by J. N. Colon
“Still not hungry?” His voice was deep and rough, sending fingers of heat across my neck.
With an intensity I’ve yet to experience, my fangs tore through my gums, my jaw exploding with an aching need. A strangled moan slipped out as my gaze landed on Mac’s neck. Blue veins were visible beneath his flawless pale skin, pulsating with savory blood and life.
“I thought so,” he growled. His strong hands grabbed my hips, digging into my flesh as he hoisted me up until I wrapped my legs around his waist. “Go ahead baby. Take what you want.”
My arms were gripping his shoulders and my face was so, so close to those jumping veins. “I can drink your blood?” I’d done it before, but I was a vampire myself now. Didn’t I need human blood?
“Of course you can. I’m not as nutritious as that glass of human blood over there, but I’m definitely more fun.”
He’s got that right.
My throat burned with thirst and fangs ached to sink into something warm and fleshy. That something was Mac.
Before I leaned forward Mac spoke. “Oh, and I intend to take what I want when you’re done.”
My entire body shivered with anticipation. He could have anything he wanted.
I dipped forward and sank my fangs into his neck, his wild taste exploding across my tongue with a force that wanted to rip my insides apart in a good way. He tasted of the autumn night, a wild, untamed forest, and sensuality all rolled into a delicious glass of briny, buttery blood.
A deep groan tumbled out Mac’s mouth and he pushed me into the wall, his hips aligning magnificently with mine. His fingers dug into my skin hard enough to bruise. His pleasure leaked into mine, doubling over until I felt like I was going to melt into oblivion.
Sated, I finally pulled back and peered into Mac’s face. The predatory look in his eyes deepened.
“My turn,” he growled and before I could take another breath he tossed me onto his bed. He slowly crawled from the foot toward me, stealing my breath and pushing trembles through my body.
My heart pounded with need and anticipation. This would be the first time we wouldn’t have to worry about him drinking too much or me turning into a vampire.
Mac gripped my ankle and yanked me toward him until I was beneath his massive body. “Mine,” he snarled before his fangs drove into me, hard and fast.
I gasped at his suddenness. He wasn’t gentle or slow. This bite was almost vicious and yet laced with all his love for me. This was the way he’s always wanted to take me. I was just too fragile before.
Not anymore. I was a vampire. I was his vampire.
Pleasure unfurled deep in my belly, quickly seeping through all my veins. A strangled moan fell out of me followed by a whimper. My hands grabbed Mac’s hips so they would find mine. It wasn’t gentle. I felt the fabric of his navy pants rip under my hold.
Mac’s mouth released me and he drew back, my blood staining his lips red. “I see.” He ripped my vest and white collared shirt in one swipe, exposing my blue lace and silk bra. “Much better.”
A need to have him in more ways than one uncoiled through me so quickly I gasped. “Please tell me you have…”
“Way ahead of you love.” He reached over to grab something out his bedside table while his other hand drifted up the hem of my skirt.
***
I sat on a couch in the common room in our dorm, staring pensively at the off television on the glossy cream wall above the wainscoting. Leather couches and chairs were scattered around the maple colored wood floor. Small square tables lined the back wall, several people donning them while studying—or more like socializing.
The school crest hung high on the wall above the double doors. Across the room Radcliff was painted in bold black letters with more alumni hanging beneath. Unlike in the dining hall, a collage of candid shots was spread out. I spotted Dimitri in at least five so far, his amber eyes lit with mischief while a naughty grin played on his mouth. I’m pretty sure I spotted Demy’s deceased older brother Vikrum. He had the same amber eyes and brown hair as his father, but he was leaner like Natasha. I didn’t have the guts to ask Demy yet. I knew it was a still a tender subject for him and hated when sadness filled those violet eyes.
I turned away from those thoughts, my mind drifting to the dreams of the dark headed girl. What had she known about the hunters that got her killed? Did it have anything to do with the latest nightmare about the tortured and murdered shifter?
I sighed and slumped lower in my seat, confused. If these dreams are real, who is her relative that is supposed to stop the hunters and what is this gift she’s supposed to have?
Celestia plopped down on the couch beside me, breaking my reverie.
“Hello Rubi,” she said in her singsong voice, coiling a lock of black hair around her finger absentmindedly. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing. Just thinking…” William called the girl a witch and mentioned unnatural sight. Did this mean she was psychic? Was that the gift her descendent was supposed to have…?
My eyes shifted to Celestia, noting her tan capri tights with a flowing green top that brought out her eyes. An array of necklaces in different lengths hung from her neck, reminding me of my grandmother. Mismatched crystal earrings dangled from her ears.
Celestia is psychic.
It can’t be a coincidence she’s here now and I’m having these dreams. What if she’s the relative that’s supposed to thwart the hunters?
I shook myself to see Celestia staring at me with strange, knowing eyes. “What?” I asked, feeling my cheeks heat.
A ghost of a smile touched her lips as she shrugged innocently. “Nothing.”
There was something very odd about her. Was she reading my future or maybe even my mind as we speak?
Her smile faded and expression slackened, leaving her eyes unnatural dark voids. “Immortal blood runs deep.” Her voice was lower, lacking the usual pleasant lilting tone.
My flesh prickled as ice crawled down my back. “What?” I asked, my heart shivering in my ribcage.
Celestia blinked, emotions returning to her face. “Huh?”
My brows knit. “What you’d just say?”
Her nose crinkled in a cute way, confused. “Nothing. What are you talking about?”
I stared at her like a fish out of water. “You said something about immortal blood and all.”
She tilted her head and put a finger to her lip in thought. “No… I don’t think so.”
What the hell? Did I seriously imagine that?
Maybe I should drink some more blood.
“Hi Princess Rubi—I mean Rubi.” I glanced up to see Hudson standing by the couch with his hands in his pockets, rocking on his toes. He was so tall it almost hurt to crane my neck back so far to peer into his gentle face.
“Hi Hudson,” I said
He smiled and then nodded toward Celestia. “Hi.”
Her brows lifted. “Hello.”
“What’s up?” I asked when he just stood there smiling.
Hudson shook himself as if he realized he was staring. “I saw Mac outside.” He motioned his thumb toward the door. “Since you weren’t answering your cellphone he asked that I tell you he’d be late for dinner.”
I patted my pockets and sure enough no phone. Oops. “O-Okay.”
He shook his wavy brown hair from his deep set hazel eyes. “Would you like me to walk you to the dining hall?” His gaze shifted toward Celestia. “You too?”
My brow arched suspiciously. “Did he ask you to do that?”
He removed his hands from his pocket and nervously fiddled with his sleeve. “No, but I spotted Rufus and Daedalus hovering outside and thought maybe you would rather I walk you instead of the royal guards.”
I scrubbed my face, muffling a groan. Humans already eye me funny. I could hear them ask who the big guys following me occasionally were. “Sure,” I said. “Thanks for thinking of that Hudson.”
He beamed. “Any time.” He extended his arm. “I told you
I’m here if you need anything.”
I stood and wound my arm around his, suddenly feeling awkward like I was a prim and proper girl from the past with a gentleman to escort me.
Hudson might be a real gentleman, but I’m no lady. I’m barely even civilized if there’s a piece of fillet mignon in front of me.
I turned to Celestia. “Coming?”
She failed miserably at stifling her giggles as she stood. “Sure thing.”
On our way out the door she mouthed to me, “he’s such a royal suck up.”
I scowled and feigned kicking her.
***
Math, oh how I hate thee, let me count the ways.
How is my dad a math genius and I’m math illiterate? That gene definitely skipped me.
I sat on my bed in my dorm doing homework. Well, if staring at my book with a puzzled expression constitutes as doing homework, then yes, that’s what I was doing.
Darkness blanketed the campus through the view from my window. I shut the curtains, but the night still crept in, mist from the massive amount of humidity clinging to the windowpane.
I checked the clock again, prompting another sigh. Vera was still at a drama club meeting. She asked me to join, but I was not a person who liked the spot light. And I had absolutely no artistic ability for painting scenery, writing scripts, or designing costumes.
As shadows played in the corners and those whispers started again I was beginning to regret not tagging along. My heart started pounding as they grew louder, several different voices talking at once with no discernable words.
I dropped my pencil and grabbed my phone to call Mac, but what the hell would I say? ‘Oh, hey Mac, I’m scared to be alone because I’m hearing voices and seeing things.’
I tossed my phone back on my bed and rubbed my temples. I’m going freaking crazy. That’s what’s happening. I’m losing my mind and I’ll be spending my reign as a vampire queen from the nut house.
Mac will be so happy.
Tears stung the corners of my eyes as the whispers increased and invisible eyes stared at me with dark intensions. I scooted under the covers and tossed them over my head, hoping to drown the world out.
It didn’t work.
Instead footsteps echoed with a resonating eerie creak while shadows stretched toward me. I could see them from beneath the covers, reaching out threateningly.
My pulse shook and terror frayed my nerve endings. I wanted to run out the room to find safety, but fear had me frozen to the spot, trembling in a tight ball.
The shadow of a hand appeared, long, unnatural fingers extending across the covers, snatching them away.
Chapter 15
A strangled squeak slipped out my mouth.
“Rubi? What’s wrong?” Demy was standing over me, the concern in his violet eyes leaking to his usually passive face.
I slumped on the headboard, the whispers and watched sensation dissolving. “Nothing,” I lied unconvincingly.
His eyes seared into mine. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just…” I bit my lip, searching for an excuse as to why I was huddled under blankets, trembling with fear.
Before I could find a plausible answer Demy kicked his shoes off and peeled back the covers.
“What are you doing?” I asked, scooting over regardless.
Demy slid in next to me. “You look like you’re being terrorized by an evil monster and since you won’t tell me the truth I’m not leaving.”
My brows furrowed and I pointed to Vera’s empty bed. “You can sit over there.”
“You’re scared. Don’t pretend like you wouldn’t prefer to snuggle up to me tonight.” He suddenly yanked me down until my head rested on the pillows next to his.
“Demy,” I warned. “I don’t think Mac would appreciate you being in my bed.” Honestly I was glade he was here.
His studded brow arched. “Why Rubi, you wouldn’t be having impure thoughts about me, now would you?”
I scoffed.
His lips twitched. “Why else would you be opposed to your best friend sleeping next to you?”
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. Just no funny business.”
Demy pierced me with his gaze, his face serious. “Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong? You’ve been acting strange for days now.” I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off. “Don’t lie Rubi. I know something is going on with you.”
I sighed and tried to avert my eyes, but he grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I-I don’t want to talk about it.” I couldn’t bear to have him look at me like I was nuts right now, because I know that’s what would happen. More tears welled up again and my bottom lip trembled.
Demy hissed and pulled me against his chest. “Don’t cry. You don’t have to tell me. Yet.” His fingers massaged my back, trying to soothe me.
I buried my face against him and gripped his shirt. His amber and earth scent wafted up my nose, stronger than ever before. “Just hold me for a little while please.”
“Of course,” he whispered.
Soon my eyes got heavy and breathing deepened. As I drifted off to sleep, I realized how good he smelled—and I mean in the mouthwatering, jaw aching way that made me thirsty.
My eyes fluttered open to my darkened room. A heavy, warm arm was draped over my waist while warm breath dusted my neck. A silver and ruby ring glinted in the darkness.
Mac.
I rolled over to face him, his jade eyes opening. “When did you get here?” I asked, a sleepy smile melting my lips.
He glanced at the clock. “A couple hours ago. Demy called.”
My smile faded. Traitorous Russian shifter. “Oh.”
Concern creased Mac’s forehead. “What’s going on Rubi? You’re scaring me.”
I sighed and tried to turn over, but his arm wouldn’t allow it. “Nothing is wrong. I’m having a hard time adjusting to everything. That’s all.”
He wasn’t convinced.
“Really,” I lied. “I’m in a new place with new people…” I let that sentence hang, implying a specific person I’m adjusting to, Laney Cavanaugh. “And I’m not human anymore. I just need some time.”
“Rubi, I think it’s more…”
I cut him off by crushing my lips against his with a quickness that even surprised me. “Can’t you just kiss me Mac?” I nipped his bottom lip before soothing it with my tongue.
A growl unfurled deep in his chest, but he relented and rolled us over until he was hovering over me.
***
Professor Reilly, our history teacher, sat at the front of the room behind his desk, typing away on a computer with little clicks echoing. He was in his mid-thirties with almond shaped green eyes outlined in long blonde lashes. Downey white blonde hair swooped away from his ruddy face in a clean part. His skin was pale, making his rosy cheeks even more disguisable. His nose was small yet slightly crooked as if it had been broken before. He was thick and relatively tall, reminding me of a football player.
Mac tapped me on the back. “Did you get enough blood this morning?”
I glanced over my shoulder and nodded.
A mischievous smile curled his lips as he leaned closer to whisper in my ear. “Because I’d be willing to donate some… if you know what I mean.”
Oh I definitely knew what he meant. A flush spread across my cheeks and my veins quivered. “I might have to accept your kind offer.”
His deep chuckle vibrated against my skin. “The offer’s not free. I require payment.”
I shivered at his words.
“Ah, Rubi, could you come here for a moment.”
I jumped at the professor’s voice, my face a million shades of red at being caught in a moment with Mac. As I stood Demy held my eyes, trying to hold in his laughter. I stuck my tongue out at him.
“Yes sir?” I asked once I reached his desk.
His pale blue collared shirt stretched tautly over his bulky arms while his chest strained against the navy cashmere sweater vest. He’d
be pretty intimidating without the perpetual smile lingering on his face or humor lighting his eyes.
He pointed to my last test with a bright red ‘C’ marked on it. “It doesn’t look like you did too well. Did you study?” His tone was gentle and lacked the accusations Professor Forsyth always had.
I bit my lip. “Yes. I was just distracted.”
A warm smile crossed his ruddy face. “I know about your situation.”
Oh crap. My heart jumped in my throat. Did he know I was hearing voices and seeing things?
My face must have been painted with terror because his brow furrowed with worry.
“Oh, dear. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” His leaned forward and lowered his husky voice. “I’m good friends with Dimitri Dragoniv, you know…” He motioned a stubby finger at me. “I know about your new state of being.”
Relief loosened the panic in my chest. “Oh.”
He leaned back and smiled again. “You must be having difficulty adjusting to everything new. Anyone would be distracted by that.”
I nodded. No need to mention that I’m slipping off the deep end into crazy town.
“How about you come by after school and we’ll get you some extra credit to keep your grade up.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t worry Rubi.” He patted my hand. “You’ll have lots of help during this strange time.”
The moment his hand touched mine ice descended through my veins, spawning goose bumps across my flesh. I gasped and snatched my hand away, startling Professor Reilly.
He blinked in confusion. “Are you okay?”
I swallowed hard and tried to keep the fear from my face. “Y-Yeah. Just sensitive some times,” I lied, rubbing the warmth back into my fingers.
He flashed a gentle smile. “Of course.” He waved me away. “Now, go back to your seat and I’ll see you after school.”
I nodded and silently walked back to my desk, trepidation cooling my blood.
Mac squeezed my shoulders. “You okay?”