Awakened by Ednah Walters Read Free Book Online

here.”

    He sighed. “You don’t know how, do you? I keep forgetting you just turned sixteen. You need to master your powers and master them fast, Lil. Ask the other trainees to help. Here, take a look.” He gripped the lapels of his shirt and opened it to expose his chest.

    I didn’t realize he’d continued to unbutton his shirt while he yapped in that annoying superior tone. But whatever argument I had died on my lips. My hand reached up to close around my silver pendant. The scar on Bran’s chest was shaped just like it—two intertwined triangles forming a six-pointed star and a hexagon center.

    “Seen enough?”

    His words came to me as though from afar and I focused on his face. He grinned for the first time since he waylaid me, his dimples flashing. He found my shock amusing. I gave him a weak smile. I couldn’t even bring myself to ask how and where he’d gotten that scar. The pink color made it look garish against his smooth, golden chest.

    “I think that’s enough ogling.” He buttoned his shirt, his eyes drooping again. “I’ve got to find somewhere to crash. Tell your Grampa this is it, or I’m acting alone.”

    “Are you in trouble?”

    “No.”

    I studied his face, knew his cocky attitude hid a lot of things. “That’s a lie.”

    “Run along to class before you get a tardy slip.”

    He was ordering me about again. I tapped my temple. “What am I supposed to do with these images again?”

    His eyes narrowed. “Okay. Fine. My family is in trouble, and I need the Cardinal Guardians to help us. Happy?”

    I ignored his dark scowl. “What kind of trouble?”

    His right eyebrow shot up. “And why should you care?”

    I lifted my chin. “I don’t. But if you need my help—”

    “The Cardinals’ help,” he corrected. “I’ll even make it easy for your grandfather to find me this time. I’ll be around the valley. Now run along like a good little girl.” He indicated with his fingers for me to go.

    I hated that he treated me like a child, but the first bell rang and I had no choice but to leave. When I looked back, he was gone. I hurried away, fingered the amulet hanging around my neck and studied the green core. I’d worn it as far back as I could remember and treasured it because Grandma gave it to me. But I always assumed it was gypsy in origin. Now I knew it belonged to the Guardians. Just how many more secrets was Grampa keeping from me? And where was my math class?

    I pulled out the map again and studied it. The shrill sound of the second bell pierced the air. Great. Just great. First day of school and I was lost. The hallways emptied fast, so there was no one to ask for directions. Frustrated and close to screaming, I turned a corner and almost bumped into a tall, burly man with glasses. His name tag said Officer Derrick and under it was the word Security.

    “You should be in class,” he barked.

    “I’m new and can’t find it.”

    His brow furrowed. “Which class?”

    “Algebra…Mr. Cook’s.”

    He jerked his head toward the stairs. “Follow me.”

    Halfway up, someone yelled from behind us, “Wait up, Lil!”

    I turned to see Goth Kylie flying toward us in black pants, black shirt, and long black coat swelling behind her as she raced along the wide corridor. I’d never been happier to see a familiar face. “Hey,” I said.

    “Whew.” She grabbed the railing as she caught her breath. Then she noticed the security guy and made a face. “Morning, Officer Derrick.”

    “Miss Jensen. Late again?”

    “The bus was early.” Her tone was indifferent but her glance curious. “What’s going on?”

    “Your friend took a wrong turn. I’m escorting her to her class.”

    My face burned, though I was grateful for his choice of words.

    “Oh, I can show her the way,” Kylie offered.

    The officer stopped on the next step and waved us ahead.

    “Thank you, sir,” I said and followed Kylie.

    “Do you have your schedule?” she asked when we