The Prophecy (22 page)

C
hapter Twenty-Six

So maybe that wasn't one of my best ideas, but it definitely wasn't the worst. So far. There was something extremely comfortable about being in Gabe's arms. While I didn't feel the uncontrollable urge to rub up against him like I did with Andrei, it was still nice.

I shook my head as I compared them. While Andrei seemed to have no problem navigating my wings, Gabe seemed to be smacked in the face at every turn. I would have laughed if not for his almost vulnerable appeal. Andrei was taller than Gabe, and while Gabe would be considered tall, dark, and handsome, Andrei exceeded it. I was comfortable with Gabe. He was safe. Andrei was a danger to me in the most primal way, maybe more than just primal.

I turned my thoughts away from the comparison and tried to make myself feel the music. I just couldn't seem to focus though. Jenni's icy glare probably had something to do with that. She had pushed Brandon away as soon as Gabe and I stepped onto the floor. She stood there, arms crossed, looking like she was preparing for battle. Did I mention it wasn't one of my best ideas? I could almost see her calculating how much force would be needed to strangle me with my own wings. I sighed, my night quickly going from bad to completely ruined.

I thanked my lucky stars as the song finally came to an end. I hoped to get out of dancing with Gabe unscathed, but by her continuous glare I knew I had just jumped into a heap of trouble. While we remained mostly silent during the dance, the walk off the floor was even more so. Gabe kept looking over to Jenni, a frown marring his face.

“Well looks like your girlfriend minded after all.”

He turned his eyes back to me, amusement filling them.
“I don't see why she would care though. She's danced with almost every guy here already and will probably make her second rounds soon.”

I could feel my anger brimming at that reminder. I didn't want Gabe, but I cared for him. Sure, he could be annoying at times, but he was really sweet beneath it all. Her abusing their relationship like that set off all of my moral alarms. I never understood girls like Jenni. She reminded me too much of Becca.

I shrugged, trying to seem like it was all inconsequential. “Well maybe you should go placate her. Get her to stop her glare of death.”

“
You worried?”

“
It may seem silly, but I am rather attached to my head. I'd hate to lose it.” His laughter warmed me, placating my temper until I looked over and found Jenni in the arms of yet another guy. “Or not. Looks like she's handling it all rather well.” I pointed to where Jenni was dry humping the guy on the dance floor. Gabe's frown returned and I almost felt bad about it. Almost.

He forced a smile my way, and that did make me feel bad. I didn't like to see him hurting. With a pat on the shoulder and a longing look, he walked away, heading toward Jenni.

I stared after him for a moment, then turned around, thoroughly done with this night. Rose and Brandon were off in a shadowy corner. Anyone who saw them would think they were in a passionate embrace. Luckily for me, I knew they weren't so had no qualms about interrupting them. “Can we go now?”

“
What? You're not having fun?” Brandon looked at me questioningly. I hated to be the party crasher, but I was done.

“
Look, it doesn't matter. If you guys want to stay longer, then go ahead. I'll just head home.”

“
Oh come on, it's not that bad here.”

I cast a glare at Rose.
“Whatever. I've just had all the fun I could handle tonight.” She sighed and started to gather her things. “No, you guys stay. Have
fun
.”

“
You sure?” Now Brandon looked concerned. Great.

“
Yup, I'll see you guys tomorrow anyways. We're doing the movie thing, right?”

“
And the graveyard.”

At Rose's reminder, a chill raced up my spine. I put a smile on my face and nodded.
“Of course. I'll see you guys tomorrow then.”

I dropped my smile as I turned around and began fleeing the gym. This wasn't a good night, but I had a feeling tomorrow would be even worse. I shook my head as I made my escape.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

I woke up with such a feeling of dread that I didn't even want to move from the bed. Unfortunately that didn't stop Rose and Brandon from ambushing into my room and scaring the hell out of me.

“
Jesus H!” I bolted upright as they pounced onto the bed.

“
Morning Sunshine!” I glared at Brandon's cheery smile, wishing they'd vanish. Rose rolled her eyes and held out a to-go cup of coffee. Being friends with someone whose mother owned a coffee shop definitely had its perks.

I grudgingly took it from her, the intensity of my glare diminishing some. I still wasn't completely happy, but the coffee helped.

“What time is it?” I asked between inhaling the God-like aroma of caffeine.

“
It's past five. You've been sleeping all day.”

I looked up, startled. I grabbed my phone and looked at the time in horror. She wasn't kidding. I rubbed my forehead, confused as to why I'd slept for so long. It's not like I did anything really tiresome lately. Jenni's face flashed quickly into my mind, reminding me that while I haven't done anything physical, my mind was still exhausted from the ordeal with her. I roughly shoved the thoughts of her almost drowning out of my mind. I couldn't handle it.

“I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

“
Really? Ya think?” Rose's eyebrow arched as her sarcasm snapped into place. I was glad to see that the event hadn't ruined her personality. Well, I was almost glad. She wasn't something you became used to easily. I was still tempted to fight her again from time to time.

I rolled my eyes at her and adjusted my pillows behind me.
“Yes, I do think. Ass. Anyways, what are the plans?”

Rose looked like she was about to jump in with another comment, but Brandon cut her off.
“Wait till you see what we brought!” I smirked at his enthusiasm, feeling my own excitement begin to rise. He shrugged off his backpack and began unloading a heap of movies. My excitement faded fast as I read the titles upside down.

“
Ugh, you can't be serious!”

“
What? I thought you liked scary movies? And besides, this
is
Halloween after all. What we're you expecting?”

I knew we're supposed to have a scary movie night, but I didn't expect to see
those
particular movies. I looked from Brandon's confused face into Rose's smirking one. 

“
Seriously, Rose?”

Her smirk broadened.
“What? They're good.”

“
Okay, obviously I'm missing something. What's going on?” Brandon looked between her and me, waiting for an explanation.

“
All the movies she picked out were based here. In Virginia.” I looked at him expectantly, waiting for the obvious to hit. He only looked confused.

“
So?”

“
God! So here I am, in Virginia. Surrounded by woods and about to go traipsing to a graveyard
after
watching movies about serial killers and mutant freaks, which are based
in Virginia!
” I watched as the light finally went on in his head.

“
Oh.”

“
Yeah.”

“
But little Star, you said you
loved
horror. I figured you'd appreciate the extra boost in your terror.” I didn't think I've ever wanted to hit her so badly, and the darkness wasn't even rearing its ugly head. It was all me.

“
You know damn well I'm a masochist like that.” 

“
Then you should be even more grateful.”

I thought about throwing my coffee into her face, but restrained myself. This was Rose, I reminded myself. She takes pleasure in torturing people. And besides, I love coffee. It would be like blasphemy.

“Whatever. So are we going to order a pizza or anything? Did you guys bring junk food?”

Brandon began digging again and produced an array of chocolate and candy from his bag. I felt my irritation dim as he tossed some of my favorites to me. I couldn't watch a movie without Junior Mints. I don't know why, but it's always been that way. I smiled my thanks and got up from the bed, taking my coffee with me.

They went to talk to my mom while I hopped in the shower. I needed some time to stock up on my courage. This whole thing seemed odd. Sure, I've heard lore and supposed history of places, but this was the first time I'd actually experience it for myself. The logical part of me knew that it was nothing but a story. While my brain told me those were rational thoughts, a core part of me thought that maybe it wouldn't be so odd. After all, I did have Sarah's journal. That wasn't supposed to be possible, yet there I was, holding a rather out there piece of witchy history. I didn't know how much more my brain could handle.

We ordered a pizza and went back downstairs to start prepping the movie marathon. Rose seemed to be more testy than usual. And by more I meant she had her full bitch mode on. I didn't know what was wrong with her, but she was taking extra perverse pleasure in torturing me tonight. I snapped out of my thoughts as a loud rapping came from the door. We all looked at each other and I sighed when I realized I'd be the one that would go answer it. It was my room, after all, but I was on edge. Uncomfortable. Becoming afraid. The darkness still hadn't made its appearance yet. I think that was what scared me the most. It was the only constant in my life lately, and yet it was still missing. I didn't know how strong it would be when it came back again.

I opened the door tentatively, chastising myself for thinking that a dude with a machete would be behind it. We hadn't even started the movies, yet I was already paranoid.

“
What are you doing here?” Shock coursed through me as I stared into Andrei's hauntingly beautiful face. For a moment, I forgot to breath. Feeling light headed, I exhaled a gust of air, feeling my face warm quickly with a flush of desire. I didn't need this tonight, I didn't need it at all.

“
Rose mentioned the other night that everyone was hanging here. Figured I'd stop by for a bit.”

I glanced back at Rose, seeing her looking incredibly pleased with herself. I gave her a 'wtf' look, but she just shrugged and got more comfortable on the couch. I cast my glance toward Brandon, but he looked as flabbergasted as I was.

“So, are you going to let me in?” He leaned against the door frame, his ebony hair hanging precariously in his face. I felt the urge to run my fingers through it. I snapped out of my trance and moved to the side, not saying a word as I waved him in. I didn't trust my voice.

“
Hey Andrei. Glad you could make it.” I shot Rose a glare from behind Andrei's back. Her smile grew even bigger.

“
I couldn't refuse the invitation. What are we going to watch?” He sat down at the edge of the couch, leaving the only space for me to sit between him and Rose. Everyone looked at me expectantly, knowing I had nowhere else to sit. Sure I could sit on the floor, but the thought of sitting within shadows while watching horror movies sent a wave of fear coursing through me. I didn't need any more stress added to the night.

I mentally groaned and started to move away from the door, only to stop short as another knock came. I looked at Rose suspiciously, but she looked just as confused as I was. I turned back around and opened the door only to find Gabe standing there, pizza boxes in hand. I was tempted to slam the door in his face.

“Hey.” His smile warmed some of the cold anger from me. I leaned against the frame and sent a weak smile in return.

“
Hey yourself. You helping out again?”

“
Obviously.” His laugh caused my smile to widen.

“
Well come on in. I'll run upstairs and get the money.”

“
You having a party?” He gestured to where everyone was sitting on the couch. I looked over and was shocked to see a trace of anger marring Andrei's face. I'd have to wonder about that later.

“
No, just a movie night.”

“
Too bad I'm working. I could have joined in on the fun.” The thought of Gabe joining our little group sent a shot of dread through me. I pasted on a smile and closed the door behind him.

“
Yeah, too bad. Maybe next time.” I dashed upstairs to grab the money that was waiting on the hall table. I returned downstairs and noticed that Andrei still hadn't lost the edge on anger in his eyes. Rose looked like she was eating up the display of testosterone as Gabe and Andrei sized each other up.

“
Here you go.” I practically shoved the money at him in the hopes of breaking up their stare down.

He looked startled for a moment, but took the money and handed me the pizza boxes. His eyes switched between me and Andrei, looking like he was trying to piece something together.

“Thanks. Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” He looked pleadingly at me. I felt a migraine coming on. This was supposed to be a fun night.

“
Sure.” I cast a glance at everyone on the couch. “I'll be right back.” Brandon looked rather calm now about it all. Rose looked highly amused and Andrei looked irritated. I rolled my eyes and followed Gabe outside.

“
What's up?” I asked as I closed the door behind me. He abruptly turned around, causing me to step back. I hated when people did that.

“
We're friends, right?”

I raised my eyebrow.
“Yes?”

“
Okay, well I don't like you hanging out with Andrei.” I stared at him, waiting for him to elaborate. He remained silent with a stern look on his face. It didn't suit him at all.

“
Why?”

That seemed to fluster him. I don't think he was used to anyone asking for a reason. Probably because the herds of girls who threw themselves at him didn't have an original thought in their heads.

“Well, I just don't like him. He's different.”

“
While I appreciate your concern, there's really no need to worry.”

“
There isn't?”

“
No.”

That seemed to fluster him even more.
“Don't you like him?”

His question shocked me for a moment. Did I like Andrei? There was an intensity about him that drew me in, that was for sure. And I had that unreasonable hormone issue every time he was near. But did I like him personally? More than a friend? Hormone issue aside, I honestly didn't know. I didn't want to know.

“No, we're just friends. Just like you and me.”

That seemed to deflate him a bit.
“Oh, okay. Well, I guess I better get going.”

“
That's all you wanted to talk to me about?”

“
Yeah, pretty much.” With a weak smile he walked away. I stood there for a moment, my mind going over everything.

“
This day just keeps getting better and better.” I sighed and ran my hands through my hair then headed back inside.

“
So what did Prince Charming want?”

I stopped short right inside the door at the sound of Andrei's voice. Rose and Brandon we're having a quiet conversation, leaving me to Andrei's interrogation. What was with guys today?

“Not much, just warning me away from you.” I snapped back, my defenses rearing their angry head.

His anger defused.
“Oh really? Are you going to listen to him?” The way he looked at me made me want to lash out. With my body. On his. I shook my head and walked around him, wanting this night to be over already. 

“
I don't see why I should. We're just friends.” I've been saying that a lot lately.

He followed behind me and sat down next to me on the couch, closer than I liked. Well, I did like it, I just didn't want it. There I go lying to myself again.

“You sure about that?”

I looked up at him.
“Yes. Why? Is there something we're supposed to be?” I wanted to slap my hand over my mouth. Baiting and flirting with him wasn't something my rational mind told me to do.