Chapter 1 Emergency Meeting
Sometimes it's hard to pretend I'm happy. Especially when the man I've loved my whole life is with some hussy who has it out for me. It's not that I'm upset Jaxx has found himself a girl, it's that girl in particular. I can't stand Cassie! And the thing is, I never did a damn thing to her! She just decided one day that she hated my guts and has been bullying me since then.
I guess that isn't completely the truth. I would be sad if he found another girl too, because I know he will never give me the chance to show him how much I love him. I get it though. He probably only thinks of me as his younger sister... Just like the rest of the girls.
Maybe he will break up with Cassie someday and find someone better. That would be better. I could go on with my life knowing he found someone worthy of him... Even if it isn't me. I'll just have to move on and find someone of my own.
I appreciate the twins more than they know. They protect me from... everything. Including myself. They know exactly how to cheer me up and distract me from things that hurt. I don't know if they know how much I'm hurting. I'm normally pretty good at pretending. It's the only thing that keeps me from breaking down and crying every time I see Jaxx and Cassie together.
The earthquake still has me shaken and just a moment ago. It really wasn't Colt and Fox's fault that I fell and hurt my leg. They both fell down as well. Actually, everyone fell down. No one was standing up by the end of the shaking.
But then Jaxx had his hands on me. I couldn't think straight. My heart beat rapidly in my chest. My lungs forgot how to work. And suddenly I was sweaty and nervous, like a little girl.
I could feel the tingles more than the pain he was healing me from. And just for a moment, it was just us... He looked right into my eyes and I swear I could feel something... connecting us. I could feel him! He was worried about me...
Until his master caught him daring to help me like a decent person. He jumped away like I was a snake trying to bite him. He tried to explain the situation to the bitch, but she wouldn't let it go. She couldn't stand him being near anyone but her. I don't know how Jaxx doesn't realize she treats him like a possession. It makes me sick.
Or maybe it's just her that makes me sick... It's a toss up.
I smile through the pain... and I don't mean the pain in my leg. He healed it within seconds. (He's never healed me before, and I guess I was surprised he had that skill.) But the pain I've been suppressing for years. The one that seems to break my heart every time I hear his voice or see him with another girl. Maybe someday it won't hurt any more.
I turn away from the show and Colt and Fox box me in, between their hot bodies. Their arms cross behind my back in a possessive manner. As long as I can keep them with me, I can pretend I'm not dying inside. Their scents are calming and soothing, reminding me I have someone on my side, even if they aren't the ones I am desperately wanting.
I wonder if I could ask Calliope to make me a potion to kill my obsession... I bet she could find something like that for me. If I could break whatever spell Jaxx has me under I'll be so much happier... I'll be free... at least that's the lie I am currently telling myself.
I haven't told anyone what I feel for Jaxx. What is the point? He was a player for years (not that it stopped me from falling for him) and then a couple years ago Cassie got her claws into him. So, really there was never a chance for me. Now, he's going to be stuck with his slut forever.
I guess it's a succubus thing. She's very possessive of him. But really, she doesn't have to be a bitch about it. She made a big show of it when she finally caught him, like he was a big prize, and I was the loser that could never keep his attention.
Well, I'm not exactly sure if that's true. I've never used my siren powers on him. I think it's cheating, and it doesn't show their true feelings. It only would show that they would be obsessed with me, and full of lust. That is not what I want. I want love.
Cassie's been throwing her powers of seduction and obsession like poison each time his lips touch hers. I heard it starts as a small thing and they don't even know what's going on, and soon they become obsessed and need a hit all the time. I don't know anyone who has actually ditched one and survived. Its a strong drug, and I would never do that to Jaxx or anyone for that matter. It's not who I am.
I look at all my girls, Cal is in Treys arms, trying to act brave. She's a bit scratched up, but not that bad. I'm sure Trey would be more than happy to take care of healing her when the get some time alone.
Dia is crying in Knox's strong arms and he's doing his best to soothe her. She has a bump on the back of her head, but other than that, at least she's walking straight. I'm guessing all she needs is an ice pack and pain killers and she'll be right as rain.
Phoebe and Levi look furious. I'm not sure where she's sending her anger this time, but it's affecting her mate. It's funny seeing Phoebe wanting to blow up, even though there is nothing solid for her to punish. I don't think a single person could produce that earthquake... But I could be wrong. If know for sure if there was a culprit, she will make them pay, and Levi will be right by her side.
And then there's Chloe, freshly mated to Kody by the smell of it. I'm not surprised. The way he'd been looking at her I knew he couldn't hold back forever. I know I was interrupting their time together more than once... it was more to frustrate Kody than anything. It was funny! But I understand how it feels to not be able to tell the one you love the truth, so I'm happy they finally have it all worked out.
I'm the last... And the youngest in our group. I don't turn 18 until May! Not that I mind. I love spring. But because of that, everyone treats me a little bit different. I don't know why, it's not like I'm a fragile little girl. I'm stronger than most people give me credit for. But everyone seems worried about me lately.
Which might explain the twins. They are so protective of me, and if I hadn't already been in love with Jaxx, I would be happy with them. They can be perfect gentlemen if they need to be, and they can be smooth sexy men ready to blow my mind the next... They are both sensitive and enticing. The twins personalities compliment each other, so where one is weak the other is strong, and somehow it benefits the girls they are with.
I know Fox and Colt have been with girls... but mostly older than us. They are in college, so they have more experience than I would have in a life time. But I'm not shaming them. It just means they know how to treat me well. They sure as hell know how to turn me on when they feel like it.
Maybe I can get over Jaxx and the twins will make me theirs? I know they were teasing me about it a little bit ago, but honestly, it doesn't sound like a bad plan. We could complete each other's needs, and maybe we could all be happy together. Maybe then Cassie will leave me alone. It's a tempting thought just for that!
Then again, it might make her more angry. She seems to like getting a rise out of me. I know she likes making me cry, she's done it for years. Even before she was with Jaxx, she'd treat me like I was trash. I still don't know how Jaxx hasn't seen how she treats people!
I'm not as passive as Chloe is, if that bitch wants a fight, I will be willing to fight her. I'm just so tired of all her crap! I just want her to leave everyone alone! I want her to suffer for all the pain she's caused, and not just me. Many underclassmen have been tormented by the queen bitch, and she deserves what's coming for her.
I lean against Colt as sigh. He leans in and kisses the top of my head, "What's got you down, sexy?" His closeness is almost enough to distract me from the memory of Cassie bitching at Jaxx just minutes ago.
"I'm just so tired," I mumble, trying to keep a smile on my face. I don't know if I can anymore. My smile hurts... and so does my heart. I just don't get it! Why is she like this? And why does he let her get away with it?
"Cassie?" Fox asks, rubbing slow circles around my back, making shivers crawl up my spine. His hands are so warm and strong.
The guy is weirdly intuitive, but I nod my head. "Yeah. I don't get why she can't just leave me alone," I sigh.
Fox and Colt send each other a look I can't interpret. There is something knowing in their eyes, and I don't know if I want to find out what it is. I'm already having a bad morning. I don't know if I can handle more bad news.
We finally make it to the Council house. Everyone is already in there. There is too much commotion for my brain to handle right now. I look around and everything is cluttered and people are scurrying around holding papers and phones discussing.... things that are going way over my head right now.
"Oh, good! You're here! We were so worried," Mom comes up to me and kisses me on the head. "Go on into the Council room and wait for us!"
We all go and take our seats, only the twins didn't seem to want me to miss out on this new sitting on someones lap thing that started with Cal and Trey a couple weeks ago, because Fox pulled me down onto his. Colt grumbled and stared at his brother.
Fox just shrugged and sent a smug smile saying, "You can get her next time. It's my turn to have her first!" Then he pulls me snuggly into his arms and nuzzles my neck. "You are so warm, gorgeous. I'm gonna keep you close to me."
A few minutes later, Anastasia stands over us, looking more frazzled than I've ever seen her. She looks over all of us before she take a seat, satisfied none of us are badly wounded.
"Where is Jaxx?" Hestia asks, looking for her son.
I wish I could tell her, but I don't even know if I can look her in the eyes right now. It hurts too much. They look just like Jaxx's.
"With Cassie," Cal grumbles sending me a pitying look. I know it only has to do with Cassie and nothing to do with Jaxx, but it doesn't matter. Calliope never liked Cassie, and she might be the only one in this room who hates the bitch as much as I do. She hates that they are together.
I just send her another smile and pretend it doesn't hurt like hell, and snuggle up into Fox's arms, hiding my true feelings. I don't know if it's fair of me to use Fox and Colt for comfort, but I'm not going to open that can of worms yet. I need someone! And if one is good, two is better, right?
"Well, lets get started," Georgia says looking over at Chloe before her eyes land on the twins. She sends them a wink, and I hear twin chuckles. I've always liked Georgia... she's like another mother. So warm and caring, just like her kids.
"We have been waiting for the Abyss to make another move, and it was faster than we expected," Thalia states. "I don't know how they did it, but I know they caused the earthquake!"
"We finally found out who they are, just before the earthquake," Mom says with a sad smile. "But it's not going to be easy on any of you."
Anastasia places a piece of paper in front of us and we all gasp. My heart breaks. It's not much of a surprise, but still. For some reason, these people decided to create a posse of idiots thinking they can rule the world once all the magic is gone from the earth and turned it into poison.
On it are the names of young students we all know. Including my sister.
