Page 13 of Vampire's Vixen

“He scared the hell out of me,” I said. “He asked me to pledge myself against the?—”

“The Covenant of Chaos. Yes, I know. All of us who join the Crown Magika swear an oath to fight the forces of chaos. But when the Crow Man steps in, that means we have a special part to play in the battle. I met him during my initiation, and I follow the Morrígan. All right, you seem fit enough.” She was about to stand.

That was it? I didn’t know what I’d been expecting, but I felt like I’d gotten off easily.

“I need to ask you a question,” I said. “Aphrodite told me that I need to learn how to listen without taking on the emotions of others. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed.” I told her about the readings I’d been doing, and how they were affecting my moods. “It feels like they dampen my joy,” I added. “I want to help, but I don’t want to walk around in perpetual sadness.”

“We can work on that,” Nightshade said. “It’s not as hard as you think. At the regular meeting next month, we can help you. Meanwhile, be sure to cast a circle every night, cleanse your chakras at least twice a week, and use sage spray or cleansing spray daily. Keep your shop warded. Teaching you to learn to interact with others without taking on their emotions would be a good refresher for everyone, as well.”

I knew that I wouldn’t get an answer, but I had to ask. “What about Crystal?”

“She’ll be watched over on her quest.” She paused, then said, “I have little doubt that she’ll pass. Things can happen, but I’d be surprised. Don’t let your worries consume you. I will see you Saturday night. Your aunt will help you find a dress.” She stood and headed for the door. “Your shop is beautiful. You’ll make your success here,” she added. “Even if it’s not the way you think.”

I waved as she exited the shop, then texted Crystal. “Coffee?”

She texted back. “Always. Come over.”

Feeling renewed, and yet apprehensive, I picked up my purse, locked the door behind me, and stopped in at the Mocha Express before getting ready for class.

So many memories from my childhood surrounded the Midnight Manor Academy, and while not all of them were good, for the most part I’d really enjoyed my school days. Now, returning as an adult, I couldn’t help but look around and remember times spent there as a child.

My mother had enrolled me when I was six, and my aunts had made sure to keep me in the academy until the day I turned eighteen. Once in a while, I’d wondered what it would be like to attend the mainstream high schools, but my classes had been interesting, the teachers had been strict but fair, and Crystal and I had navigated our way through growing up.

Stuart Waterline had gone to Midnight Point High, but we met at a football game when we were both in our sophomore years. It had been crush at first sight, and my fifteen-year-old self had fallen hard for the handsome shifter. Stuart had played on the high school baseball team, so by spring, I was attending every game he was in, cheering him on even though I had no interest in baseball. I’d learned the lingo, developed a penchant for true crime shows, and faced the embarrassing talk with my aunts about birth control and self-respect when it came to sex.

I had to give it to Astra and Sara, they had handled it well. Astra took me to the doctor for my first gynecological exam and my stash of birth control pills—the ones that worked for witchblood. I’d also been given a stern warning that sex and men weren’t worth more than my self-respect. My hormones might have been strong, but my aunts made sure my sense of self was stronger. Astra also assured me that if Stuart ever crossed the line into any form of coercion or abuse they would put him six feet under.

Midnight Manor Academy’s campus took up a little over five hundred acres on the east side of the island. The campus was one hundred and fifty years old and had been established twenty-four years after Port Townsend became a city, the same year that Midnight Point was founded. I wasn’t sure if any of the current inhabitants had been here at the beginning, but it wouldn’t surprise me.

The campus was mostly patches of thickets and fields, but there were six main buildings.

Albertson Hall was for the elementary students, including grades one through six. Derrickson Hall included grades seven through nine, and Barbary Hall was for students in high school—grades ten through twelve. Mayer Hall served the community classes.

The other two buildings included the Community Hall, with a large auditorium, a theater, the administration offices, and the cafeteria. The Rec Center, with a swimming pool, indoor track, and other amenities for physical education was the last big building. There were some minor, smaller, buildings scattered around campus—magic and science labs, a pottery studio, and a greenhouse where the earth witches put in volunteer time in the gardens. The gardens supplied the cafeteria with most of their fresh vegetables throughout the spring and the summer, and the greenhouse did the same during late autumn and winter.

All in all, the campus was a tangle of wild nature and manicured beauty.

I parked in the lot near Mayer Hall and slinging my tote bag containing my notebook, laptop, and e-reader over my shoulder, I set out briskly, trying to avoid being caught in the downpour waiting to happen. An army of gray clouds loomed threateningly overhead.

I was nearly at the door when Alexa—one of my classmates—waved to me.

“Hey, you ready for the quiz?” She caught hold of the door and held it open till I caught up with her.

“I don’t know. I just hope it’s written and not an actual test. I’ve had one hell of a week.” I shook my head. “I haven’t had much time to study.”

“Professor Themasa isn’t exactly forgiving, I’ve noticed.” She giggled, rolling her eyes.

Alexa was about ten years younger than I was, far more perky and almost annoyingly positive. But it was a genuine positivity that never seemed forced or affected. She was one of those women who really believed that everything would work out for the best, but when things went south, she was right there to comfort those who were hurting.

“You’re right about that,” I said with a laugh. “Hopefully she won’t call on me if there’s a verbal component to the test.”

We were a few minutes early. As we entered the room, I noticed that Professor Themasa hadn’t arrived yet.

“How’s your day been?” Alexa asked, taking a seat. I grabbed the chair next to her—most community classes were held at long tables instead of individual desks.

“Long but boring. Tomorrow night, I have a meeting with a potential client,” I said. “He can’t come in during the daylight hours.”

“You’re meeting a vampire?” she asked, her eyes wide. “I wish I could.”

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