by J. N. Colon
I bit my lip and groaned. After I returned to my dorm Aspen informed me there was a secret party tonight. I called Mac and he confirmed it. He was certain he mentioned it to me before.
Big fat lie.
He purposely omitted it so I wouldn’t spend all day worrying until my nerves were fried.
Argh!
This was the first time I was attending a secret vampire party as Mac’s girlfriend and their future leader. I wanted to look like I actually belonged. Aspen forced me into a deep red dress that showed all my curves. One thick satin strap went around my neck while the neckline plunged low enough to show my scar. I tried several times to push my boobs back into the dress, but Aspen kept smacking my hands away while Natalie looked on enviously.
Aspen also did my makeup, outlining my gold eyes with dark, smudgy liner and leaving my lips pale. She managed to work my dark black brown hair into loose, silky curls cascading down my back. She must have magical powers or just really good hair products.
I looked good, but it didn’t prevent me from feeling self-conscious. “Are you sure,” I asked, blowing a piece of hair out my face. “Do I look good enough?”
Aspen shot me an incredulous expression while she handed me a pair of sleek silver pumps. She was flawless in her light blue dress with glossy auburn hair and bright amber eyes. “What are you so worried about? You already have Mac eating out the palm of your hand.” She applied a shimmery gloss to her perfectly bowed lips. “He’s madly in love with you. You don’t need to impress anyone else.”
If she only knew the half of it.
I sighed and slipped my feet into the ankle breakers they called shoes, hoping I didn’t look like a baby deer walking on ice.
Natalie perched on the edge of Aspen’s bed, twirling a piece of wheat colored hair around her finger. She was going with one of the twins. “Mac doesn’t care what you wear or how you look—you know because you wear that big hoodie all the time and he doesn’t seem to mind.”
Aspen made a face at her through the mirror.
Natalie’s mouth dropped as she realized the insult that had tumbled out her mouth. “Oh, um, I mean that in a good way.” She motioned a hand toward me. “You always beautiful, no matter what you wear. You just look exceptionally hot tonight in that dress.” She nervously bit her bottom lip, staining her teeth with lip gloss.
I opened my mouth to gripe, but a knock on our door resonated and my heart lodged in my throat. That would be Brant to escort us. He was going to compel Aspen so she wouldn’t notice any weirdness happening at the party. I wish he could compel me to forget my nerves.
Mac met me at the bottom of the stairs in the white stone room, music and a heady fragrance wafting around. Dark wood cabinets lined the wall in the giant foyer with the infamous tattered leather bound book lying on top. Light from candles and the fireplace danced across the room, casting undulating shadows.
His jade eyes darkened as he slowly drank me in until a hot flushed crept over my entire body. His hands clutched my waist to bring me against him, his mouth devouring mine in a burning, toe-curling kiss.
“What was that for?” I asked when he pulled back for air.
He rested his forehead on mine. “I couldn’t help myself. You look stunning.”
At least he approved. “You look pretty good too.” He was wearing designer jeans with a black button up shirt that was taut against his muscles. His midnight hair was wild around his face.
A deep growl resonated in his chest. “I’m not going to be able to keep my hands off you Rubi.” He gently brushed his lips against mine again. “I have a feeling we won’t be staying very long.”
“Fine by me,” I breathed.
With one devilish smile he grabbed my hand and pulled me deeper into the stone room. A multitude of white candles splayed around the chamber. White roses were arranged on tables and the fireplace mantle, obscuring some of the Celtic engravings. White gossamer curtains fluttered, sectioning off sitting areas with plush white couches.
I suddenly wondered why they decorated the room in white. They were drinking blood, some from humans others from glasses. Don’t they ever spill any?
Oh man. That was kind of morbid.
A giant marble table stationed near the fireplace was piled with crystal goblets full of either wine or blood. Another long table was adjacent with loads of snack food and a bar was next to that stocked with other drinks.
Mac led me through the throngs of people while “Royals” by Lorde was playing.
Of course. How fitting? Except I was going to be royal and what I was craving now—Mac’s Blood—was the very thing insuring that fate.
Vampires smiled and tipped their heads to us. I flashed them uneasy smiles.
Mac squeezed my hand when he noticed my discomfort. “Let’s dance.” We ended up in a far corner of the large room. “You want me to tell them to back off a little with the attention?”
“Yes,” I screeched. “They don’t do that to you or Whitmore.”
“They’re used to us. And the attack on you worried them. They want you to know you have their respect and protection if needed.”
I grimaced. It was unnerving they’d risk their lives for someone they hardly knew.
Mac’s hands were on my waist again, pulling me against him. “Loosen up Rubi. Let’s have fun.” His midnight hair fell into those brilliant green eyes.
I reached up to brush it back and then wrapped my arms around his neck. I forced all the worry out my head and focused on him. His woodsy scent washed over me and I let the feel of him drown my senses.
Soon we were so close I could feel the plains of his hard muscles under his clothes—and other things. His warm breath blew across my face and heat spread over my skin until it felt like my body was on fire. He licked his lips and ran a hand up my bare thigh, pushing the hem of my dress higher.
Mac’s breathing was ragged and face flushed. I could feel him trembling with desire against me. He swallowed hard. “We should probably stop dancing before…” His eyes glittered dangerously with silver.
I wasn’t sure this would constitute as dancing anymore.
I nodded, but neither of us made a move to break apart.
After several more minutes of intense heat growing between us Mac suddenly growled. “Meet me where the drinks are.” He swallowed hard again. “I’ll be right back.”
“’kay.” He was gone in the blink of an eye and my body instantly missed his.
I sucked in several long, calming breaths as I ambled toward the marble table littered with glasses of deep crimson and burgundy liquid. I grabbed one with red wine and took a deep sip, attempting to calm my hormones.
“Rubi!” Emmaline sidled up to the table, towing another girl. “I want you to meet Vera Luciano.”
The black dress was practically painted on her body, showing her lean muscles and curves while fishnets stretched across her legs and black boots reached to her mid calves. Her short black and blue hair was styled in a sexy, tousled way and her dark eyes were heavily line in charcoal.
“Hi,” she said while straitening a beaded black chocker, flashing her silver nails.
I secretly wondered if her nails remained the same color when she shifts. “Hi.” I flashed a smile I hoped wasn’t as awkward as it felt.
“See! I told you.” Emmaline’s voice was louder than usual. “Isn’t she adorable? She so sweet I just want to pinch her.” She reached for my cheeks, but I swatted her hand away.
I squeezed my lips tight to hide my laughter at the unfamiliar image of a tipsy Emmaline.
Vera’s eyes examined me not unfriendly. “I’m not sure I’d go with adorable,” she said with a throaty laugh. “I was thinking maybe more smokin’ hot.”
My cheeks burned red. “Oh-um…”
She reached for a drink. “I’m guessing Demy hasn’t seen you yet otherwise he’d be all over you.”
I groaned and set my drink on a table, crossing my arms against my chest. “What’s his deal? D
oesn’t he realize I’m taken?”
“He’s trying to get a rise out of Mac.” Emmaline fluttered a hand over her intricately braided hairstyle, making sure it was still secure.
Please. Not a single blonde lock was out of place on her. Ever.
Vera shook her head. “That’s what he says, but I’m pretty sure he has a little crush on you.” She blanked her face and brightened her eyes as an imitation of him. “He thinks you’re fascinating.”
Oh man. “Great.”
Emmaline giggled. “If I had a quarter for everyone who thinks Rubi’s fascinating I’d be richer than I already am.”
“Don’t worry,” Vera said, lightly punching me in the shoulder. “Demy’s only having fun.”
I resisted the urge to rub my shoulder and silently wondered what else his idea of fun was—say like eating campers or scaring me in animal form. “Why can’t he have fun with you or Adalynn?” I absentmindedly chewed on my thumb nail until Emmaline pulled my hand away with a grimace.
Vera scrunched her face. “Yuk. He’s like a brother to us. I’d rather die my hair blonde.” She glanced at Emmaline. “No offense.”
She shrugged. “Oh.” Emmaline linked her arm with Vera’s. “I see Trevor, this really yummy human I want you to meet.”
As she was being dragged away Vera glanced over her shoulder. “Nice meeting you Rubi.”
I waved at the sassy shifter. She seems nice enough, I thought, biting my thumb nail again. I couldn’t really imagine her or the petite Adalynn chomping on unsuspecting humans, but Demyan? Yes.
A warm arm draped over my shoulder, but the lack of electricity told me it wasn’t Mac. This guy had a hint of cologne mixed with a floral perfume I knew belonged to a certain auburn haired girl.
“Hey there Rubi-licious,” Brant crooned, flashing me that crocodile smile. “How’s it going?”
“Fine.” It was weird to think last time I was in this room Brant brought me and I had been terrified. Now I knew he was harmless—to me anyways.
He winked. “Oh I know you’re fine.”
I rolled my eyes. “Where’s Aspen?”
He slipped his arm away and grabbed a glass of blood, taking a long sip. Part of me was disgusted and another, bigger part was jealous. He licked his lips clean and fixed me with his now silver eyes. “She’s dancing with Natalie.”
“Are you ever going to tell her the truth?”
His brow arched questioningly. “Why would I?”
I fought a smile. “So you won’t have to compel her all the time and because you like her.”
An incredulous expression splayed across his broad, clean-cut face. “Not everyone is like you and Mac. Aspen’s not the only girl I feed from.”
He wasn’t fooling me. “Maybe, but Aspen is the only girl you bring here and the only girl you spend the night with.” I perched my hands on my hips. “I bet she’s the only girl you kiss.”
Brant averted his gaze and nervously fiddled with the glass in his hand. “She’d probably freak out if she knew the truth.” His usual confidence wavered in his voice, a streak of sadness leaking through.
I touched his arm. “You could always compel her to forget if she did freak out.”
He grimaced. “I don’t think I could handle it if she hated me even if she forgot she did.”
A pang resonated in my chest. I never thought Brantly Dentwood had such a fragile heart.
He shrugged it off and donned that crocodile smile again. “It’s no big. I don’t want to be tied down anyways.” He ran a hand through his golden halo of hair. “I like to keep my options open.”
Total BS.
“Jared!” Brant waved the shifter over to keep me from pressing him about Aspen.
“Hey man,” Jared said, his golden brown hair falling in his tanned face. He was medium height with broad shoulders and thick muscles roping his body.
Brant nudged me forward. “Have you met Rubi?”
“Not officially.” Jared’s hazel eyes turned toward me. “I’m Jared Reaves.”
Jared and Adalynn were seniors so I’d seen less of them than Vera, Travis, and Demyan who were juniors. “Nice to meet you,” I said, unsuccessfully ignoring the urge to fidget.
Where the hell was Mac?
A smile curled his lips as he slowly took me in. “Shit. Mac’s lucky.”
My cheeks flushed red. Were they all screwing with me?
“Tell me about it.” Brant pinched my butt. I spun around and swatted his hand away. He laughed. “I almost got my ass kicked a couple times by Mac over her.”
I crossed my arms and shot him a glare. “You did get your ass kicked.” Halloween night was still burned into my brain and so was the memory of his fangs painfully sinking into my neck. I’d forgiven Brant, but I didn’t forget. Neither did Mac.
He sucked his teeth. “Oh right.”
Jared laughed and shook his head, tossing his shaggy golden brown hair. “I feel sorry for Demy then. If Mac would fight his best friend over you I’d hate to see what he’d do to a quasi enemy.” His hazel eyes twinkled mischievously. “Has Demy seen you yet?”
I shrugged, annoyed. “I don’t know. I’m happy as long as he stays far away.”
“Don’t count on it.” Jared motioned his chin behind me. “There’s your boy.”
Electricity crackled down my spine, alerting me Mac was close. I drowned in the feeling for a moment, letting the heat and pleasure soak through my veins. Even though we hadn’t shared blood in months our bodies were just as in tuned to each other as the first night we had. The moment he was near my nerve endings lit up like Christmas lights, tugging me toward him. A craving I didn’t completely understand swept through my insides, sometimes making me forget how to breathe.
His hand slipped around my waist. “Sorry I took so long.”
Finally!
I leaned into his chest for a moment. “It’s okay.”
He nodded toward Brant. “You might want to go save Aspen. Torrin’s getting a little handsy with her on the dance floor.”
Brant growled. “That little freshman punk. Who does he think he is?” He dashed off in the blink of an eye.
He doesn’t really like Aspen my ass.
“Jared.” Mac fist bumped him. “How’s it going at Highland so far?”
Jared sipped his drink and shrugged. “It’s good. Everyone seems pretty cool. I just hope you and Demy can get along without murdering each other.”
Mac grimaced. “Easier said than done.”
“You guys used to be friends,” Jared said, scratching the sexy stubble coating his chin.
Hmm. I knew there was more to the tension between Mac and Demyan.
“Yeah well it doesn’t help he’s constantly staring at my girlfriend.”
Jared laughed, his voice deep and gruff. “Can you honestly blame him?”
I groaned and shot Mac a warning look.
“All right.” A smirk played across his face. “Excuse us Jared before my girlfriend kicks me to the curb.”
Jared chuckled. “See you guys later.”
After mingling for a while we ended up on a couch behind a closed white curtain. At first I only wanted to get away from the crowd. And then I realized our precarious predicament. We were kissing in two point five seconds.
Mac’s lips were soft and demanding against mine as his hands trailed down my back to rest on my bare thigh.
“This isn’t so bad, is it?” he asked between kisses.
“Nope,” I breathed. “Not anymore.”
His deep chuckle vibrated against my skin. “I should have pulled you over here the moment we walked in.” His lips traveled down my neck, spilling heat across my flesh.
I leaned back to give him more access and twisted my fingers in his silky hair. “Mmm. Definitely.”
His hand slid a little under the hem of my dress, fingers squeezing my thigh. A gasp echoed out my mouth. Mac pulled back, his silver and jade eyes burning with desire. His hand went a little higher, watching my re
action. When I didn’t protest he went a little higher. And then a little higher. My head fell back against the couch and I bit my lip in anticipation. Waiting. Wanting.
“Maybe we should get out of here?” His voice was deep and husky, hot all over my face.
I nodded, unable to speak.
His eyes flickered and he was seconds away from tossing me over his shoulder like a caveman when shouting echoed from deep in the room.
“I brought her here!” a guy shouted.
“I’m dating her!” another one said. “And you only compelled her to come with you.”
Mac groaned and leaned away from me. “Corbin and Jack are fighting over Natalie again.” He pinched the bridge of his nose in irrigation.
I sighed and fanned my face. “You should go break it up. The twins will listen to you faster than anyone else.” It’s just as well. Things were getting heated between us really fast. Maybe we could both use a little break.
“I’m sorry Rubi.” He rested his forehead against mine. “I keep getting pulled away.”
I chuckled. “It’s okay. We don’t have to rush anything.”
He nodded as realization crossed his face. “You’re right.” He brushed his lips against mine and winked. “Maybe after I get back we should get some fresh air and cool off.”
“Good idea.”
He kissed my dimple and disappeared, leaving me alone behind the white, diaphanous curtain.
I rested my head on the couch cushion and closed my eyes. My life was definitely not turning out the way I had imagined. Of course I would have thought differently had I known I was almost turned into a vampire at five and staked because of it.
My hand itched to touch the star shaped scar, but I resisted.
The other side of the couch dipped as someone sat. I peeked through one of my lids to find inky black hair, a tanned face barely an inch away, and violet eyes burning intensely.
Chapter 11
I yelped and scooted back. “Demyan!” I growled. “Go away.”
His laughter snaked out deep and sultry as he leaned back. “Please Rubi, call me Demy.”
I crossed my arms against my chest. “Get out Demyan.”