Midnight Runes (The Bestowed Ones) by Celeste Buie Read Free Book Online Page A

Not only with other people, but also themselves?” I knew he was trying to make a point, but I refused to acknowledge it. “I think you know what I’m referring to.” I shot him a look. “Case closed,” he said.
    I shrugged, almost saying that I’d like to think people were honest relatively often, but then I remembered that not even Trevor was honest with me. I decided on a different approach. “Well, if you spy on someone, you may only see the worst parts of them.”
    “No, Brynn, you see all of them. You see them for who they really are. Not what they pretend to be for the world.”
    I wanted to argue with him—show him just how honest and direct I could be, but I didn’t want to have a verbal confrontation in the busy hallway. I fleetingly wondered what that said about me. As it was, I debated leaving him on his own to find his way. The fact that we had the same first hour and I would see him in a few minutes diminished the thought. Well, that,
and
out of respect for Mr. Newland.
And
it was pretty childish. Tempting. But childish.
    We arrived at our row of lockers, and I pulled out two of my books and binders from my book bag to trade for the ones I needed for my morning classes. I snuck a glance at Landon. He was a few lockers down, staring at his schedule and grabbing the necessary books. I shouldn’t have noticed how good he looked in his distressed, dark jeans, polished shoes, and charcoal grey sweater.
    I closed my locker and turned to find Elyse standing there. Normally I’m grateful to see her. This bizarre morning was an exception.
    “Hey, what’s up?” I asked, anxiety filling my stomach.
    “I was really hoping you’d let me borrow your calc homework.”
    I gave her a look.
    “I worked on it,” she said. “I really did! There are only a few problems I couldn’t figure out. I have to get as many points from the homework as possible to help my grade.”
    “Why didn’t you call me last night so I could help you over the phone or come over?” I said. “You know how I feel about handing my work out. It wouldn’t be good for either of us if you got caught.”
    “Oh, you worry for nothing. I’m the best at not getting caught. And besides, I’ll call next time…I promise,” she said. “Please?”
    “Okay, fine.” I reopened my locker, reached in, and picked out my calc binder. Just as I pulled last night’s homework out, she leaned in.
    “Oh, my,” she said, interest coloring her words. “There is a super yummy guy over there.”
    I glanced to my right, already knowing who she meant. Landon was heading toward us. Dread filled me. I sighed. This was exactly what I wanted to avoid.
    “He is
HOT
!” she whispered so loud she should have spoken it. “He’s staring this way. Do you know him?” She didn’t have to express her hope for me. She gave me a look.
The perfect distraction
, it said.
    “New kid,” I said and put on a big, fake smile. “I’m the lucky one who was asked to show him around.” I thrust the papers at her. “Here.”
    Landon reached us and I let them introduce themselves. He wasn’t anyone I had to introduce to her.
    “You’re hardly a kid,” Elyse observed.
    “I can be kid-
ish
,” he replied.
    She gave me a sly smile and turned her attention back to him. Quick wit was on her checklist of approvable guys. “Where did you move from?”
    “New Mexico.”
    “Why did you move to Michigan?”
    “My dad was relocated.”
    “You are super hot. Do you have a girlfriend?”
    If he was surprised by her blunt question, he didn’t show it. “No girlfriend.”
    “Oh, really?” She jabbed me in the ribs with her elbow, and I restrained myself from jabbing her back, harder. I shot her a look, but she was too focused on him to notice. “Since you’re starting here three weeks into the school year, ask Brynn you if need any help catching up. She’s on the honor roll and everything.” She winked at me, radiating satisfaction with how easy it was to