Meet and Greet

Outside, the girls met Cassandra in front of their dormitory. There were two young men standing with her, waiting too. Magdalene knew one of the men was Nathan, the witch that was going to help her with her blood infusions, she did not recognize the other man.

She bit her lip at the sight of him. He was tall, broad shouldered, and well built. His eyes were dark slate blue and mysterious; and his hair fell in front of them in rather long locks. Her eyes turned away from him, almost afraid to look at him because he was so handsome.

His eyes fell on her immediately and Magdalene felt their piercing blue hold. She was almost sure he was a vampire, he was so magnificent. She had seen many vampires at her Father's house, and when they looked at you she knew better than to look at them, it was out of habit that she couldn't look at the young man. Thankfully, Cassandra was there to introduce everyone.

"Magdalene, Rose, these are my friends Nathan," she motioned to the boy Magdalene recognized with light brown short hair and boyish grin. "And Holden."

Holden was the dark looking young man that sent shivers through Magdalene's entire body. She looked him straight in the eye upon his introduction and rolled her shoulders back with an easy smile.

"Nice to meet you," Holden said returning her smile. He didn't acknowledge Rose.

"You're Rose Blake?" Nathan asked her roommate.

Magdalene felt self conscious suddenly. She and Holden were staring at each other with stupid smiles on their faces. Nervously, she tucked her brown curls behind her ear.

"Yes," Rose said as she brushed her long blond hair over her shoulder. "Though I'm considering changing my name."

Magdalene glanced at her new friend with a smile. She immediately felt Rose's anxiety and frowned. She was grossly uncomfortable suddenly. Was it the sight of the two young men that made her uncomfortable? Did she not like that Nathan knew who she was immediately? Magdalene continued to frown as someone's curiosity spiked her empathic radar.

She felt Holden's eyes on her still and looked at him with raised eyebrows. She expanded her mind and felt his curious emotions wash over her. He felt cautious and awkward.

Magdalene frowned as anxiety weighed down on her chest. She hooked Rose's arm and began to move down the street, following Cassandra and Nathan who were only a few paces ahead.

She took a slow breath. She had to steady herself. She was beginning to pick up too many different emotions. If she didn't focus herself, she would become overwhelmed and no doubt have some sort of empathic episode.

"Have we met before?" Holden asked breaking the awkward silence. "You look really familiar…"

"No," Magdalene shook her head. "I'm pretty sure I would remember meeting you."

Holden beamed at her. "Why do you look so familiar then?"

"I don't know. I just have one of those faces, I guess."

"No," Holden shook his head as he walked next to her. "You have a very unique face."

"Barf," Rose said with a roll of her eyes. Magdalene smirked with a side glance at her roommate.

"Holden, leave her alone," Cassandra said quickly. "You're not the inquisition."

Holden looked offended at her remark as he walked next to Magdalene on her right. "I never forget a face."

"Well, I was raised by my father in his home," Magdalene said coolly. "The first time I left there was about a month ago. So, I seriously doubt we've met before."

"Who's your father?"

Magdalene hesitated. She picked up Holden's curious feelings again; he was still looking at her. His hands were in his jean pockets as they walked, as if he didn't know what to do with them. His eyes were very deep, they were so dark they were almost black and Magdalene felt a heat grow inside her that she had not felt in a long time. She looked away from him to stare ahead of her.

"It doesn't matter who he was," she said vaguely.

"How did you get here then?" Holden continued to probe.

"Holden," Cassandra hissed as she glared at him over her shoulder.

"I just mean, why'd you come here to Harper's? Of all the schools to choose from, why here?"

"Why are you here?" Magdalene retorted with sharp eyes.

"Harper's is one of the best schools for witches," Holden said honestly. "I want to study and train to be a member of the Fire Stone Clan."

Magdalene nodded her head. "You're not a member already?"

"Fire Stone Clan is very difficult to be accepted into," Rose said quietly.

"Not as difficult as Clover Leaf," Holden shot back.

Rose was uncomfortable. Magdalene could feel it. She frowned slightly as she took in Rose's expression. She was annoyed with Holden. Did they know each other already?

"It's not a bad thing for Clans to be very selective of their members."

"She's right," Cassandra said. "You can want to be a member of a Clan with all your heart, but if it's not meant to be it's not."

"Thank you," Holden snipped quickly. He looked back at Magdalene with a deep dark stare that made her feel see through. She stared at him in return, not intimidated by him.

"How do you all know each other?" Magdalene asked breaking Holden's stare.

"Cassie and I met last year when we started school," Holden responded. "Nate and I go way back."

Magdalene already knew how Nathan and Cassandra knew each other. She was waiting for Holden or Rose to speak about their past relationship. They obviously knew each other somehow. Neither of them spoke though. Magdalene was looking sharply at Rose with raised eyebrows. Rose was staring straight ahead avoiding Magdalene's stare.

"Where is this meet and greet?" Rose asked changing the subject.

Magdalene caught that Holden rolled his eyes at her then moved forward to catch up to Cassandra and Nathan.

"Burning Hall," Cassandra responded before crossing the street. Magdalene hung back a moment and looked at Rose intently.

"Are you okay?"

"Yea," Rose said quickly. She tucked her hair behind her ear again. It seemed to be a nervous habit for her. Magdalene raised her eyebrows at Rose, hoping to encourage her.

"You don't have to lie to me," she whispered quickly as a car passed them on the street. "It's pretty obvious that you and Holden know each other and he makes you uncomfortable."

"We went to school together," she shrugged. "…and dated…I dumped him because my Mother didn't like that he's from a small line and had no clan affiliations."

Magdalene nodded her head understanding everything a bit more clearly. "A small line?"

Rose shrugged. "He's a loner witch. His parents were both magical, but they died young and he was raised by his mortal uncle. His father wasn't a pure witch and that didn't sit well with my family. They have pretty high standards about member's lineage."

"I see," Magdalene said with a frown.

"Come on," Rose said stepping into the street. Cassandra, Holden and Nathan were waiting on the other side. "He's never really let me forget how much of a bitch he thinks I am. I haven't seen him in almost two years…"

"Did you want to break up with him?"

"Not at the time," Rose said honestly. "But my blood and magic mean more to me than anything. I will always be a Blake Clover Leaf Witch before anything else. It's all that I am."

"That's kind of heavy," Magdalene said. "You're human. You have emotions that you should listen to."

"Yes," Rose agreed. "But my emotions don't determine my identity. My experiences, my blood and my magic do. Family is everything to the Clover Leaf Clan. Holden is bitter that he wasn't brought into the clan despite wanting a place in our family. But his dedication to his magic is not the same as mine. He would choose his emotions before his magic. I will always choose my magic, as would everyone in my clan. That is what holds us together."

Magdalene nodded in understanding. "It's your true love."

"Yea," Rose smirked. "It is. I still don't think Holden understands that."

"I bet Sonnie does," Magdalene teased. Rose rolled her eyes with a giggle.

"Magdalene! Rose!"

Magdalene looked forward to see Cassandra standing in front of a tall building labeled Burning Hall in crisp brass letters over the front double doors.

"You fell behind," Cassandra said as they reached her.

"We were just chatting," Rose said.

"About Holden?"

"Everyone is very perceptive." Rose looked uncomfortable again.

"He's been complaining about running into you for weeks," Cassandra sighed.

"He's the one you heard a rumor from?" Rose asked referring to the comment Cassandra made earlier about Rose coming to Harper's.

Cassandra nodded as she pulled the door to the hall open. The lobby of the hall was empty, which surprised Magdalene. Where was this meet and greet? She was surprised that the Witches of Harper's Society had such an open club name. She bit her bottom lip as Cassandra walked across the lobby to the elevator. There was a button to go up, which she pushed.

"Yea, sorry," she said to Rose as they waited for the elevator. "What are the chances that you'd be Magdalene's roommate and run into him so quickly? He's being sour to me like I found you on purpose to torture him."

"He often thinks everything is about him."

"You guys complain about him a lot," Magdalene said glancing between the two girls.

"We're just venting," Cassandra said. "He's a good guy…he just doesn't realize how selfish he can be at times—he's a bit of a womanizing bastard and full of himself."

"Not much has changed then," Rose commented.

The elevator chimed and the doors opened. Magdalene followed Cassandra and Rose into the elevator. She noticed immediately that there were only three floor buttons on the control panel of the elevator. There was the normal emergency stop button and open or close door button as well. At the bottom of the control panel was a small key hole. Magdalene heard Cassandra messing with her key ring. She found the small key she was looking for and placed it in the key hole as the doors of the elevator shut. She turned the key to the right. The elevator shifted and began to lower down the shaft. Magdalene noticed that the basement was not one of the options of buttons on the control panel. Obviously, the meet and greet was considered a private event.

"The WAHS is a secret society on campus," Cassandra said noticing Magdalene's intent stare. "Only members of the board have a key."

"You're on the society's board?" Rose seemed surprised.

"Yea," Cassandra nodded.

"Does anyone on the school's staff know about WAHS or this elevator?" Magdalene asked.

"Yes, two professors over see the secret society. It's the only witches club on campus. We have to keep it secret—we can't go around spreading that Witches At Harper's Society is meeting at noon for their monthly meeting. It's just better to keep it a secret…so…that means you can't tell anyone."

"Accept other witches?" Magdalene asked.

"Yea," Cassandra nodded. She gave Rose and Magdalene a beaming smile as the elevator stopped and chimed again. "I hope you two are ready for a party."

The elevator doors opened to booming music and overwhelming crowd. Magdalene's hand jumped to her forehead as emotions of every kind washed over her unprepared mind. She had never been in such a crowded room before; hundreds of students were packed into the basement of Burning Hall. It was dark, there were candles burning from antique chandlers over head, but they did not provide enough light to make the room bright. Loud music erupted through the dank basement; the dance floor was full of young adults milling and dancing with each other.

"There you are!" Holden appeared carrying a plate of food. "Thought you got lost."

"I was waiting for these two," Cassandra said pointing to Magdalene and Rose over her shoulder.

"Want to get some food?" Holden asked Magdalene. He was practically shouting at her because of the loud music.

"I'm not hungry, thank you," Magdalene said.

"How can you not be hungry?"

"I'm just not…" Magdalene shrugged.

In truth, it was because she was part vampire that she wasn't hungry. Very rarely did Magdalene eat. She probably ate once a day, if that, as it did not provide many nutrients to her. She had her eight ounces of blood daily, which provided more to her than anything. She could go at least three days with out blood, but over the course of those days she became moodier, her eyes would dilate—a sign of aggression—and her skin turned paler pink. She would become physically weaker and look sickly. If aggravated, she could become violent.

She hoped it would never come to that at Harper's. She and Nathan had worked out a detailed plan of when she would come to get blood at the clinic. He was working the night shift currently, so she would visit the clinic every night at the start of his shift around ten pm. On nights before Nathan had a day off, he would give Magdalene a blood bag to sneak back to her dorm. She would then have to find a way to drink it in privacy so that Rose did not become suspicious of her.

Magdalene was a little uneasy that two people on campus already knew her secret. She trusted Cassandra, because she trusted Roman, but she wasn't sure if she could trust Nathan. Cassandra stood up for him; tried to reassure both Magdalene and Roman that he was trust worthy. Magdalene was confident that he would keep her secret until he didn't need to anymore. She wasn't sure she trusted him to protect her secret the way he would protect his family or close friends.

"Magdalene?"

Magdalene blinked up at Holden who was looking at her with raised eyebrows.

"Sorry," she shook her head. "What did you say?"

"I asked if you want a drink?"

"No, I'm fine," Magdalene shook her head as she looked around. Rose and Cassandra had disappeared. She looked back at Holden who was smiling at her. She bit her bottom lip. "You and Rose used to date?"

His smile fell.

"Yea," he nodded. "She tell you I'm an unforgiving ass?"

"Something like that," Magdalene grinned. She brushed her messy brown locks out of her face. "Why are you unforgiving?"

Holden rolled his dark eyes. She could sense that he was trying not to smile; he didn't want to seem too eager for her attention. "Are you going to tell me about your dad?"

"Nope," Magdalene shook her head, still smiling.

"Then you'll have to settle with knowing I'm unforgiving but not knowing why," Holden looked out around the crowd of people.

"Do you know a lot of people here?"

"Yea, I've been a member of WAHS since I started here. Cassie keeps trying to get me to be one of the board members, but I'm not interested."

"Why not?"

"Too much responsibility," Holden laughed.

"Holden! There you are!"

Magdalene's eyes fell on a young man about the same height as Holden. He had dark chocolate skin and curly black hair. His eyes were amber, which caught Magdalene's attention. She had never seen eyes like his before. He was a well built man with broad shoulders. She immediately noticed a tattoo of a dagger on the inside of his forearm. The artwork perked her interest. She liked the detailing. As she studied it, she noticed a very small cross on the handle of the dagger.

She frowned slightly. The cross was the mark of a fledging, a blood slave of a vampire. She studied the new man closely, worried that she might know him from her past life. Was he fledging of her father's clan? Of her grandmother's clan? Did he know of Markus or his home? Why was a fledging at a witch party?

"Max," Holden said. "I was wondering when you'd get here."

"I've been here you idiot," Max replied quickly. "Who's your friend?"

"This is Magdalene," Holden motioned to her.

She extended her hand to Max. "Nice to meet you."

"You too," he said taking her in as he shook her hand.

"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I can't help but notice your tattoo."

"Everyone does."

"And the cross?"

"Born a fledging," he responded. "Broke free and was welcomed in by Holden's family."

"A witch born into that kind of life must be incredibly rare. I think the chances are astronomical."

Max laughed loudly and shook his head. "I'm not a witch—"

"—just wishes he was—," Holden piped in.

"—just an ally," Max said with a sideways glance at Holden. "I'm a member of the police academy here. Obviously, my unique experience gives me a pretty unique outlook on law enforcement. While I'm sure no clan will take me, I'm confident that my view of the world will help make it a safe place."

Magdalene nodded her head in understanding. She appreciated where Max was coming from. She had broken free from her own unique experience in the vampire world after all. But she wasn't sure if he understood blood laws correctly. A fledging was a blood slave, bound to their owner by blood. The only way a fledging could be removed from their life of bondage is if the bond was broken—if the vampire is destroyed. But blood laws are complicated; just because a vampire was killed didn't mean the fledging was free. If a vampire kills another vampire, they inherit all blood rights of the vampire they killed. If Max's vampire was killed by another vampire it was completely possible that he had a new master…Magdalene didn't fully understand blood laws and she was half vampire. She wasn't sure if a witch would understand them at all.

"That's very noble," she said with a kind smile. "And brave. It's not an easy life to break free from, I'm sure."

"That's why we have to study hard," Holden said slapping Max's shoulder. "So we can destroy vampires and ensure the safety of mortals everywhere."

Magdalene nodded instinctively. She closed her eyes for a moment as anxiety overwhelmed her. Someone nearby was afraid that everyone would find out their secret. She glanced around quickly, looking for someone who looked out of place, but it was difficult to find anyone in the crowd around her. She rubbed her temples as her head began to throb. Suddenly, she was on fire with lust, then happiness, and burning anger. She grabbed the other side of her head and let out a small moan of discomfort.

"Maggie, are you alright?"

She looked up at Holden in surprise. No one had ever called her Maggie. She stared at his blue eyes and felt his concern overpower her. She grabbed her chest as she opened her mouth, gasping. How could he be so worried about her? He barely knew her.

"No," she shook her head.

Holden grabbed her side as she stumbled forward. Her body felt heavy; weighed down by the overpowering emotions she felt. She had not lost control of her empathy like this in a long time, since she was a child. Perhaps the party of hundreds of witches was too much for her own emotional mind to handle.

"Go get Cassie," Holden said to Max who looked concerned as well. "I'm taking her to get some fresh air."

Holden supported Magdalene's body against his and escorted her to the elevator. She could feel his rippling six pack against her body and it sent chills of hot desire through her. She clung to him while they waited next to the elevator. Within moments, the elevator chimed and they climbed on.

Almost immediately, Magdalene felt relief. She sighed heavily and pulled away from Holden slowly.

"Thank you," she murmured as she stared at the floor. She was taking slow, deep breathes, trying to regain her composure.

"You have physical powers?"

Magdalene glanced at Holden but didn't make eye contact with him.

"I'm a witch," Holden continued. "I may not have physical powers, but I know others who do—"

"Yes," she whispered. "I'm empathic. It has been a very long time since I have been that overwhelmed though."

"Empathy is rare."

"Yes, I'm very unique," Magdalene said sarcastically.

Holden gave her a charming smile. The elevator chimed, announcing their arrival on the first floor, before either of them could say another word. Magdalene marched forward out of the lift into the lobby. She needed fresh air.

Outside she took a seat on the curb in front of Burning Hall. She sat back with her elbows on the ground to stare up at the dark night sky. It had been so long since she had lost control of her empathic powers; the night air was fresh and clear. She bit her bottom lip as she stared at the calm night sky. Someone in that party was worried about their secret being discovered…someone felt out of place, much like she had.

She was not surprised when Holden sat down next to her on the curb a few minutes later.

"Not a lot of people in your father's house?"

Magdalene looked at Holden with heavy eyes. He gave her a serious look and easy smile. She studied him for a few moments before speaking. Why was he asking her these questions? Why was he showing her such kindness?

"No," she finally said with a shake of her head. She looked back up at the sky. "No, there were never many people there."

"Did you run away?"

Magdalene looked at Holden again. He looked sincere and concerned. "He died. I couldn't stay there any longer."

"But he didn't treat you right?"

"How can you tell?"

"You're defensive," he responded.

"Am I?"

Holden smiled and shrugged. "It's not a bad thing," he said tapping her hand. She looked down where he had touched the top of her hand. She instinctively sat up and pulled the sleeve of her sweater down over her hand. "I'm assuming you didn't do that to yourself."

He was referring to her scars. He had touched an elegant looking rose design on her flesh.

Magdalene nodded. "No, I didn't." She looked out at the quiet street with a deep frown. She wasn't sure how much to tell Holden. She wasn't sure if he'd believe her…if he really cared. "My father did."

"I'm sorry, Maggie." She looked at him surprised. No one had ever called her Maggie. He gave her a smile. "What?"

She tucked her brown locks behind her ear. "No one has ever called me that."

"Does it bother you?"

"No," she shook her head with a small smile. No, it didn't. It gave her butterflies. "No, it doesn't."

"Your powers…do you feel other people's feelings all the time?"

"I can if I want to," she said slowly. "I usually have enough control that I don't feel them unless I want to."

"How do you know when you're feeling someone else's feelings and not your own?"

"Well," she whispered. "My feelings are my own thoughts. When I feel someone else's feelings I don't necessarily know why I'm feeling them."

"Can you tell how I feel now?"

Magdalene looked up at him with surprised eyes. His midnight blue eyes were staring at her with honest wanting. She bit her bottom lip as he grinned and stroked her cheek gently with the back of his fingers.

"There you are!"

It was Cassandra. Holden pulled his hand away from Magdalene's soft cheek. They both looked at the frazzled brunette who was storming out of Burning Hall with Nathan behind her.

"Are you alright?" she questioned. "Max said you were having an episode?"

"I'm fine now," Magdalene said as she stood up. "I was just overwhelmed. It's been awhile since I've been around that many people."

Actually, Magdalene wasn't sure she had ever been around that many people at once.

"Do you need to go to the clinic?" Nathan asked with serious eyes. Magdalene could see in his expression that really he was asking her if she needed blood.

"Oh no, it's not serious," she shook her head. "I'm just going to go back to the dorm. I think I need to turn in."

Holden stood up quickly. "You don't want to stay?"

"No, I don't."

"I'll walk you back to your dorm."

"That's not necessary," she insisted.

"I don't think it's a bad idea," Cassandra said quickly as she glanced between the two. "Witch or not, it's late and you shouldn't be walking alone."

Magdalene's eyes flashed at Cassandra, who didn't seem fazed by it. She simply smiled at Magdalene as if she were proud of her match making skills.

"Fine," Magdalene said glancing at Holden. "Will you let Rose know I went back to the dorm because I'm not feeling well?"

"Of course," Cassandra said. "See you two later."

Nathan said nothing, but waved to Magdalene and Holden before following Cassandra back into Burning Hall. Magdalene glanced at Holden with a sore expression.

"You don't have to walk me back," she said with her arms crossed over her chest. "I can take care of myself."

"I have no doubt about that," Holden said as the moved down the sidewalk back towards the dormitory. "Most girls here can. I just wanted to spend a little bit more time with you."

Magdalene looked at Holden with surprised eyes. She bit her bottom lip as butterflies fluttered in her stomach again. Only one person had ever expressed interested in her like that before. She wasn't used to someone wanting to spend time with her. She nodded her head, but said nothing as she smiled. Holden returned her smile and silently they walked back to the dormitory together.