Cinderella Complex (22 page)

Mom rubbed her temples. “Okay, let's not worry for now. Let's wait until it happens. I'm a lawyer. I'll find a way out of it.”

An ominous cloud hung over my head. The darkness was here, and I had no idea how to stop it.

 

Kat plopped down next to me in the lunchroom. “You were right about Connor. I'm sorry I freaked out on you the other day.”

“So you invited him to your house?”

She smiled. “Yeah. And I told him about my mom.”

“And?”

“And he's okay with everything. We hung out at my place last night. He even met Dad.”

I laughed. “How'd that go?”

Kat blushed, playing with the salad on her tray. “Dad and he talked. Man to man.”

“No, he didn't!”

“Yes, he did. Connor has officially been warned against engaging in premarital sex with me, hurting me, and bringing me home late.”

“I would've died.”

“Trust me, I wanted to.”

I grabbed my turkey sandwich and took a bite, then washed it down with a swig of bottled water. Kat looked so happy. Her smile, the excitement in her eyes. I had a few days left to make her dreams come true. But with the Grand Master Grimm doing anything and everything to sabotage the happily-ever-after, I wondered if it was possible.

I gazed at her. “Promise me you'll be more careful this week.”

“What's going on?”

“The Grimm King is in our world.”

The color drained from Kat's face. She dropped her fork into the salad bowl and stared at me. “Are you serious?”

“I had a run-in with him the other night. If it hadn't been for Jack and Grandma, I'm not sure I would've gotten out of there.” I shivered at the memory. The way his magic ensnared me, got inside my head. I kept the part having to do with Dad and Thorna quiet. No need to dredge up more catastrophes.

“What are you going to do?”

“Make your happy ending a reality.”

“Hey, mind if I join you?” Taylor stood near the table, holding her tray.

Kat grabbed her things. “Go ahead, I'm leaving anyway. See you next hour.”

Taylor slid into the seat Kat vacated. She twisted a strand of hair around her finger, then lifted her eyes. “I'm sorry for everything. It's just, you've spent a lot of time with Kat lately. I thought you'd replaced me.”

“I meant it when I said no one can replace you. Kat's fun, but she's not you. She hasn't been there for me through impossible crushes and my parents' divorce.” My throat thickened. “You're my best friend. And always will be.” I leaned my head against her shoulder. “Kat needed me. The same way that you need me.”

“If you say she's okay then I guess I can give her a shot. But if Kat thinks she's going to crash
all
our future slumber parties, she's got another thing coming.” Taylor stole one of my chips and shoved it in her mouth. “What I'm saying is, I miss my best friend and I'm cool if you want to hang out with her. As long as I can come, too.”

“Of course you can. Who else is going to supply the half-naked werewolf movies?”

Taylor grinned. “Smart-alec.”

“It's good to have you back.”

She hugged me, crushing me against her. “So, you and Seth?”

Heat spread across my face. “Did he tell you?”

She snorted. “He didn't have to. I've seen the way you two look at each other.”

“That obvious?”

“Oh, yeah.”

I covered my face with my hands and groaned. “He asked me to Homecoming.”

“Yeah, he told me. If you want, maybe you, me, and Katrina can get ready together.”

My hands fell away from my face. “Are you serious?”

She nodded. “If she's gonna be hanging out with you, I'm gonna have to get used to it.”

“I knew there was a reason you were my best friend.”

She socked me in the arm. “Funny.”

For the first time in a long time, everything felt perfect. My friends weren't mad at me. I was on the verge of completing my first assignment. And I had a date to Homecoming.

The lunch bell sounded. I grabbed my stuff and tossed it in the trash, then headed to fifth period.

When I got to class, Kat glanced up at me. “Everything okay with you and Taylor?”

“Yes. She actually wants the three of us to get ready together before Homecoming.”

Kat's eyebrows shifted upward. “Are you sure that's a good idea?”

“I think it's a great idea.”

The announcement speaker crackled to life. “Students, we are honored to announce this year's Homecoming Court. Remember, we will announce the winner at the dance this Saturday. All nominees are from the junior and senior classes. And the boys are: Connor Prince, Damon Javier, Kent Lear, Jackson Winters, and Jake Pelletier. The girls are: Hanna Foster, Mikah Pell, Katrina Melville, Sarah Harver, and Maggie Winters.”

“Holy crap! Who nominated me?” I looked at Katrina.

“Me.”

“Why'd you do that?” I whispered. “This is part of your happy ending.”

She shrugged. “Because you deserved it, and I wanted you to be on court with me.”

Surprise seemed to be the understatement of the decade.
Please let things work out
.

****

The football stadium lights blazed like heavenly fires as the crowds hollered from the stands. Mr. Helter helped us girls onto the Homecoming float, which looked like a castle. A brown, wooden spire stood tall among the fake moat and drawbridge. The green, paper Mache dragon head sputtered with fog-machine smoke.

Kat patted a seat next to her among the fake flowers and tissue-paper grass. Although I couldn't see them, I knew Taylor and Seth were sitting in the student section of the bleachers.

Jack, seated next to me on the float, nudged my arm. “Keep your eyes open.”

Nausea rolled in my stomach. My skin prickled as I glanced at the sky, and deeper, into the shadows. Connor climbed onto the float, still wearing his football uniform but without his helmet.

“Hey.” He waved at us, then stood on Kat's other side.

Mr. Helter counted us. “Is everyone on the float now?”

“We're all here.”

Mr. Helter waved to the driver and the float slowly moved down the track. From the announcer's stand, romantic music played over the loudspeakers. Jack grabbed my hand and we began to dance, as did the other nominees.

I laughed. “Don't you think it's weird to choose to dance with your sister?”

Jack's lip twitched. “I need to stay close to you tonight.”

He spun me around, his gaze focused over my shoulders, looking at the bleachers and field.

My body stiffened. Dark magic sizzled in the air. “Jack. They're here.”

He went still. “Where?”

“I don't know. They're using power.”

Then I saw it, glowing and swirling above the float. The tower above Katrina began to wobble. Reinforced wood.

“Kat!”

Connor jumped to his feet and shoved her out of the way. The float tipped over, sending us to the pavement. My knee struck the track. I howled as pain seared through me. One by one, the stadium lights flashed out, plunging us into darkness. Screams erupted from the stands.

“Connor!” I hollered over the crowd. “Get Katrina out of here!”

“Maggie!” Jack cried out. “Where are you?”

Glow-in-the-dark light sticks flashed on in the crowd. The soft light illuminated the track. Thank God the band had decided on doing their lights-out performance tonight. This meant everyone in the crowd, including the band, had been given glow-in-the-dark necklaces, sticks, and flashlights to wave around during the half-time show.

I pushed to my feet. Connor walked Katrina to the bathroom.

“Wand.” It appeared in my hand, lighting up like a flashlight. We needed to get out of there. Now.

An opposing football player bumped into me.

“Sorry,” I said.

His mouth tilted into a sneer and he gripped my shoulder.
A
Grimm
. In one swift motion, he tossed me against the bleachers.
Thwap
!
The side of my head bounced off the aluminum. Strange flashes danced before my eyes. I fell to my knees as dizziness swept over me.

Hands dragged me to my feet. “You're finished.”

Jack raced toward us, but a Grimm burst from the gloom, knocking him aside. Fingers squeezed my throat, cutting off my air. I thrashed. I kicked out my legs and caught him in the groin. The Grimm released me with a moan. I turned to run, but he snagged my dress and yanked me backward.

But then someone attacked my pursuer, bashing him against the stands. Seth stood there, seething. “This is the last warning—stay the heck away from her.” With one punch to the face, the Grimm crumpled to the ground. Slowly, it dissolved into shadowy wisps and disappeared.

“Wha—what just happened?”

Seth dropped to his knees beside me, tracing his fingers along my face. “Are you okay?”

Tears splashed down my cheeks. I'd almost died. If Seth hadn't shown when he did. “I'm fine.”

He helped me up, tugged me close to his side. “They will not touch you again.”

I swallowed, hard. “How do you know of them?”

He stopped walking, turned to face me. “I've seen them come after you. I don't know what they are. But I'm not letting them touch you. You're mine. No one will ever hurt you.”

His arms enfolded me. I rested my head against his chest. His heart beat erratically.
Bum-dum-dum-de-dum-dum
.
I inhaled deeply. The scent of cologne tickled my nose.

Jack soon joined us. A bruise ran along the side of his face, his lip swollen. “Thank you for saving her.”

Seth kissed my forehead. “Get her home, Jack. And keep an eye on her.”

Jack didn't question him. He wrapped his arm around me and led me toward the parking lot. I wondered where Seth went. And where was Taylor? I glanced around, but couldn't see her amongst the sea of faces.

“We need to make sure Katrina's okay,” I said as we neared the girls' bathroom.

He pointed. “She's right there.” She stood in Connor's arms, crying.

“Kat.” I broke away from my brother and darted to her side.

She hugged me. “Maggie. You had me worried.”

“I'm fine, see?” I held my arms up to show her. “You need to go home.”

“I'll take her,” Connor offered.

“Don't worry,” Jack murmured in my ear. “We'll follow them.”

“We'll see you guys tomorrow, then,” I said.

We watched them climb into Connor's car, then we zipped into the air to track them home.

Once we ensured her safety, we flew to our own house.

Tonight was the last warning. Tomorrow, I knew, the Grimms would stop at nothing to prevent the happy ending.

 

Kat twisted my hair and pinned the curls into place. I barely recognized myself. The pile of curls atop my head looked like an ethereal crown. The silver dress shimmered and clung to my curves.

“Thank you. I love the hair and make-up.” I hugged Kat first, then Taylor.

“Seth won't be able to keep his hands to himself tonight.”

Jack poked his head inside. “He better if he knows what's good for him.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don't even start that big brother crap.”

“Can I talk to you for a second?”

Taylor glared at him. “We're trying to get ready here.” She was using a flatiron to straighten her hair.

“I'll be back.” I padded barefoot across the hardwood floor and stepped into the hallway.

Jack tugged me into his room. To my surprise, I saw Marcus and the other knight standing there. “They've come through the portal to help protect you tonight. They'll pose as our limo drivers.”

“Do they actually know how to drive?”

Marcus grinned. “This isn't my first trip into your world, Godmother.”

“Right. So, where exactly are you getting the limo from?”

“Mom paid for it.” Jack folded the collar of his dress shirt down, then grabbed a yellow tie to clip on.

“Seriously? A clip on tie? What are you, two?”

He flipped me off. “It was the only yellow one I could find.”

“So, what are you and Riley doing?”

“We're hooking up at the dance. When she said she'd still go with me, it was as friends.”

“Well, Taylor's date is picking her up here, and Seth said there's no way he's riding with
the
tool
, aka Connor, so he's meeting me there. We only need to worry about Connor seeing anything.”

“Can't you do a spell or something to make him sleep?”

I glowered. “No. He must be awake.”

“Then make sure he doesn't look out the windows.”

My pulse quickened. “I hope this works.”

“Don't worry, Godmother,” the cloaked knight said. “We'll keep you safe.”

But I wasn't worried for me. My friends' lives were at stake. The Grimms needed to stop the happily-ever-after, which meant taking out Katrina or Connor would suffice just as well as killing me. My stomach churned. What if I failed?

My hands trembled as I wiped them on my dress. With a deep breath, I headed back to my room.

Taylor and Kat stood side by side, letting me see the finished products. Taylor wore a short, red, lacy dress with a black bow at her waist. Kat, on the other hand, wore a long, emerald-green strapless dress.

I grabbed my silver clutch and shawl. “Wow, you guys look great.”

The doorbell rang. Taylor gave herself one last once-over in the mirror. “My date's here. I'll see you two at the dance.”

Once she left, I caught Kat's arm. “Whatever you do tonight, stick close to Connor. Jack and I have back-up, and we'll be keeping an eye out for Grimms.”

Kat wrenched her hands together. “I'm scared.”

“Me too. But you'll get your happy ending. You have to.”

She nodded and headed downstairs. Before I closed the door behind me, I grabbed a toy mouse from my dresser. Just in case.

“Maggie, you look beautiful.” Mom covered her mouth with her hand while tears glistened in her eyes. “Oh, honey.” She snapped several pictures of us. “I wish Seth had stopped in. I wanted a picture of the two of you together.”

“I've got money to buy a photo package at school.”

“Be careful tonight,” Mom whispered in my ear as she hugged me. “Grandma's on call if you need her.”

Jack squeezed her shoulder. “Lock the house after we leave.”

A knock sounded on the front door. Jack went to answer it. Connor stood in a black suit with a green vest and tie. His golden blond hair sparkled beneath the porch light. Standing next to me, Kat gasped.

Connor smiled at her. “You look amazing.”

Their admiration for one another was so apparent, it brought tears to my eyes. The Fairy Godmother Globe got it right. And to think I almost ruined it.

“Shall we?” Jack offered me his arm as the limo pulled up.

Marcus hopped from the driver's side and opened our doors for us. I slid across the cool, leather seat. Tiny lights illuminated the interior. Jack opened the small fridge. It was stocked with soda, lemonade, and sparkling water.

“Anyone want a drink?”

Connor grabbed a soda while Kat and I snagged bottled waters. The limo drove to the end of our driveway, then pulled onto the main road. I gazed at the tree line through the tinted glass. The headlights did little to pierce the darkness, forcing me to squint.

Something seemed off. Chills crept along my spine like dozens of little feet tramping across a bridge. I shuddered when I realized what had happened. The streetlamps had failed to turn on. The road curved ahead. Just as we reached the bend, something struck the side of the car.

Kat shrieked as the limo spun, striking several trees. Dark silhouettes marched toward us, bashing against the car's metal doors and hood until it twisted inward.
Crash
! The side windows shattered, glass sprayed across the seat. The roof buckled as Grimms smashed it in.

I kicked the door open. “Connor! Take Kat to the dance!”

“What's going on?” His eyes bulged as he yanked Kat from the car.

“Gangs.”

“There aren't any gangs in Ellsworth Lake.”

I dumped the contents of my handbag onto the ground and snatched the toy mouse.
Please let this work
.
Kat grabbed Connor's arm to keep him from watching me. My wand appeared in my hand, and with a single wave the toy mouse transformed into a white steed. The horse snorted, pawing at the ground.

“Here, take this. Whatever you do, don't stop until you get to the school.”

“Where did the horse come from?”

“We crashed into a gate. The horse must've escaped.”

He eyed me warily, but hopped onto the stallion, then reached down to pull Katrina up and onto the saddle behind him.

Kat gazed worriedly at me. “Be careful.”

Connor dug his heels into the horse's flank. It started to trot, then broke into a gallop.

Marcus and Jack struck two Grimms to the ground, while the other knight fought a third.

“Maggie, go!” Jack sliced his blade through another creature. “I'll catch up!” Black tarry blood seeped from the creature's body like sludge as it screeched.

I hesitated a moment, then leapt off the ground. My wings stirred the air as they flapped, taking me higher. From above, I caught sight of Katrina and Connor. He guided the stallion toward town into a more populated, well-lit area. Thank God.

A couple minutes later, Jack and the other knights joined me in the sky. With me forming the middle, we flew in a v-shaped pattern. The crisp breeze sent goose bumps across my flesh. Only a few more miles, I reminded myself.

An arrow whizzed by my head and I screamed.

“We need to land,” Marcus said. “We're like ducks up here.”

Jack wrapped an arm around my waist, guiding me down toward the park. “When we land, get your butt to safety. Do you hear me?”

“Yes.”

The moment my feet touched the earth, I rushed to the playground. Fog drifted through the trees like smoky fingers. My breath caught in my throat as Druce stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

Jack, Marcus, and the knight charged forward, but the Grimm King merely flicked his wrist and they sailed through the air, crashing into the trees.

Druce slipped the black leather gloves from his hands. “The knights have always been weak.”

I saw Jack crawling on his knees. His sword lay several feet away. “Leave them alone.”

“Or what, Maggie?” His lips turned up in a sardonic grin. “You can't stop me from taking what I want.” His black wings spread behind him like a fallen angel.

I staggered back. “Wand.” Magic thrummed through my veins, beams of light danced at my fingertips.

He threw his head back with laughter. “You're brave, I'll give you that. But you will never be victorious.”

Druce moved his fingers and shadows ensnared me, jerking me toward him. I struggled to get free.

“Ice!” My hands burst out with brightness. Frosty crystals formed on the snares and they cracked, then fell away.

Druce clapped his hands. “Bravo. Now let's see how you deal with this.”

Grimms swarmed me. Their hands dug into my skin as they threw me at Druce's feet. In one swift motion, he had me by the throat. His turquoise eyes turned as black as fathomless pools.

“You and your powers will be mine. No more happy endings. The world will fall into darkness.” His grip tightened.

Pain radiated through me. Panic. It wasn't supposed to end like this.

He sniffed my hair, tugging me against him. “Unless, of course, you give me your powers willingly. Then you can rule at my side. My queen for all time.”

“Never.” My stomach soured. I fought to free myself, flailing my legs and arms. But it did no good. Power thrummed through me as I latched onto one thought.
Fire.

Flames licked at my feet, the heat grew too hot to bear. He laughed in my ear. “Hmm…you have a penchant for my element.”

I yelped.

“What's wrong, Godmother? I thought you wanted to play.” Druce grabbed me by the hair, exposing my throat. His nails were elongated like Freddie Krueger blades. He trailed his claws lightly across my skin as rivulets of blood trickled down my face.

“No!” Seth darted from the woods and tackled the Grimm King. I fell to the ground and rolled out of the way.

Druce leapt to his feet with a growl, his face tight with rage. But it was soon replaced by a look of amusement. “You're stronger than I thought.”

Seth stood tall and menacing. “Don't ever underestimate me.”

“There are consequences for your choices, boy.” Druce smiled. A dagger appeared in his hand. The blade sizzled with a liquid fire.

“So be it.” Seth rammed into him. A red glow sparked from his hands. Behind them, a portal opened. Wind roared as if we stood inside a cyclone. The scent of sulfur burned my nostrils.

Seth struck the Grimm King in the face and sent him spiraling into the black hole. A loud pop sounded and the portal sealed shut. Relief flooded me and I rushed to Seth. He held me tight and stroked my face.

“You scared me to death,” he whispered.

“How did you defeat him?”

Seth gave me a sad smile. “He's not dead, Mags. He'll find a way to come back.”

“But how…”

“Please, just let it go.”

“No. You've avoided my questions long enough. I want answers.” I stared at him.

His jaw clenched.

Jack got to his feet and brushed off his suit. “She's right. There's something going on with you. There's no way anyone normal could walk away from a fight with a Grimm. And yet you've managed to do it, like, three or four times now.”

“Fine,” Seth said. “I owe you an explanation. But can we do this later?”

“No.” Jack stood, his arms crossed.

Dang it! As much as I wanted to know what was going on, I needed to make sure Kat got to the school safely.

“Jack, I don't have time for this. I've got to get to the school.”

Jack glared at me, his eyes blazing. “Okay, but this isn't the end of it. You will come clean. Tonight.”

Seth inhaled deeply, his hands fisted. “All right. We should probably get to the dance.”

I pointed at the wrecked limo. “Our ride is kind of totaled.”

“I've got my truck.”

Jack and I followed him. Questions swam in my head. How did Seth take out the Grimm King? And if he knew of Grimms, did he know what I was? I wished he would just tell us now. But I needed to get to Homecoming to check on Kat.

Seth draped an arm around my shoulders as we drove to the high school. I nestled close to him, his warmth comforting. The familiar scent of his cologne relaxed me as I attempted to shove images of Druce from my mind. Without a doubt, Seth had saved my life again. And I loved him. Nothing would ever change that.

After we parked, I hopped from the truck and rushed inside. The gym was decked out in black and white balloons. Streamers hung from the ceiling, along with vines of fake flowers. Where were they? I scanned the dance floor for Connor and Katrina. They had to be here.

“Maggie.” Katrina rushed across the dance floor. “Are you all right?” She hugged me.

I squeezed her back. “Thank God, you're okay.”

“I wanted to go back for you.”

“No, it's better that you didn't.”

“Your shoulder's bleeding.”

“I'm fine. It's just a scratch.” I pulled away. “Did they announce the king and queen yet?”

“No.”

“Good, I didn't miss it.”

Across the gym, I noticed Riley and Jack embracing. Finally, something good happening to him. He deserved it, after everything I'd put him through lately. I gazed at Taylor, standing near the stage, clinging to her date. Everything was perfect.

My hand warmed as the Godmother Globe appeared in it. The principal climbed onto the stage. He tapped the microphone several times. “Hello. I hope everyone is enjoying the dance so far.”

Kids whooped and hollered.

“It's time for us to announce this year's Homecoming King and Queen. He pulled an envelope from his pocket with as much flare as if he were announcing the Academy Awards. I rolled my eyes.

Kat shot me a quick glance and I smiled.

“The Homecoming King and Queen are… Connor Prince and Katrina Melville.” Cheers rose up around the room. The principal waited for them to walk up on stage. He solemnly placed a crown on each of their heads.

The globe floated from my hand like a bubble. Tiny stars and glitter fell from it as it shot through the ceiling. I ran to a window and watched as it shimmered up into the sky.