Free Twisted Sister of Mine (Overworld Chronicles) by John Corwin Page A

the table and looked at it for a moment before shaking his head. "This book is linked to the primary dorm roster, and I'm afraid it's showing everything is quite full." He sighed. "I would offer Justin lodging at my house, but the administration frowns on such things unless it's for family members." Another sigh. "A shame really. They assigned me such a roomy house, one which my family hardly fills."
    "You could adopt me," I said with a hopeful grin.
    He laughed. "Yes, well, as your advisor, I will keep a keen eye on the roster and let you know of any openings in housing. I will also have your schedule ready on the morn." He held out his hand.
    I gripped it and received a firm shake.
    "Congratulations, Justin. You're officially a student at Arcane University."
    After leaving Miles, Shelton and I headed toward the sky car.
    "So, I actually did okay?" I asked him. "I thought I sucked."
    He chuckled. "I'm proud of you. It was a little hairy there, but you did more than most beginners." He kicked a loose stone with his boot. "I think going through remedial classes is just what you need. Maybe by reviewing them in a formal setting, you'll pick up on something Bella and I overlooked."
    I thought back to high school and how well I'd done in my classes. Maybe there was something to be said about being squeezed through the same educational process as everyone else that would put my brain back on track. On the other hand, ice throbbed through the veins in my leg, and it was all I could do not to limp. I chalked up the pain to being so tired, but a stab of fear took me in the chest as I wondered if the vampling curse was fighting the potion.
    We reached the sky car shuttle back to the valley and jumped in just as the doors slid shut behind us. Two men in black Arcane robes stood to our right, scrutinizing us as we took seats on the opposite end. As the vehicle shifted into motion, the motion caused the men to sway to the sides, briefly revealing a man in clothing that looked like a cross between a business suit and a robe.
    I felt Shelton stiffen next to me the same moment I saw the other man's eyes widen.
    "Oh, crap," Shelton said, his knuckles turning white from the grip he had on the armrest.
    The other man stood, walked between his bodyguards. "Harry?"
    Shelton took a deep breath. Sighed. Looked up at the other man and snarled, "Hey, Dad."
     

Chapter 9
     
    I felt my mouth hang open as those words hit my ears. The two men looked almost nothing alike. "You have a dad?" I said, the words tumbling from my lips.
    Shelton gave me a look. "What kind of dumbass question is that? Everyone has a dad." He stood and gave the other man a stony look. "What brings you to the university?"
    The other man looked at Shelton, as if trying to divine what emotions lay behind his son's rigid exterior. "Work. I'm making a tour of the schools, to assure everyone the council is doing everything in its power to keep kids safe, especially with the Grand Melee coming. The vampires have left us no choice but to prepare for any eventuality." He looked at me and held out a hand. "I'm Jarrod Sager."
    I stood, feeling even more confusion frazzle my brain. "The Arcanus Primus?"
    "Yeah, he's a big shot," Shelton said with a shrug.
    I shook the man's hand. "But your last names are different."
    "Long story," Shelton said, giving me a narrow-eyed look, clearly indicating I should just shut my mouth.
    "Uh, I'm Justin," I said, trying to think up a new fake last name in case he asked. The name Slade was too well known.
    Jarrod's eyes shined with recognition anyway. "Justin Slade." His voice was even and neutral, but I could sense something else behind it. "I've wanted to meet you for a while. But after what happened here and in Colombia, you dropped off the map."
    "Uh, what makes you think I'm Justin Slade?"
    He offered a practiced smile. "Your name and appearance has gained some infamy in Overworld politics. Why, in the last Conclave meeting, the vampires tried to ram