LITMIR.BIZ

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figure hidden in the shadows approached the gazebo. “Don’t run.”

      Not Aaron.

      Be human, I thought. It’s probably one of Ally’s classmates.

      I kicked out her bad foot, my hand tightening around the crutch. “I can’t run,” I chuckled.

      Where was Cooper? Or Aaron? Or any Guard? Cooper had made it part of the deal for me to stick with a Guard.

      The boy from the school stepped under the gazebo, the dim Christmas lights illuminating his face. A light breeze ruffled Ally’s hair, raising goose bumps along her skin, but a part of me knew it wasn’t all because of the breeze. He moved closer, each step causing Ally’s heart to race as if a hummingbird lived inside her chest.

      “It’s you,” I said.

      “It’s me,” he said a little sadly. “You know my name?”

      I ignored the question. “Are you a Guard?” I asked, noticing his outfit.

      “Not exactly.” He moved closer to me; I raised the crutch, stopping him in his tracks.

      “So it’s true,” he said, raking a hand through his thick, dark hair.

      “What’s true?” I asked. “I think you might be confused—”

      “I’m not confused,” he said, quickly moving forward until his body was inches from mine. This guy had a personal space issue, but I didn’t step back. I wanted to be near him. Something deep inside me pushed to the surface, demanding to be released.

      “Why would he do this?” he said in a low whisper.

      “Who?” I stared up into his eyes.

      The boy lifted his hands to my face but, instead of touching me, they closed into fists. He twisted around and punched one of the pillars. His hand connecting, hard.

      I flinched, reconsidering my crutch barrier.

      He punched it again with the other hand.

      “Stop!” I said. “What’s going on? Cooper did send you to watch me, right?”

      “Cooper,” he spat. “Cooper has nothing to do with this, with us.”

      “Us?”

      He gripped my shoulders and held me in front of him. “What do you remember about your human life?”

      Ally’s jaw clamped shut.

      His grip lessened but he did not release me. “Please, Mags, I need to know.”

      I had a hard time concentrating on anything besides his touch. “What do you mean?” I asked. “We don’t remember our human lives; it’s one of the rules. You should know that.”

      He grimaced, releasing me from his grip. “I think you need to have a chat with Felix, especially because of the body you inhabit.”

      “Jackson!” Cooper’s voice bellowed.

      I flinched, turning to him.

      His broadsword braced for attack. His eyes flicked to mine. “Get out of here, Maggie.”

      I looked at Jackson. The name struck me, but I had no idea why. I racked my memory but it remained hazy.

      “Stay out of this, Guard.” The title rolled off Jackson’s tongue as if it were a curse.

      Calliope and six other Guard appeared on the lawn.

      “Did you think we’d leave her unprotected?” she snarled.

      Jackson narrowed his eyes, touching his gaze on each Guard, sizing them up. None of them moved and neither did I.

      Jackson’s eyes darkened and he touched Ally’s cheek, sending a quiver of energy through me.

      “I’ll be back for you.” His blue eyes twinkled under the lights. He turned to Cooper, his hand still touching me. “You don’t want to make a fool of yourself again, do you?”

      Cooper’s lip curled up and he gripped the sword harder.

      Jackson launched himself over the railing and disappeared before his feet touched the ground. I stared at the empty space where he had been; it mirrored a sinking awareness in Ally’s gut.

      Cooper appeared at my side. “Are you okay?”

      I blinked at him.

      “Did he hurt you?” His eyes darted around my face as if blood would start gushing out at any moment.

      “No,” I said through chattering teeth, briskly rubbing Ally’s arms.

      “We should get out of here,” Calliope put her arm around me. “I think that’s enough excitement for one night.”

      I nodded, still remembering Jackson’s touch.

      I allowed the Guard to flank me as I leaned into the crutches, making my way around the house. My head pounded enough, I didn’t need to add the pressure of music. The only person I knew in there was Heather and she was preoccupied. I’d text her later. Plus, I didn’t want her to ask questions. Questions that I didn’t have any answers to.

      A few teens hanging out in the hot tub yelled for Ally and I offered a glance in their direction as I passed.

      “Come on in, baby,” one particularly drunk kid heckled. “The water’s fine.”

      “In your dreams,” I said, eliciting hoots of laughter from the others.

      I rounded the house and saw Henry’s car parked further down the street. “Did you call him?” I asked Calliope.

      Cooper answered. “No, he waits for Ally. She’s usually not this subdued after a party.”

       One more way that I’m unlike Ally…

      Cooper chuckled, reading my thoughts. “It’s not a bad thing. It’s actually nice to walk with her to the car, instead of watching someone carry her out.”

      “Ally!” Seth called.

      I turned. Seth and Krystal stood at the front door. I ignored her glare and mustered a smile for Seth.

      He jogged over, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Are you okay?”

      “Yeah, I’m just tired.”

      “Sorry I’m late,” he said. “Dad wanted me to make some deliveries.”

      I looked over his shoulder to Krystal.

      Seth offered a sheepish grin. “She asked me for a ride too. I hope that’s okay?”

      “Of course,” I said, matching her glare.

      “Do you want me to come with you?” he asked, his tone suggesting his offer was a means for him to be polite.

      I didn’t trust that part of Ally that had taken over when Seth was near the day before. I didn’t need to test her.

      “Have a good time,” I said, pulling him into a quick hug and keeping Ally’s mouth away from his. “Call me tomorrow?”

      Seth squeezed Ally’s hand, nodding. “Feel better, Ally-bear.” He kissed the top of her head and turned to the party.

      I caught the end of Krystal’s glare but, just as Seth faced her, it melted into a mock-frown. “Feel better!” she called, giving me a little wave. She waited for Seth and whipped around toward the party.

      “Come on, Maggie,” Cooper hissed.

      There was something about Krystal that was off. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

      Cooper and I reached the car, and Henry came out, grabbing the door before I could. “You okay, Ms. Greene?”

      I nodded and slid into the backseat. Cooper appeared in the seat beside me. I leaned Ally’s

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