by Wendi Wilson
Holy wow.
As True wrapped herself around Xander, Levi stepped up to embrace me. He kissed my cheek and said, “Piper, you look amazing.”
“Thanks,” I muttered. “Whose car is this?”
Levi sighed heavily. “Warren’s. One of his fleet. Xander is borrowing it for the evening.”
Levi didn’t seem too happy about this, but Xander was obviously ecstatic. As we got in, he started rattling off the car’s features, playing with the touch screen and LED lights, and revving the engine. True was elated, but the mood in the backseat between Levi and me stayed quiet.
“Where are we going?” True asked as Xander pulled out of the camp.
He gave her a smirk. “It’s a surprise.”
I glanced at Levi, and he lifted my knuckles to his lips. “You’ll like it, Piper. Don’t worry.”
Don’t worry? It seemed like all I did lately was worry. Levi could sense it, too. His touches were soothing gentle brushes against my skin, which definitely helped bring my blood pressure down a few notches.
This is a date, I reminded myself. Dates are supposed to be fun. Relax for one second.
Where was Bubbly Piper when I needed her?
Xander pulled down a narrow driveway, slipping the agile car through a tunnel of tall trees. I watched through the window as we began to wind up a wooded hillside. Though it was dark, the moon was nearly full and bathed everything in a delicate silver light that made the scene surreal and fantastic. I knew witches and vampires were real, but tonight, I thought I might spot fairies behind the tall pines and birches.
My eyes widened when the trees pulled back, displaying a well-manicured entranceway and parking lot. Replacing the wild forest, sculpted gardens and flowers circled the edges of a smooth blacktop. In the distance, lights flanked a paved pathway that led around the curve of a mowed hill.
Xander pulled next to the other very expensive cars and parked. He turned and glanced at us in the backseat. “Ready?”
Nodding, we got out and followed him and True up the path.
The place resembled a very fancy resort in the fact that every plant, light fixture, and brick paver was meticulously placed and maintained. No weed grew out of place. No plant wilted. I didn’t see a luxury hotel in the distance, nor any staff or guests, so I was baffled. Who created this much beauty on a hillside and for what reason? The fact that there was no signage made me think it was a very exclusive place. Another of Warren Thornberry’s properties perhaps?
We walked a bit further, and the path curved and stopped, revealing a grassy plateau that overlooked one of the most breathtaking views I’d ever seen. A valley stretched out below us, while majestic mountains kissed the starlit sky in the distance. Torches followed a brick path to a set of pergolas draped in gossamer fabric that fluttered in the wind. Under the pergolas were two tables, set with the finest dinnerware. Candles in glass votive holders gave the setting a warm glow while stringed music played lightly in the background.
“What is this?” True asked, her eyes huge.
Xander slipped a hand around her hip, drawing her close. “This is Chateau de Laurent, one of Warren’s local getaways. A place where vampires can go to be themselves.”
I shivered at the thought of what that might mean —and the seductive way Xander said it—but I couldn’t dwell since Levi led me to a table and pulled out my chair. As I sat, I tried to take everything in. It was all so lovely, so otherworldly, it was almost hard to believe we were actually here.
“They’ll bring food,” Levi said, taking my hand. “For you and True, I mean.”
“What about you?” I asked, gazing on his handsome face. In all this time, I’d been so focused on True and Xander I hadn’t paid a minute’s attention to how ravishing Levi looked in his collared shirt, suit coat, and slacks. Now he was someone who looked good enough to eat.
“I don’t need to eat,” he said, elusively. “Besides, I want to focus on you.” He turned my wrist over and kissed the spot where my pulse began to race wildly.
But when I leaned in to kiss him, he added, “And the fact that you’re not going to the mountains with me.”
I pulled back, stiffening. “Hold up. It doesn’t seem fair for you to make a blanket decision like that. He was my father.”
He nodded, pausing as if to choose his next words carefully. “I know. And I know how badly you want to be there. However, I cannot guarantee your safety in those mountains.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m not some delicate flower. I can defend myself. Remember the cabin?” You’re not the boss of me, I added mulishly in my head.
He bit his lip before nodding. “Of course, I do. But you had no choice but to fight for your life that day. You do have a choice now. Stay here where the dean, Sasha, and the others can look after you.”
I screwed my face up, not liking being told what to do. But when Levi reached for my hand, I reluctantly let him take it. He was very difficult to say no to.
“Look at it this way, Piper,” he said, quietly, his eyes lingering on my face. “If you go, I will be in a lot more danger. Would that make you want to stay at camp if you knew I’d be less likely to be ripped to pieces out there?”
My eyes met his. I hadn’t even considered this angle. “But you’re invincible.”
He shook his head. “I’m a good fighter, and I would do my best, but if anyone tried to touch you, I’d gladly give my life to stop that from happening.”
I studied his face as his words fell over me like trickles of ice water. “So if I went, you’d be in a lot more danger?”
“From every angle I look at it, yes. Not that I care much for my own existence, but I wouldn’t want to put you through losing someone else. Not if I can help it.” His thumb stroked my knuckles gently.
“I care about your life,” I whispered, leaning in. “I care a lot.”
Finally, a small smile broke out on his face. “I love that you care.”
Reaching out, he cupped my cheek and gently drew me toward him. When our lips met, the kiss sent tingles all the way to my toes. His tongue was sugary and sweet, and I welcomed it gladly. I leaned in for more, cursing the table between us.
Levi pulled back as a shape appeared in my periphery. A waiter and waitress, likely vampires because of their beauty and youth, brought trays of food out. I doubted anything on my plate could taste as good as Levi Kass, but the food did look delectable.
As I surveyed the appetizer, Levi reached into his suit coat pocket and pulled something out. Curious, I watched as he set it on the table and began to unwrap the slender object.
The cloth that concealed the object was curious enough—an ancient-looking red and gold handkerchief that was embroidered by a very skilled hand. I thought I saw depictions of a vampire before he flipped the cloth back and revealed the blade.
It was a six-inch long silver dagger with an ornate handle the likes of which I’d never seen before. It looked as though it belonged in a museum of ancient artifacts. Images and words were depicted on the handle and hilt that seemed to suggest it was centuries old, but the blade looked as sharp and shiny as if it had been forged this afternoon.
“What is this?” I asked.
“This is your protection.” Levi stared down at it with a kind of wonder.
“Mine?”
“Yes. The minute we left that cabin, and I realized how close I was to losing you, I set about trying to find something that would protect you. This dagger is my best attempt. I had to go to a lot of trouble to get it, so please keep it safe. And maybe don’t let the other vampires at camp see it. Charles is the only one who knows. He helped me acquire it for you.”
My eyes shot over my shoulder to the other table to see if Xander was listening, but the two chairs were empty. “Xander is showing True the view,” Levi said, nodding his head toward the edge of the cliff. “He can’t hear us over her constant chatter.”
I nodded and reached out for the blade, but the minute my finger touc
hed the edge, I felt its bite. “It’s so sharp,” I said, as I drew my finger back and sucked on it.
Levi’s nostrils flared, but otherwise, he didn’t react to the smell of my blood. Xander and the staff were far enough away that they didn’t smell it. Still, I was embarrassed. I’d barely touched his gift, and I’d already cut myself. “Sorry.”
He shook his head. “You need to get used to wielding it. But it’s very sharp and very dangerous, especially to vampires.”
At this, he reached out and set one fingertip on the hilt. Smoke began to rise from his flesh. When he drew his finger away, his skin formed an angry red blister.
“Oh no!” I reached for him, but he drew his hand away.
“Don’t worry about me. It’ll heal, but you see how even the touch of this knife can hurt a vampire. And if you stab it into a vampire at any point on his or her body, it will kill them. It’s pure silver and created by witches.”
I gaped, thinking about what this meant. If I learned to wield this weapon, I wouldn’t be helpless. That was all I’d wanted since the moment I’d learned vampires existed.
But, honestly, was I the kind of person who could easily stab a vampire? Sure, I’d done it when Sarah was attempting to kill me, but could I do it again? I’d felt so sure just moments ago, but now I felt conflicted.
I wrapped the blade back in the cloth and slipped it into my purse. With the way things were going, it seemed I might just find out.
Chapter Six
I couldn’t believe he was gone.
My hand slid under my pillow, my fingers toying with the cloth-wrapped knife Levi gave me on our double date with True and Xander. After the delicious meal, we’d split off in different directions to wander the grounds. That’s when Levi told me he was leaving as soon as he saw me safely back at camp.
I was disappointed that he was leaving so soon, excited and anxious about the prospect that he might find my dad’s killer, touched that he’d gifted me with a weapon powerful enough that I could hurt him with it, and irritated that I’d somehow let him talk me out of going with him to the mountains.
I remembered all those emotions I had roiling inside me as we met back up with True and her date at the over-the-top SUV in the parking lot. Her lips were swollen, and her eyes were unfocused. Glassy.
I knew those were symptoms of a hot, satisfying make out session, but I couldn’t get rid of the creepy gut feeling that Xander had done something to her. He was, after all, a vampire. He could have easily overpowered her, did terrible things, and then compelled her to forget it.
But since I’d been back, she’d bubbled with excitement and happiness. She’d gone on and on about what an amazing kisser Xander was. How sweet and thoughtful he was. How smart. And sexy.
I just didn’t have the will to question her or Xander’s possible motives. So, I smiled and peppered her with the appropriate best friend questions and responses, deciding my skepticism could wait for another day.
But this morning, I only questioned myself. Why did I dislike Xander on sight? Was I jealous of him? No matter how I tried to deny it to myself, the idea had merit.
True had become very important to me, and having her undivided attention had bolstered my spirits and my self-esteem. She liked me just as I was, never scoffed at my crazy or neurotic imaginings. She was always accepting and supportive. She was the best.
Even when I started to fall for Levi, she supported me one hundred percent. So what, if he was a vampire? I liked him, and True respected that. Encouraged it, even. Because she wanted me to be happy.
Why couldn’t I offer her the same in return? She found someone she liked, and my first instinct was to suspect him of some sort of foul play. To assume that he was using her. That he couldn’t actually like her and want to be around her with no ulterior motive.
God, I sucked.
But I was going to fix it. I would be a supportive friend, just as True had been to me. And in the meantime, I’d keep my eyes open. It never hurt to be diligent and observant, right?
I sat up, looking at the old clock on the cabin wall. The new batch of campers were arriving soon, so I needed to get up and get ready. I looked over at True’s bunk, but it was empty.
Where was she? She never left the cabin before waking me up, since she was the morning person of the two of us. I surged to my feet and grabbed some clothes and my bag of toiletries. Maybe True had rushed to the bathroom and couldn’t spare a minute to wake me. I hoped she wasn’t sick.
I hurried down the path to the bathrooms, but when I walked into the girls’ building, it was empty.
“So much for that theory,” I grumbled to myself.
I slipped into a stall to use the toilet and change my clothes. When I came out, the eerie silence of the place put me on edge. I shook my head, trying to force the feeling away. I was being silly.
“Hello?” a voice called.
“Holy shit,” I yelled, whirling around.
My breath puffed in and out as I tried to hold in my heart. A girl stood in front of me, her classic, unblemished beauty like nothing I’d ever seen before. Perfectly pale, flawless skin. Sleek, black hair that shined even in the dim lights of the bathroom. Dark chocolate eyes framed by long, thick lashes. She looked like a movie star.
“I’m sorry, did I frighten you?” she said.
Her words and voice matched her timeless look, reminding me of the old, black and white musicals Mom, Dad, and I used to watch when I was little. I half-expected her to break out in a song and dance about how pretty she felt.
“Do you speak?” she asked, tilting her head to one side. A slight smile on her lips softened the words.
“Sorry,” I said, shaking my head to clear it. “You did scare me.”
“You must be Piper,” she said, holding out a hand to me. “I’m Amelia.”
“Nice to meet you,” I replied, grasping her hand in a firm shake.
“Likewise,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I flinched internally, wondering what this beautiful creature could have heard.
“All good, I assure you,” she added as if she’d read my mind. “True King is a big fan.”
She grinned with humor, and the tension drained from my body. True had told me the new counselors were nice, and it seemed she was right. I felt completely at ease with Amelia, despite her ethereal beauty.
“Speaking of True, have you seen her this morning?” I asked. “She was gone when I woke up.”
“She’s out canoodling with Xander, no doubt. You would think they’re going steady, with as much time as they spend together.”
Canoodling? Going steady?
“Sorry,” Amelia said, as if she’d read my thoughts. “My first life ended in the fifties when I was seventeen. Even though it’s been decades, I still slip into old speech patterns.”
“It’s okay,” I said, giving my head a quick shake. “I like it.”
She smiled at that, and I swore I heard birds singing in harmony like in fricking Cinderella. I really hoped Amelia was a good, animal-blood-drinking, on-our-side vampire, because she could destroy kingdoms with that smile.
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Piper,” she said. “I’ll be seeing you around.”
“See ya,” I replied as she spun and floated from the building.
Floated. There was no other way to describe how she moved. Something deep inside me wanted to hate her for being so… perfect. But hating her was impossible.
I hope I’m like that when I turn—
“Whoa. What the what?” I mumbled at my reflection.
Where did that thought come from? Clenching my teeth, I threw my wild hair into a ponytail and packed up my things. I needed to find True, and I needed to forget I even considered for a single moment that I might want to change into…
Nope. Not ready to even think about it.
“Campers. True. Levi. Dad’s murderer.” Those were the things I should be focusing on, and I was determined to keep myself on t
rack.
As I walked toward Saka’am, I spotted True slipping through the front door. I hurried my pace, hoping to catch her before she tried to leave again. I jogged up the steps and pulled open the door, letting it slam closed behind me.
True’s feet actually came off the floor as she startled and spun, a hand pressed flat against her chest.
“Jesus, Piper. You scared the shit outta me,” she huffed out between gasping breaths.
“Where were you this morning?” I asked as I put my toiletries and dirty pajamas away. “And why are you so jumpy?”
“Sorry,” she said, letting out a nervous laugh. “I met up early with Xander and lost track of time.”
My eyes wandered over her, and I noticed a tube of concealer in her hand. My eye narrowed as I stepped closer, and she took a step back, her eyes averted.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked. Then my eyes widened. “And what’s that on your neck?”
Her hand slapped against her throat to cover it, and a nervous giggle erupted from her. Her behavior was strange and suspicious, and I didn’t like it.
“It’s a hickey, okay?” she admitted, lowering her hand so I could get a good look at her neck. “I was trying to cover it with this makeup when you slammed in here and scared the pants off me.”
I studied the spot on her neck, my teeth biting the inside of my cheek to keep from chastising her for letting some strange vampire’s fangs near her jugular—even though I’d done the same thing. It looked to be what she claimed, a dark, purplish bruise the size of a half dollar on the side of her neck.
She turned her back to me and looked into the mirror hanging on the wall next to her bunk. She dabbed a gob of dark brown cream against the spot, patting it to blend until the love bite was barely noticeable. I took that time to calm myself and get my raging negativity under control.
If Xander were a regular boy, we’d be giggling like schoolgirls together over the mark on True’s neck. But he wasn’t a regular boy. He was a God-knew-how-many-years-old vampire with questionable motives who apparently enjoyed sucking my best friend’s neck.
