Partner?

Arabella’s jaw clenched. “You’re canceling. Again?”

Niko couldn’t meet her fiery gaze. “I promised my mom I’d help get the garden ready. It’s that time of year.”

“Is that so?” Arabella tapped the pencil she forgot she held against her hips.

“Yeah. It slipped my mind until today.”

“You know you did that last month.”

Niko’s mouth dropped open. “Well…” He swallowed. “S-she didn’t like how it looked.”

“It took her a month to decide that?”

Niko ran a hand through his golden-red curls, still focusing on a spot somewhere above Arabella’s head. “It’s my mom. You know how she is! There’s a reason my dad left her.”

Arabella winced, and the uncharacteristic nervousness fled Niko’s face. He reached for her.

“Babe, I meant nothing by—”

Arabella twisted away from his attempt at comfort and hit her shoulder against her open locker. She didn’t notice that it hurt and would bruise. “It’s fine.”

It wasn’t, but the current issue wasn’t her turbulent home life brought on by her father leaving two weeks ago (which her mother refused to acknowledge). All too often, she’d let her personal turmoil distract her from Niko’s strange behavior these past few weeks. Not today, though. Today, she was figuring out her boyfriend’s sudden aversion to her once a month.

“What are you really doing tonight?”

Niko rubbed the back of his neck. “Can’t you just trust me, babe?”

“You’re not giving me a reason to.”

“Are you—?” Niko’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not cheating on you, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“That never crossed my mind.”

But it did now. Why else would he bring that up unless he was trying to cover his tracks?

“Guilty of something?”

“No!”

“You’re acting suspicious for someone who isn’t.”

Niko’s back straightened, and his cerulean eyes scorched her. “I don’t need this right now. Believe whatever you want.”

He marched down the hall without looking back at her. Arabella watched him leave, her raging emotions torn between blind fury and crushing sadness. She idled in confusion and didn’t notice the many looks she drew from her classmates as they fled the school for the day. Even if she had, she wouldn’t have cared.

Nothing mattered when her relationship—the one aspect of her crazy world she thought was perfect—was crumbling before her and she had no clue why. In that moment, she wished someone would trample her into oblivion. At least then her pain would stop.

“His secret has nothing to do with you or your relationship,” came a low voice from behind Arabella.

She turned to find Cambree Madden standing not three feet from her. The other teen’s wild red curls floated around her as if she buzzed with electricity. Not that Arabella would ever find out. Like everyone else in the school, Arabella ignored Cambree as much as possible.

All seven Madden sisters were odd, though no one could quite pinpoint why. The town liked the family well enough since none of them had ever done anything wrong. However, the Maddens had an aura that put everyone on edge. Cambree’s sisters tried to minimize the impact they had on others by being overly friendly, but not Cambree. She wasn’t overtly rude or cruel, but she clearly enjoyed being a thorn in everyone’s side.

“How do you know?”

She probably didn’t and was just trying to get a rise out of Arabella. Yet, Arabella couldn’t kill the nagging idea that Cambree was involved with Niko’s strange behavior. Could she be the cause of it?

But in what way?

Cambree smiled, and it did little to soften the strong angles of her face. “Meet me in the park after nine tonight.”

“What?”

“If you want to find out what’s going on with Niko, you’ll show up tonight at the park.”

“That’s—”

But Arabella never got the chance to explain how nonsensical the request was, for Cambree pushed past Arabella and disappeared into the crowd. She watched the other girl leave, dumbfounded. Though how could she expect to feel anything less than bewilderment when dealing with a Madden?

After a long moment, Arabella shook herself from her daze and gathered her backpack and books from her locker. As she shuffled out of the almost empty school, she wondered what she was going to do. What if Cambree truly knew what was going on with Niko? Hanging out with her at the park didn’t seem like a lot to ask in exchange for that information.

Yet Cambree wanted to meet up at nine. It wouldn’t be dark then, but darkness would fall quickly after. Did Arabella want to risk being out that late—alone—with Cambree? Was finding out Niko’s secret worth such drastic measures?

As Arabella reached the student parking lot and searched for the Junkinator (her older brother’s rusty 2000 Jeep Cherokee), she settled on her decision. It wouldn’t be hard to sneak out. She just hoped she’d make it back home in one piece, with her relationship still intact.

***************************************************************************

Arabella glanced down both sides of the street across from the town park. She focused on the handful of houses, specifically the windows. None of the curtains or blinds seemed to be askew, though it was hard to tell in the waning light.

She took a deep breath and reminded herself that, while she was taking crazy action, it was all worth it if her and Niko’s relationship improved. Unless whatever Cambree was about to reveal was something unforgivable. Then, at least, Arabella wouldn’t keep beating herself up over the unknown.

Like a startled cat, Arabella sprinted across the deserted street. She continued past the jungle gym to the large swing set, where Cambree leaned against one of the metal legs. She smirked when Arabella stopped near her.

“You’ve got some balls.”

Arabella waved away the comment. “So, what now?”

Cambree’s condescension made way for a genuine smile. “Good. You want to get right to the point. I like that.”

Arabella did her best to hide the shudder that went down her spine. In no universe did she want Cambree to take a serious interest in her. After tonight, she wanted nothing more to do with her odd classmate. If they never spoke again, it would be too soon.

“Could you—I just want answers.”

“Then follow me,” Cambree said and started walking toward the trail that led to the small forest next to the park.

Arabella’s eyes widened. No, no, no. There was no way she was going to enter an even creepier setting with a Madden. Her world had come undone, but she hadn’t completely lost her mind.

Cambree stopped at the mouth of the trail and glanced over her shoulder. “You either come with me and find out your boy-toy’s little secret, or you go home unsatisfied.”

Those couldn’t be her only options.

“Why can’t you just tell me?”

“It’s something that has to be seen to be believed.”

“What could need—"

“You’ll find out if you shut up and follow me.”

With that, Cambree started on the trail. Her long legs carried her at a quick pace that soon made her disappear. If Arabella didn’t decide what to do soon, she’d lose sight of Cambree.

Curiosity overruled her caution, and Arabella raced after Cambree. She was out of breath by the time she reached the other girl.

“Wow, you move fast.”

Cambree didn’t look at her. “You’ve got to keep it down. We need the element of surprise.”

Arabella’s heart thudded with more than her previous exertion. “Why? Is Niko involved in something illegal?”

A soft chuckle escaped Cambree. “Hell no. But it’s super awkward. Wouldn’t want the poor guy to die from embarrassment now, would we?”

More confused than ever, Arabella shook her head and followed her companion further into the woods. As they moved, heavy shadows darkened their way. It wouldn’t be long now before the sun fully set, and Arabella didn’t know what she’d do then. Already, her fear was at an all-time high. How much more could she experience before it made her pass out?

But what did she truly have to fear? Cambree was weird, but she had done nothing to harm or weird Arabella out. And that comment about Niko’s predicament being embarrassing? That was as far from terrifying as it could get.

Unless Cambree’s idea of embarrassing differed vastly from the average person’s.

Despite this doubt, Arabella’s steps didn’t slow, nor did she turn around. She was going to complete this to the end, no matter what awaited her.

After ten minutes, Cambree stopped. Arabella was looking at the nearby trees, didn’t notice, and bumped into her. She stumbled and would have fallen if not for Cambree steadying her.

“Thanks.”

Cambree placed a finger against her lips. “We have to be especially quiet now,” she whispered. “They have excellent hearing.”

“Who?”

Cambree smirked but didn’t respond. Instead, she crept off the path, to their left.

Arabella rolled her eyes as she trailed after her. She crouched low and moved as lightly as she could.

They went like this for another five minutes. Then they came upon a long, thick wall of bushes. With so little light, Arabella couldn’t tell what they were, and she silently hoped they wouldn’t irritate her skin.

With expert hands, Cambree silently parted the bushes until she’d made a hole big enough for her and Arabella to see through to the other side. Exposed was a clearing surrounded by tall pines, and in that clearing, seven bodies paced back and forth.

It wasn’t so dark that Arabella couldn’t see the abnormal height and large build of the figures. Or the thick fur that covered them. Or the glint of sharp teeth and claws.

***************************************************************************

A small cry escaped Arabella before she turned and fled. She didn’t care how much noise she made or if Cambree was behind her. All she could think of was running far and fast from the reality-shattering sight beyond the bushes.

Arabella found her way back to the playground. There she went to the swings and clung to the same metal leg Cambree had been leaning on nearly half an hour ago. She sucked in huge mouthfuls of air, trying her damnedest not to scream.

Soundless, Cambree stepped in front of her. “Are you okay?”

It was a long minute before Arabella found her voice. “Did I j-just see w-werewolves?”

“No.”

“But t-they’re covered in—”

“Shapeshifters are different than werewolves. Do not call one the other. They can throw quite the tantrum about it.”

“So, Niko is a shapeshifter?”

Cambree nodded.

“Shapeshifters and werewolves are real?”

Cambree snorted. “You have absolutely no idea what’s all out there.”

Arabella’s frazzled mind couldn’t handle that knowledge, so it latched on to the other burning question spurred from what she’d seen. The one that seemed the most ridiculous.

“Are they all dressed in schoolgirl outfits?”

Cambree laughed. “That they are.”

“I—is that common for shapeshifters?”

“I don’t think so.” Cambree shrugged. “I can’t really say, though. I’m not a shapeshifter.”

“You’re not human, though?”

“Nope.”

Arabella couldn’t help asking, “What are you?”

“A witch.”

“A witch…”

This wasn’t nearly as shocking as the discovery of the werewolves. The Maddens had always given off an unearthly quality, and they’d never hidden that their beliefs were heavily spiritual. Now, knowing that the supernatural wasn’t just stories, it barely surprised Arabella that the Maddens’ ideas of magic were literal.

“You’re the reason Niko and the others are in schoolgirl outfits, aren’t you?” Arabella asked.

Cambree’s smile was full of petty glee. “Oh, yeah.”

“Why’d you do that to them?”

“My little sister Glynn is a giant anime fan, and Dax Vale—a member of Niko’s throng (what a group of shapeshifters is called)—harassed her until she cried. I asked him to apologize, and when he didn’t, I cursed him. Every time he shifts, he’ll be dressed like a Japanese schoolgirl. I was going to have him also make the obnoxious noises the anime girls do, but that seemed a bit too far.”

“Why are the others like that?”

“They rallied behind him. If they think his shitty behavior is fine, then they can suffer with him.”

Arabella’s eyebrows furrowed. “That doesn’t sound like Niko.”

He wasn’t the first guy in a crowd to show his sensitive side, but he wasn’t a jerk. She’d even seen him stick up for the unfortunates who were bullied around him. Niko wouldn’t agree with mocking someone for the shows they liked. That was stupid behavior best left to kindergartners.

“Shapeshifters are very cliquey.”

Arabella’s lips parted to argue, but she bit back her words. Though Cambree and Niko weren’t close by any means, Cambree clearly knew him better. If she said his current situation was because of blind loyalty, who was Arabella to say otherwise?

Also, unlike Niko, Cambree had yet to lie to her (as far as Arabella knew).

“Why did you reveal all this to me?”

Cambree tapped her chin while she thought. She took so long, night fully fell. The streetlamps clicked on, and a bit of the orange light illuminated the edge of the jungle gym.

“I mean, Niko is an ass for standing behind Dax, but he doesn’t need to lose his girlfriend over it.”

“Okay, that’s nice and all, but why do you care? You’re not friends with either of us.”

Cambree sighed. “Magic is all about balance. I may have tipped the scales too far in the negative, and I’m trying to right my wrongs. You benefit at least.”

“My entire world has changed. I now know humans aren’t alone.”

“Um… true.” Cambree rubbed her hands on her thighs. “I didn’t think much about that part. I’m sorry?”

Arabella exhaled slowly. “I’m not—” She ran her tongue along her gums as she gathered her thoughts. “I’m not sure what emotions I’m feeling at the moment, but I’m thankful. I think. I am glad that Niko’s weirdness has nothing to do with me.”

“See. A positive.”

“But you owe me.”

Cambree’s eyes narrowed. “How do you figure?”

“I’m never going to be the same after tonight. The me that came to the park is not the one leaving.”

“Okay. Fair enough. So, what do you have in mind?”

“You still want Dax to apologize to your sister, right?”

“I’d like that, yeah.”

“Let me be a part of this humiliation plot to get the apology, and I’ll consider us squared.”

Disbelief twisted Cambree’s expression. “But your boyfriend is involved.”

“He should act better. I don’t care about shapeshifter loyalty and all that nonsense. He knows what’s right and what’s wrong.”

“You’re serious?”

“As serious as the heart attack I almost had in the woods.”

Cambree grinned and held out her hand. “All right.”

Arabella grasped her fingers. “Partner?”

“Partner.”