Feather: Book One Read online

  I stood, adjusting the sweatshirt around my waist. Approaching her, I placed my hand on her back, “Do you want out Isabelle?”

  She tilted her head to one side, her small eyes flashing as she blinked. I grasped the handle and yanked the window open as the room filled with a crisp cold air. She seemed to look at me with gratitude as she took off, floating up the hill and into the morning mist. I shrugged my shoulders, figuring she knew what she was doing.

  No sooner than she had disappeared, there was a sudden familiar knocking at the door. I whipped around, shutting the back window with a soft click then shuffling to the door. As I whisked it open, my eyes fell on two very cheery looking faces and my mind raced with excitement.

  “Elle!” sang Scott as Sarah beamed next to him.

  I quickly processed the scene, noticing the fact that they were now officially holding hands. “Hi guys!” I tried to exude the same emotional excitement my mind felt, feeling like an idiot as it came out like an awkward howl.

  “Hey!” Scott boomed again, “Ready for class?”

  Sarah watched me with observant and happy eyes. “Yep,” I ran back to my bed and grabbed my bag. “Ready to go,” I sang, still practicing the excitement. Shutting the door behind me, I grabbed my boots as Scott and Sarah stepped down onto the path.

  I pulled each boot over my heel, fumbling with the laces when I caught the sudden glimpse of a bird flying into the tree behind them. Careful not to attract attention, I glanced up, recognizing the milky white feathers glowing under the morning haze. A dead mouse hung in Isabelle’s mouth as a glint of utter happiness flashed in her eyes. She was gloating about her skillful morning catch and I rolled my eyes at her as she again took off down the hill.

  My gaze fell back to Scott and Sarah whom were now staring at Isabelle as she glided over the lake, enjoying her breakfast.

  “Wow,” Sarah gasped. “What kind of bird was that you suppose?”

  I saw her look to Scott for an answer as he seemed to struggle to figure it out, “Um well…” a confident look crossed his face, “I’m pretty certain that was a white snow owl.”

  His blatant misconception was horrifying and I bit my tongue as I tried to resist correcting him, seeing how impressed Sarah had seemed, my mind not wanting to foil the moment. A smug grin crossed Scott’s face as I stood and exhaled in irritation, “Ok guys. Let’s go.” I walked up to them and the three of us turned onto the path and vigorously walked to class.

  The hatchery was as boring as ever. The professor had ended up being the environmental type that just liked to hear herself talk. I never realized there were five ways to explain the very same fact, as though she didn’t know enough to stretch it over a whole course but it did make it seem like she really knew more than she likely did, and I’m guessing that was her goal. I stood in the back row, shaking my leg.

  I looked around the room, noticing the same cold faces staring like zombies toward the front. It was clear no one but Scott took any interest in this lecture and it never made sense to me. If it was so horrible, then don’t come. I thought about that point for a minute, realizing I was being a hypocrite. I actually didn’t like any of it either, just the class with Edgar. As I rolled my eyes and looked to my left, my accidental gaze fell on a fresh face staring at me over his shoulder.

  Caught off guard, I looked away, feeling somewhat offended. I pressed my brows together and quickly glanced back, finding that he was still staring. I exhaled and looked away as I crossed my arms. This guy didn’t even know me and already he was glaring. Looking back for a third time, I glared back, narrowing my eyes in my hope to scare him off. My stare succeeded as he looked shocked and whipped his head back to the front. Intrigued, I continued to observe him.

  His clothes were not the normal tree-hugger/animal-activist type. I glanced to his shoes, raising one eyebrow as I noticed he wore a pair of gym shoes, hardly the shoes you’d even wear to a muddy park, let alone the wilderness. Everyone in the room wore heavy boots and hiking shoes, even me. Moving my gaze upward, I noticed his jeans looked expensive and designer, and his coat was black leather, probably the only bit of butchered animal skin within fifty miles. I blinked a few times, wondering if he was just a figment of my imagination, his overall image clearly out of place. Still shaking my leg, but now with sudden intrigue, I found this class was now more exciting than before.

  As I stood there in a curious trance, he once again looked over his shoulder at me. His were eyes an intense bronze as though he knew I was there, and knew I was staring. I looked away, staring at a shelf behind him in hopes that he hadn’t noticed the way I had been gawking.

  His face had been cold and mean, much like everyone else, except, he was shockingly pale. I instantly erased the fact that he wasn’t another Edgar type based on his somewhat scruffy, rich biker look, but still, he wasn’t like everyone else either. He had tussled brown hair that only made his features seem sharper. I blinked rapidly, watching from the corner of my eye and marveling at how smooth and young his face was, the powdery complexion a far cry from the radiant glow Edgar seemed to possess.

  He once again turned to the front as another student took notice, glaring at us as though we’d somehow disrupted his listening experience, as though it was even worth hearing. I pursed my lips and began tapping my foot. Something about this guy seemed too strange to let slide, and I made the mental note to keep my eye on him. As I thought this, the kid seemed to laugh to himself, his back shaking and the kid next to him stepped away, as though he were a crazed lunatic.

  Finally, the professor excused us and I dropped the mysterious newcomer from my mind as I rushed to hook Sarah and Scott by the arm and lead them out, my attention now crowded with thoughts of Edgar.

  Scott looked at me with an annoying grin on his face, “Wow Estella, you really do have a crush on the teacher don’t you.”

  I gave him a reproachful glare, looking to Sarah for some support. As we walked through the jam of the door, I discreetly looked over my shoulder, noticing that the new guy had hung back as though waiting to follow. As I watched him, a voice echoed in my head and it took me by surprise.

  “What?” it whispered, as though the mysterious guy had said it out loud.

  I squinted my eyes at him, pushing my brows together even further, but he looked away. My jaw dropped as the absurdity of my thoughts became too irrational to accept.

  “Hey Elle, did you hear me?” Scott was shaking my arm.

  I whipped my head back forward; my arms still laced inside Sarah and Scott’s, “What?”

  Scott rolled his eyes. “I said, you really do have a crush on Professor Edgar, don’t you?” he sighed, “But it was sort of more funny a minute ago, you ruined it while you were staring at the new guy.”

  Sarah gave me a sweet grin before giving Scott a sassy frown, “Scott, leave her alone. Besides, Edgar is pretty cute.” A sour look passed over Scott’s face and Sarah quickly back-peddled, “But not as cute as you.”

  Scott’s face turned a vibrant red as the cheesy line caused vomit to well in my throat and I rolled my eyes in disgust. They were whispering and giggling to each other now and I stepped away from them, knowing that if I had to be subjected to hearing one more line like that, it would cause me to lose my breakfast right there on the sidewalk.

  We pushed through the doors into class and went straight to our station. Scott ran to get a third stool for Sara as I sat at the far end of the table, staring at the door and feeling the pull toward it become greater with each passing minute. I hardly noticed as the classroom filled and the voices droned in loud waves all around me.

  Thinking I could finally relax after the disturbing morning, my body went tense as I saw the new guy enter the room, standing right beside me at the door. The air around him felt cold and foreboding and I couldn’t help but shake. He looked around with a blank face before striding toward the front, taking a seat somewhere in the middle between row two and three, the only station that was left empty. I was stari
ng a hole in the back of his head, something about him was not human, but this time, he didn’t look back at me.

  Silence fell over the room as Edgar emerged through the door and my attention was seized away from the new guy to him, his face more beautiful than the last time I’d seen him.

  “Hello class,” his voice was booming and I felt smug, knowing that he really wasn’t as scary as most believed and that it was all for show.

  His gaze was locked on mine and I could see happiness living there behind his ominous physique. He was wearing a long sleeved thermal black shirt with jeans and a pair of nice black boots. He folded his arms across his chest as he leaned against the desk, crossing his feet at his with arrogance. His black hair was tussled, but organized against his pearly skin and prominent black brows. The pale blue grey of his eyes told me he was calm, but the roaring cloudiness told me he was anxious as well.

  “How did we do with the research into the foreign intruder?” he asked in a dark tone, striking fear into the hearts of all those with unfinished papers.

  I hadn’t written a paper, figuring there was absolutely no point, and if anything, he’d probably just laugh at my attempt at lying.

  Everyone had their papers laid out before them as he went row to row, collecting each. He nodded at the new guy, giving him a free pass. When he got to my row his mouth curled into a seductive smile and he winked at me, his eyes flashing behind his lenses.

  In a sudden flourish, his face turned to anger but his eyes were telling me otherwise. “Estella Smith,” his voice boomed so loudly that it echoed in my empty soul, “Why did you not bring your paper?”

  For a moment I was confused but as I watched him eye me with playfulness, I realized he was just playing a trick on the rest of the class, as well as doing me a favor. I quickly summoned some terrified breaths, impersonating a scared student easier than I had expected.

  “I uh…” I stammered as best I could as I tried to formulate my next scene, “I didn’t find it relevant?”

  An amused smirk crossed his face. “Are you saying you think my teachings are irrelevant?”

  The pitch of his voice was frightening and I found I didn’t have to fake an elevated heart rate. I crossed my arms and lifted my chin into a smug mask, shocking the class with my defiance. “Yes,” I snapped tartly.

  I saw his eyes flash at me with a proud glimmer. “Well then,” he turned and marched to the front of the room. “I guess I will have to see you after class, and don’t worry, I’ll make sure all your other professors know about your little indiscretion and make sure they take note of my disciplinary actions.”

  I tried to look horrified, but in truth I was relieved. He had rescued me from an afternoon of boring lectures and inevitable embarrassment.

  He turned his attention from me to the rest of the frozen class. Everyone was terrified and Edgar looked pleased with himself, glowing with both pride and authority.

  Scott nudged me as Sarah eyed me from around his shoulder. “Geez Elle. You know there are better ways to get a date.”

  Sarah elbowed him in the ribs and I heard his breath wince in his chest.

  If I could have laughed, I would. I gave Sarah a thankful wink as she eyed me pride I could see that we were going to be more than just friends; we were going to be best friends.

  After class, I sat rigid on my stool as everyone left, continuing the act. My gaze followed the new guy, but he didn’t delight me in the triumph of a look and I gave up, only to see him look from the corner of my eye just seconds before he stepped from the door. I frowned, still curious who he was. Scott gave me an apologetic glance as Sarah dragged him off to the greenhouses. She gave me a sweet wave as the door shut behind her and at last Edgar and I were alone.

  I let out the breath I’d been holding as Edgar sauntered toward me, removing his glasses and grinning with enthusiasm. “For someone that can’t feel emotion,” he said in a sly tone, “You were certainly a convincing victim.”

  I watched with caution as his body hovered close to mine, my mind forgetting everything about the day and melting into nothingness. Edgar brushed his finger down the length of my hand as the warm sensation burst to life in my chest and I smiled.

  “You have no idea how good that feels,” I sighed.

  He gave me a gentle smile, his eyes beginning to saturate with life, “I think I have a pretty good idea.”

  His eyes were now deep, blazing a midnight blue as I looked into them and as he stood back, they began to fade.

  “I think I’m getting better with that,” he said. “With touching you,” his voice was arrogant and thick.

  “I hope so.” I was desperate to feel that way longer, forever.

  “So, now that I have you all to myself for the rest of today, what would you like to do?” His gorgeous body was like a statue before me and I longed to nestle into it and feel his arms around me.

  I shrugged.

  He looked out the window in contemplation, “I think I know just the thing.” His eyes narrowed and a smile crossed his face. Beckoning me out the front door, I followed in obedience. Once outside, he turned and took off up the hill and I scurried to follow. As we passed my cabin, I realized where we were headed and for a moment I felt unsure. We entered the woods and my eyes had a hard time adjusting to the darkness of the dreary day.

  Edgar turned to look at me, his eyes flashing like coins in the bleak surroundings. “Grab onto my coat,” he breathed.

  I reached forward, grasping onto the thick wool, softer than I’d imagined beneath my touch. I reveled in the warmth of his body, breathing deep as we walked past the hut where I had rested at on my first trip to the field. We continued on the same path, finding I felt at home here and I’d missed it. As the trees divided, the large expanse opened like a blooming flower before us.

  Edgar walked with purpose as though on a mission to a certain point in the meadow. The cry of hawks overhead grabbed my attention and I shot my eyes skyward, seeing Isabelle and Henry fighting their way through the sky.

  “They aren’t hurting each other right?” I asked, worry lacing my voice.

  Edgar grunted, “Hardly.” He stomped through the tall grass as it leaned in toward me, again blooming in my wake as though it were a sunny warm day. My cheeks blushed as I looked behind me, afraid Edgar would find it strange, but then again why would he? My wary eyes looked into every dark nook of the opening, there was yet to be a time when I entered these woods without something horrible happening. As I thought about it, I grasped harder onto Edgar’s jacket, trying to stay as close to his back as he would allow.

  As we breached the exact center of the meadow Edgar halted, throwing me backward as I jumped to avoid touching him. He turned to look at me, his face curled into a gorgeous grin.

  “Here,” he said bluntly, looking at the ground. His eyes were intense with excitement. “You didn’t come to this meadow that day on a fluke,” I watched as his lips sanctimoniously curled from a smile, to a sneer. “There was more that drew you here,” he paused, approaching me and now standing just inches away, his heavy breath falling across me, my heart racing in a way that wanting to give into everything. “It was also home,” he finished.

  As he spoke the words, something inside me flickered and my heart stopped as though suspended in the feeling of his words.

  “Home?” I breathed, my eyebrows pressed together. I had never called anywhere home, what was the point when you never knew how long it would remain yours?

  “Yes,” his voice snaked through the air. “Your home, where you lived for most of your past life, and where I hope you’ll learn to live again.”

  I gawked at him, looking around the field with arbitrary wonder, confused as to what exactly he was referring to.

  He chuckled at me, touching his finger to my chin and turning my gaze back to him as my body relished the feeling of his contact, the overwhelming emotions making my head swim.

  “But, where?” I was scanning his eyes, my body like butter as
he released his careful touch on my chin, his face now radiant with life.

  “You do trust me right?” His half smile was irresistible and I found myself staring at his lips, my heart falling in love at an alarming rate.

  I nodded, my chin still tingling from his touch.

  “Close your eyes Elle.” He closed his and I quickly followed suit.

  I was surprised when I felt him reach out and grab my hands, his skin smooth and warm and his grasp firm. I smiled then, my body bursting to life.

  I felt a gust of wind engulf us like a tornado and I heard the cracking of a hundred trees snapping like twigs around us in the swirling vortex. I grasped his hands tighter, keeping my eyes clenched, afraid to see what was happening, afraid to die. As abruptly as it had begun, the wind settled and the only sound was the heavy measured ticking of a clock somewhere to my left, a sound I didn’t expect.

  “Ok,” Edgar’s face was right next to my ear, his wonderful breath falling across my cheek. “You can open your eyes now. You’re safe.”

  I drew in a deep breath and cracked my eyes open as the gentle warmth of a million flickering candles were now dancing in my view. I looked to Edgar as he stepped away from me, his eyes turning from my face as I noticed him struggle, his pupils dilated and his eyes completely black. I stood there for a moment, allowing him to recover as I glanced around the room. After a moment, Edgar looked back, his body calm and relaxed.

  “How did we…” I gasped, still unable to grasp the existence of the space I now stood in.

  Edgar’s mouth curled into a shaky smile, his body trembling as though he’d just had a whole pot of coffee.

  I had found myself standing in the front hall of a house and as I looked out the windows of the front door, the meadow we had just been standing in sat outside in its beautiful silence. Everything my gaze landed on looked ancient, every bit of furniture an antique. There were golden silk chairs and etched mirrors. A million candle votives hung on tenterhooks from the walls. The floor was dark granite, and its sheen was subdued from years and years of use. The ticking I had heard boomed from a large grandfather clock on the left end of the room, allowing for an ominous mood to be cast upon the space.