She never went anywhere without dabbing it behind her ears and on her wrists. She even put it on before she brushed her teeth in the morning. But when I hugged her, she didn’t smell like Skyler. The odor coming off her was like rusting metal and decay.
“Are you sure you don’t remember anything else?”
“I don’t remember,” she said, but she looked away. She didn’t want to remember, and I didn’t blame her.
“Sky, it’s important. If you know anything about Travis and the others that might help protect those girls, we really need to know.”
Her face tightened. “I said I didn’t remember.” But I knew when my best friend was lying.
“Let’s talk about something else,” Vaughn suggested.
Sky’s face brightened. “Let’s talk about the two of you,” she said. “Is it official?”
“Yes, it’s official,” Vaughn said. “Boyfriend, girlfriend, the whole deal.”
“Like social-media official?” she asked. “Because that would get your ex off your back.”
“We’ve been a little busy,” I said, but Vaughn got out his phone, pulled me close, and kissed my cheek.
Then he snapped a pic. “Done!” he said. “We’re Instagram official.”
“That’s serious,” she replied.
“I even asked her to prom.”
“When exactly did you do that?” I asked.
He started to stutter, and I continued, “I do recall you talking a lot about taking the Deathtrap to prom. Maybe you asked my car instead of me?”
Skyler burst out laughing and slung an arm around Vaughn. “You, my friend, have zero game.”
Vaughn turned to me. “Tansy, will you do me the honor of accompanying me to our prom? I promise I’ll do the big ask later, but for now, please put me out of my misery and say yes.”
“Yes,” I said, grinning at him. “And I don’t need a big, splashy, public promposal.”
Skyler clapped her hands.
Even though I laughed and joked with them, I couldn’t stop thinking that it wasn’t over. Not yet.
Vaughn excused himself to call his dad, and I took the opportunity to ask Skyler a few questions. I could tell Vaughn wasn’t in the mood to talk about it, but I needed answers.
“Can you tell me anything about vampires?” I asked her.
“They can’t stand pumpkin spice lattes,” Skyler revealed.
“That won’t do us a hell of a lot of good in the middle of summer,” I said. And I was kind of with the vampires on the pumpkin-spice thing. “It’s just not right,” I said. “Coffee and pumpkin in the same cup.”
The limited-run drink came out in September or October, which meant the temperature was in the eighties when Skyler was sipping a festive fall favorite meant for getting out your turtleneck and watching the leaves change colors. It was like the devil’s armpit in October in Southern California.
“It’s so wrong, it’s right,” Skyler replied.
Skyler was able to confirm some other things vampires couldn’t stand, like garlic, rose petals, and Diet Dr Pepper. She also warned us never to look into a vampire’s eyes because they could hypnotize you in seconds, but I’d already figured that part out.
The Old Crones Book Club had done their homework, too, and reported that a stake through the heart really did kill a vampire, but, as Granny said, “It’d kill anybody else, too.”
A lot of ways to kill Travis would also kill a human: the aforementioned stake, chopping off his head, burning him alive. After spending time with The Drainers and knowing the things they’d done to other girls, any of those options sounded not only doable but necessary.
“What are my other options?”
“You don’t really have any, unless you’re willing to let Travis keep sucking girls dry—their blood, their will, and, eventually, their lives.”
“I’m not willing to do that,” I replied.
“Then it’s kill or be killed, I’m afraid,” Skyler said. “Vampires don’t play by the rules.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Everything slowly went back to normal. The Drainers’ website carried an announcement that they were on hiatus “indefinitely” due to the sudden death of their beloved friend and drummer Fang.
Vaughn was worried that Jure might retaliate, but as the days went by and there wasn’t any sign of trouble, we all started to relax.
I’d convinced Granny to let me return to work because I needed the money. I’d picked up a shift at Sheridan Catering, and it had been…normal.
Opal Ann and Bobbie Jean were still staying at our bungalow, but the whole gang was all hanging out in the backyard of my house.
Bobbie Jean and I watched as Opal Ann picked daisies from the bushes and made them into flower crowns.
“Are you guys headed back to Texas soon?” I asked her.
“My parents want us to come home,” she said. “But Opal Ann doesn’t want to leave. Says she doesn’t feel safe except when she’s with y’all.”
“I can understand that,” I said. “Give it time.”
But it turned out we didn’t have much time left.
We were having a big family dinner with the Old Crones Book Club and all the girls who were staying at Edna and Evelyn’s, plus Skyler and Vaughn.
I picked out black jeans and a summer top. It was light as air but long-sleeved, which meant it would conceal my so-pale-I-glow skin.
Vaughn and I set up everything under the pergola and may have exchanged a few kisses while we were working. Until Skyler arrived and caught us.
“Don’t you two ever let up?” she said.
I took a step away, but Vaughn pulled me back again. “No. No, we don’t.”
After everyone got there, we sat down to fresh fruit, shrimp salad, and crusty bread, and the conversation flowed around us like waves. It felt like such a relief to be normal for an evening.
When dinner was over, I went into the kitchen to help with the dishes, but Granny was stirring something in a big copper pot.
She turned off the burner. “It needs to cool for a few minutes.” She studied my face, then gave me a stainless-steel flask engraved with the tree of knowledge on it. “Drink it every day. It’ll help with the symptoms. I’ll give some to all the girls. Just in case.”
“Just in case what?” I asked.
She hesitated. “You know with vampires, it’s never that easy. It’s not over. You need to figure out a way to stop them permanently.”
“Whatever it takes?”
She nodded. “Whatever it takes.”
I was shocked my peaceful granny seemed to be advocating violence, even toward soul-sucking vampires. I kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Granny.”
“You know, Tansy, if you’re really serious about stopping them, you’ll have to go into a vampire’s nest. I think you’ll need some added protection.”
She handed me a silver charm that looked a little bit like a chili pepper.
“It’s a horn, a cornicello,” she said. “A protection from evil. It belonged to my grandmother.”
“Thank you, Granny,” I said before adding it to the charms I already wore. Her grandmother’s jewelry was special to her. “I’ll take good care of it.”
We joined our guests, and for the rest of the night, we talked about everything except vampires, witches, and striga vie.
It was a good night.
…
My grandmother had somewhere to be, but she was dragging her feet. She and her coven were supposed to be headed to San Francisco for the weekend for an inter-coven conference.
“Granny, go to the coven meeting,” I said. “Have a good time. I’ll be fine.”
“I hate to leave you alone,” she said.
“I won’t be by myself,” I said. Bobbie Jean and Opal Ann were spending the weekend with the other girls at Evel
yn and Edna’s place, and truthfully, I wanted to be left alone. Since we’d returned with Skyler, Granny had been hovering, and she never hovered.
“I just want things to get back to normal,” she said.
“And they will,” I said. “If you go to your coven meeting. Besides, I have a date with Vaughn tonight.” Vaughn and I grinned at each other.
Edna shoved a package wrapped in brown paper into my hands, and a couple of other ladies who I didn’t know as well handed Vaughn and me various poppets, posies, and protections.
“I guess this is it,” I said.
“I wouldn’t go, except my friend Miriam will be there,” Granny said. “She’s bringing some ancient texts from Italy, and they might contain information about the striga vie.”
“We can talk when you get back,” I assured her. “And I’ll call you with updates.”
She caught my arm. “I have to go but remember this. When you need to summon your powers, the important thing is intent into action. You easily resisted a vampire’s compulsion,” she added. “That makes you unique.”
“Until this summer, I didn’t even know there were vampires,” I said.
“If you’re having trouble, close your eyes and hum your favorite song.”
Her advice was sound. Humming and a huge dose of panic had worked to break the window when we were trapped.
She chuckled. “Don’t look so doubtful. It’ll clear your mind. Remember: intent into action. Be careful.”
“I will.” I hugged her tiny frame, reluctant to say goodbye. “You too.”
She hugged me back for a long time and then handed me a gift bag. “Open it later,” she whispered into my ear.
The book club had Vaughn surrounded, so I tugged on Granny’s hand. “Time to go.”
“Have fun, you two, but be safe.” She waggled her eyebrows at me, and then it sank in.
“Grandma!” I said. My face flushed, and I couldn’t look at Vaughn, but I heard his chuckle.
She ignored my tone and grinned at me. I only called her “Grandma” when I was ticked off at her.
She hugged me goodbye, her arms wrapped around me so tight that I could barely breathe. After a bit, I tried to wiggle free, but she only held me tighter.
A horn honked. “Let’s get a move on!” Edna cried.
We waved them off and then headed back to the house hand in hand. This thing between Vaughn and me was so new, which meant I got a secret thrill when I held his hand and his ex didn’t jump out of the bushes screaming.
“Let’s get out of here,” Vaughn said. “Why don’t you put on a swimsuit and plenty of sunscreen? It’s a perfect day for the beach.”
I didn’t know why I was hesitating. I’d been in the sun several times since I’d been bitten.
Vaughn studied my face. “Or would you rather do something else?”
“The beach sounds great,” I said, forcing a smile.
“Tansy, it’s okay if you’re nervous about the sun,” he said. “I was just reaching for something familiar.”
“I know,” I said. “We’re going, and you’re going to buy me a lobster roll at the snack shop.”
“I have something else planned,” he said. “Don’t forget your hat.”
I grabbed my bag, which contained sunscreen, waters, a magazine, and an inflatable beach ball, and Vaughn took it from me.
I stepped outside, realizing it had grown warmer while we were inside. Little beads of sweat formed on my forehead. My eyes hurt from the glare, and my skin felt prickly and hot. My stomach lurched, and I ran back inside.
Vaughn said something, but I couldn’t make it out. My entire focus was reaching the bathroom before I lost it.
I threw up, thankfully making it to my intended destination, and then lay on the cool tile, dizzy and disoriented. I didn’t know how long I lay there, but I heard a tap on the door.
“Tansy, can I come in?”
I dragged myself to a sitting position. “Give me a minute.” I brushed my teeth and rinsed my mouth with mouthwash, then opened the door.
Vaughn pulled a lock of my hair back from my face. “You okay?”
I gave him a wan smile. It was safe to say that I wouldn’t be doing much sunbathing the rest of the summer—not unless I wanted it to be the last thing I ever did.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
We sat in the living room, not talking while Vaughn rubbed my back.
“Maybe we should stay home,” he said.
“I’m feeling much better,” I said. I wanted to spend time with Vaughn that didn’t involve The Drainers leering at me or the Bleeders trying to grope my boyfriend.
Vaughn didn’t look convinced, but he grabbed our stuff. I’d managed to persuade myself that it was just my imagination, but as soon as I stepped foot outside, it happened again.
When I came back from the bathroom, Vaughn was reclined on the couch, his phone in hand, but he put it down once he saw me. He didn’t say anything. He just held his arms open wide, and I flew into them. He held me while I cried out my hurt and fear onto his T-shirt.
“We’ll figure it out,” he said. He punctuated his words with little kisses, along my jawline, down my throat, and across my clavicle. And then below. “Your skin is so soft,” he murmured.
I burrowed into him, trying to absorb his warmth. Vaughn’s hard body became harder, his muscles straining against me. I pressed into him. “Kiss me.”
We kissed for a long time, but then Vaughn sat up. “I packed a picnic,” he said. “Let me go get it. You should probably eat something.”
I turned on the TV and searched for a show for us to watch. When Vaughn came back with the food, he also had a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
We had an indoor picnic and watched movies all afternoon. It didn’t seem to bother Vaughn that I couldn’t go outside without blowing chunks…but it might not always be that way.
“What if I’m an actual vampire?” I asked. “The creepy kind, like Travis or even that Sundowner we met, Temple.”
“You aren’t,” he said. “And even if you are, you won’t be anything like them. You’ll still be Tansy.”
I couldn’t help it. I launched myself at him and kissed him while I tugged frantically at his T-shirt.
“What do you want?” Vaughn asked. I accidentally touched my tongue with one of my fangs and drew blood. I hadn’t realized that they’d come out.
“You.”
“Tansy, you’re upset,” he replied. “I don’t want to take advantage of that.”
“You’re not,” I said.
“Ashley was right about me, you know,” he said conversationally. “I was too scared to reach for what I wanted. For who I wanted.”
I looked up at him. “And now?”
“I’m not scared anymore,” he replied. “Are you?”
I shook my head.
“Say the words,” Vaughn said. “Say what you want.”
I pulled his head down to mine. “I want you.”
He was smiling as he kissed me, and somehow, that made it even hotter.
“Take this off,” I said, pulling again at his tee.
Vaughn yanked at his shirt one-handed, but it got caught on his chin. I started to giggle, then my laughter stopped quickly at the sight of his bare chest. My face felt hot as I stared at his sculpted body.
“Let me help,” I said. I snagged his shirt and carefully lifted it the rest of the way off before I threw it over the back of the couch. I kissed the hollow of his throat. He smelled like the ocean, sun, and sweat. I breathed it in.
He put his lips over the little golden fang mark. It felt so good when he touched my neck, not anything like when I’d been bitten. I didn’t want to think about how it had happened, so I concentrated on the feel of Vaughn’s callused fingers sliding over my skin.
I was going to ge
t undressed in front of Vaughn. We were best friends, but I’d never taken my clothes off in front of him before. I sucked in a breath.
He picked up on my nervousness. “You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for,” he said. “We don’t have to.” His voice shook just a little. Someone who didn’t know him as well as I did might not have even noticed.
“I know,” I replied. “But I want to.” I took off my shirt and sent it sailing. Part of me wanted to hide, but instead, I relaxed my shoulders and wiped my sweaty palms on my shorts.
I slid my hands down his chest to where his heart thrummed against my palms. It helped somehow that Vaughn was as nervous as I was.
That we were both new at this.
…
Everything looked different in the morning. Sunshine streamed into the bedroom through the open curtains. I yawned and stretched before I realized that I wasn’t alone. Vaughn was asleep beside me, lying on his back with one hand flung over my stomach.
I stared at him long enough to veer into creeper territory. When he and Ashley were dating, she’d marked him with a clear “You Shall Not Pass” sign, and I wasn’t going to lust after someone who had a girlfriend—even someone with gray eyes and the best smile I’d ever seen. Now I looked my fill: dark-brown hair cut short on the sides but longer on top so a tiny bit of curl came out to play. Deep tanned skin, gray eyes—erp, gray eyes staring back at me.
Vaughn was awake…
He smiled at me, and my heart stuttered. “Morning,” he said, low and rumbly.
I could feel the mascara crusted around my lashes, and my breath probably smelled like a goat’s butt. Yet Vaughn looked fresh as a flippin’ daisy.
He leaned in to kiss me, but I jumped and covered my mouth. “Morning, and I have the breath that goes with it.” I needed mouthwash, stat, but I also had to pee, which was something that always happened when I was jittery.
“I don’t care,” he said but moved aside to let me up.
I hurried into the bathroom and closed the door. I brushed my teeth, took care of my bladder, and then tried to regroup. I’d spent the night with Vaughn.
“Couldn’t sleep, babe?” He called me babe now?
The Afterlife of the Party Page 22
