Chapter 165
Heather
One glance out the window told me that the Cazadores were patrolling campus again. We were still on lockdown, but since I was known to fight against the witches, the Cazadores let me move around. They kind of had to. Their leader had tried commanding me to stay indoors a few nights ago, and it hadn’t gone his way.
Since then, they steered clear of me. I was pretty sure I made them uncomfortable, but that was definitely the least of my worries.
I stashed a few vials of my newest potion in my pockets—just in case something happened—before going in search of Brent.
I went to the gym first, thinking our group would be there, but I didn’t see Brent or anyone else among the guys sparring. They didn’t pay much attention to me as they fought, moving so quickly that their movement was hard to track.
Where was everyone? I thought about using the bond to find Brent, but I hated to use that as a crutch. I wanted to be able to find him on my own.
The next logical place to look was the cafeteria. But again, only some Cazadores and alphas milling about, and no Brent. No Serena or Donovan or Adrian either.
So odd. If they were done working out, why hadn’t they come to get me?
I grabbed a drink and a cookie and finally gave in, opening the bond wide. Where are you?
The library.
As soon as he said the words, an image of him standing in front of the shelves as he scanned the spines of books came through the bond.
The library was on the first floor of the admin building. I started to head that way, but kept the connection open with Brent. You didn’t come get me when you were done? My voice had a hint of whine. I hated that. I took a big bite of cookie. Chocolate chip with a hint of salt. God, the Were cooks were amazing.
I checked in. You were on the phone. I figured you’d find me when you were done.
Which was what I’d done, so no point in getting annoyed. But why was I feeling needy all of a sudden?
I started up the three stairs to the entrance of the admin building.
Maybe because you were traumatized and you need to give yourself time to heal.
I nearly tripped. Sometimes it still surprised me that he could dig into my thoughts. Right. Well, it stinks.
I pushed through the door to the library. Everyone sat at study tables. Serena and Donovan huddled over a book. When a chunk of pink hair fell into her eyes, Donovan tucked it back behind her ear.
Xander was tapping a pencil against the table as he worked through his volume. His wavy blonde hair was getting long and poofing out. Xander was the most introverted of the group, even if he did like to flirt a little. I couldn’t believe he’d actually kissed me once. That all seemed like forever ago.
Brent stood off to the side waiting for me
He leaned casually against the bookcase, and grinned, showing his dimples. I rolled my eyes at how easily he got to me. Just one look and I was toast. "I sure hope you’re right, because otherwise..." If I got any more addicted to him, I’d lose my mind.
"I’m always right."
I snorted. He liked to think so.
Adrian glanced up from his book. His short, black hair was gelled just enough to be perfectly mussed and spiky. "What is he right about?"
I cleared my throat. "Nothing. But we have a situation."
That got everyone’s attention. "What’s going on?" Donovan asked.
"Have any of you been to see Raphael?" Only Xander had the decency to look sheepish. "He’s not doing well. I’ve been trying to come up with a way to help, only I’ve got nothing."
"I thought Dr. Gonzales had him stabilized," Donovan said.
"Not even close." The eerie, cackling laugh of that thing inside Raphael echoed in my mind. "It’s The Exorcist over there. She shot him up with enough sedatives to knock out an alpha, and it only pissed off whatever’s possessing him. Best she could do was strap him down."
Adrian leaned back in his chair. "So, what now?"
"That’s where you come in."
He pointed to himself. "Me? Specifically?"
"Yup." Adrian was pretty easy going, and of all my friends he showed the most interest in getting closer with the brujos. He was also the only one in the pack that had brujo blood in him, even if it was a few generations removed. "I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on, and so far there’s nothing that would help Raphael. Claudia’s his best shot, but she’s more than a day of travel away. So, what do you think about going with Shane, Beth, and I dunno—someone else—to Peru."
"He can’t get on a plane," Adrian said. "Not if he’s that bad."
No kidding. "I figured that—"
"Yeah, if he’s really bad off, I wouldn’t chance putting him on a plane," Xander said. "It’s too risky. What if something happens mid-flight?"
I rolled my eyes. "I know. That’s what I’m trying to say. So, back to my original idea, you drive down."
"We’ll get an RV. If they drive in shifts, they could be down there in a day or two," Brent said.
"It’ll take her at least that long to find a cure. That should be perfect." I tried to keep any hope off my face as I turned back to Adrian. "So, you game?"
Serena snorted. "For some nearly alone time with Shane, I’d say he’s in."
What? Why does he want alone time with Shane?
Probably because he has a crush on him.
Wait. Adrian’s gay? How did I not know that? I tried to keep the surprise off my face, but Adrian narrowed his gaze, and I looked away.
Brent shrugged. Why do you think we train together every morning at five? He’s not pairing up with any girls. He thinks his only shot at making a difference is being a Cazador. And it gives him cover from his parents—who are a couple of complete assholes.
My world had just been rocked. I’d been so caught up my own shit that I didn’t really know the only friends I’d ever had.
Don’t do that. His romantic life is between him and whoever he ends up with. Just like it’s none of anyone else’s business what you and I do or don’t do.
That made sense, but I still felt like a moron. But you all knew?
That’s because we’ve known each other a long time. This isn’t about you.
Fine. I just feel selfish. Like a bad friend.
You’re not a bad friend.
Serena cleared her throat. "You about done?" She turned to Donovan. "We’re not that annoying, are we?"
"Worse." Adrian groaned. "You’re way worse. And being around the four of you is—"
"Nauseating." Xander chimed in. "It’s nauseating. When I finally find my True Mate, I’m not doing any of this shit."
Serena threw a pen at him. "Big words, dork. You’re going to be the worst of the bunch."
"So true," I said. "You’re all into art and feelings. Which means you’ll be even more romantic than the rest of us."
"Yeah, well, payback’s gonna be a bitch." His voice had a hint of rasp to it as he laughed.
My smile faded as my mind wandered back to Raphael. "Okay. So, who else can we get to go on the trip? No offense, but I can only spare one of you. I figured Adrian was good to go since he’d get more time with the brujos."
"Good call," Adrian said. "I’ve been wanting to pick their brains. I feel like I could really get better at spells with their help, but there’s been no time."
"Well, here’s your chance."
"I’ll find someone to go. Someone not too alpha, but a good fighter," Donovan said.
"Maybe Stephen? Or Kaden?" Serena said.
I had no idea who they were. It was easy to forget that I’d only been at St. Francis’s for a couple months, but then things like this happened and I remembered that I really was just the new kid in school.