Here's Chapter 7 for all my readers, especially to the ones that review! You guys are awesome! I (wish but) don't own H.O.N.

Stark

I wonder what she wants now. I thought warily. I wasn't in the mood for one of Neferet's games. I sighed before turning the silver handle leading into the High Priestess office. Neferet was there staring out into the night. The full moon shined bright through the floor length window.

"Stark... I'm glad you decided to make your way to me," she said, without looking at me.

"So, what do you want?" I asked impatiently.

"James Stark, is that the proper way to greet your High Priestess?"

With a note of sarcasm I said, "Forgive me, oh great one" and then bowed with my fist over my heart.

"Not exactly what I wanted, but I guess that will have to do for now." Whatever was on her mind must have taken a back seat as she turned her attention to me. Staring back at her I could almost pretend that she was the same person I thought she was. She was supposed to be someone I could look up to. Instead she turned out to a be a snake underneath her parental facade. No matter what she wanted, I would keep reminding myself why I left in the first place.

"Since you have returned, you will be shooting again," she said. I was shocked, to say the least. I hadn't practiced archery since the accident with Will; I just couldn't imagine picking up a bow again.

"I'll think about it," I replied hesitantly.

"I wasn't asking you a question, but since I'm such a merciful High Priestess - considering the fact that you attempted to stay away from the House of Night - I'll let you decide. Just make sure it's the correct choice." She said it all without even spearing a second glance. Not that I would want those hateful, deceiving eyes staring back at me.

"You'll want to make sure you're on the right side of history James."

"I've told you already. My name... is Stark." It took everything to keep my anger in check.

With her backside facing toward me, peering back out into the night sky she chuckled. "Be sure to know your place James Stark. You're dismissed."

After exiting her office, I walked out into the cool night air. I wasn't exactly sure where I was walking to, but it just helped me think. I just needed to get as far away from Neferet as possible.

Since classes didn't start for another week, because of winter break, I wasn't worried about Zoey being late to her classes or getting lost. With the luxury to cool down, I walked on, thinking about Zoey, and archery, and if I was going to take up again or not. I mean, it was nice to be back with my friends, but I didn't know if I could shoot another arrow ever again. Okay, I'll admit, it would be beyond words to have Archery back in my life - I hate feeling like part of my soul was missing - but what if I hurt someone again? There were so many conflicting feelings; each one clashed with one another, with the desire to be victorious. I wanted to burst out with all this madness going on.

Speaking to Nyx, I asked "One person couldn't feel all this, right?" This time there was no answer. And I felt every ounce of it. I had to learn to control it, just like had to learn how to control my affinity. Sighing, I started walking towards the gym. I knew this would happen if I came back. But with Zoey here now, everything is different. I sure as hell couldn't leave her here. I had to choose. But with every choice comes consequences, good or bad. I learned from my mistakes. There was a damn little voice in my head that just wouldn't shut up and it wasn't the one I was hoping to hear.

Along the way I ran into Stevie Rae with Duchess, and everyone except Jane and Zoey. I figured they must still be in the room unpacking Zoey's things. "Hey guys," I greeted them and of course hugged my dog. Goddess I missed her so much.

"Hey," they all answered back. They were sitting by our favorite oak tree near the east wall.

"So, what are you guys up to?" I asked plainly.

"Oh, nothing," Shaunee started.

"Just talking." Erin finished for her.

Not giving anyone a chance to ask questions, I said, "Okay, I'll be in the gym, if anyone needs me, "while walking away with Duchess trotting behind me. As I walked, my mind wrapped itself with the essence of Zoey. She just couldn't escape my mind. It's weird how it felt like I'd known her forever, even though technically today was the first time I ever spoke to her in my life. Thinking about her made me smile. I just couldn't forget how amazing it felt when her lips touched mine. It was like I was flying. Her touch sent vibes all over my body, and I just somehow knew that we belonged together. Whoa, slow down that's crazy. But I'd felt that air around us, Amazing. Even if it was for a second. That feeling was unforgettable.

But still. I couldn't forgive myself. I didn't deserve to. I wouldn't. Not after what happened to Will. "Duch what I'm I going to do?" I gasped out in frustration. She whined and got closer to me. I always seemed to find a way to hurt those I love. Jane was probably the only one who was safe from me, thanks to her affinity. And then again I hurt her when I left her here with tons of questions and no answers. Was there any hope left for me?

Again, the night was silent. As I kept walking, thinking I was headed to the gym, I then realized that I somehow ended up in front of the field house. I hesitated before going in. Passing the threshold, all of it came back in a rush. Every memory flooded my mind. And I couldn't hold it all back anymore. Struggling and reluctantly, I turned away from it. I had to, for everyone's sake. With Duch by my side, again, I prolonged my inevitable fate.

That's All Folks! Well for now. Hey, are you sitting there wondering what in the world would Jane have an affinity for? If so, review and in the next chapter you'll find out.

=D again thanks for all your feedback and for reading the story!