The hunter rolled her eyes. “Really? Do you even know how cliché you sound right now?”

  This seemed to take the boy aback. “I’m not … you don’t know … my master is more powerful than you,” he finally stammered.

  Zuri raised her eyebrows. “Maybe he is … or she is.”

  “She,” said the boy.

  “Why don’t you take me to her? If she is as powerful as you say, I’d love to have a little test of strength against her.” Zuri took a step toward the boy.

  He made a squeak of fright and bolted. The wind picked up all around him, pushing him forward to inhuman speeds. He didn’t take flight, which told Zuri he was not all powerful, or simply hadn’t been training long enough to learn how to use his wind power to propel himself to flight. Either way, she knew she could catch him easily.

  But she couldn’t chase him. If she followed the boy, she’d be leaving Jax’s Mark unprotected. And Zuri had given her word she’d protect Tara. Zuri growled at herself. Idiot. I didn’t learn anything from that little punk. Oh, well, back to watching and waiting.

  She climbed back to her spot in the tree and again leaned against the trunk. She patted the limb next to her. “Thank you, young one,” she said to the tree’s spirit. “I appreciate you letting me take shelter here.” Though the tree’s spirit didn’t respond with words, Zuri could feel appreciation coming from within the tree’s trunk. With another glance at Tara’s house, Zuri scanned the surrounding area. Nothing. Wait. She squinted her eyes as she tried to make out what was moving toward her. The creature moved so quickly that it was right in front of her before Zuri could identify it. A wood nymph.

  The wood nymph stood on the branch just to the right of where Zuri sat and blinked her big green eyes at her. The nymph was around three inches tall and wore a dress of leaves that reached just below her knees. The nymph’s long, chestnut-colored hair was as wild as the forest she lived in, and on top of her head was a woven band of vine. A royal wood nymph then.

  “Your majesty,” Zuri said softly and bowed her head ever so slightly. “To what do I owe the honor of your company?”

  “There was an elementalist in our forest today,” she said. Her voice sounded much older than she appeared. “With him was a female Mark.”

  “Yes, I know of them. That is why I’m here, to protect her.”

  “My forest has enjoyed a long time of peace. But their presence brought three acolytes into my kingdom.”

  Zuri nodded. “Hmm, to what element did they ascribe?”

  “The acolytes represented three of the four dark elemental powers. Thankfully, fire was not in their midst. But they caused an unnatural storm with winds that damaged branches and hail that battered the spring flowers that we’d finally managed to coax out of slumber.”

  Zuri wasn’t exactly sure where the royal wood nymph was going with this information, but she nodded and said, “We are aware and are dealing with the situation.”

  “The Mark is still undecided.”

  Zuri frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “She is to be an Earth elementalist. I can see her aura. But half of it is black. There is still a chance that she could turn to the acolytes.”

  “Not on my watch,” Zuri said. “I am sorry for the damage that was done to your forest.”

  “It shall be healed,” the wood nymph said. “But if the acolytes come into our forest again, we will be forced to take matters into our own hands.”

  Zuri raised her eyebrows and turned up her palms. “By all means. You must protect your kingdom. Do as you see fit. The acolytes aren’t my responsibility.”

  The nymph stared long at her. “You would stand by while we punish humans?”

  The hunter let out a long sigh. “My patience with humans who have chosen to serve the darkness wanes, your majesty. I’m not allowed to harm them without provocation. But I cannot control the beings of the forest. Again, the land belongs to you. Protect it how you see fit.”

  The nymph nodded, and Zuri could see the understanding in the little being’s eyes. Wings rose from the tiny creature’s back. The wood nymph ran to the end of the branch and jumped. Her wings began beating and, in the blink of an eye, she was across the street, headed back to the forest.

  Zuri sighed. The last thing she needed was a forest full of ticked off wood nymphs. She pulled out her phone and sent Jax a text.

  You better not be having any fun.

  * * *

  She didn’t have to wait long to get a reply.

  * * *

  I’ve taken out a rock troll, three harpies, and two dark air elementals.

  * * *

  She laughed quietly.

  * * *

  No you didn’t.

  * * *

  You’re right. How goes the watch?

  * * *

  They are definitely interested in your girl. I just scared off an air acolyte. Have you been able to figure out why they are hanging around?

  * * *

  Not yet. We are working on it.

  * * *

  Well, hurry up. This place is boring.

  * * *

  Be safe.

  * * *

  Always.

  * * *

  Zuri tucked her phone away, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes. She might as well get some sleep while things were quiet.

  Tara looked down at her phone as she took a seat on the bench were she and Shelly ate lunch. It was the third text she’d gotten from Elias since he left, and she’d yet to respond. Each text had gotten a little more demanding.

  * * *

  I’d really like to hear from you. Could you please text me, even if you’re pissed at me?

  * * *

  Okay, so you’re definitely cross with me. Text me and tell me to piss off.

  * * *

  Bloody hell, woman, you’re driving me mad. I need to know you’re all right. I’m not asking, luv. I’m TELLING you to text me.

  * * *

  “Wow, he’s getting bossy,” Shelly said from over her shoulder. “Just put the dude out of his misery and tell him you’re fabulous, you’ve moved on, and not to bother coming back.” Then she muttered under her breath, “Even if it is a big arse lie.”

  Tara sighed and decided she’d made them both suffer enough. She sent him a text.

  * * *

  I’m fine. I hope that everything is okay with you and whatever the emergency is.

  * * *

  Within seconds of sending the text, she saw the bubble pop up that showed he was typing. A minute later the text appeared.

  * * *

  You certainly know how to make a man suffer. We have everything under control. I’m probably going to be gone longer than I’d originally thought. The problem is more extensive than we realized.

  * * *

  Tara frowned. What kind of emergency could they possibly have? Maybe some sort of toxin got into some soil or something?

  * * *

  I wasn’t trying to make you suffer. I was just working through my own stuff.

  * * *

  As she waited for the next text to come through, Shelly shoved a sandwich in her face.

  “Eat or you’ll get hangry. I already have to deal with you being cranky as a part of your personality. I don’t need any other anger issues added.”

  “Thank you for that glowing review of my personality,” Tara said dryly.

  Shelly shrugged. “I don’t blow smoke up your skirt because I wouldn’t be doing you any favors by lying to you. Now eat.”

  She took a bite of the sandwich and then turned her attention back to her phone. Another text from Elias appeared.

  * * *

  I’m sorry I had to leave so unexpectedly. After the day we had together Saturday, it was the last thing I wanted. I’ve got to go. I’ll text later. Will you respond, or do I need to prepare myself for disappointment and worry?

  * * *

  She snorted. “Dramatic much?”

  * * *

  *Shrug* It’ll depend on my mood, but there’s no reason to worry. It’s Buffalo, Kentucky. Nothing ever happens here.

  * * *

  His response came through seconds later.

  * * *

  Famous last words. Take care of yourself, luv. We have unfinished business.

  * * *

  Maybe.

  * * *

  She paused, trying to decide if she should send what she really wanted to say and in the end decided to just say it.

  * * *

  Please stay safe.

  * * *

  Tara slipped her phone into her backpack and focused on her lunch.

  “Everything okay?” Shelly asked.

  “He said he’d text me later and asked if I’d respond. I didn’t make him any promises,” Tara explained. “He seems worried about me, which I don’t understand.”

  “Seriously. Why would he be worried? You live in Buffalo, Kentucky.”

  “That’s what I said.”

  Shelly popped a chip in her mouth and then muttered under her breath, “Don’t look now, but lover number one is headed this way.”

  “Tucker is not and will not be my lover of any number, you overgrown four-year-old,” Tara growled.

  “I doth believe she protesteth too much.”

  “I protesteth just the right amount.”

  “Hey, Tara, Shelly.” Tucker’s voice reached them from behind her. Then he was suddenly seated next to her, so close they were nearly touching.

  Tara tried to scoot over to put some distance between them, but Tucker put his arm around her and pulled her in tight for a side hug. “I texted you yesterday but didn’t hear anything back,” Tucker said. “Everything okay?”

  Tara forced herself not to be annoyed. Tucker didn’t know Elias had left, or that he was even on her radar. He didn’t know Elias had been texting her with that same question for two days. “I’m good,” she said, fighting the urge to pull out of his hold. “Just spent time with Carol yesterday. She’s been working a lot.”

  “Gotcha. Totally understand. That’s valid.”

  Tara felt her ire rise. What the crap did it matter if he thought her reason for not responding to him was valid? She didn’t have to respond to his every text. It wasn’t like she was his girlfriend and somehow obligated to respond to him.

  He finally took his arm from around her and rested it on the table. He reached across to Shelly’s side and snagged a chip from her bag and tossed it into his mouth. When he was finished chewing, he turned his attention back on Tara.

  “I had a great time with you the other day, T,” he said. “As I knew I would. I’d like to have another great friend-hangout with you and was wondering if you’d be my date to the prom.”

  Tara was looking straight at Shelly as the words came out of his mouth. Shelly froze in mid-bite of her sandwich. Her eyes widened and her brow rose in question. Tara wondered if her own expression matched her friend’s. Someone kicked on the spin cycle in Tara’s stomach. She no longer found her sandwich appealing. She could practically hear every cell of her body screaming at her, retaliating at the mere idea of going on an actual date with Tucker. Elias’s face popped into her mind. She thought she saw hurt in his eyes—betrayal. That’s silly. We’re not even dating. But deep inside, she knew it wasn’t silly at all. Tara’s heart had already decided it belonged to him, and no one else would take his place. How had a guy she’d known for two weeks already ruined her for all others?

  “Tucker, I’ll go with you as a friend,” she finally said. Tara was still looking at Shelly, who gave her a quick thumbs up. “And Shelly goes with us, just to make sure everything stays friendly.”

  Tucker nodded. “I figured you might say that, but you can’t blame me for trying. A friendship date it is.” He nudged her with his shoulder. “I told you I’d take you anyway I could get you, and I meant it. If that means Shelly tags along, well, the more the merrier. Wipe the worried look off your face. We’re just going to a dance, not our wedding.”

  Tara began to reply, but she found herself speechless. Nothing she could possibly say would make that statement any less awkward.

  “I’ve got to get to class. You ladies have a good rest of your day.”

  “Thanks, Tucker,” Shelly said. “You, too.”

  Tara nodded her head but didn’t speak. Her mind was still racing, trying to process what he’d said.

  When he was gone, Shelly leaned forward. “You should have seen the way he was looking down at you while you were sitting there all flabbergasted.”

  Tara frowned and then croaked. “What are you talking about?”

  “He was looking at you with greed and desire. Like a starving wolf staring down the first sight of prey in months.” She shuddered. “It was creepy.”

  Tara sighed. “Great, just what I need. A creepy wolf disguised as a man, pondering ways to kill me and eat me.”

  “Since you’re not technically going on a date with him, I’ll drive us. It prevents you from being alone with him.”

  “Why didn’t I just say no?” Tara huffed.

  Shelly didn’t answer. Instead she started singing, “Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf? Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf, la, la, la, la, laaaaaaaa.”

  “Thank you for that.”

  Shelly saluted her. “I live to entertain you. Now, focus.”

  “The last time you told me to focus, I ended up finding the first guy I’ve ever had feelings for,” Tara pointed out.

  “That wasn’t my fault,” her best friend told her. “That was just bad luck. But that’s beside the point. We need dresses.”

  Tara bit her lip to keep from groaning. It hadn’t crossed her mind when she’d said she’d go that she couldn’t wear her jeans and T-shirt. Stupid dance with its stupid dress requirements.

  “We can go this coming weekend,” Tara said.

  Shelly frowned. “That’s whole days away.”

  “You’ll survive.”

  “Fine, but I want the record to show that I am not pleased with the decision,” she said, raising a hand in the air with a finger pointed skyward as if to punctuate her remark.

  “Noted. Though it doesn’t change a thing.” Tara gathered her leftover lunch and stood. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and glanced at her best friend. “Is there no one you want to go to the dance with?”

  Shelly got up and followed Tara to the trashcan and then back inside the school. “I can think of several guys I’d like to go to the prom with. But I’m pretty sure that a couple are way too old and possibly inappropriate for the event, and the others would probably get restraining orders against me for stalking if I attempted to contact them.”

  “I’m glad that I’m seeing some impulse control, Shell,” Tara said with a grin. “That’s showing real personal growth.”

  “You can take your personal growth and shove it up your gluteus maximus.”

  “And I take it back.”

  Chapter 18

  The week flew by. Even though Tara only received one text message a day from Elias, she refused to pine away like a lost puppy. Instead, she grumbled over the fact that Shelly kept reminding her they were going dress shopping on Saturday. And because she was a butthead, her best friend even went so far as to tell Carol, which meant her foster mom got all giddy and excited. Shelly knew Tara couldn’t stand to disappoint Carol, which pretty much guaranteed she wouldn’t get cold feet and back out of buying a dress.

  “You play dirty.” Tara huffed from the passenger seat of Shelly’s car. They were headed to Riverbend for their dress shopping. Thirty minutes in the car with her torturer didn’t improve Tara’s mood.

  “You’ve known that since we met in the park,” Shelly said. Which wasn’t a lie. “Have you told Elias about the dance?”

  “Why do I have to tell him? We’re not dating. He’s just a friend.” Tara wasn’t trying to convince Shelly. Her friend didn’t believe her for a second and wasn’t going to believe her. She was trying to convince herself … and failing miserably.

  “And I’m a monkey’s uncle.” Shelly laughed. “You can say you’re just friends until pigs fly and cows start bottling their own milk, but that doesn’t mean it’s true.”

  “He’s only sent me one text a day. It’s not like I’ve had an opportunity to tell him.”

  “So, you couldn’t tell him in your responding text? Or maybe—I don’t know, this is a novel idea so prepare yourself—you could send him a text all on your own. You know he will read it, of course, because he sends you a text every day without fail?”

  “Why are you talking?” Tara glowered as she stared out the passenger’s side window watching the trees fly by. It was a beautiful spring day. The sun was bright, and the fresh leaves on the trees were a vivid green against the cool, blue sky. She really should be in a better mood. She also shouldn’t want to toss her best friend into a lake.

  “What are you smirking about?” Shelly asked. Before Tara could answer, she held up a hand. “Never mind. I don’t want to enter the dark places of your mind. It’s a twisted cavern in there. I might get lost and be stuck in your cranky state forever.”

  “You’re hilarious,” Tara said dryly.

  Fifteen minutes later, Shelly pulled into the parking lot of the mall. As far as malls go, it wasn’t much. But it was a lot more than what they had in Buffalo, which was a Walmart.