Craig A groan escaped my lips. I couldn't believe these idiots just crowned me homecoming king. All I wanted was to be with Alexis. The crown and scepter were so heavy, the metal weighing heavily against the tips of my fingers. Beverly was like a prickly cactus piercing me. She was so clingy and annoying. The fact that she potentially posed a danger to Alexis, even made me more irritated. "Look around, we're like the hottest couple here," she batted her eyelashes at me, smiling broadly. I returned a fake smile, hiding my annoyance. After all, I had to play nice as the homecoming king. "Lucky us," I said with fake enthusiasm. Beverly wrapped her arms around mine and leaned into me. Everyone's eyes were on us. No surprise there, since Beverly was a popular girl on campus and I, the quarterback and one of the hottest vampires in school. It was showtime, and we had to give them a show. "It's time to dance," she whispered into my ear, firmly pushing closer so her boobs touched mi
Alexis I put my makeup bag on my desk, wiping off the cakey foundation and smudged eyeliner on my face with a dreamy smile on my face. I kissed Craig ... Craig kissed me. I love Craig ... Craig loves me. Amidst my infectious excitement, I smiled in an almost empty room as most girls were still in the hall. Viewing photos and videos from the party on our school's social media, I noticed the homecoming King and Queen. While removing makeup, I struggled with lingering jealousy and had a slight concern about Beverly's intentions. My hands reached for my phone again. "Don't look at your phone," my subconscious warned me. As usual, I ignored it and scrolled through more pictures. There was no picture of me and Craig together. Instead, there were a dozen pictures of him and Beverly smiling Heartbreak at its finest. To distract myself, I changed into my Mickey Mouse PJs and headed to Tara's bunk to see what that funny girl was up to. As I got closer, I noticed her curtain was
Alexis Watching her leave, my heart beat faster than I could ever remember. This was so scary. Knowing Ivy, I knew she must have heard it, and if that was true, it was really going to break me. I got up and looked around the room, at the posters on the wall and the stacks of books on my desk. Everything seemed to be closing in on me, suffocating me with the weight of the bet. I didn't know which one hurt more because they were both so serious. I tried to brush it off as a lie, but the feeling of doubt that was eating at me wouldn't go away .Looking out at the night sky outside the window, the stars twinkled with mocking laughter as if they could read my deepest fears and doubts. Craig just used me to impress his friends? Waiting for daybreak, I lay on my bed without getting a wink of sleep. The next morning, with my eyes bloodshot, I got dressed, tied my messy hair into a bun, put on my hoodie, and with shaky hands, I replayed the recorded conversation I had when Ivy. I was
Craig I was restless. Staring at my blank phone, I hoped for a message or call from Alexis. She was nowhere to be found and wasn't taking my calls. The bet must have really shaken her, and I never knew the stupid thing would cause problems in the future, but thanks to that bloody witch Ivy for running her mouth, Alexis was pissed. I'd been anticipating the monthly night stargazing, but now, my spirit was dampened. But all vampires needed to attend which left me with no choice. However, I refused to engage in conversation with others. Instead, I stood at the back, staring blankly at the night sky and lost in thought. Every time I glanced down at my phone, I hoped to receive at least a text from Alexis to make sure she was fine. Unable to focus on any particular star, I stopped trying. My friends noticed my mood and exchanged worried glances. Thorne gave me a pat on my shoulder. "Cheer up, Craig. I'm sure she's fine wherever she is." I grunted and answered every other questio
Craig I was restless. Staring at my blank phone, I hoped for a message or call from Alexis. She was nowhere to be found and wasn't taking my calls. The bet must have really shaken her, and I never knew the stupid thing would cause problems in the future, but thanks to that bloody witch Ivy for running her mouth, Alexis was pissed. I'd been anticipating the monthly night stargazing, but now, my spirit was dampened. But all vampires needed to attend which left me with no choice. However, I refused to engage in conversation with others. Instead, I stood at the back, staring blankly at the night sky and lost in thought. Every time I glanced down at my phone, I hoped to receive at least a text from Alexis to make sure she was fine. Unable to focus on any particular star, I stopped trying. My friends noticed my mood and exchanged worried glances. Thorne gave me a pat on my shoulder. "Cheer up, Craig. I'm sure she's fine wherever she is." I grunted and answered every other questio
Alexis Snoozing my alarm for the fifth time that morning I threw myself on the bed and stared blankly at the wall. Today was Monday. I was expected to put on a happy face, pretend like all was well and head back to school. A pang of hurting sadness coursed through me. My energy level was damn low to get off the bed and left to me, I'd have stayed back for a week or two. My dad and Katana knew something was off, asking what was wrong, but I assured them I was fine. And Craig, damn him, whom I thought was everything good in my world ended up a terrific liar and manipulator. His betrayal hurt like a stab wound and didn't help that I was going back to Brook Stones to face him. Maybe the moon goddess destined me to go through bout after bout of bad luck. Zipping my backpack with slow and deliberate movements, I avoided thinking about my tales of woe. "Alexis, breakfast is ready," Katana called from downstairs. On my way to the kitchen, I hesitated on the staircase, hearin
Craig I sat uncomfortably in my seat, my jaw clenching and my mind engulfed in annoyance. Beverly was getting on my nerves. She was so stubborn and didn't get the hint. She tried and failed to seduce me on countless occasions with her desperation rising to the high heavens. It was so distasteful that I felt pity for her. She inched closer to me, making sure to flash her cleavage in my direction. I pulled away, tapping my foot to a silent tune. "It's quite gloomy here. Can you open the curtains a bit?" "It's not too late to swap seats with someone sitting close to the window." "No, it's fine," she stretched like a cat and winked at me. "I like it here." Visibly recoiling, I hoped that my aloofness would send warning signals to her that I was not interested in her. Thorne and Xavier sat directly opposite us and could see everything that was happening. They exchanged amused glances and stifled their laughter. Beverly tried hard to engage me in conversation, laughing a little
Alexis The sun set over Serenity Island, casting an orange glow over the sky. With half-lidded eyes and a deliberate attempt to not be disturbed by Beverly's stunt, I stood at the edge of the beach. I felt out of sorts after putting her in her place. On one hand, I was satisfied that I shut her up because her excesses were becoming too much. On the other hand, I hated that my own sister and I could never stop fighting. A group of baby sea turtles made their way to the ocean and I watched them with a smile on my face. Taylor was learning to surf with Westin. The stubborn fools were always in each other's company, fighting. Sighing, I sat in the sun, remembering Craig's shirtless body and how hot and flustered he made me feel. He was so good-looking, a beautiful male whose body radiated a raw and primal strength that drew me in. I groaned into my hand, needing to stop thinking about him and clear my mind of this stupid crush I had on him. I enjoyed the waves crashing against th
Alexis "Shit. That was close. He rasped out, his eyes glowing like a wildcat's and bulging with fear. "These bastards are mean and are out for us." "What are we going to do?" I said to Craig with my voice trembling. Craig grimaced, glancing outside the window, and swallowed hard, trying desperately to form coherent words. "I have no idea. But we have to stay here for now and run for our lives when this blows over. It's only a matter of time before they find us." "Fuck," Zarek winced while I paced frantically. Zarek broke the silence. "Are these buildings connected? They could destroy innocent lives while searching for us." "We need help," I said with every fiber in my body trembling nonstop. "We cannot do this on our own. They have outnumbered us." Craig turned to face me, his face congested with fear "Alexis, you have to stay here for now. I don't want you to get hurt." "Stay here?" I gasped, my eyes doubling in size. "Are you kidding me? I can't and I won't leave your si
Alexis My heart was racing so fast. I heard Craig and Zarek coming up, and I composed myself, watching them enter the room, laughing. Craig came to my side and knelt in front of me, kissing my stomach, and Zarek looked away. "How do you feel now? Better?" Craig said, concerned. I shook my head in a no, and Craig frowned. "Do you want me to get you something?" I got on my feet. "Craig, I called my dad," I blurted. "He thinks we are not safe, and is on his way to get me." Craig cursed under his breath. "We need to leave," he said firmly. "I don't trust your dad." "Come on, Craig. My dad may be an enemy to you, but he's my father. He's going to help us." Just as I made that statement, we heard a commotion downstairs, as if a riot was taking place. My heart skipped so fast. "Did you hear that?" I whispered to Craig. My breathing became raspy, and my lips trembled with fear. "I think they are here," Craig trembled and grabbed the bag where the staff was. Zarek rushed to the windo
Alexis Dora had warned us to be very careful and lay low because Dimitri had informants everywhere. It was even dangerous for us to call her, as Dimitri could trace the call and hurt her. Craig couldn't sleep and kept thinking the worst. Zarek joined us the next day and my thoughts were filled with self-loathing and the nagging urge to ask for my dad's help tugged in my heartstrings. But it was very unlikely that my dad, a werewolf, would help Craig and the vampire king. The possibility was almost impossible. He was never going to hand that staff to me. I could sense the frustration in Craig's eyes. He was like a locked-up bull, searching for a means of escape. He had stopped smiling, answering questions with minimal responses, and kept sighing constantly. He seemed to prefer talking to Zarek more than me, and that infuriated me because he made me feel like I had betrayed him in some way. And he poured out his frustration when I asked Dora how Oliver was doing. "I've warned
Alexis Craig's lips kissed my throat up before capturing my lips, and our breaths fused into our mouths. I was in divine ecstasy, and my wolf almost threatened to come out of my body. Our kiss was raw, rough, sloppy, and filled with weeks of longing and a mountain of passion. He went hard, soft, then hard again, and I had no desire to back out. Burying my hands into his thick hair, I let him scoop me up, nibbling his lips. Our kisses were messy because of my tears and the world disappeared around me. I pulled away, staring into his eyes with so much love. "I can't believe I'm seeing you. I hope someone doesn't wake me up if this is a dream." "It's me," he said. His voice thickened with emotion. "I'm here in flesh and blood." A comfortable silence settled between us and we exchanged glances, smiling. His gaze was mad with lust and molten desire, and a raging beast of need was in his eyes. "I dreamt of this day for weeks,"he whispered, kissing my neck and making my knees loosen.
Alexis One week later My heart pounded like a frightened bird, racing to escape, as I ran through the night. The darkness was consuming, making the hairs on my nape raise with raw fear, but I moved swiftly along, ignoring my rising panic. Oliver confessed to Dora and agreed to help us. I was heading to a vampire coven, so I couldn't shift into my wolf. Several nasty thoughts kept flying in, causing me to get frightened beyond measure, but I put a fire under my feet, attempting to lighten my mood with the hope of seeing Craig tonight. "I'll see Craig tonight," I chanted like a mantra. I hastened because it was almost midnight. The hotel Oliver recommended didn't seem to be popular. I stopped to take a breath when I began seeing spots in my vision and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to regain control. A stray cat darted behind me, sending chills down my spine. I sighed in relief when I burst out onto a surprisingly busy street with half-naked girls and men who couldn't walk
Alexis I edged closer to Dora until our eyes met. Dora held her head high and a broad smile graced her lips.My curiosity heightened, wondering what she wanted from me, considering that we had only met once. There was only one way to find out, but something in me suspected Craig sent her, but why would he when we’d gotten back together? "Hi," I formed a cheeky smile, hugging her. "What a surprise to see you here." "Hello, Alexis, right? I can never forget your name, considering how my boy never stops gushing about you," she said and hugged me back. When she pulled away, she stared at me with kind, observant eyes. The clouds darkened and it began to drizzle."You might want to come into the hall," I said to her. We found a secluded corner in the empty hall and sat opposite each other. Silence settled on us like mist, filling the air. I waited for her to speak but she didn't, making me uncomfortable. "Does Craig know you are here?" I managed to say. She let out a soft chuckle
Alexis Confusion was an understatement for how I felt right now. My spirit was in chaos. I couldn't believe that Craig had asked me for my forgiveness and wanted me back, even though I ended up whacking his face, which I had the right to, after all, he'd put me through. Something was off, no doubt. Yet, I couldn't deny that I still loved him. Our brief relationship brought me back to life in ways I'd never imagined. I lay on Tara's bunk, staring off into mid-distance at the star design on her ceiling, lost in thought. I didn't want to be involved in a game of back and forth where I would be easily swayed by Craig's seduction. I wasn't that stupid. Tara didn't see a big deal in Craig wanting to come back to me. "It was bound to happen," she chuckled, scooping the last of her vanilla ice cream."I know you don't see it that way, but I knew his relationship with Beverly was not going to last." "I'm not buying that bullshit," I sighed. "I know something triggered him to ask for my f
Craig Days and nights passed, and I was still trapped in Bloodline Manor like a helpless butterfly, but I had completely healed and grown stronger. My desperation grew by the second. I wondered what was going on in the outside world. Dimitri hadn't come to threaten me in days. For sure, he was surely up to something sinister. My only companion was a damn diary where I scribbled all my plans to escape, waiting for the perfect time to hatch my plan. I was staring at a cow giving birth. The mother lay exhausted on the ground after pushing her calves far enough out. She was too weak to stand and the smell of its dung and blood was strong enough to kill, but the cows were the only distractions I had because I was so close to going insane. I loved video games and being with my phone. Not having that luxury was killing me. My ears perched when someone knocked on my door. "It's open," I said flatly. Anna, who was the only innocent person in this manor because she had no idea I was s
Oliver I winced, rubbing my stinging cheek. The force of Alexis's slap remained. I deserved it for being so stupid to think she'd jump on me like a lovestruck puppy after I asked for her forgiveness or be easily manipulated without questioning me. Rooted on the spot, I watched her walk away, cursing under my breath. The girl was petite but bold and hostile. Thanks to that bastard, Dimitri, I'd received an unwarranted slap. My shoulders sagged like a deflated balloon. Dimitri forced me to gather information from Craig's friends, including his girlfriend, about the staff of authority. I had two days to come up with something, and the consequences of not getting sufficient information would be brutal. But how could I ask them a string of questions without them becoming suspicious? Craig's friends, especially Zarek, were discerning and were beginning to sniff my fakery. It was a miracle that I hadn't gotten caught at this point. "Oliver, you're a man. I didn't raise you a coward!"