back to you.” He said, and I felt my throat burn as a tear rolled down my cheek. I was upset by him leaving for some reason.
“Your subconscious remembers what it felt like to be torn from my arms that night.” He said brushing the tear off of my face.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said upset I couldn’t remember him from before yesterday.
“Don’t’ fret Ahnallie it’s not your fault. Just know that I won’t ever let them take you from me again. That’s a promise you can hold me to.” He said seriously and letting go of my hand.
“Okay, just don’t let them fire you.” I said and he smiled.I watched him leave wishing he didn’t have to go. I drifted into a light sleep for a little while.


Chapter 3: My love(s)
I sat up brushing my hair again and walking to my first class. Well, on a normal day it would be my fifth period. I was surprised to see Adrian sitting behind the teacher’s desk and smiled amused that he would be my teacher. Class was already in session so I assumed I looked like an idiot waltzing in like I did, but it was too late.
“Good morning Adrian.” I said with a smile and he raised his eyebrows.
“Excuse me Miss. Faine?” He said and I raised my eyebrows.
“Sorry I meant good evening Mr. Favian.” I said, and he nodded.
“Where have you been?” He asked me and my mouth opened hurt at his words.
“I’ve been sleeping. Sorry.” I mumbled walking to my seat as my class laughed.
“Open your book to chapter three. Oh, and don’t make this a habit.” He said coldly.
“Got it sir.” I said slamming my book on the desk, and I looked behind me to see Ciaran. He smiled at me uncertainly and I flipped him off. I glared at my book the whole class not bothering to listen to what my stupid teacher slash soon to be ex boyfriend had to say. After class I shoved my book under the desk, and wasn’t surprised to see Ciaran next to my desk.
“Allie, please tell me you’re over what happened between me and Elle.” He said and I rolled my eyes. “Especially after that kiss.” He started and I cut him off.
“That kiss meant nothing to me just like you mean nothing to me.” I said coldly watching his face fall.
“You can’t stay mad at me.” He said making me laugh.
“Oh, watch me.” I said and he glared at me. “Yeah that makes me feel friendly.” I said sarcastically, but when I looked up it was only me and Adrian in the room. My heart raced as I tried to blot out the images of me and him in my room
“Ahnallie.” He started but I turned to him glaring.
“Don’t you mean Miss Faine?” I asked him and he looked at me offended.
“Allie, you can’t believe I meant that?” He asked me and I crossed my arms.
“I just can’t believe I fell for your crap. You know it’s a real douche bag move to lead a girl on, and another thing” I started, but was cut off by Adrian’s lips on mine.
“As you were saying?” He asked me pulling away suddenly. I stood there speechless and he gave me an amused look. “You ended on me being a douche bag and how I lead girls on.” He said and I glared at him.
“We’re not done talking about this. I have lunch to get to Mr. Favian.” I said resisting the urge to let my lip curl up in disgust as I picked my stuff up. I heard the door close and he was behind me sneaking his arms around my waist.
“Ahnallie, you can’t believe I wanted to treat you that way? No one can know about us, so if you’re on time we can act more friendly. Be my pet.” He said amused and I shook his arms off of me. I was a teacher’s pet to every teacher anyway so it wouldn’t be difficult if I tried.
“I have to get to lunch.” I said with an angry sigh. “And I’ve never met a teacher who didn’t like me. We’ll talk about this later. Be warned call me Miss Faine again and I will never talk to you.” I said watching him smile. “Not joking.” I added walking into the hall.
“Oh, Ahnallie there you are.” My dad said walking over to me and I smiled.
“Hey dad, I’m just now heading out for lunch. Care to join me? I was thinking off campus would be nice. I need to stretch my legs.” I said trying to sound cheerful and he smiled.
“I’d love to, and then we can talk about your future.” He said and I smiled.
“What future?” I asked and he looked at me suspiciously. “I only mean we all know what I’m going to do.” I said innocently.
“We do?” He asked me and I raised my eyebrows.
“Isn’t it obvious that I’m going to work here? That’s always been my dream dad. Duh.” I said chuckling at him and he smiled.
“I forget.” He said and I nodded. We walked to his car, and I hopped in the front seat wondering if it was a good idea. We drove in silence and he pulled into a fast food restaurant.
“Are you okay?” He asked me and I smiled.
“I’ve been better.” I admitted shyly.
“Why?” He asked me and I furrowed my eyebrows.
“Besides having my heart crushed you mean?” I asked and he nodded. I silently added that I’d just learned my dad betrayed me, but I refrained from saying that out loud. “I just get this feeling sometimes that if I didn’t stay here everyone would be disappointed. Sometimes I think I don’t have a choice about who I can be. Like my futures already determined.” I said judging his reaction.
“Of course you have a choice.” He said cheerfully, but his eyes held a suspicious icy glare. “What else would you want to do?” He asked me and I shrugged sitting back in my seat.
“I don’t know, maybe take a year off and explore the world a little.” I said taking a bite of my burger before adding, “I don’t know how the place would survive without me though.” I watched him smile, and realized how hard it would be to remember I had to watch my words with him. He was a traitor and had lied to me my whole life.
I looked around absent mindedly and my eyes drifted across a familiar face. Then the recognition that it was Adrian hit me and I looked back at him. He was sitting with a fairly young teacher name Allison Johnson. She was a porcelain colored vampire with pink cheeks, green eyes, blonde hair, and cute dimples. I glared there way, and Adrian noticed me. He looked worried, but quickly looked back to that other woman.
“What is it Elle? You look angry all of a sudden.” He said looking over to Adrian where his gaze hardened and his face grew cold. I tried not to smile satisfied that he was scared.
“That new teacher doesn’t like me. He’s a bit of a pain honestly. His name is Mr. Favian which of course you know, but he has a problem with me I swear.” I half lied, and watched my dad fight a satisfied smile.
“Would you like me to take care of him?” He asked me, and I smiled at him.
“No, dad it’s a challenge for me. I’ve always had the teacher’s trust handed to me on a silver platter because of who I my dad is, and now I’m going have to work for it.” I said and he eyed me suspiciously.
“What would he have against my perfect angel anyways?” He said and I rolled my eyes like I was annoyed.
“It’s probably because he invited me to coffee, and I kind of ran out on him last minute to get Elle. It’s stupid as if anything would happen between me and a teacher. Please only in his dreams.” I retorted trying not to try too hard to sound uninterested.
“That’s my girl.” He said with a smile, and I smiled back.
“Well, I’m done.” I said looking at my half eaten burger and fries pleased that being an un pure vampire meant I could eat anything I want.
“Me as well.” He said and I smiled. “If you’ll excuse me I need to use the restroom, and then we’ll be off.” He said walking towards the bathroom, and I dumped my leftovers into the trash bin. I caught Adrian’s sideways glance, and felt compelled to walk over.
“Hello Allison and Adrian.” I said politely as I walked towards there table.
“Oh, hello Ahnallie. This is the star pupil of my class I was telling you about.” She said to Adrian giving him a flirty grin and I smiled resisting the urge to yell at her that he was mine.
“You’re too kind. Adrian has me in a class and we haven’t had a pleasant first impression of each other. Sadly it looks as if our relationship is in a rocky patch.” I said smiling and I noticed Adrian give me a worried glance acknowledging that he got my message.
“That’s too bad. I assure you she’s just perfect.” She said and he smiled warmly at her then turned to me.
“I know she is. I’m afraid you’ve misinterpreted things. I was merely trying to appear unbiased to everyone else. It would be wrong of me to give you special treatment.” He said and I bit my lip accepting his hidden message. I was pleased that this woman was only a cover, but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t bug me.
“Next time we go out to lunch perhaps you could join us?” She suggested and I smiled at the idea, but then I frowned knowing it meant I’d have to watch her flirt.
“I’d like to get to know you better.” Adrian said smiling politely and I plastered a smile to my face.
“Of course I would, but sadly I don’t know if it’s a good idea. My father is very protective. Oh, hi daddy.” I said noticing he was standing next to me.
“Hello Ahnallie, Mr. Favian, and Miss Johnson. May I be so bold as to ask if this is a date?” He asked and my heart clenched.
“I don’t know is it?” Allison asked blushing and Adrian half smiled as he looked at me. Then he looked at my father smiling slyly.
“Yes I suppose it is.” He said and I lifted my chin a little higher refusing to let it get to me.
“Dad now that dating is out there as a subject I’ve been meaning to ask, what are your feelings towards me dating an angel?” I asked him, and he turned to me surprised. I grinned smugly as Adrian’s eyes met mine, and he looked upset by my words. I felt bad, but at the same time I knew it was a good idea.
“If I may, I don’t know if it’d be such a good idea considering everything.” Adrian said and I glared at him.
“Well, sadly it’s not your place is it?” I snapped at him with crossed arms because I was almost excited at the possibility of finally having my hands on Aaron. It felt like it’d been ages since I talked to him. I knew I loved Adrian, but a girl can have her fun.
“I’m afraid I agree with my daughter, but thank you for the concern.Allie, if you mean Aaron then I would approve of it for now.” He said thoughtfully and I beamed at him.
“Well, we should be leaving now.” I said turning the door, and my dad said his goodbyes and walked for the door. I looked back at Adrian who was looking after me longingly. I shot him an apologetic glance as our eyes met, and he half smiled mouthing the words I love you. I mouthed I love you back to him when Allison wasn’t looking and I quickly caught up with my dad.
“That was interesting.” My dad said as we drove home, and I smiled.
“I suppose it was, I think if he stays out of my romance life we could be friends.” I said and my dad nodded thoughtfully.
“So you still like Aaron?” He asked and I smiled.
“I can’t help it; he’s so sweet and funny.” I said and he smiled.
“Well, good luck with that.” He said and we drove in silence. When we got there I dragged myself out of the car and forced myself to go to my classes.
Once the last bell rang I refused to run straight to Aaron, and I smiled realizing my schedule called for me to watch the angels and demi gods today. I smiled walking to their section when someone jumped in front of me.
“We need to talk.” Ciaran said, and I bit my lip knowing he’d keep bugging me unless I said I forgave him.
“I will, but right now I have some angels to babysit.” I joked watching him smile, and he grabbed my hand as I walked away.
“Wait.” He said turning me to him gently, and I cocked my head as he pulled me to him, and I saw Elle out of the corner of my eye. I sighed as he was about to kiss me, and pushed his face away from mine.
“Ciaran I loved you before now I don’t so much. I’m trying to be your friend because I still care about you, but please don’t torture yourself, me, or Elle b trying to be in love with me when you’re not.” I said and Elle smiled at me.
“Does that mean you’re okay with us being together?” He asked hopefully and I laughed.
“Fat chance. No way will I be okay with you guys dating. Not after all the lectures you gave me, and because of those lectures I can’t trust you with her. She’s my baby sister, and you won’t lay a hand on her.” I said watching his smile falter.
“Cheer up it’s not the end of the world.” I joked lifting his face by his chin so he’d look me in the eye.
“Give me some time, but don’t tell Elle. She’s headstrong and will do something crazy if she thinks there’s a chance I’m over you.” I whispered for only him to hear.
“Yeah, I understand.” He said dropping my hand and I smiled.
“I really do have to go.” I said finally and he smiled weakly at me. I walked towards the angel camp anticipation rising in me.
“Aaron!” I squealed when I saw him, and I ran straight for him. He opened his arms to embrace me. I jumped up on him bending my knees so my feet stuck up like in the movies while he wrapped his arm around my waist. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he put me down slowly.
“I missed you to.” He said smiling and I beamed up at him.
“How inappropriate.” Another angel muttered and I hissed towards the voice.
“Be an angel and show some compassion. Mind your own business.” I growled, and Aaron put his hand on my check forcing my face to be directed towards him.
“Who cares what they think?” He asked me and I shrugged.
“That’s true. So what’s new with you?” I asked him and he shrugged.
“Me and Vanessa broke up other than that nothing.” He said and I smiled even bigger. My face started hurting and I spoke as calmly as I could.
“Good riddance she was a total witch anyways.” I said and he smiled.
“I thought you liked her.” He said and I laughed.
“She hates me I hate her. I lied to be supportive.” I said and he smiled at me.
“What’s gotten into you? Why are you so happy?” He asked me and I smiled.
“I’ve just been waiting for you to break up with her for the longest time.” I admitted smoothly and he gave me a curious but amused look.
“Why would that be?” He asked me and I smiled.
“I’ve been wanting to tell you something, but it’d be easier to show you.” I said still in his embrace. My body tingling from the fact that he still had his arms locked around my waist.
“Is that so?” He asked me suspiciously and I nodded smiling. I bit my lip as I leaned closer to him and he leaned his head down to meet mine in a slow gentle kiss. It didn’t surprise me that his kiss felt innocent just like I thought an angels kiss would be. It didn’t feel like I imagined it would, but I suppose that’s because I’d met and fallen in love with Adrian.
“Get the picture?” I asked him and he laughed.
“Oh I so do.” He said leaning in and kissing me again a little fiercer.
“So, I take it that we’re on the same page?” I said and he smiled nodding.
“Does this mean you’re officially my girlfriend?” He asked and my heart dropped with guilt as I thought of Adrian’s face when he found about Aaron and I. Then again I needed this cover to throw the scent away from me and Adrian’s secret love affair.
“If that’s what you want me to be then I’m yours.” I said and he smiled.
“I like the sound of that.” He said grabbing my hand, and I smiled.
“Should we go tell Chris he doesn’t have to keep bugging us about how we should date anymore?” I asked him laughing easily with him.
“Yeah, he’ll be way happy, but just promise me you won’t give him the same I’ve missed you present.” He said and I smiled him teasingly.
“I make no promises.” I said walking in front of him holding his hand with both of mine. He smiled as we walked across the path to the demi gods campus. I spotted Chris and snuck up behind him jumping on his back and covering his eyes with my hands.
“Guess who?” I whispered, as his hands grabbed my legs to give me support.
“Is it my favorite, but long lost little vampress?” He asked me and I smiled.
“If her name was Allie then yes.” I said laughing as I jumped off his back.
“We have some news.” I said as Aaron wrapped his arms around me from behind me just like the perfect boyfriend.
“No way!” Chris yelled and I smiled.
“Yes it’s true.” I said watching him smile.
“Finally, you’ve liked each other since day one I swear.” Chris said supportively, but in his eyes I saw his disappointment, but I rolled my eyes.
“That’s such an exaggeration.” I said even though it wasn’t. From the first day I met Aaron I’d been in love with him. It wasn’t like Ciaran where I fell slowly and never noticed or Adrian when I didn’t realize I loved him until his lips met mine. With Aaron I saw him and BOOM I knew something was different. He was a perfect angel and stuck up for me the second he met me. He’d always been perfect.
“Actually it’s not.” Aaron teased and I smiled.
“So maybe it’s not, so what?” I asked and Aaron shrugged it off easily.
“I can’t wait to see Ciaran’s face.” Chris said wickedly and Aaron let go of me so he could look at me.
“I forgot all about him Allie! Will he hate you forever?” He asked me concerned like an angel should be and I shrugged.
“Who cares if he does?” I asked and they both gave me a look like they didn’t know who I was. Which made sense if I thought about it sense I’d always defended Ciaran’s rude behavior and I’d never done anything without considering his feelings. Now, that I think about it, it was probably obvious to everyone except me that I loved him.
“Who are you?” Chris asked me and I smiled.
“You guys have missed out on a lot let me tell you that.” I said biting my lip as I considered telling them about my father and Adrian. “I caught Ciaran and Elle in a hot and heavy make out session. I was so mad; bottom line I realized I loved him, and then I realized I actually didn’t love him.” I said laughing at the stupidity of it all. “Then he kept making me talk to him, and I threatened him and Elle. Then he kissed me and I told him to basically go screw himself, and now we’re kind of friends. Well, he thinks we’re friends, but I’m only talking to him so he’ll stop bugging me about talking to him again. Now you know why I don’t care what he thinks. I mean how hypocritical Elle is a human and he was basically going to screw her when I walked in!” I exclaimed still mad about the sight of their betrayal.
“Well, Allie he probably didn’t plan on her being human much longer.” Chris said and I snapped at him angry at Ciaran.
“He will not lay a hand on her perfect living body.” I said angrily and Chris held his hands up defensively.
“He only meant that its obvious Elle wants to be a vampire. If he doesn’t change her it’s only a matter of time before she has someone else do it.” Aaron said soothingly but I got mad at the thought of anyone doing that to my baby sister. I may be mad at her, but I still love her.
“No one will do anything to her while I’m at school. They’re smart enough not to touch her while I’m here because they know if they do then I’d rip their hearts out.” I growled, but it was hard to stay mad in Aaron’s presence. Angel’s had that effect on people because they’re aura rubbed off on other people’s aura.
“Allie, if Elle asks someone to change her then it’s no one’s fault except her own.” Aaron said sternly, and my lip twitched in frustration.
“Elle is ignorant and doesn’t think things through. She is naïve, but the vampires aren’t so if they change her in there lust to taste her it is their fault.” I said as calmly as I could manage.
“Allie you can’t blame others for her actions.” He said and I felt a growl scratching to escape my mouth. This was the reason Aaron would never last a long time with me. He was too nice, to goody two shoes for my taste. Personally I like a bad boy.
“I can and will.” I grumbled and he grabbed my chin tilting my face up so I could swim in his brilliant blue eyes.
“You won’t be here forever. What about when you graduate?” He asked and I bit my lip this was something I hadn’t figured out yet.
“I have to go.” I said with a frustrated sigh pushing his hand off my face. I started walking to my normal walking area to watch everyone.
“Wait Allie.” Aaron called chasing after me, and wrapping his arms around me as he turned me to face him when he caught up to me. He grew his wings wrapping them around us as he kissed me with a fierceness I didn’t know Aaron possessed.
“What was that for?” I asked out of breath. It was cozy and warm inside his wings not stuffy or irritating like you would think it would be.
“I couldn’t let you leave while you were upset with me.” He whispered to me, and I looked at him wondering how I was so lucky. Elle was the prettier one out of the two of us, and nobody could argue that point, yet here I was with the hottest guys chasing after me. Chris wanted me or so everyone told me, Aaron wanted me, Adrian wanted me, Ciaran was complicated, Blade from the witches had a crush on me, and I heard John from the wolves thought I was hot too. Maybe it was the way I presented myself. While Elle screamed confidence she wouldn’t approach new people without a reason, and she flirted with just about anyone. Everyone saw Elle for her still childish outer personality while everyone saw me for my deeper more intellectual personality. I had the ability to tell anyone what I wanted without worrying about them while Elle only acted like she didn’t. We were just different, and I always envied Elle yet everyone else seemed to envy me.
“I’m not upset with you. I’m upset with Elle.” I said a few minutes later, and he nodded.
“And Ciaran.” He whispered, and I nodded.
“Yes and him.” I said feeling guilty and he frowned.
“There’s something else.” He stated more than asked and I looked up into his innocent face.
“Yes there is.” I said not being able to lie to him. “But I can’t tell you. It would put you in a terrible position, and I just can’t. I promised him I’m sorry.” I said and he searched my face.
“Who did you promise?” He asked me and I smiled half heartedly.
“That’s another secret.” I said sympathetically.
“All these secrets already Allie?” He asked me and I looked down resting my hands on his chest.
“I really do wish I could tell you, and I am truly sorry. Perhaps I can convince him to let me tell you. I could ask if that’s what you want.” I said and he brushed my hair out of my face.
“Don’t tell me anything you don’t want to tell me.” He said kissing my forehead as he folded his wings back in. “I need to go get a new shirt.” He said and I laughed as he ripped the little shirt left on him off revealing his chiseled abs.
“Nice.” I said winking playfully, and he smiled before walking away. I sighed walking my rounds hoping for a very uneventful night. Lucky for me everyone who hated me enough to start something was in trouble or at the very least somewhere else.
My shift was over and I dragged myself home collapsing on my bed. I groaned grabbing my PJs, and walking into the bathroom. I cleaned my face, brushed my hair, slipped into my PJs, and then realized that Adrian was supposed to be coming over and I was dressed in a blue undershirt and Snoopy PJ bottoms.
I groaned at my stupidity shuffling through my drawers when I heard a tapping on my window. I sighed knowing it was probably Adrian, and I’d have to meet him in PJs. I locked the door and opened the window watching a bat fly inside. I was envious of that tiny creature because no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t change into a bat. It was one of the things I missed out on being a mix. When anyone let’s say has kids with another species the kids are born human. Then they get sent to one of the few schools like mine to be taught about all the creatures.
I walked to the mirror glad that I also missed out on the whole not seeing your reflection thing too. When I turned back around Adrian was standing there looking very unhappy.


Chapter 4: Late night visitor
“Hi.” I said lying down on my bed too tired to stand up anymore.
“That’s all you have to say after the stunt you pulled today?” He asked me and I looked at the ceiling groaning.
“Yeah that’s it.” I said sitting up so I could look at his still angry face.
“So did you and Aaron have a nice time underneath those wings of his?” He asked me causing my cheeks to burn with embarrassment and frustration at him for spying on me.
“You spied on me!?” I yelled angrily.
“I wish I hadn’t. Watching you fawn all over him was enough to make me sick. Allie you are in love with him so you need to end it right now.” He said and I opened my mouth surprised at his suggestion. I let a laugh escape my mouth, but silenced it as I saw his serious face.
“Hell no!” I yelled back and he glared at me.
“Then end it with me.” He said and I glared back.
“I’ll die first.” I said trying not to yell.
“Make a choice.” He said becoming a clingy pushy jealous boyfriend for once.
“What about Allison?” I asked him and he looked at me surprised.
“It’s different Allie! I am not in love with anyone other than you. My heart is yours only, but you want me to share yours with some boy.” He said and I crossed my arms defensively as I stood up.
“He isn’t just some boy. His name is Aaron, and if I have to date someone to get my dad off our trail it’s going to be him.” I said and Adrian groaned impatiently.
“Allie I’m telling you I’m not allowing you to date him and be with me at the same time. You love him.” He hissed and I opened my mouth without thinking.
“No I don’t.” I lied immediately and he looked at me daring me to say it again. “At least not as much.” I mumbled and Adrian looked at me triumphantly.
“You’ll be able to spend more time with him than me, and I will not run the risk of losing you to some angel.” He said taking a step towards me and I glared at his softened face.
“It’s not my fault you’re insecure.” I said making his eyes turn cold again.
“I am not insecure; I’m just not stupid.” He said and I rolled my eyes.
“No you’re both.” I said and he laughed menacingly.
“Please enlighten me.” He challenged me and I tried not to let my tired body get the best of me in this argument.
“You’re insecure by thinking you are going to lose me, and you’re stupid to think you’d lose me to an angel of all creatures. Do you think I could make it with an angel? Because I certainly don’t since I’ve already been annoyed by him several times today! Just let the relationship run its course and you’ll have me all to yourself soon enough.” I said and he pouted his lips.
“Soon enough would have been yesterday. Allie you have no proof that you’ll want things to end.” He said stepping closer to me, and I sat on the bed refusing to let him come in contact with me so I’d lose the argument.
“You did have me to yourself yesterday if you don’t recall. Besides that if I don’t get him out of my system I’d always be wondering what would have happened if I’d chosen to be with him. I need this.” I said and he bit his lip on the inside of his mouth making them purse to the left.
“Fine Allie you win, but I don’t appreciate you shoving it in my face.” He said and I smiled.
“That was done out of jealousy at seeing Allison flirting with you so openly like I wish I could do.” I said shamelessly and he smiled.
“Jealous of Allison? How surprising.” He mumbled, and I stood up walking into his welcoming arms loving the familiar sensation that came with being close to Adrian. I loved everything about Adrian. His look, his smell, his breath, his touch, and his kiss. Adrian was my everything, and I knew Aaron couldn’t compete but I didn’t know if Allison could compete with me.
“I am not jealous of her. I’m jealous that she’s able to be with you. I’m envious of her position in life.” I said and he smiled.
“You don’t have but a few months to wait before you can openly be mine.” He pointed out and I smiled.
“Yes, but I don’t know if you’ll be in love with someone new by then. As far as I know you could be some freak pedophile who does this to all kinds of girls.” I teased messing with his jacket’s collar.
“I wouldn’t do this with anyone but you.” He said seriously and I half smiled.
“You might fall in love with Allison eventually.” I suggested insecurely and he shook his head.
“It’s not possible. You have my heart. How could I give it to anyone else?” He asked me and I shook my head.
“I don’t know. I’m only saying you may start to even like her.” I said not being able to look into his stunning green eyes.
“It wouldn’t be even a thousandth of what I feel towards you. You’re my everything. My heart, my soul, my life, and my only reason for living.” He said and I couldn’t resist from smiling as I looked into his eyes.
“That’s not true.” I said blushing and he shook his head.
“If only you could feel what I do.” He said and I pulled away from him offended.
“Are you saying you love me more than I love you?” I said feeling like a mushy annoying couple that everyone complains about.
“I most definitely do.” He said smirking at me, and I crossed my arms.
“You most definitely don’t. I love you just the same.” I said and he smiled.
“Is that so?” He asked me and I smiled nodding.
“Yepp that is so.” I said sitting back down on my bed.
“Do I need to go?” He asked me as I started keeping my eyes closed longer and longer.
“No, I’m just tired Mr. Favian.” I teased yawning. “Grab my attention with one of your gripping lessons.” I added.
“Don’t call me that Allie.” He whispered lying next to me on my bed.
“Sorry Mr. Favian, I mean Adrian, my bad.” I said with a smile and closed eyes.
“I really should go; you’re falling asleep on me.” He said and I shook my head.
“No. Don’t leave; I like it when you’re here.” I pouted with my eyes still closed I put my hands on his chest grabbing his shirt. I scooted up opening my eyes for a second so I could find his face and I kissed him closing my eyes again. I pulled away lying my head on his chest, and he laid his cheek on the top of my head with a sigh.
“Was that a sigh of contentment?” I asked him with a smile.
“Yes, it was. So, tell me about yourself.” He said and I pursed my lips.
“What do you want to know?” I asked him as he laced his fingers in mine.
“Everything.” He said sweetly and I smiled.
“That might take a long time.” I pointed out.
“I have time.”
“Okay, well my favorite color’s red; when I was little I wanted to be punk rock princess and now I don’t know what I want to be. My favorite animal is a leopard, yet I’m allergic to cats. I hate history, but an amazingly gorgeous teacher named Adrian Favian is teaching it this year. I have one adopted sister name Elle who I hate a good portion of the time because she is just annoying. Deep down I love her I know, but still. My so called dad is the dean of the school and I hate him with a passion. I have a boyfriend who is amazing, but I must not care too much about since I’m always thinking of cheating on him with my teacher. Gross isn’t it?” I asked him hearing him snicker.
“Nah, not really.” He said and I rolled my eyes.
“Of course you’d say that.” I said with a smile, and I looked up at him to see him smile. Then I looked back down closing my eyes again. I drifted through my thoughts of the day, and realized I’d promised Aaron I’d talk to Adrian. I bit my lip wondering if it was a good idea or not and I heard Adrian sigh as he sat up.
“What is it Ahnallie?” He asked me.
“How do you know when something’s wrong?” I asked him surprised at how he knew when he wasn’t looking at me.
“I can’t explain it you just physically feel different when something is bothering you, and if I can see you I can tell because you always bite your lip.” He said and I silently cursed my habit.
“Oh.”
“Yeah, now tell me what’s wrong.” He said not letting me change the subject making me groan.
“I told Aaron I’d ask if it was okay with you to tell him about my dad. I know what you’re going to say, but I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t ask.” I admitted.
“How did you get to that subject?” He asked and I shrugged.
“I don’t know he said he could tell something was bugging me, and I told him I couldn’t tell him. Isn’t the issue that he asked more important?”
“No, you know what the answer is. There is no way in hell I’d trust him with that kind of information. Besides I’m more worried about the fact that he knew something was up.” He said and I couldn’t help, but pout at him telling me no. I knew it would be stupid to tell Aaron, but I wanted to a little bit.
“Yeah I know.”
“Were you seriously considering telling him?” He asked me surprised and I shrugged.
“I know it’d be stupid to tell him.” I said and he stood up getting off the bed.
“But you love him, and hate not telling him everything.” He finished for me and I shook my head sitting on my knees on the bed.
“No that’s not it at all. Adrian don’t be mad; don’t leave like this.” I begged trying not to cry as he walked towards the window.
“How can I not be mad? What other explanation is there?” He demanded, and I opened my mouth begging for words to come out. “Exactly.” He muttered opening the window, and I ran over to him standing in front of the window.
“Don’t be mad at me.” Was the only thing I could manage to say with tears stinging my eyes, and he looked at me sympathy and guilt shining through the anger and pain that clouded his eyes.
“Ahnallie I really wish I could just forgive you, but I can’t. I feel like I’m being played a fool. Maybe I took too long, and it’s just too late.” He said gently nudging me to the side, and I grabbed his arm.
“No, no it’s not. Please let me explain. Just stay a little longer.” I begged him, and he easily took his arm out of my hands.
“Explain what exactly? You can’t explain when I know the answer. Are you going to try to lie to me? Tell me what you think I want to hear?” He asked me bitterly and I felt my lips quiver as a sob threatened to overtake me.
“No; I couldn’t if I wanted too. Adrian please.” I said being overtaken by sadness. “Please.” I begged tears finally sliding down my face.
“You keep saying please, but what’s going to happen if I stay. What more can you say?” He asked me and I hung my head looking at the ground as tears fell to the floor.
“I just don’t want to lose you. I’ll break up with Aaron please just don’t hate me.” I said crying even harder at the thought of Aaron’s crushed face, and suddenly Adrian swooped me up into his arms carrying me to the bed. He laid me down, and I felt his eyes on me.
“I could never hate you.” He whispered kneeling in front of my face next to the bed.
“I can’t stand the thought of you leaving angry.” I whispered looking up into his eyes but his emotions were hidden from me. That upset me even more. The fact that he was hiding what he was feeling from me drove me crazy.
“I don’t know what you expected Ahnallie.” He whispered and I shrugged.
“I wasn’t thinking; I’m sorry.” I whispered closing my eyes so the tears would stop flooding my sheets. “I wasn’t kidding if it’s going to ruin us I’ll break up with him.” I said biting my lip as a sob threatened to overwhelm me and I felt tears start up again.
“No, don’t do that.” He said brushing the tears off my face gently.
“No, I’ll do it for you. If that’s what you want.”
“Ahnallie, I can’t make you give up someone you love. I wouldn’t feel right hurting you that way. I could never do that to you.” He said quietly, and I knew it hurt him to say those words.
“What are we now? Twilight?” I asked him attempting at a joke to lighten the mood. He chuckled shaking his head.
“We are so much more than that.” He whispered standing up again.
“Wait one more thing.” I said following him to the window.
“Yes?” He asked turning to me.
“I love you.” I said stealing a kiss, but I could tell it was different. He was guarded, on edge, as he tried to control his feelings.
“I love you to, but I have to go.” He said and I nodded looking at the ground. I watched him fly into the night as a bat and I sighed shutting the window. I jumped into my bed snuffling into my pillow. I tried not to bawl out loud because I knew he could hear me through the walls. Then I realized it meant I could hear him too. I pressed my ear to the wall, but all the sounds were muffled so I tiptoed to my door opening it quietly. I knew spying was wrong, but he’d spied on me so I figured I’d get off the hook.
I walked to his door, and put my ear on it. I listened as closely as I could, and I realized he was crying. I had made poor Adrian cry. Without thinking about it I opened the door and wrapped my arms around him. He was on his bed with red eyes, and he was sniffling.
“What are you doing here Miss Faine?” He asked me, and I looked at him taking a step back.
“I heard you crying and I felt bad. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I- I’m sorry; I know it is wrong to spy on people, but I couldn’t resist.” I explained quickly.
“You cannot just walk into a teacher’s room. So if you’d please excuse yourself I’d appreciate it.” He said sternly and I looked at him confused and walked out of the room shutting the door behind me. I walked into my room sitting on the edge of my bed confused.
“Allie it’s too dangerous to just waltz into my room like that.” Adrian said walking into my room a few minutes later with a regained composure.
“I’m sorry, I know it was dumb someone could have seen me, but when I heard you crying I felt bad. Are you okay?” I asked him and he shrugged.
“It doesn’t bother me that you cared or that someone could have seen you so much as I think my room may be bugged.” Adrian explained and I nodded.
“Isn’t it just as likely my room is bugged?” I asked him and he shook his head.
“Normally you check your room for bugs, and if you caught your dad spying on you; well, it’d be a bigger risk than he’d be willing to take.” He said and I nodded stepping towards him.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” I asked him more concerned with his feelings than if my father found out or not.
“Allie, I’m fine that was just a momentary lapse.” He said after wrapping his arms around me. He tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear before looking back at me.
“Well, I want to know what bothered you so much even though I think I know what it is.” I said feeling guilty and he sighed.
“Just because I’m allowing you to date Aaron because I don’t want to hurt you doesn’t mean that it doesn’t bug me. Ahnallie I love you, and I’m not used to having to share.” He said looking down into my concerned eyes.
“You don’t have to. Besides I’m only pretending; you know my heart belongs with you.” I said and he regarded me gently.
“I hope it does.” He said. I looked at him wishing I knew what I was supposed to say. The thing was he knew just as well as I knew that part of my heart did belong with Aaron.
“Can I ask you something?” I asked deciding changing the subject was the best tactic.
“Yes, ask away.”
“How come Ciaran hasn’t told on us?”
“Oh, right well some vampires like me do intensive studying, and we can learn how to replace memories. Ciaran only remembers up to the kiss, and then I made him think that you just left.”
“What?” I asked pulling out of his arms.
“I don’t know why you’re freaking out. I did it for us. It’s not like I wanted to do that to my own brother.” He said, and a few things clicked in my mind.
“So, the reason my dad chose Ciaran to be the boy I fell in love with was because of who he was in relation to you wasn’t it? He thought if he got the next best thing maybe I’d be able to fall in love with him instead.”
“Yes, and his planned would have worked if I hadn’t shown up here.” He commented.
“So why doesn’t he just kick you out of the school or fire you? If it was a made decision to meddle with my future why not keep you from coming here.” I pressed.
“Ahnallie not everyone agreed with what your father did, but by the time they found out it was too late. So, they decided to let it be, but the council isn’t unjust. They made him let me come here, and I’m allowed to stay as long as I don’t give him a real reason to fire me. They’re testing fate testing our destiny.” He said and I pursed my lips.
“I don’t believe in fate. Nothing is set in stone; it’s all affected by the decisions that are made. Wait, so if you didn’t like the way things were working why didn’t you just switch some memories around? Why didn’t you mess with my memories so I remembered you, and my father? You could make me believe whatever you want me too.” I said thoughtfully, and he shook his head disgusted by the idea.
“I wouldn’t ever meddle with your memories. It’s a dangerous process to work with someone’s brain, and when I say dangerous I mean deadly. I would never risk your life that way. Your father is constantly protected, and even if he wasn’t he’s closely watched by the council. If he suddenly had a change of heart the council would figure out that something was up, and they’d come charging in ruining everything. Just trust me when I say everything is going according to plan, and by this time next year we’ll be relaxing with your real father at our house.” He said and I smiled trying to push my unease and wariness towards him away. I loved him, and I trusted him or at least I needed too.

“Okay, I trust you, and I have to say relaxing sounds nice.” I said, and he smiled hugging me.
“I love you.” He said pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“I love you too.” I said absentmindedly, and I stared after him as he walked out the door. I sighed walking over to my laptop only to find out Aaron wasn’t on the school website to chat with me.
I turned my laptop off before lying down in my bed. I closed my eyes hoping that for once I’d sleep peacefully.


Chapter 5: Unsuspected Friendship
I woke up still tired, but I got ready all the same. I did my morning routine of keeping the groups separated, and was asked by several vampires were my sister was.
“Why isn’t Elle with ya?” Another vampire asked me and I sighed impatiently.
“Because she isn’t; just get to your class.” I said rolling my eyes, and he glared at me. Then his gaze flicked from my face to someone behind me and he walked away.
“These aren’t normal angel hours.” I said smiling as I felt the warm presence of Aaron’s aura.
“I know, but they are your normal hours. I just wanted to wish my baby a good morning. So,” He said turning me to face him, “good morning.”
“Good morning to you too.” I said smiling as he leaned down to kiss me. “You need to go back to bed though. Wait until the sun comes up, and then I could give you a good morning present.” I teased, but he bit his lip.
“It sucks that you have to stay up all day and night.” He said and I shrugged.
“It’s the price you pay, but besides that I don’t. I get naps in between my schedules; don’t worry about me. I am just fine, I promise.” I said smiling, and he slowly smiled back.
“Yeah, I guess so. Well, I’ll see you later so you can do your job.” He said, and I hugged him. As he was walking away I saw Adrian and waved.
“I love you.” I whispered only to see Aaron freeze and turn around.
“What did you say?” He asked me, and I shrugged. “Did you say I love you?”
“Uh, yeah sorry it’s a habit from our days of friendship.” I said and he smiled.
“I love you too.” He said making my insides feel warm.
“Have a good sleep.” I said, and he smiled walking towards his area.
“You love him too.” Adrian said as more of a statement than a question.
“I didn’t know what else to do when he caught me saying it to you. Honestly, I had no way out of it unless you wanted me to tell him our secret.” I said not looking at him, and pretending I didn’t realize he was beside me.
“Do you want me to come over later?” He asked me, and I shook my head despite the fact I did want him to come over.
“Why not?” He asked curiously.
“I am running out of energy due to lack of sleep.” I half lied. I did want to sleep, but I also wanted to spend time with Aaron.
“All right, well don’t be late to class again.” He said, and I smirked. “Also, try not to smirk like that; it makes you to irresistible.”
“I apologize Mr. Favian.” I said, and looked over to catch him roll his eyes before walking away. I sighed walking into an on campus grocery store, and smiled as I looked over and saw the apples. I grabbed the brightest red apple I could see, and I went to the cashier to check out. I ran to my first class shoving the apple into my bag, and during the class I tied a note to the stem of the apple that said from your favorite student. At my second break I ran to the angels side to help them get around like I was supposed to, and to see Aaron.
“Hey demon.” Matt growled at me as I walked by, and I took a deep breath.
“Shut up Matt. Or do I have to get you detention again?” I challenged him turning to face him, and he grunted.
“Yeah, play up being the dean’s daughter while you can. You won’t be in here forever, and once you are out there in the real world there won’t be anyone to protect you.” Matt said, and I swallowed taking a deep breath.
“That’s not true; she’ll have me.” Aaron said from behind me, and I smirked satisfied as he wrapped his arms around me.
“You wouldn’t be hard to get past.” Matt said, and I looked at him pursing my lips.
“If that’s a challenge I accept it Matt. Do not underestimate me.” Aaron growled, and I got chills from the husky tone his voice had.
“Don’t over estimate yourself angel.” Matt said, and I shook my head.
“Just shut up Matt. Trust me you don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said walking away, but Aaron caught my hand pulling me back towards him.
“Let’s get one thing straight Matt. If I ever find out you so much as touched her I will make your life not worth living. Got it?” Aaron growled, and I looked up at his face. His piercing gaze was set on Matt, and I put my hand on his shoulder.
“Whatever.” Matt said walking away, and I waited for Aaron to look down at me.
“You don’t need to do that. Matt is just a punk, and I know he wouldn’t ever do anything. Trust me he is the last person we need to worry about hurting me.” I said without thinking, and I cringed as he looked at me curiously.
“What do you mean?” He asked, and I shrugged.
“I just think there are more important people out there who would like to see me fry. Just don’t think about it too much.” I said putting my hand on his face.
“How can I help but worry about you?” He asked, and I shrugged pulling his face towards mine.
“Just try to indulge in the now.” I said before kissing him, and pulling away just to be engulfed in his hug.
“Trust me I do.” He said, and I smiled.
“Well, I have to go do my rounds, and you have to go get ready.” I said, and he rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Can we hang out after I get out of class though?” He asked me, and I smiled hugely.
“Yeah sure whenever you want to.” I said then kicking myself mentally for acting so excited.
“Cool, so at like six I’ll be at your dorm unless that’s too late for you?” He said and I shook my head.
“That sounds perfect.” I said and he smiled kissing my hand.
“Okay, then I’ll see you then.” I said, and as he walked away I looked over to see Vanessa checking him out. I walked towards her annoyed that she would look at him that way.
“You had your chance. Keep your eyes to yourself honey.” I said to her and she turned to face me.
“Well, I’m just wondering if breaking up with him was a mistake.” She said, and I smirked.
“It was the biggest mistake of your life, but it was the best thing that happened to him. He is mine now, and you need to figure out where your place is. Here’s a hint it’s nowhere near him.” I said, and walked away with my head held high.
“It’s fine my mom always told me to donate my toys to the less fortunate.” She said, and I turned around.
“Please Aaron believes in community service, and dating you was just his charity case.” I said, and I stood there proud of her horrified expression as she desperately tried to think of something to say.
“Yeah, well I don’t want him back anyways.” She said and I laughed at her.
“I’m sure you don’t.” I said rolling my eyes before I walked away. I did my rounds without further incident, and smiled as I walked to Adrian’s class. I pulled the apple out of my bag as I walked in the class room. The bell rang as I sat the apple on his desk, and smiled taking my seat.
“Thank you Miss Faine.” Adrian said and I smiled.
“Oh, please call me Ahnallie.” I said and he nodded.
“Okay Ahnallie thanks for the apple.” He said saying my name slowly, and I smiled nodding. “So today class we’re going to work in partners. You’re going to write a short essay in class today and tomorrow. Then you’re going to present it to the class maybe.” He said and I looked at him attentively listening for about two seconds before my mind wandered. I kept thinking about how good looking he was, and how every girl in my class probably thought so too.
“So get with your partner.” He said and I looked around to see one girl rolling her eyes. I noticed everyone else had a partner, and I walked up to the girl.
“Angel or demi god?” I asked her and she smiled.
“Angel, how could you tell?” She asked sarcastically, and I shrugged.
“Well, no one wanted to be your partner so I made an assumption.” I said smiling back at her. “That and no offense, but you’re a picture perfect angel with the blonde hair.”
“Ah, that makes sense.” She said and I sat down next to her.
“Yeah, so did you ketch what we’re writing the essay on because I was distracted.” I said and she laughed.
“The teacher is hot.” She said and I laughed.
“That is not what I meant.” I lied trying not to blush.
“No, I get it. I was too distracted by his looks as well. Mr. Favian.” She said raising her hand, and he walked towards us.
“Yes?” He asked and I smiled looking down.
“We missed what we were supposed to be writing the essay about.” She said confidently.
“I’m sorry to hear that I wasn’t engaging enough to keep your attention.” He said kneeling next to us.
“No it wasn’t that. I just have a lot on my mind.” I said and he nodded dazzling us with his smile.
“Well, you are writing about techniques to give you the upper hand in a fight.” He said and I nodded.
“That is important to know.” I said and he nodded standing up causing a breeze which made me inhale the scent of his cologne.
“Oh my god did you smell him.” She said after he walked away and I burst out laughing.
“Sorry,” I said to everyone, “and yeah I did.” I said and she smiled.
“Oh if he wasn’t a teacher I would invite that boy to my room.” She said and I held back my laughter.
“Well, I don’t know if an angel is his type.” I said and she smiled.
“I can be very convincing if I want to be.” She said wriggling her eyebrows and I smiled.
“I’m Ahnallie by the way.” I said, and she smiled.
“I’m Rose.” She said and I smiled.
“It’s nice to meet you.”I said and she smiled back.
“Yeah, aren’t you dating that fine piece of man named Aaron?” She asked and I saw Adrian glance over at the sound of Aaron’s name.
“Yeah, but no offense to Aaron I’d totally cheat on him with Mr. Favian in like a heartbeat.” I said, and watched Adrian smiled. Rose burst into a giggling fit and I giggled along with her knowing she caught Adrian smile.
“Looks like he likes the sound of that Allie.” Rose said and he walked towards us smiling slightly.
“If you could try to keep your voices down, and focus on the assignment it would be helpful to the class.” He said and I smirked.
“Sorry my bad.” I said, and he shrugged.
“It’s okay.” He said walking away, and I looked at Rose.
“Oh my god you totally love the teacher.” She whispered and I rolled my eyes.
“No, I love Aaron. Mr. Favian is just a school girl crush, literally.” I whispered back, and she rolled her eyes.
“You are one lucky girl.” She joked, and I took out a piece of paper to start the assignment.
“Hey, so would you mind risking a bad rep by hanging out with me and my boyfriend sometime?” I asked Rose at the end of class.
“Yeah, I already have a bad rep so why not?” She joked as she gathered her stuff together.
“Cool, I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.” I said holding the door open for her to leave.
“Yeah, sounds good. Hey, where’s your bag?” She asked, and I tried not to grin as my plan took effect.
“Oh, crap I forgot it. Give me a sec.” I said running back into the class. “I forgot my bag.” I said to Adrian as I picked my bag up.
“Oh, it’s okay.” He said, and I grinned.
“Enjoy that apple.” I grabbed my bag, and walked out the door. The day went by quickly until about five o’clock when I was finishing my rounds before heading home.
“There she is.” Vanessa whispered to her friends as they looked over at me.
“Yeah, here I am.” I grumbled to myself.
“Hey boyfriend stealing slut.” I heard her childlike voice call out to me.
“What did you just call me?” I asked turning to her in what felt like slow motion.
“A boyfriend stealing slut.” She repeated.
“That’s what I thought you said. I don’t recommend that you call me that again unless you want your nose to shift a little to the right.” I said glaring at her.
“You won’t get a chance to lay a hand on me.” She said, and I saw her eyes start to glow.
“Are you threatening to take my free will? Because there’s a rule against that, and you can get your wings taken away permanently. Considering who I am, and how important I am to the future you can bet that you’d get in some serious trouble.” I said without thinking.
“You’re nothing but the future dean.” She said and I smirked.
“That’s what you think.” I said shaking my head as I turned around.
“Don’t turn your back to me, demon.” She said, and I turned around ready to defend myself when I saw Rose come out of nowhere.
“You had better back down right now Vanessa.” Rose said towering a good six inches above Vanessa. I saw her swallow, and she rolled her eyes before walking away.
“Whatever.”
“Thanks Rose. I’m used to that stuff by now though, so it wasn’t necessary.” I said and she shrugged in reply.
“That’s what friends do.” She said, and I smiled. “Besides Vanessa walks around with her head held high like she’s better than everyone else, and I’ve wanted a reason to put her in her place for a long time.” Rose added making me smile even bigger.
“Oh, Rose you and I are going to be great friends.” I said reaching up to put my arm around her shoulders, but she was probably eight inches taller than me in her heels.
“I certainly hope so because I heard about you calling her a charity case and a girl that thinks of that stuff on her toes has got to be my friend.” She said laughing.
“Well, thank you.” I said with a bow. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to go and get ready for a date.”
“Oh, have fun.” She said wriggling her eyebrows. “Well, not too much fun.”
I laughed walking towards my room anxiously as I cast a glance around hoping Adrian wasn’t anywhere nearby.

Chapter 6: A date for the history books

I dressed casual with a pretty V-neck top, my favorite skinny jeans, and a hoodie. I threw on lip gloss, and brushed through my hair deciding to leave it down. I grabbed my bag right as Aaron knocked on my door.
“Come on in angel.” I joked, and he opened the door with a smiled.
“Don’t mind if I do.” He said shutting the door behind him before wrapping his arms around me.
“Well, I think we should go to the park if that’s alright with you. Well, the trees by the lake anyways. I don’t know if it’s considered a pond.” I said starting to babble.
“I consider it a park.” He said with a shrug, and I opened the door peeping into the hallway before stepping into it.
“Alright let’s go.” I said grabbing his hand and pulling him out of my dorm. I grabbed his hand and jogged down the hall taking the back exit.
“What was that about?” He asked once we were outside, and I had slowed down.
“I didn’t think it’d be a good idea to get caught with a boy in my dorm.” I half lied.
“Okay.” He said slowly.
“Let’s go.” I said pulling him onto the path as I slipped my hand into his. We were walking when I saw Adrian talking to someone, and I yanked Aaron off the path and into the trees.
“Allie, what’s going on?” He asked, and I shushed him staying completely silent for a few minutes before we heard footsteps. I held my breath as Adrian passed by our hiding place without noticing us. I waited another minute, and pulled Aaron back onto the path.
“I just don’t want anyone seeing us, and telling my father anything. Besides at this time you’re supposed to be in the cafeteria areas or indoors anyway.”
“Have you talked to Elle lately?” He asked me catching me off guard.
“Not really, but why does that matter?” I asked him suspiciously, and he shrugged so I let it go. We walked to the lake, and sat down so he could lean his back against a tree. I laid down using his legs as a pillow so I could look up at the sky.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” He asked me and I nodded. “Well, not in comparison to you, but still.”
“Oh hush.” I said feeling my cheeks heat up.
“Allie, do you ever just want to leave?”
“What do you mean?”
“Being here sometimes feels like it’s a trap. I feel like I have to live up to everyone else’s expectations instead of my own. You probably don’t get it.” He whispered.
“No I do. It feels like you have to be perfect. You have to do what everyone else tells you to do instead of what you want to do. It feels like a cage. I long to leave it.”
“Why, you are perfect.”
“I’m not. You have no idea about some of the things that are going on with me right now. Its crazy how much can change within a week or two. I feel on the edge of falling all the time now. Like every move I make is being watched. That’s why I’d rather just not be seen by anyone. I don’t want any attention drawn to me. I just want to be normal.”
“Allie, what’s going on with you? Lately you are so different. So on edge like you said. Why, what’s going on that you haven’t told me?” He asked urgency in his voice.
“I can’t tell you. It’s a mess, I’m a disaster, and I shouldn’t have got you involved. I really hope it doesn’t mess things up for you.”
“I wouldn’t care if it did. Allie, I love you. I want to help you, but I can’t if you don’t let me. If you don’t trust me, what can I do?”
“Can you excuse me for a minute?” I asked spotting a suspicious looking bat.
“Um, yeah.”
“I’ll be right back.” I said standing up, and walking into an alley between the school buildings. “Adrian.” I called into the darkness.
“Yes?” I heard from behind me, and I turned to him startled.
“Why are you spying on me?” I asked him heading to the entrance of the alley where he was standing.
“I didn’t know what would happen if I wasn’t there to interrupt at the right second just in case.” He said leaving the sentence hanging in suspense.
“Just in case I told him the truth.” I finished for him. “You’re supposed to trust me. He trusts me blindly, and you’re supposed to love me. Yet you can’t trust me with a secret that if I told could ruin my life. Why can he trust me if you can’t?” I asked bitterly.
“I do trust you; I don’t trust him around you. I know you wouldn’t tell him intentionally to ruin our lives, but you might on accident because of the affect he has on you.”
“Because he’s an angel or because I love him.”
“Both.” He said, and I walked out from between the buildings shoving him aside.
“Why can’t you just let things stay like they are? I just want to pretend to be normal. Why is that so much to ask for?”
“You aren’t normal.”
“So you keep telling me.” I said with a raised voice.
“Do you want to get caught having this discussion?” He hissed at me as he backed me up against a wall.
“I love you, and I want us to be together. I want you every second of everyday, and I would die to save you. I would do anything to make sure that you are okay, but watching you with him is too much. I don’t think I can do it.” He said putting one hand on either side of my face.
“Simple solution quit spying on me.” I said shoving at him as I glanced over, and saw Aaron standing on the road behind Adrian.
“Get off of her.” Aaron said shoving Adrian aside who was shocked to see Aaron there.
“Are you okay?” He asked grabbing me protectively.
“I’m fine; let’s just get out of here.”
“Don’t let me ketch you touching her again.” Aaron growled at Adrian.
“What are you going to do about?” Adrian challenged.
“Oh you’d be surprised.” Aaron retorted.
“I’ll tear you apart.” Adrian said about to start a fight, and I stepped in between them putting one hand on each of their chests.
“You don’t want to get fired, and you don’t want to risk your halo.” I said, and they both looked at me. Adrian stepped back, but Aaron was still fired up.
“What, are you to scared to fight me?” Aaron, asked as Adrian walked away with his hands in his pockets.
“No, but I wouldn’t want to risk hitting Allie or scaring her for her life because she had to watch as I ripped her boyfriend to shreds.” He called over his shoulder, and I tried not to smile as I grabbed Aaron’s hand.
“Tell me what that was about.” He demanded and I shook my head.
“Not here; he could be watching. How far away is your dorm?”
“Not far.” He said pulling me along behind him. “Stay behind me.” He whispered as he pulled me through the angel filled halls quickly.
“What’s that creature doing here?” Somebody asked.
“Mind your own business.” Aaron snapped as he kept racing through the halls.
“No.” Vanessa said stepping in front of Aaron. “She can’t be here.” She said, and I hid behind Aaron scared by being surrounded by all these people who hated me.
“Move before I yank you out of the way by your hair.” Rose said, and I smiled as she walked past me the fragrance of a rose hanging in the air where she walked like usual.
“Try me.” Vanessa said with a hand on her hip as her head bobbed stupidly.
“Don’t challenge me Vanessa; you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this for.” Rose said, and Vanessa didn’t budge. “Alright.” She said grabbing Vanessa’s hair, and yanking her to the side releasing her so she could crumple to the floor in tears.
“I warned you.” Rose said obviously satisfied.
“Thank you.” I said grabbing her arm. “I hope you don’t get in too much trouble.”
“I’ll just have to wait a bit longer for my halo.” She said with a shrug, and then Aaron was tugging me along again. Finally we got to his room, and there was another angel guy in it.
“Out now.” Aaron growled, and the guy grabbed a shirt as Aaron shoved him out the door locking it behind him. “Explain.”
“First promise me you won’t tell anyone. Even if they ask you about it. You can’t tell the dean or the teachers or your friends or your family. Absolutely no one can know that you know about it.” I said, and he nodded.
“I promise I won’t tell a soul.”
“Okay, so the dean told me my dad is dead right? Well, that’s a lie he’s actually alive and looking for me. The dean changed my memories to make me think that he was the one who saved me from that basement when in actuality it was Adrian. I guess because of what’s happened to me I’m some bringer of death goddess in human form. So, my dad wants me to stay here or the dean does I mean, because then he can use my power for whatever he wants. I have to wait until I graduate, and then Adrian is going to bring me to my real father.” I explained in summary form.
“Wait, wouldn’t some council stop that from happening?” He asked curiously.
“Well, the memory change thing isn’t supposed to be aloud unless you have permission because it risks the person’s life, but when they found out it was too late. They didn’t tell me because it was their way of testing fate. Only my father, I mean the dean, doesn’t know I know because if he did then he wouldn’t let me graduate. If I graduate he can’t legally keep me here, but if he knows I know he’ll do whatever he can to make sure I don’t graduate.”
“That’s mind blowing.” He said slowly. “If Adrian is the good guy why was he so upset with you earlier?” He asked and I pursed my lips.
“Well, he doesn’t trust you, and he doesn’t want me around you. He says I’m risking everything when I talk to you because I might tell you. You can’t let him know you know either because I wasn’t supposed to tell you.”
“Just because I’m an angel doesn’t mean I’m a blabber mouth. Your secret is safe with me. Does anyone else know besides Adrian?”
“Well, Ciaran knows, but he doesn’t know that I know he knows. I don’t think my sister knows, but I can’t risk it.” I said, and he nodded.
“This is just crazy.” He said and I nodded.
“Yeah so if I ever seem really stressed out; like stressed out to the point that I’m crying uncontrollably you know why.” I said, and he sighed hugging me.
“I’m sorry you had to find out your dad or the dean was such a jerk. I’m sorry he would want to use you like that.” He said and I shrugged.
“Well, I better get back to my dorm. Can you walk me out?” I asked, and he nodded knowing I was scared. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder as he walked me out of the building.
“Thanks for telling me.” He said giving me a kiss.
“We can’t ever talk about it unless we know we’re alone.” I said and he nodded.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said before starting to walk back to my dorm. I walked slowly, and I saw a familiar figure hiding in the shadows. I tried to appear calm as I walked by him, but Matt walked towards me with a smirk.
“What do you want?” I asked and he shrugged walking towards me at a steady pace.
“What are you doing out here?” He asked and I crossed my arms.
“I could ask you the same thing. You’re supposed to be indoors.” I pointed out.
“Are you going to go tell on me now?” He asked faking being scared.
“Just stay out of my way.” I said walking past him, but he grabbed my shoulder spinning me around.
“I know the truth about you.” He whispered, and I swallowed trying not to appear frantic.
“What the hell are you going on about now?” I asked trying to sound annoyed.
“You’re not the little daddy’s girl everyone thinks you are. I know about that vampire incident from your childhood, and I know that something is going on with you and Mr. Favian. I intend to find out what.” He said, and I decided to play it cool.
“Well, whatever you think you know is wrong. Why don’t you do yourself a favor and stay out of my business before an accident finds you.” I warned, and he looked shocked for a second.
“Are you threatening me?” He asked and I smirked.
“You don’t know everything about me Matt. I’m just warning you that bad things happen to people who cross me. If you want to try to black mail me or threaten me make sure you’re holding all the cards.” I growled shoving past him, and my mind reeled as I walked to my dorm. That had been so unlike me. I don’t threaten people like that, do I? My mind doesn’t think such evil thoughts, does it? Why is Matt even interested in my past? What does he know? I opened my door, and walked inside not surprised to see Adrian on my bed.
“I don’t feel like this right now.” I said dismissing him with a wave of my hand, and then froze. I don’t normally act that way either. I’m not a queen. Yes you are. Whoa, where did that thought come from. I’m just Allie.
“And another thing where do you get the nerve to dismiss me? Are you even listening?” Adrian asked, and I looked up at him.
“Huh? No, sorry I was only thinking.” I said falling into my chair and letting myself sink into its comfort.
“Wow. What is with you today?” He asked and I shrugged.
“I wish I knew.” I said with a shrug, and he started going off about something. My mind was elsewhere though, and I knew I should tell him about Matt. The thing was that I wanted to figure it out for myself.
“Allie!” He yelled and I looked at him snapping to attention as my fists clenched and I jumped to my feet.
“What?!” I yelled at him and we glared at each other in a standoff.
“You want to know what?” He yelled finally, and I clenched my jaw.
“Yes for god’s sake tell me what your problem is!” I yelled back, and he got really close to my face so that I could feel him breathe. He put his hand on my cheek as if he was going to kiss me, but his face showed how mad he was.
“You’re my problem. And I’m done.” He said stepping back, and letting his hand slide off my cheek as he grabbed his jacket and walked out the door. I huffed, and collapsed in my chair slumping back. I swallowed and went back to thinking before going to bed. I woke up with a groan before dragging myself across the floor to the bathroom. I wet my face, and dabbed it dry with a towel. I brushed my teeth smiling sadly at myself, and suddenly the power went out. I started to panic, but suddenly I could see again. Only it wasn’t what should have been there.
There were shadows, and demons everywhere watching me. Everywhere I looked would light up, but instead of becoming clear it changed to shades of gray. I looked where my mirror had been, and I saw a reflective black rock. It showed me except my hair was black, and I had a silver tiara in my hair. I had a flowing black dress on that had sleeves that wrapped around my middle fingers. My eyes were a deep red, and my teeth were perfectly pointed vampire teeth. Shadows wafted around me, and I gasped wanting to be home. I blinked, and the lights were back on. If they had ever been off. I swallowed looking at the mirror, and I noticed that around my pupils there was a ring of the dark red. I stared at my own eyes touching my face with shaky hands. I shook my head, and finished getting ready. I grabbed an apple, and headed to Adrian’s class setting the apple down before I realized he wouldn’t be up for a while.
I groaned walking to my classes, and my knees bobbed up and down in anxiety. I was walking down the hall to my class before a pair of hands snaked their way around my waist. I jumped, and ended up head butting him in the face.
“Oh god Aaron I’m so sorry.” I said turning around to face him, and he laughed nodding.
“My face is a little sore, but it was my bad.” He said, and I laughed hugging him.
“Still, sorry.” I said kissing his cheek.
“It’s fine. What are you so jumpy about anyway?” He asked and I rolled my eyes.
“I don’t know. I just am.” I said debating telling him, but I decided I should tell Adrian first.
“Well, how would you like to ditch class to hang out for a bit?” He asked, and I shook my head.
“I’m sorry I have to talk to Mr. Favian about something.” I said and he nodded knowingly. I smiled sadly and started walking away, but he grabbed my wrist turning me towards him. He pulled me close to him so our noses were touching.
“Please be careful.” He whispered, and I nodded before he kissed me and let me go.

Chapter 7: Change in the air

I walked towards the class with heavy feet, and I walked in to see we had substitute. My jaw clenched as I bored holes into the subs head with my eyes. I walked to my seat slamming my bag down.
“Excuse me?” He said, and I turned towards him making him jump a little which worried me.
“What?” I growled impatiently.
“Your eyes miss.” He said, and I looked in my hand mirror. I gasped at my pure red eyes calming down, and they started to go back to just having a ring of red.
“You saw nothing.” I said and he nodded turning back to the board. I swallowed sitting down, and looked outside before I heard Rose sit down next to me.
“Hey looks like Mr. Favian bailed on us.” She said and I smiled at her.
“I guess so. So, how much trouble did you get in?” I asked wanting the subject to change and she grinned.
“I pretty much got away with it actually. In fact Miss Priss herself got in more trouble than me. They said that as an angel she should know to treat others fairly despite your personal feelings and that even though my methods were unorthodox and inappropriate I did the right thing in letting you pass. I got lunch detention. So not too bad.” She said with a shrug, and I grinned at her.
“So she got in trouble? That’s priceless.” I said laughing as I faced the front. The class went by slowly, but I used the time as an opportunity to think things through with Adrian. I was mad that he hadn’t showed up. I really needed him, but then again I was really rude. He did say he was done, but he couldn’t have meant it. I shrugged those thoughts away, and decided that if he wanted to play the I can ignore you longer game, well I was willing to play. Adrian showed up the next day, but we didn’t say a word to each other.
After a few weeks we still hadn’t said a word to each other, and I started getting angry with him. It wasn’t fair for him to get that mad at me. The tension between us was unbearable, but Aaron and I were only growing that much fonder of each other. I guess the tension was worse than I thought because one day Rose spoke up about it.
“I don’t get it.” She said as we worked on another group project together.
“You don’t get the assignment? It’s really easy look,” I started, but she cut me off.
“No, I don’t get you and Mr. Favian. It was like he had the hots for you, and now it’s just gone? It’s weird. I mean you don’t say a word to each other, but you bring him an apple every day. You give it to him like you’re sticking it to him somehow. You don’t say anything to each other anymore. What happened?” She asked and I shrugged.
“He’s just a teacher. Who knows what he’s thinking.” I said, and she eyed me suspiciously.
“No, I don’t think that’s it.” She said, and I sighed putting my pencil down.
“Well, what do you think it is? He just doesn’t want to talk to me. That’s fine by me because I didn’t do anything to him. He’s just being a little boy right now because of an argument we got in.” I said hoping it would be enough to get her off my case.
“If you could stay on task, that’d be lovely.” Adrian said and I involuntarily shivered as the recognition of him talking to me sunk in. Sadly as often happens when you’re angry and hurt my mouth worked faster than my brain.
“If you could mind your own business, yeah, that’d be great.” I said turning back to him, and he looked at me shocked. I didn’t mean it, but it was too late to take it back.
“If you could see your way to the office to tell your father that you don’t know how to shut your mouth and learn your place, I’d really appreciate that.” He said and I stood up.
“Yeah, and while I’m there I’ll be sure to go ahead and mention that you just don’t like me. That your teaching style lacks any real value, and that you chatter uselessly with girls in particular outside of class. Oh, and that you are,” I said but he cut me off already furious.
“That is enough!” His voice boomed. “Go now.” He said in a fierce whisper, and I turned towards the door walking out making sure to slam the door. I couldn’t help but notice everyone staring at me as I left. I stomped up to the office, and threw open the door.
“Allie?” My dad asked as I came in. “Did you need something?”
“I’m in trouble. Mr. Favian sent me.” I said, and he looked at me shocked but amused.
“What did you do exactly?” He asked, and I sighed.
“I didn’t stay on task.” I said, and he raised his eyebrows.
“Is that all?” He asked and I looked away.
“Well, then I told him to mind his own business followed by telling him his teaching style lacked luster, and it may have appeared as though I was threatening to have him fired.” I said with crossed arms, and he laughed.
“Is that all?” He asked, and I looked at him pouting at his laughter.
“It’s not funny.” I grumbled.
“No, it isn’t.” He said putting on his serious face. “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending less time doing your responsibilities. You haven’t been sticking to your rounds. If this has something to do with that boy then…”
“No, dad it isn’t Aaron. It’s just a teenager thing. I guess I’m a late bloomer. I’ve been having nightmares again.” I said frowning at the thought of the nightmares that kept reminding me of my time in that monster’s basement like a thorn in my side.
“Allie, why didn’t you tell me?” He asked leaning forward to show he was concerned.
“I didn’t tell you because I thought I could handle it.” I said a bit angrily.
“Have you been taking your medicine?” He asked and I nodded.
“Yeah, but I still have the nightmares only different. I can’t ever get to the part where you save me.” I said with cold eyes.
“That is weird.” He said eyeing me suspiciously.
“So am I getting detention?” I asked and he pursed his lips.
“I’ll talk to Mr. Favian. Go back to class.” He said, and I stood up smirking as I walked up to my class.
“What are you doing back?” Mr. Favian asked as I walked inside.
“He told me to come back.” I said shutting the door behind me.
“It figures he lets you off the hook. Use your advantage now Ahnallie, but in the future you won’t be able to cut corners and get the easy way out. I never thought you were the type of person to take the low road actually.” He said, and I lost control darting towards him. I got one good punch in before he recognized what was happening. He backed up, and I felt like burning him alive. Why should he get to talk to me like that?
“I hate you.” I hissed, and his face fell showing the first sign of vulnerability I’d seen in a long time. I turned towards the door slamming it behind me as I walked back to the office.
“Give me detention.” I ordered my dad as I walked in and he looked at me surprised.
“What?”
“I punched a teacher.” I said, and he looked at me even more surprised.
“Why?” He asked filling out my detention slip.
“He accused me of taking the easy way out and the low road. So I showed him just how low I could be.” I said with a head held high.
“Allie.” He said with a sad sigh.
“I know you’re disappointed. You don’t have to say it. I am too.” I said taking the slip, and walking out of the office. I headed back to my class for the last time in one day.
“Here’s my detention.” I said waving the slip in front of his face, and he nodded.
“Take your seat.” He said and I crossed my arms.
“No.” I said and he looked at me with tired eyes.
“Miss Alaverez please.” He said sounding like a teacher.
“Why don’t you make me?” I suggested, and he looked at me before shaking his head and going back to teaching. The bell rang a minute later, and the class filed out.
“So that’s it?” I asked once we were alone.
“What’s it?”
“Don’t play stupid Adrian.” I said and our eyes locked.
“Yeah that’s it.” He said and I nodded grabbing my things.
“So I never get to meet my dad?” I asked tears brimming in my eyes, and my voice was strained. I ran out before he got the chance to confirm my fear though. I rubbed my eyes going to my next class, and forcing myself to get through the day. The next day when I walked into his class I didn’t bring an apple, and I didn’t make any fuss. I sat down at my desk convincing myself that it was just like any other class. He walked in and looked over at me springing tears to my eyes as I looked away. The realization that we were done had slowly crept into my bones and frozen there. I couldn’t keep the thought out of my head. He started teaching as the bell rang, and about half way through the class I raised my hand.
“Yes?” He asked, and I refused to look at him.
“May I be excused?” I choked out.
“Are you sick?” He asked and I shook my head looking at him long enough to see recognition click in his brain. “You can go.”
I stood up with clenched fists refusing to make a sound as I walked out the door. I crumpled to the floor beside the door. I started crying hard my shoulders heaving with my shaky breaths as I tried to stay as quiet as possible. I just wished I could be anywhere else. I looked up expecting to see the schools white wall, but instead I was in my shadow realm. I was in front of that black rock again, and there was a hand touching my back. The hand was as cold as ice, and I looked at the demon touching me.
“Mistress, are you okay?” It asked, and I shook my head.
“No.”
“Do you wish for me to end your pain? You could stay here.” It suggested and I shook my head feeling like I knew this creature.
“No, thank you Than.” I said not understanding why I knew that name. Was that short for something?
“Mistress, it’s improper for you not to call me by my full name. It’s Thanatos in case you’ve forgotten.” He said with a bow.
“The god of death that was overshadowed by Hades right?” I asked, and he nodded.
“At your service.” He said bowing again, and I nodded.
“I must go.” I said closing my eyes again, and I opened them to the hallway being filled with people. I stood up walked in and grabbed my stuff.
“Are you okay?” Mr. Favian asked, and I turned towards him.
“Don’t act like you’re concerned.” I said snobbishly before walking to my next class. After school I ditched Aaron to hang out by myself. I went to a small coffee shop that was open at early night which was early morning for vampires. I looked around suspiciously guessing which ones were vampires when I saw movement at the door. I looked over and was greeted by Adrian taking off Allison’s coat. Stupid Miss Johnson just couldn’t keep her paws off. I glared like there was no tomorrow as they sat down at a table laughing together. Well, I was about to burst their bubble.
I ordered my coffee, and sat there for a minute before I realized she was going to kiss him. I rushed over dragging my chair.
“Mind if I sit?” I asked wedging my chair up to their table.
“Well, sure.” Miss Johnson said slowly.
“What a coincidence seeing you to here. This a date?” I asked and she smiled nervously.
“Well, it’s a date.” She admitted and I smiled.
“That’s nice, but I’d watch him. I hear he’s a player.” I said nudging her, and the whole time Adrian watched me carefully.
“Really?” She asked amused.
“Yeah, I’m sorry if I’m interrupting. I just have had a rough week, and really am in need of a friend.” I said playing my cards carefully and beautifully if I may say so myself.
“Oh no honey you’re no bother at all.” She said patting my hand, and I smiled.
“Thanks, it’s just I’ve been having these crazy nightmares about being trapped.” I said and she nodded concern written all over her Barbie doll face.
“I’m so sorry to hear that. You know I’m always here to talk.” She said and I nodded.
“I appreciate that.” I said smiling sadly before taking a sip of my coffee. After about a half hour of mindless chit chat with her she stood up.
“Well, I’d better go.” She said and I smiled.
“Oh, okay be safe.” I said and she nodded waiting for Adrian.
“I actually want to talk to Ahnallie about her dreams if that’s okay.” He said and she smiled at him probably falling harder for his sensitive side.
“I understand.” She said walking away, and I looked at him wearing my best poker face.
“So, you’re having nightmares.” He said restating his topic.
“Yepp.” I said with a little smile.
“About your time in the basement?” He pressed.
“Yeah, that’s right.” I concurred.
“What’s so special about them?” He asked and I shrugged.
“I can see the ending. The real one.” I said keeping my poker face steady, but his eyes lit up.
“Really?” He asked breathlessly.
“That’s what I said.” I said calmly.
“What is that?” He asked and I looked at him squinting my eyes a little.
“What is what?” I asked and he sighed.
“You’re answering and acting distant. Why?”
“You broke me once; I don’t plan on there being a second time.” I said, and he looked at me with a mixture of sadness and frustration.
“You broke yourself, and if you didn’t want to talk; why’d you come over here?” He pressed.
“I don’t know.” I admitted. “I just wanted too.”
“I miss you.” He said and my heart skipped.
“You left. You said we were done. You said you were done.” I said trying to not let emotion slip into my voice, but I could feel the strain from tears wanting to come. I could feel my frustration burning below the surface.
“I know what I said. I was mad, and you let me leave.” He pressed.
“I didn’t have the strength to chase you. I didn’t have the mind capacity to think through what was happening.” I said my poker face falling away.
“What was going on that had you so distracted? What was so important?” He asked, and I looked away.
“Matt knows something is up.” I mumbled.
“What did you say?” He asked turning my face to him.
“Matt knows something is up between us okay? He said he knew about my vampire incident, and that he was going to find out what was going on with us. I’ve been watching him carefully, and he doesn’t seem to be making any progress. It scared me though. I wanted to believe he couldn’t find anything out, but I knew it was possible he could. Then, we were fighting, and I figured he would give up. Think there wasn’t anything with us.” I said with a sigh.
“Does anybody else know our secret? Ahnallie answer me.” He demanded and I bit my lip.
“Aaron knows.” I admitted and he flopped back in his chair.
“I knew I couldn’t trust you.” He said and I stood up. “Where are you going?”
“This is why I avoided you. I didn’t want you to rub it in my face. I didn’t want to have to be ashamed or feel like I wasn’t good enough for you. I hate that feeling. I hate feeling like I’m not good enough, and you my friend have a knack for making me feeling that way.” I said, and he grabbed my hand pulling me back into a seat.
“I love you. I’m worried for you. I trust you; I don’t trust him. I’m sorry I’m hard on you. It’s just I am so close to having you all to myself again, and you risk it all the time.”
“I’m scared.” I said looking into his beautifully concerned green eyes.
“Let me help you.” He whispered.
“Let’s go to your car.” I said standing up, and he led me to his car. I got in the passenger seat, and he hopped in the driver’s seat.
“Things have been happening to me. Strange things.” I started, and he looked at me.
“Are you wearing contacts?” He asked suddenly and I shook my head.
“Those are my eyes now.” I sobbed, and he looked at me in shock. “I’m a monster. The first time it happened I thought the power had gone out, but I opened my eyes to a shadow world. I had a crown, black hair, red eyes, and full grown vampire fangs. There were shadows everywhere and it scared me. Then, when I came back to reality I had the red rimmed eyes. When I get to angry they turn completely red. It scares me, and I’ve been having mood swings and weird thoughts. Thoughts that tell me I’m a queen, and that people are below me. That they shouldn’t get to talk to me the way they do. I’ve pushed Elle around to the point she won’t ever love me again. Then, the other day outside your class I went to the shadows again. I knew one of the demons and he suggested staying there. I was tempted…”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I feel like such a jerk. You needed me, and I wasn’t there. I told you I’d always be there. I’ll always love you no matter how mad you make me.” He promised hugging me and I sobbed into his shoulder. We sat there for a second, and he held my face staring into my eyes.
“I missed you.” He whispered, and I nodded.
“Just kiss me.” I whispered with a little smile as he leaned in letting our lips meet. I heard a noise outside, and looked out the car window to see Matt on the ground looking at the car surprised.
“Oh no. It’s Matt.” I muttered, and Adrian’s eyes flashed red.
“He won’t ever threaten you again.” He said getting out of the car, and picking Matt up by the front of his shirt. I looked away, and he got in the car a few minutes later.
“What did you do?” I asked and he looked at me shrugging.
“I just made him promise. Don’t worry about it.” He said patting my leg reassuringly.
“Okay.” I said kissing him again. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
“Well, I have to get back home. You have to stop seeing Allison by the way. I’m tired of seeing the two of you together when I’m trying to avoid it.” I said and he laughed as I got out of the car.
“I love you.” He called out the window.
“Love you too.” I called back jogging to my car as I saw my dad’s car pull into the parking lot. I started the car, and drove out the exit on the other side of the lot. I sped home, and ran to my dorm jumping into bed. Too bad for me I heard a knock on my door not five minutes later.
“Who is it?” I called out.
“It’s me.” Aaron said, and I sighed.
“Come in.” I yelled, and he opened the door closing it behind him.
“What are you doing in bed sleepy head?” He asked and I groaned.
“My schedule is different than yours. I’m usually sleeping right about now.” I pointed out and he laughed laying down next to me.
“I was going to invite you to a movie with a couple of my friends, but I think I like a day in better.” He joked.
“You’re lucky I don’t have the energy to slap you.” I growled.
“Oh you love me.” He said kissing the top of my head, and I faced him.
“Do I?” I asked, and he raised his eyebrows.
“Well, I certainly hope you do.” He said and I smiled.
“That’s right I do.” I laughed, and he chuckled wrapping his arm around me.
“I knew it.” He mumbled against my hair.
“Go see your movie, and invite Rose. She’d like that.” I said smiling sleepily.
“I’d rather you go.” He begged.
“No, I’ll fall asleep half way through. I need to sleep, and you need some friend time anyway. I’ve been taking up all your time lately.” I said and he grinned.
“I don’t mind.”
“Yeah, but I’m sure your friends miss you.” I said kissing him.
“Fine.” He groaned sitting up.
“Go, have fun. I’ll miss you, and bring Rose so I know if you cheat on me.” I said with a wink, and he rolled his eyes.
“As if I could find someone who would be worth cheating on you with. You’re the most gorgeous girl at this school.” He said and I smiled.
“You’re such a good boyfriend, now buh bye.” I said waving and I heard him close the door as he left. I smiled closing my eyes prepared for the nightmare I knew was coming. I woke up to my alarm clock buzzing and someone banging at my door. My hair was plastered to my face from sweat, and my breathing was shallow. I walked shakily towards the door leaning against it for support until the world stopped spinning before opening it.
“Yes?” I asked opening the door, and Rose walked in.
“Are you sick?” She asked taking one look at me, and I gave her one of my world famous are you kidding me looks.
“What do you want?” I asked her impatiently and she raised her eyebrows.
“Touchy, maybe you are sick.” She said putting her hand to my forehead.
“I’m not sick.” I protested pushing her hand away.
“No I think you are.” She said seriously, and on cue I ran to the bathroom. The world started spinning as I leaned against the toilet my guts spilling out. At least that’s what it felt like.
“Let me get the nurse.” She said, and I grabbed her wrist.
“No don’t. Just get me some pain killer.” I said and she looked at me unsure.
“Why?” She asked handing me the pain killer.
“I don’t want my dad to know, and I’ll be fine. It was probably some rotten milk or something.” I lied keeping my cool.
“This seems odd. It came out of nowhere. Are you sure you’re okay?” She asked and I nodded.
“Oh, yeah I’m fine. I’ll just take the rest of the day off.” I said and she bit her lip.
“I’ll be checking in on you.” She said and I nodded.
“Whatever makes you feel better.” I said and she smiled.
“Call me if you need anything.” She said leaving.
“One more thing, don’t tell Aaron.” I said and she nodded solemnly.
I groaned leaning against the bathroom wall. It was just perfect that on top of everything else going crazy in my life I had to get sick as well. Why was all of this happening all of a sudden? I grabbed my laptop, and looked at my calendar thinking maybe it was that time of month. It would explain the mood swings. I kept flipping through dates, and froze when I realized it was one month until graduation and two until my 18th birthday. The birthday where I was going to turn into some death goddess. The birthday I’d been dreading since I learned of my twisted past, and of the corrupt future that lay ahead of me.

Chapter 8: Goddess

I sat there trying not to hyperventilate as I looked at the date. These dates left me with such mixed feelings. The day after graduation I was leaving. The day after graduation I would be on my way to meet my dad, but I would also be leaving everyone I cared about behind. The numbers dwindled, but would I even be able to say goodbye to Rose? To Elle? Or to…Aaron? How was I supposed to leave them behind? I wanted to meet my father, and the outside world would be too dangerous for them. The life here was too dangerous for me, but once I was outside of these walls anyone and everyone could attack me. Any delusion I had of safety would be gone. Then, I would turn eighteen. Eighteen was supposed to be freedom, but to me it marked the day of my entrapment. As soon as my full powers came in all hell would break loose. Who knows what will happen? I could kill everyone and be a weapon if left to the dean. I never pressed Adrian to know what would happen if I stayed with him. It hadn’t seemed important at the time. Now, I can’t help but wonder how I’ll be different. How he’ll be able to keep me from killing those I loved. How he’ll keep me from killing him…
I pulled my knees to my chest shivering, and I grabbed a thermometer. I put the thermometer in my mouth waiting for the beep. The second it beeped I yanked it out of my mouth to see I had a temperature of 110. That’s not possible. I checked it again, and I got the same result. I quickly filled the tub with cold water, and undressed shivering violently as I jumped into the water. I forced myself to stay down letting my whole body sink underwater. I dipped my face in the water. My arms, legs, and face were covered in goose bumps. My spine hurt from the chill. I was shivering so much it was hurting my back. I got out of the bath sliding into a robe, and I grabbed the thermometer. My temperature was 98; perfectly normal. I sighed, and sat on the bathroom floor. I couldn’t hide sickness from my father. Perhaps Thanatos could help… No that’s preposterous. I couldn’t go to a nurse though, and he would be the only one who knew about it.
I gave in, and closed my eyes feeling the shadow realm easily. It had become second nature to notice it now, and I felt welcomed by it as I entered the realm.
“Thanatos?” I called immediately as I arrived.
“Yes mistress?” He asked appearing out of nowhere, and I smiled at his familiarity.
“I need to talk to you about something. As you know I’m turning 18 in two short months. I’ve been getting fevers, and I’ve been throwing up. Is this because of the change?” I asked, and he nodded slowly.
“Changing into a goddess isn’t easy. Your human body is trying to adjust.” He explained hesitantly.
“Is there any way to stop it?” I asked, and he looked at me with what I thought was a confused look.
“If you stop the transformation, you stay human.” He said, and I looked at the ground. “You won’t be able to come here anymore.”
“I can’t let my father know I’m changing. Once he realizes I’m getting my powers he will use me.” I said, and Thantos shook his head.
“You’ll be a goddess. He won’t be able to touch an immortal. How would he control you?” He asked, and I frowned.
“I don’t know. All I know is that if he finds out, I’ll become his weapon.” I said and he chuckled or I assumed that’s what it was supposed to be.
“So you need something that will mask the effects?” He asked and I nodded. “So you want to stay? You want to be immortal?”
“I want to be who I’m supposed to be. I can’t stay yet.” I said and he nodded walking over to a cauldron.
“I assumed as much. Those humans have you wrapped around their clumsy little fingers. I warn you be careful. If I’m not too out of place in saying so, you can’t trust any of the humans or the like. Be on guard.” He warned.
“I’ll be careful Than. No need to worry about me.” I said dismissing the idea, and he handed me a vial filled with a milky liquid. It honestly reminded me of snake poison.
“A drop of this a day will get rid of the worst of the effects. I would rather you stay here so I can take care of you while you change or at least I’d feel better knowing you were in bed resting.” He said and I frowned. “What is it? Was I out of turn?”
“No Than, it’s just that I was taught demons have no feelings. You seem to care for me though.” I commented.
“You forget I’m a god.” He said and I laughed.
“I suppose I have. If you’re a god, and I’m only a human, why do you call me mistress?” I asked.
“You are going to be more important than you know; more powerful than you can ever imagine after you change. The god’s have decided to let you be immortal only adding to your power, and once you change I want to be on your side again. Just like always.” He said with admiration.
“You’ve such high expectations. I hope I can live up to them. Oh, well. Thank you Than, and call me Ahnallie. I’ll be back.” I said with a sigh.
“Come back sooner next time.” He said as I left. I opened my eyes to see Adrian sitting in front of me studying my face.
“It looks like you’re in the perfect meditation when you go there.” He said, and I smiled.
“It is soothing to be there.” I admitted with a shy smile, but he frowned.
“Why would you say soothing?” He asked and I sighed.
“The change is putting me through a bit of pain. My birthday is only two months away.” I pointed out watching his frown deepen.
“I know. How much pain?”
“Not too much. I can manage.” I said, and he shook his head.
“You wouldn’t admit how much it hurt even if it felt like you were being trampled by a stampede of rhinos, would you?” He asked and I grinned.
“Especially not then.” I said and he smiled a little in reply. That’s when I realized I was only wearing a bath robe, and he seemed to notice it too. He stood up, and I stood up with him.
“I’ll let you get changed.” He said and I nodded. He walked out the door, and I walked over to my clothes. I put my underthings on, and quickly realized my clothes were soaked. I groaned grabbing my robe, and I put it on without tying it. Besides it was just like wearing a bathing suit, right? I took a deep breath trying to appear calm as I walked into my room.
“My clothes were wet.” I said calmly walking over to my dresser, and his eyes followed me the whole way.
“Are you sure you’re not a goddess already?” He asked suddenly right behind me. He put his hands on my hips, and I smiled.
“Not quite.” I said picking out my clothes, and I turned around holding them. “Can I get dressed?” I asked after a minute of us just staring at each other.
“I suppose.” He said stepping out of my way. I laughed lightly to myself as I slid into the bathroom and changed clothes. The side effects of becoming a goddess weren’t just physical. Aside from my power, my personality was changing. I was quick tempered, confident, and a bit of a show off now. It’s so weird to admit I like the spot light now.
“Adrian?” I asked walking out of the bathroom wearing a white summer dress.
“Yes?” He asked and I smiled.
“Let’s sneak away for the day.” I said and he looked at me surprised.
“We couldn’t possibly.” He started and I shrugged.
“I’m leaving with or without you.” I said grabbing my messenger bag. I walked down the hall, and I left a note at the front office saying I needed a day away from the school. That I would be back for school tomorrow.
I skipped out the doors feeling happier than I had in a long time lately. This is what freedom would feel like. Light and pleasant; the feeling that you can do whatever want to do.
“Wait up.” Adrian said running to me.
“I knew you’d come.” I said with a smiled.
“What if they see us?” He asked and I shrugged.
“For one day I don’t want to worry about. I’m not going to. I’m just going to enjoy the day. I was thinking the beach would be nice.” I said and he frowned.
“There aren’t any beaches near here.” He said and I grinned.
“How much do you have on you?” I asked and he shrugged.
“I don’t know like a hundred.”
“Perfect.” I whispered grabbing his hand. I pictured the perfect beach, and when I opened my eyes again we were there.
“I didn’t know you could do that.” He whispered in shock as he moved a strand of my hair away from my face as if seeing me for the first time.
“Neither did I.” I admitted melting under his adoring gaze.
“You’re so beautiful.” He whispered, and I smiled shyly as he closed the distance between us. His lips met mine, but suddenly I fell into the shadow world.
“Thanatos!” I yelled as he was the one who brought me here.
“Your medicine mistress. Take it or lose the human forever.” He whispered shoving a dropper full towards me. I let one drop fall on my tongue feeling it spread from my mouth through my body. For a second my whole body was wracked with an intense pain that I could only compare to being struck by lightning. Then it was gone, and a wave of bliss flooded my body and senses. I felt drugged, and weak.
“Than.” I whispered, and he stood above me as I fell to the ground. I opened my eyes to find Adrian holding me concern written all over his face.
“Are you alright?” He asked and I nodded stepping away from him. I felt completely normal again.
“Than gave me some medicine is all.” I explained.
“Why would he do that?” He asked. “Who is that?”
“He’s a minor god, and he said if I didn’t take it I would lose you forever. It masks the effect of changing into whatever I am. It gets rid of the symptoms.” I said and he looked at me thoughtfully.
“I feel like there’s a whole other side of you that I don’t know.” He said and I frowned.
“Join the club. It’s not like it’s something I can fix. I’ll be immortal whether I want to be or not.” I said and he looked at me shocked.
“They’re going to make you an immortal?” He asked trying to keep calm.
“Yes..?” I asked hesitantly.
“Immortals and humans don’t mix.” He said and it felt like the temperature dropped to negative 30.
“What are you saying?” I asked fear clenching me in its icy grip.
“Allie if you’re immortal, we can’t be.” He said and I looked away running my fingers through my hair as the sand attempted to warm my feet.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked shifting to the shadow realm.
“Tell you what?” Thanatos asked.
“Tell me I couldn’t be with him!” I yelled my voice filling the darkness, and I saw demons watching from a distance.
“I don’t understand.” He said, and I walked towards him full of a burning anger.
“Do not play dumb with me!” My voice boomed and the demons slinked back.
“If you knew you wouldn’t have stayed. This is where you belong.” He hissed as I towered above him.
“What are you doing here?” I heard a new voice ask, and the room was filled with a greenish light. I turned to face Hades.
“I wasn’t aware of the price to pay to become an immortal.” I said shooting a warning glance to Thanatos.
“Did you think it was possible to be with a human if you were a goddess?” He asked and I shrugged.
“I hadn’t given it much thought.”
“Well give it thought. He would be under your spell, and it would no longer be love. Not for him. He’d be captivated and adore you yes, but he would no longer love you.” Hades said and I looked at him horrified.
“If I kissed him as a goddess… Is there no other option?” I asked and he shook his head. I assume it was for my sake or perhaps gods really do look this way, but he took the form of a human. A dark haired, dark eyed, and pale strong human.
“You can stay mortal. You can lose your power. You would be a normal human. I don’t recommend it.” He said grabbing an apple out of thin air, and biting into it. I swallowed.
“This is my decision only, correct?” I asked and he nodded.
“Yes, but the more you use your new found powers the less likely it will be that you can stop the transformation.” He warned, and I nodded melting back into reality.
“What happened?” Adrian asked me, and I frowned.
“I met Hades. Adrian, if I am with you I have to give up my power. I’ll have none at all. I’ll be human.” I said, and he looked at me sadly.
“Then, we can’t be. I couldn’t ever ask you to give up your powers.” He whispered, and I shook my head.
“I can’t lose you. I’d rather be human than be without you. You don’t have to ask; I’m telling you. I won’t lose you again.” I said, and he took my hand.
“Allie, once you’ve experienced the kind of power you’ve experienced you can’t have any less. If you did you’d feel lonely and depressed. If you had no magic, you wouldn’t feel like you anymore. You wouldn’t be you anymore.” He said trying to convince me into doing the one thing I knew he couldn’t want me to do.
“I’m already not me anymore!” I yelled taking my hand from his, “I look like me, and I have the same feelings for everyone. Other than that I’ve done a complete 180.”
“No you’re still you. You’re still clever, stubborn, passionate, and a natural born leader. Now you’re just less shy about showing everyone else that. It’s like you see yourself the way I see you.” He said with adoration in his eyes, but I knew this time it was just for me. It wasn’t for the goddess I was becoming.
“I can’t lose you.” I said breathlessly. I didn’t know how I’d be able to manage if I couldn’t see Adrian anymore.
“Come here.” He said, and I turned towards him. He pulled me closer, and touched our foreheads together.
“I just can’t.” I whispered to him.
“I will always be here for you. I will always love you, and I promise you will never be alone.”
“So you won’t even give me a choice?”
“I won’t let you hurt yourself.” He said softly, and I waited letting the words sink in.
“Can we just enjoy the last two months we have left in peace then?” I asked pulling myself together as I stepped away from him. I needed to get used to being away from him anyway.
“Of course we can.” He answered putting on a fake grin.
“Since we’re at the beach we might as well stay.” I said forcing myself to smile.
“Well, we need to get some swimsuits first. I’m sure there’s one around here somewhere.” He mumbled looking around.
“There’s probably one over there.” I said motioning towards the strip mall across the street from the beach. He slipped his hand into mine, and we walked towards the store in silence. I looked around in awe at all the people, and stores with colorful signs advertising what they were selling. I’d never been to a strip mall before, and honestly it was exciting.
“There’s one.” He said pulling me into the direction of a store. We walked in, and he went one way while I went another. I grabbed a few bikinis, and went looking for Adrian.
I found him looking for swim trunks, and I smiled sneaking up behind him. I jumped on his back, and he grabbed my legs to support my weight better.
“Guess who.” I said with a mischievous smile.
“Allie.” He said laughing, and I kissed his neck then his cheek before jumping off.
“Yepp.” I answered with a giggle, and he turned around kissing me again.
“Good because for a second I was scared for whatever poor girl it was.”
“Yeah, that girl would’ve been in major trouble.” I replied easily with a nod.
“Did you find one?” He asked and I smiled mischievously again.
“I found a few. You’re going to pick.” I said running to the changing area. I grabbed the first one which was a blue one with green Hawaiian styled flowers on it.
“Bright colors?” He asked, and I shrugged before walking back into the changing room. The next one I liked a lot more. It didn’t have a neck tie, but it was a thicker better fitting brown and orange two piece.
“Better?” I asked, and his eyebrows rose.
“Allie, you’ll make all the other girls jealous if you wear that one. Besides that all the boys will be staring at you. We don’t want a fight on our hands do we?” He asked and I grinned. The last one was a white halter neck styled one with white bottoms that had goddess written in blue on both sides.
“Last one.” I said and he smiled.
“Very appropriate.” He said with a smile before handing me one of those thin white veil like long shirts to go over it. The coverup had a bow in the front, and was long sleeved. We paid for our swim things and headed towards the beach. I couldn’t help but stare at Adrian’s toned arms and chest as we splashed around in the water having the most fun I’d had in a while. Even Aaron couldn’t get me to laugh this much.
“Come here.” I beckoned with outstretched arms, and he walked to me.
“Why won’t you go into deeper water?” He asked wrapping his arms around me since I hadn’t gone any farther than knee deep.
“I didn’t want to. It’s dark out, and there might be sharks.” I said and he grinned.
“You’re afraid of some sharks?” He asked.
“Oh shut up.” I said shoving him, “And I haven’t seen one boy stare at me.” I pointed out and he laughed.
“Well, it’s dark, and besides that not many people are willing to be out here at night.”
“We should go it is almost our bed time.” I said puckering my lips, and pressing them to his for a second.
“Can’t we stay the night here?” He asked, and I grinned.
“We don’t have the money for that.” I said, and he rolled his eyes.
“I have a debit card with me.” He said with a mischievous smile.
“Do you want to?” I asked, and he smiled going in to kiss me.
“I thought this whole trip was a bad idea.” I said right before his lips met mine.
“Oh shut up.” He murmured kissing me.
“Oh, you love me.” I said smiling as he pulled away.
“Don’t act like you don’t love me too.” He teased grabbing my hand.
“I never denied it. So staying the night here?” I asked.
“If you’re okay with it.” He said and I smiled.
“I most certainly am.” I said and he laughed pulling me along behind him as we ran at a human pace to the nearest building.
“Are there any cottages on the beach?” Adrian asked the store owner, and the guy put on his fake charming smile.
“I wouldn’t call them cottages, but you can rent small houses for the night on the beach.” He answered smoothly.
“Where’s the nearest one, if you happen to know.” Adrian asked as I held onto the arm that was holding my hand with my other hand.
“About a mile south I would say.” He said, and Adrian smiled.
“Thank you sir.” He said as we turned to leave. We ran, and I actually beat Adrian to the place. The house was gorgeous, and had two bedrooms. The only doors that weren’t made of glass were the ones that were for the bathroom, and the paint in every room was white. Adrian called the number, and smooth talked the woman on the other end of the line into letting us rent it for the night.
“This is beautiful.” I said setting my clothes and shoes down by the door.
“This feels almost like a honeymoon.” Adrian said making me blush.
“It’s the closest we’ll ever get.” I mumbled, and he picked me up into his arms cradling me like a child.
“What are you doing?” I asked with a smile and he looked down at me adoringly.
“I’m carrying you to our room. It felt like the right thing to do.” He said, and I giggled. I reached up running my fingers through his hair. He leaned down letting me sink into the bed. I smiled taking off my coverup.
“I’ll be right back.” He said leaving, and I smiled mischievously thinking off all the things I could do if only I were normal. If I didn’t have to risk losing him every time we just kissed. He walked back in with boxers on. Only boxers.
“Are you sure you’re not a god?” I asked with a smile and he chuckled.
“I’m sure.” He said getting into bed next to me. I inched my way over to him, and splayed my fingers over his chest.
“I love you.” I murmured, and I felt his arm go around my waist.
“And I love you.” He whispered back. I smiled kissing him once more before nuzzling close to him and falling asleep.
“Wake up beautiful.” Adrian’s voice called to me from my slumber.
“Ugh, five more minutes.” I whined, and he kissed the top of my head since my face was buried in my feather pillow. He didn’t say anything, and I woke up later to the smell of bacon and coffee. I stretched yawning as I walked into the kitchen.
“Sleeping Beauty wakes.” He laughed, and I smirked.
“You’re just jealous because you weren’t the prince to kiss me awake.” I teased walking towards him, and he put his hand on my lower back pulling me towards him.
“I am very jealous.” He said with a smile as he leaned down to kiss me.
“Why are you making all of this? I know you don’t like eating human food. It tastes like vomit and makes you sick.” I said rubbing his back, and he sighed.
“I just miss cooking for you I guess. Besides a little blood syrup on it, and I’ll be fine.” He said with a shrug.
“Smells good.” I said taking a bite of the bacon.
“It would to you.” He teased.
“You know what I don’t get?” I asked sitting down on a bar stool.
“What’s that?”
“How come I have feelings? I never studied demons. I haven’t yet anyways.”
“Well demons in the shadow world have no feelings, but demons in the human realm do. No demons in this realm are full-fledged demons. They all have at least a little bit of humanity, and besides that you are a mix.” He explained settling into his teaching role.
“So even if both of your parents were human realm demons you’d still have feelings?” I asked, and he nodded.
“Yeah, exactly. As long as you’re raised around them the humanity just sticks to you. That’s why they normally just have that isolation thing going on. They have feelings they just don’t like people.”
“Hmm, interesting.” I said and he laughed.
“Sorry I’m being a teacher.” He said laughing at himself as he handed me a plate.
“It’s okay. I don’t really mind. Besides, I like seeing you in your element. You seem to really like teaching.”
“I love teaching.” He said with a satisfied sigh before picking up the sunny side up egg.
“Has it always been what you wanted to do?” I asked and he shrugged.
“Well, I’ve done a lot of jobs, but I like teaching the best because I have personal experience for a lot of things I teach about. Then, I met you, and my only goal was to teach you.” He said and I smiled at him.
“That’s so sweet.” I said lamely.
“Well, c’mon eat your breakfast. Then, we have to go back to the school.” He said putting one of the eggs on my plate before making his own plate.
“I don’t wanta go to school.” I whined.
“Oh, but you have to.” He said with a laugh before taking a bite of bacon.
“You don’t have to eat cooked food for me. I don’t have any problem with vampires eating what they’re supposed to.” I said, and he shrugged at me.
“Sometimes I like to pretend that I’m human.” He said leaving me to ponder what he meant. We finished eating quietly, and he stood up dropping his dish in the sink.
“So, now we go back.” I said setting my plate in the sink, and he sighed facing me.
“Yeah, now we go back.”
“I liked this. We should get more than one day of freedom.” I said and he shrugged.
“One more month until graduation.” He said and I smiled.
“You’re right, but… I need to talk to my sister before we leave. I need to explain.” I said, and he looked at me sadly.
“I don’t think it would change anything.” He said and I shook my head.
“No, it would. It has to.” I said and he washed the plates.
“Well, let’s go. We aren’t getting any older.” He joked, and I took his hand picturing the schools front doors. I opened my eyes, and walked inside heading for my room. I sat down in my chair, and wheeled my way over to my dresser. I grabbed some pants, and an orange shirt to put on before I heard a knock at the door.
“Just a minute.” I called out walking towards the door. I opened it with a sigh as my dad barged into the room. Or should I say the dean?
“What were you thinking?” He yelled filling my room with his voice.
“I was thinking that I’m tired of being perfect. That maybe a little rebellion would be good. I was thinking that I needed a break.” I said already angry as my hands clenched into fists at my sides.
“Where were you? Who were you with?” He asked demanding answers, and I crossed my arms.
“I was at a lovely beach by myself not that it’s any of your business.”
“I’m your father. It is my business.” He said towering above me, and expecting me to fall in line.
“I am almost eighteen. You can’t keep telling me what to do.” I said and he looked like he wanted to hit me.
“I most certainly can. Is this because of that angel?” He asked and I groaned in frustration.
“It has nothing to do with him.” I said slowly making sure he heard me correctly. “This has everything to do with me. I can’t keep living like this.”
“What are you talking about?” He demanded.
“I am so stressed. Graduation is coming up, and because of my stupid night terrors I’m not sleeping. The only night in these two weeks that I’ve had a full nights rest was last night because I wasn’t here.” Not to mention the man I called my father my whole life has actually been plotting to use me.
“Maybe you should drop some unnecessary classes, and give Elle some of your shifts.” He said and I sighed.
“I, fine I’ll talk to Elle.” I said with my arms still crossed, and he looked at me with a worried gleam in his eyes. He left me and I sighed. Some goddess I was turning out to be. I couldn’t keep myself from being ordered around by a human.

Chapter 9: Getting Old

I finished getting ready, and walked over to Elle’s dorm. I sighed knocking at her door as I planned out what I was going to say.
“Hey.” She said opening the door, and starting to walk out.
“No, we’re staying and talking for a minute.” I said pushing past her and walking inside.
“Okay.” She answered hesitantly as she took a step inside of the room. She closed the door, but she made sure to keep her hand on the doorknob.
“I need to talk to you about some things.” I said and I saw her start to worry.
“What is this all about?” She asked sitting down in a chair, and I sat down across from her.
“Don’t worry. You didn’t do anything wrong. I just need to ask a favor of you.” I explained watching her curiosity spike.
“A favor?” She said doubtfully.
“I need you to take over some of my rounds. I’m having trouble concentrating lately. Sorry for ditching out on you yesterday, but I needed a break. So, I’m asking you to take on the responsibility of my rounds until I graduate.”
“It’s not like I have any other life.” She muttered, “Whatever, what’s going on? Why are you stressing anyway?”
“I just have a lot going on. It’s not like I ask a lot from you.” I said trying to not be irritated.
“Excuse me?” She asked with a hand on her hip as her icy gaze met my startled eyes. I hadn’t expected her to react so angrily.
“I haven’t. I never ask anything of you.” I said with a shrug.
“No, you ask a lot. Actually you don’t ask me anything. You tell me everything. You’d tell me how to breathe and eat if you could.” She lashed out bitterly.
“Elle what are you talking about? I don’t force you to do anything, and even if I tried you never listen.” I said still in shock at her sudden attack.
“You make it so I can’t have friends, you keep me constantly working, and you took the only boy I’ve ever actually liked away from me.” She said emotionally, and I stood up anger boiling below the surface.
“I am just trying to keep you safe!” I said exasperated and frustrated that she didn’t get it already. “The world is a scary and twisted place Elle. I tried to keep you from everything that was bad in this world; little did I know that you were seeking it out. I haven’t ever had a break either! I hardly have time to sleep anymore let alone study. And I didn’t take Ciaran from you. You never had him. You were nothing but a toy to him. You tried taking him from me! You come in and ruin everything I had, and I ask you for one thing and you’re too damn selfish to do it!” I snapped feeling the darkness threaten to unleash itself while tears flowed down my face dripping onto the floor.
“Ciaran loves me! You’re the one he can’t stand. He feels obligated to be your friend because you have no one else! He only liked you because dad told him too!” She yelled tears in her eyes too, and quickly realizing what she had said she covered her mouth with her hand.
“I know.” I said collapsing into the chair. “I only wanted to keep you safe.”
“There is a difference between safe and smothered. Even fires have to breathe to live.”
“What do you mean dad told him to?” I asked when the rest of her words had sunk in.
“Nothing. I don’t know.” She said like she was trying to grab something out of thin air. She was coming up with a lie.
“Elle, tell me.” I demanded, and though my voice was quiet it was so severe that even my knees trembled under the power of its order. I mentally noted it as something I needed to talk to Thanatos about.
“Nothing. I don’t know anything about it really. Ciaran only told me that we couldn’t be together because of dad. Something about dad having plans for you and him to be together.” She said avoiding my gaze.
“What else?” I asked mentally preparing myself for the worst. Almost as though I was making a mental barrier against the blow I knew was coming.
“Nothing relevant.” She said and I shook my head.
“Tell me it anyway. If it had anything to do with me I want to hear it.” I said finally, and she sighed sitting down as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Just that him having to deal with going after you only to be rejected was getting old. That along the way he really had fallen for you, and that he was afraid he was growing to hate you. He didn’t want to lose you, but he was seeing you as a road block. The one thing between him and me.” She admitted, and the big sister and romancer in me awed at his sweet words towards my sister. The other part of me boiled with jealousy and hate. I was becoming a monster anyway so I might as well embrace the power.
“That’s all. I’m going to head to class, and you’re doing the rounds. It’s not up for discussion.” I ordered stiffly as I stood completely in control of my emotions. I looked down at her once more before walking out of the door. I walked letting my subconscious take me where it wanted me to go. When I left my thoughts and became conscious of where I was I found myself standing outside of Ciaran’s room. I sighed hesitantly lifting my hand to knock on the door, but before I got the chance a shirtless Ciaran answered it.
“Can we talk?” I asked putting my hands behind my back, and he eyed me suspiciously.
“Yeah, I guess.” He mumbled with a shrug, and then he walked inside of his room grabbing a shirt.
“Come in.” He called looking back at me when he noticed I was awkwardly waiting in the doorway.
“Oh, thanks.” I mumbled swallowing nothing but air as I sat on his couch where we used to play video games together. I smiled at the memories of me reaching over to block his controller from him if I started to lose. Then, my throat burned as a few tears escaped my eyes when I looked at how we were now.
“What is it?” He asked standing in front of me.
“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking of when I used to kick your ass at Halo.” I said with a slight smile as I shrugged.
“That’s not quite how I remember it.” He mumbled, and I smiled. Then an awkward silence settled over us.
I felt my knees bob up and down in my anxiousness, and I clenched and unclenched my hands into fists. I looked over at him to find him looking at me, and we both looked away immediately.
“So, what did you come over for?” He asked finally.
“Honestly, I have no idea. I just let my mind take me where it would, and this is where I ended up.” I admitted letting out a big breath as I smiled at my stupidity.
“I see.” He said thoughtfully.
“I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have come. You probably have plans that I’m interrupting.” I said standing up, and he shook his head laughing.
“No, I have absolutely no plans. My best friend isn’t talking to me, and so I don’t have much to do nowadays. Please, stay.” He said with a careful smile, and I sat back down. He sat down on the couch next to me, and I caught his look making us smile at each other.
“So, how has life been?” I asked ending the silence before it became awkward.
“It’s been pretty terrible honestly. I don’t know. I’m on a steady fall it seems. I have to lose everything at one time.” He said with a nod and a smiled.
“I know how that is.” I said quietly.
“And how has your life been Miss to cool for rounds?” He teased and I smiled.
“I know, I’m quite the slacker. Life has been okay. It’s stressful.”
“Well, you got to play hooky yesterday; I’m sure that cheered you right up.” He teased and I laughed.
“You know about that?” I asked surprised.
“Well, I do have a class or two with you. I notice when you aren’t there.” He said, and I smiled feeling so at ease with Ciaran. It was so easy to let my guard down and just forget what happened. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve been best friends with a person your whole life.
“That’s true. I just needed a day to myself.” I said and he raised his eyebrows at me.
“Oh, you needed a day? Well, what did you do? If I may ask.”
“I just went to a beach, and relaxed by myself. I’ve been so busy and stressed with everything lately; I just needed to go away.” I said leaning back on the couch, and he half smiled.
“I know what you mean. I’m thinking that I’m going to graduate and just leave. As long as everything goes the way it’s supposed to.” He said, and even though he didn’t know that I knew what he meant; I did.
“I am going to stay; for a little while at least. This school needs me.” I said, and he grinned at me.
“True; you are the glue around here. Enough about that though, how are things with Aaron?” He asked trying to keep his smile on his face, but I grimaced.
“You heard about that, huh?” I asked, and he grimaced.
“Yeah, I did. It doesn’t make sense that you like an angel, but whatever. You could do better is all I’m saying.” He said and I rolled my eyes.
“I don’t know; he’s pretty awesome. Believe it or not he treats me like a princess. I feel like I’m actually special and important when I’m around him. He treats me better than any other guy I know has ever treated me.” I said with a slight smile and a sigh of contentment.
“I just don’t think he’s your type.” He said with a shrug, and I grew impatient with his lack of understanding.
“Yeah, and who is my type? Because if lying, back stabbing, judgmental, vampire guys are who you think my type is, you’re wrong.” I said, and he looked at me surprised.
“I was just messing around Allie. Why did you come down here if you just want to fight?” He asked, and I crossed my arms.
“I didn’t come to fight; I want to forgive you. It’s not that simple.” I started, but was interrupted by the door opening.
“Hey Ciaran do you know where I can find—.” Adrian said opening the door, and he looked at me surprised. “Oh, I didn’t know you had company.”
“Yeah, it’s not a big deal. It’s just a friend hanging out with me. You know her; she’s in your class.” Ciaran said, and Adrian nodded.
“Yes, I know Ahnallie.” He said with a nod towards me.
“Hey Adrian.” I said with a nervous wave.
“Hi.”
“Well, what were you looking for?” Ciaran asked, and I looked around nervously.
“Oh, I was just wondering if you knew where I could find my video game.” He said with a smile, and Ciaran put his hands behind his head.
“I might know where it is.” Ciaran admitted, and Adrian grinned walking inside the room. He closed the door behind him, and I rubbed my knuckles feeling awkward and nervous.
“I haven’t seen you around much anymore. I was beginning to think Ciaran did something to scare you away.” Adrian said teasing Ciaran and I laughed hesitantly trying to force myself to relax.
“I don’t scare to easy.” I said awkwardly attempting at a joke, and they forced themselves to chuckle.
“That’s right.” Ciaran said, and I smiled at him controlling my nerves as I absent mindedly twisted my hair around my fingers.
“So, you up for a game?” Adrian asked Ciaran making them both grin.
“You’re on.” Ciaran said before turning to me. “You in?”
“I, sure. I’d love to watch you both cry when I win.” I said with a smug grin, and they both laughed.
“Yeah, well we’ll see about that.” Adrian said taking a controller from Ciaran. Ciaran handed me one, and a gasp escaped my lips when our hands brushed against each other. It was like it sent a wave of memories through me and a shock of electricity through my hand.
“Are you alright?” Ciaran asked studying my face, and I grinned at him.
“I’m great.” I said facing the screen. We played for about an hour before I looked at a clock.
“Oh crap we’re late.” I said standing up, and they both laughed at me.
“We don’t have classes to day Allie.” Ciaran said through his laughing fit.
“I’m a teacher; I wouldn’t play hooky to play video games.” Adrian said, and I slapped my hand to my face letting it hide my embarrassment as I sank onto the floor.
“Wow I’m an idiot.” I mumbled making them laugh harder.
“No, not an idiot. Your mind’s just behind from skipping a day.” Ciaran said, and I looked at Adrian whose eyes were admiring me. Then I looked at Ciaran whose eyes were amused, and I compared them. They had the same hair, but Adrian’s hair cut was messier. Ciaran was a little darker toned, and Adrian was taller. They had the same jaw, but Adrian’s features seemed smoother. Adrian looked at me like I was something he adored; Ciaran looked at me like I was a sister he was playing with.
“What?” Ciaran asked smiling and I shook my head.
“Nothing; I was only thinking.” I said standing back up.
“What about?” Adrian asked and Ciaran elbowed him.
“Don’t pry at my sis.” He joked and I smiled.
“No big deal bubby. Just that we should do this again.” I said and Ciaran grinned.
“You haven’t changed a bit. Well, maybe you gained a few pounds.” He said, and I opened my mouth in shock.
“Oh yeah?” I challenged sitting down on him, and trying to apply as much weight as I could.
“I think I’m dying.” He joked, and we heard a knock on the door.
“Come in.” Adrian called, and Elle opened the door.
“I heard that Allie was here, and I oh. Oh my god. Ciaran, I thought.” She said with tears in her eyes, and I stood up.
“Don’t freak out. We weren’t doing anything.” I said and she shook her head.
“It doesn’t matter. I just needed your help. There’s a fight between a vampire and a demi god. I think a human’s involved. I couldn’t get through.” She said, and I walked over to her.
“Where?” I asked and she sniffled.
“Front entrance.” She choked out, and I ran past her to the front entrance to the vampire lobby.
“Let me through.” I yelled at the crowd, and instantly people backed away. I walked up to where the fight was, and I was able to sum up what was happening pretty quickly. The human wanted to be changed, and this demi god thought it best to intervene. The vampire was hovering near the human, and the demi god was slowly edging closer. I made a rash decision and leapt towards the vampire tackling him. I grabbed his arm and yanked him up with me.
“You, here now.” I commanded the demi god who obliged me immediately.
“Want to tell me what’s going on?” I asked, and they both looked scared.
“Your eyes.” The demi god stammered.
“Yeah, yeah I know. Tell me what happened.” I snapped knowing that the darkness has the effect of changing my eyes.
“He was going to change her.” The demi god said scowling at the vampire.
“I was not. We were only playing.” The vampire said, and I dropped his arm.
“You, human, come here.” I beckoned, and she hesitantly walked towards us.
“Am I in trouble?” She asked, and I crossed my arms.
“Not this time. I just want to know the truth. Was he really going to change you?” I asked, and she shook her head.
“No, I don’t think so.” She said and I nodded.
“You’re all free to go. You stay in your areas got it?” I asked all of them, and they nodded walking separate directions.
“I will never be able to do that.” Elle said and I turned towards her.
“Yeah you will. It just takes practice.” I said and she shook her head.
“If I can’t see him, you shouldn’t either.” She pouted changing the subject.
“I’m not human Elle. He’s my friend believe it or not.” I said tolerating her behavior.
“Yeah, but you like him.” She accused, and I put my face in my hand.
“No, I don’t. I love Aaron. End of story.” I said and she pursed her lips putting a hand on her hip.
“Does he know you’re here?” She asked innocently, but I could see the threat in her eyes.
“What’s it to you?” I asked trying not to sound to aggressive.
“Oh, nothing. I just think he might find it interesting to know that his girlfriend is hanging out with the guy she was in love with a month back.” She said with a shrug, and my eyes narrowed.
“Don’t breathe a word of your rubbish to him Elle.” I growled.
“It’s Miss Faine to you, and frankly one over hears things. If he happens to hear about it; well, it’s no one’s fault but your own really.” She said with an innocent shrug, but the threat was written all too clearly over her face.
“You don’t threaten me nor do you scare me. This is my life; I control it. If you were smart you wouldn’t try to hurt me.” I threatened her back, and she looked at me faking surprise.
“Are you threatening me?” She asked, and I grinned menacingly.
“No, it’s just a warning on my label.” I said, and she pursed her lips.
“You have no idea who you’re dealing with, and that will be your downfall.” She said with a flip of her hair, and she turned away from me walking towards the angel section. I wanted to shake her until her brain stopped working, and punch her until all of her was as ugly as her inside’s had become. I walked up to Ciaran’s room grabbing my sweater.
“Where are you going?” Ciaran asked.
“How did it go?” Adrian asked immediately after.
“I’m going anywhere else but here because I’m pissed, and it went well.” I said storming out of the room. I stomped my way down my stairs, and as soon as I walked out of the vampire area Aaron was in front of me.
“Hey.” He said with a smile, and I smiled back.
“Hey.” I replied walking towards my dorm area.
“So, what are you doing?” He asked after a second.
“Right now? I’m walking.” I said with a smirk.
“You know what I mean.” He said with an eye roll.
“Nothing. Why?” I asked glancing over at him anxiously.
“No reason. I just wanted to hang out.” He answered with a shrug as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.
“I don’t know.” I said with a sigh, and he stopped walking making me look back at him.
“But you have time for Ciaran?” He asked, and I groaned.
“What did Elle tell you?” I asked keeping calm.
“It doesn’t matter what she told me; I’m asking you, what happened?” He asked anger burning brightly in his eyes.
“Nothing happened. We played video games. Nothing else.” I said walking up to him. I put my hand on his arm, but he shook it off.
“You sure no lap dances were involved?” He growled, and I winced back in shock. I hadn’t seen that one coming.
“No way would I give him a lap dance. I tackled him onto the couch because he called me fat.” I explained trying to make it sound as innocent as possible.
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s what happened.” He said avoiding my gaze.
“You want to fight about it? You want to break up over it? Over the lies Elle tells?” I challenged, and he looked at me taken aback.
“I don’t want to break up over it, but are you sure it was nothing?” He asked trying to keep his temper under control.
“Are you sure you’re going to believe me?” I asked getting a little flustered myself.
“What’s that supposed to mean?!”
“Nothing, just that I already told you what happened.” I answered with a shrug watching his jaw clench as well as his fist. That’s when I started to notice the slight glow around him.
“Yeah well I know Ciaran’s reputation, and I know your flirty attitude.” He growled, and I frowned.
“You don’t trust me?” I asked offended.
“I never said that.” He snapped.
“You didn’t have to! I can’t believe you think that little of me!” I said scowling as I turned to walk away from him. He grabbed my arm, and turned me towards him.
“Let go of her.” Ciaran’s voice growled before Aaron could say a word.
“Why don’t you make me? I’ve wanted to do this for a long time Ciaran.” Aaron growled, and Ciaran walked up to us with a smug smirk and crossed arms.
“Do what?” Ciaran asked, and Aaron released my arm. I looked at my arm to see his hand mark burned onto my skin. I looked at Aaron whose eyes were starting to glow, and his whole body had an iridescent glow to it.
“Stay away from my girlfriend.” Aaron growled, and Ciaran’s smirk grew.
“She was my friend first, and she’ll stay my friend as long as she wants to be.” Ciaran said taking a step closer to Aaron.
“You just want to toy with her. You like watching her struggle.” Aaron growled, and Ciaran’s eyes and expression changed immediately. He wasn’t amused anymore. Now he was pissed.
“I love her; I would never hurt her.” Ciaran said, and although I knew what he meant Aaron didn’t.
“You don’t know what love is. You broke her heart and watched her bleed. Now that she’s better you want to do it all over again. You’re a monster.” Aaron growled, and that was enough for Ciaran. Being called a monster was like a trigger word for Ciaran. He never wanted to be a vampire. He lunged to Aaron hitting him square in the jaw, but Aaron reacted immediately punching Ciaran in the gut. I turned ready to go get Adrian when I spotted Elle watching the fight with a horrified expression on her face.
“Are you happy now? You caused this! If you weren’t so selfish and naïve none of this would have happened!” I yelled at her, and she turned to me slowly.
“This is your fault you little slut!” She yelled back, and I closed our distance. For once in my life I raised my hand and slapped her as hard as I could. She fell to the ground clutching her cheek, and I looked down at her disgusted.
“I don’t even know who you are anymore.” I spit it at her like acid before running to Ciaran’s room.
“Adrian I need you!” I yelled as I ran up the steps, and before I got to the room he was in the hall.
“What happened?” He asked looking at my terrified expression.
“Aaron and Ciaran are fighting. I don’t think I can stop them on my own.” I said and he ran down the stairs me tailing him. They had already drawn a crowd, and so Adrian knew where to go. He shoved past people me stumbling along behind him until we were in the empty area where the fight was. They were both covered in blood, and I gasped.
“You take Aaron; I’ll get Ciaran.” Adrian said, and I nodded lunging at them at the same time he did. Adrian pulled Ciaran away, and I tackled Aaron to the ground. I stood up and yanked him with me, but he escaped my grasp and started to run at Ciaran again. That’s when Elle made her appearance sticking her leg out so Aaron tripped. I could tell she was going to have a bruise, but I ignored it as I jumped at Aaron again. Ciaran had just gotten away from Adrian when Elle approached him.
“Enough Ciaran! Enough.” She yelled and their eyes locked. It was like gravity he was instantly at her side looking at her leg.
“He hurt you.” I heard him growl, and I stood in front of Aaron my hands still locked around his wrists as best as I could manage.
“No look at me.” She cooed putting her hand on his cheek and forcing him to look at her.
“Adrian!” I yelled realizing he wasn’t doing anything, and he sprang into action grabbing his brother. I pulled Aaron to the side as everyone dispersed. I looked at his bloody lip, and his hair matted with blood.
“Oh my god.” I said not being able to keep myself from touching the matted hair.
“It’s not as bad as it looks.” He murmured. “I think I did pretty well.”
“You did amazing, but that’s not the point. This wasn’t a match for sport; this was a fight. Someone could be seriously hurt. You could be seriously hurt. Are you alright?” I asked worried beyond belief.
“I’m fine. Really,” He said tilting my chin up to look at him, “I’m just fine.”
“I, I was so scared for you.” I mumbled looking into his amazing eyes that always sucked me in.
“Check my wings.” He murmured extending his wings that I hadn’t realized were there.
“Oh my god you let your wings.” I mumbled standing up.
“It’s not a choice. It just happens.” He said, and I looked at them noticing a few spots where the feathers were gone. Aaron’s wings were beautiful. They were huge, but graceful. The feathers were white with silver tips, and I absent mindedly ran my hands over them. I looked at where the wings connected to his back, and noticed a few scratches. There wasn’t anything big though.
“Some feathers are missing, and there are a few scratches. Will they still work?” I asked and he shrugged.
“One way to find out.” He said flapping his wings gently lifting his body off the ground a few feet before coming back down.
“I wish I could do that.” I said, and he smiled. It looked odd with the dirt and blood on his face, but I tried to ignore it.
“I’ll take you with me into the sky one day.” He promised and I grinned.
“Don’t make me smile. I should be unhappy right now.” I said and he smiled.
“Be unhappy after this okay?” He said wrapping his wings around us.
“Doesn’t that hurt?” I asked putting my hands on his half covered chest.
“Not too much.” He said, and I looked up at him when he tilted my chin up. He pressed his lips to mine a little, and the blood from his mouth hit my tongue.
“Sorry that must taste terrible.” He apologized blushing, but my fangs had finally made there grand entrance in my mouth. I stared at him hungrily, and pulled him back down to me. I kissed him again pulling away to lick the blood off my lips. I forced myself to focus and looked at his chest resting my hands on him again. At first all I could hear was his heartbeat, and all I could see was the blood on his chest. I wanted so desperately to bite into his neck, and taste his warm blood in my mouth. I shook my head forcing myself to focus on other aspects of him. Then I noticed that his chest didn’t look right. I gently felt around his ribcage, and from his cringe I knew something was wrong.
“Let me out.” I ordered hiding my mouth from him so he wouldn’t see my teeth, and he obliged instantly.
“Adrian!” I yelled immediately, and he appeared by my side.
“Yeah?”
“He needs to go to the nurse, and I need to speak with you.” I said covering my mouth which was slightly numb.
“Okay Aaron go see the nurse.” Adrian said, and Aaron walked away anxiously looking at me. “What’s with your mouth?”
“I think I have fangs.” I said smiling so he could see my teeth, and his eyes got wide.
“Yeah, oh crap. What to do.” He mumbled, and I saw Than hiding in the shadows holding a vial. I ran over to the now empty shadow, and grabbed the vial of my medicine. I took a couple of drops, and I felt a burning pain in my mouth making me cover it to keep from yelling. The fangs appearing made my mouth feel numb and only hurt for a second, but making them change back into normal teeth burned. It was like the inside of my mouth was on fire.
“What is that?” Adrian asked trying to take the vial, but I snatched it away in time.
“It’s medicine. See?” I said once the pain in my mouth subsided.
“Medicine.” He said as he exhaled.
“Yeah from the shadow realm.” I said quietly.
“I know where it’s from. I just don’t know if we should trust something that comes from there.” He said finally making me frown.
“I trust it. They want me to be their goddess; they won’t hurt me.” I said and he looked at me surprised.
“You’re starting to enjoy it; aren’t you?” He asked, and I shrugged.
“It’s nice to have someone who only wishes to help and serve you. The perks are great yeah.” I admitted.
“Then keep your powers. You like it there.” He said, but before I could protest he grabbed my hand.
“What?” I asked looking down at my arm where he was staring. There were three burns on the top of my arm that were bad enough to have blisters. Upon seeing them the pain of it hit me, and I flipped my arm over to see one short burn on that side of my arm.
“That angel didn’t control himself, and he burned you. Look your neck has a burn too probably from tackling him, and your hands are red. You need to go to the nurse.” He said pulling me behind him, but I could barely walk once all the pain hit me. It felt like my whole body was on fire so I did the one thing I could think of; I went to the shadow realm.
“Mistress.” Than said with a bow. The shadow realm brought instant relief to my burning skin like the best balm could never. I looked down at my arm to see three faint scars, and I sighed with a smile.
“I have been burned.” I said with a laugh.
“What happened?” He asked, and I shrugged.
“I stopped a fight between an angel and a vampire.” I said and he scowled.
“You shouldn’t be involved in such trivial matters.” He growled, and his face contorted into an angry sneer.
“That reminds me. What exactly would I be involved in as a goddess?” I asked, but I could feel the tug to go back to myself.
“Next time.” He said as I went back to my human body.
“Allie c’mon; come back to me.” He whispered, and I opened my eyes to find myself in the nurses office.
“What’s going on?” I asked as he brushed my bangs out of my face.
“I carried you here, and the nurse has put balm on your arms and hands already. Also she wrapped them up as you can see.” He said, and I looked at my hands finding them bandaged as well as my arm up to the elbow. The burn was there, but it was almost unnoticeable.
“Oh, thanks.” I mumbled, and he smiled at me sadly.
“So how are you feeling?” He asked me rubbing my cheek with his thumb.
“Physically? I’m exhausted. Mentally? I’m devastated. But right now? All I can focus on is how glad I am that you’re here.” I said smiling as I lifted my hand to his face, and I flinched when I saw the bandage knowing I wouldn’t be able to feel his skin on mine.
“I love you.” He whispered gently putting his face in my hand so I was cupping his cheek.
“Come here you.” I whispered, and he leaned in so I could press my lips to his for a second. Then he sat back up as someone knocked on the door.
“Come in.” He called and the door opened to reveal a very guilty looking Aaron.
“I heard you were in here.” He said with a shrug as he nervously ran his hand through his hair.
“Yeah because you put her here. This shows you the consequences of losing your temper. You hurt the ones you care about. Maybe next time you’ll think about that before attacking another student without all the information.” Adrian scolded, and I could tell Aaron wasn’t going to take it lying down considering their history.
“Now, I feel bad about hurting her; truly I do. I would never want to hurt her, but Ciaran had that a long time coming. I understand he’s your brother, but you haven’t been around. You don’t know the hell he’s put her through as well as me. Actions have consequences, and he got just what he deserved.” Aaron said trying his best not to lose his temper again.
“What did Ahnallie do? Why did she get hurt? What action did she make? She tried to keep you from getting in trouble and she got burned.” Adrian said standing up in front of me protectively when Aaron walked towards me.
“I know. You’re right; she didn’t do anything to deserve this. I just want to apologize to her.” Aaron said, and I sat up.
“Adrian it’s fine.” I said, and he looked back at me hesitantly before moving out of his way.
“I’ll be right outside.” He said walking towards the door. “I mean it; right outside.”
“Got it.” Aaron said with an eye roll before sitting on the chair next to my nurse’s bed.
“You don’t have to apologize. I already know.” I said with a smile.
“I still have to say sorry though. I am; I am so sorry. Seeing you in bandages because of me,” He said looking away from me, “it makes me never want to fight again.”
“Hey, don’t feel too bad. It was stupid of me to not tell you the whole story immediately. I shouldn’t have let everything escalate how it did.” I said and he put his finger over my lips.
“Do not apologize to me. You have nothing to apologize for. This is all my fault.” He apologized stroking my face where Adrian had a moment before.
“It doesn’t even hurt. That much.” I said with a smile, and he shook his head.
“You’re such a dork.” He said and I grinned.
“A loveable dork.” I corrected and he grinned.
“Very loveable.” He said leaning in, and I leaned forward eagerly kissing him. I wrapped my bandaged hands around him pulling him closer to me.
“What was that for?” He asked and I smiled.
“So you were convinced that you were forgiven.” I said and he smiled sadly.
“Well, I have to go report to your dad. I mean the dean. I only had a few minutes. I love you.” He said standing up and I smiled at him.
“Good luck. I hope he’s not too hard on you.” I said, and he shrugged walking out of the room.
“You have another guest.” Adrian said as Aaron shoved past a figure who growled at him.
“Ciaran?” I guessed not being able to keep myself from smiling a little.
“Hey girlie.” He said with a grin as he walked in.
“You have to report to my dad too?” I asked and he smiled sadly sitting down next to me.
“Yeah, but whatever. I kicked some ass no offense to your boyfriend.” He said with a grin, and I frowned.
“What’s the damage?” I asked and he shrugged.
“Nothing a day of healing won’t fix. Man I love being a vampire sometimes.” He said with a smile, and I rolled my eyes.
“I’m serious. Any broken bones?” I asked, and he rolled his eyes.
“A few.” He admitted, and I frowned.
“I’m sorry he did that.” I said and he punched me in the shoulder lightly.
“I threw the first punch, but I’m sorry you got hurt in the cross fire.” He said and I shrugged.
“No big deal.” I said with a smile, but he still frowned.
“It is a big deal. You’ll probably have lots of visitors, but I better go over to your dad’s. Don’t’ want to get in more trouble.” He said and I nodded letting him go. I got a few seconds of peace before Adrian opened the door again.
“Hey little vampress.” Chris said walking in and I squealed.
“Oh my god Chris. I’ve missed you so much!” I squealed which was true. I hadn’t really spent much time with Chris in the last month. I just didn’t really have time.
“Then come visit me sis.” He grinned sitting down on the bed with me, and I leaned over hugging him tight.
“I’m so sorry Chris! I just have had so much going on with school, and graduation coming up. I need to have a day with you though. I’ve missed you.” I said not able to get the grin off my face. It really had been too long since I’d seen him.

“I’ve missed you too.” He said with a laugh.
“I’m so glad you came.” I said and he furrowed his eyebrows.
“You’re at the nurse’s office, and you think I wouldn’t show up? I heard you got hurt.” He said nodding to my arms.
“Yeah, angel burns. I’m sure you heard of the fight.” I said and he nodded.
“Yeah, I did. It sounded brutal.” He said and I nodded.
“It was; they both broke something.” I said and the door opened again.
“Oh shut up Mr. Favian.” Rose said shoving her way in.
“I told her you had company.” Adrian apologized and I shrugged.
“Rose is always welcome. Rose meet my brother Chris.” I said with a grin as they met for the first time.
“Hey. I’m Rose. Sorry about the burns Allie; looks painful. Well, I want to beat the crap out of your sister; just saying. I had to get that out there. I mean how could she do that?” She asked and I inwardly groaned.
“You already heard about our fight? God rumors spread fast.” I said and she looked at me confused.
“Wait, what? No what fight? I was just talking about her giving me detention for a week for a heated argument. But a fight? Tell me more.” She said sitting in the chair next to the bed, and I sighed.
“I slapped her. I feel bad. She actually fell to the ground I hit her so hard.” I said and Rose grinned.
“Oh nice. Welcome to the dark side. I mean, shame on you. Repent! Repent! Repent!” She said cracking up laughing, and I laughed with her.
“Some angel.” Chris muttered.
“Wait so why did you hit her?” Rose asked, and I shrugged.
“Well, she kept pushing me and threatening me. Then she called me a slut. I snapped.” I admitted and she stood up furious.
“Oh she has the audacity to call you a slut? Oh when I get my hands on her.” She muttered and I shook my head standing up.
“No you’re not going to do anything. Let’s get out of here.” I said walking to the door, and I walked out noticing Adrian was missing.
“Don’t you have to check out?” Chris asked and I shrugged looking back at them. Rose was still furious, but Chris seemed okay.
“They won’t miss me.” I said walking into the sunshine. “Wow daytime already.”
“Yeah, well we all visited you. It obviously has to be for us to be up.” Chris said ruffling my hair.
“Shut up.” I muttered, and I spotted Elle who glanced my way glaring at me.
“Hey you.” Rose called marching towards her. She tromped ahead of me, and I rushed to ketch up with her.
“What do you want?” Elle asked putting a hand on her hip.
“How dare you? You want to call Allie a slut? Honestly Elle your act is getting old. You’re the only slut around here. You flirt with every guy, and get with your sister’s best friend behind her back; yet somehow she’s the slut? I don’t think so. You better watch your mouth or the slap that’s going to leave a mark will be the least of your worries.” Rose threatened and I stood there gaping at her stupidly.
“First off it’s not your place. Secondly you don’t know the whole story. And lastly, if you ever threaten me again I will make your life a living hell. So get out of my face and move along.” She said like she was talking to an annoying little kid.
“Oh you’re going to pay for that.” Rose said, but I grabbed her arm.
“Rose no.” I said, and she glared at Elle.
“Go along now.” Elle said, and I pulled Rose away from her.
“Oh I want to hit her.” She muttered.
“I know.” I said as we walked in silence.
“Well, that was terrible.” Chris said after a minute, and I smiled.
“Yeah, I know. Thanks though. I wish I could say that to her, and get away with it. I get the feeling next time I won’t get a free one.” I said and Rose smiled elbowing me.
“Hey if she tries to fight you she’ll be killing herself. She wouldn’t have a chance against you.” Rose said and I smiled sadly.
“Yeah that’s what I’m afraid of.” I said and we walked in silence each of us in our own thoughts. I kept revolving around the moment that I slapped Elle. I hadn’t done it because she called me a slut. It was because of everything she’d done up to that point. No it wasn’t just that. I took all the anger I had at my dad, Adrian, everyone and focused it into that one hit. I had the feeling that it was one of those moments that would change everything. I felt bad about it, but I didn’t regret it. She deserved it. It still shouldn’t have happened.
“Allie.” A voice behind me sighed. I turned, and smiled as Aaron stood there smiling at me. Strong, dependable, brave, and breath taking just like always. I knew I was staring and swooning, but I couldn’t help it. Aaron was as near to perfect as you could get. Adrian had a lot more issues. He was protective, irrational, shady, but he was perfect for me. I could feel it when I looked at him. He filled the longing I never knew I had.
I shifted my attention back on Aaron noticing that he wasn’t alone. The voice I heard had been Krista. I hadn’t seen her in months.
“Krista.” I said hugging her, and turning to wink at Aaron.
“How are you girl? I heard about the fight between Mr. hot shot himself, and Mr. deadly handsome man.” She said and we both busted into a giggling fit. Krista had that effect on me. She was charming and outrageously funny.
“You chopped your hair off.” I noticed changing the subject as I nodded at her short, light brown hair.
“Yeah,” She said running her fingers through her hair and tugging at the end self-consciously. “but we’re talking about you.”
“I’m fine Krista.” I sighed and she narrowed her eyes.
“Do you have contacts in?” She asked, and everyone came around to squint at my eyes.
“Uh, yeah. Red right? I thought it looked cool.” I covered and Krista rolled her eyes.
“Now you look like the ferocious demon you are.” Rose said sarcastically and I smiled.
“Rawr.” I said baring my teeth, and lifting a hand to look like a claw. We all cracked up laughing, and I looked at the lake. It was day time, and even if it was slightly cold nothing would happen.
“Who’s up for a swim?” I suggested and they all looked at me. Some were excited others looked at me like I was crazy.
“Not in these clothes.” Rose said crossing her arms, and I rolled my eyes.
“We could change first. C’mon Krista you know you want to. It’s our last break day before we go back to our crazy schedule.” I said and she smiled.
“Alright, but only because you never come visit. This might be the last time I get to see you for a while.” She said and I forced myself to smile because only I knew that this probably was the last time she would ever see me.
“That’s the spirit. So meet back here in ten. Invite friends if you want. The more the merrier.” I said with a smile.
“So can a teacher get in on this?” Adrian’s voice called out, and I turned beaming at him.
“Hell yes as long as you act cool.” I said and he grinned.
“Wait vampires can be out in the sunlight?” Krista asked and I turned to her.
“Born vampires can’t, and even ones that are made can’t for long. An hour with sunscreen won’t kill a made vampire.” I explained, and I turned to Adrian whose lips were pursed.
“Now who’s the teacher?” He teased and I bit my tongue to keep from laughing.
“Alright let’s go.” I said walking towards my dorm, and Adrian caught up with me.
“I’ll walk you?” Aaron suggested and I shook my head.
“Nah your dorms the other direction besides I’ve got Adrian.” I said, and Aaron eyed us together.
“Okay.” He said finally and I turned away walking to my dorm again.
“Three days of being out in public together.” Adrian said with a smile, and I smiled a little in return.
‘Yeah, but only one was as a couple. Now we’re just friends.” I said and he shrugged.
“Good enough for me.” He said and I pursed my lips.
“Not for me.” I said with a mischievous grin, and he smiled back as we approached our building. We got to my room first since we went in the back entrance, and I yanked him into my room kissing him as I pushed him up against the wall.
“What was that for?” He asked once I pulled away.
“Not kissing you wasn’t working for me. I’m tired of having to hide this from everyone.” I said with a sigh, and his hand ran up my side past my arms to rest on my face.
“I know this must get old, but it really isn’t that much longer now. We’re so close to freedom I can taste it.” He said and I smiled.
“Does it taste like my pina colada Chap Stick?” I asked and he nodded.
“And it smells like sweet pea body lotion mixed with coconut vanilla perfume.” He said and I grinned.
“It looks like us sitting on a porch holding hands.” I said and he looked at a piece of my hair putting it behind my ear.
“It looks like you smiling as you meet your dad, your lips crashing down on mine, your eyes deep as ever staring into mine.” He said softly, and I kissed him again.
“I can’t wait for everything to work out.” I said, but I felt a twinge of guilt. If everything worked out for us than I would be crushing Aaron. I’d be leaving my best friends behind to fend for themselves.
“Well, I have to get dressed. You do too.” I said walking over to my dresser not looking up to meet his eyes. I knew he was probably torn about what had just happened, but I heard the door open and softly close. I grabbed my bikini from the beach, and I threw the cover up on over it. I grabbed a towel before walking out of the dorm, and took off outside to the lake. I stopped once I reached the others panting and out of breath. Aaron, Rose, and Chris were there, but no one else had made it back yet. I walked to the water’s edge taking a deep breath before pulling the cover up over my head, and throwing it aside with my towel. I turned around to see Adrian staring at me as he walked up as well as Chris and Aaron.
“Dang Ahnallie. Why didn’t you tell me you were this hot?” Rose teased and I rolled my eyes. She was wearing a pink and gold bikini. The ties were gold, and the edging was gold as well as the word Angel written on one side of the bikini top.
“What about you? You could melt the whole beach.” I teased back, and she rolled her eyes.
“Well, are you coming?” She called back to the boys as Krista appeared with her boyfriend of two years, Jagger. They all walked towards the water while Rose and I hopped in. The water was colder than the air, but it felt nice. I waded out until the water started lapping up at my belly button. I stopped and turned around to see the others just getting in. Rose was underwater, and on cue she came up for air next to me.
“They are pathetic.” I murmured and she giggled.
“C’mon guys every second you waste is a second we’re getting older.” She called out to them, and Chris started walking towards us quicker. I looked beside me, and Adrian rose up out of the water.
“Hey.” He said with a hesitant smile, and I smiled back.
“Hi.” I mumbled turning back in front of me only to see Aaron hovering in front of me with his wings expanded. He had bandages on his chest, and I looked at him worriedly.
“Wings heal faster than bones Allie. How about that ride?” He asked leaning down to extend his hand toward me. My heart was pumping, and my hand shook as I held it out to him. He gripped my hand tightly grabbing my other hand with his other hand. He lifted me out of the water, and let go with one hand to grab my middle and boost me up.
“Be careful Aaron. She can’t fly.” Adrian warned.
“Yeah break my sis, and I’ll break your face.” Chris said to which Aaron responded by flipping him off behind my back.
“I know what you did.” I teased, and he rested my feet on top of his.
“Wrap your arms around me.” He instructed, and I did feeling shaky but excited as my hands locked around his neck. He wrapped his hands around my waist, and slowly lifted us higher into the sky.
“Oh my god.” I squealed.
“Are you scared?” He asked mistaking my excitement for fear.
“No, this is so cool. I would never get tired of this.” I said breathing in the air as I dared a look down. My friends already looked like ants.
“Oh you do after a while. The view starts getting old.” He said shrugging and I looked up at him.
“I like the view from here.” I teased and he kissed me.
“Tell me when, and we’ll go back.” He whispered his face a few inches from mine, and I nodded kissing him again.
“You don’t seem too scared.” He noticed.
“I trust you.” I answered easily before hesitantly touching his wing, and pulling back when the feathers reacted to my touch.
“Then can you tell me why you invited Adrian?” He asked and I shrugged.
“He wanted to come. I wasn’t going to be rude besides he isn’t a bad guy.” I insisted.
“Yeah, I wish he was. Or that he wasn’t so good looking at least. I mean you can’t be funny, nice, smart, and good looking.” Aaron said and I rolled my eyes.
“Yeah you can. I mean you are all of that and more.” I said, and he smiled.
“You’re too perfect.” He said and I laughed letting go of him.
“That’s a good one.” I said, and he tilted my chin up.
“Your life isn’t perfect, but you are.” He said, and I wrapped my arms around him again kissing him .
“We better go back.” I muttered, and he looked at me grinning as he started letting us sink down.
“That swim suit is amazing by the way.” He noticed and I blushed.
“Thanks. If you didn’t have all those bandages you wouldn’t look too bad yourself.” I teased, but he winced.
“I know it was stupid. Can we let it go?” He said harshly, and I nodded not saying anything.
“I’m sorry.” He said right as we neared the water. I nodded again as he handed me down to Chris. He rose a few feet quickly brought his winks, and fell into the water.
“Wet wings are the worst. That’s why he did that.” Rose murmured, and I nodded.
“Are his wings gorgeous especially?” I asked and she nodded.
“His wings are special.” She said admiringly.
“Got a crush on my boyfriend I see.” I teased, but secretly I actually wondered about it. I would feel better if I left him in the capable hands of Rose. If I could keep myself from getting jealous about it that is.
“No, no,” She said blushing, “just his wings.”
“Alright sure.” I said as Aaron wrapped his arms around me. He looked at me curiously, but I just shook my head. We all splashed around in the water for about thirty minutes before Adrian left. Then an hour later I got out of the water.
“Well, I love you all, but I need to get out of this light.” I said before hugging all of them tightly.
“You’re giving us all goodbye hugs.” Krista muttered, and I faked confusion.
“Well, I’m leaving.” I pointed out and she shook her head.
“No, it feels like goodbye for a long time.” She said hugging her boyfriend who I’d only given a hesitant pat on the arm.
“Who knows?” I laughed a long with her boyfriend and Aaron. Chris, Rose, and Krista all seemed to feel the same way though.
“Is there something you need to tell us?” Chris asked.
“Yeah, you’ve been sketchy lately.” Rose said siding with him and I crossed my arms.
“I can’t believe this. I have a group get together with all my best friends, and it has to be because I’m never going to see them again?” Yes I answered myself. That’s exactly what you’re doing.
“You’re right of course. I’m just saying you can tell me anything.” Rose said shaking her head clear of suspicion.
“Yeah me too.” Chris said putting a supportive hand on my shoulder.
“You know I’m here for you.” Krista said, and I nodded.
“Thanks everyone really, but I just want to take a nap. Honestly, I’m so tired.” I said with a yawn. I turned away walking myself to my dorm. I got to my room closed the door behind me, and sighed as I leaned on it. I was keeping secrets again. I was lying to the people I cared about most again. All of the lying and hiding things was getting old. It was tiring and painful.
It wasn’t fair. I was leaving them for good. They probably would never see me again. Well, Rose would, but the rest of them… I don’t know if I’d even be able to hang out with any of them again without crying at good bye. Leaving was going to be harder than I thought.

Chapter 10: Face Facts

I was startled to hear a knocking at my door, and groaned as I stood up to open it. Before I could say a word Adrian pulled me to him kissing me in the middle of the hallway. All though my mind was screaming that it was stupid to kiss in the hall, my body melted against his. I lifted my hands running them through his silky hair. He kissed me roughly pulling me as close as he could. We only pulled away when I yanked back from him at the sound of a door. I looked around, but I didn’t see anyone.
“Did you hear that?” I asked Adrian breathing heavily.
“No, what?” I slid my hand into his pulling him into my room.
“I thought I heard a door.” I whispered in panic, and he frowned.
“I’ll check. I’ll be right back.” He slid out of my door, and I paced for five minutes waiting for him to come back.
“I didn’t see anyone.” He said after he walked in, and closed the door behind him.
“Okay good.” I mumbled, and he pulled me to him again.
“I loved spending time with you today.” He whispered in my ear, and I shivered.
“Me too.” I stated inadequately making him smile. Something was off about it though.
“You loved spending time with Aaron too.” He said his smiled gone.
“I, yes, I did. It was amazing to fly.” I agreed with him.
“Yeah, I bet it was.” He murmured picking me up, and I wrapped my legs around him immediately. “I was terrified.”
“Oh yeah? Were you?” I asked smiling and he smiled too as I pressed my lips to his.
“I love you.” He set me down.
“I love you too.”
“Well, I’m going to bed. You need to sleep too.” I nodded resisting the urge to role my eyes.
“Straight to bed I promise.” I couldn’t resist the sarcastic comment as I sat on my bed, and he laughed before turning out my light and leaving. I closed my eyes sliding under my sheets. Sleep came instantly.
The thunder struck the ground again, and I flinched. I looked over at my tormentor’s red eyes, and then at the basement door as it shattered.
“Hand her over.” Adrian hissed at him. My tormentor attacked Adrian, and it looked like he was winning.
“No Ian.” I whimpered, and his eyes locked on mine. He shoved against the vampire with all his might sending him crashing into a wall. I looked away, but I heard the ripping of the vampire being torn apart. Then I felt Adrian’s strong arms picking my flimsy body up in his arms. I started sobbing uncontrollably. Whether it was from joy or fear I’ll never know. I just cried.
“It’s okay sweetie. It’s okay. Don’t cry; I’m here.” He whispered kissing my forehead. Everything went black for a second, and the scene had changed.
“Hand her over.” A strange man with dark hair ordered Adrian.
“Never.” He said holding me tightly.
“Take her.” He ordered, and a few men came over grabbing me from Adrian.
“Ian no!” I screamed and cried and kicked as hard as I could reaching for him. He reached out to me, and there were tears in his eyes.
“I’ll find you.” He promised.
“No don’t take my baby. Please. Don’t take her.” My dad said crying for the first time in front of me making new tears come to my eyes.
“We’ll take good care of her.” The strange man said taking me from the recruits who’d ripped me from Adrian’s arms.
“No, don’t take her. Allie, I’ll find you one day. We’ll meet again sweet heart; I promise.” My dad said reaching out to me and I stretched to him our fingertips brushing against each other.
I woke up with tears in my eyes, and rubbed them dry. Every night I had gotten closer to seeing all of my past, but it wasn’t until tonight that I got to see my father. His sad brown eyes as he watched me get taken. I sniffled, and looked at my clock. It was midnight, and I stood up. Surely the others were up by now. I looked at my soaking wet bed, and groaned before changing out of my swimsuit into a comfy sweater and skinny jeans.
I walked into the hallway, and knocked on Adrian’s door only to get no answer. I sighed walking into the crisp night air. There was no one I could tell about it. No one to comfort and console me. New tears sprung to my eyes as the bitter realization that there was no one I could truly trust and tell everything to hit me. I walked over to a tree and sat down under it.
Well, there were plenty of people I could trust, but I couldn’t tell them for their own safety. I didn’t know what my dad was capable of. I stood up making a rash decision as I walked to the angel lobby.
“Which way to Rose’s room?” I asked the sleepy desk clerk.
“Down the hall and on the left there’s a stair case. She’s on the second floor room 103.” She answered me with a yawn.
“Thanks very much.” I said walking down the hall, and running up the stairs. Her room was at the end of the next hall I turned down. I knocked for a few minutes before she answered.
“I’m coming.” She snapped opening the door. “Oh it’s you. Do you know what time it is?”
Then noticing my face her voice softened, “Are you okay?”
I sniffled in response and shrugged.
“Are you gonna come in or what?” She asked standing aside, and I walked in standing in her room awkwardly. I looked around her room, but I couldn’t see much since the only light on was her lamp.
“What’s going on Ahnallie?” She asked concerned, and I sat down taking a deep breath. I was having second thoughts, but it was too late. I knew that everything was going to come out like it or not.
“I’m cheating on Aaron with Adrian.” I blurted out, and she turned the light on her face the perfect picture of shock.
“Are you serious?” She asked in horror, and I nodded burying my face in my hands as if that could hide my shame.
“I wish I was kidding. Well, actually I was with Adrian first, but god it’s all a mess.” I said shaking my head, and she sat down in a chair across the room.
“Wait so, do you like Adrian or is it just a hot mess situation?” She asked after a minute.
“No I’m in love with him; with both of them.” I said and she grimaced.
“Of course. How did this happen? Not that I’m surprised, but when did it start?” She asked and I shrugged.
“A few months ago, when Ciaran kissed Elle. Afterward I confronted him, and he kissed me. Adrian made him get off of me, and when I went to my room he followed me. He told me this crazy story, and I believed it. It just felt right to be with him, and I kissed him. My father can’t know because he’s a traitor. He is not who I thought he was. I just need to tell someone. And I can trust you. When I graduate; I’m leaving. Adrian’s going to take me to meet my dad.” I said, and she interrupted me.
“And what about your life here? You’re just going to leave? No goodbye or explanations. Aaron’s going to wake up, and you’ll just be gone? You can do that to him?” She accused, and my eyes got wide with shock.
“No, he knows about my Dad. He knows I’m leaving.” I said and she stood up.
“Does he know why? I defended you. I feel like such an idiot. I told Elle she was the slut, but she was right. You are a slutty, backstabbing, cheater.” She yelled at me a glow to her skin, but her eyes were damp.
“I made a bad choice. I don’t want to hurt anyone.” I defended myself.
“So it only happened once?” She asked hopefully and I grimaced.
“No it’s still going on. I love Aaron.” I started, but she lifted her hand silencing me.
“No. You do not love him. You couldn’t do this to him if you loved him.” She said and I stood up.
“But don’t you see? I’m doing this to Adrian not him. I was with Adrian. He’s the one I betray by being with Aaron.” I said defending myself, but wanting to throw up from the guilt. Adrian would die if he heard what I had just said.
“Does that make it better? Aaron is the one you’re dating. Now you tell me you’re in love with someone else too? And that you act on it? You can’t string both of them along.” She said and I nodded.
“You’re right I know, but.” I said, and she cut me off.
“There are no buts about it. You are leaving one of them. I’m all for being a bad kid, but you can’t be a slut and my best friend. If you don’t tell him, I will.” She said and I got in her face glowering as I felt the power of the shadow realms.
“I trusted you!” I yelled.
“Just like Aaron trusted you.” She said shoving me back.
“If you tell him I will rip your wings off your untrustworthy back.” I growled before walking out the door, and slamming it so hard the hinges broke. It flew off into her room shattering the door frame as it ripped free. I groaned as people yelled about the time. I walked out of the angel area, and ran right into Aaron.
“What are you doing up?” I asked rubbing tears out of my eyes, and he shrugged at me.
“What are you doing here?” He asked, looking up at the starry sky.
“I was, nothing.” I muttered, and he looked at me.
“What happened?” He whispered pulling me to him, and I sobbed into his chest. I was tired of being angry, and I was tired of being hurt.
“I’m sorry.” I whispered, and I was going to pull away only to find his arms locked around my waist.
“One second.” He said, and I heard the soft whoosh of his wings. A minute later he set me down on a cliff, and sat down dangling his feet over the edge.
“You’re sorry?” He asked and I looked away from him.
“I am just going crazy. I haven’t told you the whole story.” I said with a sniffle, and he looked at me pain in his eyes.
“I know.” He whispered looking in front of him again. I looked at the back of his head, and bit my lip before walking over to him.
“Do you want to hear the whole story?” I said filled with dread as my hands began to shake. My heart was racing, and my legs felt like jelly dangling over the cliff ledge.
“I’m afraid to.” He said, and we sat there in silence for who knows how long. I lay back after a while, and he did the same. I stayed awake watching the sky, but he fell asleep soon after lying down. I looked over at his perfect sleeping face. He started mumbling, and he grimaced. I thought I heard my name in his mumblings making me curious of his dream. I focused on him, and one image filled my head. Adrian kissing me in the hall. Suddenly the world went back into focus as I gasped. If I had seen his dream, and he really had seen that… I couldn’t face him now. I stood up, and thought of me in the shadow realms. I had wings there maybe I could… No I didn’t want to push my luck, and help speed the change along. I instead concentrated on being back outside next to the weeping willow where Aaron found me. I felt the cool breeze, and smelled the leaves before I opened my eyes.
I sighed sitting down as I leaned against the tree. I needed to figure everything out. Let’s see… Than told me that I was going to be a goddess. He also told me I couldn’t be with Adrian, and he said he called me mistress because he wanted to be on my side. Again. What does that mean?
I shifted into the shadow realm deciding that Than was a good a place as any to start.
“Hello Mistress. Welcome back.” Than greeted, and I nodded to him.
“Don’t I have wings?” I asked, and he nodded. “Where are they?”
“Make them appear.” He said, and I focused on the way Aaron’s wings came out of his back. I felt a searing pain in my back for a second, and then looked in my mirror. My wings were as tall as me and each wing as wide. They had very long black feathers that drifted across the bottom of the floor at the end of my wings. I touched the downy feathers, and they turned silver.
“Beautiful. Um, anyways I was wondering… Earlier you said you want to be on my side again. What do you mean again?” I asked running my hand through my hair.
“Oh, well when you become a goddess you gain access to those who came before you.” He said, and I stopped him confused again.
“Wait I thought goddess’s were immortal.”
“Goddess isn’t the right word. They had the power, but they didn’t have the mindset we wanted to make them an immortal. They had the power, but they got to stay on Earth.” He explained, and I looked at him in shock.
“So, I can keep my power, and stay on Earth?” I asked mad at Hades lie.
“Not exactly. Look, you’ve been selected. It’s an honor. Don’t worry about why everything is happening, and just be glad that you’re so lucky. Now, what I meant by again was that you have been a goddess before. The last goddess tried to overthrow Zeus, and she was killed. I support you no matter what.” He stuttered, and I shook my head.
“I don’t want this!” I yelled my voice making rocks fall.
“Please be calm.” Than soothed, and I turned to him imagining him feeling the pain I feel everyday all accumulated into one. He hunched over, and I looked away from him my mouth moving on its own.
“I am the Goddess of life and suffering. The chosen one. You do not control me.” I towered above him, and I got control of myself before growling. “I’m leaving.”
I opened my eyes to see the moon high in the sky. I got up walking to my class; Adrian’s class. I’d skipped my other classes, and I’d probably skip more. I walked in right as the bell rang, and forced myself to not look at Rose. When class was finally over, I took a long time to pack up my stuff as I waited for everyone else to filter out. Once the last person was out of the door, and on their way to lunch I closed and locked the door.
“Can we talk?” I walked towards him, and he nodded.
“Is something wrong?” He asked and I huffed.
“They’re choosing me to be immortal. I don’t have to be. They are going to make me.” I looked up glaring at the ceiling while Adrian put his hand on my shoulder.
“They have a good reason I’m sure.” He consoled, but I shrugged him off not having it.
“That’s not all. Aaron caught us kissing. He knows I cheated.” I answered blinking back tears as I looked at Adrian. I wouldn’t let him see me get upset by Aaron.
“Has he confronted you?” He grabbed my shoulders looking me square in the eye.
“No, not yet, but I know he’s going to.” Adrian pulled me to him just as there was a knock on the door followed by a crash. I let go of Adrian, and I looked over to see Aaron standing on the broken door. He glared at Adrian and I before storming out. I ran out after him, and grabbed his arm. He yanked his arm from me turning so abruptly I nearly ran into him.
“You cheated on me again.” He growled, and I sobbed shaking my head.
“No Aaron please.” I begged, but he was already walking out the doors. I burst through the exit in time to see him shoot up into the sky.
I sobbed my shoulders shuddering as I breathed, and I ran to Rose’s room. She was the only person I could trust to at least listen. I burst through her entrance after I ran the whole way there.
“Rose I’m sorry. Aaron confronted me, and we’re broken up.” I said, but I looked around. She wasn’t in her room. I sniffled before sulking my way to my room. I wiped my eyes before opening the door to see Chris standing there.
“Allie, what did you do?” He asked opening his arms up, and I ran to him burying my face in his chest as he hugged me.
“I’m a worthless cheater Chris. I’m a terrible person.” I muttered sobbing again, and he smoothed my hair with his hand as he nuzzled his cheek against my head.
“Sh, it’s alright. Tell me about it.” He cooed, and I felt my jaw quiver.
“I cheated on him. I kissed someone else, and I mean I kissed kissed him too. He has every right to be mad. I feel so terrible.” He kissed the top of my head making me sigh as I relaxed a little.
“Aaron will come around. Give him a while to cool down, and soon enough he’ll be willing to talk.”
“Why are you here? I’m glad you are, but why?” I looked up at him, and he smiled sadly.
“Adrian got me.” His eyes flooded with realization as he saw the guilt on my face, “That’s who it is, isn’t it? It was Adrian.”
“You can’t tell anyone, please.” I pleaded and he nodded kissing my forehead.
“Just breathe. You can trust me always.”
“I don’t deserve a friend like you. I’m not trustworthy. I’m a liar, and I deserve everything to fall apart just like it is.” Chris looked at me sternly making me silence my sniffling.
“Ahnallie Faine quit it. You never act this way. Let’s stop the pity party, and get your act together. Tell your bubbs about it. What’s going on?” He asked concern in his eyes as a soft knock sounded on the open door.
“My sentiments exactly.” Ciaran said softly, and I rubbed my eyes glaring at him.
“Get out. I don’t trust you. Go.” I growled, and he looked mildly surprised.
“I thought we were past this.” He whispered stepping towards me.
“I am trying to get past it. I don’t want to talk to you about this. I’m not going to go. Get out.” I walked towards him shoving him out the door. I slammed the door closed before locking it.
“Flustered?” Chris asked and I couldn’t help but smile.
“I am so glad you’re around to pull me out of the mess inside my head.” I watched him smile sheepishly.
“I don’t know about all that. I’m just looking out for you. It’s my job.” I laughed softly before sitting down in my chair.
“So, what’s going on?” He sat on my bed making sure our eyes were locked on each other.
“You want the whole truth?” I asked deciding my best friend deserved to know all of the truth. He knew a part of it, and if I didn’t tell him someone else would. Then, he may not get the whole truth.
“No I want half of it.” He said sarcastically, and I rolled my eyes.
“Well, me and Adrian, it’s been going on for a while. It started before I was dating Aaron. Adrian knows my real dad, and the dean took me from him. So when I graduate Adrian is going to take me to my dad. Adrian was the one who actually saved me from the vampire, and he knew me when I was a kid obviously.” I watched his face carefully making sure he was comfortable with what he was hearing.
“Wow.” He whispered, and I laughed.
“That’s not the half of it. It turns out that when I turn eighteen I’m going to become a goddess. Everyone thinks I’m going to have all these powers because of being a demon who was bit by a vampire. The truth is that the gods pick certain people who should have died from what they went through, and instead they gave them power. Thing is, power comes at a price. It’s like my life is their property.” I finished the words supplying themselves from somewhere in the back of my mind, but I knew it was true.
“That’s so cool and terrible at the same time.”
“It’s a disaster.” I massaged my temples in frustration.
“I’ll go with you.” He suggested hope in his eyes.
“No, you need to stay. You can call me, and tell me what’s going on around here. Keep your eyes on Matt, Ciaran, the dean, and my sister. Please keep her safe.”
“I’m supposed to just let you go?” He asked standing up to run his hand through his hair as he paced.
“It’s safer for me out there than it is here. I have to go. The next time you see me I will be a goddess or a human.” I said sternly, and he turned to me.
“As long as you promise I’ll see you again.” I wanted to cry looking into his pleading eyes.
“I promise you’ll see me again.” Though I may not be the same person anymore.
“God I love you sis.” He pulled me to him hugging me tightly. We turned to the door when it opened, and Adrian walked in clearing his throat.
“You.” Chris growled. “I swear you break this girl’s heart, and I’ll break you.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He promised looking at me with twinkling eyes. I ran into his arms, and he kissed the top of my head.
“I know it hurts.” He whispered, and I started crying knowing what I was putting him through; knowing that him seeing me this torn up over another guy was secretly killing him.
“Thank you.” I looked up at him and he cupped my cheek with his hand before letting our lips briefly brush across each other.
“Um, awkward for the one who is new to this.” Chris had his hands intertwined behind his neck.
“Sorry.” I grinned sheepishly trying not to blush.
“Let’s find an angel.” I turned to Adrian eyes wide.
“What did you say?”
“You need to finish explaining to him. You don’t have time to procrastinate.” He looked at me sternly, but I shook my head.
“You have classes to teach. You go, and Chris will help me find Aaron. Besides I think I know where he is.” Adrian hugged me tightly again.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” He asked kissing my forehead.
“Don’t doubt me; I know her better than anyone else.” Chris interjected.
“I sincerely doubt that.” Adrian’s voice was only slightly bitter, but I could tell he was trying really hard to keep from looking like a jealous protective monster.
“You knew the old her maybe, but the whole time she’s been here I’ve known her.”
“We don’t have time for this, but I want to get one point across even though Allie will throw a fit if I say it. You don’t have a claim on her. Your relationship with her in comparison to ours is nothing. I know her better than I know myself. I may not know her favorite class or flower, but I know what each and every one of her facial expressions mean. I know every corner of her heart, and most of the time I have a good idea of what she’s thinking. So don’t even try to pretend that you know her better.” He warned his eyes weren’t squinting like he was glaring, but they were still intense. He didn’t even sound aggressive; it sounded like he was teaching.
“Adrian, you’re right we don’t have time. You both know me in different ways. We have to go.” I rested my hand on his arm lightly before Chris opened the door for me.
“One more thing.” He said as Chris walked out the door. He shut the door with a quick shove, and pulled me to him. He kissed me, and it showed just how jealous and mad he really was. My heart was pounding, and I felt a little woozy when Adrian finally released me. I opened the door, and let Chris lead me out of the building.
“So he’s protective, eh?” He glanced back at me as pink crept across my cheeks.
“Yeah, well he’s lost me once. He had to spend the last like ten years looking for me. He knows what it’s like to be away from me. I’ve got an addicting personality, you know?” I winked as he looked back rolling his eyes.
“Let’s just find your angel already. Where do you think he is?” He slowed down to match my pace.
“Well, he’s either in his room or on this ledge he took me to.” I shrugged knowing how unhelpful I was being.
“Okay, well let’s check the ledge first. Where is it?” I bit my lip uncertainly at his question.
“Um, maybe, well let’s go to the angel block first. Then, I’ll be able to explain it better.” He nodded letting us walk the rest of the way in silence. I took the time to observe the false sense of normal the scenery gave. The grass was green, and well taken care of on the property.
There were brightly colored flowers everywhere and giant trees towering above them. The buildings were all brick, and there were signs telling you in which direction things were. It was almost too normal. Then, behind the buildings there was an orchard basically. I looked back in front of me, and saw the willow where I had found Aaron.
“So?” He prodded, and I sighed impatiently.
“I don’t know. He flew up into the air, and when I opened my eyes I was on a ledge.” I clenched my hands into a fist as I paced.
“Okay, think. What was around you? What could you see from the ledge?” He clarified his question, and I bit my lips shaking my head.
“I, I don’t know.”
“Think.” He pressed, and I closed my eyes imagining the ledge.
“There was water underneath us. The ledge was covered in dirt, and there was grass. A few trees too.” I forced myself to calm down trying to unlock the details from my subconscious where they had to be cataloged.
“What was the view like?”
“We could see the stars perfectly. The buildings had to be behind us. I didn’t see them when I looked out.” He smiled at me, and I smiled uncertainly.
“Perfect. I think I know the place you’re talking about.” He grabbed my hand, and dragged me all the way to the lake. “Be right back.”
He walked underwater, and I smiled. He was sending a message to his dear old dad. I pursed my lips shifting into the shadow realm.
“Hades.” I called out, and the same eerie light as before lit up the room.
“Please tell me this is important.”
“I have a question. Can I visit the other gods? Is it possible for me to see them?” He looked slightly amused at my question.
“I suppose you could. I suppose you’ll have to eventually. You would have to physically visit there place first. Otherwise you would have to summon them like you so boldly summon me. They may or may not show up.”
“So if I asked Poseidon to please show up, he might show up. I need to ask him a favor.” I looked around and a bright light filled the room.
“I was in a meeting with my son. This had better be important.” Poseidon’s voice thundered, but I grinned anyway.
“Your son is my friend. I love Chris, and I just want you to help me. I need to get to a ledge, it’s important. I’m sure Chris told you.” Poseidon’s blue eyes mesmerized me as he nodded curtly. I snapped back into reality, and saw the water freeze into a pad. Chris grinned as he hopped on, and I followed suit. Then waves came pushing us towards our destination.
“This was the only help he could give. We’re too far from the ocean.” Chris mumbled an explanation as we were pushed towards the ledge where I could see Aaron. I closed my eyes, and opened them to find myself in the sky with my wings beating the air. I floated a foot above the ledge, and Aaron was doing the same.
“What do you want?” He growled, and everything except him faded to shades of grey as I focused.
“To apologize. To explain. To know that you’re okay.” I calmly floated towards him, but he backed up.
“Why would I be okay? I don’t want your excuses.” He lashed out, and I flinched at the sting of his words.
“Please I didn’t mean for this to happen.”
“I trusted you, and I defended you. The whole time you were cheating on me.”
“No, you don’t understand.” I interrupted only to be silent.
“No you don’t get to talk! You are just as bad as they say! You are a manipulative, lying, cheating, good for nothing demon.” I gasped at his words, and my knees went weak.
“Take it back.” I ordered, and he looked at me briefly frightened as I noticed the shadows gathering around me.
“It’s the truth.” He shot up into the sky, and I stood up taking a step towards the edge. I jumped off, and my wings wrapped around me letting me sink into the water without getting wet. I sunk lower and lower, the cold numbing my body until my wings brushed the lake’s floor. I unfurled my wings a little to apply the proper arch before kicking up, shooting out of the water and into the air at a lightening quick pace. I spotted Chris and swooped down to pick him up. I didn’t talk as I carried him to the dorms. I sat him down, and flew away before he could say anything. I went to the angel’s dorm floating my way to Rose’s room.
“Rose!” I burst into her room, and her mouth was agape when she saw my wings.
“Wings?..” She looked at me confused, but I didn’t have time for it.
“I will explain later. I’m sorry. About what I said to you and what I did was wrong. Aaron though, he hates me now. He found out before I could tell him, and he called me a manipulative, lying, cheating, good for nothing demon.” My jaw quivered once before tears streamed down my face. I didn’t sob, and my chest wasn’t heaving. The tears rolled down my face in a never ending waterfall, but I didn’t really feel the pain.
“Oh. I know we’re not exactly friends right now, but he didn’t mean it. It’s not true, and you know it. He is just mad; give him space. I have to go, though. I have…plans.”
“Plans with whom?” I dried my eyes as she edged to the door.
“Just a friend.” She shrugged suspiciously.
“You can tell me if you’re going to see him.” I crossed my arms, and her gaze fell to the floor.
“I, I have to go.” She muttered walking past me. I groaned before leaving and going to my room. I changed clothes after taking a shower. I brushed through my hair throwing it up into a pony tail before walking to class. I made it to third, and huffed as I sat in my seat. I listened to the teachers review things we’d already been over so we would be ready for our end of course tests. I basically twiddled my thumbs, and doodled all day, even in Adrian’s class.

Chapter 11: In the mean time

“What did you need to talk about?”
“Oh nothing. I just wanted to ask you something.” I held hands with myself awkwardly as I glanced over at him.
“Okay whatever. Ask before I change my mind.” He narrowed his eyes shoving his hands inside his pockets.
“So, angels age when they are upset?” I started with the easiest question.
“Angels age when they lose their desire to live.” His eyes met mine in a stare so intense I stopped walking. I felt my jaw quiver and I couldn’t help but look away from him. This conversation was harder than I expected it to be.
“I see, and then they become guardians?” I forced myself to continue.
“Yes, they die. They go to heaven, are given a charge, and are sent back to watch over them.”
“Do you hate me?” I kept my voice steady, but inside I was scared.
“I, no! I could never hate you. If I could I wouldn’t be here right now. I’m disappointed and angry that you could do this to me. I’m really confused because I thought I did everything I could.”
“You did. Aaron this isn’t your fault. This didn’t happen because of you. Please don’t blame yourself. I know you’re angry right now, but I need you.” I looked at the ground unable to meet his eyes.
“No, you need an out.” He scoffed, and I met his gaze putting my hand on his lower arm.
“No, I need you.” I looked into his eyes for another second before looking down again.
“So do you like Rose?”
“What? I, no. I don’t think of her that way.” Aaron stumbled across his words making me nod.
“That may be true, but you like her. Good. You deserve each other.” I noticed he quit walking so I turned to look back at him.
“Don’t meddle Ahnallie. It’s not your place.” He warned and I shrugged.
“That’s true.”
“Look I’ll help you, but leave me alone until then. I’m helping you because I love you, but we aren’t friends.”
“Well, farewell then. Thank you.” I said slowly before turning my back to him.
I walked to my dorm to see Adrian waiting for me. He opened his arms, and I ran into them letting him soothe my worries away. I realized I was crying at the same time he did because he kissed my cheeks, and jaw where the tears rested. He sat down cradling me as he rocked side to side.
I woke up a few hours later to Adrian’s breathing in my ear. I sat up looking at the clock. It was midnight and I smiled at my perfect timing. I lied down wrapping my arm around Adrian.
“Adrian.” I whispered in his ear. “Adrian.”
I kissed his cheek brushing his hair out of his eyes. I lied down so we were nose to nose after kissing the tip of his nose.
“Adrian. It’s time to get up.” I whispered, and he groaned his eyes fluttering open. He smiled at me sleepily before kissing me.
“Good morning beautiful.” He murmured, and I smiled opening my eyes slowly. I sat up to get out of bed, but he reached forward grabbing my hips and pulling me back.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He mumbled against my hair and I laughed.
“I’m getting up.” I smiled squirming around to face him.
“Can’t we stay in bed all day?” He asked, and I smiled kissing him again.
“No. Sorry. I have this week to get my grades back up. I’m going every day.” I smiled at him pulling the covers off.
Every day that week I did just that. I went to school, I studied hard, and I passed all my finals bringing my grade up to an A in every class. I did my best to act normal around my dad. I started doing my rounds again, and I even went with him to father daughter day. It was awkward because of Elle, but I knew I’d get to tell her the truth eventually.
Friday was the final year’s day off because we had to prepare for graduation, and my preparation was more tense than anybody else’s. All day I prepared the speech I would never give, and I went over the plan with Aaron and Rose. By the end of the day I was sure we could pull it off. First, I had something to do.
I walked to Elle’s room with sweaty palms and jangled nerves. I wasn’t looking forward to this talk. I took a deep breath before knocking on her door, and she opened it looking me over before stepping back into her room. I took the door being ajar as my invitation to come in. I took a few steps in collecting my wits as I shut her door.
“I’m graduating tomorrow.” I started, and she sat down faking a smile as she laced her fingers together over her stomach. I stalled myself noticing she had her make up done and was wearing a dress.
“Yeah, top of class. Congratulations.” She said finally after a few minutes of silence had stretched between us.
“Yeah, well I guess I wanted to say good bye today since I won’t have time tomorrow.”
“Wait, what?” She said suddenly alert and involved in the conversation, I felt pride swell up in me when I realized what she was doing. She was learning to act passive which would make her a perfect guardian or uniter or whatever she decided to call herself.
“Look, there are things that I’ve been hiding from you. Things that you can’t tell anyone, and you probably won’t believe them.”
“Go on.”
“No, first you need to understand when I say you can’t tell anyone I mean it. Not even Ciaran or Dad.”
“I understand. I won’t tell them.” She rushed out everything.
“Dad as you know isn’t my real dad, and I recently found out that my biological father didn’t want to get rid of me.” I started, and it took me ten minutes but I filled her in on the whole story, pretty much.
“So now you know that dad and Ciaran can’t be trusted which is why I tried to keep you away from Ciaran. If I stayed here, and my powers came in; Dad would use me. He would probably have my memories changed again. Tomorrow, I’m leaving, and I’m trusting you to stay away from Ciaran and keep my leaving secret.” I finished making sure she kept eye contact with me.
“Where will you go?”
“I don’t know.” I lied, and she chewed her lip thoughtfully.
“I don’t know if I should believe you. Dad’s been there for us for most of our life when no one else was, and now because of some teacher you’re going to believe he’s some monster who wants to use you?”
“It’s not just him Elle. I’ve been to the shadow realm, and I’ve talked to gods. I know what I’m going to become, and Dad has always had an obsession with power. I’m going to be one of the most powerful entities on the planet.” I said sounding like an ego maniac, but I was trying to get through to her.
“Don’t act like you don’t want that kind of power.” She said scrunching up her face as she accused me.
“I don’t. I plan on refusing the power. I don’t want to be anybody’s tool, and I don’t want to lose Adrian.” I said nearing tears as I tried to stay calm.
“Please.” She scoffed.
“Elle, why would I lie about this?” I yelled.
“To keep me away from Ciaran!” She yelled back, and I furrowed my eye brows recoiling.
“Why would I say that about Dad? Why would I make that up?” I pointed out.
“I don’t know. Because you and Dad haven’t got along lately. Because you don’t want to be here anymore.”
“You know what whatever Elle. You will always be stupid and naïve until it hits you in the face. You can’t trust everyone. Don’t tell him.” I said ending the talk.
“You’re right I can’t trust everyone, but from where I stand the only untrustworthy person is you.” She shot at me.
“That’s low. I’ve always cared for you, but don’t trust me. After tomorrow, what you think won’t matter.” I said satisfied with that thought.
“Unless I tell Dad and he sends me after you.” She warned and I laughed.
“Do you honestly believe you’d have a chance? You wouldn’t be able to ketch me. Even if you found me, you are not strong enough to bring me in. You’re a normal sad little human, and you would have no chance.” I cringed inside at my words knowing they were harsh and words that would hit home.
“Yeah well I guess we’ll see about that.” She said with a smirk that let me know she knew something I didn’t, but I honestly didn’t care anymore.
“Good luck then. You’re gonna need it.” I smirked back letting myself out. I walked to my dorm ready to lie in bed, and get my rest so I would have the energy to leave the next day. I closed my eyes once my head hit my pillow, but I immediately opened them knowing I wasn’t in my room anymore.
I looked around standing up on the grey tiled floor, and walked over to one of the arched windows looking up to see clouds and bright light. When I looked down I saw the inviting shadow realms. I turned back around, and I saw many Gods and Goddesses in the room with me.
“I assume you called me here.” I noticed they all had a glow about them, and when I looked at my hands I realized I had the same glow.
“We need to talk about your transformation.” Zeus stepped forward, and I nodded knowing I should be respectful.
“You need to make a decision.” A voice boomed out, and I looked for the source.
“You can’t see him. You call him God, but he can’t come to this between place we are at now.” Zeus spoke to me, and I got the feeling he was going to be the only one talking to me.
“Okay so I need to make a decision. As in decide if I want to be a goddess or lose all my powers?” He nodded, “Well I can’t.”
“You have to.”
“I can’t. I might need my powers, but I don’t know if eternal life is worth it without him.”
“We don’t have much time. I’m Athena goddess of wisdom, but I’m sure you knew that. Perhaps we should propose a compromise.” She suggested, and Zeus gazed at her thoughtfully.
“What are you suggesting?”
“Give her until her birthday. If she wants her powers she can choose to accept them, and if her birthday passes without her uttering the words ‘I accept’ then she gives up her powers. But, there’s a catch; we don’t give her use of her goddess powers until she accepts.” I swallowed as she spoke hoping they agreed.
“It sounds acceptable to me.” Zeus proclaimed looking me over, and I watched my feet.
“Then it is done.” God’s voice boomed out, and my heart raced in panic.
“Remember, you are just as much a God as the others here.” Than said from behind me, and I smiled sadly.
“That’s just it, I’m not.” I whispered heading towards the door on the darker side of the room. Gradually shadows enveloped me as I stepped towards it, and before I had a chance to open the door I was in my realm; the realm where shadows were my comfort.
“Than, I can’t do this. I can’t accept. I wouldn’t know the first thing about being a Goddess.”
“I think it would come to you quite naturally.” He protested, and I slammed my fist into the wall leaving a crack.
“I have to go back home. I have business to attend to.” I sighed, and he cleared his throat.
“That reminds me, I can help you with your little escape plan if you wish. It’s a very simple matter to summon a few demons.”
“No thanks Than. I might as well get used to having no powers.”
“If you wish, besides we wouldn’t want you getting in trouble because of my actions.”
“Goodbye Than.”
I slowly opened my eyes letting the tears bubble to the surface. I stared at the popcorn ceiling making images out of the dots until everything faded to black. I blinked and my vision came back to me. I sat up looking at my familiar blue comforter, and then my barren white walls that only held a few pictures of flowers. I let my feet swing over the side of my bed, and onto the soft white carpet. I grabbed my backpack dumping out everything that was in it on to my desk chair. I rubbed the back of my shoulder with one hand before walking towards my dresser and throwing my favorite hoodie, a pair of skinny jeans, and my comfiest shirt into it. I sighed walking into my bathroom and putting my toothbrush, hair brush, tooth paste, and hair ties into the bag as well. I zipped it up putting it on one shoulder. I checked the clock, and no surprise it was still hours away from when I needed to be up. I crept out of my room, and went straight into Adrian’s.
He was sleeping soundly, but had obviously fallen asleep reading a book. I smiled setting my backpack down in his chair, and walked over to his bed. I grabbed the book off his chest and closed it setting it on his night stand. I sighed taking off his shoes, and pulling the blanket up over him. I lied on the bed beside him, and squirmed my way under the blanket before turning out the light.
“Allie?” He asked groggily, and I pursed my lips.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.” I faced him, happy that being able to see in the dark wasn’t a goddess ability.
“It’s okay. What are you doing here? What if someone sees?” He asked and I smiled.
“Who cares anymore?” I whispered, and he opened his eyes looking at me.
“No matter what happens tomorrow Allie, I promise I’ll keep you safe.” I moved closer to him hiding my face in his chest.
“I know you will.” I looked up at him kissing him and hoping it wouldn’t be the last time. He reached over to turn the lamp back on concern written on his face.
“Are you okay?” He asked holding my face between his hands so I couldn’t look away.
“Yeah, well no.” I admitted, and he kissed my forehead dropping his hands away.
“It’ll be fine.” He consoled me.
“But it won’t. I am going to lose my powers. All of them. Do you not get that? I don’t know what I am going to do with no powers. I have no experience when it comes to human jobs. I won’t be able to protect anyone. I will be dead weight!”
“No. Allie shut up. I would never consider you dead weight whether you were a human or not. I love you and what you are has nothing to do with that. I will love you even if you choose to be a goddess.”
“What are you saying? Do you think I would choose to be a goddess?” I sat up shaking off the blanket and pulling my knees to my chest.
“I would rather you be a goddess than a jealous insecure spiteful human. And by the way you talk about it, you would be that way. You can’t stand the idea of being a human, and I don’t want to lose the girl I love.” He sat up beside me, but I didn’t look his way.
“That’s why I am not choosing to be a goddess.”
“That’s why you should choose to be a goddess.”
“What are you talking about? If I’m a goddess we can’t be together. Don’t you understand?” I faced him, and he clenched his jaw.
“Yes Ahnallie! I get that.” He yelled as we glared at each other.
“Then what?” I asked exasperated.
“I would rather you be a goddess and stay the same person than you choose to be a human and lose who you are. I would rather love you and not be able to have you than to love who you used to be. Do you understand what I mean?” I bit my lip, and turned to look at him.
“If I ever lost sight of who I am I know you could lead me back to myself.” I whispered resting my hand on his cheek.
“I’m not so sure. I just want you to be happy.”
“I couldn’t be happy without you.” With that he hooked one arm under my knees and the other around my waist and he pulled me onto his lap.
“It’s going to be fine. When the time comes I know you’ll do what’s best.” He kissed my forehead, and I grabbed the collar of his shirt before looking up at him.
“I don’t know if I’m strong enough. I’m afraid.” I finally admitted to myself as the words came out and tears started streaming down my face.
“Sh, now none of that. We have a big day ahead of us, and you will be strong enough. If you need it, you can rely on me.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.” He kissed the top of my head, and I dried my eyes.
“We should get some sleep.” I murmured lying down, and he did the same.
“Sweet dreams.” He smiled reaching over me and turning off the light.
“Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” I smiled back, and he wrapped an arm around me. I closed my eyes counting my breaths so I would relax, and before I knew it I was drifting into sleep.

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Publication Date: 08-21-2011

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