A sickening warmth radiated behind me, invading my trembling body. I froze in deep wrenching fear. My hair was roughly pulled to the side as a hard body made contact with my back. A wet, but warm sensation slicked across my throat.
"Mmmmm ... I love the smell of fear,” a voice whispered in my ear, pouring moist breath across my skin. I shuddered and tightened my grip on Mandy.
"Hey, Cheyenne, you okay? You haven't said a word. And you're breathing all funny."
Immediately, the entity released me. Coldness replaced the warmth at my back. I grabbed my neck. Wetness met my fingers. I rubbed them together, testing the substance. It didn't feel like blood, more like saliva. Spit. Totally disgusting.
The lights came back on and I uncoiled my hand from Mandy's shirt.
"I'm okay. I think I was about to have a panic attack. No biggie."
"No biggie, huh?” Mandy shook her head and sighed. “You know, you really need to work on that claustrophobic thing you got going on.” She gave me another look, then glanced back at the group. “Let's go. Stan's waiting for us."
She didn't have to tell me twice.
Deep laughter trailed behind me, reverberating in my chest long after leaving the accursed room.
Thankfully, nothing else happened the rest of the way out of the cave. By the time we reached the chained off area near the cable car, I felt somewhat normal again. The ominous energy that had surrounded me eased and released me from its sinister hold.
Stan removed the chain and we all piled into the cable car. I sighed in relief. I was never so glad to be gone from any place in my life. The cable car shuddered to a start and began its ascent.
"You'll be back,” an eerie voice groaned—one only I seemed to hear.
"Not if I can help it,” I murmured.
When I pulled into the driveway, I noticed both my parent's cars. I couldn't imagine why they were already home. As I put my key into the lock, the door pulled open. Apparently, they'd been waiting for me.
"Hi, Sweetheart. How was your day? Anything ... interesting happen?” Mom anxiously waited for my answer.
Dad stood behind her, mirroring her expression.
That would explain what they were doing home so early. They'd been worried. I didn't know where to begin or how to answer the question.
"Well, it was no ordinary day to say the least,” I began. “Some very strange and scary things happened to me while I was in the cave."
Mom's eyes grew wide. “Like what exactly?"
"Yes, we need to know everything. It could be very important,” Dad added.
Once I started, I couldn't stop the words from pouring out. “Bats were everywhere. It was like they were evil or something. And for some reason, I was their target. I was attacked over and over. No one else was bothered. And I kept getting this creepy feeling. I heard voices and horrible laughter no one else could hear. And there was this strange almond scent only I could smell. Both times the lights were turned out, something or someone touched me—"
"Cheyenne, slow down,” Dad interrupted. “What do you mean someone touched you?"
"The first time the lights were turned off, my hair was pushed aside and something scraped against my throat. The second time the lights went off, it felt like I was licked—on my neck.” I raised my hand, touching the place where it had happened. A chill raced through my body, causing a shuddering reaction.
Mom and Dad exchanged a look that had me more than just a little concerned.
"Cheyenne, this is very important. We need you to tell us everything, starting from the beginning. Let's sit so you can calm down and get all the facts together.” Dad led the way to the living room.
Thankful for his suggestion, I sank into the familiar comfort of the couch. Dad sat next to me, and Mom took a seat in the recliner across from us. I took a deep breath and told them everything that had happened. By the expressions on their faces, what I had just said disturbed them a lot.
"Mom, Dad, what's wrong?” I glanced between the two of them. “You're really scaring me."
"I don't want you to be scared. I'm sorry. That's the last thing I want to do. But, it looks like we need to have a meeting with the rest of the
clice
tonight,” Dad informed us.
"I can't! I have a party to go to! Mandy is expecting me,” I argued.
Dad shot a glance at Mom. “Well, I probably won't be able to get in touch with some of them until close to midnight. It's a rather ... busy night for us."
I crinkled my brows. What exactly had he meant by that? I didn't really want to know, so I kept my mouth shut.
"Your dad's right, Cheyenne. We do need to meet with the
clice
and discuss what's happened. I want you to be home by your normal time. Not a minute after eleven. Understand?” She pressed her lips together, waiting for my answer.
"Yes, Mom, I get it. But, are y'all going to bother to tell me what the big deal is?"
Dad let out what sounded like a huff. “I would think it'd be obvious to you. You were accosted twice while in the cave and no one else was bothered. That tells me that you were made. As in, your vampire blood was detected. You were sent a warning and we need to talk about what it means. We're concerned about your safety."
A warning? That didn't sound good. A creepy chill crawled up my spin and I shivered.
"And you need to make sure you're never alone tonight. I mean it, Cheyenne. You cannot be alone. We don't want to take any chances with your safety,” Mom added with unneeded emphasis.
Like I'd be alone. They about had me scared out of my mind. What was I being warned against anyway? I wondered if going out tonight was such a good idea, but Mandy really wanted to go to the party. After all, one of the super jocks specifically invited her, and she could bring a friend.
"Okay, Mom, I've got it. Mandy is picking me up. We're going together and lots of people will be at the party—mission accomplished."
I knew I was being a brat, but sometimes they treated me like a child.
I felt something drop in my mouth. I fished it out.
"What's that?” Dad asked.
"One of my brackets popped off. I think my wires are all bent, too."
Mom looked at me funny. “How did that happen?"
"I don't think braces were meant to stand up to fang extensions."
"Your fangs dropped?” Mom and Dad said in unison.
"Yeah, when I sensed the danger. I couldn't help it. It just happened. I even cut my finger on them when I checked to see what the burning and itching was all about,” I shot back.
Dad reached over and put his hand on my shoulder, unable to erase the worry from his face. “Is there anything else you might have left out? I need you to think really hard, Cheyenne. It could be more important than you realize."
Like what? Everything that had happened seemed too surreal as it was.
"Well, when I pricked my finger and it started to bleed, something weird happened. I'm not sure if it was my imagination though. No one else seemed to notice."
"Weird like how?” Mom asked.
"It felt like the cave came alive and started to actually breathe. It was the creepiest thing I've ever felt.” I shuddered with the memory.
"Alive?” Dad asked.
I shrugged my uncertainty. “That's what it felt like. I don't know how else to describe it. When I put my finger back in my mouth, it stopped. When I pulled it out and blood appeared, the cave started breathing ... again."
Dad tightened his jaw, his face clouding with uneasiness. “I see."
"What does it mean, Dad?"
"I don't know for sure, but I have a suspicion about what your special ability might be. I don't want to get everyone in an uproar until I've had the chance to speak with the
clice
ancients tonight. Don't worry until we know for sure. We'll figure it out. Everything will be fine. You're mom and I ... and the
clice
will see to it."
He didn't want to get me in an uproar over my ability? And he didn't want me to worry? Fat chance. Dread sank into my gut like soured milk. So much for being excited over what my new ability would be. Boy, my day just kept getting better and better. I wanted to ask mom and dad more questions, but I just wasn't up to hearing the answers.
Dad stood and looked down at Mom. She glanced at me and then followed Dad out of the room. No doubt they'd be discussing me in private.
I climbed the stairs to my room. I had homework to do before I got ready for the party. The vampire costume was definitely out for tonight. No way would I be wearing it no matter how hot Mandy said it looked on me.
I'd be happy to never hear the word vampire again.
Mandy honked the horn promptly at seven. I scrambled down the stairs, careful not to let my pirate cutlass clank against the wall.
"Mom, Dad, I'm leaving."
"Eleven o'clock, no later,” Mom called out. “Please be careful. Call us if you need anything."
"Yeah, yeah,” I muttered.
I stuck the pirate hat on my head and checked myself out in the entry way mirror. Good enough. I took a deep breath and headed out the door to meet Mandy.
"Hey!” Mandy greeted.
I gave her the once over and grinned. She had on the genie costume she bought last year but was too chicken to actually wear. Apparently, she'd gotten over it.
She flipped her hand over, palm up. “What?"
"You know what."
"So, I changed my mind. I thought this costume would work better."
I laughed. “Work better for what? Or should I say who?"
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever!"
"Oh, admit it. You are so crushing on Brad."
"Maybe I am.” She jutted her chin out and bugged her eyes in challenge.
So, Mandy did like Brad. Interesting.
"I seem to remember a girl who said she'd never go for a dumb jock.” I had to rub it in a little. “And what about Angie? That little cheerleader has been drooling over him since last year."
"Hey, I can't help it if she hasn't made a move, or he hasn't paid her any attention. He's free game. Unless, of course, you like him.” She cocked her head at me and smiled.
"Not hardly. You go right ahead and go for it."
The only sights I had were on a guy I'd probably never see again. I didn't even know his name. I sighed and slumped against the seat.
"What's wrong with you?” Mandy asked.
"Nothing. I was just thinking about that guy from the cave."
Her lips curled in amusement. “Stan? Yeah, he was cool.” She giggled.
"You know who I'm talking about, dork."
"Hey, you never know. You might see him again. Don't you believe in fate?"
Fate? Like not having any say in what or who you are? I'd have to say I did believe in fate. Didn't much care for it, but it's not like I had a choice.
"Yeah, sure,” I said under my breath.
We turned the corner onto Brad's street. Cars lined the curbs on both sides of the street near his house.
"Shazaam! We're never going to find a place to park. Dang! I wasn't expecting the whole school to be here.” She frowned.
"What? Did you expect Brad to have a private party just for you?” I had to throw in one more tease.
"Ha ha."
We ended up parking on the next street over and walked the block to Brad's. The temperature had dropped and a slight mist shimmered in the light of the full moon. It was slightly creepy yet beautiful at the same time.
Mandy wrapped her arms around her bare middle. “Dang, it's getting cold."
"Doesn't help that you're half naked."
She glared at me.
Well, the genie costume didn't exactly cover much. But, every teen knows it's better to freeze than be unfashionable by covering up a cool outfit. I was glad I decided to wear the pirate costume. At least my arms and legs were covered. Texas weather was always so weird. One day you're wearing shorts, the next day it's snowing. Crazy.
I knocked on the door, my knuckles stinging from the cold. Brad himself answered, wearing a Mark Anthony type costume that left most of his muscular legs on display. I never thought I'd think a guy looked good in a dress, but shazaam!
Brad's face lit up when he saw Mandy. This was getting more interesting by the minute.
"Hi! Y'all come on in. Great costumes by the way."
I doubt he even saw mine, because he seemed to have eyes only for Mandy. We wound our way through the crowded house, checking out everyone's costumes and the spooky decorations.
"Would y'all like a drink or something?” Brad asked.
Mandy stared at Brad as if he'd grown horns or something. “Umm ... sure."
He rushed off without bothering to find out if I wanted anything.
A table was set up with snacks and drinks. Dry ice added to a black cauldron containing punch caused an eerie, heavy fog to slowly and silently slither across the table surface. Candy corn looking nachos, mini pumpkin cakes, marshmallow spiders, dirt pudding cups with worms, witchy fingers, witch's hats, skull sandwiches, and a bunch of other yummy but creepy snacks decorated the rest of the table. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble.
Monster Mash played in the background as a few girls danced to the beat. Across the room, the door banged open and in walked Val and her entourage. And oh what an entrance she made. She walked through the middle of the group dancing, separating them like she was Moses parting the sea. And wouldn't you know it, she had on a pirate costume—the ‘ho’ version of course. The black dress barely met the top of her thighs. I bet she wouldn't be bending over much—or maybe she would. Sheer black sleeves covered her arms; red ribbons decorated her upper arms and wrists. The black leather bustier pushed her breasts up, threatening to spill them out with the slightest of movements.
I glanced down at my nonexistent boobs and grimaced. Bustier or not, my boobs wouldn't be spilling out of anything.
A black floppy pirate hat trimmed with lace along with a red sash around her waist completed the ensemble. Let's not forget the stiletto thigh-high black boots I noticed as she finished pushing her way through the rest of the party-goers and headed straight toward us.