Free She Smells the Dead by E.J. Stevens Page A

temples.
    “Emma, it looks like you’ll have time for your mud mask after all,” I sighed, trying to smile.
    Emma helped pick the papers up off the bed, laying them on the nightstand and Calvin told her he’d make sure I got some rest.
    “Night then Yuki,” she said on her way out, “don’t ever let anyone tell you your life is dull.” Turning to Calvin she said, “Take good care of her.”
    When the front door closed, Calvin came over and started unlacing my boots. I could barely keep my eyes open.
    “Calvin Miller did you slip me a roofie because I feel like I’m about to pass out,” I mumbled.
    Cal laughed and pulled the blankets up under my chin. He came back a minute later with a glass of water. “Drink up, Dung Beetle Princess,” he said handing me the glass. “Working with spirit will drain you fast, especially when you’re just learning how to use it,” he said. Setting the glass over on the nightstand, he stood to leave. “Goodnight Yuki,” he said and leaned down to kiss my forehead. He ran his finger along my cheek brushing hair off my face.
    Goodnight Calvin . I was sucked down into the dark oblivion of dreamless sleep.
     

Chapter 25
     
     
    I woke up to a pounding headache and the acrid smell of vinegar burning my nose. Go suck eggs Jackson, I thought as I rolled over and pressed the snooze button on my alarm clock. Go suck pickled eggs Vinegar Dude . Calvin was right. I needed to be more careful when dealing with the spirits of the dead. What I needed now was knowledge. Was there someone out there who could teach me how to control my power? I couldn’t face the thought of feeling this horrible for the rest of my life. There had to be an easier way.
    I made a mental note to ask Calvin about his training. He had made it sound like he was learning to work with his wolf spirit, but hadn’t elaborated. Once classes were over today, I was going to drill him for details. For a moment I wished that Emma was privy to Calvin’s new werewolf status. Emma was an awesome interrogator. That girl could get a block of tofu to talk . Laughing at the thought of squealing tofu, I opened my eyes and faced the day.
    The school day seemed to drag on forever. The halls were buzzing with excitement about the homecoming dance. Streamers in school colors were hung above lockers and around doorways. I was already on sensory overload and the inescapable bright colors and hum of conversation were making my headache worse.
    “If you keep frowning like that, you’re going to stick that way” Emma said at lunchtime.
    I winced as someone dropped their lunch tray. The clatter of silverware hitting the painted concrete floor was like someone sending icy spikes through my brain.
    “Oh, that face is even worse,” Emma said dramatically, “go back to the first expression quick. If you keep wincing like that, I’m going to lose my appetite.”
    “Emma, you never have an appetite,” I said feeling a little grouchy.
    “I have an excellent appetite but how am I supposed to eat while surrounded by the smell of death?” Emma asked.
    “Hey, isn’t that my line?” I joked.
    “No, you smell ghosts but I smell death. Every time someone sits at our table with a burger or pepperoni pizza I feel like I’m trying to eat my lunch at an autopsy table,” she said and shuddered. “It’s totally disgusting,” she added.
    I looked down at my yogurt and suddenly didn’t feel so hungry. With a warning twist from my stomach, I pushed the yogurt cup a foot away.
    “See. Who’s having appetite issues now?” Emma asked archly.
    Emma was a great person to have around if you needed to go on a diet.
    “So, you need a ride home today?” Emma asked.
    I figured that was her way of asking if things were still going well between me and Calvin. “No thanks. Calvin is driving me home later,” I said, a smile crossing my face.
    “I thought so,” Emma said, “He seemed really worried when you went all spacey last night. I figured