Destiny Disrupted (15 page)

While I ate breakfast with Ariana, my poor brain was still having a hard time processing everything Trent had implied the other night. And even after that ugly fight I’d had with Trent, I still wanted to help him suppress the
Darkness
before it permanently changed him.

That darker power could already be influencing him and making him say dumb things that made no sense. Like hinting that my mom had something to do with Sutton’s disappearance. And claiming that not all demons were bloodthirsty killers. Some types, like the shades, were harmless or could be domesticated, but that had to be rare cases.

I took a bite of my bagel, swallowed, and said, “This is gonna sound super crazy, but Trent thinks my mom offered up my sister to Esael.”

“Why the heck would she do that? I thought she was totally anti-black magick,” Ariana said, gulping a glass of orange juice.

“I did too, but now I’m feeling all confused. It
is
a strange coincidence when you think about it.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin. “Trent was also trying to convince me that not all demons are vile scumbags. And that I shouldn’t trust Raze.”

She put her glass in the dishwasher. “We don’t know too much about Raze, so he could be right about that. But demons not being evil? Now that I don’t believe.”

“I know, right?”

“Are you going to talk to your mom about it? Ask her if it’s true?”

“Not yet. Accusing her of murdering my sister on top of everything else going on might just send her back to the mental ward. She’s got enough worries just trying to figure out who’s using her coven for target practice. And if I’m wrong, I’ll feel like crap for bringing it up…” I sighed. “Enough about me. How are you dealing with all your family drama?”

“My brain is still trying to get a grip on the fact that I’m half Fae and part witch with pending superpowers. I checked out some books from the library, but I haven’t had a chance to read them all yet.”

“Your Fae half explains this cool sparkly glow your skin has always had.” She smiled at that, and I continued, “Have you noticed any more weird paranormal activity lately?”

“Nope. But I’ll keep you posted.”

I threw my half-eaten bagel and napkin in the trash. “We’d better go.”

At school, my morning classes passed in a blur. My craptastic mood only got worse by lunchtime. In the cafeteria, it seemed the Trendies had drafted more recruits into their evil crew: Megan Halliwell, Chantel Boyd, and Amanda Rourke, all daughters of witches in the Blood Rose Circle.

I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. Or if they would soon be targets for the demons going after the thirteen families again.

At the Trendies’ usual table, the girls were animatedly talking as they leaned over an open leather-bound book. I tried to get a peek at the text as I strolled by, but Elesha spotted me and moved her body to block my view. But I caught a glimpse of a chicken foot sticking out of a black bag before Elesha shoved it inside and closed the small purse.

Sitting across from Brittany, I dropped my brown paper sack on the table. The Tiger’s eye warmed against my skin and gleamed in the overhead lights. “Hey.”

She scowled at the Trendies. “I wonder what those skanks are up to now. They’ve been glaring at me for the last ten minutes.”

“And you’ve just been allowing it?” I teased.

Her eyes flared. “As if. I’ll figure out whatever they’re plotting. Their always stirring up some type of cliquish drama-trauma.”

“They’re the least of our problems.”

“You’re right,” Brittany said, sitting in her usual spot at our table, facing the doors so she could see everyone coming and going. “I’m glad my mom’s in Florida visiting my grandparents. She’ll be safer there. Any clues as to who’s killing the adult witches?”

“Demonic hitmen.” My heart panged with some unidentifiable emotion and I touched the gemstone again. “I ran into one who was attacking a witch, but I got there in time to stop him.”

“We’ll bust the evil bastards that are doing this and vanquish their sorry asses.” Brittany flicked her napkin into her lap, then lifted her bottle of sparkling water. “How is Ariana holding up?”

I opened my sack and took out my can of soda and turkey sandwich on wheat. “Better than I expected. I mean, she wasn’t super close to her aunt or anything, but she was the only family Ari had left. Well, except a couple of distant cousins in Texas that’s she never met.”

“It must suck, but at least she has friends that care about her.” Brittany rested both elbows on the table. “We’re like her family now.”

Ariana and Daniel strolled over to our table and took seats on the bench beside Brittany, forcing her to scoot down. Brittany shot me a warning look, clearly telling me to keep my mouth shut, as if I needed to be told. I didn’t want to upset Ariana by bringing up her dead aunt.

“Check it out.” Daniel jerked his chin toward the double doors where Heather and Carter stood surveying the others students like hawks viewing prey. My blood turned cold. Carter was talking to Heather, who shook her chestnut waves back and gave him a thin-lipped smile.

“Any idea what Heather’s up to?” I asked under my breath.

“I know.”

A chill zipped down my back as Elesha Walker leaned toward me from behind. She rested one brown hand on the table. From the corner of my eye, I caught Carter scrutinizing us. He had an eager look on his scarred face, like he was anticipating a catfight. Jerk.

This was popular girl warfare now, nothing supernatural, so I let Brittany handle it.

“Mind your own damn business, Elesha,” Brittany snapped.

Elesha straightened and glowered. Lifting her chin haughtily, she addressed the entire table like a girl about to drop a serious gossip bomb. “Heather wants to start an exclusive afterschool club,” she said snidely. “A Wiccan group.”

I almost spit soda across the table. “Wha-huh?”

Brittany eyed the taller girl. “And?”

“Well, Heather has created a list of requirements for admission like a sorority to get into the
Wicca Girls Club
.” Elesha turned and looked me in the eye. “But, you, Shiloh, won’t be getting in,” she said, staring me down.

As if I wanted to join their lame club! But since when were the Trendies interested in witchcraft? Many people imagined dark images of spell casting or blood rituals. What most people didn’t realize was that much of Wiccan faith centered on a relationship with Mother Nature and your own spirituality. I practiced Christian Witchery, a mix of Christianity and Wicca. I bet these girls had no idea what they were doing. Definitely dangerous.

“In fact, none of you will be eligible to get in,” Elesha added.

Ariana rolled her eyes. “Like we care.”

“Yeah, you dumb bitches will just wind up getting burned at the stake.” Brittany flicked a scathing glance at Elesha. “And you’re just a creepy Stepford chick, messing with magick instead of dealing with all your own insecurity issues.”

Elesha’s cruel brown gaze slid over us, before she slowly, wickedly smiled. A flicker of black magick, spinning in colors of amethyst and licorice, swirled around us like a gust of wind. The table jerked and wobbled on its four legs. Soda from an open can sloshed liquid onto the wooden surface and food trays slid back and forth. Daniel and I grabbed the edges to steady it.

“Later, rejects!” Elesha turned on her heel and strode off.

My eyes met Brittany’s across the table. Her face turned so red I expected steam to pour off her skin.

“Did she just use magick?” she asked.

I sucked in a deep breath. At first, I couldn’t respond. The lump in my throat was too constricting to allow me to speak.

“Yeah, I think she did,” Ariana muttered.

“This. Cannot. Be happening,” Brittany said. “Heather running a Wiccan club?”

“It’s much worse than that,” I said. “She’s practicing the dark arts.”

“How can you tell?” Brittany asked.

I took a sip of soda before answering. “I noticed black magicks surrounding Elesha right before the table started shaking,
and
when I passed her earlier, I saw a chicken foot sticking out of a bag, which brings up an important question…are they practicing Wicca or some type of voodoo?”

Trent appeared, both hands tucked into the pockets of his designer jeans. He wore an unzipped leather jacket over a black V-neck shirt and low-slung jeans. “Hey,” he said tentatively. “What was that all about?”

“Oh, just Elesha and Heather thinking they can be like us and form their own coven,” Ariana said.

Daniel leaned forward. “That’s the last thing we need in Fallen Oaks, more evil witches.”

“You got that right,” Brittany said, lifting her long black hair over her shoulders. “I’ll get to the bottom of this. There’s no way I’m letting Heather Keyes start a Wicca group on
my
campus.”

“I agree,” I said. “I’m starting to hate Heather with the fire of a thousand suns.”

“How is this even possible?” Ariana asked.

“They’re natural witches,” I said. “White, or possibly black, magick runs through their veins. And I’m not talking about a Goth wannabe or a simple spell caster. Those girls might have real supernatural power.”

“No interest in rejoining the Trendies?” Ari asked Brittany.

She smiled. “Don’t worry, girls. I’ve decided to make it my mission to crush their hopes and dreams. And any witchy business they might be up to. We don’t need those hateful girls creating more drama at school.”

I frowned. “That’s true, but—”

“No ‘buts’. We should be willing to do whatever it takes to stop their evil plotting,” Brittany said firmly.

Trent leaned over my chair. “Can we talk?” Everyone stared at us, and he lowered his voice. “Alone?”

“Um, okay.”

I followed him out into the quad. He seemed miserable. Faint shadows had bloomed under his eyes, his hair was a mess, wavier than normal, and his clothes wrinkled.

“I’m sorry about ruining dinner. Sorry about the things I said. It was rude and insensitive—”

“Yeah, it kinda was. How could you think my mom would do that to my sister?”

He grasped my fingers, rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand. “Simple. I’m not as trusting as you are, Shiloh.” Trent pulled away, his expression tortured. “Forgive me?”

My shoulders relaxed at the remorse in his tone. “Yeah…I shouldn’t have gotten so mad. You brought up some stuff that I-I never really considered before, and I guess it wasn’t fair to take my anger out on you.”

His eyebrows pulled inward. “I really am sorry, Shiloh. I was being a tool.”

“It’s okay. Let’s just drop it. Where were you earlier?” I asked.

“I would’ve told you this morning, but we were fighting. I had to meet with a friend.”

“Who? Someone from your old prep school?” I asked.

He turned away. “No…a new friend who is helping me with something.”

I leaned into his shoulder. “With what?”

He changed the subject, avoiding my questions again. “Do you still want to have our date night?” Trent gently brushed hair from my forehead and those amazing green eyes captured mine. “I’ll understand if you want to postpone it.”

I hesitated for a moment. I really wanted to focus on helping Trent save his soul and stopping the Evil Triad, but the beseeching look on Trent’s face said he needed my attention, too. It was obvious he was going through something hard, maybe even fighting his own inner-demons—pun intended—and I wanted to be there for him.

I kissed his cheek. “I can take a few hours off from my supernatural duties to hang out with my boyfriend.”

His shoulders relaxed. “Great. Let’s head back inside and join the others.”

We’d only been seated a few seconds before a shadow fell over the table.

“Hello everyone,” Raze said, and I twisted in my seat to face him. Unnaturally, striking violet eyes met mine. “Shiloh, we need to talk.”

Sitting back, I peeked over at Trent. His grip tightened on his water bottle and his neck muscles bunched up.

“Well, hello right back at ya,” Brittany said, straightening in her seat and pushing out her chest. Not that there was much to see because she was so dang thin. “Where’d you come from, gorgeous?”

Good question. Raze shouldn’t be here. At my school. In the cafeteria with my friends. It was beyond weird.

Except he was, and I couldn’t just pretend Raze wasn’t there. When I turned to glance up at his handsome face, my skin flushed. He wore a long black duster over a white V-neck shirt with ratty jeans and scuffed combat boots. No sign of his wings. Raze must’ve been using a glamour spell to conceal them under his long coat.

Raze grinned at Brittany, then gazed down at me. “The last time we hung out you were ill, Shiloh. It seems you’re much, much better now. And looking all light and vivacious.”

My heart stopped beating. This wasn’t happening. I hadn’t found the right time to tell Trent about being cured of the
Darkness
yet. And for some odd reason, I suspected Raze knew that. Sly bastard.

“You better tell Trent before he does,” Ariana whispered in my ear. “Or the shit is gonna hit the fan.”

Raze leaned over, placing his palms on the table between Trent and me on purpose, smelling of some sweet, decadent dessert. “I’ve been thinking about you all week.”

Six feet of half-demon stiffened beside me. Oh, fudge. Every muscle in Trent’s body was locked tight. His hands curled into fists and his hard stare flickered all black. Ariana sounded like she’d choked on her potato chip. Brittany sat back and folded her arms over her chest with a deep frown. Daniel’s gaze shifted from Trent, his best friend, then back to Raze.

“Back the hell off,” Trent warned.

Daniel pushed back his chair as if he was ready to backup Trent in a jealous smackdown with the immortal right here in the caf. I froze up, as if I couldn’t move or speak or react.

Raze slowly straightened and crossed his arms, but stayed behind my chair.

“Shiloh?” Ariana touched my arm. “You’re starting to freak me out. Are you okay?”

Raze nudged me with his leg and I nearly jumped out of my skin. “Can we talk in private?” He ignored Trent and everyone else at the table.

The entire room blurred. My stomach tumbled. I couldn’t do this—sit here between Raze and Trent—and have a normal conversation.

I peered up at the immortal. “Um, yeah, okay.” I reached past Raze and squeezed Trent’s arm. “I’m going to find out what he wants. It might be about the witch murders or the Triad.”

Trent’s stare was cold as a shark’s when his head turned in my direction. “No.”

“
No?
” My cheeks flushed and heated my chest. “You’re my boyfriend—
not
my boss.”

Trent leaned in close, his lips brushing my ear. “I’ll kill him if he touches you.”

I had to get Raze out of here and fast. If Trent’s temper flared, these two would only end up brawling.

“Relax. I’ll be right back.” I stood and hurried across the room.

“Shiloh!” Trent called. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Dude, chill. Let them talk,” Daniel said.

The double-doors slammed behind me with a bang. Speed-walking down the corridor, I paused by the girls’ locker room until Raze walked into the hallway. I motioned him inside so we could talk in private, and the lingering scent of hairspray and disinfectant assaulted my nose. I stopped between the dull beige lockers and waited.

Raze entered and stood a few feet away from me with his hands folded in front of him. “I suppose the girls’ locker room will do for our little chat.”

My pulse sprinted. “What do you want, Raze? What’s so important that you had to show up at my school, interrupt my lunch, and piss off my boyfriend?”

“
Boyfriend
,” Raze said the word like he’d tasted something foul. “You’re cured now. Why are you still consorting with evil?”

My face grew hot. “I’m not! What are you talking about?”

“Demon Boy. He’s not who you think he is…you’re playing with fire, Shiloh.”

“And you’re a better choice for me?” I snarked.

“Since you brought it up—”

“Just stop! I
love
Trent. He’s not evil. He has a human side and I can help him.”

“It might be too late.”

“Why would you say that?” I lifted a string on my hoodie and stuck it in my mouth, chewing on the plastic end.

“I’ve been hearing things. Gossip from certain demonic circles.”

“Why should I believe rumors that are spread by demons?”

“Because we both know demons never lie.”

My heart twitched. “So what did you hear?”

“It would be better if you saw for yourself what Demon Boy has been up to. I’ll text you once the details are confirmed and we’ll go together. Can I see your phone, please?”

I pulled my cell from my pocket and handed it to him. “Why don’t you just tell me?”

He punched in his number with an arrogant smile. “It’s something you need to see with your own eyes, Shiloh. I promise, it’ll be worth your time to check it out.”

“Fine. But I’ll meet you there.”

He gave me back the phone. “Flying would be much faster.”

“No thanks. I get vertigo from high places and I’m pretty sure flying over the city won’t help.”

“A brave witch like you? Afraid of flying? I thought you were all about facing your fears.”

“
I am
. On the ground.” I moved away from him, my backside colliding into the cold metal lockers, where a smiley face had been drawn in black ink. My gaze darted to the door. “Is there anything else you need to tell me?”

Raze shrugged. “I might know something about the recent deaths.”

“Like who’s killing the witches?”

“Only more rumors. Nothing concrete. Would you like me to do some digging?”

“Uh, yeah. That would be great. I don’t even know where to start.”

“We could interrogate the Triad.”

“Together?” I shook my head. “I’ve already got a couple of friends who can help me do that.”

“Ah, yes…a bunch of demon hunting teenagers. A lycan, the cambion, a zombie ex-cheerleader, and two human girls. Although, I suspect one is some rare breed of paranormal.”

“Which one?” I asked, playing dumb.

“The pretty blond girl.”

“Ariana? Her mom was a witch.”

“No. It’s not a witch’s essence I sense, but the impression of a very old and powerful race of immortals. Does she not know anything about her heritage?”

My heartbeat sped up. Could other paranormals zone in on Ariana’s powers now, too? If that was the case, she needed to get in touch with her inner-witch to protect herself.

“She
is
different,” I replied. “But that’s all I’m gonna say.”

“Whatever your friend is, she can’t help you against the Triad or a demon army.”

“My friends are stronger than you think.” I bristled. “We’re a team.”

He nodded and several locks of black hair tumbled over one eye. “Let’s cut the crap, Shiloh. None of you are ready to take on the Nocturne. The Blood Rose Circle is being picked off one-by-one, so they can’t help you now. And the football team of lycans?” He shook his head. “Not enough of them to do much damage, and they haven’t been properly trained to fight.”

“So what? That leaves you and the Forsaken?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Precisely. Too bad there are so few of us left. Only two hundred at most. Malphas is out scouting for others, although they may not join our ranks.”

I slumped against a locker. “Trent said a war was coming. Is it true?”

Raze glanced at the ceiling, sighing again. “It is inevitable. Especially now.”

“Why? Has something happened?”

“Soon all shall be revealed,” he said cryptically. “Has Demon Boy been branded?”

“What does that mean?” I frowned. “He’s doesn’t have any scars like mine.”

Without warning, Raze moved lightning quick in front of me and gripped my waist, boxing me in. I put my hands on his chest and tried to shove him off, but it was like trying to push a marble statue. He leaned in close, and lifted one of his arms, his fingertips caressing the scar on my forearm. His light touch warmed me all over, and had my whole body reacting.

“You shouldn’t be with Demon Boy. A relationship with a cambion is forbidden for a White Witch. Besides, you need a real man by your side to fight with. You strike me as someone who’s full of passion and desire,” Raze said. He lifted my chin, and his cool breath fanned my parted lips. “My essence, my blood has transformed you, and we are linked now. If you ever need me, you only have to call out my name and I’ll come.” Raze slid his hand up to my nape, his thumb stroking the hollow of my throat. “I want to taste you.”

Holy hell. Was he going to kiss me? Was I about to let him?

“Shiloh.” His mouth barely caressed mine, and a wild yearning skyrocketed through me. His scent enveloped me again like a craving for an irresistible, forbidden chocolate.

No...I love Trent...I don’t want Raze....

However, my body was pressing against him, my hand reaching up to stroke his jaw, running a hand through his hair. One of his arms slipped around my back, and he lowered his head, his mouth inches from mine. I wanted to kick myself for experiencing a sizzling thrill upon imagining what kissing Raze might be like.

“You need more light in your life, Shiloh,” he murmured against my mouth. “Not so much darkness.”

“Please, Raze...” I whispered, unsure if it was a plea or a protest.

“You belong with me now.”

My body leaned in closer to his as if a powerful magnet drew us together. The sensation compelled me to pursue our unreal connection, like a magickal pull from somewhere deep inside me. The earlier fervent thrill lingered in my blood, warming my skin. I gazed into those amazing violet eyes. I didn’t want this. I couldn’t betray Trent with an immortal. He needed me more than Raze ever would.

“Forget Demon Boy,” Raze said softly. “He will only break your heart—”

“Stop!” I snapped out of the weird, lusty trance and stumbled backward. It wasn’t like me to act so slutty.

Raze wore a strange little smile. “Stop what?”

The bell rang, startling me.

“We can continue this another time.” He turned to go, but whipped back around. “I wouldn’t tell your
boyfriend
about our upcoming rendezvous. I’m afraid you’ll only discover just how much he’s willing to do to keep his secrets intact.”

Raze stepped back when Trent walked into the locker room, letting the doors crash shut behind him. I braced myself for the unavoidable testosterone-fueled jealousy that was sure to follow.

“You done here, Shiloh?” Trent asked, through his teeth.

“Yes,” I said quickly.

Trent stared at Raze like he wanted to blast him into tomorrow with
Darkness
. “Why do you even trust this guy?”

“I’m Raze.” He glanced at Trent, extending his hand. “Totally trustworthy.”

“Trent Donovan,” he said, staring at Raze’s hand as if he wanted to rip it off.

Raze let his hand drop down at his side. “We’re almost finished with our chat, if you don’t mind waiting outside.”

Trent’s eyes flashed all black and his knuckles turned white as he balled them into fists at his sides. “And what if I do?”

“Then we have a problem,” Raze replied.

A streak of
Darkness
tainted the air and swirled around Trent’s body. “Yeah, like getting your ass handed to you—”

“Whoa!” I stepped between them and looked at Raze with pleading eyes. “You’d better go.”

Raze’s violet gaze darted back and forth between us. “Guess that’s my cue to leave.” He winked at me. “Always a pleasure, Shiloh.”

The minute Raze vanished out the gym door, I whirled on Trent. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Me? You’re the one taking off with other guys and making me look like a jackass in front of everyone,” he snapped.

“Maybe because you are one!”

“I was just worried about you,” he said, his gaze full of remorse. “And we know nothing about that guy.”

I relaxed and toned down my anger. “He wants to help. And I think we can trust him.”

“I’m sorry, Shi,” He hung his head. With his eyes closed, he took deep breaths, his shoulders rising and falling with each inhale and exhale. The tension and
Darkness
rolled off his body. Trent lifted his head and met my eyes. He reached out, enveloping me in his arms. “I can’t help feeling suspicious of everyone. Especially guys who are totally into my girl.”

I nestled my cheek against his chest. “Don’t worry, I made it clear that I’m with you.”

“It doesn’t matter. Only thing I’m worried about is you being mad at me.”

I leaned back to meet his eyes. “I can deal with your occasional temper tantrums.”

He kissed my forehead. “Good, because I don’t know why you put up with me.”

“Must be stupidity or love,” I teased.

Hugging him tighter, I couldn’t stop feeling almost queasy about Raze insinuating that Trent was keeping a few big secrets from me.