The Cravers

4. Everybody Loves Jenifer

Stella Evans POV:

Only one thing could change Stella's mood from a frown to a smile.

Shopping.

And it was therapy shopping.

She waltzed into her state-of-the-art living room, filled with designer goodies from Saks. It was perfect. The skies were blue and the stores were stocked with the most daring and fashionable items of the season.

Her phone began to ring. 

 Amy Preece. 

Of course. "Hi, sweetheart!" Stella said cheerfully. "You would never believe what I just saw at Barney's! They have the perfect dresses ever!"

"Yahoo," Amy said bleakly. "Can't wait."

Stella's smile vanished. "What's wrong?"  Suddenly, the positive energy she felt drained out of her. She could sense something was wrong. 

Amy sighed, a heavy sigh. "Nothing. Couldn't sleep last night."

"Amy, don't tell me you're still thinking about Jenifer." Saying her name sent shivers down her spine. Ugh. Couldn't the dead just stay--well---dead? Stella was sure Jenifer's grave was much peaceful than the paparrazzi chasing her. Plus, she could get all the beauty rest she could get until she came back next cycle. Probably hotter than she was.

"Don't act like you don't get haunted! Geez, Stell. We've been friends, close friends with her! It's not a friendly thing to take her death as a joke!"

"I know, I know. Quit acting like a chicken. She's coming back next cycle. Remember what we are? Immortals. We don't die out of the norm, Amy. Quit your thinking and get your pretty head out of your ass." Stella said as an advice. "I'm bored...we should check out those dresses at Barney's. And we'll stop to eat too. That should help." She offered.

Amy sighed. "You don't get it, do you? Even if she's coming back, why would anyone kill her like that? Why wouldn't she fight back? Were you there? Did you see her state?"

Stella had pondered on that question since day one. But it wasn't her place to question the Coven's business. They knew everything, they had everything under control. She was sure of it. "You're making me regret asking you to go."

Amy grunted loudly on the other side. "Fine," she scowled, "I'll see you out there." 

"Bye," Stella groaned. 

She pushed out her legs onto the table and closed her eyes briefly. She heard shuffling behind her, without turning she spoke. "Hi, Jake."

Jake approached closer, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Hey yourself."

"Where were you?" she mumbled. "I didn't see you come home last night.I called your parents too."

He shrugged, sitting across from her. "I had business."

She narrowed her eyes demurely, taking in his appearance. He looked washed up tired. But still handsome. His green eyes looked glassy and weary. And  his blond hair was messy as if someone was running their hands in there. He managed to still look perfect even in his worst state. "What is it?"

Jake stared at Stella, in caution. He studied her for a second, deciding to see if he should tell her or not. "Nothing."

Stella leaned forward. "Tell me. Don't make me fight for it."

He ran his hands through his hair, she watched him. She was doing that thing with her eyes--judging silently. He hated that.  "Stell, I think Jenifer just didn't die..." he gave a restrained nod at her, "I think she was murdered. Someone had something against her. Not just a street crime."

So that was it? Seriously, couldn't everyone worry about something else? Say, global warming! Why was he stuck on Jenifer's death? Could it be because they had a history together that she hasn't caught? Wait, were they in love?

"That's ridiculous." Jake scoffed. "Don't think about that, Stell. I know you. Jen and I did nothing together."

Satisfied, Stella folded her hands on her lap with relief. "Amy is the same. She's been nagging me today with her bitchy mood. Did you hear from the Coven? You know they are strict on information." Stella's cycle uncle, Perry was the president of the Coven. And information did not escape easily under his rule. "What's going on?"

"They are hiding something," he said in frustration. "You probably hadn't noticed but dark magic was all over her body."

No, she hadn't noticed. She was too busy screaming when she had seen the dead body of Jenifer lying behind the club. But she knew something. Dark matter did not just escape from the Ward of Magic underneath the Coven offices. Someone must've broke in to have stolen them. Or worse, a corrupted...Hunt--

 She felt panicky and out of breath. Gee, I hope they don't suspect me.  She's been investigated countless times but after she came clean, it was all over. But that was the thing, there were lot of people who had grudges against her, who know who could plot against her?

She shivered. "Stop, I trust the Coven. They will find the killer and burn them to death. You think it will escape in peace? We'll find him...or her...or it. They won't let it go." She clutched his cold hands. "Don't scare me."

"I don't know..." he cupped his face, feeling deprived. "You're right, we should wait till the training starts. We could be more involved once we get our Detector titles."

A detective, Stella had considered being part of the secret police group before. But now hearing about what might actually be going on in the Coven, frightened her.

"What's your idea?" She remarked, trying to keep a steady cool gaze.

He parted his fingers from his face, challenging her. "Do you wanna know?"

She picked on her floral dress. "Spill."

"I think a Hunter might've escaped Blood Caves and killed her."

Warning signs went around her head. She looked around, being careful so no one heard him. "What do you mean a Hunter escaped Caves! Are you out of your mind? They're abomination!" she hissed darkly. Dear, God! What was he thinking? He really should be occupied with things to do. Who was he to make such predictions?

He groaned, "I know. Don't remind me. But I just can't stop thinking--"

"Leave it to the Detectors!" she screamed. "Don't talk about those damned creatures! Jake, oh, Jake, you gotta stop this!" Stella paced hurriedly. 

Soon, he was by her side, doing the same...pulling on his roots. "Stop." She halted him.

Then she pulled him and kissed him deeply on the lips, feeling their worlds merge together, trying to forget their conversation. "It's going to be alright."

He looked hopeful. His eyes glinted softly. "What would I do without you?"

What would he do?

She smiled. "Take a shower. Rest. Eat something. We have a reservation tonight. Perry invited my parents to a dinner." She brushed his hair away from his forehead. "Forget everything."

He nodded, caving in. "Thanks."

He left the living room.

Stella quickly dialed Amy. She picked up at the first ring. "Cancel our plan. I don't feel like shopping."

Even therapy wouldn't able to relieve the mood she was in.

07/10/2015