20. Chapter 20
T he week passed from Monday to Friday in the blink of an eye as Lennox and Remi attempted to figure out how to break the spell without the object. The two came up completely empty and left frustrated, both for different reasons as they each both chomped at the bit to be able to finally do something. When the two passed each other in the halls, she could see the look in Remi’s eyes. The desire for revenge against the people who had left that brand. She could only imagine what it was like to have to stare her worst enemy in the eyes and be unable to do anything about it.
Lennox stood in the entrance hall of the main building, other students passed by her. Completely unaware of them as they passed, she had her eyes fixed on the photos of the three victims that had moved back to their original spots in the front of the vestibule. Rue’s piano playlist sounded in her headphones as she became lost in memories of the two of them. Her laugh echoed from her memories of herself, Wyatt, Felix, Rue, and Rosalyn all together around the grounds.
Between the memories and music, she didn’t hear Wyatt come up to her right. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself as he saw her stand there with her gaze locked on Rue. He turned toward the photos as well and stood beside her and waited. After a few minutes, she became aware of someone’s presence and turned her head to see who had joined her and Remi.
“Shit, Wyatt! Sorry.” She jumped, having completely forgotten they were meeting here.
“It’s okay, I like to drop by too. Tell them what’s new, you know?” He smiled softly down at her.
“I do actually… Thanks for meeting up with me here. Remi is a little preoccupied right now to go with me back to Omega.”
“Of course, you know I got you.” He beamed and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s go home.”
The two made their way into the cold courtyard and chatted about the party he and Aron were planning for tomorrow night. Wyatt walked backward as he faced her and listed off everything they needed to pick up from town tonight.
“Oh! Some rum for the suitcase! What time will you come tomorrow? I know you like to get places early.”
“I- I don’t know if me showing up would be the best idea, Wyatt.” She said quietly.
“Why- Oh, I understand,” he stopped and peered over to Kappa. “Everyone should be at dinner, if you want to I’d be more than happy to go inside with you at your own pace. It’s still safe, I swear.”
She followed his gaze to the fraternity and pulled her bag strap closer to her. It could be beneficial to be able to go in again… Just in case I need to. A knot formed in her throat as she turned her attention to the stormy-eyed demon. Extending his hand to her, she took a hesitant step toward him. Taking his arm, they started walking down the path.
“I’ll be right here the whole time,” he reassured her. “If it gets too much we can turn around, but I would love to see my best friend at the party tomorrow night.”
“I’ll do my best.” She agreed.
She kept a wary eye on the house as she approached though since she and Aron started the lock down she felt calmer than she had previously. However, every time she got too close to the door the images of the morning she found Fleix flooded her mind. He’s not going to walk out the door. She had to remind herself things were different and the house was safe again. At about halfway there Lennox forced herself to peel her eyes away and to Wyatt.
“Distract me a bit, tell me about that date with you and Eden.” She insisted as she recalled his words from the night she was walked home by Cleo.
“Well, I think it went well really. She seems to actually be into me despite not being my biggest fan the first day of classes.” He smiled.
“She isn’t the most… Cuddly person.” Lennox returned his smile. “Are you sure about this one?”
“Len, I don’t think I’ve been so sure of anyone in my life. When I see her I can almost feel my heart beating again. When she walks into the room something draws me to her, I want to be the reason she’s smiling, even though it’s rare.” His voice turned wistful as he spoke of Eden.
“I don’t see what you see, but I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy.” She told him genuinely.
“So do you.” He whispered back as they approached the steps to the front door.
Her eyes fell on the gold doorknob as her feet came to a stop inches from it. I need to be able to walk in there. Silently, the memories threatened to overtake her mind and her body tensed. She fought to even her breath feeling her friend put a hand on her shoulder as if to remind her she wasn’t alone this time. Her hand shook lightly as she reached toward the door knob but stopped and retracted when her gaze fell on her shaky hand.
“Behind this door is your second home. The place we became friends, where you forgave me for the past. Don’t let them take away the future memories you could make here, then they win.” Wyatt’s deep voice came out softly beside her ear as he stared at the door with her.
Lennox nodded as she kept her attention. “You’re right.”
“I am, this is a safe place again. You’re stronger than you think you are.”
She took a step toward the door and rested her hand on the doorknob before she pulled it open. Her eyes darted around the entranceway as she let the door drift all the way open. Lennox drew a deep breath in while she stepped through the frame and into the house. Everything was just as she remembered it, the fraternity banner, the announcement board beside the door, followed by photos of past Heads of House framed down the hall. Her attention fell to the closest photo where Felix smiled brightly back at her. A knot formed in her throat as she heard Wyatt stop by her side. Lennox swallowed past the tightness and tore her eyes away from the man that was once her brother. Quickly, she scanned the room but found no signs of blood or Felix’s misplaced items.
When her attention drifted to the demon beside her and found his gaze fixed on the photo just as hers had been. Within seconds she realized the usually electric eyed man was filled with his own grief. A pang fell into her chest as she remembered it was the same for Wyatt out of the five of them only three remained. Carefully, she reached out a hand and let her fingertips graze his pinky so as not to startle him. Wyatt’s eyes didn’t move but the rose decorated hand opened to allow the contact.
“He always wanted a brother like you.” Her voice came out stronger than she felt which helped give her the strength to push the memories of his death away for now.
“He loved our little family.” The demon smiled sadly.
“They both did… A part of me dreams that somehow they found each other wherever they ended up.”
Wyatt paused and finally peered down to their hands. He turned her hand to glance at the citrine ring on Lennox’s finger. “Rue was everything to you, Nox… I- I can’t imagine losing someone like that.”
Her eyes fell to Felix once more and she drew in another breath. “If I’m honest, I wished for a bit that they would have buried me with her. Imagined different ways I could find my way back to her but I could never leave you or Rosalyn like that.”
“Good, cause we need you more than ever. I’m not going to lose you to a bunch of crazy hunters either. Besides, you gotta help me get some revenge.” His gaze darkened.
Lennox did her best to let a smile find its way to her face but found it harder than expected. As the two looked at each other, something sparked to life once again within his iris. The grip on her hand tightened gently as he squeezed hers.
“Wyatt?” She asked quietly in a silent question.
“I’m fine, I promise. It’s just- I may not be in those meetings with Fang and Coyote but I’m smart enough to know when someone is being targeted.” She fell silent and flinched as she searched for the right words. “Just please, don’t do anything that would make us lose you too, okay?”
“I won’t.” She promised and let go of his hand.
Wyatt smiled at her promise as he opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by the sound of a door upstairs close with a loud thud that echoed in the quiet house. Wyatt turned his attention toward the stairs and she did the same. Aron appeared from around the corridor and smiled when he saw the two of them.
“Well finally, Leonard! Took you long enough to join the party again! How about a coffee for you two? Maybe a round of Uno against the king?” He asked cheerfully as he made his way down.
“Sounds great! We have planned to chat about tomorrow night anyways,” Wyatt agreed and motioned toward the kitchen. “Besides, it’s time for that rematch you owe me.”
“Why not,” Lennox followed the two of them.
The previous embarrassment from the other night washed over her as Aron’s eyes drifted to hers. His gaze hovered before he made his way over to the coffee pot. Wyatt pulled out her chair as he always did and sat beside her.
“So, Lenny. How was going to class Aron style, Monday?” He smirked and poured water in and pulled out mugs.
“It went well actually, I missed a whole class.” She returned his smile.
“You missed class willingly?” Wyatt asked in surprise with raised eyebrows, his mouth hung slightly open.
“Not really, Mister over here dared me Sunday night.” She explained.
“Ah yes- Sunday night. I’m glad someone was there to keep an eye on you. I told Aron I could go over but he didn’t believe you were drunk.”
“I was fine. I didn’t need a babysitter… But I do appreciate not being alone that night.” She admitted as she glanced over to Aron for a second.
Wyatt’s eyes flicked between the two of them before it rested on Lennox as Aron had his back turned to pour the coffee. His eyebrows rose and he tilted his head toward the other demon with silent words. Lennox’s eyes widened as her friend drew his own conclusions and quickly shook her head. Him and his damn romance books.
“The cards are in the cabinet if someone wants to grab them.” Aron turned back to face them with two mugs in one hand and a third in the other.
Wyatt spoke before Lennox could move. “I got it!”
The black-haired demon got up and made his way into the other room. He shot Lennox one last look, tell me everything later face before he vanished around the corner. Her eyes fell on Aron as he made his way over and carefully took the two mugs from his hand, set one for Wyatt where he had been moments ago and the other in front of her. Relieved of all the hot drinks, he leaned against the island and took a sip.
“How’s Remi doing?’ He asked as his forest green eyes fell on her.
“She’s angry- We can’t trace the object the spell is bound to. Everything we do just goes in circles.”
“I would be angry too, given what you told me. Not being able to say or do anything to help and to have your past in the school…” He trailed off for a moment before a serious look crossed his face. “How are you doing? Have the nightmares stopped? If not, Wyatt and I can keep doing guard.”
“No, I’m okay. They’ve stopped for the most part, at least the worst of them.” She told him. “I can go back to using the vines to guard the houses, you two need to catch a few nights of real sleep.”
“Are you sure?” Aron asked, his eyes displayed his lack of sleep and proved he was as tired as she thought he was.
“Of course, you two have a party to host tomorrow night. If anything goes bump in the night, I’ll call you.”
Things clambered together as Wyatt rummaged through the other room for the game. A small smile formed on her face as she leaned to peer around the corner into the other room only to see him with his hands on his hips.
“Speaking of the party, Wyatt and I need to go into Millstone Grove to pick up the beer and liquor. Do you wanna come before curfew?” Aron asked her, his face bright with a smile.
She checked her watch and considered if they would be back in time. “Sure, why not.”
“Yes, Let’s go!” He put his mug down and walked around the corner to the other room where Wyatt stood in confusion. “Hey! Forget the Uno, we’re going into town to get the stuff for the party now!”
“Well alright! Who wants to sign out the school car?” Wyatt asked as Lennox joined them.
“I will,” Lennox agreed and followed them toward the door.
After they signed the school van out from the office they made their way back outside. Aron ran ahead and he yelled, “shotgun” as they approached. Once loaded up, the three of them pulled up to the open school gates and drove into their little town square. Lennox had remained within the gates since the night of Rue’s death; it was like a breath of fresh air as they passed the small town beside the school. Millstone Grove was only about a twenty-minute drive from the school grounds through a small single-lane highway that wound around the surrounding woods.
The two boys started to list off all the things they planned to pick up from the small human town. As Lennox drove the curves in the road, she peered in the rearview mirror as Wyatt threw a crumpled piece of paper at Aron.
“If you think your handwriting is any better, you write the list.” He laughed from the backseat.
“I will! Then I won’t have to look at your chicken scratch.” Aron stuck out his tongue.
“Okay kids, time for the spell. We are in Millstone. And for your information, neither of your handwriting is easy to read.” She spoke up as they passed the welcome sign.
Lennox used her magic and let an image of her human self form in her mind as she pulled on the vine inside herself. She kept her eyes forward as she felt the warmth from the spell wash over her skin and glanced in the mirror once again. Her markings had faded from her face, her purple eyes shifted back to their original green, and her hair shifted from its usual all-over pink to the deep black she shared with Wyatt. This version of herself always reminded her that her human life had been a consequence of the Curse Creator behind her. It wasn’t until she studied the effects of curses that she realized the victim would share physical characteristics of the demon.
At the same moment, Wyatt and Aron’s markings also vanished and appeared human. Wyatt looked basically the same as he did at the school, full of tattoos, same hair, clothes without the demon markings. Accustomed to Wyatt’s disguise she peered over to Aron out of curiosity. He still had his red bandanna on, holding his blonde hair out of his face but without the markings, she wouldn’t have recognized him immediately. He’s kinda cute as a human. The thought intruded which caused her to look forward once more.
She pulled onto the main street and turned right into the parking lot with the big sign that read Grove Liquor. After she came to a stop and parked the car, the three of them piled out and made their way to the door.
“You guys go ahead. I’ll be out here, it’s a nice evening.” Lennox forced a smile as she took in the brisk air.
“Are you sure? You could always grab another bottle to keep hidden in your room.” Aron smirked as his eyes scanned her face.
“Fine, I’ll be there in a minute.” She shook her head as Aron and Wyatt went to the counter to buy the barrels.
She turned her attention to the street which was mostly empty except for the few people at the grocery store across the way. Their voices carried toward her as they went about their days, unaware of the true nature of the suspicious school in the town over. An older couple made their way hand in hand to their car, until the wife peered over to where Lennox stood. The woman motioned toward the black van that seemed to be known among the humans. The two exchanged a nervous glance before they shuffled to their car. A little girl's voice drew her attention away from the judgy couple.
She turned to the left and saw a little girl with long black hair, no older than seven, run circles around her mother. In an instant a knot tied itself in her throat as it had done earlier, as it did every time she saw a little girl with black hair. The image of Gemma came to mind as she struggled to hold back the tears of guilt. Her daughter would be much older than the little girl, potentially with a family of her own. One of the tears fell from the corner of her eye and was quickly wiped away.
Lennox forced herself to look away and made her way back inside the store. She glanced around for the two she came with and found they had already seemed to disappear from the front. It only took an additional few seconds for her to hear them yell at each other from different aisles. She sighed and she followed the sound of Wyatt’s voice over to the whiskey. Unable to stop the smile that crossed her face when she passed the bourbon, she stopped beside him.
“Hey, Len! No, we don’t need twenty bottles of vodka. Just five of pineapple, two of orange, and three rums for the jungle juice.” Wyatt called to Aron and shoved two handfuls of Jack Daniels toward her. “Hey look, tequila!”
“No!” Aron and Lennox spoke in unison.
“Wyatt, you’re too emotionally unstable to have tequila at a public party.” Aron turned the corner with a cart filled with two rows of various bottles.
“I’m sorry, I’m gonna have to agree with him on this one. Save that bottle for a private event.” Lennox patted him on the back as she put the bottles in the cart and turned her attention to the shelves.
“It’s just a house party, it’s not like I’m going to fight someone.” He shrugged and placed two more bottles in.
“Where there’s a hoard of creatures of the night, there’s always room for something to go wrong.” Aron pushed the cart forward.
The two headed back to the front as Lennox looked up at the finer bottles of vodka. Her gaze traced along the options until they settled on a bottle blown into the shape of a sun. The glass was wrapped in intricate patterns of gold and on the label was a pair of white wings that read “Sol” in the middle.
“Hurry up, Nox! It’s our turn!” Wyatt called.
“Coming!” She reached for the bottle and quickly made her way to the front.
“Whatcha got there, Leonard?” Aron leaned over as she placed the bottle on the counter. Something flashed in his eyes before he cracked a bright smile. “Good choice. Let’s go home.”