Big mistake. It looked like people had gone bonkers. I hadn’t seen any kind of crazy in Salem but then the town seemed pretty laid back.
But in the bigger cities, like Boston, people were rioting. Breaking into stores, stealing stuff, stealing cars, and stealing from each other. There had also been a serious surge of murder and random muggings and beatings, all kinds of crimes. It was awful and horrible to watch.
To make matters worse, the local station had a countdown button. It was in the upper left hand corner of the screen. A glaring reminder that in one hundred nine days, twenty-two hours, eight minutes, forty-two…
Forty-one.
Forty.
Seconds.
The Earth would go completely dark. That was serious. Weird. And lots of people were scared. Rightly so.
Maybe doing something as ordinary as going to a Winter Formal was a bad idea. A lot could happen in two weeks. The school might cancel the dance.
Last night, the President of the United States had addressed the nation. He’d stated that America as well as several other countries around the world had teams of people working tirelessly to get to the bottom of the problem, that they would find a solution, and all would be right with the world. He told people not to panic, which was a bad idea.
Apparently not a lot of people believed him.
How could they? I knew about the supernatural. I was a supernatural creature and even I couldn’t believe something so scary could be fixed.
Total darkness.
There was chaos now, at just the idea of eternal night, but if it really happened? The thought of what would become of every realm filled my soul with terror. I knew the consequences would be immeasurable.
“Church groups are calling all people to repentance, claiming God is punishing us for our sins…” the newscaster went on.
I couldn’t watch any more. Shutting off the TV, I went up to bed. Turning on my beside table lamp, I climbed under the covers. Pulled the comforter tight around my chin. I hated that I was in the house alone.
“Laeddin?” I whispered.
He didn’t appear. I knew it was because he was still in his realm and that I shouldn’t bother him. But I needed him.
I thought about using one of my wishes to make him appear, but I immediately discarded the idea. Who knew what the penalties would be? So I turned off my light, closed my eyes, and tried to sleep.
It was impossible.
I tossed and turned.
There was a tap on the windowpane.
I froze.
Could it be an Akuma?
“Jasmine. Open up. I need to speak with you.”
It was Gatsby’s voice. I let out a relieved sob, jumped out of bed and slid the pane open. I’d never been so happy to see an animal in my whole life. “Gatsby.”
“I thought we agreed to leave the window open, vampire.” Gatsby came in, darted off the sill, and walked arrogantly over to my bed. He jumped up and proceeded to curl himself into a ball on my pillow.
I shooed him off. “We did, but Troy said to keep it shut because of the Akuma and the Mistress.”
At the mention of Troy’s name, Gatsby’s ears perked.
I got under the covers and lay back down. “You know who Troy is, don’t you?”
The cat yowled. “Of course I do.” He climbed on my chest and lay down. I was about to tell him to get off but decided against it. Gatsby didn’t weigh much. And the way his eyes searched mine, I had a feeling he needed my comfort as much as I needed his. “How is the boy?” he asked.
I tucked my hands behind my head so I could see him better. “He’s good. He asked me to the Winter Formal, a dance at our school.”
“Oh? And what did you say?” It was apparent the cat had a special interest in Troy.
“I said yes.”
“Hmmmmm.” He rested his head on his paws. “Is that wise given the way you feel about the genie?”
I hadn’t thought about it. “I think so. It doesn’t really matter how I feel about Laeddin anyway. He’s made it clear nothing can happen between us while I still have wishes to make. Besides, I like being around Troy. He’s nice. We have fun together.”
“I see. Just know Troy has had a lot of sadness in his life, especially of late.” Gatsby closed his eyes and began to purr.
The cat’s need to protect Troy was surprising. “Did you need something?” I asked.
He opened one eye. “In the morning. Right now I want sleep.”
I watched him a while, enjoying my newly reacquired vampire vision, until my eyes got droopy.
“I’m glad your abilities are back. It’s nice to feel some joy coming off you, but be careful how often you drink from the Hunter.”
My lids flew open. “How did you know?”
“Easy,” he began. “There was no one else who could’ve restored your abilities.”
“Oh?” That had my attention. What did Gatsby know about Christopher’s blood?
“Besides I can smell his blood on your skin.”
“That’s creepy.” I tucked my arms under the covers.
“Creepy or not, it’s the truth. Your parents will be none too happy when they find out.”
“But why?” I slammed my hands against the mattress. Gatsby opened an eye and glared. “His blood brought back my powers,” I went on with less anger. “It’s because of him that I can see you without a light on. You’d think they’d want me to recover my abilities.”
“First of all, I thought you wanted to be a normal teenager?” His other eye popped open.
“I…”
“Second, the Hunter exists to mark the Chosen. That was why Sharra created him and Hunters in general. His blood is meant to seduce and please. It’s meant to deliver deception.”
I sat up. I’d tasted those very things, felt those exact emotions.
“Christopher is a vampire with the ability to walk in the sunlight. Only the Originals had the power. When they bred out their wings, that power vanished as well, unless the vampire queen bestowed it upon them. Until you. You have all of the Originals’ gifts and you look human. If an Original vampire were still alive, she would probably desire that above all else.”
It felt as though he were trying to tell me something. “Are you talking about Sharra?”
“I am, child.” Gatsby closed his eyes. “We’ll talk more in the morning. I need to rest.”
“Fine.” I closed my eyes, but sleep was a long ways off. I had too much to think about. Sharra. Christopher. The Akuma. The one they called Mistress. My mom and dad. Troy. Laeddin…
I was flying. As soon as I realized it, I giggled, glad to be in possession of my wings again. Spreading them wide I made a point to experience everything. The wind caressed my feathers. The air whipped against my face and through my hair.
“I wondered when you’d be back.”
Her voice. I recognized it even though I didn’t want to admit it.
“Who’s there?”
She laughed. “We’re connected, Jasmine. Your wings have created a bridge between us. You and I are a part of each other. It’s a side effect I hadn’t counted on, but I like it.”
My wings, I thought, feeling my heart beat faster.
“You’re Maleficent.”
“Yes, I suppose I am. But that’s not all.”
My elation at flying quickly disintegrated.
I studied my surroundings and realized I was home, in my land of Sharra, and flying toward Titan’s mountain.
At one time the mountain had been a secret hub filled with supernatural creatures studying ways to prevent disease and other, less helpful experiments. It’d been destroyed many years ago and had been transferred into Athwana Meyana, which was an old elfish term for Dark Soul’s Sleep. Most everyone called it The Cave of Lost Souls. It was easier to say.
I had no desire to go down there. The one time I’d been inside had given me an eerie feeling and I’d never wanted to return. But I realized I didn’t have a choice. I wasn’t in
control of my body. Maleficent was.
Or am I somehow in her body?
I didn’t know.
We flew down into the cave. It was then I remembered the vision of her flying down here and opening a tomb. It’d been right after she took my wings. Row after row of crypts lined the catacombs inside the mountain. Maleficent seemed to be searching for something.
“A particular vampire,” she responded having read my mind.
“Who?”
“Don’t worry. You wouldn’t know him or his name. He was before your time.”
I still wanted to know. His name might give us a clue as to what she was doing. Maybe she’d know the name and it would give us a clue as to what she was doing. “Whatever.” I felt the tip of a wing as it accidentally brushed against one of the crypts, knocking her off balance. “You certainly aren’t very good at flying.”
Maleficent cackled. “Good one, Jasmine. But at least I have wings. You wished them away. They’re mine now.”
I growled.
Maleficent laughed louder. “Stupid vampire girl.” She stopped in front of a crypt and opened it. Inside was an extraordinarily handsome vampire. He had brown hair and a perfectly sculpted face. His clothes were old, like those from the crusades. The front of his blue tunic was embroidered with three gold crowns. He wore black pants and matching boots. A long sword was strapped around his hips.
Maleficent slit an incision in her wrist and placed the bleeding wound over his mouth.
“Drink, Arthur. We have much to do, you and I.”
Nothing happened for several long seconds.
Then there was a loud gasp and suckling as Arthur pulled against Maleficent’s wrist.
I watched his already handsome face fill with a healthy pink glow. He drank and drank and drank until I believed he would drain her. I even felt her body grow weak with blood loss. Finally she pushed him off.
He sat up, searching his surroundings. “Why have you wakened me?”
Maleficent got close. “Look into my eyes, dear one. It is I, Sharra, Queen of the Vampires, and soon-to-be almighty ruler of the entire world.
Arthur studied her a moment and then smiled. “It is you.” His eyes closed a moment and he bowed his head. “My queen.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sunday morning, I got up and immediately craved Christopher’s blood. Laeddin still wasn’t home and Gatsby was gone. I hoped he was okay. Last night he acted like he needed to talk about something important. But I guessed not. The cat walked to a beat of his own making.
After I dressed in jeans, black Converse, and a plain black tee shirt, I went to the window. Sunlight peeked through the clouds. A light wind blew. Leaves that should’ve turned brown and died weeks ago rustled in the breeze. I tapped the glass, trying to decide if I should listen to Gatsby and leave the window open or do as Troy suggested and close it.
Finally I decided to leave it open. For now. If the cat hadn’t returned by tonight I’d close it. Especially if Laeddin hadn’t come back.
Breakfast consisted of toast and orange juice. Well, I took a bite of toast and immediately realized that it tasted like ash. I was a vampire again. Christopher’s blood had changed me back. But just to make sure, I took a drink of juice. It was tasteless.
It was definite. I was on a blood only diet.
Yay!
I cleaned up and then decided to do something totally normal and start my homework. I checked my cell phone to make sure no one had called and was surprised to see a missed call from Cameron. And two texts from him as well. I smiled in excitement. Maybe he was coming around.
I clicked on the texts. The first said: You may have the police convinced ur innocent but I know the truth.
The second: I know ur a murderer and a liar. My face fell. My heart twisted in fresh pain. We hadn’t known each other long, but how could he say that? I’d saved his life. I’d given up so much to protect him. Not that he knew that. But still. It really hurt to realize he believed I was a freak like the rest of the school.
Am not, Cam. How can you say that? I texted, hurt.
Unlucky then. I want nothing to do with you or your kind. So stay away. Got it? Otherwise I’ll have my parents’ lawyers slap you with a harassment lawsuit.
My kind? What did that mean? I guessed I didn’t want to know.
Fine, I texted back and tossed the phone on the counter.
My phone beeped. I ignored it. The Civil War paper for Mr. Henry’s class wasn’t going to write itself.
Another flipping beep.
Then another.
“Grrrr.” I picked up the phone, expecting more rude texts from Cameron. But they weren’t.
They were from Troy.
The first: Any ideas on the color of your dress?
Second: You need to decide soon.
Third: Jack? You there?
I smiled as I texted: I was thinking black. It’s my favorite color.
Okay. What’s your second favorite color?
Teal.
Ooooh. Good color.
Why do you want to know? I texted, my homework completely forgotten.
Just planning stuff for the dance.
So it had to do with the dance? I was still shocked he’d asked me. Excited, too. I laughed. Come on. Spill the details. If I’m going to the dance with you that kind of makes it my business.
It has to do with flowers and my tie. You know, so we match.
You’re such a girl! I texted with a snort.
Don’t make me come over there and show you just how un-girly I am.
Oooooh. Promises. Promises.
Once I hit send I realized that sounded kind of flirty. Did I want to be flirty? Talking with Troy was fun. But what about Laeddin? I just didn’t know anymore.
There was a knock at the door. I placed my phone on the counter and opened it.
Troy swooped in and caught me in his arms.
Then dipped me.
His green eyes danced with mischief. His body pressed against mine while his arms held on tightly. One of his hands gripped my neck under my ponytail and my skin immediately prickled at the sensation.
I was so surprised I gasped. “Troy.” I said his name breathlessly, which was totally embarrassing, but whatever.
He smirked, kicked the door shut with his foot and leaned so that we were nose to nose. When his lips touched mine, my world tilted. It wasn’t the sweet kiss of the other night but a slow burn. I felt it everywhere, especially in my lower belly and thighs. He moved his lips, gently caressing, slowly opening. When his tongue flicked inside my mouth I would’ve thought he’d set me on fire. I melted against him, my hands grabbing hold of his arms.
Our lips and bodies took control. He turned, pinned my back against the door. “Jack?” he panted.
His eyes searched mine.
“Yeah?” I asked between breaths, reaching out and kissing his chest through his shirt. I felt his heart beating strong.
“Not. Girly,” he said, trailing kisses from my ear, down my neck. I tilted my chin, allowing him access. His breath was warm against my throat. His hands went around my waist and under my shirt.
“No,” I agreed kissing along his shoulder until I’d reached his neck. As soon as my lips touched his warm skin, I paused. The vein there beat strong and he smelled so good. I doubted his blood would taste as incredible as Christopher’s had, but I wanted to find out. Dragon blood? What sorts of things would it do to my body?
That I desired blood directly from the body was out of place for me. I’d never tasted the blood of a creature straight from their vein before Christopher. My parents hadn’t allowed it. And up until that moment, I’d never had such a strong desire to.
Now though.
I wanted to.
Bad.
My fangs extended and I grazed his neck. Tasted his skin with my tongue. Troy’s body shook. “Jasmine?” He lifted his face, his eyes meeting mine. His were filled with urgency, need. “You got your fangs back?”
I
tried to cover up the obvious as I nodded.
“You are so sexy.”
I swallowed, trying to focus on something other than my desire for his blood in my mouth. “So are you,” I admitted nervously.
He smirked. “Are you ever going to say I’m girly again, Jack?”
“Well, I—”
He kissed each of my fangs. It was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done. With that one small act, I believed being a vampire was good enough. Better than good. And I realized that perhaps what I wanted wasn’t normalcy but something completely abnormal. Something extraordinary. The love and attention of one I loved and admired.
“No. Never,” I said softly.
He touched one of my fangs. “You want me, don’t you?” His smirk didn’t deter the truth.
“Yes, I do.”
His eyes got dark. Hungry. “My blood might taste gross, you know. Being half dragon.”
“Doubt it. You smell delicious.” My mouth watered. I dragged the tip of my nose against his skin as I inhaled. “So good.”
Troy chuckled darkly. “Go on, then.” He tilted his head out of the way.
My fangs grew longer. I grabbed hold of his arms with my hands, needing to hold onto something. My breathing sped up in anticipation.
Gatsby meowed at the door. Loudly.
We both stopped.
And then laughed.
“I’d better go. I was in the middle of chores when I took off.” Troy opened the front door. Gatsby ran in.
“Kay. See you tomorrow.” I covered my mouth with my hand, waiting for my fangs to go away. I waved as he ran across the lawn and onto Professor Pops’ property.
When I closed the door, Gatsby climbed up on the counter and appeared to be reading my homework assignment.
“What do you think?” I asked, sitting in one of the barstools.
“It’s a total snooze fest, vampire. Why don’t you put some blood and guts and dragon fire in it?”
I huffed. “Seriously. That’s rude.” Surprised, I added, “And why dragon fire?”
“Why not?” He arched his back. “And what’s rude is that you almost drank from Troy. What if you’d hurt him or worse killed him?” Gatsby sat on my paper and started licking the fur on his front legs.
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