Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ARROW
S omething is coming and my premonitions are trying to warn me, but there is a dark magic behind everything, that I can’t help thinking is Luke. All I know at the moment is I need to get to Don.
The moment the vision ended and I couldn’t reach Donovan, I knew something was wrong. A deep chill has settled over my bones, and I’m worried that I may not reach him in time.
My visions have been so sporadic lately that I don't actually know when he's going to be in danger. Just that he is. He’s going to be deceived by someone he trusts.
It could be a day, a week, or a minute from his future turning into his present.
I have also been picking up some emotions from Wellson, and I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I think it’s a good sign. Maybe soon he will wake up and we can start moving on with our lives.
His emotions are all over the place, but I don’t care. I will help him through them when he’s conscious. Clara thinks that I am over reaching, but I know what I’m sensing.
Never have I been more thankful to be an empath.
Leaving the cottage, I track down Jade. I need her to sit with Wells while I go off searching for Don. I tried reaching her again through messenger, but she must be somewhere with no signal.
Closing my eyes, I picture her, then grimace.
I did not need to see that, but at least now I know where she is. Walking over to the girls' dorms, I find her room and bang on the door. It doesn’t take long for her to answer.
“Arrow? What’s wrong? Is it Silver? Wellson?” Putting my hand in the pause position, she takes a breath.
“I need to leave. Can you stay at the cottage with Wells? You can bring your friend as well,” I say with a smirk and her cheeks turn red, but she nods.
“Yes, I’ll be by in a few minutes,” she mumbles and then shuts the door. Her emotions are drowning me, and I have to laugh as I leave. I don’t know why she’s so embarrassed. Clara and her have always been close.
Yes, she's one of the professors here, but that's never mattered in the grand scheme of things.
I don't bother wasting time walking back to the cottage, I summon a portal that leads right into my closet.
I don't need much, maybe a change of clothes, but I do make sure not to forget the knockout potions, rope, and spelled handcuffs.
I don't know what I'm about to walk into, and I should be prepared for anything. Our powers only get us so far. Especially if a Hunter is around, as they have weapons to weaken us and our magic.
As I’m leaving my room, I sling my bag over my shoulder and head toward Wells’ room. Jade is sitting in my chair, reading the book. She looks up, but won’t look me in the eyes.
“Jade, I really do not care who you fuck. Thank you for staying with him. I will be back in time for the bloody wedding,” I grumble and she nods, but doesn’t say anything. The tips of her ears are red, and I don’t have time to try to convince her.
Leaving the room, I walk down the hall and wave to Clara, who is making tea in the kitchen. She gives me a smile. “Have a safe trip, Arrow,” she says, and I grunt.
I grab my biker boots and helmet from the cubbies before walking out to the garage. My bike is waiting for me, and I wince at the layer of dust covering it. I really have been neglectful lately.
“I’m sorry, baby,” I coo as I swing my leg over the seat and gently rub the handlebars. The engine starts right up, and I take in a few deep breaths before putting my helmet on and backing out.
I try not to think about the time when Silver was on the back, wrapping her arms and thighs around me. We may not have had a perfect relationship, or hell, any relationship at all, but I do miss her.
She brought life back into all of us.
Though things are fucked and I wish Wellson would wake his ass up, in a way, I’m relieved that he won’t have to sit through that dreadful wedding. Out of the three of us, he was closest to Silver. Even though they were together for a shorter time, their connection was stronger.
He was shopping for rings, planning to propose…
Taking the back road off of campus, I let my speed increase until I'm flying along the abandoned streets.
It's quiet this time of night, and I pull off at a rundown gas station to top up my tank and do a quick spell.
Hunters have been getting more bold lately, and I don't need to find myself on the other side of their sword.
Magic only goes so far when they have cursed objects.
A loud truck pulls into the station behind me, and the small hairs on my neck stand up.
I mumble one more spell to protect me and disguise myself, then return the gas pump and put my cap back on my bike.
I don't linger, and quickly throw my leg over the seat and start her up.
Clouds of smoke scented with Marijuana fill my nose and I sigh with relief. They aren't Hunters, just potheads, stopping for some midnight munchies.
Leaving the parking lot, I take off down the highway. I could have taken a portal, but this way, I'll have my bike with me in case I need to stay longer than planned.
The sun is coming up as I yawn and pull into a small convenience store. I don't know where I am, but Don's magical presence is strong here.
It's a cute little town on the cove, somewhere in California. Sandy beaches and people wearing bikinis catch my eye.
There also seems to be a massive amount of surfers at this hour. Parking my bike, I check that I'm alone, then spell some basketball shorts and a T-shirt, so I can change.
This place is hot, and wearing leather is not the best option. Climbing off, I stretch out my sore limbs.
My ass is numb, but it will be worth it if I can find Don and convince him to come back to Alistar Academy with me.
I don't want to go to this wedding alone. Nor should I have to.
I doubt Silver will even say two words to me after everything, but my heart wants what it wants, and watching her marry someone else isn't it. At least if Don comes too, we can commiserate together.
Leaving my bike, I find one of the bathrooms and quickly handle my business, then change.
I could go for a shower, some food, and a nap, but it will have to wait.
Pulling my phone out of my shorts pocket, I decide to call Jade and check in.
I know Wells is fine and he hasn't woken up, otherwise I would have gotten a call, but I have a bad feeling.
Something strange is going on with all of us, and I don't see it ending well.
I'm too tired to try to cast a vision, so my phone will have to do for now.
It rings a few times and I'm about to hang up and try later when Jade's muffled voice greets me, as I'm bending down to remove my boots.
“Arrow, you okay?” she whispers, then yawns, causing me to as well.
I stand back up, covering my mouth and nod, then groan and rub my hand over my sweaty hair.
She can't see you, dumbass.
“I've made it to where Don was staying, but it's still early. It looks like a small beach town…”
I trail off, watching a young woman chasing her daughter through the shallow waves.
She seems familiar somehow.
“I'm an idiot,” she grumbles, and I focus on what she's saying. “I should have known he would go there. It makes sense. When a magical being is in need of protection or solace, Crystal Cove will appear.”
I search for a sign, but all I can see is a small restaurant and bar. The smell of bacon frying has my feet drifting closer.
“Interesting, so you're saying everyone here is magical?” I ask as I stomp through the warm sand.
“Yes, they must have a hint of magic in their blood in order to cross through the wards. I remember reading about it in one of the grimoires.”
“Hopefully, I can get Don and head back tonight, but if not, how's Wells?”
Sighing, she yawns again and I can hear shuffling, as if she's climbing out of bed.
“He's fine. I conjured a video baby monitor and set it beside his bed, so I could keep an eye on him. I don't know how you can sleep in that chair,” she mumbles, then curses, and sighs.
“I forgot to tell you about the monitor I have set up in the corner of his room, but thanks for thinking of that.”
A pounding in my head has my vision becoming blurry, and I grip the phone tighter. I really need a break.
“Do not forget the wedding is mandatory. Do not let the Master down. Or else!!!”
Donovan's father shouts in my head, and I know he's sent this message to everyone in the coven.
“Why can't he send a group text like everyone else,” Jade groans and I laugh, shaking my head.
I'm almost at the restaurant, and the smell is getting stronger, more enticing.
“Because Tobias Blake has to make everything a production. Casting a spell to scream at all of us telepathically is just his style,” I say, then yawn again.
I need a bucket of coffee, or maybe an IV straight into the vein.
“I was just calling to check in. I'm going to grab some food and take a nap. I'll call ya back later.”
We say our goodbyes and hang up.
“Get a seat anywhere, honey. I'll be there in a minute,” a cute blonde says from the counter.
There are booths and open stools at the counter. I opt for a booth. My ass still hurts.
Sitting, I moan softly. I may need to find a place with a hot tub. Soaking with some jets sounds amazing right now.
“Hey, doll, what can I get you?” Kalee says. At least, I think that's her name, since it's on the tag attached to her top.
Fuck, I'm tired.
Rubbing my eyes, I glance at the chalkboard of specials and choose the number three.
She leaves me after jotting it down and I sigh, closing my eyes for a moment.
I must have dozed off since I didn't see someone join me.
Kalee sets my food on the table in front of me, and smiles at the little girl across from me.
“Hey, baby, does your momma know you're here?” she asks her with a warm smile.
“Yes, she's running a little late for her last day of work. She told me to come order some food,” the little girl says, and I take her in. She looks familiar, but the lack of food and sleep aren't helping me to figure it out.
“Okay, honey, you want the usual?” She nods and the waitress goes back to helping a man at the counter.
“I lied,” the little girl says to me and I sit up straighter.
Jade said this place was safe, but maybe I'm not at Crystal Cove. I open my mouth and close it, but I don't know what to say.
“My mom is at home, packing… I had a funny feeling that I needed to be here.”
She places her hands on the table and leans closer.
She's powerful. There is a magical presence swirling around her.
“Are you Arrow?” she whispers and I nod. “My brother told me about you. He's missing, but my mama doesn't believe me.”
“You're Don's sister?” I choke out, then take a large sip of the scalding coffee.
“Yes. I'm Mylie. Are you here to find Donnie? Because he's not here. The bad guy took him.”
Leaving my plate behind, I stand and toss some cash on the table, then rush outside to my bike.
Putting my boots on, I don't bother brushing the sand off or putting my socks back on.
Closing my eyes, I search for Don, but I still can't find him.
I don't know if I believe that girl, but if what she said is true, then we are truly fucked.
Casting a spell, I find Don's place and pull into the parking lot. There is a woman banging on the door, and I watch her for a moment.
Climbing off my bike, I move closer to her. I'm almost near enough to touch her before she notices me and jumps back, pressing a hand to her chest.
She turns to leave, and I can't allow that.
“Who are you?” I blurt out, and she moves away. “I’m not trying to scare you, but you look familiar,” I mumble and she nods.
“My daughter, Mylie, is Donovan Blake’s sister. It’s a very long story, but the short end is that I was supposed to be leaving here and going to Alistar Academy with Don, but he just up and disappeared. I don’t think he would have left us here, especially after getting Mylie’s hopes up. I'm trying to find him and my daughter.”
“She's at the restaurant down by the water. I just met her. Kalee is feeding her,” I mutter, watching her eyes get wider.
“She knows she's not supposed to sneak off. Wait, who are you?”
“Arrow. I'm looking for my best friend… I think you're right. I don’t think he left here willingly either. I had a premonition, but it was fuzzy. Someone kidnapped him. I was hoping to catch some clues here, but… maybe I was supposed to meet you all along.”
“Kidnapped? How? This place is a safe haven.”
“I don't know yet, but your daughter seems to think a bad man took him, and I think I may have an idea who that is. I don't have a lot of time. Get your daughter and your things. After a nap, we are going back to the Academy.”
MYAH
Arrow uses a spell to unlock Don’s door and walks right in. I feel weird about him invading his privacy, but at the same time, this is one of his best friends—his brother.
I follow after him, my mind racing, and I’m still trying to understand that Mylie snuck out to meet him, and he’s taking us back to Salem.
I haven’t been there in years, and I fear that Tobias is going to learn about his daughter and try to take her from me. I know Don promised to keep her safe, but now he’s gone.
Maybe we should just stay here. Mylie would understand.
Arrow moves over to the well loved sofa and plops down face first. “Maybe Mylie and I should stay here. I don’t feel comfortable going back to the Academy without Donovan.”
Mylie will be upset, but she’ll understand. Might need to do some bribing though. She was so excited for her new room.
Arrow groans and rolls over onto his back. “Once I've had a nap, I will try to see the future, and what the right path is, but right now, my head is throbbing and I need sleep,” he grumbles and I sigh.
“Can’t you just use a spell to wake you up or remove your headache?” I really know shit all about magic, potions, and spells, but I’m not totally clueless. I have seen a few things while living here.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have any of the ingredients I would need, and some things you can’t conjure,” he grunts, half awake.
“Oh, okay. I’m going to go to the restaurant and get my daughter and see if Marge will give me my last check. I’ll let you sleep,” I murmur, but when I hear the soft snores escaping his mouth, I know he didn’t hear me.
Leaving the house, I walk down the sidewalk and over to the beach. The sun is now completely risen, and the heat has increased. I’m wearing leggings and a tank-top, because we had planned to be in the car all day.
Kalee spots me the moment I enter the place I have been working at for years. I’m going to miss this little restaurant. I loved meeting all the new people, and getting to look out over the water every day.
“Well, hey there, sugar. Your mini-me is in booth four,” she says, walking past and swatting me on the ass with a menu. I laugh and give her a smile.
“Thanks, she snuck out this morning,” I grumble and her blue eyes widen.
“That little stinker. She lied to me, and I even gave her extra chocolate chips in her waffles.”
Rolling my eyes, I walk over to my demon child. She’s not really a demon, but she is going to put me in an early grave with her sassy attitude and disregard for her own safety. Her face is covered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
“Enjoying yourself?” I ask, placing my hands on my hips. She swallows and looks down at the sticky table.
“On a scale of one to explosion, how mad are you, Mama?” she whispers, and I scoff.
“Don’t try it, Mylie Moo. You left the house without a word. Do you know how worried I was? Donnie is missing, and then all of a sudden, you were gone too!”
I hand her a napkin, and she cleans her hands before rushing over to me and squeezing me tight.
“I’m sorry, Mama. I can’t explain it. I just knew I had to come here. It was the tingles again.”
Sighing, I pull her closer. “Come on. We need to load up the SUV.” Taking my hand, we wave goodbye to Kalee and Greg.
Marge rushes out to give us one last hug and my check.
“I added a little extra, you have been one of my best employees, and are always welcome back here.”
“Thanks, Marge… for everything. I thought I was lost and hopeless when we first arrived. Having to leave everything behind was hard, but you made us feel welcome. I'll never be able to repay you for that.”
“Oh, shush, child. You have brought so much joy to this old woman. Brought me a grandbaby to boot. Family is who you choose, Myah.”
The smoke alarm starts blaring and her green eyes widen. “Oh, fiddlesticks my coffee cake.”
With that she takes her leave, bustling back into the kitchen, and I look at Mylie.
“Come on, honey, we have a lot to do.
Walking out of this place, I feel sad, but also excited.
I'm going to miss Crystal Cove, but hopefully, once we find Donnie, Salem will be a new and better home for us.
“Are we going to the cottage, Mama?” Mylie asks as I check the road for oncoming cars, then walk across.
“Yes, Arrow is going to take us there after he sleeps. We have a lot to finish packing, and we need to stop by your school too,” I remind her, and she gives me the biggest smile.
“This is it, Mama. It's our destiny.” She keeps saying that, but I'm not feeling settled.
Opening the door to our place, I move aside some boxes, and Mylie runs to her room to finish loading up her suitcase.
Donovan offered to do a spell to send all our items to the cottage. Maybe I can ask Arrow if he could do the same.
Otherwise we may need to hire a rental truck to transport all of our things.
There are so many memories here. We made this sanctuary our home. I'm not ready to leave, but it's time.
“How are you getting your bike home?” I ask Arrow as he flicks the turn signal on and turns left onto the overpass.
We have been driving for a few hours, and though I have offered to take a shift, he swears he's fine.
“I will portal back here after the wedding from Hell and get it,” he mumbles, then taps his fingers against the tan steering wheel.
He seems anxious, and I can't blame him.
“Do you think Donovan is okay?” I question and he sighs.
“My visions are blocked. I think the Devil has him in Hell. I'll look around at the wedding.”
“Donnie was really heartbroken and angry about that. When he got the invitation…”
“We all were. Speaking of… Did he ever tell you about Wellson?” Arrow turns to face me, taking his eyes off the road for a moment.
“He told me he was his best friend, and that he left because he was hurt.”
Sighing, Arrow nods, then faces the road once more.
Traffic is light, and I'm hoping it stays that way. My stomach is upset from nerves and the trip.
I can get car sick at times, especially if I'm not the one driving.
“Wellson is in a magical coma. Since you and Mylie will be at the cottage too, you should know.”
“Magical coma? What, like in the movie Snow White?” I giggle, because he can't be serious, but he doesn't laugh with me.
Pursing his lips, he nods. “The woman, Silver, left us to save his life, and the betrayal and dehydration took him from us. He's healed now, but still hasn't woken up…”
I place my hand on his arm.
“That's… I'm so sorry. Donnie never said anything about that…”
We're quiet for another hour until Mylie wakes up needing the bathroom.
“I could stretch my legs too, if I'm being honest,” I say, and Arrow nods.
“I'll pull off on the next exit. We should grab some food as well. We have another six hours, and then I need to get ready to leave for the wedding. Would you stay at the cottage with Wells? I'd ask Liz, but she's required to attend as well,” he says.
“Of course. Who is Liz? Is she your girlfriend?” I don't mean to pry, but he is a very handsome man, so I can't assume he's single. Not that I'm looking.
“No, she's Don's sister… Well, I guess she's Mylie's sister as well.”
“WHAT!!!!” I cringe and cover my ears from the squeal my daughter just made in the back seat.
“I have a sister??? Why didn't Donnie tell me that? I've always wanted a sister,” she shouts with a sigh.
Arrow turns his signal on and takes an off ramp. There are a ton of gas stations and drive-thrus.
“I don't know why he didn't tell you. She's older than Don, and has children too. Once everything dies down about the wedding, and we find Don, I'll bring her to the house.”
My hands begin to shake and my heart races. I know this will be good for Mylie, but introducing her to more Blakes… How are we going to keep her a secret from her father?
Fuck, I don't know if I can do this.
Closing my eyes, I try and take some deep breaths. Donnie, where the hell are you?