Academy of Vampires (Fireblood Academy Book 1)

by Nexus Jones

  Although I expected a more defensive or offended response, I was met with laughter. Phew.

  "We don't hate humans, we just don't want to be around them." Paul said.

  "And besides," George said, "If we killed all the humans, who would be left to make fun of?"

  "What would even make you think we'd want to do such a thing?" Austin asked

  I took a deep breath and finally let out what I was thinking, the thing that I had wanted to say for so long.

  "Because it's obvious that you hate me. You all hate me, and don't want me to exist. If you hate turned vampires, then why on Earth would you even want actual humans around." I said

  I still remember the day I arrived at the academy. When the other kids found out that I was bitten by a vampire and was a former human, they never even gave me a chance. It was like I was a total pariah around here. Being a turned vampire sucks.

  "First, we don't all hate turned vampires. And for those of us who do, it's generally just because we don't like having our bloodlines tainted with non-vampire blood."

  I felt a pit in my stomach.

  So my blood is tainting the vampire bloodlines?

  There's something so icky about implying that someone's bloodline makes them inferior or unworthy. There are no significant differences in power between me and someone who was born a vampire.

  But yet, so many vampries believe this. They think that because I don't come from a family that sucks blood and lives in a fancy castle in Transylvania, that I am not of their status.

  "Well, I'm certain you believe that. All the nobles do." I said, getting even more intoxicated and brutally honest

  George looked pretty offended.

  "I'm not a bigot. And I don't appreciate being called one." He said, "I will admit that my parents have backwards beliefs about this sort of thing, but I definitely do not."

  "You fought me over my blood status." I responded

  "I fought you because of Melinda." He said in frustration, "The thing you don't get is that pure-blooded vampire families, particularly the noble ones, are expected to stick together and have each other's backs. Especially when dealing with an...outsider."

  Outsider. That word really stung. It reminded me of how I was never to be accepted within this community, no matter how badly I wanted to be.

  I wasn't really accepted back home either. I was always considered to be the loser back when I was a regular human. People excluded me from things, acted like I didn't have a place within their social circles and that I should disappear.

  Although I thought vampire society would be more open-minded, given their own history of discrimination, I was totally wrong.

  "So there are just some vampires that will never accept me." I said, gazing into the half-emptied wine glass at my own reflection.

  "Don't even worry about it." Paul said, "You aren't going to be able to change everyone's minds, but you can prove them wrong. Show them that you can be a better vampire than they will ever be."

  I looked up from my wine glass and placed it on the table in front of me.

  "I'm going to be the greatest vampire that ever lived." I said, feeling even more tipsy.

  "I'm sure you could do it." Paul said

  I wasn't sure if he was serious, or if he was mocking me. George poured me another cup, and I gladly took another swig.

  The more I drank, the more nonsensical I became, but I gained far more courage while drinking than when I was sober. I was able to say things that I normally would never be able to without the influence of blood.

  Am I going to become the world's greatest vampire? Probably not. But I feel confident enough to say that right now.

  "I was thinking..." Paul said, "Would you like to go to the Winter Ball with me?"

  Say what now? I almost dropped my blood all over my dress. But I was careful not to, because Izzy would probably kill me for ruining it.

  "I uh..."

  Before I could respond, George butted it.

  "Hey, wait! I was going to ask her!"

  "And so was I." George chimed in.

  Oh my. Ifelt so flattered that each of them would want to go to the Winter Ball with me.

  But the Winter Ball and I don't mix. We are like oil and water. I can't stand wearing frilly dresses, and I can only barely tolerate this one because it's entirely black.

  "You can't be serious." I blurted out.

  There's just no way that all of these steaming hot men are interested in taking me to the Winter Ball. They are all so handsome and gorgeous, and I'm just entirely basic. They could get any girl they wanted.

  Maybe this is just my insecurities talking. I'm not the ugliest girl in the world, and there are certainly girls that are less attractive than me. But it just seems like they could do far, far better.

  They spent a few minutes fighting over who would get to take me. They seemed pretty serious about it. I was flattered, but I didn't even agree to go with them.

  "The obvious solution is that we all just take her." Austin said.

  Wait? What? All three of them? At the same time? Is that even....allowed? Who would date three men at the same time?

  "Hmm...I could do that." Paul said, "What do you think George?"

  "Sounds good to me." He said, shrugging his shoulders.

  "Fine. It's settled. All three of us will be your date to Winter Ball." Austin said, looking right at me

  I almost choked on my blood. I was in such shock I had to put the entire wine glass down.

  "I didn't even agree, though."

  "Oh, come on. Stop playing hard to get. You know you want it." George said

  I blushed, and turned my head away from him to keep him from seeing.

  "I have no idea what you're talking about."

  "You don't have to lie to me." He said, "We all know what you want. I can see right through you." He leaned in closer to me. So close that his lips were a few inches from mine. "The only question is whether you will be honest with yourself."

  I felt an intense urge to kiss him. I hated him but was obsessed with him at the same time. He's so undeniably sexy and is dripping with confidence and control.

  I looked down at the ground. I was ashamed that I couldn't put up a better fight against my own urges. My urges have been fighting me, and I am about to give in.

  I'm about to do something very, very stupid.

  "You're right. I want it." I said, looking back up at George.

  "You want what?" he said, "I want to hear you say it."

  "I want to go to Winter Ball with you. With all of you." I said

  It was pretty tough to get those words out of my mouth. He had beaten me at my own game.

  George was giving me that smug smile that I hate. He knew that he had me wrapped around his finger. He was playing a game with me, and he was winning.

  I felt so weak and helpless against him. But I liked it. There's nothing more that I wanted than to give into him. I wanted for him and his friends to take me and make me theirs. But I won't ever admit that to them.

  But I'm not sure if I have to. It seems like they can sense it. They can smell my thrist for them like sharks attracted to blood.

  "It feels good to hear you say it." He said, pulling back from me and denying me the kiss that I so badly wanted.

  My heart was practically beating through my chest at this point, and my nipples became hard. I don't know if they put aphrodesiacs in this blood or what, because I am desiring their bodies so badly right now.

  There's something about them...the mix of good and bad that makes them so... Irresistable.

  "I hate you..." I said, staring directly at George.

  "I know, baby." He said, giving me a wink

  "I'm looking forward to getting a dance with you." Paul said. "I'm not the best dancer. I'll probably fall on my back." I said

  And I wasn't lying. I'm a terrible dancer. Probably one of the worst that you could ever imagine. I have two left feet, and everyone would probably burst out in laughter
if they saw me attempting to do it.

  I remember when I took dance classes as a child. I was absolutely horrendous. Even the instructor had to hold back the laughter. I shudder even thinking about it.

  "I look forward to getting you on your back." George said, lifting an eyebrow.

  I shot daggers at him through my eyes. This asshole must think I'm an easy lay. He thinks he's going to get me to bend ove so he can stick his cock in me.

  I wonder how big it is?

  Ah fuck, stop thinking dirty like that.

  "It's not like you'd even know what to do." I said, shooting back at him.

  Paul and Austin both laughed at George, who looked pretty upset but amused.

  "Research says that women are highly turned on by dirty talk. It increases their pheromone output by twenty percent."

  George rolled his eyes.

  "You just can't stop with all that book stuff, not even for a second, could you?"

  "Hey, some of us actually read. When's the last time you read something that wasn't your bank statement?" he said to George.

  George shot daggers at him, tensioin growing between them. I had to step in and be the adult. "Okay, okay. Just relax everyone. The only blood that needs to get spilled tonight is from this glass into my mouth." I said, pointing at the glass I was holding.

  At that point, it was getting pretty clear that I was intoxicated as hell, and Paul decided to step up and be the mature one.

  "Hey, I'm going to make sure that Mari gets back to her dorm safely. You two just work things out here.

  Paul took my hand and stood me up from the couch while I straightened out my dress.

  I'm sure I probably looked a mess by now, and I could barely walk in my heels.

  "I got you." He said, holding me up and keeping me from falling.

  "Thank youuuuu" I said in slurred speech while giggling.

  Damn, that blood affected me hard.

  He walked me out the dorm, while the other two looked pretty jealous. I overheard Austin blame George for me leaving early. I also overheard them saying something about not getting to do something called a "ceremony." I'm not even sure what that is.

  I felt pretty good, walking in the moonlight along with Paul. Normally, I wouldn't walk alone with any man, but for some reason I feel like I could trust him. He would never hurt me.

  His body feels so warm pressed up against mine, especially on this crisp fall night. I forgot to bring back the jacket I came with. Oh shit, I guess I'll have to get it back tomorrow.

  Everything about this felt like a fairy tale. His body was so firm and strong. I was pulled in close against his torso, one of my hands grabbing hold to his forearm for extra leverage. I could feel his bicep through his tuxedo. It was so large and firm.

  He smelled like peppermint and he wore some cologne. It wasn't too strong and was the perfect amount.

  "I hope you enjoyed yourself. Sorry that those two kind of ruined it with their bickering. We kind of do that sometimes." He said

  "No problem." I said, grabbing on tighter.

  I could stay like this for the rest of my life, cradled by him and walking towards the moon.

  "I look forward to you coming with us to the Winter Ball."

  "I'm surprised that all three of you want to take me."

  "All of us like you, and we will all treat you well."

  I could onnly imagine what they mean by "treat me well." All three of them are wealthy, well-connected, and can get whatever they want. Everyone respects them.

  If they wanted to give me luxury and the best, they certainly could.

  But, I'm getting way ahead of myself. It's not like I'm their girlfriend, or anyting. I'm just some girl that they're taking to a dance. Nothing major.

  It still hasn't set on me that I'm going to a dance with the three most popular and hottest guys in the entire school. And probably some of the hottest vampires in the entire world.

  My inner goddess fans herself.

  We stop at the outside of my dorm, as he lets go of me. I'm still feeling a little wobbly. I'mnot totally oblitherated from the blood, but I'm feeling a little better than I was earlier tonight.

  "You okay here?" he asked

  "Yes. I said."

  "You take care." He said, before walking away.

  "Thanks." I said, as he departed.

  I stood there for a second, watching him strut away. He was so sexy in the way he walked. I yearned for his touch once more. I regretted that he hadn't leaned in to kiss me goodnight.

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Ten

  I wanted to feel his lips upon me. But although I didn't get what I desired, I dreamed about it last night. It was so passionate, so raw.

  I woke up with beads of sweat dripping off of my face. I wiped them away with my hand.

  "Oh fuck." I said

  I dreamed all night about making out with the three boys. Feeling their tongues explore my mouth. Their hands caress me. Them holding me in their strong, muscular arms.

  "What am I doing?" I said to myself

  I had felt so naughty and wrong thinking about this. It's not because I think sex is wrong or something. I'm not necessarily a prude. But I think that it wouldn't be right to give my body over to those three.

  I was under a blood rush last night. I wasn't thinking straight. I agreed to go to the Winter Ball with three guys that I shouldn't trust, but was too intoxicated to think straight.

  But if I'm being honest, even if I weren't under the influence of such potent blood, I probably would struggle to find a way to say no to them.

  I mean, what girl says no to that regal trio of hotties? No one, that's who. But, I like to consider myself different from the average girl.

  I stretched my arms and got from under my bed. I still had a hard time believing that last night was even real.

  "You have fun last night?" Izzy said.

  She was already awake and brushing her hair in the mirror.

  "It was...fine."

  "Oh, I'm sure you're understating it." She said, "You were a complete mess last night."

  "You're right. I hope I didn't mess up your dress."

  "There were a few splashes of blood on it, but don't worry I'll take it to the cleaners. Not that big of a deal."

  I face palmed. Damn it. I thought that I didn't spill any blood on that dress.

  "Sorry. I wasn't expecting to drink blood that powerful. If I knew that, I wouldn't have worn one of your nice dresses." I said

  "I'm not interested in even talking about the dress." She said, "Tell me about the Winter Ball. Which one of them is taking you?" she said, putting downt he hair brush and looking at me.

  "Wait...how did you know about that?" I asked

  "You spent the entire night tossing and turning in bed, whispering about dancing with them at the ball." She said

  I let out a deep breath.

  "All three of them asked me to go."

  Her eyebrows shot up in surprise and mouth gaped open.

  "All of three of the royal families?"

  I nodded my head slowly.

  "Unholy shit. That's amazing." She said, smiling, "Which one did you say yes to."

  "Well...all of them." I said, shrugging my shoulders.

  She looked confused.

  "So you're going to prom with all three at the same time?"

  I nodded silently. This felt pretty awkward to explain, so I know it will be awkward to actually have to go through with.

  Her expression of surprise slowly morphed into one of pride. She was truly happy for me. She might not have understood exactly what I was doing, but that wasn't going to get in her way of being a supportive friend.

  "You bagged all three of the hottest men in the entire school. You're a legend." She said, her face beaming with pride.

  "Thank you."

  I was truly grateful to have a friend that was willing to be supportive of me in a time that I needed it. I mean, it's not like there's anything wrong with going to t
he dance with them, but I still feel awkward about it. Like it's not even real.

  Maybe I think I just don't deserve it.

  The rest of the day went pretty smoothly. Everytime I came across one of the boys, they would give me a slow and seductive glance. I would feel my insides tremble just looking at them.

  I became the topic of a lot of gossip around school, too. People saw me walking around campus with Paul last night, and they started assuming things. People made up all kinds of wild rumors that we had sex. And that was obviously a lie, but you know how teenagers will exaggerate things in rumors.

  So yeah, I didn't have sex with any of them....at least not yet.

  But being around them by association did improve my reputation at the school. People began to take notice of me. They began to see me in a different light. And that was....complicated to say the least.

  Because, they hated my guts for being a turned vampire, but they also were confused about the fact that I was seen walking at night with a member of one of the most famous vampire families in the entire world.

  And my feelings were mixed as well. I did enjoy the positive attention that this brought me. It was much better than the negative attention that I was used to garnering around here.

  But, I don't know how much longer this could last. Even if these three are as openminded as they claim, there's no way their parents would be chill with them taking me to the Winter Ball. If they ever found out, they would cut me off in an instant.

  I sat down at a table in the library, wedged in the corner and under a nice, warm lamp. I appreciated the lamp's warmth because it frankly just started to get really cold around here. We are probably a few days away from the first snowfall of the year.

  I open my History of Magic book to prepare for my next exam. But while reading it, I hear footsteps in front of me and a someone's physical presence. I look up to see someone I didn't want, causing a look of literal anguish to appear across my face.

  "Hello you dirty-blooded loser." Melinda said.

  I let out a deep sigh and rolled my eyes.

  "What do you want, Melinda? I'm trying to study."

  "So I heard the rumors of you being seen with Paul last night. Are they true?" she asked