Cave of Terror by Amber Dawn Bell Read Free Book Online Page B

back in my mouth, it stopped. When I pulled it out and blood appeared, the cave started breathing ... again."
    Dad tightened his jaw, his face clouding with uneasiness. “I see."
    "What does it mean, Dad?"
    "I don't know for sure, but I have a suspicion about what your special ability might be. I don't want to get everyone in an uproar until I've had the chance to speak with the clice ancients tonight. Don't worry until we know for sure. We'll figure it out. Everything will be fine. You're mom and I ... and the clice will see to it."
    He didn't want to get me in an uproar over my ability? And he didn't want me to worry? Fat chance. Dread sank into my gut like soured milk. So much for being excited over what my new ability would be. Boy, my day just kept getting better and better. I wanted to ask mom and dad more questions, but I just wasn't up to hearing the answers.
    Dad stood and looked down at Mom. She glanced at me and then followed Dad out of the room. No doubt they'd be discussing me in private.
    I climbed the stairs to my room. I had homework to do before I got ready for the party. The vampire costume was definitely out for tonight. No way would I be wearing it no matter how hot Mandy said it looked on me.
    I'd be happy to never hear the word vampire again.
* * * *
    Mandy honked the horn promptly at seven. I scrambled down the stairs, careful not to let my pirate cutlass clank against the wall.
    "Mom, Dad, I'm leaving."
    "Eleven o'clock, no later,” Mom called out. “Please be careful. Call us if you need anything."
    "Yeah, yeah,” I muttered.
    I stuck the pirate hat on my head and checked myself out in the entry way mirror. Good enough. I took a deep breath and headed out the door to meet Mandy.
    "Hey!” Mandy greeted.
    I gave her the once over and grinned. She had on the genie costume she bought last year but was too chicken to actually wear. Apparently, she'd gotten over it.
    She flipped her hand over, palm up. “What?"
    "You know what."
    "So, I changed my mind. I thought this costume would work better."
    I laughed. “Work better for what? Or should I say who?"
    She rolled her eyes. “Whatever!"
    "Oh, admit it. You are so crushing on Brad."
    "Maybe I am.” She jutted her chin out and bugged her eyes in challenge.
    So, Mandy did like Brad. Interesting.
    "I seem to remember a girl who said she'd never go for a dumb jock.” I had to rub it in a little. “And what about Angie? That little cheerleader has been drooling over him since last year."
    "Hey, I can't help it if she hasn't made a move, or he hasn't paid her any attention. He's free game. Unless, of course, you like him.” She cocked her head at me and smiled.
    "Not hardly. You go right ahead and go for it."
    The only sights I had were on a guy I'd probably never see again. I didn't even know his name. I sighed and slumped against the seat.
    "What's wrong with you?” Mandy asked.
    "Nothing. I was just thinking about that guy from the cave."
    Her lips curled in amusement. “Stan? Yeah, he was cool.” She giggled.
    "You know who I'm talking about, dork."
    "Hey, you never know. You might see him again. Don't you believe in fate?"
    Fate? Like not having any say in what or who you are? I'd have to say I did believe in fate. Didn't much care for it, but it's not like I had a choice.
    "Yeah, sure,” I said under my breath.
    We turned the corner onto Brad's street. Cars lined the curbs on both sides of the street near his house.
    "Shazaam! We're never going to find a place to park. Dang! I wasn't expecting the whole school to be here.” She frowned.
    "What? Did you expect Brad to have a private party just for you?” I had to throw in one more tease.
    "Ha ha."
    We ended up parking on the next street over and walked the block to Brad's. The temperature had dropped and a slight mist shimmered in the light of the full moon. It was slightly creepy yet beautiful at the same time.
    Mandy wrapped her arms around her bare middle. “Dang, it's getting