The Secret of Strange Waters (The Light Keeper Series Book 2) (13 page)

“Your queen, huh?” I raised my brows. He nodded with a huge smile on his face. “So you’ll bow down to me, worship me, and do what I say?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Doesn’t he already do that?” Talon said, noting how pathetic he thought Owen to be with his tone. Owen gave him the finger.

“I don’t want to be worshipped. I want to be normal—non-glowing and normal,” I complained.

Talon’s face lit up with curiosity. “You wouldn’t have visions at all?”

“Well, that
is
normal for me, right? But given the choice, no I wouldn‘t.” I never felt completely normal, nor have I ever actually been. “It’s mainly the glowing I don’t like. Well, and the Shadows. Those can go away, too.”

Talon laughed and hugged me closer, but Owen shook his head. The conversation ended as Talon found another movie to watch.

* * *

I curled into bed early that night. Holly was not even home from watching TV with Hunter and Granny, but it was as if the activity from the past week was catching up with me; I couldn’t fight against it any longer. The nightlight shone bright, my little hummingbird forever hovering at the outlet on the wall by my door. Its green glow served as a reminder of what I must look like when I take the Waters and call my Light. He had no choice, either. Every night he was plugged in and forced to watch over me. My last thought before drifting to sleep was if he had the choice, would he fly away and never come back?

And suddenly I found myself waking in the dark, wondering if he did fly away. There were no Shadows in this pitch black, though, and before I could take comfort in that, I felt hands gripping me from behind. I screamed, thinking that Talon would run to my room to save me. He had to have heard me scream, but nothing followed except the memories of Alyssa’s visions: the freshly-dug grave, in which Alyssa, at least her physical self, would remain for all eternity, and the shadow of her killer standing over her. All of those thoughts raced through my mind like silent pictures as the hands still held me captive. I struggled to get away, seeing the images of the shadow man fade as I rose up higher and higher into the darkened sky. My body felt the pressure of the strong arms, holding me close, as if I were tied to a wall. And then I saw her: someone I had never seen before. In the darkness there was a scrawny grey woman, thinner than Granny. Her bright blue eyes came closer and closer as she screamed over and over, “He’s coming! He’s coming! He’s coming!” The hot, sickly breath from her puckered mouth felt steamy on my face as she screamed one last warning. “Trust no one!” I felt the hands gripping my arms pin me down, and I screamed.

“Whoa, wake up, Lily!” I opened my eyes to find Holly standing over me, gripping my arms, and shaking me awake, the screams still stinging my throat. Talon ran up behind her and put his hand over my mouth to shut me up. I was screaming loudly, not that I knew it; I was so terrified I could not stop, and so much fear gripped my mind that I couldn’t focus to hear it. Talon finally calmed me down.

“What was it, Lily? A vision? A nightmare? Talon rubbed my arms where Holly had been shaking me. She looked exhausted standing behind him, with terror in her eyes. “It’s okay, you’re awake now. You’re safe.”

Safe? Was I really? I thought back to the blue eyes and wrinkled mouth, and what she spoke from it. “He is coming,” I said. “Rex. He’s coming.” I shook my head trying to find my words. I was rambling, but the woman’s message was much too important to be lost with my terror.

“Who’s coming? What did you see, Lily?” Talon held me close as Holly finally spoke up.

“She was sleeping, not having a vision or anything. I got in from Hunter’s and was finishing up in the bathroom when I heard her. She screamed out in her sleep.” Holly sat on the foot of my bed.

“Yeah, I’m surprised she didn’t wake our parents. But they’re probably used to us making noise at strange hours.” Talon knelt on the floor at my bedside and held my hand. I was starting to catch my breath, though my heart rate was still through the roof.

“I saw a lady. She was thin and hunched over, had long, stringy white hair, a puckered face, and the most blue of all blue eyes. She was a Keeper. She had to be. She was so real. And these hands, they had me. They came in the darkness and grabbed and held me from behind. And she got right in my face screaming ‘He’s coming, he’s coming’ over and over.” I watched Talon’s brows lower and Holly cradled herself by holding her elbows. “She said, ‘Trust no one.’ She was warning me.” My chest heaved as I tried to catch my breath.

Talon rubbed my shoulder trying to calm me. “And you’ve never seen her before? Are you sure?” I nodded my responses to him, still seeing her face in my mind, looking for any sign of recognition. The only thing I knew for sure was she was a Keeper. Her eyes were too, too blue. “It’s just a dream, Lily. All of this stuff that’s happened lately is just getting to you. If someone was really coming, don’t you think they would have by now?”

“I saw some things, some memories of Alyssa’s death. I think she means Rex. And when she said to trust no one, that’s something Michael once told me. She said he’d come for me! It reminds me of the way Alyssa was afraid of Rex being some sort of—”

“That’s enough noise for one night.” Tom’s voice startled us at the door. We hadn’t heard him approaching, but perhaps that was deliberate. He never did ask why I was screaming, but Talon offered up an explanation.

“She had a bad dream.” He stood up, and Holly took her place on the inflatable. I sat up in bed.

“Sorry I woke you up.” I wondered how much he had heard. How long had he been listening at the door before he spoke? I thought back to the things I said; I didn’t think any of it would make sense to him. He had not been informed of anything and had no clue, though he was obviously upset I woke him up. He gave us all a tired look and turned to go back to bed without another word.

Talon waited for his dad to get back to his end of the house before giving me a kiss on the forehead. “Get some rest. That’s what you need and why everything is getting to you and messing with your mind. I’m sure it’s nothing. Your dreams are not the same as your visions, Lily. We’ll finish this up in the morning. Holly, come get me if anything happens.” She nodded and pulled the covers up to her neck, and stared at me with worry.

I was certain the dreams had meaning and that they were more important than Talon thought. Sure they weren’t the same as my visions, but sometimes there was just as much truth in them, as I’d learned in the past with Alyssa. I laid back and closed my eyes hoping that the woman would not return for the night.

MOST FRIDAYS
I WAS EAGER
to go to school and looked forward to the weekend, but not today. I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach that I couldn’t explain and it had nothing to do with the terrifying dream of the old woman. Well, maybe a little. I had another nagging issue: it had been a week since the attack on us, and not one word had been said from any of the guys responsible. I felt something was on the verge of eruption. I wasn’t wrong.

Maybe it was the echo of the empty halls that had me on edge. Talon and I walked into school alone since we left home long before my cousins. He had to turn in a paper that was due when he left early to pick up Tom. The student parking lot was almost empty, and it was strange seeing the normally busy halls dead as well.

He left me outside the classroom door while he went inside to talk to his teacher. I stood there reading a bulletin board about upcoming events, and was surprised to see a bright orange flyer that read:

GHOST ROAD TRAIL RIDE

Halloween Night

Bragg Road @ Saratoga entrance

9 p.m.

Bragg Road was a very popular place to go on Halloween night. It was one of the first unbelievable things I had ever learned about our road. Over-grown, secluded, and spooky, not to mention the sightings of the Light, it was perfect for Halloween.

As I stood there in the empty hall, scanning the other flyers and making a mental note to ask Hunter about the trail ride, someone pushed me from behind, sending me face-first into the board. I was pinned there for a moment, trying to catch my breath, when a familiar voice breathed down my neck.

“Hey, witch! You aren’t so tough when caught off guard, are you?” French’s voice was as slimy as he was. “That’s what I’m hoping. I’ve got plans for you. I bet the whole town would want to know what I know, and I‘m gonna show them.”

I was trembling with fear, and I couldn’t fight back at all since my last dose had worn off. Calling the Light was out, too, because someone might see, and I really didn’t want French to see it again. I was helpless. Suddenly I heard a strange, choking gasp, and the heavy arm that pinned me was suddenly gone.

Talon had French pressed up against the wall on the other side of the hall. His hand was tight around French’s throat. “You don’t
ever
touch her! I’ll kill you!” I grabbed his arm to pull him off. Talon’s teacher, Mrs. Wright, came out to see what all the fuss was about.

“Break it up, guys,” she said, trying to sound forceful, but I heard fear as her voice broke on her last word. “Talon, let him go or I’ll send you all to the office.”

Talon threw French to the floor. “You’re dead, Thomas! You and that witch girlfriend of yours!” French pushed past Mrs. Wright and took off in the other direction.

Talon took my arm and led me away to my locker in the junior hall. His eyes were like red hot flames of anger. “What did he say to you?” He pulled me in tight to his chest.

I was still shaken, with tears in my eyes. “He said he’s got plans for me, he’s gonna
expose
me! He thinks I’m a witch or something because of the Light!” Everything was too much: the Light, the Water, the glowing, the threat from my dream and now being attacked by French, as if one attack in a week wasn’t enough. I swallowed back the tears and refused to let them fall.

“SHH! It’s okay. He’ll never touch you again as long as I’m around, never. I’ll kill him first.” Talon scared me when he talked that way. He knew the weight of those words. “You can’t be alone. We’ll have to figure this out.” He took my books in one hand, wrapped the other around my waist, and led me to class. The halls were starting to awaken with students.

Owen could tell something was wrong the minute he saw me. He slid into his seat behind me and Holly threw me a strange look as she took her seat. “What’s wrong, you and lover boy fighting again?” Owen said, nudging my seat with his foot.

“No.” I glanced back at him. “French finally made his move.” It was all I could say with the other students around, and he and Holly would know exactly what I meant. Owen’s teeth clenched and his fist slammed against his desk, making Mrs. Brown call the class to order. Holly stared wide-eyed and straight ahead.

As soon as class was over, Owen pulled me into a corner, away from everyone else. Holly followed and acted as lookout so we could talk without eavesdroppers. “Tell me everything,” he demanded. I could see the anger bubbling inside him.

“Calm down! Promise me you won’t do or say anything to him at school!” I had to make sure he didn’t go flying off the handle. It would only make things worse with all the other students to witness.

“I promise,” he said, his eyes puffy red with anger. “Tell me!” His hand closed on my shoulder.

“He pushed me against a wall and threatened to expose me. He thinks I’m a witch! He’s got some sort of plan.” I tried to remember everything, but Owen’s expression was making me afraid. His eyes were burning red; if French were anywhere near, he’d be in a lot of pain.

“He pushed you against the wall?” He pulled me to him. It was very awkward, and I looked around to see what sort of reaction we were getting. Luckily no one cared about our drama.

I pulled away, “Yes, I’m okay, though. Talon grabbed him and got him off of me. He threw him against the wall and threatened to kill him if he touched me again.”

“Where was Talon, anyway? It should’ve never happened!” His anger was building again, not that it had ever subsided.

“He was in his classroom, turning in a paper. The halls were dead; no one was there.” I tried to defend Talon. It wasn’t his fault, but Owen had always been so over-protective, and Talon would never be good enough in his eyes.

* * *

At lunch, Owen sat at the usual empty seat next to me. Talon, as always, sat on my left. I could feel the emotions intensified around me, like I was in some sort of energy cage. It only got worse when French walked by and stared at us, his friends following close behind. Talon dropped his plastic fork and I grabbed his arm. I heard Owen’s chair leg scrape the floor, and I locked my arm with his, too. “Please don’t start anything here,” I begged. French and his friends were long gone when I finally let go.

“I swear I’m gonna kill that mother—” Talon began.

“No one is going to
kill
anyone!” I interrupted. “We need to figure out his plan. Ask around and see if he’s talking.”

About that time, Bobbie Watson came walking up to Owen. She’d been giving him the eye all week since he and Meagan broke up. “Hey Owen, you live out on Bragg Road, right?” She had one of the orange flyers and handed it to him. “My daddy’s feed store is hosting this trail ride on Halloween night. I wondered if you wanted to come.” We all looked away and got quiet, waiting on his response. “You’re all invited, of course,” she clarified. “Anyone can come, and lots of people from school will be there.”

I gave Owen a pressing look. Was he was still so wrapped up in my drama that he was gonna blow a date with Bobbie? “Sure, I’d love to go, I’ll call you later.” No sooner than he accepted the invitation, Meagan came strolling up.

“Owen, I need my
clothes
back from your house.” She turned her glance to Bobbie. “You’re wasting your time, girl. He’s infatuated with
this
little freak.” She pointed at me. Holly and I laughed at her gall. “They like to keep it in the family, if you know what I mean.” She looked at Owen, who was giving her the evil eye. “Have my things here Monday!”

“No problem, you don’t have to get all
pissy
about it!” Owen smirked, his eyes meeting hers dead on. Meagan turned green.

“She likes getting
pissy
,” Hunter added, giving her a smirk that surely warned he’d spread her tinkle time all over school. We couldn’t help but giggle. Meagan’s lip tightened.

“Monday, Owen. I want my stuff back or you’ll be sorry!” She tossed her hair and stormed off.

“Don’t mind her,” Bobbie said. “She’s mad because you dumped her. She’ll be fine next week. I hear Dodie Sheffield is taking her out this weekend.” We all looked at each other as Bobbie continued on about the latest dating gossip.
Dodie is French’s cousin.
Is Dodie taking Meagan out a coincidence?

Once she was gone, Hunter spoke up. “We better meet tonight at the shack after Holly and I have our date. We need a plan of our own.”

* * *

Later that night, Hunter and Holly returned to find Owen, Talon, and me on the back patio. Granny was watching a movie in the house and waiting up for them to get in.

Holly walked up to me and gave me a huge hug. “Thanks, Lily! You’re the best friend ever!” Talon and Owen looked lost until she held out her hand, exposing the ring and the purpose of the private dinner date.

Owen jumped out of his chair and grabbed her hand. “You didn’t!” He looked up to Hunter, awaiting a response.

“Yes, I did! And she said yes!” He smiled ear to ear.

“Congratulations.” Talon smiled awkwardly. “Man, you’re not even seventeen.”

“I know. It’s only a promise ring. Besides, I’ve always been early at everything. I guess this is no different,” he said.

“So, am I gonna be an uncle or something?” Owen was still trying to figure out why his brother would do such a thing. Holly wasn’t anyone he wanted for a sister-in-law.

“No!” Hunter smacked him in the arm. “We love each other, you punk! I don‘t ever want to be with anyone else, and neither does she.” He pulled Holly to him and kissed her forehead.

“Does Granny know?” His eyes widened when Hunter shook his head. “You better tell her, and fast!” He laughed. “Man, I’m glad I’m not you!” He looked at them both, and then shifted his eyes to me. “And you! Giving him the ring, she ain’t gonna like that!” He smiled. I hoped he was wrong. I wouldn’t want to be on Granny’s bad side.

“We’ll meet you at the shack!” Hunter said as he led Holly, the future Mrs. Riley, to tell Granny the good news.

Owen climbed on his four-wheeler, “Let’s go. I don’t want to be here when the fit hit’s the shan!” He started it up and waited as Talon and I climbed on the dirt bike.

I held onto Talon’s waist and laid my cheek on his back as we rode down the dark road. I heard Owen say something, and then his four-wheeler slowed down. Talon pulled up beside him. “What’s that?” Owen asked.

“It’s not the Light, that’s for sure,” Talon said. I peeked around him as he figured it out. “Car lights,” he announced.

“They’re really far out, probably just turned down the road. Let’s get to the shack and get the lights out.” Owen and Talon took off at top speed, leaving a trail of dust behind us. We reached the shack and cut our lights out, then waited in the dark, hoping the visitors would pass quickly.

“Don’t summon the Light, Lily, whatever you do. I’m right here, okay?” Talon patted my knee. He was assuring me that I was safe in the dark since he understood how much I was afraid of it. I’d have to control my instincts.

“They’re almost here.” Owen searched through the sparse trees at their headlights.

“They’re slowing down,” Talon said. “Let’s get behind the shack.” We hopped off the bikes so they could push them behind the shack to hide. Sure enough, a truck pulled in and stopped, and the headlights went out. The interior light came on, revealing a guy and girl inside.

Before I could whisper their names, Owen growled. “Meagan and Dodie! What‘d she bring him here for?”

“I bet I could guess,” Talon said. “Whoa!” He turned his head and pulled me to his chest. “You don’t wanna see that, Lily!” He held off laughter and kept his eyes locked to mine.

“I’ve seen it! Been there, done that,” Owen sneered. He glanced at me, and I gave him a disgusted look, only imagining what they’d been talking about. “Sorry.” He shrugged and looked to the ground.

I cleared my throat and smacked his arm. We sat there for about five minutes. Then we heard a truck door open. I peeked around the corner of the shack with the guys and watched as Meagan stepped out of the car, buttoning her top. Dodie was standing at the back of his truck, looking around toward the road. “So this is where they brought you before? And you saw the Bragg Light?” he called to her across the length of the truck.

“Yeah, right here! Owen swore it exists, and says he’s seen it several times.” She walked to him, and they started to kiss. After a few minutes of talking too low for us to hear, they got back in the truck and left.

“She brought him here to show him the shack. They
are
planning something.” I gripped Talon’s hand tight as a groan of defeat rose from my throat.

“Don’t worry Lily, we’ll take care of it,” Owen promised, as he pushed his four-wheeler out from behind the shack.

Talon mounted his bike and gave me a reassuring look. “I won’t let anything happen to you. If they want to expose you, they have to get to you first.” He moved up so I could climb on back.

I held on tight, not quite convinced. “We can’t stop them from coming down Bragg. It‘s a public place.” We crept out to the clearing where the truck had been.

“That’s it!” Owen stopped suddenly, and Talon did the same. “The trail ride! Halloween night! There will be a big crowd here.” We stared and waited for him to continue. “They want to expose Lily at the trail ride!” I’ve never been on a trail ride before, but from the sound of it, there would be a big crowd.

I rubbed my arms from the goose bumps that rose at the thought of all of those eyes glaring at me. “So, Dodie is using Meagan to find out about us.” This wasn’t good. Even if she didn’t know about my gift of the Light, since she was passed out the entire time, they had to have told her all about it, and she was helping them out by telling them all of our habits. In the distance, we could hear another four-wheeler.

Finally, Hunter and Holly pulled up, beaming. Granny had not killed the two of them after all.

“So how’d it go?” Owen asked, seeming disappointed by their smiles.

“She was happy for us, but we have to wait till we’re both eighteen.” Holly shrugged. “That was the plan all along. My parents would never sign for me to marry so young, and I’ll be eighteen after Hunter, so it works.” She was smiling ear to ear, more animated than usual as the excitement bubbled from her.