Death In Her Eyes - Erin Bedford Page 0,33

if that's any indicator of your future.

I shoved my inner bitch down and focused on staying unseen or heard. I couldn't let my one chance to get past the barriers to get blown because I was distracted. Especially, not by a teacher.

Once we were out of the school and walking down a cobblestone path, I felt safe enough to ask, "Where are we going again?"

"Just wait." Ayden grinned and skipped a dance. Spinning full circle, she let her arms swing happily around her. "It's going to be like nothing you've ever seen before. I've only ever gone to one before this and it was just..." she sighed clasping her hands before her as she stared up at the starry sky.

"That good huh?" I kind of felt bad about missing it. But I had to get out of here. I didn't belong. No matter how much my dad thought I did. He hadn't cared enough to save mom who says he even cared now?

You know you're wrong. That irritating voice was back again. He wouldn't have brought you here if he didn't. He could have let the angels find you.

Conflicted by what I'd always known about my dad and what had happened recently, I couldn't bring myself to find a reason to stay. This so-called danger hadn't shown itself. Everyone just said I was in danger outside of the school but besides my dad and Azazel I'd yet to meet an angel. Certainly not one who wanted to kill me.

I rubbed at the mark on my hand which had faded even more since I'd arrived. Sarah told me it would disappear completely eventually but guessing when exactly that would happen was like guessing Nikki's favorite celebrity crush, which changed on a daily basis if not hourly. That girl fell in love far faster than I ever thought healthy or possible.

The stars and moon lit the way until the cobblestone turned into a dirt path and the gates surrounding the school disappeared with a slight pop of air around us.

"That was strange."

Ayden gave me a knowing nod. "Going through the barrier the first time is weird for everyone. You'll get used to it."

I hummed in agreement though I had no plans to get used to it. I clutched my purse and phone closer to my side. I'd have liked to bring more with me, but I couldn't let myself look suspicious. I barely got away with the conservative outfit I'd picked out. No way was I trying to hitch a ride or get on a bus wearing a tiny dress. That was just demanding more attention than I needed or wanted right now.

"We're almost there!" Ayden reached out to grab my hand but stopped herself. "Oops. Sorry."

I shook my head and smiled, holding my hand out. "It's fine. I won't bite."

Ayden glanced down at my hand chewing on her lower lip. "Doesn't it hurt you though?"

I shrugged. "I'm used to it."

"That's okay." She offered me a shy shrug. "I don't want to do anything that'll cause you pain. I'm just happy you're here."

Surprised by her choice, I lowered my hand. Most people jumped at the chance to ignore my discomfort. Anything for them to pretend like I was normal. Ayden's words sliced at my guilty conscious once more.

I followed after her, keeping to myself as I watched her basically dance a whole musical number down the trail into woods I hadn't known were so close to the school. Eventually, real music could be heard to go along with Ayden's dancing. And laughter. The dark trees around us lit up with red and yellow light. People awed and cheered. Ayden jumped in place and glanced back at me.

Clearly wanting to run ahead I waved her off. "Go on. I'll catch up." My lips tugged up at the edges unable to hold my sobering mood with the infection grin on her face.

Not having to be told twice, Ayden took off into the woods leaving me alone. Taking a second to check for others, I pulled my phone out and shot a text to Nikki. I didn't have to wait long for her response.

Nikki: Nevada? Why the heck would you be all the way out there?

It was worrying. My dad hadn't only taken me out of the state but across country. It was far from Nebraska. It would take more than one bus to get back home and no way Nikki could get me.

I shot her a text back. I'll message when I leave.

Nikki: Be