Wolf Spell 1 Page 6

  Trevor grinned but said nothing.

  Ree continued, “He has waited a long time to meet you. He is one of the oldest vampires left.”

  That’s what Victor said on the plane, his friend was a vampire. I had a hard time processing that it was real. His hand that covered mine was warm, not cold. I thought vampires were supposed to be icy and dead, well, the undead anyway. They made movies about them sleeping in coffins and hunting blood at night, they aren’t supposed to be sitting next to me, holding my hand.

  I must have taken too long to respond because Victor piped in. “Esmerelda, there is so much you don’t know, but it’s a huge honor for him to be able to meet you. He’s heard about the Chosen One, long before you were born.”

  Meet me?The Chosen One? I was in the presence of magical and blood sucking beings, but they say it’s an honor to meet me? Why? Was I their next meal ticket or something? I looked at Jarak, his body still tense, which didn’t help me at all. His eyes were fixated on Trevor. I couldn’t help but feel he was mad at me for something.

  “I don’t understand any of this, I’m not even sure any of it is real.” My eyes never left Jarak, but I talked to everyone. I swallowed, trying to push down the rejection I felt because he wouldn’t look me in the eye. He continued to glower at Trevor. I wish I knew what happened to make him so upset. I got the feeling he was not like the rest of them, except I was not sure what else he could be. He said he was a Guardian, but I wasn’t sure what that meant. We’ve already covered Witches and Vampires, all I needed to meet now was a cowardly lion to make my journey complete.

  I took back my hand from Trevor’s and folded it with my other one, resting them in my lap. Nobody talked—it was too quiet. I could feel the eerie tension building in the room.

  “Oh it’s real. Everything you grew up knowing as myths or legends, real, all of it.” Ree talked with her hands flaying all over.

  “Okay, so what did my mom mean? She said something about Nicholas wanting my powers?” I glanced at every face wondering who would be willing to divulge the truth.

  “My Sweet,” Victor spoke up. “You are in danger.”

  “How?”

  “Nicholas has been recruiting his army for hundreds of years. His plan to rule over all other worldly beings and mere mortals started when he couldn’t sate his addiction to power, and he turned them into crossbreeds. We have fought against him since the beginning, but we’ve been able to do very little.”

  Gulp. Victor was so convincing that I played with the idea of what he said being true, but what did that have to do with me?

  “Turn them—how?” I never thought my heart could beat as fast as it was.

  Victor thrummed his fingers on the arm of the chair and gave a wicked grin. “He has slaves of vampires that have magic, or better known as crossbreeds. The only thing is… he couldn’t create magical vampire blood until now.”

  “Crossbreeds?—Wait, what do you mean until now?” I lied to myself; my heart could indeed beat faster.

  “That’s what he needs you for.”

  “Me.” I gasped, pointing to myself in confirmation. I looked at Jarak. He stared at me with sad eyes.

  “You hold an incredible power. You are the one a powerful Seer prophesied about when the war first started.” Ree continued, “With your magic, you are capable of helping or destroying the world. Everyone—magical, mythical and even the humans need your help.”

  “What makes you think it’s me,” I shrieked.

  Victor guffawed a little. I hardly thought this was a moment to laugh, but thought better than to make him mad by pointing it out. “After you were conceived, but before you were born, each of the five great witches bestowed a gift on you. You already had something unique, something no one else ever had, your father—" He stopped with his jaw firmly set, obviously not going to speak any more on what he said.

  “Okay.” I stood up, shaking off the world that settled itself on my shoulders. “No more lies, no more secrets, just tell me the truth with no interruptions.” I dared a peek over at Jarak who still stood there, as quiet as ever.

  “Fine, I can do simple.” Ree stood up also. “Magic comes in many forms, but the most basic forms come in the five elements. Air, Earth, Water, Fire and Spirit. More advanced magic like conjuring and telepathy is rare but is obtainable to certain witches or warlocks. You don’t need to have the elements to use that kind of magic, but every witch has the power to control at least one element.

  “The five witches worked their whole life preparing to give you their powers. You were born as a half–breed. Your father is a Guardian, and your mom is a witch. That alone is special because it was unheard of before you.”

  I shook my head. “No, my father is not a Guardian. He works at the police station.” This was not happening. Now she wanted to tell me my dad wasn’t who I thought he was. It was just too much.

  Her face softened a little, and she smiled. “I’m talking about your real father, his name is Torres.”

  I couldn’t breathe, and the room spun. I always dreamed of other people who acted as if they were my parents, but I never thought they could be real. I had dreams of soft laughter, a woman with hair as red as mine, and a man with gentle eyes. I sat back down and bent over, my head between my legs. Could they be my real parents? Were my mom and dad not my real parents? The thought of my dad not being my dad upset me more than the thought of my mom. He was always a little nicer, sneaking me ice cream at midnight and watching movies with me, or teaching me to drive while sitting on his lap in the old Ford. I swallowed and told myself that I could process this information later.

  I glanced up, but I was sure all the color drained from my face.

  Jarak mumbled a curse under his breath, but I’d heard him. He held my eyes for a moment then darted out of the room without another word.

  “What’s with him?” I asked, completely annoyed.

  Victor gave a sly grin as he also watched him walk away. Glancing at Ree, he rolled his hand out. “Please continue.”

  I didn’t have time to go after him. Heck, I wasn’t sure he’d want me to do that. I turned my attention to Ree, pushing Jarak and his attitude away for the time being.

  Ree looked back at me. “Your parents sent Bry to find you because when you were born, Meadow stole you away.” I sat there as she told me how Meadow was supposed to take me to Victor, and how Bry was supposed to bring me home. I didn’t know what to believe. It was as if everything in my life unraveled all around me.

  I sank back into the couch. Trevor patted my hand in comfort, but it didn’t help. “Mi Dulce, sera bien.”

  “Why don’t you just say it in English? I have enough to worry about,” I spat at him as I stood up and stormed out of the room. I was frustrated and angry. Too many things had fallen on me in the past two days… in the last week for that matter.

  Memories

  – Arabeth –

  I sat on the edge of Meadow’s bed and watched her as she slept. All of the lies hurt, but deep down I knew there had to be a reason she kept the secrets from me. I watched her sleep and wondered if what Ree said were true. All my life I’d had dreams. Talking with a couple, laughing, telling them my fears and secrets. Could it have been real? Have I talked to my real parents in my sleep?

  A ragged intake of breath shook her frail body, distracting me from my thoughts. I held her hand, wishing there was another way to keep her alive. There had to be something. In a world where I’d learned magic and vampires existed, there must be another way. Besides, if she became a vampire, she wouldn’t actually be alive. Would she? I let myself drift off, thinking of a different time in life.

  Squawking birds circled over my head, the heat of the afternoon pelted down on my bare skin. I laid there and watched the blackbirds. The book I brought out to read rested next to me unopened.

  I wanted to escape into a world that was anywhere but there. Books were my distraction from reality. The dry grass poked at my arms and legs as if to tell
me to get off, but I never moved. I hoped the earth would suck me into the ground.

  A loud voice came from the house. I jumped up to my feet as quickly as I could find my balance and dashed into the house. Mom and Dad always argued. Why would today be any different?

  I entered through the kitchen sliding door. Standing there, I strained to listen. I could hear their muffled voices in the living room. I nudged myself closer so I could hear what they argued over. Every time they saw me, they would stop yelling, so I never knew what it was they were so mad about.

  My dad bellowed, “You can’t hide her forever! She should be with her mom. It’s unfair, what you’ve done.”

  “I have my orders, just like you. I can’t do that.”

  “What about her powers? You can’t conceal them forever. She is stronger than you are. Each year her powers grow. We can’t keep making excuses when she does something. The next time she might figure it out.”

  I pushed my ear up to the wall so I could hear better but stubbed my toe on the edge of the bar stool. “Ouch.” I tried to whisper as I grabbed my foot, hopping around on one leg.

  “Shh…” my dad whispered. He walked into the kitchen. “Ara, what are you doing? Are you okay?”He was always so protective over me.

  “Yeah, I just stubbed my toe coming in the house. Why are you guys arguing again?”

  “It’s not any of your business. Your mom and I just don’t always get along.”

  “I heard something about powers… what are you talking about?”

  “The power bill. Your dad forgot to pay it again.” My mom came and took my arm. “Come on. Let me look at your toe.”

  I shook my head. “No, it’s fine.

  A knock at the door brought me out of my memory. I glanced down at Meadow sleeping soundly before getting up to answer it.

  – Jarak –

  I can’t concentrate. What’s wrong with me? I beat myself up over Esmerelda. I never expected to feel connected to her as her Guardian. I paced the hallway outside her mom’s room. I couldn’t shake the memory of her wide eyes as what they told her sunk in. I’d known just about everything concerning her and wanted to tell her on the plane, but I was a fool.

  I wished I could go back in time and tell her everything. Running my hands through my hair, I let out a deep breath. I couldn’t believe the secret life she had to live.

  “I just hope she trusts me,” I whispered to myself. I stopped pacing and stood in front of the door.

  I reached up and knocked, pushing it open a crack. I wanted to make sure she was okay. Somewhere deep inside, I needed to know.

  She rose from the bed when I entered. “Hey, I just came to make sure you’re okay.” That was lame. I couldn’t believe I didn’t come up with anything better. Then again, why should I care? She stirred something inside of me, but I was still unsure what it was.

  I watched her expression go from worried to angry. I took a step backward. I knew there wasn’t anything worse than an angry woman. “You,” she hissed as she lowered her clenched fists. Yeah, she was mad. She had every right to be.

  I held my hands up in surrender. “Wait, I can explain.”

  “You knew—you all knew everything and yet no one told me anything! You let me walk in here blind.” She narrowed her eyes.

  “Esmerelda, I’m sorry. I promise.”

  She cocked her head, and her eyes lit up. “You keep calling me that, but I’m Arabeth. If I spell it out will you get it? A-R-A-B-E-T-H.”

  That wasn’t what I wanted. I looked away, what I was supposed to say. Before I glanced back her way, she sprang from her spot and pounded her fists on my chest. I stood there letting her take out her frustrations. It would take more than a few puny pummels to my torso to hurt me. It was the least I could do for her.

  Something about her persona drew me to her. A certain part of her that made me sympathize with her pain. I closed my eyes and pushed those uninvited feelings away. I didn’t have the luxury of having feelings for anyone else. Especially her. Being her Guardian was all I should focus on and nothing more.

  I raised my hand and caught her small wrist. Her eyes were wide as if they pleaded with me for answers. Her fists stayed clenched within my grip and her lips parted, trembling with unspoken words.

  My body relaxed, and I loosened the hold I had on her. “Esmerelda, I’m so sorry—for everything.”

  I couldn’t stop myself. I pulled her in close, wrapping my arms around her, all the while yelling at myself internally. Her small frame fit perfectly next to mine making me feel more confused.

  “I’m sorry,” she whimpered against my chest. “I’m just torn up inside, so much has happened. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”

  I rested my cheek on her head. “I know.” I would help her through this. I didn’t know how, but I would.

  Escaping With the Legend

  – Arabeth –

  October 8, 2012

  I knew Meadow’s life was near an end, but it was too hard watching her sleep knowing her fate, so I stayed downstairs most of the time. I knew deep down that she wasn’t my mom, but it brought an ache to my heart when I thought about it. I just couldn’t be with her right now.

  I snuggled deeper into the corner of the couch, flung a small square pillow over my lap and stared out the window to the pool. I came to appreciate the large house in a short period of time. My favorite part was the variety of colorful plants that filled the corners with their broad leaves. The room I was the most comfortable staying in was the living room. It was bright, with floor to ceiling windows. There was a fireplace tucked into the corner of the room with glass doors, allowing anyone that cared to watch, see the flames when lit.

  It also had a great view of the backyard. Roman-like pillars lined a walkway that led to the pool. At night it was gorgeous, with solar lights adorning the edges, giving a royal feeling to the whole place.

  I inhaled the sweet scent of maple and sugar. My stomach growled in anticipation. I hadn’t eaten since I arrived yesterday. Today was no different, but every time someone brought food to me, I would gag. I hated how Victor forced me to stay under the same roof as vampires. It was upsetting enough that Meadow would be one soon enough.

  I let the sun warm my skin as it shone through the windows. My shoulders slumped, and I wrapped my arms around my knees that I brought to my chest, curling in to a ball. I shouldn’t be enjoying the warmth of the sun. I didn’t feel I deserved it while Meadow lay at death’s cold feet. I couldn’t understand the hold up. Why hadn’t Ree and Trevor turned her before now? What were they waiting for? I just wanted it over with so I could go home.

  Looking around the room, I noticed a small picture that sat on the bookshelf on the far wall. Getting up, I snatched it and brought it back to the sofa with me, setting it on my lap.

  I gazed at the happy couple in the photograph, but flinched when I realized the woman in the picture was Meadow. Squinting, I stared at the man closer. I didn’t understand how it was Victor. What other secrets had they kept from me?

  They were so happy in the photograph. I stared down at the picture for what seemed like forever, focusing on their faces and how he held Meadow around the waist. How could that be if he’d just met her a year ago?

  Tears threatened to surface. “I wish I knew the truth,” I whispered to the picture. Somehow, I believe that it heard me.

  Looking up, my eyes adjusted to my surroundings, noticing that the sun began to set.

  I still fidgeted with the picture and the daydreams that accompanied it, staring off into a void. A shadow crossed my vision, interrupting my thoughts.

  “Hey,” I managed to murmur.

  “Did I scare you?” Jarak raised his eyebrows. “You seem tense.”

  “No, you didn’t,” I lied.

  His smile was wide. “Great. Come on, you haven’t eaten anything since coming here. Let’s go make something together because I’m starving.”

  My stomach growled again as a response and my cheeks wa
rmed in embarrassment. “Dinner sounds good.”

  Jarak held his hand out for me to take. I eagerly accepted. Somewhere in this house lurked vampires, and I wasn't too sure if I trusted them yet. In the living room, I considered myself safe because it was large and spacious with enough room to move around in. Even though they were faster than I was, it still gave me a sense of security amidst strange new surroundings.

  I watched Dracula for a project in high school. I didn’t care what Hollywood wanted us to believe. Vampires were not sparkly and clearly not meant to be trusted. It was hard enough to stay in the house without worrying if I would wake up to fangs in my neck. I shivered.

  Concern crossed Jarak’s face. “Are you cold?”

  I shook my head. Deep inside I knew I could trust him with my fears, but I was afraid of being wrong. The thought of Meadow wanting to become a vampire made my stomach roll again, and I suddenly lost all of my appetite. She might not be my biological mom, but she raised me, and that counted for something.

  I lagged behind, stopping us both. “I don’t think I’m hungry anymore.”

  He gave me a gentle smile. “I think I know what’s wrong.” He nodded his head toward the front door where we just passed. “Come on, let’s go. I have the same problem.”

  My eyes widened. “Go?” He was taking me somewhere?

  “Trust me.”

  There was that word as if it hung on a sign in front of my face. Trust. I released a loud breath, unsure of what to do.

  He tugged on my hand and pulled me to the door, then opened it for me. Ushering me outside quickly, as if we were two younger teens sneaking out of their parent’s house. The dusk air was still warm. I tried my best at a fearless smile, even though my heart raced inside.