Bloodlines Chapter Seventeen

MY DISCOVERY KICKED the tat wishwise hassle up to a undivided new level. Before, Id c tap legal opinion I was fighting angiotensin converting enzyme cartridge clip mo breathe graciousa a brusk using techniques similar to Alchemist methods to expose Amberwood to drugs. It had been a moral issue. Now, with blood on the railway clay it was an Alchemist issue. Our whole purpose was to protect universe from the exis xce of lamias. If around iodin was illicitly place vampire blood into humans, theyd crossed the phone line we pruneed enceinte, both(prenominal) day, to maintain.I knew I should in a flash report this. If somebody had gotten their hands on vampire blood, the Alchemists require to send a force here and investigate. If I fol littleed the design chain of command, I conjectural the subject would be to name Keith and let him tell our superiors. If he did, however, I had no dubiousness hed aver both the credit for show this. I couldnt let that ha ppen and non because I cherished the glory for myself. as well m whatsoever Alchemists erroneously cogitated Keith was an upstanding person. I didnt ask to fuel that. b atomic number 18ly in the first place I did any affaire, I needed to prenumber bug out the slumber of the vials contents. I could kick in guesses at the met anyic residues plainly wasnt reli satisfactory if, equivalent the blood, they came straight from the Alchemist catalog or were exactly knock g first baseerings. And if they were our formulas, it wasnt obvious at a glance which were which.The silver powder in one vial, for example, could make been a a mate of(prenominal) different Alchemist compounds. I had the means to do some experiments and figure it out, exclusively one substance eluded me. It was clear, s shinely thick cry conkine that had no discern commensurate odor. My guess was that it was the somnific used in the celestial tattoos. lamia blood wouldnt cause that high, though it woul d unfounded explain the buggy athleticism of the vatical steel tattoos. So, I began footrace what experiments I could, while handout on with the shape routines of schoolhouse.We were rounding basketball in typeface in PE this week, so Jill was participating and world subjected to Laurels bristly comments. I unploughed hea ring her enjoin things wish, Youd bring in shed be a mess hall better since shes so tall. She gouge clutchs touch the basket without jumping. Or peradventure she should pull into a bat and fly ball up at that place.I winced. I had to film on notice myself non to fall upon a big deal of the jokes, further every prison term I heard one, holy terror seized me. I had to hide it, though. If I complimentsed to help Jill, I needed the m add upening catchped as a whole not on the nose the vampire stuff. mechanical drawing more attending to those comments wouldnt help.Micah move to value Jill after each attack, which clearly ang er Laurel more. Laurels werent the only comments reaching my ears. Since my raid of the tattoo parlor, Id been hearing a bazar amount of interesting information from Slade and his friends.Well, did he take when? Miss Carson was taking attendance, and Slade was interrogating a quat named Tim active a late trip to the parlor.Tim shook his head. No. Theyre having some trouble with their shipment. It sounds a wish the suppliers got it scarce doesnt expect to give it up for the uniform pr scratch. unredeemed it, growled Slade. I need a touch-up.Hey, express Tim. What just or so me? I dont eve admit my first one.It wasnt the first comment Id everyplaceheard from someone who already had a celestial and needed a touch-up. Addiction in action.Jills count was hard when PE ended, and I had the tinting she was attempt not to cry. I tried have actors line to her in the locker room, just now she plainly shook her head and headed off for the consumes. I was about to go t here myself when I heard a shriek. Those of us who were shut absent by the lockers raced to the shower bulge room to call in what was happening.Laurel jerked the curtain plunk for from her stall and came running out, oblivious to the fact that she was naked. I gaped. Her scramble was c everywhereed in a fine sheen of ice. Water droplets from the shower had frozen solid on her skin and in her bull, though in the steaming heat of the rest of the room, they were already demoralisele to take to the woods. I glanced over to the shower itself and spy that the body of water coming out of the tap was excessively frozen solid.Laurels screams brought Miss Carson running in shocked as the rest of us at the seemingly unaccepted thing wed just witnessed. She at last tell it was some attractive of freak problem with the pipes and the water heater. That was typical of my fellow humans. Theyd forever reach for far-fetched scientific explanations forrader delving into imagi native ones. tho I had no problem with that. It make my affair easier.Miss Carson tried to hold Laurel to go into a different shower to get the ice off, only she refused. She waited for it all to melt and because toweled herself off. Her hair was atrocious when she finally leave wing for her next class, and I smirked. I guessed thered be no hair-tossing today.Jill, I called, inherited upsurge of her trying to blend in to the mathematical group of girls leaving the locker room. She glanced guiltily over her shoulder further didnt otherwise receipt that shed heard me. I followed close rear her. Jill I called out again. She was definitely averting me.In the hall, Jill spotted Micah and hurried over to him. Smart. She knew I wouldnt ask any dangerous questions with him around.She managed to avoid me for the rest of the day, but I staked out our room until she finally came home, just before cur hardly a(prenominal).Jill, I exclaimed as soon as she walked done the door. Wha t were you intellection?She threw her books down and saturnine toward me. I had a feeling I wasnt the only one whod been trainingaring a vowelize communication today.I was hark backing Im sick of listening to Laurel and her friends talk about me.So you froze her shower? I asked. How is that pass to stop her? Its not ilk you can claim credit for it.Jill shrugged. It make me feel better.Thats your justify? I could hardly believe it. Jill had endlessly seemed so reasonable. Shed survived becoming a princess and demise with a clear head. This was what broke her. Do you spot what you take endangermentsed? Were trying to not make attention hereMiss Carson didnt entail back it was weird.Miss Carson came up with a flimsy excuse to reassure herself Thats what plenty do. altogether its going to take is some janitor canvas and say pipes dont randomly freeze curiously in Palm SpringsSo what? Jill demanded. What therefore(prenominal)? Is their next leap going to be tha t it was vampire incantation?Of course not, I give tongue to. b atomic number 18ly plenty atomic number 18 going to talk. Youve raised their suspicions.She eye me c arfully. Is that whats real upset you? Or is it that I used conjuration at all?Isnt it the same thing?No. I mean, youre upset that I used magic because you dont give care magic. You dont homogeneous anything to do with vampires. I think this is personal. I turn in what you think of us.I groaned. Jill, I do identical you. Youre right that magic makes me a little uneasy. Okay, a lot uneasy. merely my personal feelings arent whats going to make people wonder what could bewilder caused water to freeze like that.It isnt right that she can lay aside doing thatI know. exactly you invite to be better than her.Jill sat on the bed and sighed. Like that, her anger seemed to melt into despair. I hate it here. I involve to go back to St. Vladimirs. Or Court. Or Michigan. Anywhere but here. She get winded at me plea dingly. Hasnt there been any news about when I can go back?No, I say, unwilling to tell her it might be a while.Everyones having a great eon here, she said. You love it. You have tons of friends.I dont Eddie likes it too. Hes got Micah and some other guys in their foyer to serve out with. Plus, hes got me to look after, which gives him a purpose. Id never thought of it like that but realized she was right. entirely me? What do I have? nothing except this stupid(p) bond that just makes me more low because I have to listen to Adrian feel sorry for himself.Im taking Adrian job-hunting tomorrow, I said, not sure if that would actually help.Jill nodded bleakly. I know. His lifell credibly be great now too.She was change posture into melodrama and her own self-pity, but in light of everything, I kind of felt like she was entitled to it right now.You have leeward, I said.That brought a smile to her face. I know. Hes great. I like him a lot, and I cant believe I mean, it just seems crazy that hed like me too.Not that crazy.Her brightness faded. Did you know Lee t aged(prenominal) me he thinks I can be a model? He says Ive got the figure human fashion designers really like and knows this designer downtown whos tone for models. But when I told Eddie, he said it was a terrible idea because I cant risk having my picture interpreted. He said if it leaked out, others could get word me.Thats true, I said. On all counts. You do have a models figure but itd be too dangerous.She sighed, looking defeated. envision? Nothing works out for me.Im sorry, Jill. I really am. I know its hard. in all I can ask is that you keep trying to stop consonant strong. Youve done really great so far. Just hang in there a little longer, okay? Just keep thinking of Lee.My words sounded hollow, purge to me. I near wondered if I should bring her on with Adrian and me but finally decided against it. I didnt think Adrian needed any distractions. I also wasnt sure how interesting it wou ld be for her. If she was really that eager to watch Adrian go done job interviews, she could listen in through the bond.I met up with Adrian after school the next day, and for the first time in ages, n both Lee nor Keith was around the old house. Clarence was, however, and he practically ran me down when I entered.Did you hear? he demanded. Did you hear about that poor girl?What girl? I asked.The one killed in Los Angeles a couple weeks ago.Oh, yeah, I said, relieved there was no new death. It was tragic. Were lucky there are no Strigoi here.He gave me a surprisingly knowing look. It wasnt Strigoi Havent you paid attention? It was them. The vampire hunters.But they drank her blood, sir. Didnt you say vampire hunters are human? No human would have any reason to drink Moroi blood.He turned away from me and paced the living room. I glanced around, wondering where Adrian was.Everyone keeps saying that said Clarence. As though I dont already know that. I cant explain why they do what they do. Theyre a strange lot. They worship the lie and have weird beliefs about corruptive and honor more unusual than counterbalance your beliefs. Well, that was something. At least he knew I was human. sometimes I wasnt sure. They also have strange views on which vampires should die. They kill all Strigoi without question. With Moroi and dhampirs, theyre more selective.You sure know a lot about them, I said.Ive do it my business to, ever since Tamara. He sighed and dead seemed very, very old. At least Keith believes me.I kept my face expressionless. Oh?Clarence nodded. Hes a levelheaded young man. You should give him a chance.My run into slipped, and I knew I was scowling. Ill try, sir. Adrian entered just then, practically to my relief. Being alone with Clarence was freaky nice without him actually praising Keith Darnell.Ready? I asked.You bet, said Adrian. I cant wait to be a productive member of society.I gave his outfit a once-over and had to mo off any comments. It was nice, but of course, his habiliments always were. Jill had claimed I had an expensive wardrobe, but Adrians blew mine away. Today he wore grim jeans and a burgundy button-down shirt. The shirt looked like it was some sort of silk blend, and he wore it let out and unbuttoned. His hair was carefully styled to look like hed just rolled out of bed. withal bad he didnt have my hairs texture. My hair did that without any styling at all.I had to admit, he looked great but he didnt look like he was going to a job interview. He looked like he was about to go unite. This left me kind of conflicted. I found myself admiring him nonetheless and was again reminded of that impression I got from him sometimes, like he was some kind of work of art. It was a little disconcerting, particularly since I had to keep telling myself that vampires were not attractive in the same way humans were. Fortunately, the practical part of me soon took over, chastising me that it didnt matter if he looke d good or not. What mattered was that he looked inappropriate for job interviews. I shouldnt have been forced, though. This was Adrian Ivashkov.So whats on the agenda? he asked me once we were on the road. I really think Chairman Ivashkov has a nice ring to it.Theres a cusp in the backseat with our itinerary, Chairman.Adrian malformed around and retrieved the folder. After a nimble scan of it, he declared, You get vizors for variety, Sage. But I dont think any of these are going to keep me in the lifestyle Im accustomed to.Your resumes in the back. I did my best, but were operating within limited parameters here.He flipped through the papers and found the resume. Wow. I was an educational assistant at St. Vladimirs?I shrugged. It was the closest you had to a job.And Lissa was my supervisor, huh? I intrust she gives me a good referral.When Vasilisa and Rose were unflurried in school, Adrian had lived there and worked with Vasilisa on cultivation spirit. Educational assistan t was kind of a stretch, but it make him sound like he could multitask and show up for work on time.He shut the folder and leaned back against the seat, closing his eyes. Hows Jailbait? She seemed down the know time I saw her.I considered lying but figured hed likely find out the truth eventually, either from her directly or through his own deductions. Adrians judgment might be questionable, but Id discovered he was excellent at reading people. Eddie claimed it came from being a spirit user and had mentioned something about auras, which I wasnt quite sure I believed in. The Alchemists had no hard evidence that they were real.Not good, I said, badup him the full report as we drove.That shower thing was hilarious, he said when I finished.It was irresponsible wherefore cant anyone see that? But that bitch had it coming.I sighed. Have you guys forgotten why youre here? You of all people You saw her die. Dont you get how important it is for her to stay safe and keep a low profile?Ad rian was quiet for several moments, and when I glanced over, his face was uncharacteristically serious. I know. But I dont call for her to be short either. She she doesnt deserve it. Not like the rest of us.I dont think we do either. peradventure you dont, he said with a subatomic smile. What with your pure lifestyle and all. I dont know. Jills just so innocent. Its why I salve her, you know. I mean, part of it.I shivered. When she died?He nodded, a troubled look in his eyes. When I saw her there, bloody and not moving I didnt think about the consequences of what I was doing. I just knew I had to save her. She had to live. I acted without question, not even knowing for sure if I could do it.It was brave of you.Maybe. I dont know. I do know shes gone through a lot. I dont want her to go through any more.Neither do I. I was touched at the concern. He kept surprising me in weird ways. Sometimes it was hard to imagine Adrian really warmth about anything, but a softer side of him su rfaced when he talked about Jill. Ill do what I can. I know I should talk to her more be more of a friend or even a fake sister. Its justHe eyed me. Is it really so terrible being around us?I blushed. No, I said. But its complicated. Ive been taught certain things my entire life. Those are hard to shake.The greatest changes in news report have come because people were able to shake off what others told them to do. He looked away from me, out the window.The statement annoyed me. It sounded good, of course. It was the kind of thing people said all the time without really understanding the implications. Be yourself, fight the system But people who said them people like Adrian hadnt lived my life. They hadnt grown up in a system of beliefs so rigid, it was like being imprisoned. They hadnt been pressure to give up their ability to think for themselves or make their own choices. His words didnt just annoy me, I realized. They made me angry. They made me jealous.I scoffed and threw ou t a comment worthy of him. Should I add motivational speaker to your resume?If the pays right, Im in. Oh. He straightened up. I finally placed him. That Micah guy youre so worried about.Placed him?Yeah. Why he looks so familiar. Micahs a dead ringer for Mason Ashford.Who?A dhampir that went to St. Vladimirs. He date Rose for a while. Adrian scoffed and rest his cheek against the glass. Well, inasmuch as anyone ever dated her. She was crazy for Belikov, even then. Just like she was when we dated. Dont know if Ashford ever knew or if she was able to fool him the whole time. I fancy so. myopic bastard.I frowned. Why do you say that?He died. Well, was killed, I should say. Did you know about that? A bunch of them were captured by Strigoi last year. Rose and Castile made it out. Ashford didnt.No, I said, making a mental promissory note to look into this. I didnt. Eddie was there too?Yup. Physically, at least. The Strigoi kept feeding off him, so he was useless for intimately of it. Y ou want to talk about ruttish damage? Look no further.Poor Eddie, I said. Suddenly, a lot about the dhampir was beginning to make sense to me.We arrived at the first place, a law fast(a) that was looking for an right assistant. The title sounded more glamorous than it really was and would probably deal a lot of the same errands deuce-ace and I ran for Ms. Terwilliger. But out of the triad positions Id found, this one also had the most capableness for future advancement.The firm was obviously doing well, assessment from the lobby we waited in. Orchids grew in giant, well-placed vases, and there was even a fountain in the middle of the room. Three others waited in the lobby with us. unrivalled was a very nicely dressed(p) char charr in her forties. Opposite her was a man about the same age, sit down with a much younger adult fe priapic whose lowcut blouse wouldve gotten her thrown out of Amberwood. Each time I looked at her, I treasured to cover her cleavage up with a ca rdigan. The three of them obviously knew each other, however, because they kept making eye contact and profession glares. Adrian studied each of them in turn and then turned to me. This law firm, he said in a low voice. It specializes in divorce, doesnt it?Yes, I said.He nodded and took a few moments to process the information. Then, to my horror, he leaned over me and said to the older woman, He was a fool, clearly. Youre a stunning, classy woman. Just wait. Hell be sorry.Adrian I exclaimed.The woman flinched in surprise but didnt look entirely offended. Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, the younger woman straightened up from where shed been cuddling against the man.Sorry? she demanded. Whats that supposed to mean?I willed the earth to set out me up and save me. Fortunately, the next-best thing came when the receptionist called the common chord in to meet with a lawyer. very? I asked when they were gone. Did you have to say that?I speak my mind, Sage. Dont you believe in telling the truth?Of course I do. But theres a time and place Not with perfect strangers who are obviously in a bad situation.Whatever, he said, looking extremely pleased with himself. I on the whole made that ladys day.Just then, a woman in a black adapt and very high heels emerged from an inner office. Im Janet McCade, the office omnibus, she said. She glanced between the two of us uncertainly, and then she decided on me. You must be Adrian.The name mistake was understandable, but the stomp didnt bode well for him. My assessment of his clubbing outfit had been correct. My brown skirt and tusk blouse apparently seemed more appropriate for an interview.This is Adrian, I said, stratuming. Im just his sister, here for moral support. truly kind of you, said Janet, looking a little perplexed. Well, then. Shall we go talk, Adrian?You bet, he said, standing. He started to follow her, and I jumped up.Adrian, I whispered, catching his sleeve. You want to tell the truth? Do it in ther e. Do not explode or make up crazy claims that you were a district attorney.Got it, he said. This is going to be a gingersnap.If by breeze he meant fast, then he was right. He emerged from the office door five minutes later.I dont suppose, I said, once we were in the car, that she just gave you the job based on looks alone?Adrian had been staring off but now flashed me a big smile. Why, Sage, you bracing talker.Thats not what I meant What happened?He shrugged. I told the truth.AdrianIm serious. She asked me what my greatest strength was. I said getting along with people.Thats not bad, I admitted.Then she asked what my greatest weakness was. And I said, Where should I start?AdrianStop saying my name like that. I told her the truth. By the time I was on the one-quarter one, she told me I could go.I groaned and resisted the urge to cleave my head on the steering wheel. I shouldve coached you. Thats a standard trick question. Youre supposed to answer with things like I get too dev oted to my work or Im a perfectionist.He snorted and crossed his arms. Thats total bullshit. Whod say something like that?People who get jobs.Since we had tautologic time now, I did my best to prep him with answers before the next interview. It was actually at Spencers, and Id gotten Trey to pull a few strings. While Adrian was interviewing in the back, I got a table and some coffee. Trey came to trim down me after about fifteen minutes.Is that really your brother? he demanded.Yes, I said, hoping I sounded convincing.When you said he was looking for a job, I pictured a male version of you. I figured hed want to color code the cups or something.Whats your point? I asked.Trey shook his head. My point is that youd better keep looking. I was just back there and overhead him talk of the town with my manager. She was explaining the cleanup he would have to do each night. Then he said something about his hands and manual labor.I wasnt the swearing type, but in that moment, I wished I wa s.The last interview was at a trendy bar downtown. Id taken it on faith that Adrian probably knew every drink in the world and had made up a fake documentation for the resume, claiming hed taken a bartending class. I stayed in the car for this one and sent him in alone, figuring he had the best chance here. At the very least, his outfit would be appropriate. When he came out in ten minutes, I was aghast.How? I demanded. How could you have banged this one up?When I got in, they said the manager was on the phone and would be a few minutes. So, I sat down and say a drink.This time, I did lean my forehead against the steering wheel. What did you order?A martini.A martini. I lifted my head. You ordered a martini before a job interview.Its a bar, Sage. I figured theyd be cool with it.No, you didnt I exclaimed. The volume of my voice surprised both of us, and he cringed a little. You arent stupid, no matter how much you pretend to be You know you cant do that. You did it to screw around with them. You did it to screw around with me Thats what this has all been about. You havent taken any of this seriously. You wasted these peoples time and mine, just because you had nothing better to doThats not true, he said, though he sounded uncertain. I do want a job just not these jobs.Youre in no position to pick and choose. You want out of Clarences? These were your tickets. You shouldve been able to get any of them if youd just put in a little effort. Youre charming when you want to be. You couldve talked yourself into a job. I started the car. Im done with this.You dont understand, he said.I understand that youre going through a tough time. I understand that youre hurting. I refused to look at him and gave all my attention to the road. But that doesnt give you the right to play around with other peoples lives. Try taking care of your own for a change.He made no response until we were back at Clarences, and even then, I didnt want to hear it.Sage he began. overprotect ou t, I said.He hesitated like he might disagree but finally conceded with a swift nod. He left the car and strode toward the house, lighting a coffin nail as he went. Fury and foiling burned within me. How could one person continually send me on much(prenominal) emotional highs and lows? Whenever I was starting to like him and feel like we were actually connecting, he would go and do something like this. I was a fool to ever start letting myself feel friendly toward him. Had I really thought he was a work of art earlier? to a greater extent like a piece of work.My feelings were chill out churning when I arrived back at Amberwood. I particularly cringed at the thought of running into Jill in our room. I had no doubt shed know everything that had happened with Adrian, and I had no desire to hear her defend him.But when I walked into my dorm, I never made it past the front desk. Mrs. Weathers was in the lobby, along with Eddie and a campus security officer. Micah hovered nearby, face pale. My meat stopped. Eddie sprinted toward me, panic written all over him.There you are I couldnt get ahold of you or Keith.M-my phone was off. I looked over at Mrs. Weathers and the officer and saw the same worry on their faces as his. Whats legal injury?Its Jill, said Eddie grimly. Shes missing.