by J. N. Colon
“What happened?”
She shook her head. “Sorry Rubi. Demy made me promise not to tell.”
“Why?” It was like pulling teeth to get the truth about Mac and Demy. Was it that bad?
“It’s his business. Ask Mac.”
“He won’t tell me.”
Vera leaned back, pursing her lips and tilting her head in thought. “Demy will probably tell you if you ask him.”
I grumbled, not sure what else I’d have to do besides ask to get the truth from Demy. He’s sneaky and I’m still pissed about the kitten trick he pulled.
I hung out in the rec room with Aspen, Emmaline, Natalie, and Adalynn for a while. It was fun, but there was only so much giggling and boy watching I could handle. I left by myself, claiming to have homework.
Total lie.
Instead I planned on relaxing in my room with loads of snacks while I watched Blue Lagoon.
I was halfway to Hampton Hall when I felt eyes glued to me and unconsciously slowed down as if my muscles were weighted.
Great. Here we go again. I really need to get my head checked—unless it’s not my imagination and someone really is watching me.
I swallowed the rising lump of fear down my throat with effort and continued through the twisting grove of bare trees and crawling fog. Sweat beaded across my skin and my heart beat elevated with every step.
Nothing is out there. Nothing is following me. Nothing is watching me.
Images of my nightmares, the past Highland murders, and recent animal attack victims flashed through my head. Once those ended, a new wave of terror coalesced in the form of stealthy hunters clad in black, carrying crossbows and silver stakes.
Icy panic froze my muscles, halting me. My pulse quivered as I reluctantly gazed around for the source of terror piercing my insides.
A pair of eyes the color of fresh blood suddenly materialized, burning in the distance.
Chapter 16
I gasped and stared unblinkingly at the glowing red orbs as my heart violently assaulted my ribcage. My breath came in quick, erratic little puffs, sending inadequate oxygen to my brain.
What the hell is that?
I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them, hoping I was hallucinating from lack of sleep.
Nope. Still there.
Crimson beams bored through the darkness, pouring ice through my veins. Flashes of shredded bodies and blood splattered on trees zipped through my mind. My stomach heaved and vision swam.
I shut my eyes and took a deep, shuddering breath. When I pried them open the crimson eyes were gone.
What the hell?
My hand clutched my heaving chest as I gawked at the spot they had been. Had I imagined them? Were they even red eyes at all?
I leaned my palm on a gnarled tree trunk, pressing my forehead against it and groaned. I can’t tremble in fear at shadows and nonexistent eyes every time I walk around campus alone.
Part of me was hoping my paranoia and nightmares were a side effect of the change. I should probably ask Mac.
A girl could hope.
I took another deep, shaking breath and scrunched my nose as the familiar scent of blood tickled my senses. It was slightly off though, not human maybe.
I backed up as my eyes reluctantly flickered down…
My hand smacked over my mouth to trap my scream inside.
A once fluffy white bunny rabbit was ripped to pieces in a bloody mess. The head was against one root, a foot on another, an ear dangling on a twig, and its tiny body discarded at the bottom of my foot.
I squeaked and stumbled back, slamming into something warm and solid. My heart leapt in my throat as I spun around to find inky black hair, tanned skin, and violet eyes.
“Demy!” I clutched his shirt. I’d never been so happy to see him. Until it occurred to me he could have done this. He does turn into an animal. What if shifters like to eat furry little animals when they’re massive angry animals?
“Rubi.” Demy clutched my arms and shook me, a trickle of worry entering just his eyes while confusion etched his face. “What the hell is wrong?”
I jerked out of his gasp and pointed to the mangled corpse. “That.”
He followed my finger and surveyed the carcass with mild interest. “You didn’t go nuts with pre-vampire blood lust and tear apart Thumper, did you?”
I shoved his chest. “No! Did you do it?”
His dark brows knit. “No.” His calm voice was grating.
“You guys don’t eat little animals when you’re big animals?”
Demy grimaced. “If we did we wouldn’t rip it apart and leave it.” He stepped closer and nudged it with his boot. “All the meat is still on this thing. Whatever killed it wasn’t looking for food. It was either angry or wanted to play—rough.”
I shivered despite myself.
The concern I spotted in his gaze earlier melted into his expression, creasing his forehead and puckering his lips. “I’m sure it was just a stray dog or maybe even a big cat.” He winked.
I rolled my eyes at his attempt to lighten the mood. But it worked. A little.
Something captured his attention by the head of the rabbit and he bent down. “Odd,” he whispered to himself.
“What?” He must have forgotten how well I could hear. He ignored me until I nudged him in the back with my knee. “Demy,” I hissed.
He finally sighed and pointed to a set of claw marks gouging the ground. He spread his fingers out, matching them up with each vicious strike.
Anxiety coiled in my chest and I swallowed hard. “That’s a big cat.”
His purple eyes met mine pretty much saying duh.
***
“He’s really good,” Vera said from beside me, shoving a handful of popcorn in her mouth. “Mac too.”
I nodded and ripped off another bite of beef jerky.
Vera and I were at the basketball game, watching Jackson and Mac play. I felt uneasy about her getting involved with Jackson, but I really didn’t have a say in the matter.
The gym was teeming with yelling students and we were wedged in the center of the stands. Vera and I shared a few mirrored winces when the crowd was exceptionally loud. Mac and Jackson’s team wore black jerseys with red and gray accents and the Highland crest on the left side of their chest. The other team had red jerseys with gray and black accents.
Mac made another flawless basket and I clapped like the giddy girlfriend I was. He winked at me before returning to the game.
Vera let out a giggle. “You guys are so cute.”
I rolled my eyes half-heartedly. I never thought I’d be in a relationship deemed cute-worthy, especially with someone as hot as Mac. Sweat glistened down his ripped biceps and his jersey clung to his chest, showing off his cut torso. His midnight hair was wild around his flushed face and his jade eyes were brilliant.
“He’s sooo sexy,” I sighed.
Vera nodded, but her dark eyes were glued to Jackson.
“Yes I am sexy. Thanks for saying so.” Demy suddenly squished in between Vera and me.
“Hey!” we said in unison.
I motioned with my empty hand. “There are like a million other seats and you decide to squeeze in between us?”
Demy arched his studded brow. “Do you really want me to leave?”
The coach for Mac and Jackson’s team called a timeout and the players headed for the bench. His jade eyes narrowed when he noticed Demy sitting next to me. And just to piss him off more the Russian shifter slinked an arm over my shoulders.
I scoffed and elbowed him in the ribs.
“Ouch.” He removed his arm and rubbed his abdomen.
Mac smirked and blew me a kiss.
“Careful Demy,” Vera warned, humor lacing her voice. “Rubi’s not some delicate little flower you can boss around.”
A smile quirked his lips as he leaned toward me. “No shit. That’s why I like her.”
I covered his face with my hand and playfully pushed him away. “You are so full
of yourself.”
“He’s full of something,” Vera said, pounding her fist with mine.
“Hey! No ganging up on the guy.” Demy leaned over and snagged a bite of beef jerky right out of my hand.
I gasped. “Oh no you didn’t.”
“I saw that!” Jackson yelled from behind the bench. “You’re so dead. Don’t ever steal that girl’s food. Ever.” He flashed a heart-melting grin at Vera before trotting back to the court.
“You’re lucky we’re in a gym full of witnesses Demy,” I growled, eyeing him hard. “Just wait ‘till the end.”
He threw his hands up in surrender. “You wouldn’t really kill me over one little bite?”
“Yep.” I ate the last of my beef jerky. “It’s going to be a long, torturous death too.”
His phone beeped and he pulled it out of his pocket to read a text. “Shit,” he mumbled under his breath.
“What?” Vera’s dark gaze was suddenly serious as she sensed the change in Demy.
He showed her the screen on his phone and her lips thinned.
“What is it?” Chill bumps descended across my flesh and a lump lodged in my throat. When he didn’t answer I clutched his arm. “Tell me Demy.”
His violet eyes burned into mine, debating. “It’s probably nothing.”
My brows knit. “If it’s nothing then tell me.”
Demy sighed. “My father told me a few more vampires were reported missing in Danvers, Massachusetts.”
My lips went cold. “How far is Danvers?”
“It’s the next town over,” he whispered, concern spreading from his eyes to his expression.
My breath hitched. “How does he know?”
“Whitmore talked to him.”
The coldness seeped to the rest of my body and I shivered. Was it hunters or some other frightening thing?
“Hey.” Demy gently squeezed my hand. “They won’t get anywhere near here.”
“Yeah. There’s no reason to be scared Rubi,” Vera said, leaning over Demy.
“Okay.” I turned back to the game, staring vacantly.
Demy released my hand and his arm went around my back to gently rub. “Nothing’s going to get you Rubi. I promise.”
Well that was interesting. One minute I’m thinking he’s dangerous or annoying and now I’m comforted by him.
I nodded, ignoring the reasons behind my change in opinion of him. I’m sure he was right—that I was safe—but I couldn’t help this sinking feeling from creeping inside.
When the game ended Mac met us at the bottom of the bleachers, his body tense and eyes vigilant. He gripped my hand. “What happened?”
“Yo Mac!” Corbin and Jack raised their hands in the air to give Mac daps. “Good game man.”
A tight smile crossed his face as he turned toward the twins. “No doubt.” He slapped their hands.
They nodded toward Demy and Vera and winked at me. “Rubi,” they said in unison. “Looking good.” They turned and melted into the crowd exiting the gym, oblivious to the tension weaving between Demy, Vera, Mac, and me.
“My father texted some unsettling information,” Demy said from beside me, his violet eyes flickering toward the students around us.
“What? More vampires are missing?” A sharp edge sliced through Mac’s voice, his anger for the situation evident
Demy nodded. “In Danvers.”
Mac cursed through his clenched jaw. “What the hell is going on?”
“No clue, but it’s not affecting shifters. None have been reported missing. Yet.”
A shiver rippled over my spine. It was strictly a vampire thing then?
Mac turned me and cradled my face between his hands. “Nothing’s going to get you Rubi. I promise.” His words oddly mirrored Demy’s from earlier.
I nodded and took a deep, calming breath. There were so many big, strong, capable beings around me telling me I would be fine. So why was I still scared?
Demy motioned his chin toward Vera. “Call your sister in Pittsburg and ask if she’s seen anything suspicious lately?”
Vera nodded and waved before turning heel and marching across the crowded gym.
“I should go see Roman,” Mac said, his feet shifting restlessly.
Demy shook his head. “I’ll call Roman and tell him to meet you in your dorm.” He gently brushed a hand over my shoulder. “You should take Rubi there and stay.”
Mac scrubbed his face in thought. “Yeah. That sounds better.”
My brow lifted in surprise. I was sure Mac would see red if Demy ever told him what to do, especially with regards to me.
“Will you stay with her while I get my stuff from the locker room?” he asked.
“Yep.”
Mac kissed my forehead. “I’ll be right back.”
I nodded.
Demy tossed his arm over my shoulder, not in a flirtation way, but more of a comforting, you’re safe way. His fingers squeezed my arm reassuringly.
“Thanks,” I said through the lump in my throat.
“Any time.” There was playfulness in his voice that didn’t match his serious, violet eyes as he scanned the crowd for danger.
I slept Mac’s room. Roman came by, but had already been in contact with Whitmore. Nothing happened in Salem and several guards were roaming the town to keep it that way. He assured us the situation—whatever is was—wouldn’t spread to Highland
He was certain.
That night even though I was with Mac the nightmares flooded me. I dreamed about monsters hidden in the shadows except for their hungry red eyes.
Chapter 17
Spring break came and while most of the human students left for vacation the majority of vampires and all the shifters remained at Highland. With the threat of hunters and the situation with the missing vampires, Whitmore ordered I stay on campus during the week.
Totally fine by me. I felt safer surrounded by supernatural beings who were watching over me. I didn’t want to put my parents in any unnecessary danger by coming home either. And how could I complain when I got to spend every day with Mac, watching movies, making out, and sneaking food from the dining hall.
Did I mention making out?
Mac attempted to teach me basketball, but that was a bust. It was impossible to concentrate on anything other than his hot body next to mine, especially when he guarded me. He overloaded my senses and we ended up making out every time.
He also showed me a few secret passages that were mapped in the old, leather bound book I had originally thought held witchy spells. He dies with laughter every time he remembers that.
The last Saturday of break Whitmore threw a small party at his house, which was my only visit off campus that week. And when I say house I mean mansion and when I say small party I mean a big party chalk full of intimating vampires. Most of them from school attended including Roman. Rufus, Daedalus, and James were skulking in the shadows somewhere. Several vampires I didn’t know who were all curious about the princes’ girlfriend/ future queen mingled amongst the crowd. The shifters from school were also present.
Even though I was off campus, the excess of supernatural beings made me feel relatively safe. I doubt hunters or pretty much anything would be brave enough to attack a bunch of super strong partygoers. I was the only pseudo human in attendance.
The guys were dressed in dapper suits while the women were in cocktail dresses, including me.
Ugh! I just wanted to rip the thing off.
I remained stuck to Mac’s side and tried to hide the urge to run away from my expression. This was my first official party being introduced as McCollum’s royal mate.
It was a little daunting.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres danced between the crowd on silver platters. A pretty vampire was playing the harp in the corner, spilling tranquil music through the massive room. Bouquets of lavender and white roses were positioned around, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Large glass doors and windows overlooked the pristine gardens in the back.<
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I clenched my hands all night trying not to fidget with the slinky black and silver dress Emmaline forced me in. It was classy and tasteful yet revealing. The back dipped down so low I had to wear one of those backless sticky bras. I prayed the adhesive didn’t suddenly dissipate, causing the thing to flop to the floor like two raw chicken cutlets.
My hair was slicked back into low ponytail, the strands ironed until they resembled dark glass. My eyes were rimmed in dark, smoky makeup and lips pale. I did a double take after seeing my reflection the first time, nearly smacking my forehead into the mirror. I looked older, sophisticated, and polished. I could almost pass for a vampire.
After meeting pretty much everyone—and forgetting their names—Mac pulled me into the study, shutting the door behind him.
He looked debonair and delicious in a black suit that hugged his muscular physique, especially his butt. He had attempted to smooth his wild midnight locks, but they were too stubborn to tame. His deep green shirt matched his eyes.
“You okay?” he asked.
I nodded, wiping my chin in case I had actually drooled.
He shot me an incredulous expression. “We’re alone now. You can be honest.”
I groaned and leaned into him. “I’m hungry. Those little hors d’oeuvres were invented to torture people.” I buried my face in his chest, remembering not to mess up my makeup. Aspen would be so proud.
Mac’s deep chuckle vibrated against my cheek. “I’m sorry. I should have warned you to eat before we came.”
“I did.”
This made him laugh even more before he pulled back. “I’ll get you something from the kitchen.”
He turned to leave, but I tugged him back. “I’d rather you stay.” I leaned against him again.
Mac gladly wrapped his arms around me. “Anything else you want to rightfully complain about.”
“My feet hurt.” I’ve never worn heels like this for this amount of time. Ever.
“Want a foot massage?” He didn’t give me time to answer, already towing me to the burgundy leather couch in front of the massive fireplace. The room was all dark wood, leather books, soft rugs, and mahogany. The royal crest hung above the fireplace. There was probably a craft of brandy or scotch somewhere and a hidden fridge with blood. It was very masculine and Whitmore to a T. It even smelled like him.