by J. N. Colon
“How close are we talking?” Mac’s jade eyes flickered toward me with worry filling them.
“One disappeared a few towns over, but most are relegated to New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.” Roman leaned back and sighed. “We’ll keep you posted if any leads turn up.”
Trepidation sank into my chest and I began to gnaw on my thumb nail. What else is strong enough to hurt vampires?
“What about security at Highland?” Mac reached over and pried my hand from my mouth, weaving his fingers through mine.
“Highland is as safe as it can be Mac. All of us are on high alert and so are the shifters.” Roman rubbed the stubble on his chin, hesitating on his next words. “Whitmore spoke to Dimitri. Demy and the other shifters will keep an eye out for things as well.”
Mac scoffed and threw his free hand in the air. “That’s just perfect! Demy’s going to use this as an excuse to get close to Rubi.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Mac,” Roman chastised, his voice resonating with authority. “You may have your differences with Demy, but the more people looking out for Rubi the better. The shifters are in her classes and in her dorm.”
So that’s why Vera was all concerned and offered to walk with me earlier tonight. The other shifters I’m fine with, but Demy? I’m still trying to decide if he’s a killer. And I’m pretty sure he wants to make out with me.
I was not about to mention my suspicions to Mac. The last time I thought someone was a murderer—Brant—I was embarrassingly wrong. In my defense he did attack me.
Attacks…New York…Vermont…
My mind started swirling out of control. Wasn’t the animal preserve that had the attack incident in Vermont? That family disappeared from New York. The camper was also mauled to death in New York. Is this a coincidence?
I shook my head, scattering my thoughts. Stop trying to see dots to connect when there are none! Sneaking up on Jackson and Vera making out tonight when I thought someone was being murdered should have taught me that.
Still. It was hard to shake the feeling of unease coiling through my chest.
***
I made a mad dash from the library to Hampton Hall. Halfway there the sky opened up and dumped fat, icy rain drops on my head. My skin puckered in protest and my body was racked with shivers.
“Damn,” I hissed, standing underneath the awning of the front door to shake excess water off before walking inside.
A few days had passed and there had been no news on the missing vampires. None of the bodies had turned up and no sign the hunters were involved either. Hopefully this meant the vampires were still alive and just missing somewhere.
What could kill a bunch of vampires besides hunters?
I don’t really want to know the answer to that question.
And Roman was right—this did give me more nightmares on top of my existing ones. It’s a wonder I’m not walking around like a zombie from lack of sleep. In my latest one I sat in Professor Allan’s health class alone because all the vampires were missing. Then Vera walked in towing a dazed Jackson with a leash.
I grimaced wondering if that image had to do with her being able to change into animals or that’s the kind of sexual vibe she gives off. I did not want to think about her, Jackson, and bondage.
See, that was probably a huge, flashing sign why the two of them shouldn’t get together. Vera was way too dominant for him. He needed someone sweet who wouldn’t stomp on his heart with big motorcycle boots.
Speaking of shifters, they’ve all been very nice to me—except Demy. He’s been his usual deadpan faced self with searing violet eyes while he blatantly hit on me. But the others offered to walk with me if I was alone or sneak to the dining hall for food.
Did everyone know I had the appetite of a teenage boy?
Roman said they were supposed to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, but I got enough attention from the vampires. I didn’t need it from a whole other species—one I wasn’t completely sure I trusted.
Part of why shifters and other vampires were around me so much lately was because Mac had resumed his practice with his intermural basketball team. I had to practically force him into the gym. He needed to do something other than worry about me and it was definitely a plus watching him run up and down the court all sweaty and hot.
Yum.
Jackson was on his team and there were plenty of ladies drooling over him.
A soft mewing caught my attention, breaking my fantasy of a shirtless, glistening Mac feeding me lobster from the sidelines. I crept toward a darkened corner and found a tiny, trembling kitten trying unsuccessfully to hide from the rain. Fat drops bounced off the concrete and soaked its fur.”
“Awe.” My breath clouded as I bent down and reached for it. “You poor little thing.” I scooped it up in my arms and held it against my chest. “You’re soaking wet just like me.”
It meowed in response.
Navy eyes blinked pitifully at me while black fur covered the little creature except for the white tipped tail.
“You’re luck you’re not all black little critter.” What? I’m superstitious. I held it up and took a glance at its underside. “Hmm. You’re a boy—I think.”
He meowed loudly as if insulted.
“All right. You are a boy.” Gees. I tucked the little guy down the front of my hoodie, shivering from his wet coat. “Stay quiet,” I whispered, opening the door to Hampton Hall. I doubted pets were allowed.
Aspen was gone when I made it to my room, probably with Brant. When I plopped the little guy on the floor he released a whine of protest. “Just wait. You’re all wet.”
So was I.
I shed my hoodie and hung it over the shower in the bathroom then grabbed two towels. I kicked my Chuck Taylors off on the way, tossing them a corner. “Come here.” I scooped him up in the towel and proceeded to dry his pitch fur.
After a few minutes he was mostly dry and fluffy. Unfortunately I wasn’t. I sat him on the bed. “My turn.”
He curled up at the end, facing me.
I peeled off my soaked jeans and then my damp tank top. I ran a hand over my matching black bra and panties to feel they were dry enough. I grabbed the other towel and began ringing out my long dripping hair. The kitten watched me with half-lidded eyes, his tail flicking back and forth.
“You’re definitely a boy.” I tossed the towel aside and ran my fingers over his head, scratching behind his ears. “If you weren’t so cute I’d toss you out for being a peeping tom.” He rolled over and let me pet his little belly.
I threw on some boy shorts and a tank top. A bag of beef jerky lying on my dresser caught my attention. I wasn’t hungry—wasn’t being the operative, past tense word. I bit off a piece and grabbed a water from the mini fridge.
The kitten peered up at me with sad little eyes and meowed.
“Oh no.” I pointed at him. “You’re not getting this.”
He continued to stare at me with hunger etched in his black face.
Crap. He’s too cute.
I cracked. “Fine. But just a little.” I wasn’t sure if cats were supposed to eat this stuff.
I sat on the edge of the bed and tore off a tiny piece, holding it up to his mouth. His little pink tongue snaked out and grabbed.
Oh man that was adorable.
I gave him a few more bites—some for me too—and poured a little water in my hand to let him lap up.
A deep yawn rolled out my mouth, tiredness washing over me. It was early, but I hadn’t been sleeping well—nightmares and all.
I slid under my covers and snuggled into the pillows. The little kitten meowed and pranced toward me until he was settled on my chest, staring up at my face. “All right,” I mumbled. “If you’re a good little boy you can sleep with me.” I petted his soft fur, running a finger gently down his tiny nose and scratching behind his ears.
Rain splattered against the building and windows in a soothing, repetitive sound. The distant rumble of thunder
rolled through the atmosphere. Within a minute the kitten was purring away, eyes drowsy.
“Me too little guy,” I yawned.
His head wavered and finally fell down, resting right over my star shaped scar. And then I was out too.
Daylight peeked through the windows as morning settled over Highland. I slept the entire night without waking or having a single nightmare?
A heaviness rested on me and I realized a thick arm was thrown over my torso and a body molded against mine. A sleepy smile split my lips. Did Mac sneak in last night?
I rolled over and saw messy black hair, tanned skin… a silver stud in one eyebrow… a freckle below the other…
That’s not right.
Lids fluttered opened to reveal piercing violet eyes. “Meooow.”
Chapter 15
Realization bitch slapped me. “DEMY!” I gasped. He was the little kitten! “You ass!” I bent my leg and kicked him so hard he flew out the bed, crashing onto the floor. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and anger. He saw me in my underwear. He licked food and water out my palm and practically laid on my boobs!
Peals of deep laugher tumbled out his mouth as he rolled on the ground. “Rubi, I couldn’t help myself.” He turned on his side clutching his stomach.
Fortunately Aspen’s bed was still made, meaning she spent the night somewhere else and hadn’t seen Demy in bed with me.
I ripped the covers off and stood in front of him. “Why Demy? Give me one reason why I shouldn’t yell for my boyfriend right now and let him pummel your ass.”
“I was only looking out for you,” he said, his Russian accent thicker than usual. When I shot him an incredulous expression he continued. “I was hiding as a helpless kitten in the shadows to see if anyone odd was following you.” His face was more animated than I’d ever seen.
Wow. He’s beautiful when he isn’t hiding behind that emotionless countenance.
I shook the thought from my head. I hovered my foot over his privates about to strike, but he grabbed it moments before it connected with his man parts. “And how did that lead to you watching me like a creep and sneaking in my bed?”
Russian frantically flowed out of Demy’s mouth while he gestured wildly with his free hand.
“In English!” I snarled.
His eyes were wide purple stones. “Promise not to kick.” He held my foot in a vise grip.
“Nuh uh.”
“Rubi,” he growled.
“Fine. I promise.” I didn’t promise indefinitely.
He only loosened his grip on my foot. “When you saw me I thought for sure you’d realize it was me after the whole raven thing.”
“When I didn’t why didn’t you give me a little hint?”
He shrugged innocently. “Well, you brought me to your room and started to change… I’m only human!”
“No you’re not.”
He rolled his eyes and sucked his teeth. “You know what I mean. I’m at least a male.”
I snatched my foot away and crossed my arms against my chest. “If you ever try this crap again I’ll rip that stupid piercing off your face.”
Demy rolled up so fast I had to step back so we didn’t collide. “I’m sorry. I really am.” He slinked to the door and threw a half smirk over his shoulder. “You know, I really didn’t mean to fall asleep and stay all night.” His violet eyes flared. “But your hands all over my body while I lay on your chest felt too good to resist.”
“Get out.” I snarled.
His laughter followed him as he strutted out the door.
The nerve of that idiot!
Demy suddenly poked his head back through. “Are you going to tell Mac about this?”
I growled and pointed. “Out!”
He smirked before disappearing around the corner.
My jaw clenched tight and hands balled into fists I wanted to drive into his usually expressionless face. “Ah!” I paced my room. Should I or shouldn’t I tell Mac?
If I did he’d probably pound Demy to a pulp. He kind of deserved it. Then again things were finally quieting between the two. Did I really want to stir the pot?
I stared at my sheets debating. I’d have to wash them because Mac would smell him all over. Hell, I could smell his earthy amber sent on my shirt.
I’ll wash them anyways and maybe I’ll tell him, maybe I won’t
At least I knew when shifters changed back into human they come with clothes.
***
“All right everyone.” Professor Allan smoothed a piece of dishwater hair back into her bun as she stood in front of her desk. “What did you think of Oedipus the King?”
“That dude had some serious mommy issues,” Corbin said, lazily leaning back in his desk with his hands cupping the back of his head.
“Oh I got some mommy issues.” Brant turned toward the twins and flashed that crocodile smile. “Your mommy to be exact. What I wouldn’t give to…” He bit his lip suggestively.
“Hey,” Corbin hissed as he straightened in his seat. “Watch your mouth Dentwood.”
Jack glared at him menacingly. “Yeah. I’d like to see you say that in front of our dad.”
“Boys, boys, settle down.” Professor Allan walked to the other side of her desk, her heels clacking on the hardwood floor as her long pencil skirt strained against her legs.
I always pictured her more bohemian than uptight school teacher and I was proved right when I ran into her one night a few months ago. I spied her sneaking back into her room late one night, wearing a swishing pink skirt, boots, and a loose white shirt.
She deposited a stack of papers on the first desk it the corner. “Take one and pass it.” She pushed her wire-rimmed glasses back up her nose to frame her warm chocolate eyes. “You can work with a partner to complete these discussion questions and then we’ll go over them as a class tomorrow.
I inwardly groaned. What is with her and group activities!
A shuffling echoed behind me and I turned around to spot Vera pulling up a desk to mine.
“Want to work together?” She flashed a smile and slid into the desk without waiting for my answer.
Well, she did save me the embarrassment of looking around like an idiot.
She readjusted the black leather headband, combing her fingers through her black and blue hair. “So, Oedipus the King…” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Pretty kinky right.”
The image from my nightmare of her pulling Jackson by a chain flashed through my mind, distorting my face in a grimace.
A deep, smoky laugh echoed out Vera. “I’m only kidding Rubi.”
I flashed a weak smile as I tried to burn the picture from my mind.
We worked well together, getting through the study guide fast. Vera was smarter than she let on. But once we finished tension rippled from her and I could guess what it stemmed from.
She drummed her fingers on the table, flashing her now long nails that were painted black, gray, and burgundy to match her uniform. “You know Jackson pretty well, right?”
Here it goes, I thought, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. Did she only partner with me to pump me for information? “We’re friends.”
She nodded, absentmindedly tracing a finger over her leather cuff bracelet with a wolf pendant. “Yeah, but you guys dated a few months ago.”
“If you could call one dance dating.” I hesitated to deny it right out. “Why?”
Vera’s dark eyes finally met mine. “Well…” She tapped her fingers on the desk again hard enough to chip the paint. After several apprehensive moments of dithering she finally sighed and slumped in her seat. “I like him and I was wondering if you think he’d go out with me?”
Awkward. “I dunno.”
She bit her lip and twisted a piece of short blue hair between her index and thumb. “We don’t exactly seem like the same type of girl.” She motioned between us. “If he wanted to date someone like you do you think I have a chance?”
“Weren’t you guys making out the other night?”
Vera shrugged. “I want to go out with him. It’s not the same thing.”
It certainly wasn’t. I swallowed hard and averted my eyes, at a loss for words. On one hand I doubt Jackson would have been in that serious of a lip lock with her if he didn’t like her. On the other, did I really want Jackson tangled in the supernatural?
“Oh.” Vera’s face fell and she glanced down at her paper, her strong body suddenly looking small. She waved a dismissive hand in the air. “Never mind. I guess I’m really not his type.”
She mistook my silence for a letdown.
I could let it go, let her believe he wouldn’t date her. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about his safety or getting his heart broken again.
But that sullen, disappointed expression Vera now wore plucked at my heart strings. “Wait,” I sighed. “Do you really like him?”
Her head snapped up. “Yes,” she said without hesitation.
Crap.
“He wouldn’t have kissed you like that if he didn’t like you.”
A huge grin broke across her face. “Really?”
“Yep.”
She giggled, which sounded so weird coming from her tough appearance.
“But.” I held a finger in the air. “You better not break his heart. He’s too sweet.”
Vera’s hands lifted defensively. “I won’t Rubi. I swear. If anything he’ll probably break mine.” She sighed and leaned her chin in her hand. “He’s got a million girls drooling after him.”
Jackson certainly had become a fine piece of man candy.
“I’m going to watch the basketball game tomorrow night. He and Mac are on the same team. Why don’t you come with me?”
Her face lit up and dark eyes shimmered. “Really?”
I nodded and she squealed.
“Thanks Rubi. I’m glad Mac didn’t choose some stuck up ice princess like I thought he would.”
My brow arched in curiosity. “You guys have known each other for a long time?”
She nodded. “He and Demy used to be best friends.”