Gabriel laughed. “Sure, Silindra.” He yanked the gem from my neck, and pressing it against my cheek, he said, “Alright vampire, cry.”
I tried, I did, but the tears wouldn’t come. Until suddenly I heard the girl in my head sobbing. I’m so sorry, Silindra. I’m so sorry this had to happen to you. I’m sorry Gabriel didn’t truly love you. I’m sorry you were betrayed.
Her tears reached my eyes, and I felt them pool. One dropped and landed on the gem.
“There. There, Silindra. I’ll put you out of your misery.” He grabbed hold of my body and flipped me onto my back. I flinched as an agony tore through me. He raised a long blade over my neck, and pressed slightly. A smiled formed on his wicked lips. “The last of the Originals—gone forever.”
From inside I felt the girl wrap her arms around me, as though she were trying to give me a hug.
I’ll make everything, right. Somehow I will. I promise.
Her words brought a smile to my lips. I believed her. She would make everything alright.
“Thank you,” I said.
Gabriel flinched, but only for a second, before he lifted his sword and brought it down on my neck.
Chapter 10
“I, Snow White, do solemnly swear to right the wrongs.” My eyes opened, and I stared into the surprised eyes of Dorian.
The edges were crinkled with gladness, and he had a huge grin on his face. “I, Dorian, promise to help you right those wrongs in any way I can,” he said, his voice overflowing with happiness. His face hovered above mine, and I wondered if he’d kissed me. At the thought, I blushed and tried to sit up, conking my forehead into his.
“Sorry,” I said, my throat scratchy. It seemed only seconds ago I’d been witnessing everything happening to Silindra, feeling her pain, suffering through her anguish. So many emotions dashed through my body.
I was beyond glad to be back in my time, and looking into the face of one of my favorite people in the whole world. But, I was also sick inside at Silindra’s death, the lies and deceptions Sharra, the Vampire Queen spewed, and I was determined. Resolved to accept my destiny. With Silindra’s death came the knowledge that I was responsible for the fate of, not just vampires, but all magical creatures. Kenmei was exactly right when he said the Seal of Gabriel was created for me. Did he know I’d actually assisted in its creation? That was highly unlikely. I felt bad for laughing in his face though.
“Hey, you okay?” Dorian asked, rubbing his forehead, his face etched with concern.
“Better than okay. I’m back.” I smiled patting his cheek with my hand. His warmth reminded me it’d been a long time since I had any blood.
“I’m so glad you’re awake. I can’t wait to tell everyone.”
Dorian turned to leave, but I grabbed his arm with one hand, while feeling for the gem. It wasn’t around my neck. “Wait,” I said, and he turned back.
“Yeah? Did you need me to stick around?”
“D-Did you kiss me just now? Right before I woke up?”
He smiled, showing off all his straight teeth, and the dimple in one cheek. “Wouldn’t you like to know.” He brushed a thumb along my jaw line, and I swallowed. My throat was parched. I needed blood.
As though reading my mind, Dorian said, “Go ahead.” He tilted his neck my direction.
“Holy crow, don’t make me fish-slap you,” I said smacking a hand against his chest, but wow, I really wanted some. He smelled so good, like manly body wash and sandalwood.
He laughed. “Fish-slap. That’s a good one. I like it better than the original.”
I smirked. My fingers curled into a fist in his gray polo shirt. “Why are you always offering me your blood? What’s the deal?”
A dark smile curved his lips. His was so close, his Scope and Mountain Dew breath made my eyelashes flutter. “I want your mouth against my neck. I want to feel my skin part when your fangs press into me.” His heart raced like a pack of wild horses.
I shook my head. “You’re twisted, Dorian.” But I wound his shirt further around my fist. Blood sounded amazing. My throat burned with need and I licked my lips. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
“Then come closer,” I said, my throat screaming.
He complied, pressing his neck against my mouth. I licked his vein and he shuddered. Parting my lips, I extended my fangs, and bit down. His head rested on a pillow next to mine, and his clean, slightly wet hair tickled my cheek.
When I began sucking, his breath caught. “Snow, it feels… better than I imagined.” He wrapped his arms on either side of me in a tight hug.
In response, I sucked harder. His blood tasted sweet and sexy, like sugared oranges and milk chocolate.
My mind automatically started counting while I drank. When I hit ten, I didn’t want to stop, but I had no choice. Dorian was human. Withdrawing, I pushed him away gently. “Are you okay?”
His eyes were glazed over, and his skin looked pale. “I’m awesome,” he whispered, but climbed on the bed, over my legs, and let his body drop. “I’m just going to rest my eyes a minute before I tell everyone.”
“Sure. Go ahead.” I had to smile. He was adorable.
“Hey, Snow,” he muttered, his voice soft and sensual.
“Yeah?”
“I’ve missed you.”
With his words comprehension flooded my heart. I was gone a long time. While my mind was with Silindra, my body stayed here. My dad, Professor Pops, Cindy, the guys, they all suffered because of what the Seal of Gabriel did.
What you did to yourself, my inner voice murmured.
It had been hard on me, experiencing Silindra’s life, watching events unfold that ended with her death. But how much harder had it been on them? My body lying here, unmoving.
“I missed you…” Dorian let out a snuffling-snort. He lay on his stomach, one hand resting near his chin. He was sound asleep. “Too,” I finished, brushing wayward hair from his clean-shaven jaw.
Satisfied he was okay, I took in my surroundings. The bed rested against a long wall, situated in the center, between two bay windows. Large, comfortable-looking pillows in reds, blacks, grays, and whites were propped against each other along the window seat. The room was lovely, with a vaulted ceiling. A red chandelier hung from its center. The walls were a deep shade of red, and pinstriped black. The curtains were billowy and white, as was the carpet, and my bedding. Distressed black furniture and a white couch, with thick black stripes complimented the room.
The nightgown I wore was white. Three pearl-shaped buttons held the gown closed to my neck. Next to one of the buttons was a drop of Dorian’s blood. Perfectly round, and red, like the walls.
I tried not to think about who took care of my body while my mind was away.
Taking in a deep breath, I glanced at Dorian. My blood haze was already wearing off, and I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about drinking from him. Since the beginning he seemed more than willing to offer himself. In the past something or someone always stepped in the way. Not this time. And I had to admit his blood hummed through my veins in a way no one else’s had—including Gabe and Christopher.
“What’s your deal, Dorian?” I asked him quietly, moving my hands through his hair.
“Please tell me you didn’t kill him?”
Seven sets of eyes gawked at me from the doorway.
“He’s sleeping,” I said, hoping I didn’t appear too guilty.
“Thank goodness,” Professor Pops said, walking toward the bed. That’s when I noticed the cake in his hands. Candles glowed in the white frosting.
“Dorian, wake your lazy ass up. Snow’s back,” Bart said, smiling. The other guys jumped, high-fived, and hooted around the room.
Dorian groaned. “I know, and it’s perfect because today’s her birthday.”
“No, duh, doofus. We’re going to sing.”
“Care to join us?” Professor Pops asked. His gaze fell to the blood on my nightgown. I tried to cover it up, and he
sighed.
Dorian started singing, his voice muffled by the pillow his head rested on. The guys joined in.
I couldn’t help but laugh. That meant I was asleep two years. I had no doubt a lot changed. One thing hadn’t. My love for these eight amazing men.
When they finished singing I blew out eighteen candles. Smoke twirled upward, writhing and winding like slow-moving dancers. Dorian rubbed at his face, and moved to sit on the bed next to me. Professor Pops placed the cake on my lap, and several of the guys sat on the bed.
A sound, like excited choking, came from the door, and I glanced up.
My eyes caught hold of the brilliant hazel eyes of my Hunter.
“Christopher!”
Afterword
Thank you so much for reading volume 8 of 12 in the Blood and Snow series. In the “Seal of Gabriel” Snow is more than just a pawn. She realizes how important her role in restoring balance to the magical world is. She also discovers that being an outsider has its benefits.
In volume 9, “Love Bleeds,” Snow might finally learn who her true love is, and she’ll discover why consuming his heart is important to become the new Vampire Queen.
If you enjoyed “Telltale Kisses,” do me a favor. Go back to amazonand leave an honest review. It only takes a minute, and it helps me out immensely.
Thank you, and happy reading!
RaShelle Workman
Additional Works by RaShelle Workman
YA Series
Aligned: An Immortal Essence Short Story
A half-Eternal boy and an Eternal girl must free millions of tortured souls from a creature who’s been feasting on their pain and suffering. If you’d like to purchase “Aligned,” click Aligned: An Immortal Essence Short Story.
Exiled
World’s divided them. Chance brought them together. Only love will save them. If you’d like to purchase “Exiled,” book 1 in the Immortal Essence series, click Exiled.
Beguiled
Book 2 in the Immortal Essence series. Venus makes a deal with her world’s devil to save those she loves. To purchase “Beguiled,” click Beguiled.
Romantic Suspense (Dead Roses) Series
Sleeping Roses
Dead Roses series, book 1. Her marriage is dangerous, but leaving him could be deadly. If you’d like to purchase “Sleeping Roses,” click HERE.
“Undercover Christmas” (Dead Roses #1.1)
To catch a killer, Rose must go undercover as a stripper on Christmas Eve. To purchase “Undercover Christmas,” click HERE.
Blood and Snow volumes 1-4 (Blood and Snow, Revenant in Training, The Vampire Christopher, Blood Soaked Promises)
“Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night. Drink your true love’s blood, become the Vampire, Snow White.” Every thousand years the Vampire Queen selects a new body, always the fairest in the land, and this time she’s chosen Snow White. To purchase the Blood and Snow 4 pack, click Blood and Snow volumes 1-4 (Blood and Snow, Revenant in Training, The Vampire Christopher, Blood Soaked Promises)
Prey and Magic
Volume 5 in the Blood and Snow series. To purchase “Prey and Magic,” click Prey and Magic (Blood and Snow #5).
Masquerade’s Moon
Volume 6 in the Blood and Snow series. To purchase “Masquerade’s Moon,” click Masquerade's Moon (Blood and Snow #6).
Seal of Gabriel
Volume 7 in the Blood and Snow series. To purchase “Seal of Gabriel,” click Seal of Gabriel (Blood and Snow #7).
Indelible writers you might enjoy reading, and their purchase links, can be found by clicking HERE.
About the Author
RaShelle Workman is the bestselling author of the Blood and Snow series, the Immortal Essence series, and the Dead Roses series. When she isn’t writing she’s baking cupcakes, making toffee, or watching a movie with her family.
Contact Information
RaShelle Workman would love to hear from you.
Send your questions or comments to: [email protected]
Website: www.rashelleworkman.com
Twitter: @RaShelleWorkman
Facebook: RaShelle Workman Author
Goodreads: RaShelle Workman
Copyright Information
License Notes:
ASIN:B00AUTUHJU
All rights reserved. Copyright @2012 RaShelle Workman
Cover design by: Steven Novak http://www.novakillustration.com
Design copyright @2012 RaShelle Workman
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard word of this author.
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written consent of the author, RaShelle Workman, P.O. Box Bountiful, Ut. 84010.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the creation of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition is published by Polished Pen Press.
Table of Contents
Main Menu
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Afterword
Additional Works by RaShelle Workman
Indelible Writers
About the Author
Contact Information
Copyright Information
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Main Menu
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Afterword
Additional Works by RaShelle Workman
Indelible Writers
About the Author
Contact Information
Copyright Information
Table of Contents
Blood and Snow 8: Telltale Kisses Page 4