“Gods are powerful beings that exist outside of your realm. They must never cross without express permission from Zeus. To do so would mean a forfeit on your life.”

I twirl on the spot, calling out. “Who are you? Why do you keep telling me these inconsequential things?”

A woman appears, looking the same as the picture of Hecate I saw in the Dean’s office. “One day all your memories will come back, and all these inconsequential facts will help guide you on your path. Now, go back to your guardians.” She touches my shoulder and my world fades to black.

 

“Valerie? You have to wake up. You’re gonna be late for your second class.”

“Huh?” I open my eyes to see Carter hovering over me.

I jolt up, aware I’m lying across someone’s lap. Turning around I see Jaxson, his amber eyes watching me carefully. “Um, what happened?”

He smiles at me softly. “You fell asleep and leaned your head in what looked to be an uncomfortable position. We figured you were tired so we let you sleep, but we have to go to our next classes.”

“Oh, right, of course. Sorry.”

I get to my feet feeling a little lightheaded. Jaxson grabs hold of my arm to steady me. “Sorry, I don’t understand what happened.”

Carter grabs my hand, my bag slung over his shoulder. “Don’t worry about it.”

We walk to the double doors when Zane calls after me. “Hey, Val, which two gods did you want us to write about? We didn’t exactly get to talk much before you conked out.”

I think about it, but two of the gods have always intrigued me. “Ares and Hecate. I’ve always believed the two of them to be extremely fascinating.”

Zane pales and nods slowly, his voice coming out a little breathless. “Sure, we can work on it at home later.”

Carter and I both go to class and he’s sticking close by me as we walk into the room. He walks us straight past the other students, taking me to a seat in the back corner. I’m starting to think they’re trying to keep me hidden.

“Don’t I have to introduce myself to the professor?” I ask, slightly confused. No professor is present yet, but I’d imagine I have to say something to inform them I’m new to the course.

Carter chuckles under his breath. “Sure, you can introduce yourself if you want, but I’m pretty sure he already knows you’re here.”

I’m about to question him when Jaxson walks in and straight over to the teacher’s podium. He looks up at Carter and me, winking before turning a stern glare on everyone else in attendance, but his wink doesn’t go unnoticed. A few girls in the class turn death glares my way and I sink into my chair. Shit, did Jaxson winking at me make the whole female population suddenly hate me?

Class goes by for the hour with Jaxson pretty much ignoring Carter and I at the back which gives us a chance to have a whispered conversation.

“So, how come Jaxson is teaching this class?” I ask in a hushed voice, trying to keep up with what he’s writing down. He made a point for us to take notes because some of the information would be on our midterms.

Carter leans close, his lips brushing against my ear. “You didn’t hear this from me, but he doesn’t really want to be an educator. He wants to be a writer. The only reason he’s a TA now is because he used to talk about leaving the community to be a teacher. He knew it would make Mom happy that he was doing something fulfilling with his life, so when the professor got ill and no subs were available she jumped at the chance to volunteer him. Though, now that he’s up there, I imagine he’s enjoying the chance to teach more than he cares to admit.”

His breath against my ear almost makes me miss what he says. I lean away to get some space and meet Jaxson’s eyes at the front of the room. He’s stopped talking and is staring at us, his eyes burning into me.

Jaxson dismisses the class, his gaze fixed on me as he does so and everyone hurries to pack up their things, leaving the hall. I do the same but a lot slower and take my time walking towards the front of the room, worried Jaxson is going to be angry about his brother leaning into me like that.

Carter must sense my change in mood because he wraps an arm around my shoulder comfortingly. “Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just Jaxson. I think he’s annoyed I wasn’t paying more attention to him.”

Carter chuckles softly as we get to Jaxson’s desk. “Jaxson isn’t upset with you, Valerie. Are you, Jax?”

We stare into each other’s eyes until a cough from Carter makes me realize we’ve just been standing here staring like love-sick fools. Which we’re not.

I take a step away, feeling something I don’t want to admit. A connection. No! I can’t make a connection with anyone.

He sighs and I feel his hand caress my cheek, making me look at him. When did he move? “Valerie, I’m not angry with you, I’m sorry if I made you feel that I was.”

Zane’s voice echoes into the room. “Yo, guys? You alright in here?”

I accept his rescue and step away from Jaxson with hurried footsteps, relieved when Zane grabs hold of my hand. Shit. No, no, no! No attachments! I drop his hand fast and start to back away, when arms grab me and hold me firm. Cooper. I don’t understand how I know, but I just do.

“Please let me go,” I beg, on the verge of a full-blown panic attack.

“Just calm down, Valerie. We’ll give you space but you need to control your breathing. Deep breath in, and out. Again,” he coaxes, and I follow his lead until I slump against him. He slowly lowers us to the floor and I stay in his lap while the others surround us.

“Sorry,” I apologize as I look up into the concerned expressions of the other three. Cooper is still holding me, which I’m grateful for.

“What happened?” Jaxson asks, concern etched on his face.

I debate whether to tell the truth or lie. I mean, would they even believe me? Screw it, I’d rather be honest and have them think I’m crazy than lie. I’ve been lied to a lot in life, and it’s not exactly a nice feeling.

“Shit. Okay I’ll tell you, but try not to judge me too harshly, alright. And, if I sound like I’m taking it too seriously, then you can just ignore me or not speak to me again.” Nods all around encourage me to continue speaking but I freeze, nerves weakening my resolve. “When you touched me,” I explain, looking to Jaxson and watching as his face shuts down, “it reminded me of a dream I had. The person in it looks a lot like you, and it was too much for me at that moment. Then the rest of you seemed to just be there, in my mind. I don’t know what you want from me, but I can’t afford to be attracted to any of you or form any attachments. My future isn’t exactly clear. I don’t want to be attached if I just have to leave again.”

Finished with my explanation I wait for them to pull away, disturbed by how clingy I sounded, but instead they each turn to Jaxson. The look on his face is shock, while the others look impressed. I have no idea what the hell they have to be impressed about. In the blink of an eye their expressions are all cleared. Carter is the one to speak for them.

“If you want us to back off then we will, but you should know something about us, Valerie. We’re different. We can’t tell you how, yet, but I think soon everything will make sense. You just have to be patient.”

I shake my head sadly. “I don’t know, guys. Dad told me this morning more evidence has come to light. He’s actually leaving for a month to sort stuff out and I think by the end of the month I will be called back home for a trial or whatever they call it. The evidence will probably go against me.”

Jaxson smirks. “Don’t let your father hear you say that. He’d be hurt you think so little of his skills.”

I smile at Jaxson’s attempt to lighten the mood. “Okay, can someone help me up please?” I ask, holding my hands out as Zane and Jaxson both grab a hand and pull. I’m almost flung into the air with their strength. “Holy cow, guys. You’re really fucking strong.”

They smirk at each other as they keep hold of my hands and we walk from the room hand in hand. I should be bothered, but oddly, I’m happy. It feels good to have them on either side of me.

Something in the back of my mind is reiterating that I shouldn’t let myself get attached, but for the first time since I found out Nat was killed, I feel like I’m where I’m meant to be.

The dark voice whispering inside me tells me that this isn’t home, that I don’t belong here, but I find a power I’ve never had before to ignore that voice.

“So, where to next?” I ask, this new energy and resolve bursting through me.

“Lunch,” Carter groans from behind me. I look and, sure enough, he’s clutching his stomach as if he hasn’t eaten in weeks.

I laugh at him. “Seriously? You can’t still be hungry after that breakfast we had?”

“What? I burn a lot of energy keeping this package looking good,” he explains, gesturing down his body with a cocky grin. I shake my head and face the hall, watching as people just seamlessly step aside when they see the guys coming. It’s as if they don’t want to get in their way.

A few curious glances are cast my way, and the glares from others have me glaring back. It’s not like I chose to live with them. But now that I am, I want to make the best of the hand that life dealt me.

I dislodge my hands from the guys. The need to go to the restroom is catching up with me. Zane stops with a questioning look aimed my way.

“I just need to go to the restroom,” I explain as I walk towards the clearly labelled doors on the opposite end of the room.

“Alright, we’ll find a table and grab some food.” He walks away, the others following after, though I see Jaxson’s eyes linger on me.

It takes effort to tear my eyes away and I have to shake myself out of this weird stupor he’s left me in. What is it with these guys and their effect on me? Why am I feeling this way? Is it my way of mourning Natalie? To put all my focus on something else? Or is it something else entirely?

I push the bathroom door open, glad to see it empty, and immediately go to the sink to splash cool water on my face.

As I’m fixing up my clothes I hear the door open and voices drift in. I don’t know why, but I hide in one of the stalls. I lock the door and calm my racing heart, waiting for them to leave, but I freeze when they speak.

“Can you believe it? They’re protecting her! She doesn’t even belong here!”

I recognize the voice as Joy, the chick who shoulder checked me earlier. I don’t know why she has such a problem with me. I haven’t done anything but exist. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d assume she’s just jealous, but surely someone wouldn’t act this childishly out of jealousy?

Maybe she’s still in love with Jaxson. It must have been hard for her to fall for him, to get engaged, only for him to break it off. I don’t get why that’s my fault though. Jaxson is the one she should be angry with.

Another catty voice answers Joy, and I cringe at the pitch of her voice. “I wonder why they care. It’s not like they could be her guardians. She’s human for goodness sake, and a murderer if the rumors are true.”

“A murderer? They let a murderer on campus?!” Joy screeches, and her friend shushes her.  “No one really knows why, but I heard she just got out of prison and had no place to go, so her father had to take her in. My grandmother said she killed someone.” Her voice lowers, so I have to press my ear to the stall door to hear the last part. “Ripped them to pieces with her bare hands. How gross is that?”

I stagger back, a buzzing filling my ears. How could they know that? Sure, the prison part of that is a lie, but Zane assured me no one would know about what happened except them. If they told someone, I’ll kill them. The floor starts shaking, causing the girls to scream in fear. I embrace the feeling of power sliding through me. The fear is chased away by a sense of strength. I am no longer a meek girl hiding in a bathroom stall. I am War!

Power flows off me and the stall door disintegrates as I step through it, causing the girls on the other side to gasp in fear. I sense it, the moment they see me. My hair whips around me and behind me as the building shakes with my power. I will teach them not to disrespect me.

The bathroom door slams open and a man fills the doorway, his dark hair glinting in the fluorescent light. “Get. Out!” he demands in a harsh voice, and both girls scramble to run behind him, out the door he came in. Me, however, I’m pissed! He just let my prey leave!

My power builds within me, and I feel my magic pulling them back to me when the man stands in front of me, drawing my gaze. “Valerie? Do you know who I am?”

I cock my head, confused. Do I know him? Those eyes, they call to me, beseeching me to remember.

“Jaxson?” I ask, confused.

I drop to my knees, a warm feeling filling my chest. “What’s happening?”

He bends down in front of me, his hand cradling my cheek. “Shhh, it’ll be over in a minute. You let yourself get worked up and your powers took control to help you. We’re going to have to teach you how to control that.” He smiles at me and his eyes captivate me. I have eyes like that, I think to myself, before power explodes out of me and into Jaxson. He holds us there until the power dies out and the ground finally stops its rumbling.

Jaxson strokes his thumb over my cheek and I feel slightly calmer. “I need you to take deep breaths for me, Val. That’s it, in and out.” His words encourage me to even my breathing out, and he smiles at me in relief.

“Why did you help me?” I ask.

He watches me a moment before murmuring, “I’m your knight. I will always protect you.”

My eyes close, unsure of what I just heard. Am I dreaming again?

The room shifts around me and I open my eyes, dazed. What just happened? Why am I on the floor in the bathroom?

In the doorway Cooper and Carter are staring down at me, stunned. “What happened?” I ask, trying to remember what happened to me. All I remember is walking through the door. Did I even pee?

It’s all a big blur. I must have passed out or something. Carter shakes himself out of his staring, “We don’t know. The girls that were in here ran out and told us they heard a bang. We came in and you were passed out on the floor. Are you okay?”

I look down at myself, happy to report no injuries. Usually after a blackout I have a scrape or bruise of some kind but, thankfully, I seem to have come out of it unharmed.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I don’t know what got into me. Usually my blackouts don’t happen unless I’m extremely stressed.” Strange, I muse, trying to figure out why I was triggered.

They exchange a glance before offering to help me up and I curse inwardly. They probably think I’m not worth all this trouble. Who else has blackouts? Mainly sick people or someone touched in the head.

I hope they’ll leave it alone, but no such luck. Carter waits until we’re out in the hall before asking, “You have blackouts? For how long? Are they bad? Do we need to call a doctor or something?”

I debate on what to tell them, not sure how they’ll react. I look behind us to see Jaxson staring at me as we walk, his face as stoic as ever until he winks, causing me to stumble. When I meet his eyes, there’s no trace of him winking, leaving me to wonder if I imagined it.

Focusing back on Carter’s questions, I answer him as we walk. “I’m fine. There are just blocks of time I don’t remember. Generally, they seem to happen in high-stress situations, but I don’t hurt myself most of the time. I have woken up to find myself with scrapes or bruises, though I imagine that’s mainly from walking through bushes or the forest back home.”

They guys lead me to a table where Zane is seated with four trays piled high with food and I almost moan in anticipation. I’m ravenous all of a sudden, whereas I had no appetite before.

“They are usually harmless. I just never remember what happened. My therapist used to think my dreams might be re-tellings of the events that happened during the day until I told her in the dreams I had control of magic and could do pretty unimaginable things. She was quick to realize we needed another way to determine what happened. We tried so much when I was growing up but none of it was a success. To this day I still have them. They had eased up, but since … what happened,” I say, subtly reminding them of why I’m here, “well, they’ve started again.”

They nod as I speak, absorbing the information for later, I’m sure.

“So, you’re definitely sure you don’t need to see the nurse or anything like that? I’m sure we could call our Mom and she could get you an appointment at the medical center right now if you need it?” Cooper offers.

“Nah, I’m good, but thank you. I just want to eat. I always feel better after a blackout if I eat my weight in food,” I laugh as I pile a few BLT sandwiches on my plate.

We sit in silence, all enjoying our food as people around us continue chatting. It feels nice to be able to relax. I have a feeling it won’t last long.