His Little Devil (Alistar Academy #2)

Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

ARROW

T he days pass slowly and my hope is waning. I don't know what else to do. Potions, spells, goat sacrifices and even praying to our Master hasn't helped.

Still, Wellson lies there. I have switched all my classes to online, and I am trying to keep up on my courses, but what's the point?

I'm alone here. Jade and Clara pop in every few days to make sure I'm eating and to try a new spell, but nothing works.

Wellson trapped himself in a spelled coma and only he can break it. At least that's what Clara said the last time she stopped by.

She suggested that I leave the cottage, take a walk, anything, but I refused. I want to be here when he wakes up.

I don't want him to feel the mass amount of sadness and loneliness that I do.

He may be here in this room, but he's not able to talk to me. I'm going mad. I know it, and the premonitions are just getting worse.

I haven't been able to see Silver's future but when I dream, she's all I see.

Her laughing and making potions with someone I don't recognize. Her baking with a troll in the kitchens. Her falling more in love with Luke every day.

She haunts me and still I stay here in my misery.

Day after day, I sit beside Wellson’s bed and read to him. He doesn’t respond or even twitch, but I know he can hear me.

I didn’t move in like I planned. Clara had a conniption. She thinks I need my space or I will go insane. I think I'm past that point already.

I did create a magical baby monitor, so I can check on him during the night. I should patent these things. They tell me all of his stats and if his temperature rises above the normal limit an alarm will go off.

I also spelled his bed so if he stops breathing, an alert will sound.

I'm not taking any chances. He's my brother and I already lost him once. He may not be conscious, but he's here.

More than I can say about someone else.

Donovan still hasn't returned since the night Silver chose the Devil over us.

I know he needed space, but he didn't even ask me to come with him. I could have moved Wells anywhere, including the small town in California which he seems to like.

Maybe that's what I should do. Load up everything in the car and head to the West Coast.

Get out of this dreary place.

He’s been gone almost six weeks now.

I’d be worried about him, if I didn’t have eyes on him at all times.

He seems to have found a friend with a young daughter. I haven’t witnessed anything romantic between them, but honestly, I wouldn’t care.

I’m still fucking pissed that he left, but he deserves to be happy. He deserves to have someone care about him and his needs. Not a silver-eyed snake that fooled us all.

I know I shouldn’t spy on him, but sometimes I can’t help it.

Since Silver ascended, my powers have been amplified, and I have been taking full advantage.

I just wish that I could see her too, outside of my dreams, but I’ve never been able to look into her future or present.

Right there, I knew it was a red flag.

But I fell for her innocence. The way she lived a completely human life. It was refreshing at times, and I thought she really cared for us.

Maybe she did at first, but Wellson tried to warn us about her and Luke. I should have listened.

A knock on the door pulls me from the riveting story I found in Silver’s room about a woman named Queenie.

She may have no magical nature, but she reminds me of Silver a little. I know I may not trust her, and she broke everything I fought to keep, but I can admit to missing her.

I miss her homemade muffins. I regret tossing out the basket she made the day of the ball.

The random songs she would sing while in the shower. I even miss her damn annoying need to touch me and push my boundaries.

Since she betrayed all of us, this house has felt empty. It’s too quiet. I need some form of chaos, but if Hazel comes sniffing around here again, the snakes will be the least of her worries.

I just need a reason to unleash this abundance of anger swirling inside of me.

I place the book on the bed and lean down to press a kiss on Wellson’s temple.

“I miss you, brother. Come back to me.”

Standing back up, I head toward the incessant knocking. I close my eyes and take a deep breath to see who is at the door and groan, rubbing a hand along my face. I place a bright, fake smile upon my lips and open the door.

“Jade, what can I do for you today?” I ask Silver’s persistent friend. She stops over at least three times a week to check on Wells and ask for news.

She doesn’t wait to be invited in, she just pushes me aside, stomping toward Silver’s room with a purpose.

I follow, wishing she would just give up. It’s been almost two months now since the night she left us for him.

Ripping my family apart and only leaving behind misery.

“It’s so creepy how much hasn’t changed, though everything has,” Jade mutters, taking in the messy bed and clothes strewn around the place. I haven’t had the foresight, or energy, to clean out her room.

I may not trust her, or be her favorite person right now, but I do have hope that she may return to us one day.

Maybe then Don will come back home, and Wells will wake up.

I just need to find the right spell or potion. So far the books are proving useless.

“Jade, you need to stop doing this to yourself. Silver is gone. I watched her step through that portal with my own eyes. She accepted darkness. Even if she were to return… she wouldn’t be the same.”

I place a hand on her trembling shoulder, and turn her back to the hall. Her eyes meet Wells, lying on his bed.

“Will he ever wake up?”

I sigh, and shake my head. “I don’t know. The doctors say that physically he’s fine—but still, he sleeps. Clara thinks he's spelled himself, but I don't know if it's true. What worries me is that I can’t see his future. Even with the advancement to my powers. I’m blocked from him, same with Silver.”

Nodding, she walks into the living room and opens the secret door in the fireplace. I follow her down the stone steps, into the chamber, holding all of our altars and grimoires. Though I guess now that Silver is gone, we can bring this all back upstairs, and take down all the props.

She takes a seat on the sofa down here and picks up the children’s book that Don and I found before everything went to shit.

Reaching for her purse, she pulls out an envelope with my name written on it in fancy calligraphy.

“I got one for Wellson, Donovan, and myself, too. Before you have a meltdown, I just wanted to tell you that it’s mandatory. I know Wells won’t be able to go, but you may want to try and convince Don. I don’t think he wants to deal with the consequences.”

She hands it to me, and before I even open it, I know what it is. My head throbs and I close my eyes as a powerful vision hits.

Silver in a revealing lace white gown, sitting on a throne of skulls, laughing and drinking wine with Luke. People walk up to them and bow, offering them gifts and praises.

Luke grabs her hand and pulls it to his lips, kissing the large blood diamond on her finger.

Shaking my head, I grimace. “Yeah, I’m glad that Wellson won’t have to endure his heart breaking even more,” I grumble, then leave the room. Walking back up the steps, I keep moving until I reach my chair beside Wellson’s bed.

I pick up the book once more and open to the page I bookmarked.

Footsteps sound behind me, and I don’t flinch when Jade places her hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

“We have a coven meeting, Arrow. Tomorrow night. Don’t be late, okay? And please, try to call Don. I know that Silver isn’t around, but she would be hurt if something happened to him.”

I nod and wait until she’s gone, then close my eyes and try to see what he’s up to right now.

It doesn’t take long.

“Mylie, go grab us a cart,” Don says to the little girl with dark hair plaited in pigtails. She’s actually really cute, and reminds me of someone.

“So, I’m cooking tonight. I really can’t thank you enough for babysitting the last few days. I know Mylie loves spending time with you, and it’s a much better arrangement than her sitting in the corner of the bar with her tablet.”

Don nods and hands her a loaf of bread as Mylie brings them the cart.

“I don’t mind hanging with the little squirt. Keeps me busy. She showed me the cove yesterday. This place is full of hidden secrets, isn’t it?” Don jokes, and I don’t think he notices the woman’s face pale, but I do…

Interesting, and this is rather boring. All they are doing is shopping and talking about some man named Frank.

Pulling my magic back toward me, I decide to leave him be and call him tomorrow. I’m dreading this conversation, and praying that it goes to voicemail, like all the other calls have.

DONOVAN

These past few weeks have been just what I needed. Early mornings walking the beach, breathing in the salty air, hanging out with Myah and Mylie in the afternoons.

I've gotten really good at building sandcastles, and I'm enjoying the break from magic. No spells, potions, coven meetings.

It's been heaven so to speak. Though I can't help wondering how Arrow and Wells are. He calls me daily, but I haven't answered.

Not yet. I want to stay in this town of denial for a little longer.

I have decided to return, but I don't know when.

Myah and Mylie have become important to me. I'm not ready to leave them. They remind me of what a family should be like.

Full of love, patience, and normality. I want that. I thought I'd have that with her and my brothers, but I know that time has passed

Silver made her choice and I need to let her go, but not yet.

Her mark is still on my soul. I don't think it'll ever burn off.

I hand Mylie the remote and walk to the kitchen to make us something healthy to eat. Myah said that a pizza was coming tonight for dinner, but this kid can’t live off of grease and bar food.

I would never tell her mother how she should raise her, so I just sneak in some fruit and veggies when we hang out.

My phone buzzes, and I pull it from my pocket, answering without looking at who is calling.

I blocked my dad, and the only one who texts is Myah.

“Hey, she’s still alive and breathing,” I say while chopping some cucumbers, adding them to the plate with strawberries.

“You picked up,” a gruff voice says in response, and I sigh. My chest aches at the reminder that I have been blowing him off.

“Arrow. Hey, yeah,” I mumble, then set the knife down and rub my face. He’s quiet, and I hate how strained our relationship is now. “How are you…? How is…” I trail off and try not to think about Wellson collapsing in my arms, a breath from life.

“Same. Still in his self-induced magical coma. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come home. He may not need you right now, but I do… Did you get the invitation?”

“No, I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I know that I hurt you by leaving, Arrow, but if you knew what was good for you, you would leave too and join me.”

“If only,” he mutters before taking a breath. “ I’m exhausted and just going to get this out. I'm not trying to be insensitive, but I have a lot on my plate here... Silver is marrying Luke, and attendance is mandatory. The consequences of not going are dire, and I know it's going to be like rubbing black salt in a wound, but I think you should come.”

My hand shakes, and my heart starts to pound faster. She's marrying him? How could she do that? Is what we had some kind of joke to her? Wasn't it bad enough to ditch us for the fucking Devil? Now she's going to marry him.

Call me stupid, but I think deep down I was still thinking—hoping, whatever—that she would return one day.

“I don't think I can do that, Arrow. I'd rather have Luke rip me apart with his bare hands. It couldn't be more painful than having my heart stomped on with a stiletto,” I grumble, my voice getting deeper and thicker with every word.

“Please, Don, don't do anything stupid. I can't risk losing you too. Just take some time. Think it over and then come home. We need you.”

I don't say anything more and he ends the call.

My mind is racing, and I must have zoned out. Someone knocks on the door, and Mylie comes into the kitchen with a box of pizza.

“You shouldn't have opened the door to strangers,” I mutter, and she shrugs, placing the food on the kitchen table.

I finish up our salad and bring it over, with the strawberries, then return with plates, forks, and drinks.

“Are you leaving?” Mylie asks as she sits at the table for dinner. I shake my head and grab my can of soda.

“No, I'm not going anywhere, squirt. Eat your salad,” I grunt, and she sighs before picking up her fork and stabbing one of the cherry tomatoes.

She looks at it like it's poison, then sticks her little tongue out and licks it, scrunching her nose.

Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes and puts it into her mouth.

So dramatic. Now I can see why her mom needed a night off.

I don't mind hanging out with Mylie, she's like the kid-sister I never had. Liza was more like a mother to me and my brother… Though, I wonder what the step-monster is having.

“That man sounded mad,” she mumbles with her mouth full, and I nod.

Yeah, Arrow was pissed, but I'm still not ready to go back to the cottage.

But maybe soon. I still have all of my things there and unfinished business.

“He will be okay. He just misses me and has a temper,” I say, then reach for a slice of pizza and add it to her plate.

She ate a good portion of her salad, so now she can have some grease.

We eat quietly until there is a knock on the door. Grabbing a napkin, I wipe the grease off my fingers, then drop it onto my plate and stand.

Mylie stares at the door hard. Her eyes have glazed over and she's gripping her fork tight.

“You okay?”

I move forward to go see who it is when she grabs my arm, digging her blunt pink-painted nails into it.

“No,” she whispers, shaking her head. I look back and forth between her and the door, but for some reason, I listen to her warning.

It's like my brain is forcing me to agree with her, but that's crazy. The only time I have experienced this is when my dad used dark magic on me to obey.

When she lets me go, my mind clears and she gives me a smile.

Shaking my head, I finally head for the door and open it, but no one is there.

I can smell a burning ash scent in the air though. A package sits on the stoop, and I don't pick it up without mumbling a spell to check the contents.

It seems harmless, so I bend over, pick it up, and bring it inside.

Mylie is now sitting on the couch, watching a movie, but I think we need to have a small chat.

Dropping the package on the kitchen counter, I shut the door and flick the lock, then move into the living room.

Mylie won't look at me. She's nervous.

“Want to tell me what happened back there?” I ask her softly and she shakes her head, letting her hair fall into her face, hiding her from me.

“Hey, there is no reason to be scared,” I say softly, then crouch in front of her.

“I'm not supposed to talk about it,” she whispers and I nod, understanding.

“Okay, can I ask you a question?”

Slowly lifting her head, she nods. Her blue eyes are shimmering with tears, and all I want to do is wrap her up tight in my arms.

I don't know what it is about this little girl, but I feel connected to her.

“Mylie, do you have magic?”

Her eyes widen and she shakes her head, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Taking a deep breath, I stand and conjure a small fireball in my hand, leaving it there for her to examine.

“You're… you're like me,” she gasps and I smile. “My mommy told me that no one can ever know. She said that people will hurt me. Take me away.”

Extinguishing the flame, I move closer to her and make a promise. “I will never let anyone hurt you or take you, squirt.”

Mylie jumps from off of the couch and wraps her arms around me tight.

I may have only known her a short time, but I meant every word of my promise. I will keep this little girl safe…

I think it's time Myah and I had a chat though.

I spend the rest of the night getting to know all about Mylie's favorite Disney princesses, and why her mom moved them here.

It's not long after the credits roll that Mylie is sound asleep, leaning on my chest, and my doorknob is turning.

I gave Myah a key because this has happened before, and I had to wake the squirt to open the door.

I gently move Mylie onto the couch and place a blanket over her, then stand and walk right into the kitchen.

Myah looks relaxed and has a big smile on her face. She follows me and takes a seat at the table as I grab us some water.

Looking right into her blue eyes, I mumble under my breath and wave my hand, placing a silencing bubble around us.

She quickly stands and places her hands out, palms facing me.

“Don, please, you have to understand. I didn't know it was you at first,” she starts rambling and I pause, confused.

“Why would you know me?” I thought she was just a witch in hiding. “You better start talking, Myah. If that's even your name,” I growl and she sighs, dropping her head into her hands.

Sniffles reach my ears, but I don't let her emotions faze me. I thought she was my friend here. Now, I don’t know what to believe.

We have had many chats, sometimes late into the night. I was honest when I said I would never try anything with her, but it was nice not being completely alone here.

“Eight years ago, I went to a party at Alistar Academy. I was meeting one of my friends from school. I never knew about witches back then.” She sighs and takes her seat again.

I lean against the kitchen wall and wait for her to continue.

“It was fun, and I was having a great trip. My friend, Sharla, suggested we go check out this brunch place at the Blake hotel. It was delicious, and while I was there, I met this handsome man. He was a few years older than me, but not much…”

She looks up at me, and I groan. I think I know where this is going, and now things are making sense.

“His name was Tobias, and I slept with him… a few times. I didn't know that he had glamoured himself to look younger, or that you were his son until you told me your real name a few nights ago.”

“Mylie's my sister. Isn't she? I couldn't understand why I felt this innate connection to her…”

Myah nods and looks up at me with her watery-blue eyes. “I think I'm the reason that you're here. This place is a safe haven for magical creatures, but lately, Mylie has been asking more and more about her dad and his side of the family,” she says quietly, looking over toward the couch, but Mylie is still asleep, and I have a barrier around us.

“She's strong. She will need protection. I'm not ready to go back to Salem yet, but when I do, you and Mylie will be coming with me. My brothers will keep you both safe,” I swear to her, and she gives me a smile.

“Thank you, Don. I… I don't want your father knowing about her. I've worked hard to keep her a secret… The night I left was when I found out I was pregnant. I was scared, and I went to tell him… I saw…”

Shaking her head, she closes her eyes. “There was so much blood. That poor man.”

I huff and roll my eyes. My father has never been one to hide his ‘extracurriculars’. Knowing him, he was probably in the middle of a sacrifice.

“I saw who he really was that night, and made a promise that I would do anything and everything to keep my baby safe.”

“I'll make sure she stays hidden. For all I care, you can claim I'm her father.”

Myah snorts and looks at me in horror. “Don, she's seven. That would have made you sixteen!”

Rubbing my hand down my face, I laugh, then yawn. “Math has never been my best subject, and honestly it’s not as crazy of an age these days as you’d think.”

Pushing her chair back, she stands and moves closer to me. “Thank you. I know I will never be able to repay you.”

I swiftly grab her arm and pull her into a tight hug. “We're family, Myah, and you've become one of my best friends here. Blood isn't always thicker when it comes to creating your own comfort and peace.”

She nods, and I let her go.

“It's late. I better wake the princess and bring her home. I don't want to tell Mylie who you are just yet… I think she suspects. She mentioned that she feels warmth when you're around. I don't have a clue. Maybe it's a witch thing,” she mumbles, and I laugh, then lift my hand and dispel the silencing bubble around us.

“What’s that?” Myah asks, pointing toward the package I forgot about. I shrug and grab it, opening the box.

Paper butterflies that have been spelled, fly out of the box and a fancy invitation floats in front of my face with my name written in calligraphy with a picture glued to the back.

“Oh, Don, I’m sorry,” she says softly, and I chuck the box and its contents to the ground.

“It’s fine. Arrow called and warned me, but I doubt he had a naked photo of the woman he loves with another man included,” I grunt, then walk over to the fridge and grab the bottle of whiskey on top.

“I’ll get Mylie and go, but I’ll stay up a few more hours if you want to talk, okay?”

She pats my shoulder and leaves me to my misery and drink.

“Donnie, you feel so good,” Silver moans as I roll her over and kiss her neck. It’s late and we have classes tomorrow, but I’m not ready to let her go. “Don’t stop,” she whispers and I smile against her skin.

“Never,” I swear to her, nipping along her throat and down her body until I reach the spot I crave the most. She wiggles and spreads her legs wider, so I can lick her belly button ring and tug it with my teeth.

Fuck, she’s so hot. How did I get so lucky? Reaching down, she grips my hair and tugs me back to her lips before I can get a taste. She kisses me and I can’t wait any longer. It’s been so long since I’ve felt her heat gripping me.

Lining my cock up, I gently push in and make love to the girl who owns me. “I love you, Princess,” I whisper against her mouth, and pull back a little to look into the eyes that hypnotize me.

She smiles and places her hand on my cheek, but her touch feels off. Her smile’s too perfect.

This isn’t Silver. She no longer has red hair, so why does she now?

No, this isn’t right. I need to wake up. She left us… me… She broke my goddamn heart. I gently push her away and will myself to wake up from this nightmare disguised as a dream.

My heart is racing and I’m covered in sweat when my eyes open. I’m shaking and on the verge of tears. That felt too real. Too amazing. Why did she leave? I loved her.

I would have done anything for her. She was supposed to be my forever

For once in my life, I opened myself up to someone besides my best friends, and she discarded my heart like it was a ninety-nine cent burger on a value menu when Luke showed up.

Even knowing that he had Wells, she still took his hand and went with him. To Hell, of all fucking places… Well, you know what… Rubbing my face, I groan and look up at the ceiling.

“Fuck you, Silver Forest. You can rot there for all I care!”