Vampire Lies (Blood and Snow Season Book 1)

by RaShelle Workman

  “I know what the chayot are. My uncle used to be the leader.” Of course I knew what the chayot were but I was surprised Laeddin knew of them. Did the chayot know about the demura? If not, it might be a good idea to tell them. “Should we tell them about the demura?”

  “I’m sure they already know.” He took a deep breath. “But it might not be a bad idea.” Laeddin patted my hand. “Any ideas how to get a hold of them?”

  I jumped to my feet and ran to the door. For the first time in days I felt a little like myself again. It surprised me that I actually missed being myself. “Yep. Come on.”

  Chapter 26

  The night air was cold, and the sky was so clear hundreds of thousands of stars were visible. “Isn’t it beautiful?” I asked, making conversation.

  “Beyond comprehension.”

  “Ri—” I glanced at him and realized he wasn’t looking at the stars but at me. “Oh.” My face burned with embarrassment. I was grateful for the darkness.

  His hands were clasped behind his back. He nudged my shoulder.

  I nudged him back.

  “So where are we going?” Laeddin asked.

  He was the most relaxed I’d seen him.

  “If anyone knows how to find the chayot leader, it’s Professor Pops.” I pointed at the large house coming into view.

  “Are you going to tell him who you really are? I thought you wanted to keep it a secret. Besides, are you sure he still lives here?” He pointed at the fancy sports cars and trucks with lift kits parked in the driveway.

  “Positive.” We were halfway up the drive when I stopped. I hadn’t thought about the consequences of talking to Professor Pops about what was going on. Did I want him to know? Would he even believe me? “I don’t think I have a choice.”

  “I guess not,” Laeddin said. I could swear I saw him smile.

  I climbed the steps and knocked on the large door. The thump of music could be heard from inside. I was about to knock again when the door burst open.

  “Oh, hey. You’re Jack, right?”

  “Yep.” The guy at the door was Troy.

  “How’s your head?” He leaned closer.

  “It’s fine. Doesn’t hurt anymore.” I laughed nervously.

  “Good.” He leaned against the doorframe. “Did you need something?”

  “Um, yes. Can we speak to Mr. Henry?”

  Troy gave first Laeddin and then me a once over. “If it’s about school, you really should wait until tomorrow. He’s kind of busy.”

  “I know,” I said, pushing some of my stray hairs behind my ear, but this isn’t about school, it’s about… something else.” I glanced at my Converse nervously.

  “Wait here. I’ll go ask him.”

  “Thanks. It’s kind of urgent.”

  “Troy, who’s at the door?” Professor Pops came into view.

  “Hi Mr. Henry.” I gave a nervous wave. “This is Laeddin. We were wondering if we could speak with you privately for a moment.”

  He glanced at Laeddin and then smiled at us both. “Of course. Follow me.” He moved out of the way.

  Laeddin and I entered the house.

  “Troy, go finish your homework,” Professor Pops barked.

  “Yes, sir.” He pushed past us and started up the stairs. “See ya, Jack.” He winked.

  “Bye.”

  Laeddin and I followed Mr. Henry down a hall and into his office. Once we were inside he closed the door. “Have a seat.” He indicated two leather chairs. I took the one closest to the window.

  Professor Pops went around his desk, sat, and then steepled his fingers. “Now, how can I help you?”

  I swallowed, suddenly nervous. Laeddin patted my hand, his way of encouraging me.

  “Uh, where to begin…” I crossed my arms and my legs, feeling suddenly self-conscious.

  “The beginning is always best.” He smiled, causing the wrinkles near his eyes to crinkle. It was strange, knowing Professor Pops was a vampire and seeing him in the human world, looking very old and very human. I wondered how he made himself look that way. Was it magic? I couldn’t ask him that though. Besides he didn’t know who I was, at least not yet, so that would be rude.

  But I wasn’t sure how to start. Did I mention my mother? Tell him who I really was. Should I tell him about the genie? That seemed like the most logical beginning.

  Professor Pops gave a grandfatherly smile. “Let’s see if I can help you out.” He scooted forward. “Your name is actually Jasmine and Snow White is your mother.”

  It felt like my mouth dropped onto the shiny black desk. “Yes.”

  He nodded. “Excellent.”

  “How did you—? Does my mom—? Are you—?” I was astounded. I glanced at Laeddin who looked as surprised as I was.

  Professor Pops patted my hand. “You know what I am. Your mother told you that I used to be a Hunter? I still have those tendencies and I can sense other vampires. And since you’re an Original Vampire, it’s easier still.”

  “Ohhhh.” That made complete sense. I hadn’t even thought of that. “Sometimes I forget what you really are.” I shrunk down in my seat.

  Laeddin seemed to feel me relax and he sat back in his chair.

  Professor Pops chuckled. “What, you mean the wrinkles and gray hair don’t give you a sense of my immortality?”

  I laughed too. It’d been a while since we’d spent time together. I missed him. “Well, right. You scream humanity. Is it a spell that makes you look old?”

  His eyes twinkled with amusement. “It is. You see, I want to continue to live in the human world. I prefer it to life in Sharra.”

  I could understand that. I’d made a wish to live in the human world as a human.

  Professor Pops continued, “I want to live among them since I was born one, but if I were never to age, people would start to get suspicious. As it is, every fifty years or so I have to move just so people don’t begin to wonder how old I really am. If I didn’t, they would become afraid without realizing why, and I don’t want that.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “Good.” He shuffled some papers around on his desk and then gave me a serious look. “Now why don’t you tell me why you’re here in the human world?”

  I crossed my legs under me, glanced at Laeddin, and told him. All of it. About the cave in Sharra. Meeting Laeddin. Wishing to live like a human and go to high school. I even showed him my wing tattoo. Laeddin interjected some, giving parts of his story.

  I thought about mentioning Gatsby, but changed my mind at the last second. It didn’t seem like Professor Pops or Laeddin needed to know that my mom’s cat could talk if he wanted to.

  Professor Pops listened intently, nodding at times, seemingly absorbed in my story. His kindness encouraged me to keep going. I rested my hands on his desk, leaning closer and told him about the demura, explaining what they were and what they wanted. I added that Laeddin and I thought it might be a good idea to tell the chayot.

  I finished with, “I told Laeddin if anyone knew how to reach them it was you.”

  “Well thank you, Jasmine. That’s very kind. They do need to know.” Professor Pops leaned back in his chair.

  “You’ll tell them, then?” I moved to the edge of my chair.

  “Of course, my dear.” Professor Pops swiveled in his seat and pulled a book from one of the shelves lining the bookcase behind him, setting it on the desk between us. Nodding toward the book he said, “Is this what you encountered?”

  I pulled the book closer. When Laeddin leaned in to see as well I held my breath, fighting to ignore his beckoning blood.

  The book had pictures of skulls with smoke coming off them, their eyes glowed red. Human bodies bent at strange angles. The pictures definitely resembled what I’d seen happen with the man in the forest and with Abby. Several different kinds of names were given, but demura wasn’t one of them. There also wasn’t any information on how they could be killed. “I think so.”

  “I gather you have an idea ab
out what to do to stop these demura?” Professor Pops asked.

  “Maybe,” I said.

  “Are you prepared for the consequences of what may happen to your brothers?” Professor Pops asked, giving Laeddin an inquisitive glance.

  I sensed the quickening of Laeddin’s pulse. He swallowed. It must be so hard for him. Knowing it was his brothers doing so much damage. I felt certain that if at some point they were anything like Laeddin, they would’ve been kind, good men. I finally understood why he hadn’t wanted to show himself to me in the cave. Laeddin had been hiding, not from the world, but from the strange creatures changing his brothers into monsters.

  I reached out a placed my hand over his. He put his other hand over mine. “We—Laeddin and I—are going to find Maleficent and ask her to remove the curse.” It made me sick to think about it. For some strange reason the idea felt wrong. Yet I couldn’t decipher why or think of a better option.

  “By removing the curse, the demura will no longer have the power of a genie. It stands to reason they will simply disappear.” Laeddin’s words were quiet and I suddenly understood something else. Something big. Something I didn’t know if I was ready to deal with. If we got Maleficent to reverse the curse and Laeddin was no longer a genie, would he continue to live? As a man, he would’ve died long ago.

  “Laeddin,” I whispered, feeling an ache in my heart.

  He cleared his throat. “If the sorceress can remove the curse, whatever the consequences, it’ll be worth it.”

  No, it wouldn’t be worth it, my mind screamed. I didn’t want to lose Laeddin. I didn’t want to be without him.

  Professor Pops pulled the book back toward him. “I will tell the chayot what your plan is.” His features softened. “Maybe you should let me tell your mom and dad too? Let them help?”

  I shook my head. “No. I—we can do this.” I gave Laeddin a quick look for verification that we could in fact do this. He nodded, so I continued. “I believe Maleficent will reverse the curse and then I can get back to normal.” My shoulders turned in and I bowed my head. My wish to be normal seemed stupid, but I couldn’t change how I felt. I wanted high school? Didn’t I? Or was I just being stubborn? And didn’t want to believe my mom and dad might have been right all along? I blew out my breath.

  Professor Pops’ face was grave. I figured as soon as we left he’d tell them. I just hoped Laeddin and I could accomplish our goal before my mom and dad interfered.

  “While the two of you are gone the chayot will make sure your friends are kept safe.” He stood and went to his office door. Opened it.

  Laeddin and I went to the door. Professor Pops clamped a hand on Laeddin’s shoulder. “Take care of yourself.” He turned to me. “And my granddaughter. If anything were to happen to her…” he trailed off. My stoic grandfather was choked up.

  Seeing his emotions so close to the surface brought mine up as well.

  “I will.” Laeddin tried to smile.

  “Please let me know when you’ve returned,” Professor Pops said, wrapping me in a hug. “I love you, you know.”

  “Love you too, Pops.”

  Until that moment I’d never seen him be anything but calm and collected. I could tell by the strength of his embrace that he didn’t want to let me go.

  I hugged him tighter. Help from him and my parents probably wouldn’t be so bad, but something inside wouldn’t let me ask. I wanted to do this. I wanted to prove to them that I wasn’t a child. Still, I couldn’t help wondering how my mom would handle the situation is she were me.

  “We will,” I said.

  Laeddin and I followed Professor Pops to the front door. Someone watched us from upstairs. I glanced up and saw Troy. When he realized I’d caught him, he backed away.

  “Thank you for stopping by.” Professor Pops opened the door and we walked into the chilled night.

  Chapter 27

  We walked toward the house, but I got the sense Laeddin didn’t intend to take us all the way back. “What’s the plan?” I asked. The selfish part of me wanted to put off the confrontation with Maleficent for as long as possible. I didn’t want to lose him just like I’d lost Abby.

  If Maleficent even agrees, my mind whispered. And part of me didn’t want her to. I kept going back to my wishes. I had two left. Couldn’t I just wish the genies were no longer demura? What would happen if I did? Would all of them disappear? Did that include Laeddin? I wasn’t ready to have him be gone.

  Before Laeddin could answer, a golden carpet landed at our feet, shimmering in the moonlight. Laeddin stepped on and held out a hand for me.

  “Are you serious?” I asked, holding my ground. Riding on something was not the same as flying with wings.

  Laeddin smiled sadly. “A magic carpet is one of my favorite ways to travel.”

  I glanced around at the houses in our neighborhood. They weren’t close together. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and great expanses of land separated one house from the next. “Won’t we be seen?”

  “No,” he whispered. “That’s part of the carpet’s magic.”

  I hesitantly climbed on. Flying was my thing, but I hadn’t ever done it without my wings.

  “It’s safe, don’t worry.” He wrapped his arms around my waist. As soon as I was on, the carpet took off. I couldn’t help it, I squealed. Laeddin chuckled. “Do you want to sit?”

  We zoomed up and out over the trees. In the distance were the lights of the city of Boston. The higher we went in the sky, the bigger the moon and stars seemed to become. We were flying fast, and the wind should’ve whipped through my hair, but it was as calm as it’d been on the ground.

  “This is crazy,” I said as we flew past a tall building.

  He pulled me closer. “It is,” he agreed.

  “So where are we going?” I leaned over the edge, watching people and cars go by.

  “Back to the home of my youth. Maleficent is still there. I want to try to sneak up on her. It’s highly unlikely that’ll happen, but maybe she’ll be asleep.” Laeddin brushed a piece of my hair out of my face.

  “Okay.” I gulped down a knot of pain. “If this is going to take a while, I may sit.” I kneeled down, pulling Laeddin down too. His aqua eyes held mine. There was so much I didn’t know about him; so much I still wanted to know. “What if I wished the world and everything but us just froze?”

  Laeddin sat and crossed his legs. “What would be the purpose of that wish?” he asked, gently.

  “We could have more time together,” I said simply.

  “That’s not a bad wish. It’s very sweet actually.” He took my hands, weaving my fingertips with his. “But then what? We’d be together in a world held frozen in time until…”

  “I know.” I sighed, understanding the wish was greedy and completely irrational.

  “No, I’m serious. It’s probably obvious I have feelings for you. I’ve tried to keep them in check. When you grazed me with your teeth, it took every ounce of effort I possessed not to kiss you right then and there.”

  I blinked. “I thought you were angry.”

  “I was.” He gave a wry smile. “Jasmine, I’m an old, old man and I was pretending to be your parental guardian. It felt like if I gave in I’d be taking advantage of you, of your youth and your innocence.” As he spoke, his thumb caressed the inside of one of my hands. It was distracting.

  “I’m not that young and innocent,” I said, trying not to sound too upset. I wasn’t a child for goodness sake.

  “You are, Jasmine—”

  I started to interrupt but he put a finger over my lips.

  “The truth is, I wouldn’t mind spending several eternities with you.”

  “Really?” I smiled. That was the sweetest thing I’d ever heard.

  Then Laeddin did something so completely unexpected. He leaned in and kissed me.

  I didn’t dare breathe, thinking he’d remember that it was me he kissed, or he’d change his mind, but he didn’t. His lips softened, caressing mine.

  Fla
mes of desire and need and hunger arose in me with abandon. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back with fervor.

  His lips moved against mine, matching my need. Laeddin pulled me onto his lap and I wrapped my legs around him.

  “Jasmine.” He said my name but I didn’t know how. His lips never left mine. They demanded more. His tongue pressed my lips apart, exploring, tangling with mine.

  When our lips finally parted, we both were breathing heavily.

  It was my first real kiss.

  “That,” he began, taking my face in his hands, “was amazing.”

  I nodded, unable to speak. I wanted to do it again. But I wanted to taste him even more. I wanted his blood in my mouth, on my tongue, in my body. I wanted him.

  He seemed to recognize my need.

  “After,” he said with a smile.

  Immediately I knew he meant if we got out of this situation, if he didn’t turn to dust, and we were able to be together, he’d let me drink from him. That alone increased my determination to somehow make sure he wouldn’t die.

  Suddenly the world around us shimmered and we shot through a hole in the sky. The darkness seemed to open up and swallow us and then spit us out again. I closed my eyes for the briefest moment, fighting dizziness. When I opened them again, we were in a totally new land.

  “We’re here,” Laeddin breathed.

  I untangled myself from him and stood. “Where’s here?” The landscape was different than the human realm and that of Sharra. The colors seemed more vibrant.

  The carpet landed in a deep green meadow. Laeddin took my hand and we stepped off the carpet together.

  “This is the home of my youth. Welcome to Debania.”

  “It’s breathtaking,” I said, not sure where to look first.

  Green ivy covered what I guessed had been a dwelling of some kind. It had crumbled with time and age. Colorful flowers bloomed everywhere on trees, bushes, and ground cover. The air seemed to cling to my skin, like the spray of perfume. It was heavy with spicy fragrance.