Crush (Crave)

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Cole?” I whisper, my hand going to my throat at the mention of the alpha werewolf. Macy answers grimly, “Cole.” “I couldn’t have.” I glance down at my blood-streaked hands with a new kind of horror. “I wouldn’t have.” I think, until this very moment, I was holding out for this being some kind of horrible feeding accident with Jaxon. Like, maybe this actually was my blood because I’d gone to his room last night and he’d bitten into an artery or something and then sealed it up like he did last time, after the flying-glass incident. I mean, of course, if I’m being reasonable, I know Jaxon would never be careless enough to bite into an artery of mine to begin with. He definitely wouldn’t leave me lying in bed, drenched in my own blood. And he sure as hell wouldn’t drop me into a sleep so deep that trying to get out of it felt like what I imagine surfacing from a coma would. But still, I think I would rather have all those things be true than to find out that this is another person’s blood I’m covered in. And that I might have been the one spilling it. “I know you wouldn’t do anything to Cole,” Macy soothes, but the look in her eyes says otherwise. Then again, the look in my eyes probably does, too. Don’t do it, Grace,” Hudson tells me. “You can’t trust her.” Maybe not, but I can’t trust you, either, so I’m going to go with the person who can help me the most. “This is not how things were supposed to happen.” He shakes his head. “Why won’t you trust me?” Maybe because you’re a raging psychopath, and I am tired of doing your bidding. I turn to the Bloodletter. “I’m ready. Show me how to build the wall.” I Think I Had Amnesia Once… or Twice “Come on, Grace, wake up. You’re going to miss breakfast if you don’t get up soon.” “Sleepy,” I mumble as I roll onto my stomach and away from Macy’s annoyingly cheerful voice. “I know you’re sleepy, but you have to get up. Class starts in forty minutes and you haven’t even had a shower yet.” “No shower.” I grab my comforter and pull it over my head, making sure to keep my eyes closed so I won’t be blinded by the hot-pink fabric. Or give Macy the idea that I’m actually awake. Because I very definitely am not. “Graaaaaace,” she whines, tugging on the comforter as hard as she can. But I’ve got a death grip on the thing, and I’m not about to let it go anytime soon. “You promised Jaxon we’d meet him in the dining hall in five minutes. You have to get up.” It’s the mention of Jaxon that eventually breaks through my dazed stupor and allows Macy to pull my comforter down. Cold air rushes against my face, and I make a half-hearted grab for the covers, still without opening my eyes. Macy laughs. “I feel like our roles are suddenly reversed here. I’m the one who’s supposed to be hard to get out of bed.” I make another lunge for the comforter and this time end Maybe we can do it this weekend?” “Yeah, sure. Just let me know what works for you.” “Great, thanks. And I’m sure I’ll want to take you up on the flying lessons.” I mean, I still can’t believe that I can fly. Me. Under my own power. Because I’m a gargoyle, I mean. When the whole “I have wings” thing came up earlier, the implication of being able to fly was there. But to think about it, to imagine Flint giving me lessons on how not to die while doing it… It’s more than a little overwhelming. Instead, I focus on something else. Giving the idea time to settle can’t be a bad thing. “But speaking of flying, I actually had a different question,” I say to Flint. He turns amused eyes my way. “Yes?” “You mentioned pixies. How many other species are out there? Are there a lot of other creatures that aren’t at Katmere, ones that I don’t even know exist?” “Definitely.” He grins. “More than you could ever imagine.” “Oh.” I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with that. My surprise must show, because Flint lifts a brow at me. “Was that not the answer you were looking for?” “I don’t know—I just… What other kinds of creatures are there? And why aren’t they at Katmere?” “Because Katmere’s teachers specialize in dragons, werewolves, vampires, and witches,” Flint tells me. “There are other schools out there that specialize in other magical creatures.” If you loved Crave, you will be infatuated by Crush. I didn’t think it was possible to love this story and these characters any more than I already did, but this book proved me so horribly wrong. Consider me the Crave series’ #1 fan. (Seriously.)

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she…lives…in an ice cave it doesn’t take that long to get to from here.” I turn his words over in my head, trying to find a deeper meaning to them. I know there is one—it’s obvious from the way looks are flying between my uncle and Amka. Macy seems oblivious, but that’s obviously because she’s as in the dark about this subject as I am. “She’s brutal,” Amka says after a second. “Completely terrifying. But if anyone knows how to help you, she will.” I’ve got to admit, “brutal” is not exactly a word that evokes confidence in me. Then again, neither is “terrifying.” And considering I’m standing in a room with one of the most powerful vampires in existence and no one here is the least bit afraid of him, I shudder to think of what this Bloodletter person might be like. Especially since even Jaxon seems nervous at the idea of taking me to her. “Do you know her?” I ask as apprehension fills me. “I mean, will she try to kill us on sight or will she at least listen to what we have to say?” “She’s brutal but not completely psychotic,” Jaxon tells me. “And I do know her, yes. She raised me.” He doesn’t say anything else, just kind of drops it out there, like being raised by the most terrifying vampire in existence is a totally normal thing. He might as well have pulled out a fullon South Park impression and said, Move along, people. Nothing to see here. Which only convinces me more that there’s a lot Jaxon’s leaving out. And more concerned that what he’s leaving out is

Jaxon and Grace's story continues in New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff's captivating sequel to Crave. The story itself is good. Kind of predictable. So far I've been able to call everything that's happened including the last line. And still no sex. If I wasn't a person that likes to finish something that they've started I would have quit this at the last book Read more Jaxon nods. “Pretty much—it takes at least two people to survive the Trial, or so they say.” He squeezes my hand, his gaze holding mine. “I keep thinking we should do it one day. The Circle needs someone to lead it who won’t let that happen.” “Us? Why? I thought you hated all the prince stuff?” I mean, being queen certainly isn’t on my agenda. I’m more interested in art school, even if I have to do a gap year because of the whole “trapped as a gargoyle for four months” mess that screwed up college apps and everything else in my life, apparently. “I do,” he assures me. “But there’s been a Third Great War brewing for a long time, and Hudson only exacerbated it with the shit he pulled before he died.” “Yes, let’s blame me for the fact that Dad and the wolves are teaming up with made vampires so they can wipe everyone else out of existence.” Hudson rolls his eyes. “What a wanker.” “What does that have to do with us being the head of the Circle?” I ask Jaxon, though I definitely want to follow up on Hudson’s comment later, because it sounded very different from anything else I’ve heard. “Gargoyles are peacekeepers,” Mekhi interjects. “If you and Jaxon take his parents’ place, you have a much better chance of keeping shit under control. Between Jaxon’s power and your ability to chill things out—” “I can do that?” I interrupt. “That’s what the old stories all say,” Rafael tells me. “Gargoyles were created to keep the balance among the Obviously.” I don’t mean to sound snarky; I really don’t. I know he just wants to help. But what am I supposed to do here? I can’t just go around assaulting people. The whole Idon’t-remember thing is going to get old fast. God knows it’s already old for me. Macy steps between us. “So what do we do, Dad? How do we stop this from happening again?” I wrap my arms around my waist and hold on tight. “You’re not going to call the police, are you? I didn’t mean to hurt him. Honestly, I still can’t figure out how I did hurt him. He’s—” “No one’s calling the police, Grace,” Jaxon tells me firmly. “That’s not how we handle things here. And even if we did, you can’t be held responsible for something you did when you weren’t aware. Right, Foster?” “Of course. I mean, we’re going to have to watch you, make sure this doesn’t happen again. You can’t go around assaulting other students.” “Even if they deserve it,” Macy interjects. “I know it’s wrong, but after everything Cole did to you last semester, I’m having a hard time feeling sympathy for the guy.” Jaxon snorts. “I should have killed him when I had the shot. Then this never would have happened.” “No, you shouldn’t have,” I scold him. “That’s a horrible thing to say.” “Horrible,” Macy agrees, “but also a little bit true.” I shoot her a what-the-hell look, but she just kind of shrugs, as if to say, What did you expect? There goes my mind, blowing up all over again. “Like…?” “Like in Hawaii, there’s a school that specializes in water shifters.” “Water shifters?” I repeat. “Yes,” Flint answers with a laugh. He must know what I’m thinking, because he adds, “Mermaids are real. So are selkies and nereids and sirens, among other things.” “Seriously?” I ask. “Seriously.” He shakes his head in obvious amusement. “You look dazzled.” “I feel dazzled.” “Vegas has Ceralean,” Hudson adds from near my head. “It’s a school for succubi, among others.” Out of all the mythological creatures, that’s what you come at me with? I give an exaggerated eye roll. A creature known for its sexual appetites? “Hey, I was just adding to your knowledge base.” The look he gives me is so innocent that I’m amazed he doesn’t have a halo sparkling…right around his feet. “You’re the one who asked.” I don’t even bother to say anything this time. I just roll my eyes again…at least until I realize Flint is staring at me like he suddenly thinks something is really wrong with me. I’m proven right when he asks, “Umm, do you have something in your eye?” “Yeah, I just got some dirt in there or something.” I rub my eye. “All better.”

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Families can talk about Grace's transformation in Crush. What does she learn about her powers? How do they change her? Is she more of a hero in this book than in Book 1? Could she have been the hero without having powers? making their way to class. As we start to walk, I lean away again, grab hold of Jaxon’s hand, and thread our fingers together. I may not be able to kiss him right now, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love him. And it doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with him any way that I can. Jaxon doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t object, either. And when I look up at him, I realize that the small smile he’s got on his face has an extremely goofy tint to it. Because of me. I’m the girl who turns badass vampire prince Jaxon Vega goofy. Not going to lie, it feels good. “So where am I walking you?” Jaxon asks as we finally reach the main hallway. “I don’t know. They switched my science class. I went from basic Chem to the Physics of Flight, but I don’t know why.” “Really? You don’t know why?” Jaxon asks, brow raised, a teasing glint in his eyes. “No.” I shrug. “Do you?” “I mean, I can’t say for sure, but I’m guessing it has something to do with the big, beautiful wings your alter ego carries around.” “My alter— Oooooh.” That has my eyes going wide. “You mean the Physics of Flight is about actually being able to fly?” “Yeah.” He looks at me incredulously. “What did you think it was about?” That completely changes in this novel. Grace is constantly asserting her independence and strength throughout Crush, prompting discussions of agency at almost every turn and with every new plotline.

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You already started,” the Bloodletter tells me, “before I put you to sleep. You started laying the groundwork instinctively.” “But how did I do that? How do I build this mythical, mystical wall? And what makes you think I’ve already started?” I ask, more confused than ever. “I knew you’d started the minute you began hearing Hudson’s voice. Because he didn’t talk to you when he was free to take control of you. It’s only after you started to impede that freedom that he had something to say.” “That’s not true!” Hudson throws his hands up. “I’ve been trying to get your attention all along. You just couldn’t listen until Yoda here taught you how to make an illusion real.” “Wait a minute.” I turn to the Bloodletter in horror. “You mean I’ll still be able to hear him, even after I wall him up?” Just the idea turns my stomach. “I thought the whole point was to get rid of him.” “The whole point is to make sure he can’t take you over anymore. The wall will prevent that, at least for a while. But now that he’s figured out how to get your attention…” She shakes her head. “I don’t think we’ll be able to do anything about that.” Jaxon balls his fists at this statement, but he doesn’t say a word.

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I’m…” I hold up my hands and swivel them around in a demonstration that I’m human and not stone. “Seriously?” She rolls her eyes. “Do you think I didn’t take at least a dozen pics of you? My badass gargoyle cousin? Give me a break.” “Hold on. You actually took pictures of me?” “Of course I did. You’re, like, the coolest creature in existence. Why wouldn’t I?” She reaches for her phone. “Want to see?” My stomach flutters a little, butterflies waking up for a reason that has nothing to do with Jaxon or Katmere Academy and everything to do with what might possibly be in that picture. I know I shouldn’t get upset about what I look like when it’s so not important in the grand scheme of things. But I can’t help it. I apparently have horns. “Yeah. Yeah, I really do.” I close my eyes and reach for the phone. As I do, I take a deep breath, hold it for the count of five, and blow it out slowly. Then I take another breath and do the same thing. When I’m finally ready for whatever monstrosity is going to be waiting for me—or as ready as I can be—I open my eyes and stare at my picture. Not when the last time he was happy, he was plotting a hostile takeover of half the paranormal world.” Everything feels off—especially me. I’ve returned to Katmere Academy, but I’m haunted by fragments of days I have no recollection of living and struggling to understand who, or what, I really am. Do we even know where the Unkillable Beast is?” Macy asks. “I mean, you mentioned it’s somewhere near the North Pole, but the Arctic is a huge area. And not exactly hospitable. We don’t want to be bumbling around in freezing temperatures.” “Actually, I kept researching and discovered it’s on an enchanted island in the Arctic off the coast of Siberia,” Jaxon adds. “It’s on an enchanted island?” I ask. “Seriously?” “That’s what the legends say,” Flint agrees. “Not a legend if it’s true,” Jaxon says. “I spent the last several hours looking for info on the Unkillable Beast’s location, and I think I’ve found it. I’m going to do more research tonight and tomorrow, just to make sure I’m right. But if I am, I say we aim for Saturday.” “So…Ludares Wednesday, Boneyard Thursday, and Beast on Saturday.” Flint recites the plan, a questioning look on his face. “Everyone good with that?” “I am,” I tell him, although the truth is that my hands are shaking a little at the thought of that lineup. “Me too,” Macy agrees. Jaxon nods. “Awesome. Can’t wait.” Flint rubs his hands together, then waggles his brows at me. “So how about that flying lesson now?”It's always interesting for fantasy fans to see variations on vampire and shapeshifter lore and how the rules of magic are applied. Less known is gargoyle lore, which starts to emerge in this installment. comment only annoys me more. “Is there a point to this conversation?” “Grace,” he says softly. “Open your eyes.” I don’t want to do it. I don’t even know why, except that I really, really don’t want to. But at the same time, it’s sort of a compulsion. The kind that I know is going to hurt later—like when I chipped my tooth in seventh grade and couldn’t resist touching it with my tongue, even though I knew it was so sharp, it would cut me. That’s what it feels like listening to Hudson tell me to open my eyes. “Wow, so I’m a toothache now?” He sounds insulted. “Thaaaaanks.” “If you were a toothache, I’d go to the dentist and let her drill you out of my head,” I tell him, my voice filled with the frustration I can’t get away from. “Without novocaine.” “You’ve got quite the mean streak in you, Grace. Does it make me a masochist if I admit that I like it?” Ugh. Seriously? I can stand the voice in my head. I can maybe even put up with the fact that that voice belongs to Hudson. But the sexual innuendo is going to make me vomit. I finally stop fighting myself and decide to open my eyes if it means it will shut him up, even for a second. Then really wish I hadn’t because— Holy hell. He’s right there, one wide shoulder resting against the icy wall near a lamp, long legs crossed at the ankle, obnoxious smirk on his ridiculously pretty face. He’s got the signature Vega high cheekbones and strong jawline, but that’s Keep Your Enemies Close, Unless They Bleed a Lot Jaxon turns to me and frowns. “What are you doing here, Grace? I told you where I was so you wouldn’t worry. I’ve got this.” “No, you don’t.” I shake my head and try to figure out how to explain how I woke up this morning. “Sure I do.” For the first time, he looks uncertain. “I didn’t have anything to do with Cole, and Foster knows it.” “I know you didn’t hurt Cole.” I take a deep breath. “I know you didn’t, because I’m pretty sure I did.” For long seconds, neither Jaxon nor my uncle says anything. They just kind of stare at me like they’re replaying my words in their heads over and over again, trying to make sense of them. But the longer they’re silent, the more confused they look—and the tenser I get. Which is why, in the end, I don’t wait for them to say anything. Instead I pour out the whole story, starting with the trip to the art cottage and ending with my blood-soaked clothes, which I pull out of my bag and hand to Uncle Finn. He doesn’t look excited about taking them, but then, who would? Especially when I just dumped a problem of massive proportions right onto his sturdy wooden desk. “Are you okay?” Jaxon asks the second I finally stop This isn’t something you can fix. It’s just something you have to endure. Whatever happens next, I promise I won’t blame you for it.” This is disappointing mostly because I wanted a little bit more with her and Jaxon. Crave was filled with so many swoon-worthy moments between the two of them that, while I get that this book had bigger issues to deal with than romance, I missed the intimacy and reminders of why these two individuals work so well together.