by J. N. Colon
I ignored her and turned toward Demy. “I don’t feel like sleeping.”
His studded brow arched and his lips twitched, threatening a smile. “Need something to tire you out?” His hand slowly made its way to my hip. “I can help with that.”
“Demy,” I warned, smacking his hand away. “Cut that crap out.”
He chuckled and reached for a strip of beef jerky. “It’s okay Rubi. You don’t have to pretend. I know you like it when I flirt with you.”
“Do you share a bed with him a lot?” Madison asked. “Have you kissed him?”
“No,” I blurted.
Demy looked at me questioningly while hurt flashed in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I was just joking. I can leave.”
I grabbed his arm. “No. I didn’t mean that.”
“Oh, so you do like him,” Madison taunted. “Have you bit him yet? Are you going to bite him? I bet he tastes good.”
“No,” I hissed.
Demy’s brows met as he surveyed me. “Rubi, what’s up? Why are you acting weird?”
I sighed and slumped against the pillows defeated. “A ghost is in here.” When his eyes roamed the room I pointed to the bedside table she was leaning against. “It’s Madison.”
“The one who tried to kill you and starred in your nightmares last year?”
“The one and only,” she answered as I nodded.
His eyes took on an unnatural sheen as he glared at the spot she stood, a deep growl snaking out his mouth. “She’s not hurting you, is she?”
Madison smirked. “Oh, he’s protective isn’t he?”
I shook my head. “Nope. She’s here with a cryptic message as usual.”
“What is it?”
I grimaced. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Well, if she’s done with her message maybe she should leave.” His voice was deeper than usual, steeped in threats.
Madison tossed her hands up in surrender. “Fine, fine whatever.” She saluted me as she slowly disappeared.
A sigh of relief washed out my mouth. “She’s gone.” Before I could think about what I was doing I rolled on my side and scooted closer to Demy. “Thanks.”
He smiled gently and brushed a lock of my hair back. “Anything for you Rubi.”
His warm amber scent flooded my senses. It wasn’t overpowering like earlier, but it was enough to make my ears tune into his steady heartbeat. My eyes zeroed in on the veins in his neck, pulsing with the rhythm of life. It was so hypnotic I absentmindedly licked my lips.
“Rubi?” His deep voice tickled my ears. “You okay?”
“Uh huh,” I said, not looking away from his neck. I reached forward and ran my nose along his throat, sniffing him. “Mmm… You smell so good.”
Demy’s strong hands forced me back, his eyes wide and lips quirking.
I blinked several times, realizing my fangs were out. I gasped and my face turned red with embarrassment. “I’m sorry.” I seriously wanted to die.
“No worries little vampire princess. I’m flattered you find my blood so tempting.”
The mention of blood made my jaw ache so I clamped it tight.
He swung his legs off the bed and stood. “I’ll get you something to drink.”
I nodded, thankful once Demy left the room. What’s wrong with me? I can’t bite Demy. Absolutely not.
Chapter 17
I was headed to Professor Reilly’s class before lunch to get my extra credit assignment. He better hurry up. He must not be aware of my vicious appetite. My stomach is already screaming in protest for food.
I was surprised he wanted to meet with me alone. Last time I was in his class I screamed bloody murder at invisible people. If he was informed of my new gifts he still might be leery of me. Hell, I’d be.
When I arrived at his office I halted in front of the door to see him and Headmaster Morgan whispering heatedly. It was something about funding and equipment.
They both froze the moment they spotted me.
“Um…” I hitched my thumb over my shoulder. “I can come back later.”
They both let out forced laughs.
“Of course not Rubi.” Professor Reilly motioned me in and pointed to a chair opposite his desk.
“Hello Rubi,” the headmaster said as he scooted to the other side of the desk toward the door. “We’ll finish our conversation later Professor Reilly.” He gave him a curt nod before leaving.
Okay. Those two were definitely having an argument before I entered.
Professor Reilly’s office was significantly smaller than the Headmaster’s, which was expected, and yet still nicer than any of my teachers at South Seneca High School. A shiny oak desk sat between us with piles of papers and books stacked together in some kind of organized chaos. A book shelf was in the corner, holding hardbacks and a few delicate trinkets. Several displays of historical coins were tacked to the walls. Directly above him in a gleaming case was a fourteenth century samurai sword. I only recognized it because my dad has one similar. Yeah. He’s a nerd.
He noticed my staring and glanced over his shoulder, his lips quirking in a smile. “It’s a samurai sword.” He motioned toward it with a stubby finger. “Cool huh?”
“Fourteenth century katana.”
His light green eyes brightened with surprise. “Yes. How’d you know?”
“My dad has a whole collection.”
Professor Reilly grinned. “I like your dad already.”
My gaze lingered on the sharp, deadly blade, a shiver crawling down my spine thinking of all the times William or other hunters have sliced and diced me in my dreams. “You ever take it out and use it?”
“No.” He held his palms up. “Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been tempted to try cutting a watermelon or something, but I’m a real klutz.” He ran a finger across his neck. “I’m liable to cut my own head off.”
I ignored the images of my throat being slashed open and examined Professor Reilly. He was big and bulky, but he never came across as clumsy.
“Has your dad ever let you hold one?” His smile was warm and cheeks ruddy, excitement playing in his gaze.
I shook my head. “Nope. I’m not a big fan of knives.” Or silver stakes.
He shrugged and absentmindedly scratched his head, ruffling his white downy hair. “Not everyone is.”
My stomach suddenly let out an angry growl, red immediately staining my cheeks. “Sorry.”
A chuckle resonated out Professor Reilly’s mouth. “Let me give you what you came for so you can eat. I don’t want you passing out on me.”
Ugh. How embarrassing?
His gaze shifted over his desk, roaming the organized chaos with pursed lips. “Now where did I put it...?” He bent down and started opening drawers.
A chill glided up my back and I inwardly groaned, recognizing the sign of an apparition now that I was aware of the whole disturbing mess. I glanced to the corner of the room and saw the white, ethereal ghost from my dreams.
Ah! Am I dreaming? Am I freaking sleepwalking and really sitting here in my underwear?
I glanced down to see my school uniform and then I pinched myself.
Ouch. Nope. Definitely awake.
I turned back to the ghost as she drifted toward Professor Reilly, looming over his bulky shoulder. I couldn’t make out her face, but I got the feeling she was trying to tell me something only I couldn’t understand.
“Are you okay dear?”
I jumped at the sound of his voice. “Uh, yeah fine,” I blurted.
Professor Reilly looked behind him, completely oblivious to the spirit floating inches from his face. “Are you sure?”
I gave a tight smile and nodded. Even if Professor Reilly knew about my ghost whispering gift I doubt he’d be comfortable knowing there was an unknown apparition floating behind him, trying to give me a message.
I finally made it out of Professor Reilly’s office with my extra credit assignment sans the ghost. She disappeared a few minutes after he started expl
aining it.
I’m never going to get used to this seeing ghost crap. They can pop up any time they want. What if I’m in the shower? I don’t want any peeping toms spying on me. Or worse, what if Mac and are… you know?
Ugh.
“Hi prin… I mean Rubi.” Hudson was closing his locker with a wide grin directed toward me. “On your way to lunch?” he asked, sidling up to me as I walked down the hall.
Thankfully he was learning to cut the princess crap. “I hope.” I grabbed my stomach with a groan. “I’m so hungry I’m about to keel over.”
He laughed. “Mind if I walk you?”
“Sure. Just be ready to catch me in case I faint.”
Hudson held out his hand dramatically. “I think I got it.”
Once we entered the dining hall I headed straight for the food, not even bothering to peek at our table. My stomach was pissed with me for depriving it of food for longer than usual.
I should really think about carrying snacks in my pockets.
In a daze I sat next to Mac without taking in my surroundings until I inhaled several bites of beef stroganoff. Finally, I glanced up chewing a huge mouthful and noticed the blonde southern bell shifter sitting on the other side of Mac, laughing.
My insides churned with anger and the only reason I didn’t snarl was because I hated to waste the food I was chomping on all over the table. Instead I shot Mac a narrowed glare.
He gave me a tight smile. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “She just sat down.”
Yeah I bet. She never would have done that if I’d been here.
I rolled my eyes and returned to my food without a word.
“Ah, baby, don’t be mad at me,” he whispered in my ear.
“I’m not,” I said, shrugging him off. “I’m hungry.” Semi-lie. I was annoyed with him. He should quit being so nice and tell her to back the hell off.
I would have said as much, but I didn’t want to sound like a psycho jealous girlfriend.
A delicious scent wafted up my nose, making my mouth water. It took me a moment to realize Demy had just sat next to me, his amber scent sifting through my brain.
I shook myself. Damn. Why does he smell so tasty?
“Hey there little princess. Why the long face?” It never bothered me when Demy called me princess.
“Nothing,” I lied, pointed my fork toward Laney who kept bumping her shoulder against Mac’s arm. On purpose I’m sure.
Demy’s studded brow lifted. “I see.” He wound his arm around my waist and pulled me against him. “If you were my girl I’d tell her to get lost, screw being nice.”
I grinned up at him. “I bet.”
Mac narrowed his eyes at Demy. “Cut it out.”
“What?” he asked innocently, laying a hand on my head to press it against his shoulder. “Rubi needs lots of attention and if she’s not getting it from you…” He let the sentence hang.
Silver started to reflect in Mac’s eyes as he reached for me. Demy reluctantly let him pull me back. “She’s getting plenty believe me.”
I pulled a face and poked him in the arm. “You’re such a guy.”
He flashed a grin toward Demy. “See, she didn’t deny it.”
“She didn’t confirm it either,” Demy said in a sing-song voice that sounded funny with his accent.
I shook my head, rolling my eyes. “You two are the worst, I swear. I don’t know why I put up with you.”
Demy scoffed. “Because you love us.”
“Sometimes that’s debatable,” I remarked sarcastically.
Chapter 18
The massive room was filled with bodies socializing and dancing to music pumping through the speakers. Demy was throwing a party in the attic of Jameson Hall. We had to take several twists and turns to find the place, reminding me of Highland’s maze of corridors and secret passages. I wondered if Mossgrove Academy had as many secret places.
Twinkling lights wrapped around the rafters from the tall, slanted ceiling, dowsing the room in a warm golden glow. Tables of food and drinks were shoved in a corner, one in the very back holding glasses of blood and I questioned what was keeping the humans from grabbing one of those. They were in for a big surprise if they did.
Speakers and a table with a durable looking laptop and extensive music equipment were across from the food. I was shocked none of the faculty could hear us. Maybe they could. Maybe they just didn’t care.
People melded everywhere, various scents and perfumes mingling through the air mixed with blood. If I hadn’t had my fill before arriving I’d be by that table, downing glasses by the minute.
Somehow I ended up in a dress and heels. Damn Vera. I thought I’d gotten away from the overbearing girly roommate when I traded Aspen for her. No such luck. Vera may appear tough as nails, but one look in her accessories closet tells you she’s as girly as Aspen Vanderguild.
I pulled on the clingy red material, trying to make it stretch longer on my thighs. It was useless and so was trying to pull the top up. My star shaped scar was visible damn it. I didn’t even know where this dress came from—if you could actually call it a dress. It was more of a scrap of red material a designer tossed aside.
A large warm hand suddenly grabbed mine, towing me away from the crowd to a deserted corner by a window. Tingles tickles up and down my spine and a heady, wild scent engulfed me.
Mac.
When he faced me his jaw was clenched and eyes dancing with silver. “We’ve been here less than an hour and every male in this room can’t take their eyes off you,” he growled, dragging his fingers through his midnight hair. “It’s driving me nuts.”
I scoffed. “Yeah right.” But when I glanced around the room, sure enough, several people were staring at me some covert about it and some outright ogling. My face heated. “They’re only looking because I’m, you know, the new princess or whatever,” I rationalized. “It’s not really about me at all.”
Mac shot me an incredulous expression. “You are so clueless sometimes, but that just makes me love you even more.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes.” His jade and silver eyes slowly traveled the length of my body, bringing a flush to my skin. “And where the hell did you get that dress.”
I shrugged. “Vera found it in my closet.”
His brows knit in suspicion as he pondered something. He glanced around, finding Demy strolling by with one of those duplicitous smiles on his face. A growl vibrated his chest. “Demy.”
I plucked the red material out. “You think Demy got me this?” I couldn’t imagine the Russian shifter browsing the racks at a shmancy boutique.
“Definitely.”
“Why?”
“To drive me crazy.” His hot gaze focused back on me. “And it’s working.” His massive hands suddenly found my hips, pulling me flush against his body.
Mac’s lips crashed on mine, instantly igniting my insides until my blood sizzled. I could feel his own blood boiling and soul reaching out toward mine. Our hearts rioted in sync as he tasted me with his hot tongue. His hand closest to the wall slid lower down my bare thigh until he pulled it up, locking it around his leg.
My head titled back as a moan tumbled out my mouth. Mac’s lips trailed hot kisses down my neck, making my pulse thud erratically. I seriously couldn’t believe we were making out like this at a party. I’d care more if it didn’t feel so damn good. We were lost in our own little world, filled with lust and love.
Mac’s fangs unexpectedly nicked the soft flesh of my neck and I gasp the same time he groaned with longing and pressed me tighter against him.
“Shit Rubi.” His hot breath was ragged as he buried his face in the crook of my neck, his tongue licking up the tiny drop of blood. “We need to get out of here.”
“Definitely.” My voice was a breathy whisper.
He pulled back, barely any jade left in his eyes.
Someone suddenly cleared their throat and we jumped.
Hudson was standing a few feet away with flushe
d cheeks, fighting a smile. “Uh, sorry to bother…” he shifted awkwardly, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Embarrassment descended over me like a thick cloud. Oh man. He saw us totally handsy all over each other.
Mac dragged his fingers through his hair as he fought a smile, his expression like a naughty little boy. “What’s up Hudson?”
I shot Mac a narrowed glare.
“A couple little freshmen vamps are completely wasted. I figured getting a lecture by the prince or princess would have them thinking twice before getting that sloppy.”
Mac rubbed his chin pensively. “Yeah. Okay. I’ll go.” He cleared his throat. “Ah, just give me a minute. I’ll meet you by the door.”
Hudson nodded and disappeared through the crowd.
My brow furrowed as I watched Mac turn toward the window and shut his eyes tight, mumbling something.
“Basketball… basketball… wrinkling old men playing basketball…”
“Mac?” I touched his arm.
Finally he opened his eyes and glanced down before looking sideways at me and smiling with chagrin. “I can leave now.”
I snorted on a laugh.
He grabbed me and gave me a quick kiss. “You won’t be laughing later baby, trust me.” A deep, dangerous chuckle resonated as he marched away.
I sighed and leaned against the window, staring out at the darkened campus far below. It’s so strange to see weeping willows draping with Spanish moss instead of towering oaks and maples with multicolored leaves.
A deep smoky laugh rang out and I looked toward the center of the room to find Vera and Allison dancing wildly. Next to them was Celestia and Lucius looking only slightly more serious. I suddenly wondered if they liked each other. The big blonde shifter dwarfed the delicate psychic, but—like Demy’s parents—somehow it worked. They looked cute together.
Who am I to talk? Mac’s a freaking giant next to me too.
“Hey Rubi.” Laney appeared next to me, staring down with a wide smile while daintily sipping a drink from a straw.
“Hi.”
Ugh. How did I not smell her fruity perfume?
“Having fun?”
I nodded. And of course she looked perfect in a gray formfitting dress that matched her eyes and tall silver pumps she probably had no trouble walking in unlike me. Her blonde hair was straight and sleek, framing her pretty face.