Under Sunless Skies (Starlight Saga Book 2) Read online

  Those glitter-winged butterflies spasm in my stomach. “Everything, huh?”

  “Yeah…” For a moment, his mouth eases into a wide grin, then it fades. “Why was Saxton sitting at your table again?” he asks, his voice dropping in volume. “Isn’t he too much of a jock for your kind?”

  “My kind? You mean my friends?” My brows arch. “Nobody cares if he sits with us, well, that might not be true. I’m not sure Viola likes him hanging around.”

  Something dark flickers across his face. The intensity of his stare is searing. “He keeps watching you. And I swear I saw him sniffing your hair.”

  I shrug. “Maybe he just likes my shampoo.”

  Hayden snorts. “Maybe he’d like his big nose to meet my fist.” His expression is hard and determined. “I don’t think you should trust anyone outside your normal crew.”

  Wait…the blackmailer said not to trust anyone. Now Hayden’s saying the same thing.

  Coincidence? I think not.

  “Just because you’ve put your scent on me, doesn’t mean you can claim me as your personal territory. So you can quick with the creepy messages.”

  His eyebrows knit together. “Messages?” He sounds confused. “What are you talking about?”

  Okay, so I’m wrong again. Abort! For a second, I thought Hayden might be The Blackmailer. But that doesn’t make sense. At least now, I can completely rule him out.

  “Never mind.” I shake my head. “Don’t be jealous. Saxton’s not my type. Obviously, I’m a sucker for the extra broody, drummer types.”

  “Good,” he mutters, so inaudibly that I wonder if he’s talking to himself. “You don’t need any more friends.”

  “What have you got against Saxton?”

  “I just don’t trust the guy.” Tipping his chin, his face looms inches from mine. The corners of his mouth quirk. “By the way, I’ve got a great idea on how to get the residue off your body a little faster.”

  Heat sweeps over my collarbone. “I seriously doubt getting our intergalactic freak on is going to help.”

  “Doesn’t hurt to try.” The corners of his mouth twitch, threatening to turn into one of those crooked smiles. “What time is dinner?”

  “Not until seven.” I stamp up the porch steps, but pause at the door. “And you’re not invited.”

  “Hey, don’t go everywhere without letting me know first.”

  “This sucks. It’s like I’m in prison and you’re the warden. How long will I be under house arrest?”

  Hayden rocks on his heels. “Until the residue fades, or Sector Thirteen and their nasty bloodhounds vacate Grimm Haven. There probably aren’t any reapers around right now, but we should be careful, the ectoplasm might lead them straight to your doorstep.”

  An icy shiver climbs my spine. “Do you think the reapers are still roaming the island?”

  “Arcane caught the ones on the beach and put them down, but I’m sure there are lots more where those freaks came from.”

  “Then I guess you keeping an eye on my house is a good thing,” I say. “What about your homework and whatever else you do when you’re not saving lives and being on guard duty?”

  “I got my laptop, homework, and snacks in the car.” He backs away, pulling his hand out of his pocket and flashing his keys.

  “You need WiFi?”

  He rolls his eyes. “Oh, I’ll manage.”

  “By hacking into someone’s internet account?”

  “Just worry about staying out of trouble tonight.” He turns his back to me and whistles a soft tune while strolling to his SUV parked on the street.

  I enter the house, slamming the door behind me. My mom jumps back from the living room window, the curtain still gripped in her hand.

  “How long have you been standing there?” I ask.

  She lets the curtain drop. “Long enough to watch Hayden looking like a kicked puppy. You two still fighting?”

  “We’re not fighting,” I grumble and quirk an eyebrow at her. “You know what’s really great about our relationship? That you understand about the need for privacy—”

  “So tell me what’s going on with you two. Maybe I can help.”

  “I’m not in the mood to talk boys with you, Mom,” I say, dragging my backpack up the stairs.

  About seven o’clock, my mom yells upstairs to say that she’s going to be working late and not to disturb her. With Jonah fed and playing a game on his computer, I go downstairs and peek out the front window to see if Hayden is still parked outside and keeping watch. He’s already protected me more than once, and as much as my feelings toward him fluctuate like a pendulum, I would feel much safer with him closer.

  When I spot his Range Rover, I send him a text to meet me on the porch. Before I have the door fully open, he’s standing there.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I thought I owed you an apology this time for being so bitchy earlier,” I say.

  “It’s understandable. I’m causing a lot of stress in your life and emotions are running high.”

  “My mom’s locked herself in her studio for the night, so you might want to conduct surveillance inside.”

  One brow rises. “Oh. Yeah, sure.”

  Hayden enters the house and lounges against the frame of the archway that leads from the small foyer into the living room. His dominating presence seems to take up the whole space. His white V-neck shirt and low-slung jeans make him look extra yummy. All I want to do is run my fingers through his artfully disheveled hair and be done with trying to hide our feelings.

  I bite my lip. “I just, um, figured since you were watching over me tonight, that it might be easier if we hung out and watched a movie or something.”

  “Or something,” he repeats, but doesn’t move.

  “Thanks for protecting me and my family. Not sure what I’d do if Xavier or a reaper showed up at my house.”

  Hayden pushes away from the entryway. A gentle bend of his lips make my heartbeat sprint. “You don’t need to worry about that with me here. You’re not alone, okay? I won’t let anyone hurt your family on my watch.”

  Impulsively, I wrap him in a hug, catching him off guard. He stumbles backward before leaning into me and squeezing back.

  “I don’t need a bodyguard, but I could use a friend,” I say releasing him.

  Smiling, he plops onto the sofa and puts his feet on the coffee table with his ankles crossed. “So how would you like to pass the time? You know, my other offer still stands.”

  “Let’s make that Plan B.” I sit on the opposite end of the sofa instead of next to him.

  His gaze moves slowly over my face, pausing briefly on each of my features, studying me intently. “How are you doing?”

  I shrug. “Since that evil Meleah tried to kill me, or since our undeclared truce? Or being sprayed with your stinky residue again?”

  His lips quirk upward into a half-smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m relieved you seem to be handling all this craziness so well.”

  “I’m not. I mean, I’m trying to put on a brave face, but this situation sucks monkey butt.”

  “It won’t be forever.”

  “Well, the sooner I’m free of your stink, the happier I’ll be.”

  “I think we’ll both be able to breathe easier.” His voice sounds gruff and his beautiful eyes darken. “Did you know, Meleah generally don’t kill each other? I think there’s only been one murder among my clan in the last fifty years. Otherwise, we support and look out for each other.”

  I cross my arms. “It sounds cultish.”

  “Maybe, but it’s more peaceful than humans.”

  “We might be from different worlds, but in a lot of ways we’re still the same.”

  His eyes soften. “It’s nice to know you still have faith in me after everything.”

  “So, how long will it take for this new coat of residue to fade?” I ask.

  “Not sure.” He scoots down the couch until he’s right next to me, our thigh
s touching. “The smell is already weakening.”

  “It’s weird how you’re talking about this ectoplasm covering my skin that I can’t even see or detect. What does it smell like? Skunk spray or something?”

  He chuckles, shaking his head. “No, it’s more like a combo of citrus and honeysuckle.”

  “Oh, well, that’s a relief. At least I don’t stink like wet dog.”

  “No, actually you smell really good.” His breath stirs my hair.

  Our bodies are only separated by an inch or two now. Our gazes lock and we stay, unmoving in that frozen tableau. An electric current charges the air between our bodies and sizzles on my skin. He lowers his head, his breath warming my parted lips and stealing my breath. My blood heats while my limbs melt. I have to restrain the butterflies threatening to take flight from the pit of my stomach. This irresistible sense of yearning springs to life deep inside me.

  I lean away from him, hugging a frilly throw pillow to my body like a shield. “There’s something I’ve always wanted to ask you…” I lick my lips and continue, “Did you ever consider turning me into Sector Thirteen? I mean, I’ve caused a lot of trouble for you the last few months.”

  Hayden scoots back, his brows lowering. “Why the hell would I give you to those mind-erasing butchers?”

  I hang my head and sniffle. “Wouldn’t everything have been easier for you if ST had mind-wiped me, like Devin? Then you wouldn’t have to worry about my safety all the time.”

  Hayden doesn’t speak for a long moment, his expression pained. “I like worrying about you,” he says, his voice low.

  “That’s sweet.” My heartbeat skips and jumps. I stand and gaze down at him warily. “But I have this nagging dread in the pit of my stomach that you’re still keeping secrets from me.”

  Hayden stands and rests his tight grip on my shoulders, pinning me in place. He lowers his head and light brown strands spill over his forehead. “There are just some things that I can’t share with you yet.”

  “So you admit it?” A flush steals across my cheeks and I squirm. “Can you let go, please? You’re squeezing my shoulders to death. Is it about Xavier?”

  Hayden releases his hold. “I think it’s wonderful how you’re handling all this. I mean, especially considering how tough it’s been for you to put your family first and protect them.”

  “Hayden,” I warn. “Is all this worry about Xavier? Please just tell me.”

  “Partly. But mostly because you’re my responsibility now. I’m the one who marked you, so I have to be here to protect you.” He leans in close again, invading my personal space and a sensuous light blazes in his eyes. “Damn, you smell really good.”

  “Stop distracting me,” I whisper weakly. All of my questions and doubts drain away as I stare into his eyes.

  We are standing too close now, with too many unresolved emotions building between us. His body heat radiates around me, and I swear I swoon a little. He licks his lips, and I forget how to speak or move. I inhale the intoxicating scent of spice and soap wafting from his skin. When his hand wraps around my elbow, his touch evokes an unfulfilled sense of deep longing. Hayden lowers his head, his gaze sliding to my mouth and lingering on my lips. My heart rate kicks into hyperdrive.

  He leans in and covers from my mouth with his. Blood simmers under my skin, the kiss deepening and scorching my lips. My fingers grip his floppy hair, clutching him to me. My lips part at his tongue’s gentle urging and the kiss feels so good, so right, that I can’t help kissing him back. Those glittery butterflies in my stomach flutter wildly. Hayden makes a low sound deep in his throat that sends quivers along my skin. His lips caress mine so sublimely that it’s almost explosive. My hormones go into overload, firing off in every direction. He’s such a good kisser and unbelievably hot and smells amazing. Through his touch, I sense the intimacy of his slow, drugging kisses while emotions race between us. Heat. Desire. Passion. I slide my hands under his shirt to feel the firm ridges of his abdomen, but when my fingers reach his waistband, Hayden slightly pulls back and I drop my arms.

  “I care about you so much.” His voice sounds hoarse, sexy, on edge. He kisses my forehead. “I like making up with you,” he whispers.

  A warm, sweet flush sweeps through my body. “I care about you, too.” Clearing my throat, I take a step out of his arms. “Um, Hayden, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want. I mean…I didn’t lure you hear to make out.”

  He sits on the couch and pats the space beside him. “There’s no place I’d rather be. Now pick a movie and fire up the DVD player.”

  I drag myself across the room, pop in a movie, and grab the remote to turn the flat-screen on. He doesn’t seem to notice as the opening credits roll that I’m sitting a comfortable distance from him.

  Now that the hormone induced frenzy fades from the lust-filled cocoon Hayden has lulled me into, I realize there’s a unique beauty in the kind of epic love that doesn’t require grand heroic gestures to prove it’s real. Although, they certainly can’t hurt.

  TWENTY-THREE

  While Arcane lectures the class on how to analyze works of literature and poetry with different lenses, his piercing stare keeps seeking me out and making me squirm under his intense scrutiny. I wonder what Arcane thinks of Hayden saving my butt so many times and the residue still coating my skin.

  Throughout the day, several teachers stop what they’re doing and wrinkle their noses at me. The cheerleading coach I pass in the hall sniffs the air like a golden retriever, then gives me a weird look.

  All this does nothing to ease my paranoia.

  While standing in the lunch line, I shuffle forward, bumping right into someone’s backside.

  Saxton turns and grins. “Hey, Sloane.”

  “Sorry.” I pay the checkout lady, and lift my tray. “I’d give you my insurance for the fender-bender, but I don’t have it on me.”

  He laughs, holding his tray of food and not moving. “No harm, no foul.”

  A tall boy reaches between us to grab an apple, forcing us to move apart. I glance at Hayden, his lips taut, and his expression shuttered. He tosses the red apple into the air and catches it with his other hand. His cold stare turns to Saxton. They’re the same height, but Hayden appears more powerfully built and he gives off a more badass persona. I admit that Saxton’s attractive in his own way, but he doesn’t give me a case of the weak knees like Hayden does.

  “How you doing, Saxton?” Hayden flings the apple from hand-to-hand.

  Saxton clears his throat. “Good. And you? Still playing the drums?”

  “On occasion. So…you and Sloane are becoming awfully chummy.”

  “No!” Saxton and I blurt simultaneously.

  Can you say awkward?

  “I meant, it’s nice to see a familiar face at a new school.” Saxton’s grip on his tray tightens. “We should hang sometime.”

  “Yeah, we should.” Hayden nods slowly, his heated stare drilling into Saxton. “Are you planning on sitting with Sloane today?”

  “Uh, no.” Saxton nervously coughs. “I need to borrow some notes from a guy in my bio class, so I’ll see you guys later.” He takes off across the cafeteria faster than the Road Runner.

  Great. Now Saxton’s acting like I have an STD. Well, come to think of it, I do have alien cooties. Maybe Hayden’s menacing presence will keep Saxton at a safe distance. And given that love triangles are a TV writer’s favorite romantic trope, I have no interest in starring in one with Hayden and Saxton.

  “If it isn’t the bi-polar lovebirds.” Viola comes up behind us with a soda. “Are you two on or off again? It’s hard to keep track.”

  I glance at Hayden, but he’s already striding to his usual spot with Zach.

  “We’re…oh, I don’t know!” I say, with a huff and stamp across the room.

  Viola follows me, and we sit on the opposite side of the table as Raymond and Tanisha. The four of us eat lunch and chat about how hard our honors classes are to pass, but my mind is elsewhere.
I’m focused on the alien boy whose mood swings are giving me a major case of whiplash. Viola nudges me with her elbow while Tanisha and Raymond are discussing getting tattoos the minute they turn eighteen.

  “What?” I ask.

  She leans into my shoulder, speaking softly. “What was going on with you and Hayden back there?”

  “He was acting weird, right? You noticed it, too.” I take a bite of my cheeseburger and swallow.

  Viola lifts a perfectly drawn brow and steals a fry off my plate. “Is Saxton still hitting on you?”

  I grimace. “Sort of, but I have absolutely no interest in him beyond friendship.”

  “That’s smart.” Viola nods, taking another fry and biting it in half. “He’s kind of skeevy and you don’t need a long, sloppy session of tongue-wrestling with that guy.”

  “That’s the last thing I need,” I say. “And with Hayden, it’s always more complicated.”

  Viola plays with the tab on her soda can. “I expect it would be with everything that’s going on.”

  “Hayden wants time to figure out a way to break it to his parents before we go public,” I say. “But I’m not sure if it means he’s going to tell them that I’m a you-know-what,” I whisper. “Or that we’re hanging out again.”

  “Maybe it’s both,” she says.

  “Sometimes I seriously feel like the bride of Frankenstein being a mixed-breed, so-to-speak.” I take another bite of my food, then swallow. “What’s going on with you and Zach?”

  Viola picks up her drink, wearing a coy smile. “We’ve been, you know…hanging out.”

  I make a face. “I think I’m gonna hurl.”

  “Stop it. We like each other, but it’s totally casual.” Viola angles her body, blocking us from Zach and Hayden’s table. “So don’t make a big thing out of it.”

  My stomach plunges to my toes. I drop my cheeseburger onto my plate. My best friend is dating Zach, who could be my blackmailer and most likely president of the Sloane-Haters club.

  While Raymond shows Tanisha a funny cat video on his iPhone, and their attention is averted, I lean my head closer to Viola.