by J. N. Colon
“Rubi?”
I met his eyes, concern dominant in them.
“Do you understand what happened?”
“You’re vampires,” I whispered. “Brant, you, Emmaline, Tatum…Tristan, and…” All the super-rich, pale, unnaturally beautiful students at Highland were vampires. They really did belong to a secret society. A supernatural one.
Mac nodded.
“I thought you were witches,” I admitted.
Mac’s dark brows lifted and mouth twitched, threatening a smile. “Seriously?”
“Yep.” Embarrassment really didn’t cross my mind at the moment. I was still in holy-shit-I-just-almost-died mode to care.
“Witches aren’t real.”
Confusion and irritation filled my chest. Sure a lot of the signs pointed to vampires, but some really specific ones screamed witches. “What about all the Celtic symbols in that secret room and on Brant’s necklace? And I saw Emmaline, Tatum, and Tristan sitting in a circle chanting in another language.”
Mac rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Emmaline and Tatum are originally from Ireland and they took the liberty of decorating that room. As for the chanting? I don’t know. They’re weird sometimes. They were probably just playing around. And Brant…” His jaw clenched and a ripple of anger darkened his eyes. “Tatum gave him that necklace a long time ago. It’s not supernatural or anything.”
My lips puckered and I attempted to ignore the warm sensation his hands on my neck was creating. “What about that old leather book I’ve seen you guys carry?”
He blinked away the anger Brant’s name brought. “That book is really old and powerful, but not in the way you think.” A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “It has detailed maps of Highland in it.”
My brow furrowed. “Why is that so valuable?”
“It shows all of Highland including the secrets places, pathways, and hidden spots. Other secret things too.”
I stared at him, intrigued. “Like that secret underground room?”
He nodded as he dabbed a cold cloth to my neck, soothing the wound.
“How’d you get it?”
“My father.”
“Is this a strictly vampire thing or do humans get to see it?” They were passing it around with human students in the dining hall, but they could have been made to forget.
Mac leaned forward, his fingers unconsciously tracing patterns on my shoulder. “Why? Do you want to see it?”
“Maybe.” His heady forest scent was hypnotizing me in not entirely unwanted ways.
Mac’s jade eyes grew warm right along with those fingers on my skin. “I can bring it to the attic if you want. We could look at it together.”
A thrill of excitement thrummed through me and a smile threatened my lips—until I remembered what happened tonight and the blinding pain when Brant sank his fangs into my neck.
It was like a bucket of ice water was tossed over me, dowsing those flames under my skin he was creating. I leaned back, trembling again. “Brant killed those people and he tried to kill me.” A loose tear escaped my eye.
Pain and regret washed over Mac’s handsome face as he brushed the tear away with warm fingers. “No. He didn’t kill anybody and he wasn’t going to kill you.”
My brow furrowed, unconvinced. “Do you see the two gaping holes in my neck?”
He grimaced. “Brant was playing a game—a sick and twisted game—but he wouldn’t have killed you.”
Anger churned my insides. “Oh, well, then that’s okay. It was just a game.” I crossed my arms against my chest. “That makes this pulsing pain in my neck all okay.”
He sighed, jamming his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry Rubi. I don’t know what else to say, except that Brant will never touch you again.” His voice turned low, a dark, haunting melody to my ears. “I promise.”
I wanted to believe him. Instead I shivered more, pulling the blanket tighter around me. “I can’t get warm.”
Mac rubbed my arms like he’d done the night of the party. He saved me then too.
I gasped, a sudden horrible thought crossing my mind. “I’m not going to suddenly be attracted to Brant, right?” I knew the way Aspen looked at him and I remembered how Patrick looked at Tatum and clearly they were being fed on.
Mac shook his head and tried to blink away the unease in his eyes. “No. Of course not.”
I didn’t exactly believe him.
He pressed the cloth in my hand and put it to my neck. “Hold that. Let me get you something that’ll warm you up and calm you down.” He pulled out a flask and poured its contents in a glass with his back to me. His movements were a blur and he was suddenly kneeling before me with the glass full of dark, amber liquid.
“What is it?”
He pressed the cup in my hand and smiled gently. “It’s bourbon.”
I grimaced and took a timid sip, expecting the foul, disgusting flavor I’d experienced one other time before. I was pleasantly surprised at the flavor. “This taste funny,” I said, feeling liquid heat radiating through my body. I held the glass up to my face, noticing it was slightly darker too. “Did you put something in it?”
“No.” Mac’s answer came too fast and guilt glinted in his eyes. “It’s just something that’ll help. I promise.”
Normally I would have demanded to know what was in the drink, but at this point I was too shaken and tired to care. Plus I didn’t think Mac would do anything to physically harm me. I downed a big gulp, a dark seductive flavor exploding across my tongue. I licked my lips. “It’s good.”
Mac’s brow rose in curiosity, but he continued silently dressing my wound.
I stopped shivering and shrugged the blanket off, feeling flushed. “How old are you?”
“Sixteen.”
My face turned incredulous. “What like sixteen going on a hundred?”
Mac’s laughter made my skin tickle and did funny things to my insides—in a good way. “No. Just sixteen going on seventeen.” When I wasn’t convinced he continued. “Some vampires are made and some are born. I was born, which means I can age until…”
I frowned. “Until what?”
“Until I want to stop.”
That answer was vague and fishy. I took the last gulp then licked the inside of the glass before handing it back.
A secretive smile curled his lips, making my heart flutter.
“What are you smiling at?” My words were slurred and I laughed. “I feel funny.”
“Good funny or bad funny?” Amusement lingered in his voice.
Warmth melted across my skin, reminding me of being wrapped in his fleece jacket still hot from his body. “Good,” I yawned.
“Good.”
I watched him take off my boots and then my gloves. “Why don’t you lay down Rubi?”
“Okay.” That sounded like a great idea.
Mac laid me back against the pillows, fluffing them behind me. Then he unexpectedly started unlacing my red corset.
“Naughty vampire,” I teased, my cheeks reddening.
He laughed and touched my one dimple. “Don’t tempt me.”
I wanted to say something else, but my eyes were heavy and the room was getting out of focus—all except Mac.
He sat on the bed beside me, his tousled midnight hair framing his smoldering jade eyes. “You don’t ever have to be afraid of me Rubi. I’d never hurt you.”
“I know,” I mumbled effortlessly. I could feel the truth of his words burning in my soul.
A thought suddenly tickled my brain long enough to get the words out. “What did you mean when you told Brant you were pulling rank?”
“Nothing. I-I’m just older.”
Another vague answer.
“How’d you get that scar?” His fingers gently touched the star shaped scar on the left side of my chest.
Electricity radiated from his fingertips all the way through my entire body, down to my curling toes. “I fell out of a tree when I was five,” I breathed, finding it difficult
to focus on anything except that warm feeling. “I got staked by a branch.” I giggled, meaning to say stabbed, but vampires were on the brain.
Mac didn’t find it funny. “I’m glad it missed the heart,” he whispered, his voice serious.
“Me too.” I sighed and sank into the bed even more.
A gentle smile split his kissable lips as he began stroking my hair. “Sweet dreams Rubi.”
My eyes drifted shut and all I could feel was that warmth and safety I recognized as Mac enveloping me and lulling me to a deep, velvety sleep.
Chapter 20
I was running through the autumn exposed trees and thick, churning fog. The monster was chasing me, its dark presence on my heels. Words echoed through my mind. Thirsty. Game. Run. Thirsty. Fun. Hungry. Over and over like a song on repeat.
Hot tears obscured my vision, trailing down my cold cheeks. Fear shook my muscles and panic pulsed my heart until it raged against my ribcage—a prisoner to terror.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw those silver eyes and sharp fangs. My fear spiked and my feet stumbled over the roots of a giant oak.
Brant’s lips twisted in that crocodile smile, distorting his face. That blonde halo of hair and strikingly handsome features didn’t fool me anymore. I knew what he was.
He was suddenly on me, his hard, pale fingers digging into my arms.
“Oh Rubi, I just love you in red.”
I glanced down and saw scarlet draining from my neck, spreading across my white shirt.
My scream was silent against his growling. His fangs tore at my already bleeding throat. Again.
“Rubi.” Someone was shaking me. “Rubi. Wake up.” Aspen’s annoying voice echoed in my ears.
“What?” I groaned, rolling over to face her, shaking the remnants of the nightmare away.
She crossed her arms against her chest. “You know it’s like nighttime, right?”
I glanced out the window. “So.”
“Nighttime of the next day! It’s the day after Halloween.”
I shot up, panic filling my chest until it felt like it might pop from the pressure. What the hell? I’d been asleep for almost twenty four hours?
Aspen’s lip curled in contempt. “Are you like sick or something? Because you better not give me any of your germs.” She sauntered back to her bed and sat down, taking a brush to her silken auburn strands.
I turned to look at the clock when a sharp pain struck my neck.
Oh hell.
Halloween night came flooding back. I remembered Brant chasing me, sinking his teeth into my neck, slurping up my blood. And then Mac was there with silver eyes and fangs fighting Brant.
Now the nightmare made since.
They were vampires.
I pulled the covers up to my neck to chase away the shivers. Maybe the nightmare I had before coming to Highland was a warning. But how was I supposed to know it was so literal?
Then I remembered Mac in my room, cleaning me up and calming me down. His fingers were in my hair as I fell asleep. A familiar heady sent lingered on my sheets.
Mac.
Did he lie down in my bed with me last night?
I shivered—in a good way. A very good way.
The dining hall was crowded. Students converged in cliques near the glossy wood walls, gossiped in the food line, and ate at the long rectangular tables. Their conversations were exceptionally loud or maybe I was just on edge. Who wouldn’t be after almost having their throat ripped out? Mac claimed Brant wasn’t trying to kill me, but it sure felt like it.
I fumbled with the emerald knit scarf around my neck, making sure it covered my wound. The two perfect holes were scarlet and unbelievably bright against my paler than usual skin. They were also incredibly tender and sore. I pulled my wild hair in front of my shoulders, self-conscious and worried people would see the wounds and know what happened—at least certain people would.
“Hey Rubi.” Jackson motioned to the table where he and Madison sat. “I got you some soup.”
A fresh wave of anxiety rolled over me, flooding my senses. Oh crap. I totally ditched him at the dance.
I eased into a seat as the dread weaved through my muscles. How would I explain my disappearance? I couldn’t say anything close to the truth.
“Emmaline told us you got sick last night,” Jackson said, pushing a steaming porcelain bowl toward me. “She said she helped you back to your room.”
I held the breath of relief I wanted to release. Thank you Mac for saving me from a stuttering fest and telling the lamest lies of my life. “Right,” I mumbled. Emmaline probably assumed Mac wiped my memories clean.
Madison pointed a navy painted nail at me. “What’s with the scarf? That’s usually my fashion trademark.”
I shrugged while averting my gaze. “I was just cold.”
“Have you been sleeping all day?” Madison asked, concern filtering through her voice.
“Yeah.” I took a bite of the chicken noodle soup—extra chicken—and grimaced.
“Everything okay?” Her voice changed, gaining a sharp, uncharacteristic edge.
I nodded and forced down another bite. It tasted weird. Not as delicious as usual. When I glanced up and saw two sets of worried eyes staring at me I smiled and continued eating anyways.
My gaze flickered toward one of the ceiling to floor windows draped in burgundy velvet. The courtyard was dark, the stone statues barely visible through the misting fog. The image of Brant’s eyes glowing silver as he chased me last night flickered through my mind, puckering my flesh.
I pushed the bowl away when it was empty. “Thanks.” I took a gulp of water and shivered.
My brow knit, knowing it wasn’t a shiver from being cold. It was something else.
My heart jumped in my throat and stomach shook, a horrific thought crossing my mind. What if Brant walked in and I felt his presence or something? What if Mac was wrong about not forming an attraction with him after he bit me?
I reluctantly peeked over my shoulder…
Mac standing a few feet away, the moment our eyes met vibrant sparks flickered between us like flint to steel wool. There was always something electric in the air when we acknowledged each other, but this was levels more intense. My body went up in flames, shooting heat in places I never felt before. I had to bite my lip to keep from releasing the gasp clawing up my throat. When he continued to stare, his eyes riming with shimmery silver, a hot shiver rolled over my spine.
I was pretty sure I just whimpered.
I was the one to finally break eye contact, turning back to find Madison glaring at me. “What?”
“What was that about?” she mumbled, Jackson busy with his gourmet pizza.
I shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean.” I could still feel the sparks in the air, like a charged object brushing against my nape, scattering electricity along my spine. It was definitely not a normal response to someone. What happened to make me even more affected by McCollum Davenport?
Chapter 21
I wondered around campus later that afternoon, avoiding everyone, especially Brant. When Aspen mentioned he was on his way I high-tailed it out of our dorm. I wasn’t ready to be in such close proximity to him so soon after he—you know—played his little game. No thanks.
I trudged along, kicking up dead leaves and thinking about Mac. Of course. What else would I be thinking about when I was alone? A shiver rolled across my skin just remembering him taking care of me last night. His hands were warm against my skin and so nimble when he was unlacing my corset…
Oh shut up Rubi!
He was a vampire. He drank blood and hypnotized people and could crush me like a bug.
But he wouldn’t. Mac wouldn’t hurt me like that.
I bit my lip in unease, knowing there were others who wouldn’t think twice about breaking me in half if they knew I was privy to their secret and couldn’t be made to forget.
I shook my head in disbelief, wondering how my parents managed to send me to a school
filled with vampires. My eyes flickered to the gray sky, thankful it was still daylight. Nothing usually went lurking until nighttime…
Of course as soon as those thoughts coalesced in my mind I felt the uneasy sensation of being watched.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mumbled, my heart quickening as I cast my eyes around, searching. A myriad of trees and swirling fog played in the distance. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Despite what my eyes were seeing I couldn’t shake the paranoia and fear pulsating through my veins. I picked up the pace, afraid something was going to jump out any second. An icy wind ran shivers across my neck and scattered dead leaves around me.
A branch snapped in the distance and I reluctantly peeked over my shoulder—and saw a tall dark figure step back into the shadows of a tree.
My pulse exploded, thinking it was Brant back for more fun or another vampire who had discovered my secret.
I slipped on leaves in my haste and sprinted toward the closest building looming in the distance. The dark stone jutted ominously into the sky and the tiny gargoyles on the roof glared at me. A presence solidified behind me—so much like in my nightmare—and the urge to get inside was suffocating.
My chest ignited with panic and adrenaline by the time I busted through the double doors, closing them with a loud metal clank. I peeked out the window, my eyes wide and whole body shaking. Nothing was visible except trees and fog outlined in gloominess. Someone was hiding out there for me though, waiting.
The fear surrounding me was so palpable it touched my skin like hands, prickling my flesh. A strangled cry of terror and frustration flitted out my mouth, questioning why me. It felt as if someone was targeting me for their sick excuse of fun. I’d never done anything to warrant being stalked and tortured.
I staggered to another set of double doors, my muscles trembling. A series of echoes resonated in the other room and the sting of chlorine penetrated my nose, alerting me to exactly what building I had stumbled into.
The indoor pool.
Of all the places…
