Juliet Immortal

lock her and Dylan away in some dark, cramped cellar—someplace similar to the tomb where I spent my last days—and let them fester there together until I make sure Ben is far away from both of them.
    “But from the look on your face, I’m guessing the puppyhas learned to bite.” Melanie gives me another hug. “Go on, shower.”
    I hesitate, clenching the jacket in my hand. I still feel driven to find Gemma, but if what Melanie’s saying is true—if I’m not going to be allowed back on campus until tomorrow’s meeting—chances are that Ben won’t be allowed back on campus either. That means he’s probably safe at home, secure under the watchful eye of his would-be-dictator brother. A phone call will confirm it.
    Maybe his brother will even let me talk to him, let me tell him I was wrong, that maybe he and I … he and
Ariel
 …
    Bliss and misery, expectation and despair—this situation is all that, wrapped up in an impossible package. Still, the thought of talking to Ben lifts my spirits, makes me feel there’s something in the world worth looking forward to, worth fighting for. But this time I’ll be fighting to extinguish his glow, just as many a Mercenary has done before me. If I haven’t switched sides, I’m definitely dancing on the line.
    One, two, three, one, two, three
—careful, or I’ll stumble into the dark.
    “Okay.” A little drunk on my decision, I hang up my coat and head out of the kitchen, spinning back around at the last moment. Melanie is watching me leave, a relaxed look on her face that makes me smile. I’ve failed in many ways, but I haven’t failed completely. Ariel and her mom are going to have a different life now, a better life. I’m sure of it. “Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome. And in case you were wondering, you’re not grounded.”
    “Oh … good.” I didn’t consider the possibility of being grounded. Ariel’s never done anything worthy of a grounding before.
    She shrugs and smiles. “We’ve made it eighteen years. I don’t see any reason to start with the grounding now. And you’re right, it’s time I start trusting you more.” She points a warning finger at my chest. “As long as trusting you doesn’t involve any more calls from the principal, or running off into the woods and making me worry that you’re dead. Or hitchhiking. Especially hitchhiking. That’s a good way to get killed by a sex pervert.”
    I could hitchhike from here to New York City and probably not encounter anyone as evil as the boy we’ll be sitting with in the principal’s office tomorrow, but still … I appreciate the fact that someone cares enough to worry. Even if it isn’t really about me.
    “No more. I promise,” I say, hoping Romeo will allow me to keep that promise.
    I hurry down the hall, darting into the bathroom to start the water before heading to my room to fire up the computer. I open the Internet browser and type in
Luna, Solvang
, sagging with relief when I see that Ben’s brother is listed. I’ve never gotten Ben’s cell number. Professions of love, a kiss I’ll never forget—but no phone number. We’re going at this backward, but it feels so right; it has since the first day. It doesn’t matter that his aura is glowing for another girl. He and Ariel can be happy together. I know it.
    And in the meantime, maybe it’s okay to let myself love him. Even if it isn’t forever. I pluck the phone from its cradle and dial.
    “Hello?” A woman’s voice answers on the second ring. Ben’s sister-in-law, I’m guessing.
    “Hello. Hi, this is Ariel Dragland.” I clear my throat. “I was wondering if I could speak with Ben?”
    “Of course! Ben has said so many nice things about you,” she says. “Let me get him.” The sound on the other end is muffled as she calls Ben’s name. When she comes back on the line, her voice is a hushed whisper. “Don’t give up on him, okay? He’s talking to Gemma right now, but I think he’ll be grateful for the interruption.”
    Oh no. Gemma. Why isn’t she at school? “Gemma’s there?”
    “Yes, but Ben’s making it
very
clear he’s not interested in being friends anymore. In a nice way, but still, very clear,” she says. “I’ve been eavesdropping while the baby’s sleeping. I just couldn’t help myself. He’s such a good kid, and I really want him to find someone who—”
    She breaks off with a worried
humh
. “Hold on a second, Ariel.” She puts the phone down with a soft thunk. I