by J. N. Colon
To get my mind off the hunters Demy took Mac and me on a walk around town to show us the school. As I stood outside the iron gates my mouth hung open and eyes bugged out. I thought I was leaving behind the old, creepy school atmosphere of Highland Academy.
Oh man was I wrong.
Mossgrove Academy was just as bad. The massive pale red brick buildings looked ancient. Ivy and lichen crawled up each one nearly swallowing them. Huge oaks branched out with thick green canopies to shade the campus. Weeping willows dripped with Spanish moss all the way to the ground.
It looked like nature was attempting to reclaim the manmade buildings back into the wilderness.
I shivered at the thought.
“Oh come on Rubi,” Demy laughed. “It’s not that bad.”
I twisted my crazy hair into a ponytail to stave off the heat and thick humidity of Savannah and shot him a skeptical expression. “Are we looking at the same school?”
Mac’s hands found my waist. “It’s not as creepy as Highland.”
“Speak for yourself. I was expecting a nice prim and proper southern school.” I motioned toward it. “Was this even always a school or something else back in the olden days?”
Demy’s studded brow lifted as he leaned closer. “Well it was a convent once, but they had to shut it down after… the incident.”
My heart sputtered. “What incident?”
His violet eyes burned into mine. “One night the nuns went nuts and killed the priest.”
I wiped the sheen of sweat off my forehead. “Nuh uh.”
“Uh huh.”
Mac’s chuckle vibrated against my back as he pulled me into him. “He’s kidding Rubi.”
I growled and tried to kick the Russian idiot.
“It was actually just a hospital.”
“Yeah.” Demy’s face took on a wild expression. “For the criminally insane.”
“One of these days Demy, I’m going to get you back!” I smacked a mosquito that tried to bite me. The only thing I want sucking my blood was Mac.
Mac grabbed my hand and started pulling me down the road. “We’ll think of something good to get him together.” He winked a green eye.
A grin split my mouth. “Okay.” I happily followed them down the road deep in thought on a prank to nail Demy. I was so deep in thought it took me a moment to notice what we suddenly entered.
“Whoa!” I yanked Mac to a stop. “Uh, why the hell are we in a graveyard!”
Mac shrugged. “It’s a short cut.”
“A short cut to what? A horror movie?” I screeched.
Mac shot me an incredulous expression. “Rubi, no ghosts are going to get you while I’m around.” He flashed a kilowatt smile. “I’ll protect you.”
“Have you forgotten about my dead Madison starring nightmares?” I suddenly remembered my dream about the girl getting her throat slit open. With everything going on I’d forgotten to tell Mac. “Dead people freak me out.”
Regret entered his expression while he bashfully rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. “Shit Rubi. I’m sorry.”
Demy jogged back toward us. “It’ll be fine Rubi. There are a million cemeteries in Savannah. They’re not that scary.” He gripped my other hand. “Nothing’s going to get you. Really.”
I scoffed.
“Do you think for a second either one of us would bring you here if we thought it was dangerous?” Demy asked.
I averted my eyes so they couldn’t see my answer. I saw their triumphant smiles in my periphery and reluctantly sighed. “Fine. Let’s go.”
“Great.” Demy’s finger ran over the panther ring he gave me, his violet eyes flashing me a proud smile.
I tried to grimace, but it was more of a grin. I stuck my tongue out at him, earning a chuckle.
They pulled me further into the ancient graveyard, our steps muted against the lush summer grass. Six feet under the ground was riddled with death, but wildlife was alive all around the guarding headstones. The sun beamed down from above, glistening on the water in the basin of a small bird bath, a red herring, luxuriating in it. Crickets and cicadas chirped while colorful butterflies fluttered around the growing wildflowers. I caught sight of a furry little brown bunny hopping through the undergrowth toward the surrounding oaks and weeping willows.
Gees. Where’s the deer drinking water from a babbling brook?
Dogwoods and small maples swayed in the gentle breeze that swept through. My eyes sought out the headstones, some crumbling and antique while others appeared less than ten years old. The older ones were elaborate—or at least had been—with cherubs or angels praying over the deceased. Ivy and moss crawled over them, mixing with faded alabaster stone.
While it was still creepy simply because it was a cemetery, there was something enthralling about it, drawing me in like a spider to its web. I found myself slowing down to examine the names and dates of the dead or the intricate designs that had once been pristine.
A small, unmarked grave stationed between a praying angel bigger than me and a maple tree with brilliant green leaves caught my attention. I hauled the boys to a stop as I stared, something strange tugging my insides.
“What is it?” Mac asked, concern lacing his voice.
I shook my head. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Oh Mac look!” Demy pointed with his free hand to a massive mausoleum with Greek columns outlining French doors that were hanging open. “That thing’s open.”
Mac’s green eyes lit up. “We’ve been trying to get in since we were kids.” He pulled on my arm. “Come on Rubi, let’s check it out.”
“No way.” I was fine with standing in a graveyard, but going into a small building with bodies in the walls… um no. “Go head.” I slipped my hands from theirs and waved them on. “I’ll be fine out here.”
His brows knit. “You sure?”
My gaze fell back on the unmarked grave. “Yeah. You’ll only be two feet away.”
Mac reluctantly stepped away, glancing over his shoulder several times until they disappeared into the mausoleum.
I ran my hand along the stone, unable to tell if it was so old the name rubbed off or if one was never there to begin with. A sliver of sadness nipped my heart thinking there had never been one. It probably meant no one ever visited this particular deceased. An urge to set flowers on it encased me.
I shook myself. Snap out of it Rubi! It’s probably just old.
The wind began to pick up, sending my crazy mane twirling in its ponytail so violently the rubber band strained then snapped, freeing my hair. As I brushed strands out my face my gaze fell on a figure several yards away, standing in the shadow of a weeping willow. A chill dusted my exposed skin and my heart rate elevated. The beads of sweat clinging to my flesh from the summer heat dissipated, leaving me shivering.
The figure—I couldn’t tell if it was male or female—slowly drew closer, it’s movement unnatural. It undulated like smoke, contrasting and expanding.
My mouth filled with sand and muscles froze. I blinked several times to clear the vision away.
This isn’t happening, I thought as my heart pounded against my ribcage. I’m not seriously seeing a ghost.
But the rippling figure remained, reaching the outskirts of the shade. A cold wind gusted through, shaking the leaves of every tree in the cemetery, the moss whipping around. Gone were the pesky mosquitos and the colorful butterflies. The crickets and cicadas stopped chirping. The birds had all left at the first sign of the cool, unnatural wind.
My breath lodged in my throat and flesh prickled in fear. Eeriness settled through the cemetery like fog, shattering any enthralling qualities I sensed earlier. This was the terrifying place of nightmares now.
As the shape left the canopy of the tree, the sky darkened quickly, carrying with it ominous shadows that stretched across the ground toward me threateningly. I glanced up to see dark, heavy clouds rolling across the sky, blotting out the sun. The thick smell of rain hung heavy in the air.
> When I glanced back the figure was gone.
Just when relief began to seep through my taut muscles I felt a cold hand on my shoulder.
My eyes bugged out my face and body trembled, the icy grip of fear clutching me. Terror hemorrhaged through my bloodstream, sending my teeth chattering. No matter how hard I fought it, my body began to turn toward the cold hand as if it was forcing me.
An intense flash of lightning erupted across the sky, a massive boom of thunder following it.
I jumped and screamed my head off.
Mac was suddenly by my side, his eyes worried as he grabbed my shoulders. “Rubi! What’s wrong?”
Demy followed, his head swiveling back and forth, searching as his nose sniffed the air.
“I-uh…” I cringed at their worry laden expressions. A nervous laugh tumbled out my mouth as I shook my head. “Nothing.” I pointed to the sky. “The thunder scared the crap out of me.” Maybe I imagined the figure and the cold hand. I am in a cemetery. That’s bound to make anyone paranoid.
I’m probably still tired from that ridiculous horse pill Ava gave me.
Mac looked relieved as he pulled me to him. “The sky’s about to open up Demy. We better get out of here.”
Demy nodded.
As they both grabbed my hands and led me through the cemetery I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder to see if I caught the figure again.
Nothing was there.
Chapter 6
By the time we made it back to the Dragoniv’s massive townhouse in the city night had fallen along with rain. We all looked like drowned rats. Miranda and Natasha chastised the boys for keeping me out so late and getting me soaked.
Mac pulled me upstairs to change, the lights flickering out with a crash of thunder just as were entered. I immediately clung to Mac, picturing the figure I didn’t see in the graveyard.
He chuckled. “Are you scared or are you trying to tell me something.” If I could see him his eyebrows were probably wiggling suggestively.
“Mac,” Natasha called from the hall. “There are some gas lanterns in the closet. The matches are in the desk.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“And warm Rubi up. She’s probably freezing from being wet and in the air conditioner.”
Mac lit a lantern in time to display the devious smile on his face. “Will do.”
My cheeks blushed at the thoughts I knew were stirring in his mind. He lit another lantern and a few pillar candles, dowsing the room in soft, flickering light. Rain pounded rhythmically on the house while distant thunder and lightning echoed.
Mac stalked toward me like a predator, his eyes flecking with silver. “Let me warm you up Mrs. Davenport,” he growled as he reached for me.
I failed to hide the shiver that brought out. “Don’t let my father hear you say that.”
He gripped my hips and brought me flush with his warm body. “Good thing he’s not here.” His mouth descended, his tongue seeking mine.
Oh man he tasted good.
My fingers curled into his shirt, slowly pushing it up his sides and over his head. I tossed it on the floor with a wet flop.
“You sure are trying to get me undressed fast, aren’t you?” he chuckled, his wild midnight hair tickling my forehead.
“Well, your clothes are soaked. I wouldn’t want you to get a cold.”
His lips curled against mine. “Oh sure because vampires get colds.”
“Exactly.”
My shirt was suddenly tossed to the floor next to his. “The same goes for you too.”
Heat spread over my skin like wildfire as Mac’s silver and jade eyes hungrily drank me in. His fingers trailed the edge of my delicate lace bra. “Do you purposely wear this stuff to drive me nuts?”
“Yes.” I grinned demurely up at him.
A deep growl snaked between his teeth. Without warning he grabbed my hips and tossed me on the bed. I barely had time to gasp before he was over me, his mouth stealing my breath. “Payback’s a bitch,” he said as he lowered his weight.
A moan of pleasure was forced out of me. His naked torso burned against mine, setting the rest of my body on fire. Electricity crackled up and down my spine as Mac’s hands traveled over my curves.
“I don’t think you thought this through Mac,” I breathed as his lips trailed down my jaw. “I like your brand of payback.”
A growl vibrated against my skin moments before his fangs pressed against my neck, teasing.
I gasped and swore. “N-Not fair.” We shared blood a few days ago. It would be a bad idea for us to do it again and he knew it. “That was low McCollum Davenport.”
His mouth was soft on my neck again, sucking and kissing. “Yeah. That was a bit of a double edged sword.”
I laughed humorlessly knowing now he was thinking about it as much as I was. Instead of goading him like he deserved I shifted underneath him until one of my legs curled around his hip, distracting him with my body.
“Mmm. That’s better,” he mumbled before kissing me again, his warm silk tongue gliding against mine maddeningly.
Share blood we could not, but…
My mind traveled back to the night we shared vows and donned the royal rings. We would have given ourselves to each other that night if it hadn’t been for the attack on Aspen. It’s been months. Why haven’t we yet?
We loved each other more than anything and we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together. I was his royal mate and he was mine.
I wanted him. The right time was now.
Mac’s fingers pushed my bra strap away so his mouth could spread kisses across my shoulder and collarbone. Without realizing it my own fingers unbuttoned his pants.
“Mac?” I whispered, my pulse quivering and body already trembling with anticipation.
“Yeah baby?” His breath was hot against my skin.
“Do you have protection?”
He instantly froze. And then he pulled back to peer into my face to see if he heard me right. “W-What?”
I almost laughed at his comical expression. “I’m ready. I want to.”
His dark brows disappeared into his hair. “Now? Are you sure Rubi?”
I nodded as I slowly pulled down his zipper, eliciting a strangled groan from him. “So do you have something…?”
His silver eyes were glazed over with pure desire. “Do I what?”
A smile curled my lips. “Have protection?”
Mac shook himself to clear his mind. “Oh, right…” His expression suddenly morphed to one of horror. “No,” he hissed. “I don’t.”
My mouth hung open in shock. “No? NO? What do you mean no?” My voice was shrill with disbelief. “You’re a seventeen year old male. Don’t guys start carrying one around when they’re like thirteen?”
He groaned and buried his face in the crook of my neck, a slew of curses echoing out of him. “I did have one, but someone at your party needed it.”
I didn’t even want to know who. “You only had one?”
“On me. I don’t have any of my stuff. It’s still at your house.”
Oh just freaking perfect. I growled in frustration, the noise sounding almost like a vampire.
Stunned, Mac pulled back and bit his lip. “I can ask Demy.”
Heat flooded my cheeks at the thought and I grimaced. “No.”
His brows knit. “Well I can always ask Dimitri or my dad.”
“NO!” I screeched. I ground my teeth in thought. I really wanted this now and I could definitely tell Mac did too. Like Demy isn’t going to know the moment he sees us afterwards.
“Oh fine. Go ask Demy.” I pouted. “But hurry up.”
Mac scrambled off the bed, nearly face planting on the floor. It was the most ungraceful I’d ever seen a vampire and I couldn’t hold back my laughter. I guess he’s really, really excited.
“Be one second.” He suddenly disappeared out the door, closing it behind him without putting on his shirt.
Hopefully he remembered to button
his pants.
My grandmother’s embarrassing gift came to mind. Even if I did have the lingerie I doubt it would stay on my body more than a millisecond. This has been a long time coming.
When Mac returned his cheeks were deeply flushed, eyes shadowed with desire, and hair severely disheveled. He looked like a wild animal. And I liked it.
He locked the door behind him and slowly stalked toward me. “We’re ready now… I mean if you still are?”
My heart was pounding a mile a minute and insides trembled. I wasn’t afraid of what was about to happen. No, not that. It was like my soul has been waiting for this moment for a very long time and it was having difficulty remaining in my body. It needed to touch Mac. I needed him to touch me.
Now.
I crooked my finger at him and he easily obeyed, crawling over and pushing me into the soft bed.
“Rubi McHale Davenport…”
Oh man I loved it when he used my last name like that.
“An eternity with you is not nearly enough.” His lips gently brushed against mine. “I’ll need an eternity of eternities to satisfy one ounce of desire and love I have for you.”
Whoa. Way to get a girl going smooth talker.
My insides ignited from the mixture of his words and caresses. “Mac,” I breathed. “If you keep that up I’ll be nothing but a puddle underneath you.”
A deep, devilish chuckle resonated from him, vibrating deliciously against my skin. “Oh don’t worry love, that’s exactly where you’re headed.”
A gasp tumbled out my mouth and areas I was embarrassed to think about instantly quivered with electricity.
Mac nibbled on my ear. “And you’ll love every minute of it.”
Yikes.
Mac kicked his pants off, leaving him in boxers. When I unbuttoned my shorts he gripped my wrist and shook his head with a devious little smile. “No, no.” He shook his index finger. “I’ll do that.”
“’Kay.” I relaxed back on the pillows—if by relax you mean my heart beat erratically against my ribcage and my body slow burned from the inside out with anticipation.
He pulled down my zipper and freed my short from my hips before he tugged them down my legs, so achingly slow I bit my lip to keep from whimpering. Mac has seen me in my bra and panties plenty of times, but this was different. Promises, invisible binds, and a since of forever hung in the air. Also finality. Since the moment Mac swore to protect me when we were merely five years old we’ve belonged to each other. This will be as irrevocable as our little ceremony months ago. We will truly be mates in every since of the word. It doesn’t matter I’m not a vampire yet. Us together is all that does.