4 Waxing & Waning (16 page)

I was woken up the next morning by a knock on my bedroom door. It was timid at first, but it grew incessantly louder the longer I ignored it.

“What?”

“There’s someone at the front door for you.” Tally peeked through the gap between the door and the wall uncertainly. “He says he’s your professor.”

Uh-oh.

“You didn’t let him in, did you?”

Tally shook her head. “No. It’s the weirdest thing. I tried to, but for some reason I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth. It’s strange. I must be really hung over or something. He’s standing on the front porch – and he looks pissed.”

I smirked. “Tell him I’ll be right there.”

I took my time going to the living room, not bothering to brush my teeth – or hair – and proudly flouncing to the front door in my Grinch sleep pants. When I finally opened the door and found Sam Blake standing on the front porch, I didn’t bother to hide my grin.

“Hey, professor,” I said. “What are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to you,” he said, his impatience evident. “Can I come in?”

I pushed opened the door and joined him on the front porch instead. We’d moved all of the files and the computer upstairs to Kelsey’s room the night before, thinking that was the best place to hide them, but I didn’t want to give Blake even a peek inside my inner sanctum.

“Good morning,” I said. “What are you doing here at the ass crack of dawn? Not that I’m not happy to see you.”

Blake was trying hard not to kill me right there. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m still terribly bloated,” I said. “My flow is so heavy I have to change my tampon every hour.” What? I want to bother him as much as I can. I probably wasn’t going to get another chance after this.

Blake grimaced. “Well, I hope you feel better soon.”

“It’s like a roller-coaster,” I said. “It just keeps coming back around. What really sucks is that we’re all on the same cycle in the house. It’s like walking into the gates of Hell right now.”

It was hard to tamp down the smile, but somehow I managed. Blake looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

“So, you were here all night last night?”

“Yeah,” I said. “My roommates and I watched a bunch of chick flicks and drank some wine. We needed a good cry.”

“And you didn’t leave?”

“Nope.”

“What if I told you someone broke into my office at the Academy and stole all of my files?”

“Holy crap!” Sometimes I think I missed my calling. I should have been an actress. “Was anyone hurt?”

“No one was hurt,” Blake said. “Someone broke into my office and stole a bunch of files – and my laptop.”

“Who do you think it was?” I forced my eyes wide. “Do you think it was a vampire?”

“Why would a vampire break into my office?”

“Well, you did wipe out that nest,” I said. “One of them got away, though. Maybe she wanted revenge.”

Blake faltered slightly. “How would the vampire know where my office was?”

“Maybe you have a mole,” I suggested. “Maybe the vampire glamoured someone to spy on you.”

“Glamoured?” Blake looked confused.

Good grief. These guys really were clueless.

“You know, hypnotized them,” I said. “That’s what vampires do.”

“Did you get that from another one of your television shows?”

“No,” I said. “Vampires glamour people so they can drink from them and get away unnoticed. Come on, you have to know that.”

“I … .”

“Maybe it was the wolves,” I said, not giving him time to think. “Maybe they know you’ve had us spying on them.”

“How would they figure that out?”

“Well, they can smell us,” I said. “I’ve been around a few of them. Maybe one of them caught my scent when you sent us in to steal the necklace.”

“What necklace?” Blake asked. He could never be an actor. He was just awful.

“Paul told me,” I said. “He said you were looking for a necklace.”

“Oh,” Blake said, resigned. “That was need-to-know information.”

“Paul thought I needed to know so I had an idea of what I was looking for,” I said. “I couldn’t really conduct a search if I didn’t know.”

“I hadn’t really thought of that.”

I wanted to smack him for some reason. “Or, maybe it was a witch,” I said, warming to the game. “Maybe it was Laura. Maybe she came back to town and she was looking for information to get her revenge.”

Blake scowled. “I don’t think it was Laura.”

“Why? Do you know where she is?”

“No.”

“Then how do you know it wasn’t Laura?”

“I don’t … it’s just … are you sure you weren’t at the Academy last night?”

“I’m sure,” I said. “I couldn’t have gone even if I wanted to.”

“Why not?”

“Someone stole my security pass.”

Blake arched an eyebrow. “That’s convenient.”

“I think it was this girl I have women’s fiction with.” I was definitely going for it now. “She smacked me a couple of times – she has issues – and I dropped my purse during the fight. I don’t know her last name, but her first name is Caitlyn. It’s the same girl you wanted me to investigate earlier this year. I haven’t been able to find out much about her – except she’s a bitch. I bet you could look it up in the registrar’s office.”

“Caitlyn?”

“Yeah. That’s the only time I could have lost it.”

Blake frowned. “You’re sure?”

“Yeah, why? Do you know her? Have you found something else out about her?”

“No,” Blake said hurriedly. “I had forgotten I even gave you that assignment. I just … well, you’ve given me some good leads.”

“I hope you catch the culprit.”

“Um, yeah. Until I do, I think it would be a good idea for you to steer clear of the Academy.”

I feigned disappointment. “Oh, well, if you think it’s best.”

“I’ll call you when it’s safe to return.”

“Oh, sure.”

I WAS
still standing on the front porch, watching Blake drive down the street, and hopefully out of my life, when Aric appeared on the front walk.

“Well, aren’t I the popular one this morning.”

“Did you break into the Academy and steal a bunch of stuff last night?” Aric wasn’t even bothering with moronic morning greetings.

“That’s a horrible thing to accuse me of.”

Aric stepped closer. “That’s not a denial.”

“It’s not,” I agreed.

Aric made a sound in the back of his throat, a cross between a gurgle and a growl. “What were you thinking?”

“I was thinking I needed to be done with them,” I said.

“You had to know you’d be the prime suspect,” he said. “You’re in danger now.”

“Probably.”

“Isn’t that what Blake was doing here?”

“Weren’t you watching from the bushes to make sure he didn’t hurt me?” I challenged.

Aric rubbed his stubbled chin. “Maybe.”

“You don’t have to worry,” I said. “Blake thinks it’s me, but I gave him another suspect. Several actually.”

“Who?”

“The vampire I let escape, for one.”

“And?”

“Laura.”

“What?”

“Hey, as far as he knows, Laura is alive,” I said. “I just pointed out that she could have returned to town with revenge on her mind.”

“Do you really think he’s going to believe that Laura, or this vampire, are valid suspects? You had to use your security pass to get in there. He knows it was you.”

“Yeah, I gave him a suspect for that, too.”

“Who?”

“I told him that someone stole my security pass,” I said. “I said it had to have happened when I got in a fight with a girl after my women’s fiction class.”

Aric opened his mouth to speak and then snapped it shut, considering. “You pointed the finger at Caitlyn,” he said finally.

“I did indeed.”

“What do you think you’re going to accomplish with that?”

“Well, for starters, it’s going to make him suspicious of his sister,” I said. “He may not fully believe it, but if she’s anything like him, he’s going to have to wonder if she’s playing both sides.”

“I hate to encourage your stupidity, but that was smart.”

“I’m always smart.”

“The Academy hit two vampire nests last night,” Aric said. “They took six different vamps out.”

“Dead?”

“We can’t be sure.”

“I knew they had two big missions,” I said.

“How did you get out of them?”

“Well, my terrible bloating and cramps had me down for the count.”

Aric smirked. “Only a woman could get away with that.”

“That’s why it’s a classic,” I agreed.

“You can’t go back to the Academy now,” Aric said. “No matter what.”

“Oh, I know. I don’t think you have to worry about it. Blake told me I should stay away for my own safety. He thinks it was me – but he can’t quite be sure now that I’ve planted the Caitlyn seed. He needs time to think.”

“And what do you need time for?”

“We have a butt load of information to go through,” I said. “It’s going to take time.”

“What does Rafael say?”

“Rafael is pissed,” I said. “He had Paris put wards on the house. Now, only people she, Kelsey, and I invite in can enter. That’s why Tally couldn’t let Blake in when he knocked.”

“You don’t think that’s suspicious?”

“I think Tally is vacuous,” I said. “Blake probably didn’t realize what was going on.”

Aric took another step closer. If he wanted to, he could reach out and touch me. He didn’t.

“I think what you did was stupid,” he said.

“Thanks.”

“I know why you did it.”

“I’m sure you think you do,” I said. “The reasons I did it were … numerous.”

“Was I at least a factor?” His face reflected hope.

I smiled, shooting him a small wink. “I guess you’ll have to wait and find out.”

I let myself back in the house, fighting the urge to cast a final glance over my shoulder. Always keep them wanting more. What? That’s sound advice.

The next few weeks were a comedy of errors – mostly on the part of the Academy. After the third stranger in as many days showed up – all on the arm of either Kristy or Tally – I was pretty sure I understood what was going on.

Each guy that just happened to stumble across one of my roommates in a public venue was just a little hotter, and just a little buffer than the previous one. Tally and Kristy were befuddled by their beauty, and subsequently conned by their charisma. When they got back to the house, though, they couldn’t invite them inside.

It was like a slapstick comedy every night.

Kelsey, Paris, and I had taken to sitting on the couch and watching the scenes play out on the front porch – taking odds on how long the Academy cadet would try and talk his way across the threshold.

“I like this one a lot,” Paris said. “He has good hair.”

It was early April, and it finally felt like spring was upon us. Tally was out on the front porch playing kissy-face with her most recent conquest.

“That’s Paul,” I said. “He’s a dick.”

“You know him?”

“I was partnered with him in training a few times,” I said. “Blake must be getting desperate if he’s resorted to sending people I know.”

“What’s his deal?” Kelsey asked, setting a bowl of popcorn on the couch and sliding in next to us.

“He’s a douche.”

“Can you be more expansive?”

“He kept calling me ma’am,” I said.

Paris snorted. “How obnoxious.”

“It was just his way of getting a dig in,” I said. “Once he knew it bothered me, he wouldn’t stop.”

“What did you do?”

“I started making up names for him,” I said. “Each one was more vulgar than the next. He tried to pretend it wasn’t happening at first – then he got really angry. It was pretty funny.”

“Why do you think they sent someone you know?” Kelsey asked.

“I’m guessing Blake thinks that it will be easier for a friendly face to get in,” I replied.

“Then why hasn’t he sent Mark?” Paris’ question was pointed – and spot on.

“That’s a really good question,” I said. “If anyone has a chance of getting in here, it’s Mark.”

“Maybe Mark doesn’t want to come because of Paris,” Kelsey suggested.

“That’s a possibility,” I agreed. “Maybe Blake asked Mark and he said no. Blake probably doesn’t want to press the situation – especially since Mark is his only true ally where we’re concerned – until he has absolutely no other choice.”

Paul, who looked like he was caught in a tarantula’s web, moved his gaze so it leveled on my face. I waved at him gaily.

“How many tongues do you think Tally has?” Kelsey asked.

“If Paul’s face is any indication, I’m guessing a good five or six,” Paris said, not bothering to hide her smile as she waved at Paul, too.

“You don’t even know him,” Kelsey said.

“That doesn’t mean it’s not fun to mess with him.”

Kelsey tilted her head from side to side, considering. “Oh, let me try.” She pressed her face against the window and stuck her tongue out, licking it against the glass.

Paris and I dissolved into giggles.

“Oh, what are you doing now?” Rafael had entered through the back door, ever silent as usual.

“We’re watching the newest Academy cadet try to get in through the front door,” I said.

Despite himself, Rafael seemed curious. He moved closer to us so he could look out the window. “Why was Kelsey licking the glass?”

“We’re just trying to see if we can agitate him,” I said.

“Is it working?”

“You’ve met me,” I said. “If I was trying to agitate you, and you had no choice but to stand there and take it, would it work on you?”

“Good point.”

“What’s going on?” I asked, shifting my attention to him.

“I can’t stay long,” he said. “I have someone to meet in a few minutes. I should have more answers then. I just wanted you to know that Blake is making it clear to the Academy members that you are now an enemy.”

“Is that a surprise?” Kelsey asked. “I thought we already knew that.”

“Blake was playing the game before,” Rafael said. “At least he was pretending to. He’s not bothering with it anymore.”

“Well, I kind of prefer it that way,” I said. “At least everyone knows where they stand.”

“Have you finished going through all of the files?”

“Yeah. We only found a handful of other documents that were of any interest to us. Although, I have to admit, when I read the file about Laura I wanted to laugh. He got more wrong than right.”

Rafael arched an eyebrow. “What did it say?”

“That she wasn’t a threat and that we chased her out of town,” I said. “Either he believes she really disappeared, or he thinks the wolves took her and are holding her.”

“What makes you say that?”

“He writes little journal entries,” I said. “They’re cute, like a teenage girl.”

Rafael shook his head. “Stay away from Blake, and burn any documents that aren’t important. We don’t want to be caught with them Wait until this fool is off the porch, and then do it all at once in the back. Try not to set the lawn on fire, but burn them good.” He glanced outside the window again. “And whatever happens, don’t let any of them in this house. I’ll be back with information when I can.” His eyes traveled to the front porch one more time. “It’s like she’s got four arms and eight tongues or something. How is he standing that?”

“HOW
long do you think he’s going to stay out there?”

The three of us had lost interest in messing with Paul and Tally an hour ago. Now we were watching an episode of
Criminal Minds
and gossiping.

“He’s got stamina,” I said. “I almost feel sorry for him.”

We’d gathered all of the documents as Rafael instructed, and they were sitting on the dining room table waiting for us to cart them outside. Until Paul left, we were stuck.

“I’m surprised he hasn’t just banged her right there,” Kelsey said. “All that foreplay has to be killing him. Even if he can’t stand her, her hands have been in his pants so many times he’s got to be in pain.”

“Maybe I should try and get rid of him?” I suggested.

“How are you going to do that?”

I shrugged. “Let’s find out.”

I climbed off the couch and moved to the front door, opening it. The smacking sound of lips pressed against each other assailed my ears, but I forced a bright smile on my face. “Hey, Tally, how long are you going to be out here?”

“What? Oh, I don’t know,” she said. “This is Paul, by the way.”

“We’ve met.”

“You have?”

“He’s an ass,” I said. “I was just thinking that you should probably come in. Don’t you have some big test you’re supposed to be studying for?”

“Why do you think he’s an ass?”

“Yeah, why is that, ma’am?” Paul’s face was drawn into some form of a grotesque smile.

“Well, blue balls,” I said, shooting him my own smile. “I’ve met you, so I know you’re an ass. I’ve seen proof.”

Tally frowned. “I was going to invite him in.”

“No, you weren’t,” I said.

“I keep trying,” she said. “I can’t get the words out. Can you do it for me?”

“Nope.”

“Why?”

“I don’t like him.”

“You haven’t liked any of the guys I’ve brought home over the past few weeks,” Tally said, pouting.

“Maybe you should take that as a lesson,” I said. “Come inside and study.”

“But … .”

“Now!”

Tally scrunched her face up like she was going to cry. “You don’t have to be so mean, girl.”

“Obviously I do.”

“What if she doesn’t want to go?” Paul challenged.

“No one is talking to you, rim job,” I said. “You can go.”

“What if I don’t want to go?”

“Then I’ll call the police and tell them you’re harassing me,” I said, reaching out and grabbing Tally’s arm. I jerked her into the house, her protests loud and pronounced. I could hear Kelsey and Paris trying to calm her inside, but I pushed their words out of my head and closed the door behind me, remaining on the porch with Paul. “Why don’t you and I have a little talk?”

“And what are we going to talk about?” Paul sneered.

“Don’t come back here,” I said. “Tell Blake to stop sending his little rats here. They’re not getting in. You’re never getting in.”

“You have no idea what you’ve done, do you?”

“I know exactly what I’ve done,” I said. “You have no idea what you’re talking about – and neither does Blake.”

“Oh, can I tell him that?”

“Please do. You can also tell him that I’m not playing his game anymore,” I said. “Tell him I know exactly what he is, and he’s never going to get what he wants from me. And, while you’re at it, tell him that he’s on my list.”

“You have a list? You think so much of yourself it’s sickening,” he said.

“And you all are at the top of my list,” I said. “Now go.”

“You can’t win this,” Paul said. “We’re stronger than you.”

I didn’t bother to swallow my laugh. “If that’s true, then why does Blake want me so badly?”

Paul’s face contorted.

“Think about that, skid mark,” I said. “And don’t come back here.”

When I got back inside the house, Tally was gone and only Kelsey and Paris remained.

Kelsey answered my unasked question. “She’s upstairs pouting.”

“Good. Let’s get the bonfire going.”

We carried everything into the small yard, positioning Kelsey at the fence gate to keep a lookout. Once the fire was going, we used sticks from one of the trees to push things around, making sure everything was roasted. Once we were satisfied, we gathered together to watch the last of it burn.

“I’ve been thinking,” Paris said. “I think we should destroy the amulet.”

“I was thinking about that, too,” I admitted. “We’re not sure what it does, but since only evil people seem to want it, I’d be happy ensuring that none of them get it.”

“It’s probably the safest thing,” Kelsey agreed. “It might be powerful, and in the right hands it could do some good.”

“We don’t know who could do good with it,” I said. “Let’s get rid of it. Can you do it, Paris?”

“Yeah,” she said. “I’ve been corresponding with my mom. She’s sending a box of supplies for us. It should arrive tomorrow. It will still take me two weeks to get everything ready.”

“At least it’s a plan.”

We stayed outside until the fire died, poking through the ash and making sure there was nothing there to betray us to Blake’s cadets should they try to search through the remnants.

“Is it wrong that I’m looking forward to taking them down?” Kelsey asked.

“If it is, then we’re all wrong together.”