Hey everyone for starters I just want to say I'm sooooo sooooo sorry for this extremely late update. But I got most of the applications I had to do done, so I might have a little more time to update (but I can't make any promises.) Again just want to thank all of my faithful readers for reviewing and reading the story.

I don't own the H.O.N

Zoey

"We need to freaking leave already. Being in the same damn store for an hour and half is all I can handle." Jane was arguing with the Twins. Again. We were shopping for the past three hours and barely on the second store from the Twins list, Charlotte Russe to be exact. And Jane was losing her patience. Fast.

"Choose something and let's get the hell out of here." Jane was really trying to keep her voice down, but she was on the verge of exploding.

With her hand in the air, Shaunee said, "Please, just please tell me she's not trying to rush perfection Erin."

Staring Jane down, Erin replied, "Of course not twin." That's exactly when I grabbed Jane's hand because I knew she was about to snap.

Pulling her out of the store, I said "Jane, really?"

She looked like she could kill me in one glance. "Those two are taking too damn long. How the hell do they do it anyway?"

Grinning at her I said, "I have no idea." Smirking right back at me, she realized that was the same exact question that I had asked her earlier when the Twins were helping me cover my tattoos.

Being on the second floor, Jane and I had a pretty good view of the mall. Holding onto a steal railing that had a sheet of glass connecting down to prevent someone from falling, I looked over it. On the first level there were a lot of teenagers everywhere. This was their sanctuary. I had to admit that the mall was somewhat appealing. The big fountain that was stationed in the middle was stunning, but out of place. And everything was marble with this crimson beige paint that covered every wall. It was pretty modernized too, seeing as people had the choice of taking elevators, or escalators to travel through the three different levels if they didn't want to use the stairs. Over all, people down there seemed to be having a good time. Lucky.

I looked back at Jane. Still smirking, she shook her head and told me, "That's what I get for letting the guys ditch us."

When we arrived earlier, the guys wanted to spit up after pulling names out of a bag for Secret Santa. Saying that they had something to do, they told us that they would text us when they were done. Then we would all meet by the food court. Guys and their annoying vagueness.

Smiling, I told her, "I got an idea." With a questioning look, she followed me back into the store.

The Twins even had Stevie Rae looking miserable as they had her search through all the different isles. "Erin, Shaunee, I'm borrowing Jane and Stevie Rae for a bit."

With her arms crossed and eyes narrowed, Shaunee said "So all of you are ditching us now?" Erin was standing identically right next to her.

Standing in front of them when they looked like that was pretty intimidating, but I had come up with an extremely good excuse. With a confused tone, I told her, "Of course not. But I don't really know what to get or where to begin."

Looking around the store, that was partially true. I hadn't shopped in months. Continuing I said, "So… I was wondering if the both of you wanted to… I don't know… do the shopping for me." The last part was said in a rush. As grins spread across their faces, I knew I had them. Grabbing Stevie Rae and Jane I was about to run out the store when I remembered how much they loved to shop. Looking back I said "Oh and ladies I have a budget of two hundred dollars so please don't go over it. And try to get as much as you can."

Smirking Erin said, "Z you're not really giving us much to work with."

Shaunee continued, "But then again we can work miracles." Jane grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the store before I could say anything else.

Getting further and further from the Twins and the store, Jane asked "So what's the plan?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. My thought processes didn't go that far."

Grinning she said, "Good. Cause mine did." Grabbing Stevie Rae's hand too, she dragged us along with her to who knows where.

Stark

Saying that I was annoyed wasn't even close. "Damn this sucks."

Shaking his head, Logan told me, "Stark don't get worked up about it."

Sarcastically I replied, "Really? Cause I think I have the right to. It's been three damn hours and I still can't find anything that could even be considered a decent gift for Zoey."

Grinning he told me, "I get it man. You want to find something that's like no other. But getting irritated over it probably isn't the best way to go about it."

Logan, being the logical one, had his way of getting me to think. And of course Logan was right. Clapping him on his back I told him, "Good thing I have you around, right?"

Still grinning he said, "Who else is going to get through that thick head of yours?"

"Logan, what I don't get is how the girls do it? Stay in a store forever and half the time they come back with basically nothing. You know this kind of thing needs a game plan. You go to the mall. Have a list in mind, buy the crap, and you're back on your way home. It should be as simple as that."

Smirking he said, "Well to state the obvious you really didn't have a game plan in mind. Mistake number one." Sarcastically he then said, "Besides it's probably more of a genetic thing, like they're simply born to shop."

Laughing I said, "Let's just shut up before Jane hears us. "

With a small grin he thought about it. "Good point. She would probably destroy us on spot just for kidding around."

As we walked out of some clothing store, out of nowhere Damien tells me, "Stark, do you know what the actual problem is?"

Confused, I looked at Logan to see if he knew what Damien was talking about, but he looked just as lost as me. Answering I said, "Uh no… not really."

"You're thinking too much about the gift. When you're looking for a present for the one you love you don't look for the gift, the gift is supposed to find you."

Dumbstruck I just stare at him. Jack then tried to take a wack at explaining. "Stark you're trying really hard to find a great present for Z right?"

"Right?" It came out as a question since I really didn't see where he was going with his thought process.

"Well to find a great present, just stop looking for it. For now focus on another person; someone who's a lot easier to shop for. Then, when you don't expect it, you'll spot the perfect present."

Still a little unconvinced, I told them, "I think I need to do it alone. See you in a bit."

I didn't wait for them to respond. As I walk away from them, I had a game plan. Look for my Secret Santa pick's gift. Leave the best for last. Determined, all I had to do was just search. If Damien and Jack were right, Zoey's present would find me. Hopefully I wasn't searching like an idiot for nothing.

Zoey

Jane dragged us along with her. "Jane, where are we going?"

Still pulling us with her, she responded "You'll see." She had that conniving grin plastered on her face.

Looking at Stevie Rae I asked, "Aren't you worried?"

Shrugging Stevie Rae whispered, "I figured it's best to not question her cause she'll never tell ya anyway."

I notice that we continue to get further and further away from any recognizable brands and closer to little booths of the unknown. Two seconds later we stop right in front of this little shop. It was on the highest floor in the mall and hidden all the way in the back. I would have never found it if Jane wasn't gripping my hand along the way. The name in the front read Madame Cheri. There was a slogan underneath it: The Shop of Everything.

As we walked in, the shop had a really familiar vibe to it, even if I had never been in it before. The lights were dim and calming. The walls were painted maroon, while the frames or banisters were coated in a forest green and charcoal gray. Everything had some kind of vintage look to it. There were artifacts from France, Egypt, Rome, Africa, and even places I couldn't name. I'm sure if someone pointed out any place on a map and there was probably something from it in the shop.

"Ah, my little Jane. It's been a while since I've since you." We all turned to our right simultaneously. Our attention was directed at older lady though she didn't look to be that old once you took a actual look at her. Her silvery blond hair framed her heart shaped face like a halo of light. She had the kindest face with these wise blue eyes. Purple glasses hung from a chain that rested around her neck. To complete her ensemble, she wore mismatch clothes that seemed to fit perfectly together. Surprisingly, she casually waked over to Jane and pulled her a bear hug.

Laughing Jane said, "Cheri if you don't let me go, you're not going to be able to see me again." It was a bit strange seeing Jane so relaxed and friendly. It was a complete one-eighty compared to earlier when we were shopping with the Twins. Note to self - Visiting Cheri chills Jane out at the Mall.

Letting Jane go, Madame Cheri smiled and told her, "Forgive me little one, but you've be away for quite some time now." The tiny hint of a french accent added to the lovingness in her voice.

Jane actually looked embarrassed. With her head down she said, "Yeah. I'm sorry about that Cheri." But then she seemed to get over it quickly. "It's been pretty busy over at the House of Night for us."

Teasingly, Cheri scolded Jane. "That's quite the excuse you have there Jane."

Looking directly at us instead of Cheri, Jane said, "Which is why I'd like to introduce you to two really good friends of mine."

Turning her attention to both Stevie Rae and me, Madame Cheri smiled. "Let me guess this must be Stevie Rae on the right." She gave Stevie Rae a hug. "It's wonderful to make your acquaintance Madame Cheri."

"Please darling call me Cheri. No one's called me Madame Cheri since I was a young women living in dear Pa-ree. Which looks wonderful this time of year. If you ever have a chance to visit the Eiffel Tower and all it glory you should..." Mid-sentence she paused while looking at me. "But I digress." With hint of curiosity she said "This one... she is newly marked isn't she Jane."

"Yep. You never miss anything do you?" I was a little confused and Jane saw it, so she decided to explain more. "Cheri is a Vamp. There a ton placed around town so that fledglings are free to go out in town without having to have a chaperone every time, but we're still in the vicinity of a vamp. Besides, it's less conspicuous then having an adult vamp trailing students every time they go out. The first time I stumbled in here, Cheri hugged me, and said she couldn't believe I was a daughter of night. I kind of freak out. I thought my mark was showing, but it was completely covered. Any way… Cheri here is a very remarkable lady."

"Oh stop it Jane." Her cheeks blushed a little as she turned her attention back on me. "Yes Zoey, Jane is correct."

Staring at Madame Cheri I asked, "How is it that you know my name?"

Responding in an eerie voice, she explained. "I'm privilege to things that normal humans could not even begin to try and understand." Then she gave me a hug. Holding my shoulders, she gasped and her eyes bulged out. Why is it that when it comes to me, everyone always does that? But the next moment she smiled and disappeared towards the back taking Jane with her.

Standing with Stevie Rae I mumbled, "That was a little weird."

Shrugging she responded, "I think she's actually really nice. Jane seems to really like her a lot."

"I know. I never thought I'd see Jane act so sweet to someone."

Stevie Rae smiled. Whispering she said, "Jane's not so mean once you get to know the real her. She just doesn't want to seem weak, since she's always around guys, but she can have a really nice side when she shows it."

"I kind of figured she did." Changing the subject I told her "Let's try and see if we find anything for our Secret Santa picks." Splitting up, I looked for anything that would be considered a good present.

The slogan wasn't lying. She did have everything. From what I could tell there were shelves and shelves loaded with all kinds of things. Some carried all different types of candles, from the scented to non-scented ones. She had them in every color imaginable. There were also potions, books, shoes, clothes, toys, and you name it. There were dream catchers that hung on the wall and from the ceiling. It's was amazing how detailed they were. If put together, several dream catchers looked as if they were different scenes that made a story come to life. The colors were so vivid, that the images just seemed to pop out at you. Even if they were beautiful, nothing screamed out for Stark. Let alone, for anyone.

Stevie Rae came out from behind an aisle. "Okay I bought stuff for my person. But there's one more thing I need to find. I'm going to see if the places near by have it." Placing the bag near a book shelf she said, "Just make sure I don't forget it these."

As I continued to look I said "Ok, just let me know if you find anything good out there."

As she walked out she said "Okie dokie Z."

Next to the bookshelf was an open drawer. It was divided into little sections that had different stones in them. The gorgeous turquoise stones were the first to catch my attention, but then it all suddenly reminded me so much of my Grandma Redbird; this ache for her just kept getting stronger by the minute.

Then something gleamed next to it. Distracting myself I picked it up, and realized that it was a bracelet with a titanium spiral that looked just like a target. The target charm in the middle was connected by two thin black leather straps with a clasp in the back. Excited, I turned around thinking I was going to find Jane, but instead it was Cheri who stood in front of me.

"Whoa Cheri you scared me."

With a Soft smile she said, "My apologies Dearie."

Trying to relax I said, "Um Cheri, I was wondering how much this was." I held the bracelet out. Gently taking it from my palm, she smiled. "For you darling, nothing. This will have more significance than any dollar amount." She then placed the bracelet back into my opened palm. I closed my hand around it.

Unsure I asked "Are you sure? I mean it's beautiful and I can tell that it's hand crafted."

Still smiling she told me, "Take it. You have a great journey ahead of you gifted one. But it will not be the easiest. There is also a darkness that will surround you, but do not let it conquer. You are strong as well as powerful. And that will help you, but if you choose the wrong path, it is the exact thing that will destroy you. Keep your friends close Zoey Redbird, for they are the key."

This wasn't the first time that someone was telling me that I had a journey ahead of me or that my friends were important. I just wanted to know why or what the journey was about. What did Stark and my friends have to do with it? "The key to what? Why will this bracelet mean more than what it is?" But again she walked away from me.

I just stood there shocked and confused. At that exact moment my phone rang in my pocket. It was a text from Damien.

Everyone's done. Come and meet us by the food court.

Jane then popped out from behind a shelf. "Hey Zo, did you get the text?" But taking a better look at me she then asked "Are you okay?"

I mentally shook myself. Tucking the bracelet into my front pocket I said, "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Well come on then. Everyone's ready."

"Um… yeah… okay. I'm just going to get the stuff that Stevie Rae bought."

"Good. You do that while I go and see where she's at." Jane walked out.

Grabbing the bag, I walked through the shop to search for Cheri, but I couldn't find her. Just forget about it. I didn't really want to leave without answers, but I didn't really have a choice. As I walk out, I spotted both Jane and Stevie Rae. Taking the escalator down, I easily caught up to them.

"Zo, we better hurry or the Twins will never shut up about it," Jane said. Following Jane back was a lot easier than I thought it would be, considering where Madame Cheri's shop was placed.

We spot the piles of shopping bags by the benches before anything else. As we moved closer, we found the Twins sitting in the middle surrounded by the pile of bags.

"Took you three long enough."

Jane then said "See, told you so."

Stevie Rae just giggled.

Jane looked back at me, smirked, and then looked back at the twins. "What did you two do? Purchase the whole mall by any chance?"

Glaring, Shaunee responded "Ha, ha. Very funny Jane."

"And no Jane we did not buy the whole mall. Half of these bags are for Zoey. Duh." Erin continued.

Shock I said "Really. Wow, you two are good."

Suddenly everything went black, as my eyes were covered by some one's hands. Smiling, I knew who it was. Giggling I said "Stark I'd like to see if that's okay with you."

As I turned around, his hands slid into mind. Giving me his cocky smile he told me, "You know you could have at least tried to pretend that you didn't know."

Smiling right back at him I asked "Are you sure about that?"

"On second thought, nah."

"That's what I thought." And then I gave him a big hug.

"Okay love birds break it up before it goes any further. Are ride should be here soon."

I sat on the tiny bench space that wasn't over flowing with bags. Stark stood by me "So was it as bad as you thought it would be?"

Pretending to think about it, I then said "Nope. Not really."

"See told you."

Stevie Rae then said "Really? Well that's great! I just thought you weren't having a great time. When you came out of Madam Cherri store you look kind confused."

Looking at her, I tried to give her a hint to zip it before she revealed anything else. Stark then looked at me and was about to say something when my name was called by someone who wasn't in our group.

"Zoey is that really you?"

I couldn't even believe it. After everything, he actually had the nerve to come and talk to me. Standing up, it was like there was this involuntary pull as I walked toward the group of recognizable teenagers, Kayla being one of them. But instead Heath met me half way. I gave him the coldest look I could muster. "What do you want?"

Shocked by my tone he actually staggered back a bit. Stark then came to stand beside me. He placed his arm around my shoulders and tried to comfort me.

Whispering Stark asked, "Are you okay?" But I didn't answer him. I was too busy thinking about how much I hated Heath. As he looked at Stark, I could see all the hurt in his eyes, but I wasn't going to feel bad. He didn't deserve my sympathy. Not after what he did.

"Zoey, can I talk to you?" Glaring at Stark he then added, "Alone?"

At first I said nothing. Standing here with Heath in front of me started to bring back memories that I very much wanted to forget; memories that I had locked up in the back of my mind, but now they were resurfacing.

Desperately he said, "Please Zo, just five minutes. That's all I'm asking for. Just five."

"What makes you think you deserve them?" But this time, when I spoke, it was a faint whisper.

"Zo please?"

Surprisingly I told him "Okay. But just five."

As I was about to follow Heath, Stark intertwined our fingers, holding me in place. "Zoey are you sure? Something about you going off with him alone doesn't feel right."

I couldn't help but smile. "Yes. I'm sure. I'll be fine."

"Well I guess it's fine if you follow him. I know can't really stop you, but if you're not back in five, I'm going after you."

Slipping my hand from his, I explained "Stark, I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

"I know." I could tell that he was still bothered by it, but more than that, I saw the worry in his eyes.

"Stark don't worry so much." As I turned, Health was still looking at me but Stark caught my hand again.

"Stark I'll be..." but before I could say anything else he gave me a quick kiss. Smirking I said "Was that really necessary?"

Smiling he said, "Yep. He needs to know who he's messing with."

"Oh really?"

"You better hurry. Clock's ticking." Rolling my eyes I turned and walked towards Heath. As I followed him my smile disappeared. I debated on whether or not it was the right choice to make. I was hoping it was. Leaving my friends behind, I was about to be lead back into my painful past.

Again, so sorry that this update took me forever. Hopefully it was worth it. The next update might be in a week or two. Let me know how this one was. All of my reviewers are the best.