Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 6

Kevin ululationed, lay a hand to his sauciness. He cut me This guy cut me Blood ran between his fingers. randy move the razor again.Thea r from each mavined out with her recollecter. Not reached. She leaped. It was completely instinctive she was sc bed to death, and all she could find of was that he was passing to kill Kevin, and perhaps Blaise, too.She caught-something. Pain and grief and pelty that fillmed to be bouncing around comparable a baboon in a cage. She could hold it for only an instant, however in that instant Eric threw dickens cups of punch in Randys face. Randy yelled and morose a demeanor from Kevin, toward Eric.Thea felt a surge of pure terror. Randy shortened with the razor, plainly Eric was fast he jumped certify out of the way, circling to get behind Randy. Randy wheeled and cut d suffer again. They were doing a macabre terpsichore, going round and round.Thea felt as if the fear was winding tighter inside her with each turn. plainly Eric kept o ut of the way of the flashing razor until a rush of movement on the dance floor caught her eye. It was Mr. Adkins and two other teachers. They converged on Randy and on that point was a lot of confusion. When it was over, Randy was on the ground.Sirens wailed outside, coming closer. Eric stepped away from the pile on the floor.Breathing hard, he prospected at Thea. She nodded that she was all right, hence shut her impression.She felt limp and wrung out and awful. They were going to resume Randy away now, and she didnt think there was very much help for him. He definitely seemed too far gone.At that moment she was ashamed of universe a witch.All right, people, Mr. Adkins was saying. Lets move out of here. Lets get this place cleared. He looked at Blaise, who was bending over a seated Kevin, holding a napkin to his cheek. You two can stay. Then he order a hand on Blaises shoulder. Are you okay here?Blaise looked up with wide, tragic gray eyeball. I think so, she tell brave ly.Mr. Adkins swallowed. His hand on Blaises shoulder squeezed. Thea heard him mutter something like, sorry kid.Oh, give me a break, Thea panorama. But a small, selfish part of her was relieved. Blaise wasnt going to get in trouble over this one neither of them was going to get expelled. Grandma wasnt going to be disgraced in front line of the inner(a) Circle.And Blaise did seem worried some Kevin. She was bending over him again solicitously. As if she genuinely cared.Thea slipped past a teachers outstretched arm. Are you okay? she whispered to Blaise.Blaise looked up enigmati discovery. That was when Thea saw that she had a tiny vial out of sight in the napkin. It was climb of blood.You Thea couldnt find the words.Blaise make a slight grimace that meant I know. But it was clean too good a chance to miss.Thea confirmed up and ran into Eric. He put a steady arm around her.Is she all right?Shes fine. I defy to get out of here.Eric looked into her face. He was rumpled his h air mussed, his eyes dark. All he said was, Lets go.They passed Vivienne and Selene on the way out. Thea had to give them address they both looked shocked and un skilful. The question was, would it last?Dani was in the parking lot with John Finkelstein. Im going home, she said significantly to Thea, and tossed something into a clump of bitterbrush.It was an empty vial.Thea felt a tiny uncoiling of relief. She touched Danis arm lightly. Thanks.Dani looked keep going at the cafeteria. I wonder what it was he wanted to know? she murmured.And vertical then a howl came from the lighted doorway, as if answering her question. It didnt sound like a person it sounded like an animal in anguish.Whyyyyyy?Thea move blindly and almost ran for Erics jeep.When they were driving on darkened streets, Eric said quietly, Im presuming he was an old fashion plate?Last months.Eric glanced at her. He was pretty messed up, poor guy.And that, Thea thought, summed it up nicely. He was pretty messed up fo rever. Poor guy.Its Blaise, she said. She hadnt meant to talk to him nigh this, that the words were so crowded in her throat that she thought shed rupture if she didnt let them out. She does this and does this, and I cant stop her. She picks guys up everywhere, and they fall in love with her, and then she dumps them. fill in? Hm, Eric said.Thea looked at him, astonished. He was smell straight ahead, his long, supple fingers steady on the wheel.Well. And I thought you were so naive. Maybe you see more than I realized.Its a kind of love, she said. Its like-do you know, in ancient Greece they worshiped the goddess Aphrodite. She was the goddess of love-and the thing about her was that she was absolutely merciless. Thea shook her head. I saw this play once about a queen named Phaedra. And Aphrodite tired of(p)e her fall in love with her own stepson, and by the end of the play just about everybody was at peace(predicate) on the stage. But Aphrodite just kept smiling. Because she wa s just doing what a goddess does-the same way that a pass rips houses apart or a fire burns down a forest.She stopped. Her chest was aching and she didnt have any breath left over(p). But in a way she felt better, as if some press had been relieved.And you think Blaise is like that.Yes. Sort of a natural force that cant help itself. Does that sound completely godforsaken?Actually, no. Eric gave a wry smile. Natures rough. Hawks grab rabbits. Male lions kill cubs. Its a jungle out there.But that doesnt make it right. Maybe for goddesses and animals, but not when it gets to the level of adult males. It was a moment before she realized what shed said. She was employ humans to mean people.Well, humans arent very far from animals, after all, Eric said softly.Thea sagged back against the seat. She was still illogical and unhappy, but what scared her most was that she felt a strong urge to keep talking to Eric about it. He seemed to understand so well better than anybody else ever h ad. And not only to understand, but to care.I know what you need, Eric said suddenly, brightening. I was going to suggest we go to the late buffet at Harrahs, but I know something better.Thea glanced at the clock, saw that it was almost eleven What?Puppy therapy.What?He just grinned and turned the jeep south. They pulled up at a modest gray building with a sign that analyse sun city animal hospital.This is where you work.Yup. We can let Pilar off early, Eric said, getting out and unlocking the front door of the building. Come on.A pretty girl with shoulder-length brown hair looked up from behind the voice counter. Thea recognized her as Pilar Osorio from school. A quiet girl who looked like a good student.How was the dance? she said. Thea thought her eyes lingered on Eric wistfully as she said it.Eric shrugged. Pretty awful, to tell the truth. There was a fight and we left. Thea noticed he didnt mention his part in stopping the fight.How awful, Pilar said sympathetically-but Thea thought she wasnt entirely sorry that the dance hadnt gone well.Yeah. So hows our boy?Okay-a little hyper. You might want to take him for a walk later. Pilar picked up her jacket. She nodded politely to Thea as she headed for the door. See you Monday.She likes him.When the door was shut, Thea looked around the office. So the clinics not open.No, but somebody has to stay overnight when weve got animals boarding here. He gave her the grin again. Follow me.He led her by dint of an exam live into a corridor and then to a kennel room at the back. Thea looked around with interest. Shed never been in the inner sanctum of an animal hospital before.There were some(prenominal) furrow runs. Eager whining was coming from the last.Eric looked at her mischievously. Three, two, oneHe opened the cage. A big Labrador puppy tumbled out, fag wagging frantically. He was a beautiful color that ranged from deep gold on his back to almost etiolate on his legs and paws.Hey, Bud, Eric said. Hey, pal whos a good boy? He looked at Thea solemnly. This is the ultimate cuddle dog.Thea collapsed on the sheet vinyl floor and made a lap, holding both arms out.Uh-your dress- Eric began mildly, but the puppy was already in midair. Thea caught him and he crawled up her, legs on her shoulders, hot breath blowing in her ear.I think Im in love, Thea gasped, her arms full of warm, heavy puppy sweetness.Happiness surrounded her. She didnt have to try to compound with the puppys mind he practically took over by force. All his thoughts were good ones, and they were all about now. rough how terrific everything smelled this minute, and how great that scratch behind the ear felt on a fleabite.Good feelings, happy feelings I really like this big bald dog Wonder which of us is dominant?The puppy bit her and Thea play-bit him back.Wrong Im the pack leader, she informed him, holding his jowls.There was only one odd thing. She could see the way the world looked to the pup-and there was nothing on the right. Just a void.Is there something wrong with his eyes?You noticed the cataract. Lots of people dont see that right away. Yeah, hes blind in the right eye. When he gets quondam(a) he may come back for surgery. Eric sat back against the wall, grinning madly. Youve really got a way with animals, he said. But you dont own any pets?The question was gentle, not intrusive. Thea said absently, Well, usually just makeshift ones. I pick them up and when theyre cured I put them back- or find homes for them if they want to be pets.You cure them.Once again, the question was gentle, but Thea felt a little shock. Why couldnt she guard her language around this guy? She looked up and found he was looking at her steadily and searchingly, his green eyes alert.She took a breath. I feed them, take them to the old stager if they need it. Then I wait until they restore up.He nodded, but the searching look didnt go away. Did you ever think of being a vet yourself?Thea had to look down. She bluffe d by kissing the puppy.Uh, not really, she muttered into blond fur.But youve got a gift. Look, Ive got some material on U.C. Davis. They have a great undergraduate program-and their graduate school is one of the best in the country. Its not easy to get in, but you could do it. I know you could.I wouldnt bet on it, Thea muttered. She had several dramatic blotches on her academic record- like four expulsions.But that wasnt the real problem. The real problem was that witches werent veterinarians. They just werent.She could choose to specialize in gems or herbs or ritual clothing in chants or runes or research or amulets in hundreds of things, but nothing taught at U.C. Davis.Its hard to explain, Thea said. She didnt have much room left to be surprised, or shed have been surprised to find she wanted to explain to a human. Its just-my family wouldnt really approve. They want me to be something else.Eric opened his mouth, then shut it again.The puppy sneezed.Well-maybe you could help me w ith my application sometime, Eric said at last. Im trying to do the essay question and dying.You sneak, Thea thought.Maybe, she said.At that moment a buzzer sounded-far away but insistent. Bud barked.What the thats the outside buzzer, Eric said. But nobody should be here at this time of night. He got up and headed for the front of the building. Thea followed, her fingertips just brushing Buds head to control him.Eric opened the door, then stepped back in surprise.Rosamund what are you doing here? Does Mom know youre out?Something like a miniature whirlwind entered the waiting room. It was a kid, a little girl with a mop of sandy hair sticking out from under a baseball cap. She was carrying a rolled-up blue blanket, and what could be seen of her expression under the hair was ferocious.Mom said Madame curie wasnt really sick, but she is. Call Dr. Joan. With that, the kid marched into the office and dumped the blue blanket on the counter, pushing digression a clipboard and some vaccina tion reminder cards.Hey. Dont. When she ignored him, Eric looked at Thea. Uh, this is my sister Rosamund. And I dont know how she got here-I rode my bike and I want Madame curie fixed now.Bud was rearing up and trying to sniffle the blue blanket. Thea pushed him down gently. Whos Madame Curie?Madame Curie is a guinea pig, Eric said. He touched the blanket. Roz-Dr. Joan is gone. Shes out of township at a conference.Rosamunds ferocious expression never wavered, but her chin began to quiver.Okay, listen. Ill take a look at Madame Curie now, see if I can see anything. But first we have to call Mom and let her know youre alive. He reached for the phone.Ill take Bud back, Thea said. I think he thinks Madame Curie is lunch. She led the puppy into the back room and coaxed him into the run with a promise of extra petting later.When she came back to the office, Eric was bent over a small brown-and-white guinea pig. He looked frustrated.Well, theres something wrong with her-I guess.She seems weaker than usual and sort of lethargic___ of a sudden he jerked his hand back with a yelp.Not too lethargic, he said, eyeing the blood welling up from his thumb. He wiped it on a tissue and bent over the guinea pig again.Shes in a painful mood, Rosamund said. And shes not eat right. I told you yesterday she was sick.No, you didnt, Eric said calmly. You told me she was tired of living under patriarchy.Well, she is tired. And shes sick. Do something.Kid, I dont know what to do yet. Hang on. He bent closer to the little animal, muttering to himself. Shes not spit out so its not strep. Her lymph nodes are okay but her joints seem swollen. Now, thats weird.Rosamund was watching him, her green eyes full of fierce trust. Eyes like Erics, Thea realized.She reached out gently and just touched the guinea pigs soft fur with her fingers. Her mind reached gently, too.Frightened-little-animal thoughts. The guinea pig didnt like being here, wanted the sawdust of her cage, wanted safety. Sh e didnt like the clinicalsmells, didnt like huge, strange fingers descending from the sky.Home-place, nest-place, she was thinking. And then, something odd. A concept-more smell and taste than picture. Madame Curie was imagining eating something something crunchy and slightly sharp. Eating and eating and eating.Is there some treat she really likes? Thea asked doubtfully. Something like cabbage?Eric blinked, then straightened up as if hed gotten an electric car shock. His green eyes stared straight into hers. Thats it Youre brilliant Whats it?What you said. Shes got scurvy He dashed out of the office and came back with a thick book full of small print. Yeah-here it is. Anorexia, lethargy, enlarged limb joints shes got all the symptoms. He turned pages feverishly and then said triumphantly, All we have to do is give her some of those veggies, or maybe some ascorbic acid in her water. Scurvy-wasnt that a disease sailors used to get? When they were on long trips with no fresh fruits or vegetables? And ascorbic acid was Vitamin C Yeah Its been hot and weve got hard water at our house-all that could corrode the vitamin C in her diet. But its easy to fix. Then Eric looked at Thea and shook his head wonderingly. Ive been studying for years, as well working here, and you just look at the animal and you know. How do you do that?She asked Madame Curie, Rosamund said flatly. Thea gave her a cautious glance. How come this whole family was so observant? Ha ha, she said, her voice light.I like you, Rosamund said, just as flatly as before. Now where can I get some cabbage?Go look in the vaccine fridge in back, Eric said. If there isnt any, we can always use vitamin drops.Rosamund trotted off. Eric watched her, openly fond.Shes an arouse kid, Thea said.Shes sort of a genius. Also the worlds smallest militant feminist. Shes suing the local Boy Trekkers, you know. They wont let her in, and the Girl Trekkers dont trek. They do macrame.Thea looked at him. And what do you th ink of that?Me? I drive her to the lawyers office whenever Mom cant make it. I figure it gelt her griping. Besides, shes right.Simple as that, Thea thought. She watched Eric as he folded the blue blanket, and heard a voice in her mind like the voice of an announcer describing a game-show prize.Now. Look at this guy. Hes tender but intense. Brave. Profoundly insightful. Shy but with a wicked sense of humor. Hes smart, hes honest, hes an animal lover.Hes human.I dont care.She was feeling-well, strange. As if shed been breathing too much yemonja root. The air seemed sweet and heavy and tingly somehow, as if laced with tropical electricity.EricAnd she found herself touching the back of his hand.He let go of the blanket instantly and turned his hand to close on hers. He wasnt looking at her, though. He was still staring at the office desk. His chest heaved.Eric?Sometimes I think if I blink, youll disappear.Oh, Eileithyia, Thea thought. Oh, Aphrodite. Im in terrible trouble.The thing was , it was terrible and wonderful. She felt awkward and tremendously safe at once, scared to death and not scared of anything. And what she wanted was so simple. If he only felt the same, everything would be all right.I just cant even imagine life without you anymore, but Im so afraid youll go away, Eric said, still looking fatalistically at the computer on the desk. Then he turned to her. Are you mad?Thea shook her head. Her sum total was threatening to leave her body. When she met his eyes it was as if some circuit had closed. They were connected, now, and being pulled unitedly as if Aphrodite herself was gathering them into her arms.And then everything was warm and wonderful. Better than holding the puppy, because Eric could hold her, too. And the thrills of fear that had been shooting through her seemed somehow to burst like fireworks and turn into exhilaration.Her cheek was against Erics. And shed never felt anything so blissful before. Erics cheek was smooth and firm-and she w as safe here, loved here. She could rest like this forever. Peace filled her like cool water. They were two birds enfolding each other with their wings.Swans mate for life and when they see their mate, they know, she thought. Thats what happened in the desert. We knew each other it was as if we each could see the other ones soul. Once you see into someones soul, youre attached forever.Yeah, and theres a word for it in the nighttime World, part of her mind said, trying to shatter her peace. The soulmate principle. Youre trying to say that your one and only is a human?But Thea couldnt be frightened, not now. She felt insulated from the Night World and the human world both. She and Eric formed their own reality and it was enough just to stand here and breathe and to feel his breathing, without worrying about the coming(prenominal).A door creaked and a blast of cool air blew in.Theas eyes were startled open. And then her heart gave a terrible lurch and started thudding painfully.It wa snt the door that Rosamund had gone through. It was the front door, which Eric must have left unlocked. And Blaise was standing there in the waiting room.