Free Hopeless Magic by Rachel Higginson Page A

question.
    “Yes, that’s right and this is Roxie. We worked with Avalon’s team to extract the Brazil team after Avalon and Jericho were um, called away,” I noticed the look in their eyes as accusation, and blushed defensively.
    “So, um, you’re whole team is here?” I looked around, hoping to be able to place the rest of their team, but my nerves were fried and it felt as though my magic was on the fritz.
    “Yep,” Roxie mumbled through a fake smile.
    “Where are you guys staying?” I returned her smile with a fake one of my own.

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    “Here. We’re all staying here,” Roxie responded again, with an edge to her already tough demeanor.
    “Like your team, or like all of the teams?” I asked, once again looking around the barn at all the new additions.
    “Like everyone that’s in the Resistance,” Roxie answered my question harshly, obviously not concerned with being rude.
    “Rox,” Fiona chastised gently. “I’m sure she has her reasons.” She gave Roxie a meaningful glance and her large green eyes pleaded with Roxie to be polite.
    “I’m sure she does Fi. I just hope her reasons aren’t costing an entire race of people their future.” It was Roxie’s turn to give me a meaningful glare, one that pretty much had me shaking in my shoes. “Come on. Let’s go find your husband.”
    Fiona didn’t even pretend to be polite anymore but brushed past me after her friend. I watched as they walked towards Avalon and Jericho and 115/711
    other boys I didn’t recognize. I realized then that the rest of Avalon’s team was missing.
    Fiona and Roxie were greeted with enthusiasm and I even noticed Avalon give Roxie a hug. She looked tiny in his arms, hardly dangerous at all.
    Looks could be deceiving.
    Fiona slipped her slender, ivory arm through another boy's and they took a moment to gaze into each other’s eyes. A thousand words passed silently between them and I recognized their unspoken language as unfailing love. A ball dropped in my stomach and I suddenly had a tremendous need to find Kiran.
    I noticed Amory pull onto the gravel drive of the farmhouse and park his black Mercedes sedan next to Avalon’s. I practically ran towards him, hoping he would understand my need to flee. I couldn’t stand around this room while people continued to judge me. I needed to remind myself that there was a very strong, very tangible, very beautiful reason I had chosen not to join the 116/711
    Resistance and the small politics of simple peer pressure were not enough to force my hand.
    “Hey, Eden, come meet Ryder,” Avalon called out, already aware of my plans and hoping to dis-suade me.
    “Maybe later,” I called over my shoulder and picked up my pace to meet Amory at his driver’s side door.
    I enveloped Amory in my magical shield, keeping us dry and warm. He gave me a look of confusion that didn’t seem to fit his polished and well-dressed demeanor. He was not the type of man to feel confused.
    “Amory, I know this is a big request, but could I borrow your car right now…. Please?” I was near tears and not entirely sure why, but if I could only get back into the city I was sure everything would be fine.
    “Why Eden? Is everything ok?” When I shook my head in a frantic “yes,” his eyes deepened with concern. “Are you sure? I was hoping you could get to know everyone tonight. Immortals 117/711
    have come from all over the world to protect you, my dear. I doubt they would find it very polite if you simply took off before being introduced.” He smiled, trying to reassure me; but it sounded more like guilting me into staying than anything else.
    “It’s ok, I’ll just take Avalon’s,” I pushed past him and threw Avalon’s truck door open with my magic. “Can you bring him home tonight?
    Thanks,” I spat out before Amory could say anything else.
    I threw myself up and into the driver’s seat, starting the engine with a simple thought. I could hear Avalon screaming at me inside of my