Chapter 99
Chapter Ninety-Nine
Harper
The academy building is crazy huge. It’s kind of creepy how well the forest around us hides it entirely from sight until we’re on the grounds of the property.
The parking lot at the front of the building has a lot of empty spaces, but we’ve passed at least seven security guards, so either a lot of the people who work here live in the city within walking distance, or they live in the academy like the head of the school does, and like we’re about to.
“It’s like a castle.” I stare up at the building as I get out of the car.
The double doors look like heavy wooden castle doors.
The windows have wooden shutters that are pinned open.
It’s eerie and beautiful all at once.
I can’t wait to see our suite.
“I bet the acoustics are amazing in there!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jay mutters. “Close the door. I’ll get our bags.”
I close the door on reflex, but I head around to the trunk at the same time as Jay.
He raises an eyebrow at me as he opens it. “You’re seriously thinking that much about the acoustics right now?”
I grab my violin case out of the trunk. “Hell, yeah. I haven’t played in days!”
He laughs. “Well, I’m glad you have something to occupy yourself with.”
I move around the car and wait for him to finish grabbing the rest of our stuff.
That’s when one of the big double doors opens.
Shayne steps outside and down the steps with someone I don’t recognize following him.
The other guy is kind of goth or emo looking, with dark clothes and messy hair dyed platinum blonde with dark roots showing. He’s an Omega, I realize as they get closer.
“Oh my God, is this Shadow?” I ask, unable to contain my excitement.
Shayne’s brother doesn’t really look like him.
There’s something slightly similar in their bone structure, but I wouldn’t have guessed this guy was Shadow if they weren’t together.
Then, Shadow smiles, and my jaw drops.
“You two have the same smile!” I gasp out.
“It’s nice to meet another Omega. You’re Harper, right?” Shadow asks.
“That’s me. Jay’s grabbing our bags.” I look back to see Jay coming toward us.
“I’ll help him bring them in,” Shayne says, passing me.
“So, do you know about the sordid history of this place?” Shadow asks.
“Uh … no,” I murmur, trying to think.
“Tell me you’re a fan of true crime?” Shadow pleads, clasping his hands together.
“I’ve watched the occasional documentary,” I try, knowing it’s doubtful that he’ll have heard of any of them considering they were all made in France.
“I can work with that.” Shadow nods. “How do you feel about Frank Palmer?”
“The serial killer?” I ask, wondering what that’s got to do with anything.
“Exactly,” he says, beaming at me. “He killed his last victims here.”
“Seriously?” I look around, wondering if that’s why there’s a creepy vibe to this place.
“I can tell you all about it. When you have time,” Shadow says.
“I’m pretty sure we have time now,” I admit.
“We need to see Lana,” Shayne tells me as he gets back to us.
He takes the lead, and Shadow shrugs by way of apology.
“You guys are gonna be living here, so I’m sure we’ll have a ton of time to chat about whatever.”
I nod as I follow him to the door Shayne’s holding open for us.
Jay’s looking around when I glance back at him.
He’s been a little less enthusiastic than I would have expected, but I know he’ll feel a million times better once we’ve met Robin.
Right now, none of this feels real to him.
That’ll change soon.
I can tell as soon as I step through the second door that the reception area I’ve just walked into is where I need to play my violin. It’s empty, except for a desk that isn’t currently being used.
“Is it gonna disturb anyone if I just …” I start, as I put my case down on the desk.
“He wants to play his violin,” Shayne explains when Shadow gives me a questioning glance.
“Oh,” Shadow says, looking intrigued. “Cool. Yeah, go ahead. I’ll tell Lana and Owen.”
He moves away, and I bring out my favorite instrument.
I step into the middle of the space to begin.
It doesn’t even take a minute to figure out what I want to play.
The song, “Freebird”, by Lynryd Skynryd.
Some instrumentals just feel right for the space.
I get started as Jay and Shayne set our bags down by the side of the desk.