by J. N. Colon
A mischievous grin split her lips. “Speaking of inopportune times… that sure was a show with you and the Russian shifter the other night.” Her eyebrows wiggled. “Very steamy.”
I gasped as my cheeks reddened. “You were watching us!”
She nodded.
Horror struck me as I thought of something else. “Do you watch Mac and me…?”
“Oh, now you two are entertaining. If I was human I’d bring popcorn.”
“AH!” I covered my face with my hands mortified. “Why?”
Madison keeled over laughing. “I’m dead and bored. I’ll watch anything, even you kick Laney Cavanaugh’s trampy ass.” She nudged me, but her hand just sailed through leaving my arm cold. “That was funny by the way.”
I growled. “Why don’t you do something productive with your time like help me figure this whole Sara thing out?”
A human girl entered the room, halting with wide eyes as she watched me talking to the invisible person on the couch.
I waved at her.
She glanced around, noticing the lack of other people and slowly backed out the room.
Perfect.
I turned toward Madison who was wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. “Have you seen Sara’s ghost?”
She shook her head, tossing her black and red choppy hair.
I sighed and slumped back into the couch. “Do you have any idea what the hunters were planning for the shifters in 1954?”
“Nope,” she answered quickly.
My brows knit. “Are you lying?”
She gasped and grabbed her chest. “Me, lie? No way.”
I rolled my eyes. “I thought you were supposed to help as a way of atonement. Not annoy me.” I slumped against the cushions and rubbed my temples.
Madison grinned. “I am helping. Why don’t you ask your grandmother, the biker chick one?”
“What would Lolly know about this?” I asked, but Madison had poofed into thin air.
Damn ghost.
***
Those expressive violet eyes pierced me after Demy answered the door to his and Mac’s room. “Ah. My little vampire princess, what do I owe the pleasure.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
I scoffed and pushed him in the chest until he let me through the door. “You’re so gross.”
A deep chuckle resonated out his mouth. “You know you love me.”
I unsuccessfully fought the smile splitting my lips as I crashed on Mac’s bed. “Where is he? He was supposed to meet me.”
Demy crawled on the bed next to me, lying his head on the pillow, his amber scent wafting around me. My mouth watered a little and heart fluttered. “He’s helping the Headmaster with a group of naughty vampires.”
My brow arched questioningly.
“They compelled a couple freshmen to run around campus naked.”
I snorted on a laugh. My eyes suddenly caught a picture on Demy’s desk and with my new vampire eyes I could clearly see five people—Vera, Adalynn, Jared, Demy, and Travis. My heart ached for the shifter who died last semester from those horrific undead vampires. This summer Demy seemed to come to terms with Travis’s death a little more. There were times when I noticed that blank stare return to his eyes and I had to force him back. Or Mac. I think having him back in his life has helped with the pain of losing Travis.
A warm finger went to my chin, turning my head to meet those mysterious violet eyes. “Is somebody home in there?” A crooked smile laced his lips. “I called your name like three times. Rubiks Moon-Gem McHale.”
My eye narrowed and I let out a tiny vampire growl.
“Awe. That was so cute.” He nudge my shoulder. “Seriously though. What were you just thinking about?”
I swallowed the knot in my throat, reluctant to bring it up, but my eyes flickered toward the photo.
Noticing, Demy followed my line of vision. “Oh.” He shifted back toward me, resting his head close. “Travis.” I could already see the sadness welling up in his eyes.
“No don’t.” I ran my hand along his cheek, my fingers brushing up into his hair. “Don’t do that on me Demy.”
His eyes fluttered close while he leaned into my touch, a humming sound emanating from his chest. “Only if you keep doing that.”
My brow furrowed. “Are you purring again?”
“Maybe.” A smirk twitched his lips. “If you really want to hear me purr you can put that hand somewhere else… somewhere lower…”
“Ugh!” I smacked his chest appalled—not really. “Demy, you’re disgusting.” I was secretly glad bringing Travis up hadn’t made him go quiet like sometimes.
A chuckle vibrated from him. “Kidding. I was just trying to lighten the mood.” He motioned toward the photo. “I’m okay now. Mostly. I wouldn’t have put the picture of Travis up if I couldn’t handle it.”
I wanted to ask if that’s why he never had any picture of his brother Vikrum displayed—he even avoided looking at them at his house—but refrained from opening that wound at the moment.
“He’s still just hard to talk about.” He sighed. “I’m working on it. Okay princess?”
I nodded.
“Onto a different subject…” Demy picked up my left hand, examining my ring. “What exactly does this mean, you two moving your rings?”
I bit my lip hesitantly. “Well… I guess it means we’re kind of getting married officially as soon as we both turn eighteen.”
His expression remained impassive, even his violet eyes showed no surprise. “Congrats.”
My lips pursed. “That’s it? You’re not going to say we’re too young or ask me something silly like to choose you?”
A glint of mischief lit his eyes as Demy wove our fingers together. “Rubi, I know you’d never give up Mac. Plus I really don’t mind being the other man.”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head.
His expression unexpectedly turned serious. “Once you and Mac really do get married you won’t forget me or cut me out right?”
My chest twisted from the emotion suddenly emanating from him. I propped up on my elbow. “Of course not Demy. You’re my best friend. Mac’s too.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” Without thinking I leaned down and pressed my lips to his in a quick kiss. “I need you too, you know that.”
“Okay.” He licked his lips with a grin. “And I only asked that because I knew it would make you kiss me.”
I scoffed and tossed a pillow at him. “You are such an idiot Demyan Dragoniv.” I knew he was lying.
Chapter 29
“Remind me why I’m walking you to class?” I asked Paisley as we pushed through the crowded hallway toward history.
“You’re not.” She flicked her long black ponytail off her shoulder. “I’m walking you.”
My brows knit as suspicion seeped inside. “Why?”
“Because someone asked me to.”
“Does this someone have jade eyes?”
“Yep.”
My jaw clenched. “Black or auburn hair?”
Paisley’s lips twitched. “Both actually.”
I rolled my eyes and growled. “Miranda and Mac asked you to look out for me?”
She nodded.
“I’m a freaking vampire!”
She nudged me with an incredulous expression. “Shut up.”
I waved a hand in the air. “Most of the humans already think I’m crazy because I talk to myself all the time—meaning I’m actually talking to ghosts they can’t freaking see.”
Her sleek black brow arched curiously. “See any now?”
I peered around and only spotted normal teens. “I don’t know. Most of the time they look like regular people. I can’t always tell the difference.”
Lucius was leaning against the wall next to the history classroom, his eyes slowly drinking Paisley in. “Oh la la. Who is this lovely new face?”
“I’d steer clear Luc.” Demy poked his head through the door. “That one’s vicious.”
Paisley glared at him and then shot Lucius a sneer. “Back off white fang.”
Lucius licked his lips. “Oooh. Me likey.”
I pulled Paisley through the door, playfully elbowing Demy. “You’ll only make him like you more. Trust me.” I tugged her toward Professor Reilly’s messy desk. “Professor Reilly, this is Paisley Collins. She’s new.”
He looked up from grading papers with a beaming smile on his ruddy face. My own cheeks suddenly burned with embarrassment wondering if he knew I saw him sucking face with Melody the other night in the cafeteria.
Yuk.
Why? He’s so nice. And she’s not.
“Ah, hello there Paisley.” He extended his hand. “The more the merrier.”
She eyed his hand as if she wanted to cut it off before finally taking it in hers. “Hello.” Her voice was like ice and eyes even harder.
Professor Reilly blinked, confused by her frigid behavior. He took his hand back and cleared his throat. “Rubi, can you get Paisley a book out the closet?”
I nodded. When I returned she was still glaring him, suspicion darkening her cobalt eyes. “Here.” I handed it to her and shot her a questioning expression she blew off.
Professor Reilly smiled at me. “I trust you can help Paisley find a seat and get settled.”
“Sure.” I pulled Paisley toward the desks. “What’s your deal?” I hissed under my breath.
She glanced over her shoulder at the professor. “Nothing.”
About halfway through class a note fell onto my desk from Paisley who was sitting beside me in Vera’s old desk. I unfolded it and attempted to hide it with my hands.
I think there’s something off with P. Reilly. What do you think?
I thought back to the time first I met him. When I shook his hand a dark, icy feeling spread over me. He hasn’t done anything to make me suspicious of him—the Melody thing not withstanding—but sometimes the back of my neck tingles for no reason.
And now Paisley thinks there’s something strange about him.
I glanced toward her and shrugged.
Her eyes flickered over my head moments before the note was snatched off my desk.
“Tsk Tsk girls.” Professor Reilly stood by my desk with a smile, opening the note. “What’s the latest gossip?”
Oh shit!
I slumped lower in my seat as he read her words. His jovial smile melted away and his usual light green eyes hardened, darkening with shadows as he glared accusingly at Paisley.
My flesh prickled as the air turned cold.
***
“So how’s your gift coming Rubi,” Celestia asked, shaking something bright green in a clear water bottle.
I grimaced. “I don’t know why people call something like this a gift. It’s more of a curse.” I stabbed a piece of steak with my fork. “They should call it what it is.”
She sucked her teeth. “It is a gift. You just have to get used to it.”
“Yeah well the only thing I’m getting used to is people looking at me like I’m crazy.”
Lucius smirked. “I think crazy girls are hot.” His eyes were following Paisley through a food line.
Demy smacked the back of his head. “Stop being a creep.”
Mac sat down next to me and dumped a few more pieces of steak on my plate before kissing my dimple.
I beamed up at him. “Thanks.”
He winked one of those hypnotic jade eyes. “I know what my baby likes.” He leaned over and whispered. “And I’m not just talking about steak.” He planted a warm kiss on my neck, the spot he likes to bite.
I shivered.
“Hey guys.” Hudson took the seat on the other side of Demy, putting him across from Mac.”
I mumbled a hello through my full mouth and waved.
His gaze locked onto my hand, zeroing in on the royal silver and ruby ring on my left ring finger… and then to Mac’s hand. His eyes widened, excitement bubbling to the surface in his expression. He opened his mouth. “You guys…”
I waved my hands frantically and shushed him. I so did not want everyone making a big deal about it right now. I had too much other crap on my mind to worry about their reactions.
Hudson stopped pre-rant, a questioning look entering his face.
I leaned forward. “Don’t say anything yet. I just…” I trailed off and shrugged.
He nodded, understanding my aversion to the spotlight. “I got it.” He made the motion of zipping his lips closed and winked. “No problem.”
A sudden familiar growl echoed and I shifted my gaze to see Demy glaring at Laney who was looming over the table with her tray. Anger lit my insides, burning through my veins.
“Seriously, I can’t sit here?” she asked him. “I’m still in the proverbial doghouse?”
Allison and I both snickered.
“I warned you,” he snarled, his violet eyes beginning to glow.
Her gaze flickered toward Mac pleadingly.
I scoffed. “Don’t even look at him.”
She shot me a glare before pivoting and stomping toward the other side of the dining hall.
Mac sighed. “Why did Laney decide to come to Mossgrove this year?” he muttered.
“Man, what is with that lady?” Paisley sat next to Celestia, motioning her chin toward one of the food stations.
Melody was glaring at our table. “She’s something else,” I mumbled. A chill wriggled down my spine.
***
Demy sank another ball in the pocket, forcing a frustrated groan out of Lucius. A few people in the rec room cast curious glances at their game as they passed by.
“You have this table rigged Demy,” he said, leaning against the side with a defeated expression. “I’m sure of it. No one can be that good.”
His lips twitched, threatening a smirk. “I’m just that good.” He slapped Lucius on the shoulder as he winked at me. “Isn’t that right Rubi.” He blew me a kiss.
Before I could respond with a glare or the finger Mac stood in front of me and crossed his arms against his chest. “Knock it off.”
He shot Mac an innocent expression. “Why, McCollum, whatever are you talking about? I was simply showing my friend a little affection.”
“Well, Demyan, perhaps you should show her a little less.” He sat on the couch next to me and tucked me against his side. His lips brushed my neck. “Leave the affection up to me,” he said with a chuckle.
Demy slowly rubbed chalk on the end of his pool stick in a seductive manner. “I think Rubi needs lots of affection.”
I huffed, annoyed, and pushed Mac away. “Will you two cut it out?” I stood and walked toward the bar to get a soda. I knew they were only playing around, but it reminded me that I had lusted after Demy for a while there. It was weird. I bent down and grabbed my drink. “Or maybe I’ll start flirting with Lucius.”
Demy and Mac both started protesting while Lucius smiled.
“Yes. Come give me a hug.” He motioned me over, opening his big arms.
I laughed at the growls coming from Demy.
The door to the rec room swung open, revealing a grinning Allison and Hudson.
Hudson pointed toward me with a slender hand. “Yep. There she is like I said.”
My brow furrowed until a familiar woman pushed the shifter and vampire aside. “Rubi, my little angel eyes!”
“Lolly?” I stood, stunned as the woman barreled toward me and captured me in a massive hug that would have crushed me if I wasn’t a vampire.
She pulled back, her mess of necklaces jingling. “Surprised?”
“Yeah.”
Her gray hair was tipped with blue this time and she was wearing black combat boots, ragged jeans, a black t-shirt with a wolf on the front, and a black leather motorcycle vest.
She grinned and released me, whistling as she took me in. “You are gorgeous as ever.” She pinched my cheeks. “You’re not eating that weird veggie crap your parents like, are you?”
I made a face. “Hell no.”
“Ha. That’s my girl.” She slapped my butt.
I jumped with a laugh. “Lolly, what are you doing here?”
“I was passing by on my way to Daytona when I thought ‘hey, I should go see my cute little granddaughter’.” She tossed her arms wide. “How’s my gifts working for ya’?” She wiggled her eyebrows.
Before I even had a chance to die of embarrassment Mac stepped forward. “Hey, what about me?” He sidled up to her. “Don’t I get a hug?”
Her dark eyes crinkled as she grinned. “Oh Mac-daddy! Come here and give me some suga’.”
Mac kissed her on the cheek before scooping her up in a bear hug. “You’re looking as young and gorgeous as ever Stella.”
She shot him a coy smile and batted her lashes. “You’re a sweet talker.”
“Whoa, what am I chopped liver?” Lucius asked, tossing the pool stick aside and strolling closer with a cheeky grin.
Lolly eyed him up and down. “Who is this fine young specimen Rubi? Another boyfriend?”
I shook my head. “This is Lucius. Lucius this is my…”
She waved a hand at me. “Call me Stella.”
Lucius pointed to her shirt with a grin. “You like wolves?”
“Sure kid. Who doesn’t?”
Demy loudly cleared his throat to get Lolly’s attention.
Lucius gave me a thumbs up. “She’s freaking awesome.”
Her eyes twinkled with recognition and lips quirked as she crooked a finger at Demy. “Come here you.”
He blinked innocently and motioned toward his chest.
“Yeah you, purple eyes.”
He casually sauntered over, fighting a smile and bowed dramatically. “Hello Stella. I’m Demyan Dragoniv.” He grabbed her hand and kissed her fingertips. “You can call me Demy.”
She chuckled. “So you’re the infamous Russian. I didn’t get to meet you on Rubi’s birthday.”
I rolled my eyes and nudged Demy’s shoulder. “He’s not usually so charming. Trust me.”
She scoffed. “Sure.” She reached over and pinched his cheek. “If I was your age Rubi…” She let the sentence fall off.
I grimaced. “Lolly. Seriously.”