Shape Shifters Demons in the Midst

1. Cade Cohen

Cade Cohen

Dang. I’m screwed. When the headmaster summons you to his office, the Chamber of Wisdom, you know you’re done. I’m always doing something but usually I don’t get caught. Things have changed recently and I’m not sure why. After cutting the last leaf off my bonsai tree, I rush inside.

The halls aren’t as populated with angels like it used to be. There was a time when the halls were packed like sardines in a can, and I had to elbow my way two feet in front of me, to get to my destination. It seemed like no matter how we prepared for the enemy, he evaded us. Passing through the kitchen I grabbed a cold peach.

“Where are you running off to?” asked Bethanny. She twirled her hair around her finger as she stood inside the doorway.

“Just grabbing a peach. Do you want one?” I held up the fruit as I closed the refrigerator.

“Do you want to grab some lunch later?” She dropped her books and moved slowly to pick them up. Her low-cut blouse was hot pink, and more buttons were unbuttoned than buttoned.

“Thanks, Uhm.?” I didn’t know her name. The way that she dressed or half-dressed herself, didn’t sit well with me. I’m not rude, but I don’t like easy girls. This world has enough issues without boys and girls convoluting it with mixed messages.

“Bethanny Holland.” She extended her hand.

“Cade.” I quickly shook her hand and moved toward the door. A sense of guilt washed over me, at how quick I brushed her off. I turned around to see if she knew where the cafeteria was located.

“Do you know where the cafeteria is located,” I asked.

“Yes.” She bent lower, and her cleavage spilled out from her blouse.

“I think you missed a button. You wouldn’t want Ms. Barnes to say something when you’re in the cafeteria. We have a dress code here at the academy.” Here at the academy guys were like wolves, and maybe that top was all she had to wear. I’m sure she’s knew and doesn’t how fragile a girls reputation can be here at the academy.

I frowned then walked past her. Every year more or more girls came here to sharpen their claws and land a boyfriend, instead of sharpening their magical abilities. Don’t they know we are at war?

“What about tomorrow? You’ve got to eat sometime.” She leaned against the door. Her lips curved as she shrugged her shoulders.

“Oh. Excuse me. I didn’t know anyone was in here. I just need something to replenish my sugar,” said another girl as she came through the door. Her large glasses made her look like a librarian, and her red hair against her fair complexion was mesmerizing.

“You’re interrupting. Go to the cafeteria like everyone else,” said Bethanny. She folded her arms and nodded toward the door.

“Here. Take this peach. I picked it fresh from the enchanted garden. I’m Cade Cohen.” I handed her the peach.

“I’m Melody Ackerman. Thanks so much. I’ll be out of your hair in a jiffy.” She took the peach and bit into it, closing her eyes as she chewed slowly.

“Do you know where the cafeteria is located?” I held the door for Melody. I could feel the girl’s breath on my neck.

“Nope, but you’ve been so nice, please stay here with your girlfriend. I can find it,” said Melody.

“I don’t have a girlfriend, and I’m heading that way. I’ll show you.” I escorted Melody down the hall and around the corner. She blushed as she fidgeted with her short curly hair. In the stylish grey plaid book bag on her back, I saw a Shakespeare book.

Glancing at the clock, my stomach clenched. I was already five minutes late, but at least I could tell Liam that I was helping the new recruits. He’s always on me to help more with their training and acclimation to their role as a spiritual warrior.

“Thanks again for the peach. I’ve met some people so far but they aren’t as nice as the people in Denver where I come from.”

“Welcome to the Angel Academy of Eastwick.” I smiled. I stood there much longer than needed watching her stand in line to eat. I’m famished but my time is up. A chill ran up my spine and I looked at the window. Heading back into the kitchen I grabbed myself a peach. I’m still dreading seeing Liam. I’m excited about lunch tomorrow if Liam Moretti doesn’t kill me first.

Turning around, I saw Bethanny. She was frowning and biting her lips. She should’ve done her homework. I don’t like rude girls. I’m a choosy kind of guy and I want the kind of girl I could’ve taken home to mom.

She’ll forget about me as soon as she sees all the other guys here. This place has more diversity than all fifty states combined. I guess I need to keep my head down and follow the rules. I’ve never dated a student at the academy, but Melody might make me break my own rule. Rules are meant to be broken.

Liam’s office was dark. Frowning I closed the door behind me. Walking past his desk, which had papers thrown all over it, I summoned my inner chi. Something was wrong. Liam is many things, but he isn’t disorganized. Jumping up, I grabbed Liam’s secret sword that was attached to the wood ceiling beam.

Stalking to the back, I paused at the green trail. What the heck? Liam might be in danger. We had protocols for reasons, and this was one of them. Pulling out my phone, I texted, the only person’s number in my phone, who I hate.

Walking to his bookshelf I touched the secret book. Once the bookshelf opened, I raked my nail across my wrist allowing my green blood to spill into a vial. A second later the door opened, and I flew down the steps.

“What took you so long? I was summoning you for a reason. I’d be ash by the time you showed up,” said Liam. His clothes were drenched in blood. The weird spattered patterns of green blood were everywhere.

“I was showing some students the cafeteria. What’s going on here?” I shifted from one foot to the next. It’s hard to give him excuses when I know that this place is littered with secret cameras everywhere. Even though he trusts me I don’t know where all of them are.

“You were breaking hearts and flirting. That’s hardly an excuse to be late.” He tore off his shirt and tossed it into the fireplace that burned in the hearth.

“You’ve redeemed yourself with my sword.” Liam smiled as the light from the fireplace cast a warm glow on the blade. Each of the precious rubies gleamed in the case.

“What happened here? I saw your desk looking shabby and immediately knew that something wasn’t right.” I narrowed my eyes as I watched him clasp the cufflinks on a crisp white shirt.

He held up his hands. “I’m fine. It’s Corey Adams. He’s sick.”

“I can leave now. I’ll be in Alabama in an hour.” Corey was the proverbial screw up. If there was peace, he was the one who caused the trouble. Corey was hell on all of us.

“He’s here. Come with me.”

I followed Liam around the corner. He never allowed anyone in the basement. I stood at the door watching him walk down the steps. I’m not sure I want to see what’s going on. This isn’t good. When he disappeared around the corner, I flew down after sheathing the sword on my back. I’m not sure I want the sword far from me.