Van Helsing Academy

by Stacey O'Neale

  One of his hands pressed against the back of my neck, and he brought his lips down against mine. It felt like a release. All of the anger, confusion, and desire lingering between us culminated into this one moment. His arm wrapped around my waist, eliminating any space left between us. I melted into him, letting go of any hesitation or restraint left in me. I let his kiss consume me.

  My hands slithered down his chest, slipping beneath his shirt. When my fingers touched his bare skin, he let out a moan that sent a wave of heat rippling through my entire body. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get enough of him. Everything around us fell away. All I could feel was his mouth, his hands in my hair, his heat.

  And then he pulled away, stepping backward to put distance between us. It took me a moment to collect myself, still buzzing with a desire I’d never experienced before. I just stared at him with a blank expression. “I’m sorry,” he finally said.

  “You’re sorry?” I managed to get out.

  “I wanted to see what would happen if I kissed you again,” he admitted. “I was curious if that sensation I felt would be there again.”

  “And what did you discover?”

  “Couldn’t you tell?” he questioned with hunger in his green eyes. “It took everything I had to pull away. Even now, I can barely keep my distance.”

  My cheeks burned. “Oh.”

  He laughed. “That’s all you’re going to say?”

  “I don’t know if what I’m feeling is real,” I shrugged. “All of this could be the effects of our blood connection.”

  Sacha closed the distance between us, and the heat coming off of him warmed my chest. “I think we should stop fighting against what we feel and see where this goes.”

  My eyebrows furrowed. “I’m going to need you to elaborate.”

  “This started way before I gave you my blood. You know it, and I know it. We’ve both been fighting against what we feel since we first kissed.” He ran his fingers down the length of my arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps where he touched. “The blood connection revealed what’s been there all along.”

  I couldn’t deny what he was saying. I felt attracted to him the first time I saw him in the cafeteria. The kiss in the library was one of the best I’d ever had. “What are you suggesting?”

  “We let go completely and see where this goes.” The corner of his mouth curled upward. “Who knows? Maybe if we relax into this, you may end up unlocking your blocked memories.”

  “I’m not sure I see the connection between physical attraction and my memories,” I challenged. “But that doesn’t mean I’m saying no.”

  “It’s worth a shot,” he replied, entwining our fingers. “At the very least, it could be fun.”

  The mischievous grin on his face made my stomach flutter. “Okay, let’s say we do this. What’s the next step?”

  “We should go on a date?” he suggested bluntly.

  “A date?” I questioned. “With everything going on right now, don’t you think that’s a bit irresponsible?”

  “You said you’re waiting on Cassius to get a laptop, right?”

  “Yeah,” I replied with hesitation. “I am.”

  “That means you can’t do anything else until he gets it,” he explained. “Sounds like your schedule is open.”

  His offer was tempting. I’d spent most of my life training, and that left little to no room for dating. I wondered what it would be like to go out on a date like an average human. And the thought of Sacha being my date made it that much more exciting. But we were still stuck in a rehabilitation center. I doubted they were going to open the doors and let us get dinner and a movie somewhere. “How exactly would we go on a date? Do you have any ideas?”

  “Leave the details to me,” he smirked. “Meet me at the stables tonight at eight o’clock.”

  “Okay,” I agreed. “I’ll be there.”

  We spent the next few hours focusing on weeding and mulching. I didn’t bring up the date or ask Sacha what he had planned. Part of me was afraid he might change his mind, and the other didn’t want him to know how much I was looking forward to it. Anytime I started to think about it, I refocused on what we were doing. The time went by quickly. We finished the flower bed in less than two hours and had our tools put away before sunset.

  As we made our way back to the academy, tension swirled in the air, and I wondered if he felt it too. When I couldn’t take the silence anymore, I knew I had to say something before I burst. “What are you going to wear?”

  He shot me a cheeky grin. “Is that important?”

  “It’s not important,” I replied casually, like I wasn’t obsessed with every possible aspect of this date. “I just don’t want to overdress or underdress. What I mean is, I want to wear whatever will be appropriate.”

  “What you wore last night will be fine, but you might want to bring a jacket in case you get cold,” he offered. “But you should wear what makes you comfortable.”

  We made it back to the dorms, and just as we were about to split up, I said, “See you tonight.”

  He smirked, and then he was gone.

  I raced back to the dorms, bursting through the door. I moved so fast, Kiera jolted, and the bag of chips in her hand flew up in the air. The pieces landed on her bed like snowflakes. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m going on a date with Sacha?” I squealed, hardly recognizing my voice. “What do I do? What do I wear?”

  “Wait! What?” A look of shock filled her expression. “How did we get here? I’m completely lost.”

  I plopped down next to her on the bed. “We were talking during detention, and I called him out on his never-ending mixed signals. He finally admitted how he was feeling, and he kissed me. Like, seriously kissed me.”

  Kiera’s eyes were wide, and her hand was over her mouth. “What else happened?”

  “He said we should go on a date,” I replied bluntly. “He said we needed to let whatever is happening between us happen, and somewhere in the middle of all of that, I said okay.”

  “Where’s he taking you,” she asked. “Is there some secret place hidden somewhere in the academy?”

  “I don’t know?” I replied, still wrapping my head around everything. “Things are crazy right now, and I don’t even know what to do with myself.”

  She leaped to her feet. “I got this. No problem. You get in the shower, well, because you stink. I’ll pick out some clothes for you to choose from, and we’ll go from there.”

  As I was standing there, she strode around the room, collecting what I’d need for the shower. She put everything in my hand and practically threw me out of the room. I was still in a daze as I headed for the showers. My mind was all over the place, and I could barely settle on one thought at a time. I was about to have my first date with a seriously gorgeous shifter, which may or may not be a huge mistake.

  Of all the things that I thought might happen when I came here, I never guessed I’d be dating a supernatural. Part of me wondered if I was acting irresponsibly, but I pushed those feelings aside. I was allowed to have a personal life. I could have this and still complete my mission. Lots of reapers dated. I decided I wasn’t going to dwell on the potential negatives. I was going on a date because I deserved some happiness too.

  This was all going to turn out just fine.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  My palms were sweating like I was in a sauna.

  I wiped my hands on the sides of my jeans. Kiera wanted me to wear one of her dresses, but I resisted. I wanted to be comfortable on the date, especially since I was so nervous I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I ended up wearing a pale pink silk tank top with a matching cardigan sweater and short heels. It was a casual date kind of look that worked for me. Sexy, but not over the top.

  The skies were dark. The only light illuminating the stables came from the moon shining above, and the academy’s exterior motion lights behind me. The night air was crisp with a slight breeze. I was glad I chose a sweater and jea
ns. If I had gone with Kiera’s suggestion, I’d be regretting it. After a short walk, I approached the stables and made my way inside. I followed the same path I’d taken with Sacha.

  Candlelight flickered at the end of the curved hallway, and my chest tightened. I didn’t see Sacha, but I sensed he was there waiting for me. I had to assume this was a side effect of the blood connection. I took a long calming breath and tried to relax into the moment. It wasn’t like me to be this nervous. I’d raced toward dangerous, potentially life-threatening, situations more times than I could count.

  But this was new territory for me. For the first time in years, I wasn’t carrying a weapon. The warrior wasn’t needed. These next precious hours, I got to be a teenage girl on her first real date. It made me smile to imagine what was in store for me, but I didn’t have to wait long. Sacha stepped out of the shadows holding a single red rose. He looked lethally sexy in a hunter green sweater, dark jeans, and boots.

  Sacha handed me the rose. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask which flower was your favorite.”

  I couldn’t care less about which one he chose. His kind gesture touched me; no one had brought me flowers before. I inhaled the sweet aroma. “The rose is beautiful. Thank you.”

  He held out his hand, and I accepted. The moment our fingers entwined, warm heat traveled up my arm. I had an overwhelming calm fall over me. It made me wonder if this sensation came from our bond or if it was just how Sacha made me feel. I let him lead us outside. “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see,” he replied.

  We climbed a grassy hill for a minute or two. When we reached the top, there was a small clearing. This high up, I could see the tree-covered mountains in the distance. Sacha had four tiki torches ignited around a plaid blanket on the ground. A square wooden basket sat in the middle. I’d never experienced anything this romantic in my life. He’d created a picnic under the stars, and it was all for me.

  I glanced up at him. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything.” He pulled me into him, wrapping his arms around my waist. “But I hope you like it.”

  Dark hair fell onto his face, and I tucked the strand behind his ear. “I love it.”

  “Good.” The corner of his lip curled upward. “That was the reaction I was going for.”

  We sat down across from each other, and he reached for the basket. One by one, he pulled out every item I’d ever seen in the vending machines. He covered the blanket with sodas in every flavor, juices, water bottles, chips in every variety, snack cakes, pretzels, and candy bars. I put my hands on my cheeks as I admired his plunder. “You must have been hungry.”

  “I didn’t know what you might like,” he shrugged. “So, I got everything.”

  I grabbed a bag of barbeque potato chips. “This is amazing.”

  He opened a can of soda and took a long gulp. “It’s not a steak dinner in a five-star restaurant, but it’s the best I could do.”

  “I think it’s better,” I gushed. “Way better.”

  His eyebrows knit together. “Really?”

  “This took time to gather, and I can see you put a lot of thought into it,” I explained, pointing to the spread. “That makes this a five-star meal.”

  He opened a bag of pretzels. “You’re easy to please.”

  “Not really,” I corrected. “I’m never satisfied.” I thought about how that sounded, and I wished I hadn’t said it. “I meant when it comes to myself. I don’t know how I am with other people. I guess I don’t expect much.”

  After Sacha finished chewing, he replied, “You sound like you’ve had people disappoint you.”

  That comment made me think of my parents. “I don’t give most people a chance to disappoint me. My parents raised me to be independent. Our family values strength, both physically and mentally. They would see dependence as a flaw, especially my father.”

  “I’ve heard stories of Jonathon Van Helsing,” he admitted. “Lately, he’s been a vocal public figure for the human faction.”

  “He would prefer a life in politics over reaping,” I acknowledged. “The warrior life isn’t for everyone.”

  “Is that how you identify yourself?” he asked. “You are a warrior.”

  “I was never trained to be anything else.” I sat the empty bag of chips on the blanket. “It’s my family legacy.”

  “You are so much more than that,” he stated, as he maneuvered himself closer to me. “None of us are ever one thing.”

  I pulled my knees into my chest and leaned my chin on my knees. “Sometimes, I feel like a robot. Since childhood, I’ve had only one purpose. I wonder what I would be without it.”

  “It’s the same with supernaturals. Most reapers see us only as animals in need of control, and forget that we spend most of our lives in this form.” He pointed to his chest. “We’re not so different.”

  My mind went back to the time in the cafeteria. That day, so many supes shared their stories and scars with me. I hadn’t forgotten their words. I didn’t have the power to do anything while I was in here, but I was determined to make a difference when I got out. “The system we have in place isn’t perfect,” I admitted. “I plan to change that someday.”

  He smiled. “I believe you will, умная девочка.”

  “Umnaya devushka?” I tried to pronounce what he said, but it sounded much sexier coming from him. “What does that mean?”

  With a smirk, he replied. “Clever girl.”

  That was a nickname I didn’t mind. “Do you prefer to speak Russian?”

  He bit his bottom lip like he was considering his answer. “Russian is my first language. I suppose I think and dream in Russian. But in America, very few understand what I am saying. That is good sometimes. I don’t always like my thoughts known.”

  That made me wish I spoke a second language. I could think of many ways that would come in handy. “I don’t like my thoughts known, either.” I nudged him. “Unfortunately, that’s not an option around you.”

  “You seem to read my thoughts at times,” he admitted. “I find it difficult to mask my feelings around you.”

  “Really?” I questioned. “I don’t think I read you well.”

  “Language is more than words,” he explained, moving as he spoke. Twisting his body around, he got on his hands and knees. “You express yourself with your body just as well.”

  My heart pounded in my chest, sensing something was about to happen. I released my legs, spreading them flat in front of me. “I’m not sure I understand,” I teased. “Care to elaborate?”

  “It would be easier to show you.” In one swift movement, he repositioned me onto my back. He hovered above me. His face was inches from mine as he balanced on his knees and forearms. “Do you know what my body is saying right now?”

  Anticipation raced through my bloodstream as I craved his next move. I licked my lips. “I’m sure I can take a guess.”

  His head tilted, and he pressed his lips against mine. He kissed me gently like I was as delicate as a flower petal or a snowflake. It seemed odd coming from someone of his size, but it made me feel special. Like I was a treasure. When he finally pulled away, he rested his head in the nape of my neck and whispered, “I have to be careful with you.”

  That was the last thing I wanted. “Why?”

  “There is a part of me that fears what you are and what you represent.” His green eyes darkened, filling with a longing I’d never seen before. “But I can’t fight the growing need I feel for you. At times, it’s hot enough to burn.”

  I didn’t know if it was the heat coming off of him or my reaction to his words, but I ached for him to kiss me again. The desire was so strong; I would’ve killed for it. “It could be the blood connection,” I suggested. “What we feel right now may fade away.”

  He shook his head. “I refuse to believe that.”

  “How can you be so sure?” I questioned. “You said it yourself; you’ve never given your blood to a human be
fore.”

  “When I gave you my blood, I immediately felt the bond in my head.” He reached for my hand and pressed my palm into his chest. “But I have felt you in here since the first time we kissed. What I am feeling comes from my heart, and it grows with every minute we spend together. That is how I know.”

  I believed him. Every single word of what he said resonated with me. As much as it scared me, something was happening between us that went far and beyond the blood connection. I was starting to have real feelings for him. It was shocking and exciting all at the same time. I ran my thumb over his cheek before cupping his face, and I tugged him down until his lips found mine.

  Everything around us fell away. Sacha lowered his body until there was no space left between us. Even though he was at least a hundred pounds heavier than me, I was comfortable. The moments I had with him were easy. I slid my hands down his back until I found the rim of his sweater. Without hesitation, I pulled the shirt over his head. When my fingers touched his bare skin, he let out a low growl.

  The tenderness of his kiss shifted into a more profound need. I opened my lips, and he slipped his tongue inside my mouth. That’s when everything sped up. His grip tightened around me, and he rolled us over. I was on top of him, with my legs spread over his hips. When I felt a chill on my back, I realized I was shirtless. I’d never gone this far with a boy, but I wasn’t nervous. I wanted to keep going.

  A white light flashed behind my closed eyes, and a panic set in.

  I was back in the room with the blueprints, but this time, I could move around. I ran toward the door and tried to get out. I looked down and saw that there was no knob to turn. I was locked inside. Turning around, I scanned the room. The windows had metal bars over them, and there were chains attached to the wall. I raised my hands and saw the bruises on my wrists. Some were older and faded, while others appeared new.

  I was a prisoner.

  Rage rippled through me as I called out for someone. No one answered. I hurried over to the table to examine the blueprints, and I recognized them immediately. It was the Van Helsing Academy. Everything was there, including the landscaping. There were black markings circled on some of the pages. The labels were in the corners of the interior walkways. A few even on the exterior of the academy.