Unleashed

Wake Up Call

Aliyah

The clink of something against glass startled me awake and into a seated position, blinking at the unfamiliar person staring back at me through the mirror attached to my dresser.

“You’ve got a little,” he lifted his hand from a ring sitting in its glass holder I didn’t notice last night and mimicked wiping the corner of his mouth. Frowning, I copied and when I touched the still wet patch of drool, I crinkled my nose, using the shoulder of my shirt to wipe it away more effectively, not missing the smirk on his full lips or the twinkle in his eyes.

“Who are you?” I looked him dead in the eyes before my gaze wandered for something heavy within reach incase I needed to defend myself. “and why are you in my room?”

“Stand down, princess,” he moved along my dresser snooping through my alleged trinkets that must have been put in place ready for my arrival, his back to me the whole time, “I’m here to escort you to school. Coven’s orders.”

“What?” I asked confused. “It hasn’t even been 24 hours since I got here.” Then remembering my back story, “It hasn’t even been 24 hours since the m******e of my coven and they expect me to what, smile and pretend nothing happened?”

While it was technically a lie, Mr Black had used his powers to show me what future lay ahead for my coven if I didn’t intervene. The flashbacks crowded my mind and I felt myself drawn back into that nightmare scene as though I was once again right there in that moment. The heat of the fire crawling up my arms; smoke choking the breath from my lungs as I watched my home collapse under the attack. The metallic stench of blood matching the cries of my fallen friends, my family, as the Masked Bandit slaughtered each member without pause. The legend of the lost wolf becoming more than the words of our elders, but a memory of our survival.

His teasing smile dimmed, and he walked over to sit on the edge of my bed. “I’m sorry for your loss. I heard about your previous coven. I wouldn’t wish that nightmare upon anyone.”

The fear of knowing what was to become of my friends and family, their safety resting solely on my shoulders sent a lone tear spilling from my eye. It didn’t travel far before it was swept away by a gentle thumb. His solid arms pulled me in to an even firmer chest and I involuntarily inhaled deeply his sweet scent, unused to this kind of willing affection.

“You’re safe here now, Princess,” his voice rumbled in my ear sending a shiver of awareness trickle down my spine. “we’ve got you.”

We stayed like that only a few moments more when he released me, clearing his throat. Shaking my mind clear, I moved further along the bed embarrassed, “Sorry, I just-“

“Grab a shower and I’ll meet you downstairs,” he stood cutting me off, “unless you want some help?”

And like nothing happened at all, that mischievous smirk was back in place and laughter I didn’t think I could feel again so soon, bubbled to the surface.

“Get out,” I laughed, throwing my pillow at him, watching as he effortlessly dodged it.

With a wink, he was at my door until I asked one last thing, “What’s your name, anyway?”

Eyes trailing a burning line from the tips of my bare toes, to the chocolate brown waves of my hair, “Carter.” With that single word, he disappeared closing the door behind him.

*

Stepping out of the shower, I grabbed the outfit that had suddenly appeared on my bed, a white fitted blouse, navy pleated skirt, black leggings, and knee-high black boots. At least someone in this house had fashion sense, I thought to myself, as I slipped the boots on over the stockings, grateful they didn’t provide me with stiletto heels.

Brushing my teeth and finally spritzing myself with the perfume on my bedside table, I rushed down the staircase almost bumping into Carter as he waited for me at the bottom. Motioning for me to follow him, he tossed me an apple as he lifted two backpacks by the door and continued outside towards a black SUV. I stood watching as he clicked the button to unlock the car and threw the backpacks on the backseat before opening the passenger door, waving dramatically for me to take my seat.

 Climbing into the car, curiosity got the better of me as I sat clipping in my seatbelt, “What’s the school like?”

“The ‘Academy’ is unlike anything you have or will ever see.” he began, “The New York Academy is home to all supernatural species. Shifter, warlock, fairy and even vampires are located in one campus, but be warned, not everyone at the academy plays by the rules.”

I shivered involuntarily at the mention of shifters. A school, sorry, Academy, thinking wolves could co-mingle with any other species was a joke, the murderous bastards.

My musing was cut short when I felt something poke at my cheek, or should I say, someone.

“Looking mighty serious over there,” Carter arched his eyebrow, baiting me for response. When I gave none, he continued, “Just remember Princess, not everything or everyone, are as they seem.”

I wasn’t left to ponder on his meaning for long when the trees broke away to display a run-down shabby café making me frown.

“Umm… Carter… I thought you were taking me to school?” his grin the only response to my question as we continued forward; a sense of unease filling my bones.

‘I didn’t even stop to question some random in my room and now, I’m being taking to the middle of nowhere to be slaughtered like the rest of my kind, great.’ I thought to myself.

“Kill him.” a voice sounded in my mind giving me pause. It was familiar yet I couldn’t recall ever hearing it before. I didn’t have time to dwell on my potential insanity for long though.

Looking back up, I noticed we were about to drive full force straight through the café and I reached out, trying to brace this fool and myself for safety before closing my eyes awaiting the impact. One second, then two passed and I felt nothing, so I slowly inched one eye open, then the second flashing wide as I looked around at our new surroundings.

Lush green grass landscaped the long drive to a pristine castle up ahead, with woods surrounding all sides giving both a spacious yet secure feeling. My wonder was cut short at the rumbling of laughter from my apparent escort.

“You could have warned me.” I shouted at him, folding my arms across my chest.

“Your face was priceless,” his laughter erupted, and I couldn’t help but punch him in the arm in retaliation. “Ouch.” He rubbed him arm good-humouredly.

“Hey, come on,” he pressed at my side again, “it was just a joke.”

Turning away from him, I crossed my arms back over and looked out the window.

“Aww come on, Princess,” he whined, “not the silent treatment, already.”

Sighing, he resigned himself back to driving towards the castle, with me lost in my thoughts.