He pulled his arms from beneath me and brushed his fingers through my hair. We were so close our noses almost touched. The smell of toothpaste tinged his breath and manly cologne surrounded his body. The muscles on his arms rippled and he flexed. I took in his dark lashes, thick like a girl’s, but on him they only increased the perfection of his face. There was a slight arch in his brows. His dark hair swirled in disarray, and his bottom lip…
“Together, we’ll figure it out.” He kissed me tenderly. “I won’t lose you. I made you a promise, didn’t I? That is my sacred duty now, to make sure you’re kept safe.”
I smiled. My cheeks hot with desire. “What if I want to…” My eyes found the pulsing vein in his neck. The idea of drinking from him again caused my fangs to appear.
He inhaled. Worried I scared him, I caught hold of his gaze. “I don’t have to.”
His eyes were dark and filled with need. “Well, the damage is done. You’ve already discovered you can’t kill me, and…” Gabe looked away.
“You liked it,” I said hoarsely, finishing his sentence.
“Yes,” he whispered. “I liked it.” He cleared his throat. “Well, up until you broke my neck. That really did hurt, at least for a few minutes.”
Our eyes met and we both laughed. “I’m really sorry about that.” I touched his neck with my fingers. “Beyond sorry,” I added, my fingers finding his pulse. “But, I’ve had some practice since the first time.”
His eyes widened. “You haven’t killed anyone.”
“No. I’ve been careful.” My fingers trailed down his back, making goose bumps rise on his skin.
“That feels good,” he said, kissing my nose. “I know what would feel better.” He rolled us so that I was on top and he lifted his chin, offering me his pulsing vein.
It was my turn to be surprised. “Are you sure?” I asked, checking his face. My need for his blood filled my soul even as I straddled him. I wanted him bad.
“Very sure. Take it.” He closed his eyes.
I moved so that I could have better access. Opening my mouth, releasing my fangs, I lowered my head. I took it slow, allowing each tooth to prick his neck gradually, knowing with the pain came pleasure. His breath caught in his throat. When my fangs were fully inside, I began sucking, pulling his blood from his body. He moaned, taking my head in his hands and pressing me deeper into him. I sucked harder. This time though I counted. When I reached eight, I stopped.
He flipped us, placing me under him again, my canines still embedded in his neck. He pressed his body into mine. “Don’t stop, Snow.”
I sucked again, counting all the way to fifteen. Way past my limit, but I was almost too far gone to stop. Surely if I drained him dry, he would die. Wouldn’t he? I had to stop. I pulled out, my fangs retracting. His eyes were hooded, heavy with lust. Our bodies twined together.
Gabe’s lips found mine and I froze, worried he would be disgusted by the blood on my lips. But he didn’t seem to mind. His tongue dove into my mouth and circled mine. My hands wandered along his back, down to the waist of his jeans and along his butt. His breathing came faster as we moved, desperate to be even closer to each other.
Our lips parted and we looked at each other.
“I want you,” he said.
“I want you too.” So badly I ached.
He helped me sit up, lifting my shirt over my head before tossing it onto the floor. Then he scooted me back under him, skin touching skin. “Snow,” he whispered, his voice gruff, kissing my neck, along my collarbones and my shoulders. “You’re so beautiful.” In response I wrapped my legs around his hips.
Did I really want to keep going? My body sure did, but not too many minutes ago, he’d called us enemies. He’d said it was his duty to kill me. But he’d also told me he loved me. It was how life worked. You fought. You made up. I decided to go with it and went to bite his shoulder.
Someone cleared his throat and the lights flicked on. We froze, both of us looking over toward the sound. Professor Pops stood in the doorway, his hands on his hips. My face blazed at the sight of him.
Gabe blocked me with his body. “Give us a minute, Pops,” Gabe said quietly.
“I’ll give you five. Get dressed,” he said sternly, giving Gabe a look that said he was in big freaking trouble. The door closed.
“Crap,” Gabe whispered.
I swallowed, working to get myself under control. Part of me was glad we’d been interrupted. But my body was really disappointed.
In the hall I could hear the brothers snickering.
“I guess they made up,” Heathcliff said.
“I told you he wouldn’t kill her,” Bart added.
“You owe me twenty bucks.” That was Salvatore.
Gabe and I looked at each other. He helped me off the bed. I threw my shirt back on and he did the same.
“Ready?” he asked when we were decent.
I knew Gabe was alive and all the guilt I felt was for nothing, but nervousness fluttered at facing Professor Pops. I didn’t want to see the disappointment on his face.
Chapter 10
Before I opened the door, I paused and took a deep breath. “Wow, dinner and a show.” I was humiliated they knew what we were doing.
He looked confused a second, and then started to laugh. “I’m a full-service boyfriend.”
Boyfriend? I snickered, still feeling the blissful after effects of drinking Gabe’s blood. Our relationship felt like more than that. An image of Christopher in the glass case danced across my mind, reminding me that any happiness I experienced was at his expense. I needed to find the Seal, or all vampires would be destroyed, including my hunter. But who would’ve taken it? My stepmother? Cindy? What about Gabe’s father, or someone in his group? Wouldn’t they want it if it could destroy vampires? I gasped at the questions, my mind moving in one direction. Toward Gabe. Did he have it?
Kenmei and Professor Pops said it would give the person who had it more power, though it worked best for me. So, if Gabe or his father had it, did they know what to do with it? I didn’t even know what to do with it.
“Snow, what’s wrong? You look like you’re in pain. Did I hurt you?”
I shook my head. “I’m fine. Just a lot going on in here.” I tapped my head with a finger. Gabe placed his hand over mine.
Before we left the confines of my room, I had a question. “Do the guys know what you are?”
He chuckled. “Yes. After my brush with a broken neck and my quick recovery, Professor Pops and I told them. Dorian, Heathcliff, and Salvatore wouldn’t speak to me for a week. They were so mad at me for not telling you and not telling them.” He huffed. “I should’ve told you all a lot sooner. So much heartache could’ve been avoided if I had.” With a sigh he sidled over, grabbing my hands. “Can you forgive me? Can you love me?” His eyes searched mine.
Love? He’d said the word again. If I truly loved Gabe, then either the spell or prophecy or whatever—“Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night, drink your true love’s blood, become the Vampire, Snow White”—was just a lot of mumbo jumbo, or I didn’t really love, love Gabe. Professor Pops had told me that a kiss from my true love would return me to human. That hadn’t worked, so did that mean Gabe wasn’t my true love? I thought about the vampire queen and what she told me, that Professor Pops and Kenmei were lying. Someone was lying, but who? Who could I trust? I still had a lot to learn.
I blinked. “Yes, of course I forgive you. I’m sorry for running. I was such a coward. Had I stayed, a lot of heartache could have been avoided as well.” I could ask him to explain what a chayot was. I should. But part of me didn’t want to know. At least not yet.
He kissed my forehead. “Then we’ll agree it’s both our faults and forget all about it.”
“Okay,” I muttered, but a big part of me believed it was impossible to totally forget. I wanted to tell him that too, but I was mentally exhausted. A lot had gone on in a short amount of time and I needed a break.
“C’mon, l
et’s go see what Professor Pops has to say.”
We opened the door and I followed him down the hall until we reached the top of the stairs where I hesitated.
He turned back. “What’s wrong?”
“Does my dad know I left?”
He shook his head. “I guess your dad tried to call you several times and, when some random person answered, he freaked out and called Pops. We didn’t want to worry him, so Professor Pops told your dad you lost your phone and that you were upset about him leaving again so soon and that you needed some time.” He touched my cheek with a thumb. “If you hadn’t returned by tomorrow, we were going to have to tell your dad the truth.”
“Good,” I said, exhaling that stored up stress. I would call him tomorrow morning. “What about Gatsby? Do you know where my cat is?”
“Yeah, the poor thing came meowing at our backdoor a couple of days after you left. We’ve kept him with us. He’s been well cared for, but he sure misses you.” He took my hand.
“I can’t wait to see him.”
We lumbered down the stairs and headed into the kitchen. Professor Pops and the brothers were there. The guys smiled sheepishly, though Professor Pops looked serious.
“Hi,” I said, clinging to Gabe’s hand and hiding behind him slightly.
Professor Pops took hold of my other hand and pulled me to him, hugging me tightly. I forced back a sob, embracing him happily, enjoying the scent of books, ink, and cigars that was the Professor. He may be disappointed, but he still cared for me. I was beyond grateful for that knowledge.
“I am glad you’re okay. I was worried sick.” He held me at arm’s length. “Where have you been?”
I couldn’t tell them about the vampire queen or the trek I travelled in search of blood. It was all best forgotten. Before I could answer, Salvatore spoke.
“Yeah, Snow. We looked for you every day, but it was like you vanished.”
“You shouldn’t have run. We will always have your back,” Dorian said, his eyes sad.
I nodded. “I’m sorry. It’s just when I saw Gabe and thought he was…” I couldn’t finish the sentence. “Something inside me broke and I needed to escape.”
They all nodded, letting out grunts of understanding and sympathy.
Except Sebastian. “How many of us regular humans did you kill?” The words sounded light, but I could tell he was nervous about the answer.
“None,” I answered. Focusing on Professor Pops. “I remembered what you said. I counted. I didn’t take too much.” I felt movement from Gabe but didn’t dare look at him.
Professor Pops smiled; his shoulders visibly relaxing. “That is really good news.” He released me.
“I guess this means we don’t need to cancel her party,” Daniel said.
The rest of the brothers groaned.
And I laughed. “My birthday party? Are you sure you want to host that? I don’t need anything. I’m just so glad to be back with you all.” It truly wasn’t necessary, but at this point I’d do anything, go anywhere for them. As long as these amazing guys—men—were near me, I knew anything was possible.
Professor Pops clasped his hands and smiled. “Of course we do, my dear. You only turn sixteen once.”
“Yes, but will she be able to resist all the delicious human blood dancing around the room?” Dorian asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. As he spoke, he raised his chin slightly. I doubted anyone else even noticed. I did. What was it about Dorian offering me his blood?
They all turned to me, some smug, others concerned. I shrugged and then sighed, drawing out the time before I responded. They all seemed to be holding their breaths. Giving Gabe a sideways glance, I nodded. “I will have no problem resisting. That I can promise.”
“I know she can too,” Dorian said, pulling me into a hug.
Gabe shoved him. “That’s enough. Back off my girl.”
“Let’s have a ball,” Salvatore shouted.
The back door flew open and we all turned to see Cindy, dressed in soft pink pajamas and fluffy pink slippers, rush into the kitchen and skid to a halt. Even with bedhead and no makeup she was adorable.
“Snow. Merryweather. White!” she fumed, crossing her arms.
I swallowed, nervously. “Hey, Cin,” I said, moving over to her and patting her on the shoulder. “It’s nice to see you.”
She flinched, but quickly recovered and threw her arms around me. “I’m très glad you’re back.”
“Me too, Cin. Me too.” I hugged her tight, thankful I had such great friends.
“Don’t you dare leave me again. Got it?” She pushed me away so she could study my face.
“I won’t.” I raised an eyebrow. She’d bragged about her locator spell and about being a big-time witch, so why hadn’t she located me? Unless she hadn’t been looking.
“Good.” She released me but linked her arm with mine at our elbows. “Please tell me there are cookies and hot cocoa with marshmallows. I need comfort food.”
We all laughed.
Chapter 11
Things returned to normal pretty quickly. I went back to Salem Academy the next day, which was a Wednesday and continued my Seven Magics Academy training in the evenings. By the following weekend I was all caught up in my classes. Professor Pops had been right. Human stuff was super easy now. My teachers were shocked and greatly pleased by my newfound intellectual prowess. My Seven Magics Academy training was coming along nicely as well.
After school, I hung out with Cindy on the days she wasn’t working. It was fun to listen to her talk about my party, dresses, makeup, and the guys. I let her practice makeup on me and do my hair. It wasn’t my favorite pastime, but it was alright. She was really good and made me look good.
She still didn’t know Gabe and I were together. Worse, she didn’t know what happened to me. That I was a vampire now. I half hoped Professor Pops would tell her what I was, but he didn’t. Instead, he said one of his relatives needed help and that I’d agreed to take care of his niece and nephew. Cindy bought it and only asked a few questions. Like how much was I paid, whether I had fun taking care of the kids, and most importantly, had I met any cute guys. Mostly, she would show me her magic, even practicing on me sometimes. One day I went to school with a pink streak in my hair, the next I had a red one. She also polished my nails using magic, which was cool. I especially liked when they were sparkling red. Thankfully, she was over Gabe. And she only asked about Christopher once. She’d believed the he and I ran off together and that I was pregnant. The woman had wild fantasies, but they weren’t even close to the real drama in my life.
When I spent time alone with Gabe, we did a lot of kissing and he let me drink his blood. We decided to hold off on going further physically. At least until after my sixteenth birthday. That seemed appropriate. I still hadn’t been able to tell him that I loved him. That omission seemed to be wearing on him because he said it a lot, but I didn’t know whether that was how I felt. I mean, sure I loved him, but I wasn’t positive I was in love with him.
With Pops and the other brothers, I did research in the Museum of the Supernatural and trained with different weapons. My Seven Magics Academy training was one of the best parts of my day, though there was no mention of chayot in any of the books. An Internet search had given me some idea of what Gabe was and I’d asked Professor Pops to fill in the details so I had a vague understanding of what a chayot was. But I still wanted to talk to Gabe about it.
There hadn’t been any time to think much about Sharra, Christopher or the necklace. I knew the Seal of Gabriel was out there and that someone had it. But I was at a loss as to how to bring it up.
It was Friday night and Cindy was at work. Her job was the one thing about her I didn’t understand. Her family was wealthy. She didn’t need to work, but she liked to. Go figure. I was glad though. That little bit of reality kept her from being too snobby.
Gabe trained me after school. Then he cooked himself a steak with a side salad while I watched, hungry for his
blood. When he finished, we left his house, walking over to mine. There we could be alone. We watched a movie… well, we mostly kissed, and I drank his blood. Now that I knew he was a chayot, I could taste it. A searing light within his blood. It radiated from his pores and gave me a slight buzz.
“Hang on.” Gabe got up off the floor. “I need some water.”
“Fine.” I rolled onto my stomach, watching him get a glass from the cupboard before filling it with water at the sink. “So you’re half angel? A—” I paused, waiting for him to say the word.
He chugged down the water before refilling it and drinking some more. “A chayot?” He smirked, coming back over to the living room and sitting beside me.
I rested my head in his lap, smiling up at him. He knew I liked the way he said the word. Like coyote, but with the ch sound at the beginning. I thought it sounded incredibly sexy coming from Gabe’s succulent mouth. According to the Internet, chayot were holy beings that dwelled on Earth. One site contained diagrams explaining why, and listed names of biblical prophets and teachers they believed were chayot. The pictures portrayed figures without wings, or horns and a tail. They looked like any normal human. I wanted to believe that was Gabe—at least half of him, but I didn’t know for sure.
Gabe finished the water in his glass, resting it on the carpet beside us. Then he tucked the pillow behind his back. My cat Gatsby stood from his place near the TV, giving me a one-eyed glare. I ignored him and he trotted from the room.
“Technically yes. But chayot are specific types of angels and are rarely spoken about.” Gabe brushed his hands through his hair. He didn’t really seem to want to talk about it, but I wanted answers.
“What, no wings?” I grabbed a pillow from off the couch—the front of this one cross-stitched with Ursula hovering over a wide-eyed Ariel—and set it on his lap before resting my head on it. I was trying to be funny, but he seemed preoccupied.
An incomprehensible shadow passed over his face, but immediately disappeared. He adjusted my pillow so my head was nearer to him. “Chayot were created for a specific purpose. Each possesses a deeply embedded passion to rid the world of evil. It’s their only responsibility.”
Fate and Magic: Snow White Reimagined with Vampires and Werewolves (Seven Magics Academy Book 2) Page 4
