Dancing With Raven (The Young Shakespeareans Series) by S.G. Rogers Page A

Although Tori pretended nonchalance, Misty must have noticed a change of expression.
    “Are you all right?”
    “Just a sudden headache. Nothing to worry about.”
    “These frequent quakes are extremely unsettling, aren’t they?”
    “A little.”
    A blob of purple ectoplasm began to ooze up from the storm drain a few feet away. Tori became increasingly anxious for the valet to bring the car around before the sinister mass took its final form. She cursed the fact she hadn’t slipped the silver dagger into her purse. Of course, killing one demon when I’m surrounded by so many others probably wouldn’t be smart. Nevertheless, I should always have a silver weapon with me at all times—even if it’s just a pen like Raven’s.
    The amorphous ectoplasm emerged fully from the drain, slid onto the sidewalk, and drew itself up into humanoid shape. To avoid making it obvious she could see the demon, Tori turned to watch its reflection in the beauty salon window. When the creature sauntered over to stand directly behind her, she gritted her teeth. Stay calm and don’t move! It bent closer, making purring noises deep within its throat.
    “Pretty, pretty human.” Purple fingers caressed a lock of her hair, and she bit back a scream. Wait…I’m not completely without protection. She pulled her necklace from underneath her blouse.
    “Tori, the car is here!” Misty said.
    When she turned around, the demon was grinning—until it noticed the Celtic shield knot amulet now in plain view. It backed away with a hiss. Although she was trembling, Tori lifted her chin and strode past the creature.
    “Eat dust, slimeball,” she murmured.

    Raven woke up out of sorts Friday morning. Ever since the blowup with Tori, he’d been subdued and pensive. His father had advised him to give her a little time to adjust, but it was difficult to be patient. Pessimism wasn’t usually his most dominant personality trait, but it was hard to remain positive in the face of her cold shoulder. I’ve got to shake it off and keep going. Thankfully, I have the weekend to regroup.
    A gleaming black limousine was parked diagonally in the parking lot when he arrived at school. The showy vehicle took up three spaces. Raven speculated that some bigwig or school trustee had come for a visit. He forgot about it until he entered his homeroom and the teacher directed him to the Head of School’s office.
    Raven blanched. “Did I do something wrong?”
    “Not that I know of,” Mr. Rich replied. “Mr. Ashton just asked me to send you over.”
    Bewildered, Raven headed out of his homeroom and down the hall. It’s too soon in the semester for me to be failing. Besides which, I’ve made an effort to turn in all my homework and to be prepared for my classes. Did Tori make a complaint to Mr. Ashton about me? When he entered the Head of School’s office, he was shocked to find the person he least expected waiting for him in the reception area.
    “Lord Birmingham!” Raven forced a welcoming smile to his face and extended his hand for a handshake. “Dad told me you might be coming to town, but not until next month.”
    The corners of Birmingham’s mouth turned up. “Hello, lad. Actually, your big move to Los Angeles put a bee in my bonnet. I’m hoping you can do us a huge favor.”
    “Us?”
    The door to the inner office opened and Mr. Ashton escorted two young people out. Raven’s mouth opened in shock. Blazes! What are Fletcher and Felicia doing here?
    “Hello, Raven,” Felicia cooed.
    “All right there, Raven?” Fletcher gave him a broad grin.
    Mr. Ashton beamed at Raven’s dumbfounded expression, apparently mistaking it for pleasure. “Has Lord Birmingham told you the good news? His grandchildren are enrolling in our school for the rest of the semester!”
    Somebody pinch me. I’m having a nightmare.
    Birmingham put a hand on Raven’s shoulder. “Mr. Ashton has put Fletcher and Felicia in as many of your classes as possible. Anything you can