Chapter 5 Olivia

I had a spare uniform in the back. Smelt like week old beer, but it would do. After talking to Cole I battled with myself not to drive to meadow somewhere and ball my eyes out. Didn't want to go home either

My shift at seafood haven was in an hour. Sad how I looked forward to going to work with my cranky boss constantly looking over my shoulder.

Pearl didn't have a shift today, but there she was with two beers in front of her. The person with a perfect bob cut beside her had to be Tanya.

'What are you doing here?' I smirked. She hated seafood I don't know how for someone who grew up by the sea.

'I have a hot date in an hour.' She licked her black painted lips.

I dropped my bag on the empty chair and squealed. 'You haven't had a date in years! Who is he?'

Tanya frowned, 'You make it sound sadder than it actually is.'

'That and she came to fill me in on a little gossip.' Pearl took a swing at her beer.

'Facts aren't gossip,' Tanya rolled her mascara covered eyes.

'We haven't asked her yet.'

'My sources are never wrong Pearl.'

'Who cares? Who is he?!' I drummed the table.

'You're going to care about this! You'll never guess what Tanya told me-'

'No! No! No! Not without me!' Amber stomped up the stairs. She dropped her bag in disbelief.

We burst into laughter.

'We haven't started Amber,' I said.

Her eyes popped and she leaned forward like a Mom about to reprimand her kids.

'You were about to! You think you know people.' She dropped on the chair next to me.

I gave her a squeeze and felt gallons of tension flee me.

'Spit it out Pearl!' Amber whined.

We each scooted our seats closer.

'Demi's a deer maiden,' Pearl dropped the words like a mic on stand.

My blood froze in my veins. My hand went to my chest and I had to lean back.

'No. Way! Why didn't she say anything when you told us Liv?' Amber glanced at me.

I shook my head, 'I had no idea.'

'Yup. Demi's in line for the witch crown too.' Tanya folded her arms.

'Wait, so what happens at the trails? Like do you have to fight each other? What if you both end up dead?' Amber yelled.

We hushed her down. The seats outside were empty.

'I don't know-' I started.

'Amber has a point for once. What if this goes down to blood?' Pearl looked at Tanya then me.

'I have no information on the trails. The most common information is it's to determine the leaders next consort. The specifics are a bit of a mystery.'

'Come on! Aren't you a witch T?' Amber grumbled.

'The trails aren't as old as before the witches divided.' Tanya replied.

My heart ran a marathon I hadn't signed up for. I never did think this through. I didn't want to hurt Demi more importantly I didn't want her to have to hurt me.

'I thought other people would be involved, but not all at once. I didn't think it was a battle either. You guys!' My eyes watered and next thing arms wrapped around me.

'We'll get through this. Even if we have to kidnap you and move to a different country.' Pearl said.

'Can we go to England? I've always loved the Brits. I hope I get a place at Oxford.' Amber added.

'Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. They have a great witch community that side.' Tanya smirked.

I laughed through the tears. I couldn't have asked for a greater group of friends.

'We should talk to Demi though. She's got a lot of explaining to do. My house tomorrow.' Tanya said.

We all agreed to meet at midday. Thursdays were my days off which was great. The stairs creaked I snapped my head in their direction and was met with a six foot two man with jet black hair, denim jeans and a leather jacket. He had to be in his late twenties. He walked up to our table and graced it with a bright toothy smile. It was aimed at one person though.

Tanya cleared her throat and slid out of her seat. 'Like I said girls tomorrow my house midday. Don't be late. You can't be late for these things.'

Knowing smirks spread among us.

'You wait a minute,' Amber giggled.

I stood and offered the mystery guy my hand. He took it without hesitation.

'Hey, I'm Olivia.'

I willed myself to open us. I explored his soul, searched his energy, questioned his motives. I didn't know I could do it without zapping a person.

'I'm Kasper, I've heard a lot about you all.' He let our a nerve soaked chuckle.

'Liv... what are you doing?' Tanya said through clenched teeth.

I smiled, 'Well you two have fun.'

'Not too much fun now. We can track you down Kasper,' Pearl waved as Tanya shoved Kasper away from us.

When the giggles faded and the two lovers were far enough Pearl and Amber moved closer.

'Spill! What is he? Wolf twenty dollars he's a wolf.' Pearl placed her palm on the table.

I sighed. He had a strong will to get Tanya to lower her guard. 'He's... he's human. More importantly he has real feelings for our friend.'

'That's so sweet! Now cough up the money Pearl.' Amber held her palm out.

***

The girls left after the restaurant flooded. Which meant I couldn't have a second to breathe. Baxter was everywhere watching the employment like a hawk. With his round glasses and pot belly sticking out.

Plates crashed and burned in the kitchen and Baxter was on top of it. Everyone in the restaurant exhaled. That should keep him busy for a while.

I walked outside to collect discarded menus and saw Logan climb up the steps. He wore the grey hoodie I tried for years to steal, black jeans and white sneakers. He spotted me and offered me a watery smile.

I set the menus down, what's wrong? He closed the distance between and pulled me to his chest. I wrapped my arms around in and breathed in his sweet European cologne. He kissed the top my head and ran his fingers down my hair.

'What happened?'

We walked away from the tables and stood by the rail behind the restaurant.

'I needed to see you, Liv.' He ran a hand through his head. It bounced back in position quickly. 'It isn't... it's not safe here right now.'

I rubbed my arm, 'Is this about Leo? I'm sure they'll figure out-'

'There's been another murder just like Leo's. He wasn't stabbed, wasn't strangled, but he was found the same way. Blood all over.'

I wrapped my arms around myself and stepped back. Logan drew me back to him.

'I won't let anything happen to you.'

'Any idea who did this? Or what?'

'None. You girls need to be careful. I mean it. I can't lose any of you.' He released me.

I nodded, 'I mean we are witches and a vampire.' I said to lighten the mood, but Logan wasn't playing.

'Don't make me put you under house arrest.'

I rolled my eyes. 'I've got to get back to work.'

I turned to leave, but Logan yanked me back. I envisioned him pulling me back to his chest and kissing me. Shivers overtook me.

'There's a football game this week. I want you girls to come and spend time with Piper.'

The shivers died and were replaced by chills.

'Piper huh?'

'Yeah, I want you guys to spend time together especially you Liv.'

'Yeah... that sounds awesome. We'll be there alright.' I said through gritted teeth.