Word gets out

Ryan POV...

I looked at my phone buzzing on my bedside nightstand and groaned, "For fuck sakes!" My girlfriend turned away from me and curled up trying to ignore the loud vibrating. I grabbed the phone and walked out of my room, "This better be important, buddy."

Max's voice was hushed, "Hey...uh anything weird happen today?"

"Besides being called at 1am? No not really? You have Laura pissed at me though so thanks for that." I walked out to the balcony of the office and lit a smoke. Parents were gone for the weekend, I could do whatever I wanted. My smoking was a bit of a secret.

"Well what if I told you someone used that fucking book." The voice hissed over the phone. "They changed Alexa."

I paused, waiting for laughter, "You better not be playing me."

"I wish I was. Trust me, it's a bit scary how much it happened and how fast. I couldn't do anything she just started changing."

I looked out at the dimly lit pool under me and frowned, Alexa was a nice girl. Not to mention the resident nerd when it came to weird occult shit they had to study. "Fuck if anyone knew anything to help us it'd be her."

"That's what I thought. I don't think it was random. I think whoever did it knew she would be the first person anyone would come to for help." Max swore, "Which might mean Megan isn't much safer! She was Alexa's partner in class. I have to stay and look after Alexa make sure she doesn't ruin her life..."

I threw my cigarette and cursed, "Fine. Fuck. This could be serious shit. Do you know how the book changes people? Any rules or things to look out for? Don't exactly want to run into shit myself."

Max sighed, "I think Alexa said the person needed a sample from the target. Spit, hair, blood whatever. Might be worth keeping track of who can get a hold of that sort of thing. Whoever has this book is obviously wanting to use it, and isn't afraid of being bold" A pause, "Be careful."

I shrugged, forgetting I was on the phone, "I will try, no promises." Hanging up the phone I approached my room, knowing what I was walking into. "Hey...emergency came up and Max and Laura really need my help. Keep the doors locked and don't answer the door, okay?"

My cute girl turned and squinted at me, "Wait why are you saying stuff like that? What's going on?"

I shook my head, "Sooner I get there, sooner I can get back. I'm sorry I woke you up. I will explain in the morning you just get rest. Some asshole is harassing people from school so just make sure you ignore any sounds outside and just hang out here where you are safe."

"That's not terrifying," she snorted before giving a weak smile, "Be careful?"

"Yeah." I gave her a brief kiss before pulling on some clothes and pulling up Megan's phone. "Hey...you awake?"

"Yeah, just binging some TV." A female voice muttered, "No offense but...we don't really talk. What's up?"

"Max said some asshole is going around and messing with people from school. Just coming by quick to make sure they aren't heading to your place next."

The woman laughed, "I can lock a door, you don't need to go all white knight."

I got in my car and began driving, "Megan...what do you know about the book."

Silence.