Chapter Five

August 29th, 2018

"MRS. TIMMAN IS seriously up my ass.

“That’s what she said,” Noah and I interrupted at the same time. We looked at each other stunned and burst out laughing. The three of us sat at lunch, happily enjoying our food.

The boys insisted on sitting at the same table because “we don’t share germs with the underclassmen” as Evan put it. I had just taken a bite of my salad when Noah’s whole demeanor changed. This should be good.

“So, Cupcake,” he smirked, wiggling his eyebrows. “I heard from a little bird that you met Zeke this morning.

My eyes snapped to Evan as my face fell. “You little snitch.” pretty boy winked.

Sighing, I turned to Noah. “Yes, unfortunately, I met your friend Zeke this morning.” Noah laughed at the annoyance dripping from my vocal cords.

“C’mon, it couldn’t have been that bad,” he chuckled.

I shook my head, my eyebrows raising. “Nope, it was definitely worse.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, startling me from the conversation. I tugged it out, keeping it underneath the table as I read the new message. To no surprise, it was another from Michael. He had been texting me all morning, apologizing. Or attempting to, at least.

I’ll admit it hurt my heart to witness him like this, but it didn’t give him any right to keep something like that from me. My eyes scanned over his most recent messages.

Michael: I’m sorry, Celeste.

Michael: You know I’d do anything to protect you.

Michael: You’re my life now, Paulo Daemonium. I love you like you’re my own.

Michael: Please talk to me, Celeste. You can’t ignore me for the rest of your immortal life.

I snorted at the last message, knowing full well I could. But that didn’t stop my eyes from watering or my heart cracking. I knew he’d do anything for me, but this wasn’t something I could just forgive so easily. I blinked back the tears, tucking my phone away.

“She couldn’t keep his eyes off of him,” Evan added. “I’m pretty sure Zeke’s ego shot up a few notches after this morning.

My head snapped up, glaring at the culprit. “Shut up, Eva- WAIT A HOT MINUTE!

Evan froze mid-bite into his spaghetti. “Shit,” he muttered, closing his eyes.

I reached across the table and socked him in the shoulder. “You asshole! How long were you watching?

“The entire time,” Evan snickered. I glared daggers at him, making sure he felt how pissed I was at him right then.

“Sorry, Angel, but that was a moment I couldn’t pass up,” Evan shrugged, smiling innocently. He was trying to ease his way out of it. It almost worked.

Noah started cracking up, holding his abdomen. “Awh, poor Cupcake.

“I hate you guys,” I grumbled.

“Oh, c’mon, Angel,” Evan cooed. “Don’t be like that.” My eyes rolled.

Noah wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “We’re just making fun, Cupcake.

“You guys are assholes.

“Those are some naughty words coming from such a little girl,” Noah smirked.

That motherfu- “Those are some big accusations coming from such a little man,” I spat.

Evan spat out his water.

“That was low, Cupcake,” Noah scowled, removing his arm. “Real low.

“Don’t mess with the bull unless you want the horns, Rudolph.” I shrugged my shoulders, batting my eyelashes at him. Noah shook his head, trying to resist his smile and failed miserably.

Gathering my trash, I stood and held out my hands. “Trash.” The boys proceeded to hand me their left-overs and wrappers, saying their thanks. Evan winked. I shook my head as I turned, making my way over to the bins.

Dumping the trash, I turn around and ran into someone. Again. I blow out an annoyed breath as I excuse myself. If it was Jackson I wouldn’t hesitate to throat-punch him.

“Hey, hold on,” a male voice called out.

I cringed but stopped anyway. My head turned away from the boys and our table and to a wavy chocolate haired pretty boy. His matching brown eyes sparkled sincerity, the freckles nearly too adorable to ignore.

“Hi,” I stated dumbly. His lips twitched upward into a friendly smile.

“You’re Celeste, right? Celeste Allen?” he asked, his brows furrowing. The slight anxiety in his tone had my heart warming up to him.

“That’s me,” I smiled, turning around to completely face him.

“Okay, cool, um,” he paused, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wanted to apologize for Jackson’s behavior the other day.

My mouth tipped downward. “What? Does he not have enough balls to apologize to me himself?” The bitchiness dripped from my tone. By the boy’s wince, I wanted to take it back.

“Sorry,” I muttered.

“That’s alright,” he chuckled. “I’m Josh,” he smiled. “And, just an FYI, not all of us guys are like Jackson. He’s a special case.

Without my knowledge, my lips parted and a genuine laugh came out. “Good to know.

Josh nodded, his shoulders visibly relaxing. “Okay cool, just wanted to get that out there.

I smiled, how adorable. “Thanks, Josh.

“No problem.

As Josh went to turn away, I snuck in a wink and his cheeks flamed red. I laughed wholeheartedly as I made my way back to the boys with a smile on my face.

“Uh oh,” Evan muttered as I took my seat next to Noah.

I frowned. “What?

“You’re smiling after talking to a jock,” Noah perked up.

I laughed. “And that’s a bad thing?

Noah looked at me like I had just grown two heads. “Um, yes.

My eyes rolled. “Why?” I asked, then motioned to Noah’s varsity jacket. “You’re a jock.

Evan chuckled as Noah frowned. “Oh shit, you’re right,” he mumbled. “But that’s different.

“How?

“Because I’m not a man-whore.

A deep laugh vibrated throughout my body and the boys looked offended.

“You don’t believe us?” Evan’s studded eyebrow raised.

“You guys are too hot not to get anything,” I muttered, opening my water bottle. “Honestly, am I at the hot guys’ table or what because you guys are seriously fit. Zeke included.

Noah smirked, his cheeks burning slightly with heat. Evan’s face went completely red. Were they seriously blushing right now?

“Thanks, Cupcake,” Noah rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

Evan cleared his throat. “We all just work out a lot.

This intrigued me, though I can’t say I was surprised. “How so?

Evan’s eyes flickered to Noah then back to me, his emotions a mask. “MMA mainly.” My mouth parted to ask anything question but I was cut short.

“Guys!” Noah interrupted. “Lunch is almost over. I make a motion to keep Cupcake.

A motion to keep me? I thought that had been a joke.

“Second,” Evan spoke up.

I raised my eyebrow. They were actually voting.

“Did you text Zeke?” Noah questioned, a weird threatening tone in his voice caught my attention.

“Yup, he gave it a thumbs up,” Evan replied, unfazed.

Noah’s voice returned to normal as if it had never happened. My brows furrowed, was I hearing things?

“Motion carried,” Noah announced.

“You’re stuck with us now, Cupcake.

The edges of my lips curved, all previous thoughts forgotten. Suckers, they were the ones stuck with me.

As lunch came to an end, the boys made a promise to make Zeke’s attitude up to me. When we parted to head to back to class, his grey eyes kept flashing in and out of my mind. I’ve never encountered someone that could drive me up a wall so easily.

I need a boyfriend.

As the bell rang signaling the end of lunch, I hustled to my locker. Being late to AP Biology was not on today’s to-do list. Though I wish it was, I dreaded that class with every fiber of my being.

Turning the black dial on my locker, I pulled open my locker and set my things from Personal Finance away. My phone vibrated in my back pocket, signaling another text message.

Michael: Won’t be home until late tonight. Long day at the office. Text me if you need anything.

I jolted as the tardy bell rang through the now empty halls. I squeezed my eyes shut. Shit, I’m late. I quickly tucked my phone back in my pocket, reaching for my AP Bio binder and a pen. Shutting my locker, I made my way to class at the opposite end of the hall.

All eyes were on the new girl as I walked through the doorway. Mr. Gilbert’s glare burned a hole in the back of my skull.

“Next tardy is detention, Ms. Allen,” he muttered from his desk.

I didn’t bother to reply as I made my way to the back. The past couple days I’ve had the far back table to myself, and I was loving it. However, if I was late again, I wouldn’t put it past Mr. Gilbert to move me.

I strolled to the back of the classroom, taking my seat behind a brunette who, apparently, loves blue. All week she’s sworn some sort of blue clothing. Probably to match her eyes.

Pulling out a notebook, I started to doodle as I shut out the rest of the class. A habit when I felt attention on me and wanted to avoid it. The seat next to me was being pulled out suddenly, startling me slightly. My eyes shot up, coming in contact with a pair of familiar brown ones.

“Josh?

Josh smiled shyly as he sat down next to me. “Hey, Celeste.

My brows furrowed, not remembering him in this class. “I didn’t know you took this class.

His eyes glinted with amusement. “That’s because you have your head stuck in that notebook all the time,” he teased.

“Oh,” I murmured, shutting the notebook. My cheeks went up in flames as I blushed in embarrassment.

“Pull out your textbooks, turn to page three hundred and two. Read the entire chapter then answer the questions that follow,” Mr. Gilbert barked to the class, his eyes glued to the papers on his desk.

Josh and I simultaneously followed instructions. I had just flipped to the right page when Josh spoke up again.

“So, how do you know Noah and Evan?” he asked, his eyes glued to his textbook. My gaze flickered to his in curiosity.

“Um, they’re my neighbors, why do you ask?” I started to rustle in my seat, feeling a little uncomfortable. I don’t know what it was, but being so close to humans I knew nothing about made my entire body itch with unease.

“They don’t scare you?

Way to cut to the point.

His question caught me off guard. “What?” I asked a little too loudly. Mr. Gilbert’s glare caught me from the front of the classroom. I sunk a little in my seat.

Josh shrugged his shoulders, glancing sideways at me. “I don’t know, there’s just something off about them all.

“No, they don’t scare me at all. I mean, sometimes I want to sock them in their shoulders, but I’m not frightened by them.” I confess.

Josh nodded, his face suddenly serious. “Just be careful around them,” he warned.

My head bobbed in agreement, too speechless to say anything.

The blue-loving brunette in front of us swiveled around, startling Josh and I both. A small smile lit up her features, intrigue, and curiosity written in her irises.

“Are you guys talking about who I think you’re talking about?” She whispered, her eyebrow raised. I said nothing, not knowing if I wanted to continue this conversation or not.

“Yeah, I think so,” Josh answered. “Why do you ask?” his brow furrowed.

The brunette turned so she was facing us completely, her face lighting up with excitement. Mr. Gilbert either didn’t see her or didn’t care. He seemed to only give a shit when it came to me, so it was probably the latter.

“Well, I heard that they’re possessed.

I couldn’t help it, I snorted and started laughing. Mr. Gilbert gave me a look from the front of the classroom but it was wholeheartedly ignored.

“I don’t think she believes you, Kylie” Josh muttered to the brunette.

Tears started to pool in my eyes, my abdomen starting to feel the effects of laughing so hard. I winced, calming myself down and shedding the tears.

Kylie frowned, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly. “Then please explain to me why everyone loves them but doesn’t want to be within ten feet of them.

I’d be lying if I said that Kylie’s proclamation didn’t get my attention. Josh and I kind of talked about it yesterday but it was just one person mentioning this, not multiple.

I cleared my throat and turned to Kylie. “Why is that, do you think?

Kylie bit her lip, her eyes downcast. “Um,” she hesitated.

My brows furrowed. “What?

Her eyes met mine. “You live right next door to them, don’t you?” she asked nervously.

Does everyone in the school know that? “Yes,” I replied, leaning forward on the table.

“What about it?” Josh interrupted his voice low.

Kylie’s eyes sparkled as they switched to his. “People have claimed to hear really large wolves running around their place at night, howling.

I swallowed hard, officially starting to get sucked in. “And you both believe this?

Josh nodded “Nearly the entire school does.

The serious lines in Kylie’s forehead told me this was no joke. “There’s a rumor that states, whenever one of those wolves howl, death follows.

Gulp. I was really hoping they’d crack up laughing, or tell me this was just some stupid campfire story.

“Yay,” I mumbled, leaning back in my seat.

Kylie gave me a sympathetic look before she turned around. For the rest of the school day, my head was jumbled and unfocused as I thought of the possibilities.

Now that I think about it, I guess it made sense. Though they were the hottest guys in school, they didn’t have people hanging all over them as the jocks did.

Actually, this past couple of days, I’m the only person that’s been around the boys. I haven’t seen anyone else approach them. Sure, I noticed the girls ogling, the whispers and stares, but they weren’t typical. The other students actually seemed wary of them, never getting too close.

Josh slid a folded piece of ripped paper to me, saying nothing. I took the piece of paper, unfolding it in my lap. On it was his phone number and a single sentence.

Text me later and keep your eyes peeled, no one is ever who they say they are.

***

I HAD JUST finished my AP Biology homework when an unknown number flashed across my phone screen. I frowned as I pulled up my messages, opening it up.


Uknown: Hey, it’s Hannah.
I need a girls night out, you down?

Me: Absolutely.

Throughout the next couple of hours, words I didn’t even know were in my vocabulary sputtered from my mouth. It was official: I had absolutely nothing to wear. Clothes were spiraled out across my room, layering everything like paint. Letting out an annoyed sigh, I was just about to send Hannah a message when she beat me to it.

Hannah: Dress scandalous, we’re going to a club.

I snorted.

Me: I have nothing to wear.

Hannah: Nothing?

Me: Zilch.

Me: Strict parental guardian.

Hannah: Gotcha, come on over. I think I might have something for you.

Me: On my way.

My shoulders sagged in relief. I scrambled to grab my what I thought I may need for tonight: my favorite wrap-around black stilettos, my makeup bag, and my phone.

Shutting my bedroom door behind me, I trotted downstairs. The eerie feeling the house gave off freaked me out a little. I can fend off an intruder no problem, but that didn’t mean the way the house creaked in the dead of the night didn’t freak me out.

I was starting to freak myself out that I nearly jumped out of my shoes when a loud howl rang out in the night. My head snapped to my front door, heart beating erratically in my chest.

It’s just a damn dog. I scolded myself. We only had two neighbors, and I was pretty sure that neither of them had a dog. A few seconds later, another howl sounded from deep within the woods. It seemed like they were coming from the woods behind the house, only this time, the howl was magnified by ten.

Sweet baby Jesus and all things holy. Nothing like being surrounded by a deep forest and tall corn fields to make a celestial feel freaked out. I just hoped the howls didn’t belong to what I thought they might.

Kylie’s words came rushing back to me: “People have claimed to hear really large wolves running around their place at night, howling.

Hell. No.

Not wanting to dwell on the idea any longer, I scampered over to the doorway and practically ran out of the house. With my stilettos and makeup bag in my left hand, my phone in my right, I glanced down and checked the time. It was ten forty-five on the dot.

I hopped onto Hannah and Noah’s porch with light feet, happy the warmer weather still kissed my skin at this time at night. Just as I was about to raise my fist to knock, the door fully swung open and revealed a devious looking Hannah.

Her devious facial expression, freckles included, said it all. We were going to have some fun tonight.

Hannah took hold of my wrist, dragging me through a hall under a stairway. A fully furnished living room angled to the right of the stairway. It took me a minute to realize that their main floor was set up exactly like ours. Weird.

Without warning, Hannah flung me into a bedroom. By all the pink - walls, bedsheets, dresser, accessories - I assumed this was her room. And she liked pink.

“Nice,” I grinned. I didn’t love pink, but this wasn’t my room so who was I to judge.

“Thanks,” she chirped.

“Where’s Noah?” I asked.

“Out,” was her reply.

Alrightly then.

Next to her closet doors, which were surprisingly white, stood a body length mirror. Hannah stood next to it, her chin in her hand as her fingers tapped along her jaw.

I watched her and fully realized just how beautiful she really was. Her naturally curly mid-length hair practically glowed against her blue v-neck shirt. She was all curves, but I could see the muscle in her limbs too. The little freckles that spotted her button nose were probably the most adorable, yet the hottest thing, I’ve ever seen.

Why are all these people so damn good looking?

“Okay,” Hannah clapped, making me jump. She turned towards her closet and pulled both doors open in one swing. Her head turned over her shoulder with a mischevious smile planted on her features. “Let’s get you club ready.

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” I grunted. After this not-even-full week, I was in desperate need of a girl’s night. The masculinity around here was starting to get overwhelming.

Within the next hour, Hannah had both of our makeup and hair done. While Hannah had gone for a more subtle look, she had given me a more bold one.

Her lips were painted a slightly pink nude, her eyes winged with eyeliner while her lashes spread out like angel wings. Hannah ended up straightening her hair and even curled mine in elegant beach waves.

She painted my lips blood red, giving me a smokey eye as well as wings. She had used her own mascara, “Better Than Sex” on my lashes and damn, I was glad she did. I’ve never seen my lashes so long. Both of our eyes popped; Hannah said she did that on purpose.

“First,” she stated. “Men are drawn to the face.

I wanted to argue with her, but let’s be honest here. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the first thing anyone is attracted to is someone’s appearance. My head bobbed in agreement.

“Second,” she pulled out a red dress, tossing it on her bed. “They’re drawn to your body if they like what’s on top of it.

“Third,” Hannah grunted, yanking out a navy blue dress. My eyebrows furrowed. At least I think that’s a dress.

“Third,” she repeated. “If they like what they see, they’ll take the shot. But only if you look available, and that, my friend, is where body language comes in.

A smirk twisted her angelic features into a devious one and it never left her face. Hannah bent down and retrieved a pair of silver stilettos from the floor of the closet. She stood and closed both doors, turning back to face me.

“Put on the red dress, and wear your Wilda Pumps with it.

English, please? “My what?

“That’s the name of your pumps, babe,” Hannah snickered.

“Got it.” Apparently, I know nothing about fashion. Duly noted.

I faced away from Hannah as I dressed out of my school clothes, and into the red dress. Stepping into the dress was no problem. Pulling it all the way on, however, was like putting on skinny jeans. Jump. Jump. Wiggle. Tug. Jump. Wiggle. Tug.

After a few moments of monumental effort, the dress was properly on. Then I realized just how short it was.

The length stopped at mid-thigh, hugging every curve imaginable I had on my body. It cupped my ass just right and pushed my boobs against my chest. Which, oddly enough, made them stick out more. Sweet.

“Okay,” I murmured, turning around. “I thin I’m-holy balls.” My eyes glued to Hannah as she fixed the sleeves of her dress. Her dress was a v-neck, off-the-shoulder tight fitting body-con.

To put it bluntly, she looked hot. Her bright red pencil-straight hair reached just above her butt, giving off a perfect look. The dress was long sleeved while mine was a double spaghetti strap that crisscrossed in the back.

“Does it look okay?

I gave her a “are you kidding me look,” resulting in her cheeks heating up. I found this strange. With her perfection, you’d think she would get compliments all the time. This reminded me of when the boys had blushed earlier today when I complimented them as well.

Hannah’s eyes danced with nerves as she smiled shyly. She looked anywhere but me as she started to stumble on her words.

“I-uh, I’m not exactly-um, used to compliments, I guess.” Her gaze was fastened on her feet as she strapped on her silver stilettos. A pair of storm grey eyes flashed through my head unwelcomed.

“Why’s that?” I asked curiously.

She shrugged, “I’m constantly around those boys,” she said, referring to Noah, Evan, and Zeke I assumed. “I never get an actual compliment when I ask for their opinion. All I get is, ‘you’re not leaving the house in that’ or ’absolutely not.

The edges of my lips turn downward. I could understand her situation when it came to Michael. He would never let me buy anything that showed too much skin.

“I understand, more than you could ever know.” We stood there in silence, lost in our own thoughts. It didn’t last long.

Picking her phone off her bed, Hannah gave me a small smile. “Let’s go.

We both agreed that taking either of our cars was a bad idea and too much of a risk. The last thing we needed was for the boys to find out about this “girl’s night out”. They’d flip their lids. The next best thing we figured was to walk about a quarter-mile down the road, and call and Uber. The walk down the road was silent - peaceful.

The Uber was a minute out when Hannah finally spoke. “It’s so nice isn’t it,” she murmured, her gaze glued to the night sky.

“What?” I questioned. “The sky?

“No - well, yes, but no. The silence.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Yes,” I agreed. “It certainly is.” No howling was always a good thing in my book.

Headlights greeted us seconds later. The Uber pulling to a stop in front of us. Hannah and I shared a mischevious smile before quickly hopping into the car.

“Club Nightshade, please,” Hannah directed the man driving. He nodded aimlessly, staying silent as he took off down the road.

“This is going to be the best girl’s night, ever,” Hannah smiled at me.

“Of course it is,” I replied arrogantly.

As I watched Hannah turn to her window, I realized just how young Hannah really was. She was no more than a couple years my senior. If I thought about it, we were just two girls trying to get through life on our own two feet.

I just hoped life didn’t bend me over and fuck me in this ass.

My eighteenth birthday was in a couple of days, and that meant I reached maturity. With maturity came full access to my powers, but that also meant the prophecy starting. Which, no thanks to Michael, I still have no clue what it entails exactly. Minor details, sure, but that’s it.

“We’re here!” Hannah cheered, happily tearing me from my thoughts.

As we exited the vehicle and thanked the driver, the only thought that crossed my mind was a prayer. Praying that the boys didn’t find out about this, otherwise, our asses were grass.

Hannah and I’s gazes were transfixed on the black brick building before us. A sign hanged just above the front entrance and read, “Nightshade” in green, blue, and purple neon lights.

My eyes dropped from the sign to the front entrance, my face falling. Two large men bordered the doorway, dressed in all black and with muscles that could snap my body in half. I may be an all-powerful hybrid, but I’m not invincible.

Despite it being the middle of the night, their eyes were hidden underneath black framed tinted sunglasses.

“How are we going to get in?” I murmured to Hannah. I knew we were going to a club, and I totally couldn’t wait to dance all night, but my mind completely flew past the part about getting in.

“I got this, just wait for my signal,” she smirked. This better be good.

A line stretching from the front entrance and across the length of the building caught my attention. Deciding it was best, I tucked myself behind the line, watching Hannah as she made her way over to the front.

Hannah strutted up to one of the bouncers, grazing his shoulder with the tips of her fingers, grabbing his attention. He leaned down so she could whisper something in his hear. I strained my hearing, but I couldn’t hear a thing over the people in front of me.

Seconds later, Hannah turned and her bright eyes met mine. She lifted her hand and waved me over, a smirk on his face. My mouth followed suit as I walked up to the entrance, following Hannah in. The music vibrated the floors and walls of the building, nearly catching me off balance.

I leaned towards Hannah, trying to yell over the ear-bursting loud song. “What did you say?

Hannah leaned back and replied: “That’s a lesson for another time.” Without giving me a chance to reply, Hannah dragged me to the far left of the building. A swarm of bodies was dancing in that area so I assumed it was the dance floor.

Smoke layered the black and white tile, a disco-ball hovering above all the foreign faces. The absolute joy and freedom their expressions gave off got me excited. Lights of all colors flashed and swung around the dance floor. Some blinked, while others were a solid ray of light.

A smile spread across my face as my adrenaline started to pump through my veins. Once our heels grazed the tiled floor, “Scream” by Ushers boomed through the speakers. That’s all it took to get our bodies moving.

Without much thinking involved, I moved my hips to the beat and let my body take over. My arms were raised above my head and let the music take me. For the first time in what felt like forever, I let go.

The base from the music vibrated my bones as I danced along. Hannah danced in front of me, her body swaying to the upbeat tempo. From my vantage point, I could see people behind her, both men and women, eye her as she moved. I smirked.

Called it.

As songs came and went, Hannah and I stayed dancing on the dance floor. Sweat started to seep in through my pores, my body was now glistening and wet. A remix of “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore started to blare through the speakers and my lips instinctively turned upward.

I let loose completely and at some points, my body would bump against someone. I ignored them when they tried to dance with me, keeping in mind that this was a girl’s night. No men allowed.

My reminder was cut short nearly moments later. I felt the heat of someone’s gaze burning a hole in the side of my head. The demon within me stirred, not appreciating the way the gaze made me feel. I felt invaded and bare under the gaze.

My gaze flashed from Hannah to the other side of the club. A gasp parted my lips as my eyes locked with a pair of golden ones. I nearly stumbled back as the memories from the other night crashed through my brain, interrupting my vision. Whoever had crashed into me that night and whoever had been at my window - was staring directly at me.

He’s here.

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