Bookie Paige [COMPLETED] [UNEDITED]

Chapter 32

I rocked on my heels. His Blackness gestured for us to sit in the grass, so I did, a bit stunned.

"Ashely," I tried. I liked it. It suited me. And Isabelle, and Jake, and Charlie, and Qwen, and Emily. They all suited us.

"Yes, Ashley. Would you prefer Ms. Furth or Ms. Paige now?"

"Ever since you erased my name from my mind a year ago, I've called myself Bookie. I believe I'll stick to that name- for now."

"Very well," he responded. He moved into a different position. "Now, do we have any other questions, or can we proceed in our deal?"

"Are all of our parents in there?" I mumbled wearily.

"Yes."

"Then I will make you my deal." I paused for effect. He gestured for me to continue. "I want a new power- a physical one, not one in my mind."

He raised an eyebrow, though I couldn't see his eyes. "And in exchange?"

Here was where my lying started. "I-" I took a breath to show I was nervous. The breath was nervous and shaky. I also ran a hand through my hair. "I will work for you, or whatever. Shadow, Jake, whatever, said you told him about something bad. I want to know about it in return for you giving me a new power- which I have picked out."

"Hmm," he sighed. "What gift would you like, so I know if it is possible."

"I want to be able to shape shift into anything- alive or not. Anything."

"A shape-shifter of anything, and anyone, I presume?"

"Of course. I want to be able to become elements, like Rain- or Gwen. I want to be able to change into animals- like Owl, or Charlie. I want to be able to become plants- like Ivy, or Emily, can almost do. Everything and anything."

Again His Blackness sighed, deep in thought. "I want you to know, Ms. Paige, that I can do this with a snap of my fingers. I have more power than you could imagine." I took in a breath. I hadn't known he was so . . . Gifted. What he was saying was that he could do anything to anyone with a wave of his hand. We would never defeat him if we came into battle. "The question is: do I want to?" He looked up at me and removed his glasses, revealing penetrating blue eyes.

"Well?" I asked, confused.

"When I was young, Bookie, I was born with this gift; the ability to change people at will. But I couldn't change myself to have other powers, else you would all be in my grasp already." He paused. "At an older age, I decided to make an organization, the Black Jackets. I won't delve into details, but I know you are dying to know what my gift is. So there you have it."

"That's all fine and dandy," I said, crossing my arms. "But do we have a deal or not?"

"Bah!" He exclaimed, throwing up his hands. "I give in. I'll change you to have all three of your abilities- because I know of your future-seeing. Besides, I could use a smart brain like yours."

I almost sighed in relief. "You do it right now, right here."

He laughed. "I know that you've been lying to me, Bookie. I know you're going to escape first change you get." I stared at him, baffled. "But the deal is off. I will add a power, the one you want, to you, and then I will let you go."

"What?" I yelled, standing. "Just like that?" I felt like blowing up, I was so confused. "Why?!"

"Because, Bookie, I want you to come with your friends on your own free will- and you will, trust me."

I glared, and his answer wasn't sufficient. "Why else?"

He narrowed his icy eyes. "There isn't another reason."

I straightened. "Your body language tells me you lie. You are tense. Your eyes are nervous and flicker occasionally. You keep shifting positions. Tell me."

"Fine. You're right, I'm lying. But I won't tell you- you aren't ready enough to handle it."

"Whatever," I snapped. "Give me the gift and let me go."

"I will. But first, we need to make this seem like we captured you- else your friends might not think so highly of you."

I nodded tersely. Over the next hour, he explained to me how we were going to make this work. I nodded when he was finished, and mumbled, "Let's do it."

So he spoke some quiet words, raised his hand a me, and bam, I felt a million times stronger.