2. H O L Y W A R : Target

CHAPTER VII

Cameron cast several wary glances at Zechariah as they walked through the City District. She had to admit, she was glad that it was him she was walking with—he was, after all, one of the Haven citizens she was most comfortable around. However, she had an uncomfortable nagging feeling that there was something more to his constant presence.

"So... I've got a question," Cameron finally said, scuffing the snowy ground with her shoe.

Zechariah lifted his shoulders slightly as he walked. "Fire away."

"Now, I don't wanna sound like I'm assuming anything," Cameron began defensively, "but you've made a lot of visits to my office since I got here. Any particular reason why?"

Zechariah hesitated before replying, "You're the first person who's come to Safe Haven without knowing what it was beforehand. I just want to make sure you're settling in nicely."

"Okay... and you're sure that's all it is?" Cameron pressed, leaning forward and trying to meet Zechariah's gaze.

Zechariah stopped and let out a somewhat annoyed sigh, closing his eyes. "Miss Cameron," he said in a dry tone, turning to face her, "I've heard more than enough accusations along these lines from my colleagues in recent weeks. I assure you, I am not making any advances upon you, romantic or otherwise. Bestiality is both outlawed and abhorred in Safe Haven, just like everywhere else."

Cameron grinned shakily. "Well, that's a relief." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Now, if only someone would make that clear to Fabian..."

Zechariah smirked. Obviously, she's unaware that Fabian is a Shifter as well, he realized. I could tell her the truth about him, of course... but I'd hate to spoil his fun.

"Zech... why am I here?" Cameron suddenly asked, her voice growing quiet as she stuffed her hands in her pockets.

Zechariah gave her a curious look. "What do you mean?"

"Someone sent me here for a reason," Cameron replied softly, staring at the ground as her cheeks turned red from the cold. "Someone who knew they'd be breaking a rule by doing it." She glanced at the vice principal. "Do... do you know who it was?"

"Unfortunately, we have no files containing any information on the person or persons who sent you here," Zechariah confessed regretfully. "We—"

"But do you know?" Cameron interrupted, looking Zechariah in the eye.

Zechariah stared at her, torn between telling the truth and, frankly, keeping her sane. If I tell her she's being prepped for possession by a fallen angel, her reaction might very well render her susceptible at this very moment!

"Miss Cameron, I—"

Suddenly, Zechariah's watch beeped. He looked at his tail sharply as a familiar voice blasted from it.

"Mr. Z! Mr. Z, are ya there?!" Zill cried from the other end. "We've got trouble at Rusty's!"

Cameron's eyes widened in confusion and surprise as Zechariah moved his tail to his mouth and asked, "What's going on, Zillion?"

"It's Imperius and the Blood Hunters! They're after Kia and DK!"

Now Zechariah's eyes widened at Zill's exclamation. "I'm on my way!" he said curtly before turning to Cameron and apologizing, "I'm sorry, Miss Cameron—I have to go."

"Wait—what's going on? Who's Imperius?" Cameron asked, scared and perplexed. "And why's he after the new kids?"

"I'll explain later!" Zechariah promised. "But for now..." He paused, looking around nervously. "Stay in public," he ordered. "Find something to do in the district. But whatever you do, do NOT go home. Alright?"