by Avery Kloss
I eyed the sky, noting the first signs of sunset. I longed to see Gabe. “You look great. Head up. Shoulders back. Pretend you’re a beauty queen. Fake it till you make it,” I giggled.
She groaned. “My feet are already killing me. Man, I’m in big trouble tonight.”
“You can take your shoes off to dance. Nobody will care.”
I eyed the front door, seeing a few teachers I knew, Mrs. Ormond, my English teacher, checking tickets. A line formed, as people waited to go in. Flashes of color from different dresses contrasted with black tuxedos. Maven and I wore white and purple corsages, the arrangements tied with white satin.
“Well, hello, girls,” said Mrs. Ormond. She wore a sequined black dress, although she chose low heels. “You look very nice tonight.” She smiled at Maven. “It’s good to have you back. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
Because of her absence, Maven took her finals the day before yesterday, hurrying to catch up to graduate with her class. “I’m great, thanks.”
She checked our tickets. “Come on in then. Have a good night.”
“Thank you,” I said, glancing over my shoulder, and wishing it would get darker sooner. Gabe had his own ticket and a boutonniere in the fridge at his place.
Once inside, I bumped into Steffy and Tara, the three of us taking pictures, while Maven went to the bathroom. A band played, and the room quickly filled with people. We stood in a forest fairyland, with fake trees and string lights, the mood jubilant. I glanced at the clock, knowing it to be later, possibly even dark enough for Gabe to brave going outside.
Meandering nearer to the refreshment table, I encountered Gerry Brevet, who had a date by his side, although the girl stared at her phone. He smiled. “Hi, Brie. You look … very pretty.”
“Thank you.” He had asked me to prom a few months back, but I had declined. His date looked up. “Hi.”
“You’re in my US Government class,” she said.
“Yes, I am—was. It’s almost over.”
“Would you like to dance?” Gerry waited on my answer, his eyes glinting expectantly.
“I’m … I was going to get some punch first. I’m waiting for my date to arrive. He’s a little late.”
His smile fell. “Oh, that’s … okay. Maybe later?”
“Sure. Later.”
Maven approached, and grabbed my arm, whisking me away. “You’ll never believe what just happened.”
“What?” We stood on the other side of the refreshment table, while someone filled their cup with punch.
“Dave Hardy just asked me out.”
Being one of the football players, every girl in the school wanted to date him. “Really? Isn’t he here with somebody? He’s like, almost married to that Carrie girl. What’s her last name?”
“I don’t know, but he just asked me out.”
“What’d you say?”
“I’d think about it. I gave him my number.”
I snorted. “Oh, boy. Carrie better not find out.”
“School’s just about over. It doesn’t matter.”
“Have you given any thought to what you’re going to do?”
“Not sure. I’m just glad my sister’s human again. I’m happy to be here. I might … get a job; go to Portland. Who knows?” Her mouth fell open. “Look at that.”
I followed her finger, seeing people step aside to let someone pass, a man dressed in a black tuxedo. Recognizing him instantly, I beamed, while a rush of pleasure drifted through me. “He sure looks good.”
“You should see them!” she laughed. “Everyone’s staring.”
Gabe strode confidently into the crowded space, and he seemed to know exactly where I was, his handsome face turned my way. Several girls leaned in to whisper, even Mrs. Devine, the art teacher, suddenly fanning herself with a program. Although not the tallest person in the room, he stood out, the air around him magnetic.
Approaching, Gabe grinned. “Good evening.”
Maven giggled, “I love that.”
“You both look very nice, but you,” he stared at me, “are ravishing.”
“Mr. Murray,” I murmured, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.
“Mrs. Murray.”
I blinked, stunned for a moment, not knowing what to make of that. “I … ”
“In good time,” he murmured, taking my hand. “Shall we dance?”
“Yes, please.” I glanced at Maven. “We’ll be back.”
She waved. “You enjoy your man. You guys look amazing together. I’ll just stand here and drool.”
I laughed, “Later.”
Turning with me in his arms, it soon became apparent that he knew how to dance, his movements sure and graceful. Admiring him, I saw a man in his prime, with posture straight as an arrow and hair as dark as night. I gazed at his lips, suddenly eager to kiss them, but I preferred to do that in private.
“You sound like bells.”
“Oh, Anna gave me this bracelet. They say I’m a goddess.” I grinned.
“I never doubted it.”
“No, I mean, really. Like a real, honest-to-God goddess.”
His eyebrows shot up.
“What was she called? The horse goddess Rhiannon.”
“Really?”
“Yes. That’s why I have the power to wake the dead.”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”
“Have you decided what you want to do?”
“I … have always wanted to be human, Brie. You know that.”
“And I can help you. Let me help you.”
“But, there are things that have to be taken care of first. I have to kill Thorn. I’ve no chance at any kind of life with him still roaming around.”
“And we’re going to do that.”
“No one’s seen him since you found him in the carriage house. He’s disappeared again. I assume he’s healing from his wounds. Being exposed to sunlight, even for a fraction of a moment, is hazardous. It burns us almost instantly, leaving a scar that doesn’t heal. It’s the one thing we can’t recover from.”
I nodded. “Not a pleasant conversation on such a perfect night.”
He frowned. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Let’s talk about something else.” He drew me near, his lips by my ear. “You’re so beautiful. In that dress, you look like how I imagine you on our wedding day.”
Something melted within me, the feeling like drowning, but I wanted it—all of it. “Is this a proposal? You hinted at it before.”
“It’s a warning,” he murmured.
I giggled, “Oh, Gabe. You’re so … so different than anyone else I’ve ever met. I want you to be human soon. I … I really want to be with you.”
“You are with me.”
“I mean … with you.” I kissed his cheek, inhaling the aroma of whatever soap he used. “Like us … naked together.”
“Oh,” he murmured, chuckling. “I see. I’m a little old-fashioned when it comes to that, Brie.”
I glanced at him. “What do you mean?”
“We’d have to be married first. It’s how it’s done.”
“Not in the modern age, buddy.”
“I’m going to have to insist on it, but all of that’s premature anyhow. I’m not capable of giving you what you want in that way. I wish I could, but I can’t. Once I’m human, we can discuss it.”
“I’ve this feeling my power isn’t going to last forever, Gabe. We really need to make a decision on that sooner than later.”
He nodded solemnly. “I agree. I don't want to miss this opportunity. It might not come again.”
49
Once the prom king and queen were announced and the speeches made, the music began again. Gabe danced with Steffy and then Tara. I sat at the table and watched him, smiling at the scene. Maven approached, taking a picture of me.
“Stop that,” I muttered. “No more.”
“You guys look great.” She scrolled through the photos. “If you had a real phone, I could text these to
you.”
“I’m getting one after graduation.” She looked pretty in the purple dress. “How’s it going? Having fun?”
“I’m waiting for Prince Charming to dance with me.” She indicated Gabe. “I’m next.”
“Everyone’s hogging my boyfriend. It’s not fair.”
“He’s popular. Even Mrs. Devine wants to dance with him.”
I giggled, “Tonight’s been more fun than I thought it would be.”
“I can tell you’re having a blast. You’ve yet to quit smiling.”
I touched her arm. “That’s because you’re back. You and your sister are back where you belong. I felt so bad about you being a vampire.”
“I don’t remember anything about it. The last memory I have is of Thorn taking me home, only he didn’t take me home. He pulled to the side of the road and attacked me. I pretty much went blank after that.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. I told you Clatskanie is paranormal central. It goes with the territory. The rumor is, the Chinooks weren’t driven away by the Tlatskanai tribe at all. It was a group of early explorers, several of them vampires. That’s how it all started.”
“They don’t really discuss that in history class.”
“No, they wouldn’t.”
“If things go to plan, I’m going to work my magic and make Gabe human again. He wants it, and so do I.”
“You guys are so cute together.”
Speaking of Gabe, he escorted Tara to her table, where Steffy and their dates sat. He ventured over a moment later, and smiled at Maven. “I believe it’s your turn. Shall we?”
“You bet.” She got to her feet. “Been watchin’ your Fred Astaire moves all night.”
He glanced my way, and winked. “You’re next.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
They disappeared into the crowd, as Matt, my locker mate approached. “You shouldn’t just be sitting here, Brie. Would you like to dance?”
“Sure.” I left my purse on the table. We ventured over to the dance floor, the space packed with people. Maven and Gabe had disappeared in the center somewhere.
“You look really nice.”
“Thank you.”
Lights twinkled overhead, with lanterns and a glowing fake moon. Dancing to a Bruno Mars song, I cut loose a bit, and worked up a sweat. My partner wasn’t as proficient, but he tried his best, the two of us circling each other. When the lights dimmed and a slow song came on, I craned my neck, to see where Gabe was. Matt left to dance with his date.
A tap on my shoulder spun me around, where I faced a man in a black mask, although he removed it then. I gasped, recognizing the person at once.
“We meet again,” said Thorn. His face sported an ugly-looking scar that ran from the edge of his left eye all the way down his cheek. It looked like the skin had melted. “Admiring your handiwork, I see.”
I turned to run, although he grasped my arm. Cold fingers squeezed painfully. Pulling me towards the door, I cried out, although the sound blended in with the noise of the instruments, a man on the stage belting out a song.
“Gabe!” Thrusting me through the door, he pushed me down the hallway, the exit up ahead. “No! Stop!”
“Here we are.” We emerged into a chilly night, the track field in the distance. “I must say; you do look lovely in that dress. It’s a shame I’m going to have to ruin it.”
“Gabe!”
I wore strap on high-heeled shoes, breaking into a sprint. I did not get far, because the vampire grasped me about the waist and hoisted me over a shoulder. I beat at his back and kicked my legs. He failed to note the attack, running with incredible speed. He headed towards a line of trees at the other side of the field, which grew into a thick forest. I gasped, trying to scream again, but the jostling knocked the wind out of me. Branches whipped by in a blur, and my hair came free.
“Stop!”
We stepped into an open space, a meadow of grass, with the moon overhead. He set me down, a smug grin on his face. “This should do.” He eyed me. “You stay right there.”
I coughed, finally getting in a breath. “You bastard!” I shouted, and shivered in the cold, not having a jacket. “He’s going to find you.”
“I’m counting on it.”
Had this been the plan all along? “He’ll kill you.”
“He can try.” His gaze traveled over me. “You should be dead. That wound you sustained should’ve done it. I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out what you are. You’ve some power, you and your witchy friends.”
“You should be dead too.”
He laughed, “Oh, indeed. I knew you’d find me. I had … another hiding place, but, as you can see, I didn’t come through unscathed. I’ve a nice scar now, a reminder that I need to be more careful around pretty little witches.”
“I'm not a witch.”
“It doesn’t matter. You won’t be alive for long, nor will Gabe. I’ve nothing to lose now. I’ll risk it all tonight.”
“So will I.”
He ignored that, saying, “He’s going to sniff you out. He’ll be here shortly.”
I wished Anna and her mother and I had succeeded in killing him. Gabe suspected he might attack soon, this occurrence not surprising in the least. We knew the threat loomed, the vampire lurking here … somewhere in town. A branch snapped, which drew our attention to the trees, where a man appeared.
Gabe!
“Ah, there you are,” replied Thorn bitterly. “It’s nice of you to show up.”
A smile drifted over Gabe’s face. “I knew you’d pull something like this.”
“Of course you did.”
“And now we finish it. I’m tired of you shadowing me, Thorn. You really should get a life.”
“But, it’s more fun ruining yours. I do it so well, after all. First Suzie, and now Brie. I’m bursting with anticipation, wondering how you’ll spend the next hundred years, pining for the woman you lost, twice.”
“Ask me again in ten minutes when I’ve ripped your head from your neck.”
Laughter filled the forest. The men suddenly sprinted towards one another and slammed together in the middle of the small field. I held my breath, worried about Gabe. I prayed he would kill Thorn. They spun around, Gabe flying through the air, where he landed with the agility of a cat, directly on his feet.
“It’s gonna take more than that,” laughed Thorn. “I hope you’ve something better than those old, worn out tricks.”
Gabe tore a small tree from the ground, the roots dangling. He swung it like a weapon, and hit Thorn over the shoulders, the vampire stumbling and tumbling, but he sprang to his feet readily enough.
“Congratulations,” he said dryly. “You’ve ruined my suit.” The smell of damp earth lingered in the air.
“You should run, Brie. Get outta here!”
“No,” I shouted. “I won’t. I’m not leaving.” I shivered, and wrapped my arms around myself. Thorn rammed into Gabe, my boyfriend smashing into a tree. “No! Stop it!”
They circled around, sharp teeth suddenly emerging. One of them hissed, sounding like an animal. The men ran at breakneck speed again, only this time, Thorn flew into a tree, the sound like a log snapping. He recovered, and jumped to his feet to attack Gabe. They appeared equally matched, each vampire mending quickly enough to fight again. I longed to have this ended, to finally have the peace Gabe and I craved, once and for all.
You have some power, Brie. You should use it.
I ran towards the men as fast as I could, although the high heels sank into the grass, which prevented a full sprint. I launched myself at Thorn, and jumped onto his back. He shook his shoulders, knocking me off easily. I landed hard upon the ground, where I tore the fabric of the dress.
Gabe captured Thorn’s head in the crook of his arm, and dragged the man around in a circle. This ended when Thorn kicked him, the sound of a snap echoing. Gabe fell to the ground, because he broke a leg, although he recovered quickl
y enough. Thorn pounced on him again, and smashed his face with a closed fist. These actions resulted in visible damage, Gabe’s face shattering. I gasped, horrified at the sight, although the skin repaired itself within moments.
How much longer could they sustain this? Did vampires ever get tired? I chewed on a nail, and shivered in the cold, feeling helpless and miserable, wishing this would end with Thorn’s demise. Just when I thought Gabe might have the upper hand, Thorn knocked him back again, inflicting damage. This went on and on, with no end in sight. The men tore up the field, with clumps of dirt flying. I cried with frustration, as makeup ran in rivers down my cheeks.
“Are you nearly finished?” asked Thorn. “This is growing tiresome. I’m … bored.” He laughed then, and threw a vicious punch, which sent Gabe into a tree. “Must we do this?”
“We must.” Gabe rammed him at breakneck speed, which sent the man tumbling, tossing a clump of grass into the air.
“Stop it now!” I shouted. “Just stop it!”
Gabe launched himself at Thorn, although the vampire held something in his hands, a part of a tree, the wood jagged at the end. It pierced Gabe’s throat, tearing it wide open, with darkish blood spurting.
“Now we’re getting there,” murmured Thorn. Gabe landed at his feet, his body trying to recover, but the vampire would not let him. He brought the spear-like stick down again, which cut him open anew. “Better and better.” Gabe struggled to get to his feet.
I screamed then, and nearly choked on my tears. If this continued, Thorn would slice him to pieces. Nearly frozen through to the bone, I trembled and my hands shook, which made the bells around my wrist sound. I forgot about the bracelet Anna had given me earlier. She said to ring it in the night for help. Thorn continued the relentless attack, driving the sharpened stick into Gabe, over and over, which cut him to bits in the process.
A low rumble occurred then, with something flying into the night, dark wings stretched wide overhead. I gazed around confused, seeing the world distorted through the veil of my tears, but … something happened. The ground shook, as branches snapped all around. From within the shadows of the forest emerged the shapes of animals, most of them deer, but only the males, with their sharp antlers. A grouping of owls fluttered, their wings blotting out the moon, while a bobcat roared. The sound sent a shiver down my spine.
