Darkness Awaits

By Jamila A Stone

Unexpected secrets stand to change two witches' lives forever...

 

Having narrowly survived their last semester, Natalie King and Alexandra Aurelius are prepared to revel in victory...but j

• Language: English
• Publisher: Black Glory Publishing House
• Release date: Apr 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735664125

Jamila A Stone

Jamila A Stone lives in Washington, D.C with her two dogs. Jamila is driven to tell stories without censorship and for the continued creativity in the world of literature. As an African American woman, she understands the lack of opportunity persons of color have to let their artistic creativity be seen on equal platforms, so she created her own publishing company called Black Glory Publishing House. She thinks not just of herself but of the current and future of literature namely increasing the diversity and inclusion within the literary community.

Book preview

DARKNESS AWAITS

JAMILA A. STONE

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Darkness Awaits © 2020 by Jamila A. Stone. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

Cover designed by Michael Corvin

Editor: Dimitra Manda

Black Glory Publishing House

Washington, DC. United States of America

https://blackglorypublishinghouse.com

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing: April 2021

ISBN- 13: 978-1-7356641-2-5

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020919275

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

CHAPTER ONE

I

t’s the last week of January and the new school semester since Christmas break starts tomorrow at Virtus Academy. Nat and all her friends, except Alex, have already moved back to their dormitories. Nat is brushing her teeth, getting ready for bed when she suddenly feels like she’s falling. A moment later, her surroundings change, and she finds herself in a dark alleyway. Nothing makes sense, and she jolts around with labored breathing, trying to understand what is going on. When she turns around to her other side, she spots Alex and momentarily forgets her anxiety. Running over to a hunched Alex, she hugs her and is so distracted that she does not notice the four guys in the alley with them.

What are you doing here? Alex winces in pain, struggling to straighten up.

Using her toothbrush, Nat taps the ring she had gifted Alex. Someone must have missed me a whole lot to get me here, she jokes.

The good news is that the protection spell she had Sheila help her put on the ring works. If Alex ever needs her badly enough, she will appear.

Crap, it worked! So that means… Nat looks around further and finally takes in the situation. I guess you’re still having trouble making friends. Throwing down her toothbrush, she gets in front of Alex, who’s badly bleeding from cuts on her face, and the arm she holds that seems disjointed.

Nice outfit, girl. One of the guys speaks sarcastically.

This is your backup? Another speaks, pointing at Nat before they all laugh.

Remind me to take you shopping. Alex picks up her fallen blade, and it elongates into a sword as it recognizes its owner.

What!? This is comfortable and my pajamas. I was going to bed. Nat keeps her eyes on the guys who are starting to approach. She cannot believe Alex is choosing right now to insult her.

What do you need to be comfortable? Alex turns fully toward Nat with her face scrunched up. Did you sprout something since we were kids?

No! Can you focus before we die, asshole? Boxers can be unisex. She tries to defend herself, but Alex just scoffs.

Nat, annoyed, blasts Alex to the furthest point of the alley and decides to take on the men herself. It looks as if Alex softened them up enough for her to handle alone anyway.

Two of the men reach her before the others. One throws a punch at her face while the other tries to punch her abdomen. Nat is light on her feet and spins away from the one aiming for her face and shoves him into the other male before she uses her magic at the remaining attackers.

Instead of attacking young women to stroke your egos, maybe you all should go to the gym. She blasts one with a scar on his cheek into a wall knocking him out before she is blasted herself. She grumbles as she slowly gets back up to her feet. Nat blocks another blast of magic as she parts her feet for better balance. Nat sends a few blasts back, but her adversary blocks them all. Nat should have known these men were not mere humans if they were able to beat up Alex.

Nat is so preoccupied with the witch that she fails to deflect the attacker on her left properly, who charges her with his clawed hand in the air, ready to come down on her hard. There was little for her to do, so she stopped shielding herself from the witch’s attack, so the attack would knock her away from the attack that would be the deadliest.

The impact of the witch’s attack does the trick and sends Nat backward. The claws of the man from her right give her a nasty gash, nowhere near the damage which would have been inflicted if she did not think quick on her feet and use the witch’s attack to save her own life.

Alright, playtime is over. Nat lifts her hands and moves them hastily in front of her creating a linkage of pentagrams all while beads of her blood float into the amber symbols. She sees the shock on the witch’s face, and it makes her grin before she locks her fingers over each other, bends her arms inward, then thrusts her arms out, causing the spell to wrap around the closest body, and the man explodes.

Nat moves her arms until everyone is dead. One black eye, a few small cuts, and a gash down her shoulder later, Nat walks over to Alex, who is still hunched over.

I should leave you here. I can’t believe you got back without telling me. How long have you been back in town? Tomorrow is the first day of school back from break. Nat places her hands on her hips, letting Alex suffer for a bit more before she attempts to heal her.

Alex stands straighter, leans her head back against the wall behind her, and closes her eyes. I forgot how much you love to bitch and moan.

Nat is opening her mouth to respond, but promptly stops when she spots a smile creeping on Alex’s face.

I missed it. Alex turns her head and smiles so charmingly that even with her face all beat up, Nat’s walls break.

Ugh, I can’t stand you. Nat shakes her head and starts to heal Alex’s easy wounds, then wraps Alex’s good arm over her shoulder and helps her to stand off the wall. We’re too far from the dorm or my house for me to teleport us both.

And here I thought an overachiever such as yourself would have become a pro by now. Alex coughs then halts her steps taking time to take deep, ragged breaths.

Hey, that month was our break. I can get us near the school gates, but it might knock us out if I use all of our energy combined. Or worse. Nat struggles to keep Alex upright.

Alex struggles to stand on her own feet as she pulls her good arm away from Nat so she can grab her cellphone out of her pocket. Nat watches as Alex makes a call, trying to keep her upright by the waist. Julian, are you on campus? Good, sneak out with Olivia and come find me by the gate…just do as I asked, Olivia, will be able to track us. Yes, us, bye.

Nat arches a brow at Alex before focusing her mind on the school gates. Once she has that clear in mind, she works on syncing her magic with Alex.

What’s taking so long? Alex grumbles.

You, that’s what. I’m trying to find your source, but you’re too weak.

You’re a weirdo. Alex sighs exaggeratedly.

Nat finally syncs successfully and teleports them. They land hard a few yards away from the school gates.

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Where did Alex say she’d be? Olivia walks alongside Julian and Leslie, who insisted on coming with them to meet Alex and Nat since her roommate disappeared on her.

She just said to sneak out. She didn’t say where, but the front is my best guess. Julian splits from the two girls and looks down the road.

Leslie's irises become red, and now she can clearly see heat signatures. At the same time, Olivia tries to smell the air to pick up Alex’s scent, but it’s difficult. Rain is coming down softly, mixing too many smells.

Two yards away from the front gates, Olivia picks up on both Alex's and Nat’s scents and sprints toward them, worried at the amount of blood she can smell. There!

The others try to keep up with the vampire’s speed and rush over in the same direction. Nat and Alex are both unconscious and layered with wounds and bruises.

Damn, they went and had fun without us. Julian sucks his teeth and kicks the wet ground.

Really? You think they were having fun? They are unconscious, you idiot. Leslie swings her arm backward with full force. The back of her hand connects with Julian’s chest with an audible thud. He bends slightly over from the impact before straightening his spine in silence. Julian rubs his chest and scoffs. Leslie kneels next to Olivia and hastily grabs and wrenches the other girl’s arm down away from her fangs. Olivia tries to lift her wrist again toward her own mouth and is met with resistance again. Alex’s heartbeat is too low. You do not want to risk infecting her while you heal her with your blood. You might turn her. I got this, just hit me or something.

Olivia takes her claws out and jabs Leslie in the thigh, making her choke on a scream. Tears begin to fall from her face into Alex’s opened mouth. Alex’s heartbeat gradually goes back to normal. Olivia smiles happily and pats Leslie on the back a bit too enthusiastically, she sends Leslie jolting forward. You did it! Julian grab Nat, I got Alex.

They get their friends up off the ground with little difficulty and sneak back into the front gates and back to their dormitory.

Let’s go back to my suite, Leslie whispers as they rush out of the elevator and peak around the hallway wall toward their dorm suites. Leslie sees no one in the hallway, so she waves Julian and Olivia on, and they hurry into the suite she shares with Nat. Olivia carries Alex over to the sofa and delicately places her down. Julian places Nat on the far end of the couch.

Julian, open their mouths. Olivia then bites her right wrist and lets her blood flow into Alex’s mouth first, then Nat. Her blood helps to speed the process of their healing. Leslie’s phoenix tears kept Alex from death, but she is still young, so her tears aren’t as potent as they will be in older age. Olivia can only assume Alex’s magical essence took the focus on the healing properties leaving Alex’s body still bruised and cut. Once Olivia’s blood entered her system, all the bruises and open wounds closed.

Nat sits up first, then Alex, who accepts a hug from Olivia. Leslie pops Nat upside the head.

Hey! Nat grabs her head and leans away from Leslie.

Don’t hey me! If I’m going to be your roommate, you have to let me know when you’re going to run off. Leslie yells with a weak voice. After what happened last term, Leslie’s been emotionally unstable, so Nat moved her into her dorm suite since it’s big enough for two.

I’m sorry I worried you, but I didn’t do it on purpose. Alex poofed me out of here. Nat tries to defend herself.

Not in that outfit I didn’t, maybe if there was some lace involved. Alex links a finger over the rim of Nat’s boxers and pulls at them. Nat smacks her hand away.

Don’t listen to her, Natalie, they’re cute and comfortable. Olivia defends Nat. Either of you going to tell us what happened to you guys?

Of course, the jock would say that. Nothing much happened except the usual idiots trying to take me out so they can take over my mother’s territories. I spent the break checking the legal businesses and getting things in order, but a few of the underground business competitors challenged me. I was just leaving a meeting with one of the pricks challenging my capabilities to handle things when I got jumped. Alex stands and stretches before flopping back down on the sofa. Wake me in a few hours. I need to check the casino before class.

Your mind is just always in your pants, and no one is waking you after your ordeal. Nat glares at everyone, making sure they know she means business. Everyone, go to sleep, the first day of classes is tomorrow.

Olivia holds her hands up, then gets down onto the floor next to the sofa, not willing to leave if Alex wasn’t. Leslie goes to her bedroom within the suite.

Julian pats Alex on the leg. Don’t try to argue, you won’t win. Besides, we took care of things at the casino as you directed, and Nat took care of the lawsuit and made it go away. There’s no need to rush and check on the casino.

Alex shoots up off the couch. Lawsuit!?

Julian runs away and out of the suite. With a groan, Olivia lifts her head to watch Julian run, before letting her head drop hard on the floor, hoping she will pass out. Alex storms off into Nat’s bedroom and slams the door shut. Olivia can hear them begin to argue. Olivia knows Alex won’t be back on the sofa anytime soon, so she gets off the floor and hops on the couch ever loyal. She’s not going to their dorm room without Alex, especially knowing her leader and best friend was attacked. Even if she also knows the school has tripled down on security since the last term.

Nat groans, feeling a headache coming on as Alex rants incoherently. Finally, at her limit, she stands up from her bed and yells back at Alex. Shut up! Wow, you really need a pause button. Alex steps closer to her about to start off again, so Nat quickly interjects.

No, stop for a second. They needed my help, and though you might still find it hard to trust me and believe I give a damn, you can, and I do. My mom was still upset at you for what happened last semester and worked with the police chief to file some complaints about illegal activity such as drug trafficking going on at the casino. I found out and gave Olivia a heads up. The only reason we didn’t tell you right away was because we knew you had a lot going on. I used what I knew from my online law classes and had my lawyer friend help me break the lawsuit apart and the health department violations.

Health department! I keep a clean building. How would they find anything to…AGH! She doesn’t yell anymore, but her voice is far from a whisper. Alex starts to pace and rubs her face.

Alex, calm down, I took care of it and found the snitch that gave my mom enough proof to shut the casino down for a week while we fought it. My mom was so disappointed and angry with me that she almost took me out of her will. We argued for days. I haven’t argued with my mom like that since she didn’t let me go to Heather’s birthday party in the sixth grade, and that lasted only two days. I put my mother’s trust in me on the line for YOU! Nat shoves Alex hard. So, get over yourself and go to sleep.

Alex steams and breathes through her anger before calming all the way down. Who was the snitch. I’m going to make them wish they were dead.

I handled the snitch myself. It was Keith, the head bartender. He’s not a problem any longer. Nat holds her chin up, daring Alex to say anything else. The last thing Nat wanted was more blood on her hands, but she needed to prove herself, to Alex’s employees— especially Benjamin. For appearances’ sake, Alex has appointed Benjamin as CEO until she’s of legal age according to the human law. Nat didn’t kill the man, but she did beat him up and gave orders for his torture until all the secrets came spilling out. Nat threw up during the whole ordeal and thought she would lose face, but they respected her even more for still calling the shots and watching when she could have left.

You handled it? Alex raises a brow and looks Nat up and down before nodding in acceptance. Alex turns and walks out of the room only to find Olivia had taken the couch and is fast asleep. She looks back at Nat’s door and the two chairs in the common area and decides she will swallow her pride. Alex goes back to Nat’s room, grabs a pillow, and lays down on the floor, and quickly falls asleep. Alex already feels like an ass, she is not going to make Olivia get off the couch or go to her own room. Olivia will surely notice her absence and follow behind, rousing from her much-needed sleep. Nat is right. Everyone needs some sleep.

The following day fills Nat with pure unlimited excitement. She spots Alex already seated in their first-period classroom and runs over to the seat next to her and sits.

I’m trying out for the basketball team after school today. Are you coming? Nat whispers to Alex while their Criminology teacher, Noah Hale, is writing on the whiteboard.

I remember and no, I’m not coming. I told Rachel I would take her to her internship. Alex pulls over Nat’s notebook and rips out the paper she had been writing on and balls it up. Nat has to do everything she can not to yell out in class at Alex for messing up the assignment she needs to turn in at the end of class.

What the hell!

Your penmanship needs work. Alex waves her hand over her own notebook, and a copy of the page appears. She hands it over to Nat. Question five through eight were wrong on yours. Five’s answer is werecat, not werewolf, it was a trick question.

Right you are, and because you got it right, I won’t give you detention for cheating. Nat, make sure to do some extra reading before attempting your essay tonight. This is a good lead way into your assignment due tomorrow. A three-page essay on the difference between a werecat and werewolf kill and the case I’m handing out will be what you base your essay around. Mr. Hale begins to hand out a folder to each student.

One student drops the folder. We have to look at this stuff? I’m going to throw up.

Alex and some other students laugh while Nat silently agrees with the boy she doesn’t know.

Yes, Gabe, you do. If you all want to prepare yourselves for not just the dangers of our world but go into law enforcement—supernatural or not—you need to strengthen your stomachs.

The bell rings, and they all rush out.

Come on, you know you’ll have someone drive you and Rachel, so just have your lackey drive Rachel, so you can come to the tryouts. Olivia’s nice streak is sure to run out, and I need you there for moral support. Nat pleads with Alex as they walk to their second class together, AP Language Arts.

Olivia got you the tryout, she won’t be more of a jerk than she normally is when she plays sports. Don’t worry about it, you not only impressed her in that secret lab but also by getting your mom and city to back down on the lawsuit while I was away. You’re officially in now. Alex chooses a seat in the far back of the class, knowing Nat would prefer not to sit in the back in hopes she won’t have to continue the conversation.

In? In what? Nat hurries and grabs the seat next to Alex as she sees someone about to take the last one by Alex.

Alex ignores her until she can’t take Nat’s constant staring. In the, she’s a friend, not food circle.

Nat is tired of Alex lame jokes and not giving her what she wants. She turns and pays attention to the teacher who just walked in. Her whole schedule is full of new classes with new teachers she’s never had, except for her martial arts class teacher. She knows him.

Welcome, class, to AP Language Arts. We are going to have a pop quiz to make sure you belong in this class. Everyone groans, and some verbally complain. My name is Rita Harlow. You will call me either Professor Rita or Professor Harlow.

Nat gawks noticing the professor is not moving her lips, and every word she says automatically is being written in cursive on the board behind her. The professor seems to catch the questioning looks she is getting from everyone and smiles.

I am deaf and a witch, banshee hybrid. I will teach you many ways to speak, and by the end of this class, you will become an expert in at least one foreign language. Some of you maybe more. Now let’s begin the quiz. In the end, you will judge for yourselves whether you can manage enough to stay. Professor Rita sits on her desk, and soon sentences of various languages appear hovering in front of her.

Put these sentences in the right order to make a story, then translate those not already in English. You have the whole class period to finish. Good luck.

Nat and Alex look at each other then hurry to do the quiz. Nat cannot believe how hard classes are going already. This semester gets students ready for their Junior year, which will be the end of their basic education classes. Many don’t get through Junior year.

Chapter Two

T

hey’re all in the cafeteria complaining one by one about their classes when a werewolf freshman is shoved into Olivia. Known for her hot temper, everyone goes silent, ready to watch the death of the freshman go down. Olivia’s eyes turn golden as she tries to keep her temper down.

Arnold quickly slides his arm around Olivia’s waist and caresses her hip. Babe, stay cool. You have tryouts today, remember? Arnold rushes out.

Alex continues to be fed grapes by Rachel, both not paying attention to the pending fight. They make Nat roll her eyes.

Kid, you are lucky there are basketball tryouts today, or I would kick your ass. The freshman sighs in relief at Olivia’s words.

Olivia, thank you. I’m sorry, ok…it won’t happen again. Good luck with tryouts. He stutters as he backs away slowly.

Olivia’s eyes are still golden as she stares the boy down. Thank you for what? I said, I can’t. Olivia grins and turns her head around and looks at Nat. Natalie, handle the bug for me. Olivia gives the task to Nat, which causes everyone to stare at Nat, even the sickly-sweet couple.

Nat knows that without Olivia, she wouldn’t have gotten a tryout for the basketball team until next semester. And she knows Olivia is working on getting the open Captain position so she can make her time on the team a living hell. So, like many under peer pressure, Nat obeys. She waves her hand, lifting the freshman off his feet and places him in a large cage she conjures up above them. She places wolfsbane all around the cage making the boy yell in fright and pain. His survival instincts force a shift. As a wolf, he claws and whines at the cage. The noise will soon bring a teacher to his rescue. She hopes.

Arnold speaks up. Really, Nat? Let him down. Nat ignores Arnold.

Nice touch Nat. Alex stares at the cage, snickering, then points her finger up and gives the cage a little zap.

Come on, Arnold, it won’t kill him. Don’t be a downer all the time. Julian throws his arm over Arnold’s shoulder, who quickly shrugs it off.

Nat just hopes a teacher comes through or a guard does soon because if they don’t, the kid will at least need a trip to the nurse. Three Junior werewolves on the hockey team come over, and they look ready for a fight, and no one but Leslie and Nat look worried.

Let him down now! Tasha or Sasha, Nat can’t remember the werewolf’s name, speaks first, directed at Alex. Then, her brother comes close to Nat and commands. Do it now.

Nat scoffs. Can you get your dog breath out of my face?

He balls his hand into a fist, then cocks his arm back. Nat stays smugly still, nevertheless she is ready to block the attack.

Eleanor jumps up and shoves him before Nat can do anything. Back off! She growls and gives the three aggressors pause. Eleanor is the strongest werewolf at the school and one of the rarest. She was conceived on a full blue moon then born right at the moment of a full eclipse in wolf form and stayed that way for a month. No werewolf has been born in wolf form and stayed in thousands of years.

You’re a traitor to your kind following behind a witch! One of the three werewolves spits out.

Oh, all of you calm down. Alex waves her hand, and the cage disappears, letting the young boy fall from the ceiling. His friends rush to catch him. Nat sighs internally, thankful the boy is out. She also feels bad about what they said about Eleanor.

She leans over to Eleanor, who had resumed her seat. Thanks for the backup. Eleanor gives a small smile and gets up to leave. Nat places her hand on her thigh to stop her before leaning back over. I’m sorry for the dog joke, it wasn’t cool.

It was a good jab. Eleanor smiles a real smile, this time, letting Nat easily off the hook. Nat does not feel as if she deserves it. Nat finishes her lunch and starts on her homework.

I know you didn’t mean it. Judging from all the times we were close; I can’t recall an instance of you having a problem with my breath. Nat feels Eleanor’s soft lips on her ear, and she shivers from the nearness. Eleanor is always a flirt, but when it comes to Nat, she stays on top of her game and finds a way to turn anything sexual.

Damien Jackson, a Junior, and her ex-boyfriend Russel come over and sit with her.

Hey, Nat, I heard you joined the basketball team. I’ll be there to cheer you on. Russel smiles. They had reconnected at Sheila’s funeral and hung out during break, deciding to be friends.

I’m trying out for the team, yes, but I don’t know if I’ll be on the team yet. Nat puts away her work.

Damien Jackson is the star of the boys’ varsity basketball team. With a scoff, he leans on his basketball on the table. Natalie, don’t front, you know you’ll get on the team. I balled with you during the break. Nat smiles and snatches the ball from him quickly passing it back as the bell rings.

See you guys later. Nat waves at them and rushes out with her friends for their sixth-period class, Advanced Potions.

The group walks in as the professor is closing the door. Alex moves to a long table in the back and forces those sitting to move. Nat sit next to me. Julian pulls out a chair and waits for Nat. Nat hurries along not wanting the professor to scold them for being late. She sits and breathes a sigh of relief when Leslie sits to her right before Rachel could. I’m not letting you copy my work Julian.

Seriously? I saved you a seat. Where’s the appreciation? Julian leans closer looking at her notebook not bothering to take out anything himself.

Nat rips some pages out her notebook and hands them to Julian. Take notes and I will help you out. He grumbles taking the paper. She pats his shoulder then pays attention.

Half an hour after classes are over Nat rushes across campus to the Phoenix center, where all the indoor sports are held. It has three separate areas for sports, one for basketball, one for hockey, and another for swimming. The remaining spaces were for recreational use. Right as she makes it to the front doors, she pauses and takes in every exquisite detail. Constantly in the building to support her school and for recreational use, she is not pausing in awe but in excitement and nerves. Nat goes inside and rushes to the basketball court for the women’s basketball team’s tryout.

She tosses her duffel bag on the bleachers and stands awkwardly, not sure if she should talk to Olivia while she’s with the team. There are a few students she can tell are there for tryouts, however she doesn’t know them very well to go over and talk.

Natalie, come over here. Nat hears Olivia yell her over and hurries to obey, not wanting to make the potential captain mad.

Wassup? She waves at the team.

You don’t need to hang out with the runts. Shake the nerves off and get confident. You’re a great player. Olivia passes the ball in her hand to Nat. Warm up with us.

Nat nods and says nothing as she shoots around with the team while they wait for coach Rick to arrive.

A few minutes later, coach Rick arrives and lines everyone up. Alright, everyone, as you know, we only have three open positions, and the season has already started, so the decision will be made today. We’re going to do a few basic drills so I can see where you all are. And those who were on the team last semester, the position of captain is open. I have already narrowed down my choices, so I suggest you all show me just how much you want this position today. Everyone to the baseline. Coach blows his whistle, and everyone scurries to the baseline.

After a half-hour of drills, the coach gives them a water break. As she is gulping down her Gatorade, she spots Alex a few rows up with their other friends. Nat smiles happily and walks up to them.

Girl, you’re looking great out there, Leslie speaks first.

Nat sits next to Alex then tries to hug her, but Alex leans away. If you hug me with all that sweat, I’ll blast you across the room. This shirt cost three hundred dollars.

Nat rolls her eyes. Do you ever dress down? You’re at a sporting event.

Julian laughs then quickly shuts up when Alex turns glaring at him.

This is only tryouts, babe. Take out some of that air in your head. And I am dressed down, I’m wearing jeans.

Honey, those jeans are so tight they’re a second skin, trust me those don’t count as dressing down. Anything that shows off your figure like that is dressing up, never down. Alex grins and leans against the row behind her. The coach blows the whistle and yells for everyone to get back in line.

You better get back and get focus on the ball and not on my figure Nat. Nat rolls her eyes. As she’s walking back down to the floor, she waves at Damien sitting with the whole male varsity team, who then yells over to her to dig deep.

Alright, everyone, time for the hard part. The drills are over, and coach Rick starts to cut people from tryouts. All of you have done well, and I hope you come back next season to try out again. For the five of you on the right, the last test will be a ten-minute full-court game. Olivia and Kristen front and center, you two will be opposing team captains for this game, Olivia, you pick first.

Nat’s shoulders fall down, and she hunches over in defeat. Even though she’s a witch and capable of using her magical essence to gain more stamina compared to the average mortal she’s still human, competing for a place on the team against creatures with unlimited stamina.

Nat understands now why Damien told her to dig deep. Damien is a vampire, so what he knows about digging deep she does not know, but she replays his words over and over in her mind while she gets ready to push her body. One thing on her side is coach named Olivia and Kristen, who are competing for the Captain spot team leaders and is letting them pick their team. Olivia picks Nat giving her some hope in making it through tryouts.

In the end, Nat made eight assist and fourteen points. She earns a spot on the team. Celebration time! Leslie runs down and hugs Nat before Damien comes down to lift her in a hug.

Let’s go over to Flame & Dagger, Julian suggests, and everyone agrees. Flame & Dagger is a popular hangout spot for the young supernatural.

Wait, I have two essays and another homework assignment due tomorrow. Nat curses her teachers for giving so much homework on the first day back.

We’ll work on our homework first then go once we’re done. It’s not even close to nightfall. Stop worrying so much, Nat. Alex huffs out before ordering everyone to meet in her room so they can do their work together faster.

I don’t take orders from you, Leslie rolls her eyes at Alex and proceeds to hook her arm with Nat’s arm. I work better alone, no distractions, so we can get out of here quicker. Later. Leslie tugs Nat away.

Nat and Leslie walk arms still linked out of the center. You were kind of rude back there.

She’s always bossing us around like we work for her. I’m trying to play nice for you and Arnold, but it was only a couple of months ago that bitch was the enemy. Leslie unlinks their arms and folds hers.

Hey, wait up. They whip their heads around and spot Arnold jogging up to them. They walk together back to the dorms.

You didn’t want to walk with your girlfriend back to her room? Nat wags her eyebrows at Arnold.

I’ll see her later. He shrugs and looks at Leslie. What’s wrong with you?

Nothing, just don’t feel like being ordered around by any of them. I know you’re pussy-whipped, but she kicked your ass and ours more than once. Leslie sucked her teeth at him.

Olivia treated us as she does anyone who she’s not friends with. It’s not like she made it her life’s mission to fight us. Nat started most of it.

Nat’s mouth drops. Hey! I didn’t start it. How did I even get into this? Leslie is the one complaining.

I’m not. A little maybe, but I’ll drop it. Fighting together for our lives helped me to forgive them, and I love you guys, so I’m trying to get to know them. But if one of them hurts you guys, I’m kicking their ass. Leslie storms ahead of Nat and Arnold.

Nat glances at Arnold. See you tonight. He parts away toward the pathway where his dorm is located.

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Hours later, Nat and her friends arrive at Flame & Dagger. It’s crowded, Rachel complains and scans the lounge.

Relax, we’re going to find seats. Nat bobs her head to the music.

Hurry up, there’s an empty section over there. Julian points to an area with empty lounge chairs and a sofa by a tall wall water feature.

Olivia moves in a flash to secure the area.

So much death in this place, Arnold speaks as if he’s talking about finding gum on his shoes, disgusted yet dismissive as if what he knows is meaningless.

What are you talking about? Should we leave? Leslie comes to Nat’s side, still giving Arnold her attention.

No, nothing happening here, I just had some visions of people’s death while looking around. Arnold points to a woman in a blue dress. Her husband will kill her at some party. The guy with the red hair by the bar will shift at his school and kill everyone. Arnold shakes his head. He’s an idiot for going to a human school if he can’t control his shift.

Leslie’s shoulders relax. Oh, ok. Ella and I can get everyone drinks. What do you all want?

Alex notices Nat’s mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water and knows her friend is about to lose it and go on her rampage about doing what’s right. To avoid the speech and change of mood, she speaks before Nat can. Arnold, go tell the woman about her husband and the werewolf about killing his classmates before Nat’s head blows up and tries to save everyone in here instead of partying.

For what? I’m not their mothers or the police. Arnold looks at Leslie. Get me a soda and get Olivia two beers.

Are you not heir to the Order of Light? Isn’t your responsibility to enforce laws? Nat hisses, trying to keep others from overhearing.

Arnold gets up from his seat. Actually, I’m in training, so I just do oversight, and I report if needed. But to shut you up, I’ll go. He walks away.

Nat huffs and flops down next to Leslie.

Problem solved, let’s party. Rachel clasps her hands together and smiles. Come on, who’s going to dance with me?

Alex and Julian get up and head to the dance floor leaving Nat and Olivia.

I should have told Ella to get me something stronger. Nat rolls her eyes, still pouting.

Girl, you need to relax. You’re not the police, so just chill and enjoy the evening. Olivia grabs Nat’s arm, shakes it, and throws it in the air. Let’s go dance.

I would love to dance with you. The ladies turn their heads to the strange male voice. Do you mind if my friends and I join you, ladies? A tall man with a gold dangling feather earing invades their area.

Our area is full. Our friends will be back. Nat politely turns the young man down.

And I’m not interested in dancing with you. Olivia smiles just as Leslie and Eleanor come back with trays filled with alcohol.

The young guy leaves with a frown. Nat glances at Olivia and Leslie and giggles, trying not to be rude and laugh too hard.

Was that guy bothering you? Eleanor glares in the direction the guy went.

No, he’s fine. Nat downs two shots before dragging Eleanor to the dance floor, side-stepping Arnold, who was coming back to their area.

The group of friends dance, and after two songs, one by one, return to their section. Nat slides onto the sofa leaning against Julian. Rachel twirls and plops down next to Nat pulling Alex down with her. Smothered, Nat attempts to straighten up, and squeals as Julian grabs her up into his lap.

Hey, watch those hands.

I’m trying to save you from being squished. Julian laughs, holding his hands up.

Nat clutches her chest. Oh, my hero. Nat leans into his chest, throwing her arms around him and places a big kiss on his lips before she burst out in laughter.

Better recognize or next time I won’t save you. He grins, puffing his chest out. Nat rolls her eyes and pats his thigh and gets comfortable.

Girl, I’m tiny, I wouldn’t have broken you. Rachel hands Nat a drink. That girl to the far right corner has been staring at you since you were shaking that ass on the floor.

Nat glances quickly in the direction Rachel mentions and blushes. I’m here to have fun with you all. Besides, she’s out of my league.

Rachel laughs. Girl, with that body, you’re rocking, you got her. She looks thirsty away.

If you two want to make out, I give my permission. Alex winks at Rachel and Nat.

Ew!

Never!

Never say never, Julian jumps into the conversation. A few more drinks and this can be a real party. I have enough stamina for everyone. He chuckles as Nat elbows him.

Dude, when are you going to realize not everyone wants to sleep with you? Arnold chuckles as he speaks.

When they stop fucking me. Julian slides a hand over Nat’s thigh, invoking sexual energy to spread through her. She closes her eyes, savoring the feeling, getting lightweight by the second. His hand moves away, and slowly she escapes the sexual fog.

I told you to watch those hands. Nat jumps up and goes to sit on the opposite couch. I’m staying far from you tonight. You not going to get me caught up.

Alright enough of all that, let’s party! Leslie picks up a shot, and everyone else does the same.

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The next day after Flame & Dagger Alex heads to her casino. Alex feels her spine tingle with a degree of unease. Alex takes a deep breath then slowly lets out her breath while slowly running her fingers through her locks. Having spent so much time away from the casino, she is worried if there might be other unfaithful employees like Keith.

Only a few of the casino employees work directly for her, along with those she’s convinced to work for her instead of her mother. These people are loyal to her, knowing her true self and true nature of the business. She can trust them. They all fear her enough to know if they betray her, their lives will be miserable or ended. The Aurelius coven doesn’t take betrayal well.

Sliding out of the car, she brings her perfectly tanned legs into sight as the mesh of colored lights shimmer over her form. Only a subtle smile breaks her serious features as she elegantly walks to the entrance. Carefully, she looks at the fleet of expensive cars owned by individuals or companies. She easily recognizes Virgil and Alistair’s cars in the VIP parking spaces, since both are part of her coven.

Business is hell, she thought to herself with a smile while wondering what trouble the men are getting into. No one in the coven can truly be trusted.

The words ring loud in her head with a measure of pride and some pain as she recalled the figure who constantly used the phrase in her dealings. She wasn’t sure whether she should miss the woman or not, considering the turmoil she felt and the sense of selfishness. She shakes her head, feeling her hair dancing beautifully behind her. That is an issue for another day.

Alex struts to the private elevator and pushed the button to the lobby. Before she takes care of business, she wants to see every inch of the place. The elevator door opens. Armed with her charm, beauty, and elegance beyond what most girls her age could ever bear, she walked toward the closest security guard.

The guard’s eyes widened after he had trailed her long slender, and gorgeous legs to fall his gaze on her smirking face. Miss Aurelius, I’m so… sorry.

Watching him motion to radio in her presence, she remained silent and took in the room.

This place reeks of magic, she thought to herself.

Those she employed were no doubt supernatural, with a blend of different creatures—mostly wild ones—to keep things safe. Still, there’s more than the usual supernatural clientele and employees. Maybe more of her coven are present than she had assumed. She took a glance at her watch and noted she had arrived about an hour earlier than stated to Benjamin. If she’s going to deal with her coven, she needs a few drinks in her first. Alex walked over to the bar, which was oddly sparse with drinkers for the evening.

I’ll have some bourbon, please, she asked politely, almost as though she was an entirely different person at the moment.

She received her drink from the somewhat absentminded bartender. Alex wants to ask the bartender a few questions, however he quickly moves away from her. Alex glares at him, wondering if this bartender will betray her as the other did. Is her drink even safe enough to enjoy? Alex hears Nat’s voice in her mind reminding her that she took care of everything. Alex lifts her drink and tries to relax.

I like a lady with a firm grasp on her drink, a masculine voice speaks next to her.

He pulls a stool toward her. Alex refuses to acknowledge him and continues sipping her drink, making sure not to drink too much. Whatever he’s selling, she’s not buying.

Bartender! the man called out. I want a glass of your best drink for my lady over here. Make it a double.

Her hand tightens around her glass, but her sense of calm prevails, and she continues with her drink. The man has come close enough for his blinding stench of alcohol to hit her, and for the first time, she notes