by Kailin Gow
“That funny way, back in class.”
“You were talking, I was listening. That’s all.”
“No, that’s not all.”
She had so many questions to ask him, yet she didn’t dare. His knowledge of vampires was a little too extensive for comfort.
“You're a guy. I guess it’s just weird to hear a guy talking about Twilight the way you were. I was surprised you knew anything about it.”
His gaze locked onto hers, causing that sensation to come again. He wasn’t human. He couldn’t be. He had a mesmerizing way about him; not quite vampire, but not entirely human either.
“Whether it’s Twilight, Vampire Diaries or Dracula, I’m fascinated by the population’s attraction to these stories. It’s amusing to see how compelling they all are. Don’t you find it fascinating?”
She wanted to squirm out of his scrutinizing gaze. He was looking too deeply inside her and she wondered what he saw. Somehow she doubted it was simply the blue of her eyes that intrigued him so.
“It’s popular fiction.” The statement came out as flippant and disinterested as she could make it. “It’s vaguely amusing, nothing more. I’m far more fascinated by the work of the masters; Of Mice and Men, Death of a Salesman, To Kill a Mockingbird.”
His face screwed up into a ball of confusion. “Don’t pull that intellectual stuff with me. I know you’d like to know more about vampires and pop culture’s take on them. Your eyes were wide with interest in class. You couldn’t get enough of what I was saying. Admit it. You're just as infatuated with the romantic notion of it all as every other girl here.”
“I’ve passed the age of infatuation.”
He chuckled, a sound that was mocking.
“You’re right smack in the age of infatuation, if not with vampires, at least with the mystery of them.”
“Maybe.” She released her hold of him and backed away, trying to get her shoulders into a nonchalant shrug.
“Look.” He put his hand to her shoulder and it was all she could do not to melt into him. “Meet me at the library after school. It’s filled with every myth and misconception you’ve ever heard about vampires. Cool stuff. Tomorrow you could impress Mr. Cutler with everything you know. I don’t mind sharing the stage.”
She had to laugh. There was an amusing cockiness to him that she found charming. “I’ll think about it.”
He pulled his hand away, leaving her skin cold and tingling where it’d been warm and invigorated under his touch. His eyes remained on her as he stooped down to pick up her bag. She’d not even realized she’d let it fall to the floor when she’d grabbed him.
She was usually so in control of herself; so aware of her surroundings. It was becoming increasingly disturbing the effect this young man had on her.
Chapter 7
“Count Dracula is of course the most famous vampire of all.” Keegan idly flipped through the pages of Bram Stoker’s novel.
“There certainly is a sense of romanticism around him. His story is tragic and horrifying.”
“He was ruthless in his determination to find his Mina again. Sadistic even.” Keegan’s eyes darkened and his lips tightened. “All the people he killed, innocent and far from deserving the fate he reserved for them.”
“Well, it is fiction.”
He glared at her then quickly softened his gaze. “Or course, there were good vampires and bad ones. He was definitely one of the worse.”
“Just like humans. There are good ones and bad ones. Well, if you had to spend your days sleeping in a coffin, you’d be in a foul humor also.” Sensing his increased agitation, Sadie tried to lighten the mood.
“Oh, please. That’s one of the silliest myths surrounding vampires. That and garlic. I mean how many people do you know who aren’t repulsed by garlic? It’s not so much because they’re vampires that they back away, it’s simply because they have an acute sense of smell.”
Sadie laughed but could see that Keegan was still serious about the topic. “It’s all movie hoopla. I guess the complete truth about vampires will never be known.”
He slammed the book shut and leaned back, his eyes traveling over her face then down to the form-fitting t-shirt that hemmed just an inch short of her jeans. “You're not like the other girls around here.”
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” While the question was partly meant as a joke, she was taken aback by the serious consideration he gave his answer.
“I’m not sure yet.” A crooked smile cracked his lips and his eyes filled with mischief. “That little accent of yours is certainly appealing. There’s wisdom in your eyes that I rarely see in girls your age. You talk about things the girls here don’t even know about, yet there’s something…hmmm…pure about you.”
Placing a stack of books into the crook of her arm, Sadie stood and turned to the row of shelves behind her. One by one, she set the books into their proper place, barely looking at what she was doing. When the last book was in place she noticed Keegan’s stare.
“And you have a memory that is quite impressive.”
“My father often played memory games with me when I was young. I’d beat him every time.”
“I’m sure you did.”
She followed him out of the library and was surprised to see the sun had already gone down. How long had they been in there? Her fascination about everything he knew had kept her attentive and enthralled. She’d also been surprised by her own ignorance with regards to so many of the myths surrounding vampires. She chuckled to herself. Where did people think vampires burn in sunlight? She and Alexis never had that issue. Where did people think vampires didn’t have a reflection? Tell that to Alexis, who would check herself out every time she pass a mirror. And werewolves…they weren’t the only shape shifters. Vampires like herself and Alexis are able to shift into birds, cats, and other animals, when they need to…even wolves.
The hours had flown by, leaving the moonless night black. As she strolled through the parking lot with Keegan, she felt secure and safe. She never wanted the night to end. He was charming, in his own intense and sometimes comical way.
“I can’t believe they still haven’t fixed the lights in this lot,” Sadie remarked. Though she’d never feared the night, she inched closer to Keegan. While her motive was to protect him should anything happen, she smiled at him, feigning her need to be protected by him.
Their hands brushed against one another and she felt a tingling of anticipation. They’d been seated so close for hours and the desire to get closer had been excruciating. Again, their hands collided and she resisted the urge to reach out and take a hold of his.
On the third collision, he saved her the trouble. His warm fingers wrapped gently around her hand, holding it with inquisitive possession.
She glanced up at him. Was he simply being protective of her or was there more meaning to his gesture?
“My car is over there.” He led the way to a mammoth SUV.
“Couldn’t you find anything bigger?” She immediately regretted the sarcastic remark. Who was she to judge him?
He chuckled, but the sound mingled with something evil and wild that came from behind his truck.
“Did you hear that?”
The low, guttural growl intensified and Sadie looked around for the source. All the blackness of the night exposed two green eyes that reflected the scant light from the school far behind them and a faint glimmer of white fangs.
She tensed, immediately prepared to battle whatever animal lurked nearby. Keegan’s presence could prove problematic. Seeing her in combat would surely have him questioning her. But as the animal took a step closer, she knew she had no choice but to defend herself.
It emerged from the shadows, a wolf, beautiful in its thick coat, and snarling with murderous intent. Large and strong, it stared at Sadie a brief moment before springing into the air to attack her.
Before she could even make a move, Keegan shoved her out of the way. The beast fell on Keegan, throwing him to th
e ground. Its teeth bared and its angry growl now deafening, the wolf prepared to make a feast of Keegan.
Sadie regained her balance and prepared to pounce before any harm could come to Keegan. Her heart raced and she knew she had to do everything possible to save him. But again, Keegan surprised her with his speed, agility and strength.
He brought one strong hand up to the wolf’s throat and with minimal effort threw him off. With a loud thud, the animal hit the side of Keegan’s SUV and slumped to the ground.
The long fur receded to show white skin, while paws reformed into hands and feet. The snarling snout was replaced with the recognizable face of a man.
Sadie had suspected the beast was more than just a stray wolf, but the face of the man that was exposed shocked her. It shocked her because she had not sensed him at all.
Over the years she’d prided herself on her ability to see past the façade of humans. In addition to being able to sniff out a vampire from miles away, she always recognized the authentic humans from werewolves. Yet she’d been in the presence of this man, happily so for over two months and had never sensed his true identity. What was wrong with her senses? Since meeting Keegan or being near him, it was as if her vampire senses had muted…as though she was human.
Shaken up, Sadie turned to Keegan. “How did you do that?”
His eyes were on the heap by his car. “What just happened?”
“Keegan,” Sadie said as she reached for his hand and helped him up. “Mr. Cutler is a werewolf.”
They both stared at the man who still retained remnants of his wolfish identity. Tufts of fur were still visible on his hands and his hair was thicker and darker than usual. The scent she’d come to associate with English Lit still clung to him.
“These are strong beasts. How did you manage to fight him off?”
“I fight off half-ton linebackers on the field all the time, remember?”
Sadie looked curiously at him. There was certainly something special about him but she couldn’t sense anything other than that he was human. Yet, he was certainly one of the strongest humans she had met.
Keegan pushed his hair off his face and held his steady gaze on Sadie. “But what did he want with you?”
Chapter 8
Sadie got into Keegan’s SUV, ignoring his question. The tension in the vehicle grew and she soon regretted having accepted his invitation for a ride home. Aside from the few directions she gave him, the ride was excruciatingly silent.
Trying to gauge his thoughts, she glanced at him repeatedly, but his eyes gave little away. The furrow of his brow gave away his anger or frustration, but a hint of confusion was evident in his eyes. A few of her glances even had her noticing a glimmer of embarrassment.
What could he possibly be embarrassed about? He’d save her. He was her knight in shining armor. The fact that she could have very well protected herself without his aid was beside the point. He had willingly put himself in harm’s way and she was greatly grateful for that.
Oh my God, she thought. That must be it. Poor guy fought a werewolf for me and I didn’t even think to thank him. Sadie Stoker, your mother would be ashamed of you.
“I don’t know how to thank you for what you did back there. I mean, that was a werewolf, can you believe it? And you threw him off like he weighed nothing.”
“Adrenaline. It was nothing.” His answer was curt.
Apparently, lack of an apology wasn’t exactly the problem and the heavy silence returned.
“It’s the little blue house just over there.” She pointed to the small home she and Alexis rented.
Keegan pulled up to the curb and stopped. His eyes were still filled with confusion, but he asked nothing of her.
With nothing else to say, Sadie got out of the car and shut the door. Just as she was about to poke her head inside the car window to thank him again, she heard the house door open.
“Is that you, Sadie?” Alexis called from the front porch.
Clenching her teeth and cursing her sister, Sadie turned to see Alexis dressed in a scandalous nightie. Back lighting from inside the house didn’t help matters. Every curve of her body was clearly visible as was the broad grin that expressed just how proud she was of that fact.
The moment Alexis took a step forward Sadie moved to intercept her as quickly as possible. She rushed up the walkway and took a firm hold of Alexis’ arm before she could head out to mingle with Keegan.
“Is there no end to how you must ruin my fun?” Alexis hissed.
“Don’t you dare make a move.”
Huffing and standing stiff still, Alexis eyed Keegan from afar.
“Thanks again for stepping in to help me, Keegan.” Sadie waved. “See you at school.”
He pulled away from the curb and slowly disappeared down the street while Alexis made the exaggerated motion of following him with her eyes.
“He is incredible.” Alexis purred.
“He is.”
“So how did Mr. Incredible manage to step in to help you? You’re usually the one stepping in to save everyone.”
Eager to just meet up with a warm bath and relax for an hour, Sadie left Alexis to drool on the stoop while she entered the house. As usual, the place was a mess. Alexis refused to do her part to keep the house tidy and Sadie had recently decided to let her sister live in her own filth.
“Would it kill you to lift a finger, even once in a while?” Sadie asked when she heard her sister walk in behind her.
Alexis nodded impertinently and said, “Probably.” She followed Sadie into the kitchen. “Would it kill you to answer a question without my having to repeat it?”
“A werewolf lurked in the darkness of the school parking lot. As it prepared to pounce and attack me, Keegan fought it off, with his bare hands.”
“I’m liking this boy more every day.” Alexis licked her lips and reached for a string of licorice. With enticing precision, she whipped one end of the candy into her mouth and tantalizingly drew it out. “I do believe I should take a closer examination at who this boy really is. We can never be too certain.”
“Leave him out of your games, Alexis. He’s an innocent football player who is strong and kind-hearted. He could have gotten himself killed back there.” She knew her sister was trying to challenge her again. It was a game Alexis never tired of. The moment Sadie set her eyes on a guy who was even remotely interesting, Alexis jumped in to make trouble.
“I just want to make sure he’s on the up and up. Maybe I should join this school of yours. I mean, academics aside, this could be fun.”
“No, you don’t. You just want to slither your way into another of my attempted romances.”
“Oh, so now it’s an attempted romance.”
“You know very well what I mean. I’m in school. You’re not. Leave me the guys at school and have your fun with everyone else. Besides, we’re simply here to get away from the hunters, remember? This isn’t the time to be building relationships with the locals.”
“If only you knew how to have fun with them, Sadie,” Alexis said as she grabbed another licorice and sauntered out of the kitchen.
Fuming, Sadie tried to ignore her sister’s exasperating antics. Adding to the pile of dirty clothes in front of the washer, she stripped out of her jeans and t-shirt and headed to the bathroom for that luscious bath.
The moment she reached the hall, Alexis strolled out of her bedroom with scented oils in one hand and trivial reading material in the other. With a shake of her shoulders and shimmy of her hips, she let her nightie fall to the floor at the threshold of the bathroom.
“If you need me I’ll be in a nice warm bath.” Alexis didn’t even look back as she entered the bathroom, leaving the door ajar.
“You know very well I was heading there.” Sadie stormed into the bathroom in time to see Alexis step into the empty claw foot bathtub and twist the faucet on.
“I’m bored silly, Sadie.” Standing there nude, in the tub she faced Sadie as she set to pinning her long hai
r up. As modern as Alexis had become, she’d not lost the ability to set her hair in a proper chignon when she desired it.
“And a bath is going to excite you?”
“No, silly. Irritating you excites me.” She settled into the water and sprinkled in scented oil.
“How fabulously mature of you.”
“Why did we come to this dead nowhere town anyway?”
“To get as far away from those hunters trailing you in Ireland, my dear sister. You’ve left a mess in Europe, and got me involved, too. Now it’s time to lay low and blend. Besides, it’s not all that bad. I’ve already come to like it very much here. The weather is pleasant. The people are kind.”
“And enrolling in school. Whatever gave you that idea? It ruins all the fun we could have. No one needs to know you're not an adult.”
“For one thing, I was turned when of adolescent age. It’s the proper thing for me to be in school. Secondly, I don’t see how that keeps you from having your fun. We don’t exactly run in the same circles, remember?”
“This town is more dead than a zombie convention.”
“Need I remind you that prior to your dramatic return into my life, I was running my life in a rather safe and proper way? It had been decades since I’d even had a brief run in with a hunter. While you…I swear, Alexis. Sometimes I think you deliberately set out to taunt them just to keep your life thrilling and filled with excitement.”
Alexis cupped a handful of water, raised her arm high and let the water trickle down. “Maybe I should drive up to Hollywood.”
“Maybe you should just sink into that tub.”
“Vampiring was so exciting in Europe. There was something vibrant, mysterious and right about being there. Perhaps it was the old blood.” She snickered and gazed at Sadie. “Get it. The old country… old blood.”
Tired of Alexis’ selfish ways, Sadie took a seat on the edge of the tub and dipped her feet into the rising water.
“Of course there’s also nothing quite like the taste of blue blood. You can’t get that here, which is such a pity. For crying out loud, the veins here are so clogged with fat and junk, it’s disgusting.”