by J. N. Colon
I clenched my jaw and stalked toward them. “Can I talk to you for a second Vera?”
Her dark eyes met mine, taking in my hard expression.
“Hey Rubi,” Jackson said, his voice sounding mostly normal. “You look great.”
My smile was tight. “Thanks. We’ll be right back.”
Vera followed me until we were out of Jackson’s eyesight.
“Why did you bring him here?” I hissed, crossing my arms against my chest. “And who compelled him.”
“I brought him because I wanted to spend time with him.” She shrugged, her shoulders completely bare in her black tub top dress. “I didn’t think it was a big deal. Emmaline compelled him for me.”
My teeth ground into each other. “I don’t want him here or under any vampire’s influence. He doesn’t deserve that.”
Vera’s brows lifted incredulously while she motioned her hands around the room. “What about the rest of the humans? It’s okay for them to be manipulated, but not Jackson?”
“Yes!” Erratic anger pulsed through my veins and I knew in the back of my head it was because I was so close to changing again. I eagerly ignored it. I was itching to let loose on someone and Vera was in my crosshairs. “He isn’t like them and you can’t bring him to stuff like this.” I pointed at her. “This is exactly why I didn’t want you involved with him. I knew this kind of shit was going to happen. And next he might end up hurt or dead because of you!”
Her face blanched, shocked at my tirade. “I-I…” She nervously fumbled with her tousled black and blue hair, her dark eyes glistening.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. “What’s going on?” Demy’s deep voice vibrated against the back of my bare neck.
“She brought Jackson and had Emmaline compel him!” My hands were trembling with fury.
Vera crossed her toned arms and looked pleadingly at Demy. “I didn’t know it was a problem.”
Demy circled around until he was standing beside us, surveying me with intense violet eyes. “Vera, we’ll talk about this later. For now go back to Jackson and have a good time.”
“What!” I snarled. “She should take him back to his dorm.”
“Go Vera.” His voice was so commanding it made my insides squirm.
She nodded and marched toward Jackson.
I jabbed a finger in his chest. “What the hell are you doing?”
He grabbed my shoulders and pulled me close. “You need to calm down Rubi.” His eyes were boring into me, attempting to slice through the red haze surrounding my brain. “This isn’t really you. You’re letting your emotions get the better of you.”
“I am not,” I lied.
Demy was so close now his warm amber scent washed over me. “Yes you are and you know it. Get a hold of yourself before Mac notices. You don’t want him to regret sharing blood with you, do you?”
Of course he said the one thing that would get to me. How did he know me so well? “No. I don’t want that.” I pouted and averted my gaze.
His fingers gently massaged my shoulders, melting the tension from my body. My eyes fluttered closed and I sighed, leaning into him.
“There you go Rubi,” he whispered, his breath dancing across my face.
I could feel the hot anger slipping away as if it had never existed. Guilt over how I treated Vera leaked into replace it. She risked her life to protect me against those undead vampires and I was acting like a spoiled brat. If Jackson was in danger I know Vera would protect him. I could recognize how much she liked him. At lunch she practically hangs on his every word.
I opened my eyes and met Demy’s. “I should apologize to her.”
He shook his head. “Later. Mac’s coming.”
“Hey,” he said, concern flickering in his face as he looked me over. “What’s wrong?”
Demy released my shoulders and smirked. “Nothing. She was having a bitch moment.”
“Hey!” I protested, but he only winked.
“I’ll see you guys later.” He sauntered off toward Jared who was playing cards with Trevor on a coffee table they pulled toward the bar.
Mac rubbed my shoulder. “You sure?”
I nodded.
He grabbed my hand and tugged me across the room. “Good because there’s something I want to talk about.” He flashed a conspiratorial grin over his shoulder.
Mac pulled me down a hallway and into another room, shutting the door behind us. White candles were lit, dowsing the room in a soft, golden glow. Red velvet covered benches led the way to a stone altar draped in white silk and dozens of flower petals. White lilies were arranged in crystal vases, permeated the atmosphere with a sweet fragrance.
“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice echoing gently.
He tugged me toward the altar and motioned for me to sit next to him on the first bench. “I know we’re young Rubi, but things with us are different. We aren’t just some teenage couple.” He ran his hands through his hair and I noticed they were trembling.
I placed my hands on his. “Why are you so nervous? It’s only me. You can tell me anything.”
A humorless laugh escaped Mac’s mouth. “I know. I just don’t want to freak you out.”
My brow arched curiously. “You won’t.” The only thing that would freak me out is if he wanted to break up, but I doubted this conversation was headed in that direction.
Mac took a deep breath and squeezed my hand resting in his lap. “When there’s a new vampire king and queen they get these rings and there’s this whole ceremony. I know we aren’t there yet and I know you’re not even a vampire, but…” He trailed off and drew a long silver chain out his shirt, revealing two silver rings with red stones—rubies I think—and intricate swirls inlaid around the band. On the inside of each a tiny serpent formed the infinity symbol.
My heart beats tripped all over themselves. “S-Shouldn’t your dad be wearing one of those.”
“My dad still has his. These belonged to the royals before my dad.”
My brow lifted. Whitmore’s rule has been for like a century, meaning these rings were really old.
I gulped.
“I-uh asked for them.” He swallowed hard, his jade eyes anxious. “I thought we could make it a little more official.”
Rings… a ceremony… official. Holy shit. “Is this like a marriage!” I blurted. “Are you asking me to marry you now?”
Chapter 29
Mac’s eyes widened and his face flushed deeper. “No! Not now. This will only be something private between us. It’ll be more like a promise and not a wedding. And we’ll keep the rings on our right hands. For now.”
I gripped my chest to calm my racing heart. I loved the hell out of Mac and wanted to be with him forever, but I’m only sixteen. I’m not ready to be someone’s wife. “Oh,” I breathed. “Is this usual for the future rulers to do, this early promise thing?”
Mac shrugged nonchalantly. “Not really, but since when do we follow rules?” A grin stretched across his devastatingly handsome face.
My heart fluttered. “True.” We were definitely a special case. He became the one the moment Whitmore dropped me in his bed to protect me when we were five. We found our way back to each other and I wasn’t ever letting him go.
I grabbed his hand that was holding the rings. “What are we supposed to do?”
His jade eyes glistened with relief and excitement. He dropped his forehead to mine and sighed, his breath tickling my cheeks. “I’m so glad you said that—otherwise you were about to see some very unmanly waterworks.”
I scoffed. “You’re always macho Mac, even when you cry like a baby.”
His deep chuckled vibrated against my face. He kissed my dimple then pulled me to the altar. My heart shivered as he placed the ring meant for him in my palm and mine in his.
“Does your dad know about this?” I blurted.
He shrugged noncommittally. “I asked him for the rings. I didn’t exactly tell him about this little exchange of them.”
&nbs
p; “Mac,” I groaned. “What if this makes him mad and he decides to separate us again?
A wicked grin split his kissable lips. “It’ll be too late.” He pressed his mouth to my hand, shooting sparks of electricity up my arm.
I shook my head and unsuccessfully suppressed a smile. I wanted this whether Whitmore or anyone else approved. This was about us and the way we felt about each other, not their monarchy.
Mac linked our empty hands and leaned his forehead on mine. “Since this isn’t an actual bonding ceremony we’ll shorten the vows,” he whispered, his breath blowing across my face. “Repeat after me.”
I nodded, my skin warming as electricity crackled up and down my back.
Mac pulled away an inch to peer into my eyes, his jade ones capturing me like they had from the first moment we met—and the second. “Rubi McHale, my heart will only be yours from now until the moment I take my last breath and even after. I am yours.”
Mac’s heart beat louder, palpably striking the air against my body with every tick. I could feel the life inside him reaching out for mine. I licked my lips, trying to focus on the words I was supposed to say. “Mac Davenport, my heart will only be yours from now until the moment I take my last breath and even after. I am yours.”
Electricity spread from my nape down my chest and to my quivering heart. My blood sang with Mac’s presence as if he could command my pulse with his soul.
He slipped the ring on my right finger. It surprisingly fit like a glove. “This is a symbol of our promise to each other. The circle signifies not only our immortal lives, but our immortal bond.” He winked since I wasn’t technically immortal yet.
I smiled and slipped the ring on his finger and repeated his words.
“Now we will seal the bond with a blood kiss.” His voice was heavy with emotion and cheeks deeply flushed.
Oh yeah. That’s sounds good.
Mac took out his pocket knife and pricked the tip of my finger, making me wince. Then he slid his index finger across his fang until a droplet of scarlet appeared on the tip.
“I am yours Rubi. You have me heart, body and soul.” He wiped his own blood across his lips.
My breath hitched. Something deep inside me instantly recognized the scent of his blood, forcing a hunger within my soul. I fought the urge to steal it from his lips, the possessiveness I felt for his blood suddenly stifling.
All mine.
I could see the same struggle and claim inside his silver flecked jade eyes for me.
“I am yours Mac. You have me heart, body, and soul.” The honesty of those words rang through the room. I swiped my blood across my lips.
“Now we kiss and seal the bond.” Silver flecks danced in Mac’s eyes from the anticipation of my blood, fierce and passionate. He leaned forward, catching my lips with his.
Every nerve ending in me exploded with sensations as we kissed. Fire lit my insides and made me cling to Mac as my knees shook. Our hearts beat in sync, their vibrations rippling in the air. His life force brushed against mine, twining together as if they were always meant to be united.
When Mac pulled back he rested his forehead against mine, breathing heavily. “I love you Rubi.”
“I love you too,” I whispered, my voice quivering.
We had completed a bond between us. It wasn’t a formal ceremony or even all the vows, but something told me we had crossed a point of no return. And at this moment I couldn’t care less about any consequences.
Mac and I slow danced for a few songs, my heart and his beating against each other in perfect harmony. I’ve never been this happy in my life. I belonged somewhere, with someone who loved me for everything I am—faults and all. Mac doesn’t care how I dress or act. He doesn’t care I eat like a pig or I act awkward sometimes. His love made me feel shiny and weightless. If Jill and Eric only knew I was sort of promised/ engaged they’d be freaking out!
I kept admiring the rings, wondering if the vampires would recognize them. I got my answer when Brant walked by and did a double.
“Holy shit.” He snatched my hand then glanced at Mac’s. “You didn’t?”
Mac flashed a grin. “It was just something informal—between us. They’re on our right hands.”
Brant’s blonde brows disappeared into his hair. “Yeah, but you exchanged rings—these rings.”
Mac looked nonplussed and shrugged. “They were going to be ours anyways.”
“Did you exchange blood?”
“Of course.” Mac stole my hand from Brant and kissed my ring finger.
Brant shook his head, throwing his blonde halo of hair in his pale face. “Congrats.” He gave Mac daps and dropped a kiss on my cheek, grinning. “Wait until your dad finds out.” He darted off toward Aspen who was talking with Emmaline near the fireplace.
My stomach twisted in knots. Was Whitmore really going to be mad?
Mac’s brow creased as he sensed my sudden anxiety. “Rubi, don’t worry about it.” He gently pressed his lips to my forehead. “I know what we did was right and my father will see that.” His lips moved on my skin as he talked, shooting tiny bolts of electricity through my body.
“Okay,” I sighed, relinquishing my trust to him.
“Can I cut in?” Demy was standing next to us wearing a secretive expression.
“Sure.” Mac smiled. “I’ll be right back.” He winked at Demy as he strode away.
My gaze narrowed between them. What are they up to now?
Demy took my right hand, glancing at the silver and ruby ring. “Congratulations.”
Suspicion sank into my chest. “You knew, didn’t you?”
A smirk twitched his lips as he pulled my hands around his neck. “Maybe.” He gripped my waist.
“You kept me busy earlier so he could set that room up.”
“I’d take any excuse to spend time with you.” He laughed at my expression. “Are you happy?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. It was worth lying to you then.” He leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “I’m really happy for you guys, but I am jealous.” When he pulled back his violet eyes were scorching.
“Demy,” I groaned half-heartedly. “Stop flirting with me.”
He gently brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, he fingers lingering on my cheek. “I can’t help it. It’s in my nature. And I already told you Mac’s cool with it.” He wiggled his dark brows.
I rolled my eyes. “I seriously doubt…” My words were cut off by a distant, blood-curdling scream.
Everyone except for the humans reacted—they couldn’t hear it—by halting mid-motion. And then chaos unfolded.
Demy yanked me next to the fireplace, clutching me with protective arms. His body was full of tension, poised for an attack as his heart pounded against mine.
Panic gripped my insides and I was hit with another dose of déjà vu. “Where’s Mac!” I uselessly struggled in his grasp, reminded of the night Travis died.
“It’ll be all right. I’m sure he’s fine.” His calm voice didn’t match his fierce violet eyes.
“Let me go!”
“I can’t. It’s not safe.”
Vampires were finding the human’s they brought, pulling them into corners and shielding them.
My heart shot into my throat. Oh god. Where’s Jackson?
As if reading my mind Demy motioned with his chin. “He’s all right. He’s with Vera.”
They were across the room, confusion furrowing his brow. He might be under compulsion, but he wasn’t out enough to disregard the drama unfurling. He pulled Vera to him and wound his arms around her. But if anything bad happened I knew she’d be the one protecting him.
Rufus and Daedalus appeared beside us.
“What’s going on?” I screeched. “Where’s Mac?”
“There’s a situation outside,” Rufus said and then motioned toward Daedalus. “I’ll stay with Rubi. Find Mac.”
He nodded and disappeared around the corner.
I was breathing hard a
nd trembling against Demy. Fear tugged at every nerve in my body. If anything happened to Mac…
“Shush. Calm down Rubi,” Demy whispered in my ear. “I’m sure he’s fine.”
With a sob I turned into him, burying my face against his chest to hide my tears. I clutched his shirt as his hands massaged my back. Part of me wished Mac would turn me already so I wouldn’t be left behind protected while he was out on his own. I wanted to be with him no matter the danger.
Several agonizing minutes later Rufus’s voice echoed quietly and I glanced up to see him pressing his finger over his ear where an earpiece sat. “The threat is over,” he told Demy. Then his chocolate eyes rested on mine, sadness shadowing them. “Mac’s outside.”
“Let me go,” I pleaded with Demy.
Rufus nodded and Demy repositioned me until one arm was around my shoulders. He escorted me up the stairs with Rufus following close behind. When we got outside I smelled fresh blood and rotten death.
Those horrible undead vampires were involved.
Clashing emotions of relief and unease slammed into me when I finally spotted Mac. Demy released me and I collapsed in his arms, his body rigid with tension.
“I’m okay Rubi.” His voice was off, sadness lacing his words. He was unharmed, but someone else wasn’t.
Another wave of trepidation rolled through my stomach and I pulled away to take in the scene. A decapitated undead female vampire was lying several feet away, her body twisted and dowsed in gore. Brant was on the ground covered in blood, leaning over someone.
A gasp escaped my mouth as I saw the girl lying in his arms.
Chapter 30
Aspen’s skin was ghostly white and a gaping wound tore at her throat, leaking crimson.
“NO!” I ripped away from Mac and collapsed on the other side of her opposite Brant. Her eyes were closed and she was taking shallow, rattling breaths. Brant was sobbing as he gently cradled her head.
