“Hey man,” I said when I was close enough that I was sure he could hear.
“Hello,” he sneered. “You’re just the vampire I was looking for. The Mistress would like to speak with you.”
I took the rope from my hoodie pocket. “Really? What does she want?” The others were coming. I could hear them and knew they were getting closer. The idea was that we would all go after one Akuma at the same time. Six against one put the odds in our favor.
The Akuma tilted his head as though listening, and I wondered if he could hear the others moving as well. He smiled. “You’re predictable,” he sneered. “She said you would do this.” He closed his eyes, lifted his arms and tilted back his head. Then just stood there. As though he knew what we intended and was waiting, accepting his fate.
I glanced at Laeddin. He seemed as confused as I felt.
Troy, Zoe, and Peter showed up.
“What’s going on?” Troy asked. He glanced from the Akuma to Laeddin and then my way.
“It seems the Akuma wants to be captured.”
“Excellent,” Troy said, wrapping the rope around his neck. I took his waist. Zoe and Peter wrapped their ropes around each arm. Laeddin nodded.
“I should make my wish now?”
“Yes.”
That seemed to wake the Akuma up. He opened his eyes. I saw his body shimmer and knew immediately he was getting ready to do whatever new power he possessed to vanish—just the way the elf had.
“I wish—” I began, but a whirring sound cruised past my ears and then the Akuma’s head was unexpectedly gone. A small sword fell to the ground beside his body. The Akuma dissipated.
Zoe gasped.
“What the hell?” That was Troy.
I turned, trying to see who’d done such a thing. They’d spoiled our plans and that pissed me off.
“What happened?” Peter asked.
I pointed at the sword. “Someone severed its head.”
“Dammit,” Troy hollered.
“It’s okay,” Laeddin began. “I’m sure there will be another.”
But there wasn’t.
We spent several hours waiting for more, but none came.
Finally I went inside the church, looking for the spot where the Akuma came from. My mom couldn’t sense any magic within either.
Finally, at two in the morning, we called it a night.
***
Over the next two weeks we went Akuma hunting every evening after school. But they were gone. As quickly as the Akuma appeared they’d vanished. We found empty graves, so we knew the Mistress was still creating Akuma, but we saw none of the demon creatures.
Sharra was planning something. Something big, but we didn’t know what.
My mom and dad were frustrated. Laeddin returned to his realm, certain he would find an answer if he kept searching his people’s histories. As much as I wanted him to stay I couldn’t force him. He was trying to help and if that meant he had to be away for a time, then so be it. Ariel left too. She went back to Mizu to give her people an update.
My mom and dad were still around. I saw them in school and each night when we hunted, but they spent a lot of time in Sharra as well. A lot was happening there and they needed to keep tabs on their people. My mom explained she’d searched the Cave of Lost Souls and discovered dozens of vampires had been awakened.
And Troy? Well he was my sanity. We spent nearly every moment after school together. He helped with my homework, watched The Vampire Diaries with me, and even slept on the couch downstairs so I wouldn’t be alone.
The President of the United States had declared martial law until either the darkness took over or the problem was fixed. That meant Salem and every city in America had an influx of military keeping watch over the streets. A nationwide curfew of ten o’clock had gone into effect. Every store was guarded. Water and food were dispersed according to government specifications.
Despite all this Christopher continued to show secretly up every couple of days so I could feed from him. It wasn’t anything sexual, though I had to admit I was developing feelings for him. Not in the same way I felt for Troy or even Laeddin, but I cared for him. I trusted him. Most importantly, I needed him. His blood.
No one knew I drank from Christopher though now that it was a regular occurrence I began to notice slight changes. Like my hair growing again. It’d stopped when I turned twelve. And my fingernails and toenails were growing again too. There were other changes as well.
Like my cleavage.
At fourteen my body had fully developed and I’d come to terms with my A cup bra size. But in the last two weeks “my girls” had grown to where I was filling out a B. My waist had tapered and my face lost its babyish appearance. It was harder, sharper. My features seemed to be etched more deliberately into my face.
The biggest change though was my dreams. They weren’t the same as my visions—the ones where I saw Maleficent flying around with my wings.
These were different. Almost sexual in nature, if I were honest with myself.
They left me feeling unsettled.
If anyone detected the changes, no one said anything. And I didn’t know how to bring it up. My mom and dad hadn’t questioned the return of my powers. Either they knew it was because of Christopher and didn’t want to discuss it or they were just too involved in all that was going on to notice.
At school everyone seemed uptight and on edge, including the teachers. Mr. Henry especially seemed affected by the situation. We talked often about what should happen next, but never came up with anything definitive.
The one bright light was that the school was still holding the Winter Ball. Troy and I were still going.
And I was looking forward to it.
Chapter 10
Since Martial Law had been put into effect I hadn’t been able to go shopping. It would have been nice to buy a new dress and wear it to the dance, but I would be fine. At least we were having the dance.
I checked the time.
Troy would be by in two hours.
We were going to dinner first—at his house. Professor Pops had hired someone to cook for us. After that we would take a limo to the dance. Peter and Zoe planned meet us there. When the dance was over, we’d been given special permission to take Professor Pops’ boat out but not far and only until sunrise. Then we would be escorted off the water.
Overall it sounded like a blast and I was really looking forward to it.
“If I only had a dress,” I said to my reflection in the bathroom mirror.
“I might be able to help with that.”
I jumped, grabbing hold of the sink. “Sabrina,” I gasped.
“Hey traitor.” Her arms were crossed and her lip was out. Pouting.
“Sabrina,” I stuck out my hand so that she could land on it. Her long violet hair that so perfectly matched my eyes had been put up in a bun.
“How could you?” Sabrina’s wings fluttered almost violently.
“I’m so sorry.” I shook my head. “I was only thinking of myself when I made my wish.” I walked into my bedroom. “But I did think of you since then. This would’ve been so much better if you’d been around.” I faced her.
“You mean it?”
“Of course I do. You’re my best friend.”
She uncrossed her arms and flung herself at me, putting her tiny arms around my neck. I carefully hugged her back. Tears rolled down my face. I really had missed her. Terribly. And I was so glad she was here.
“How did you find me?” I asked.
Sabrina flew backward so she could see my face. “Your mom gave me the coordinates. She’s letting anyone who wants to go to his or her own realm. As long as they stay out of the human one. But she made an exception and said I could come and see you.”
“Well I’m glad she did.”
“So am I.” She studied my face. “You seem different.”
I threw myself onto my bed. “I am different. No wings. No magic. Up until two weeks ago I was without my
vampire abilities too.”
“That totally sucks.”
“Yeah, it does. But it could be worse. Tonight I’m going to a dance with Troy.”
Sabrina studied my fact, seeming to detect the changes in my body, but she didn’t say more about it. “Who is this Troy?” She hovered above my head.
I sat up, excited to talk about him. “He’s got blondish hair. Gorgeous eyes. And, he’s half dragon.”
“A dragon?” She sat on my bedside table, crossing one leg over the other.
“His dragon form is so freaking cool. And he’s really nice, too.”
“Can’t wait to meet him,” she said.
I smiled. Couldn’t help it. Thinking about Troy put a smile on my face. You’d think after spending so much time together we’d get sick of each other. But that hadn’t happened. Instead I looked forward to seeing him. I talked to him about anything and everything. “You’re gonna like him.”
“Probably.” She flicked a piece of lint off the table. “Talk to me about your dress. What do you want?”
I shrugged. “There hasn’t been a lot of time to think about it. The dance’s theme is A Sky Full of Enchanted Stars. And it’s a winter formal.”
Sabrina thought about it. “Hmmmm, okay.” She flew over and touched my nose. A violet dress appeared. It had spaghetti straps with see through sleeves that were reminiscent of butterfly wings. I stood and went to the mirror so I could see my full reflection. “It’s so pretty, but I’d rather have it in black.”
She harrumphed. “You should wear it just to appease me, you know. After all I’ve been through because of you. I was worried sick. And then when I knew you were okay, I was sad. Then I got mad. You owe me.”
“That’s true,” I said with a sigh. “And I am really, really sorry.”
She groaned. “Ugh, fine.” She touched my nose again and the most perfect dress appeared.
“Sabrina! This is amazing and so . . . me.” I turned back and forth in the mirror. The bodice was black, strapless and looked like butterfly lace. The skirt was teal, hit the middle of my calves and was made of tulle and cotton. It laced up the back with long black silk ties. On my feet were teal heels. Crystals covered the five inch heels and along the sides.
When Sabrina noticed I was checking them out, she smiled. “Those are diamonds not crystals, in case you’re wondering.”
“I love it,” I breathed.
She smiled. “I’m so glad.”
I went back over to the bed and took the heels off. “What should I do with my hair?”
“Easy.” She touched my hair and I felt it lift and shift.
I walked into the bathroom. It’d been swept up into a loose bun. Sabrina had darkened the teal streak in my hair too.
“I went ahead and did your makeup as well.” She clasped her hands together, admiring.
“Zenny would be proud.”
“Hey, I take care of the seedlings around the castle. I know what beauty looks like.”
“Of course you do.” I laughed and went back to my bedroom and over to the window. It would be dark soon.
***
Troy showed up in a large black limousine. He got out and came to the door, carrying something in his hand.
“Hi Troy.”
His mouth opened slightly. He seemed to realize it and snapped his lips shut. “You look amazing, Jack.”
“Thanks,” I said, stepping onto the porch.
“I brought you a flower bracelet.” He opened the container. A lovely aroma wafted upward. They were real flowers in teal, white, black, and a yellow. There were hydrangeas, daisies, roses, and forget-me-nots. He slid it on my wrist. “Hope you like it.”
I brought it to my nose. “It’s beautiful, Troy. Thank you.”
He stuck out his elbow. I took it. “Let’s go.” We walked to the limo. Troy opened the door. I stepped inside. Troy came in.
“You look really handsome,” I said, getting comfortable.
Just before Troy closed the door, Sabrina whooshed in. “Jasmine, I can’t believe you.” She was angry again and I couldn’t blame her.
“Sorry. Sorry.” I covered my eyes. “I was distracted.”
Troy smirked. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Sabrina looked at Troy for the first time. “Holy buckets of hot sauce. He is gorgeous.”
I’d blushed at Troy’s compliment. At Sabrina’s words though, I felt hot as a raging fire.
“Oh, you like me, Jack, you really like me.” He clapped his hands and rested his head on my shoulder.
“Yeah, I do,” I laughed.
“So are you going to introduce us?” Sabrina asked. She rocked back and forth in the air.
“Sure. Troy, this is Sabrina, my dearest friend in Sharra. Sabrina, meet Troy, the coolest guy in the human realm.”
Troy stuck out his hand. “It’s great to meet you.”
“You too,” Sabrina said in a sing-songy voice. She landed on his hand and curtsied.
“Did you want to come to dinner with us? I know the cook made plenty.” He winked.
“Yeah, since Jasmine won’t eat anything. She likes blood.” Sabrina covered her face in her hands. “Sorry Jasmine.”
“It’s okay. He knows.” I gave Troy a sideways look.
“I know she wants to taste my blood.” He took my hand and squeezed it. “Tonight I might let her try it.”
“Troy.” I slapped him on the thigh. “I can’t believe you said that.”
He snorted. “Me either.” It looked like he was turning red.
Sabrina flew out of the limo, then poked her head back inside. “I’ll be here when you get back, Jasmine.”
“Kay. See ya. And thanks for the amazing dress, Sabrina.” I blew her a kiss. She plucked it out of the air and pressed it to her cheek, then flew off.
When she was gone, Troy closed the door. “I think I embarrassed her.”
“You embarrassed me,” I said softly.
My thoughts were on his blood. I drank from Christopher a couple of days ago and was in need of more. Still, the hunger wasn’t bad. So I pressed it down, forcing myself to concentrate on his handsome face instead. He always looked good, but there was something incredibly sexy about a guy in a tux. Especially one that fit as well as his fit him. Wow.
Troy tapped on the privacy glass. “We’re ready.”
The glass slid down and a man said, “Very good, sir.” The glass slid back into place.
“You look really nice,” I said, straightening the knot on his teal tie.
He clasped my hand between his. “So do you.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss to my neck.
I shivered. Tingles rode on waves over every inch of my body. When he leaned back, I noticed his eyes were hooded, filled with desire.
Troy.
Gorgeous, incredibly sweet Troy, wanted… what? Us to kiss? Definitely. I could sense it. And I wanted him to.
I scooted close, my eyes never leaving his, and tilted my head up, waiting for him.
“Jack.” His thumb brushed across my lower lip. He tenderly kissed the spot he’d just touched.
The limo moved and we drove less than a minute before the limo stopped in front of Troy’s house. The driver got out and held the door open for us. I didn’t want to get out.
Troy took my hand and got out first. Then he held on, his eyes taking in my dress.
“We’ll be ready to go to the dance in forty-five minutes,” Troy said to the driver.
“I’ll be waiting.”
Troy held my hand as we went up the stairs and through the door into the entryway.
I wasn’t cold, but as soon as we got inside, goose bumps prickled my skin.
“You’re cold,” he said.
“A little,” I replied, unable to come up with a better excuse.
He pulled me down the hall and into the small library. It was cozy. Books lined the cherry wood shelves covering every inch of the walls not occupied by the fireplace, a door or a window. On the floor was a
thick Persian rug. A few weeks ago Troy had shared that the carpet was a replica of a prayer rug. It was deep red with diamond shaped designs, and what looked like four cups in the very center. There were muted golds, greens, and natural colors as well as black.
On the far wall was a fireplace with a wooden mantle over the top. Next to it was a cast iron box full of chopped wood. And beside that were the fireplace tools. On the mantle were books, framed pictures, and a box of matches.
There were two high-back chairs in front of the fireplace. An end table placed next to each chair and an ottoman in front of the chairs. They were the perfect chairs to sit in and read.
Usually they were the only furniture. Tonight though, a small table with two chairs had been placed in front of the window. A black tablecloth covered it. A centerpiece of flowers just like my wrist corsage decorated the center. One place setting of white china with black and gold trim had been set. A linen napkin wrapped one set of silverware. There were two wine glasses.
Interesting. What did he have planned? I thought.
“This is beautiful. Did you do this? Or did you have someone else?” I asked, walking over so I could touch the flowers.
“Thank you. And no, I set this up myself.”
I smirked as a thought about his being such a girl crossed my mind.
He seemed to read my expression because his eyes got dark again.
I swear my heart skipped several beats.
“I’m going to tell the cook we’re ready.”
“Do you want me to come?”
“Nah. Have a seat. I’ll be right back.” He pulled a lush upholstered chair out from under the table. I sat.
“You really didn’t need to go to all this trouble.” I pulled him down so that his ear was next to my mouth. “You know I don’t eat…” The vein in his neck beat rapidly. I was mesmerized.
Troy kissed my cheek. “I know what you need, Jack.”
He left the room. I glanced out the window. The light in the room was low. That along with my vampire vision made it possible to see into Professor Pops’ back yard, past the still green grass to the tennis courts, and past them to…
Vampire Secrets: Book 2 (Blood and Snow Season Two) Page 9
