Laeddin waited for me exactly where he dropped me off several hours before. If I hadn't watched him drive away, I would've wondered if he ever left. As I started down the stairs Sydney fell into step beside me. "Hey, Jack. Sorry about Drake. He's such a jerk.""It's okay. Thanks again for all your help. I couldn't have made it through today without you."She waved a hand in front of her face. "Sure. Sure. So listen. A bunch of us are getting together tonight. Just a little party to start the week off right. Want to come?" She was bouncing on the tips of her toes.I glanced at Laeddin who was watching me."I'd love to. Thanks for the invite." I bounced on my toes. My first party. "Great. Here's the directions. Wear something warm." She went down the rest of the stairs. "And Jack?""Yeah?" I clutched the paper she gave me. "Is that your dad in the car over there?" She pointed at Laeddin. "Gah, no. He isn't my dad. He-he works for my mom and dad. He's staying with me until they can joi
I'd been walking for ten minutes. I wasn't winded and I could see fine in the dark, but I was tired of getting around on two legs. I wanted to fly. The thought shocked me. I always believed I'd be perfectly happy without my wings. Happier even. I shrugged the thought away. I needed to give myself more time to get used to life without them. I could do that. At the end of the road was the forest, the one I promised Laeddin and Pops I would stay out of. A quick glance at the map verified I was to go in though. I shouldn't be surprised. Sometimes Abrea and I did things the grown-ups told us not to do. Nothing too serious. It was the way of children, I guess, to rebel against the wisdom of time. But I got the feeling the directions weren't telling me to go in for some harmless, rebellious fun. Instead, Sydney and Drake were planning something. A jolt of anticipation shot through me. Bring it on, I thought. Stepping inside, I went stealthily forward knowing if there were really a part
I retracted my fangs and closed my mouth, holding my breath. Then sat. He rubbed his jaw and I heard the scratchiness from his unshaven beard. "Jasmine?" Laeddin really looked at me. "What is it?" He scooted closer. Even with me holding my breath, his scent still had me drooling. I covered my nose and my mouth, but that didn't help either. Standing, I ran to my room, and slammed the door. It was like I was five again and couldn't control myself. I knew I couldn't have his blood, but the fire burning in my throat didn't care. "Jasmine?" There was a knock on the door. "It's nothing. I'm fine." I could smell his blood through the door. "Can I come in?" His voice took on a softer tone."Nooooo." I ran to my bed and flung myself on it before grabbing a pillow and jamming it over my face. There was a lingering scent of my mother. Or maybe I only imagined that.Laeddin sighed but didn't walk away. "I'm opening the door," he said gently. He poked his head in. "Hey, tell me what's wron
I rolled over and opened my eyes. It was still dark outside. Wind blew the curtains like teal butterflies in the breeze. My vision became blurry and the bedroom disappeared. "What's happening?" I was spinning and falling through different colored rings of light. Down. Down. Down. My body hit bottom with a thud. A moan escaped my lips as I rolled onto my knees and then stood. "Hello?" I turned slowly trying to let my eyes adjust to the utter darkness. As a vampire my vision was exceptional, but wherever I was, it was of no use. "Hello?" I shouted again. From a distance I could hear something beating against the air. It seemed to be getting closer. Fear turned my stomach and made my throat dry. "Where am I?" The beating stopped. "Hello, Jasmine." "Who's there?" I squinted, hoping that would help me to see better. "The one who will steal your heart and make you mine." His voice sounded close. I reached out to touch him, but only air passed through my fingers. "No you aren't. I
A scream ripped from my throat and I shot upright. There was a thump outside my bedroom. I clawed at the covers, pulling them up around my chin. The door burst opened and Laeddin appeared. "What's going on?" His eyes frantically searched the room for danger. "I - " The worry on his face was replaced by irritation. "Sorry. I had a bad dream."Laeddin looked like he wanted to say something. He opened his mouth, but instead of words, he snorted and left. "Man, graze a genie with fangs one time and the world ends." I lay back down and stared at the ceiling. Shadows slithered and danced. I thought about the demura and the way it left the body of that man like a shadow. Had it come into my room and given me the dream? I jumped out of bed, closed the window and pulled the curtains shut. My stomach twisted itself in knots. Strange sounds seemed to be coming from everywhere and nowhere. I flipped on the light and glanced around the room. What had my mom done when she had a bad dream? Did
When lunch finally rolled around, I was beyond ready. I also had a better idea how to find my way to the cafeteria today. Zoe and Peter were kissing at the bottom of one set of stairs as I made my way down. They stopped when I passed. I waved, embarrassed. "Hey guys. Didn't mean to interrupt." They pulled apart, though they took the other's hand. "Jackie. It's nice to see you. How's your second day been treating you?""Uh." I pulled at the end of my braid, twisting it around a finger. "What's this?" Zoe asked, indicating the wilted leaf in my hair. "It's peppermint." I touched it lightly. Zoe and Peter gave each other a strange look. I had the feeling they were communicating. Peter patted my shoulder. "What a great idea." He leaned in to smell it. "Yes, it is," Zoe said. "I think I'll wear some in my hair tomorrow, if that's okay.""Sure." Maybe I would start a new trend.They each took one of my arms. We went down the remaining steps and into the cafeteria like that. As soon as
Abby was waiting by the front door, just as we discussed. "Jack, you ready to go?"I bounced up and down on the balls of my feet. "Yep." I pushed open the front doors and stepped out, holding it open for Abby. Drake rushed past, knocking Abby over. I caught her before she landed on the ground. "Rude." I smacked him in the chest, sending him flying back. He tumbled into a group of students, knocking them over as he went, like the human version of bowling."Freak?" He held the back of his head. "Why'd you do that?" Drake's face was a mixture of shock and anger. Blood leaked from his eyebrow and he touched it tenderly. The salty and coppery aroma snuck up on me. My fangs fought to break free, the sharp tips grazing my bottom lip. I wanted him, his blood. I dove onto Drake and licked the blood. "Dude?" Drake grabbed my arms and pushed me back. He looked scared and a little fascinated. "What kind of crazy are you?' He glanced around at the other students and replaced his abhorrence with
That night I dreamed of the man I couldn't see again. He spoke of what it would be like to marry. How many children he wished to have, and where we would live once we were together. He spoke of Sharra, the creatures there, and about how I drank Abby's blood. I'd been humiliated by his words, but he kept talking anyway, explaining that what I'd done had been a survival instinct. He continued that I should be grateful I possessed such a predisposition. Otherwise I would be dead. I didn't want to agree, but a tiny part of my brain appreciated the support. Most strangely, he spoke of my wings and how exquisite they were. I hated to admit that while he talked the same part of my brain that appreciated his words also cherished them. And just like last time, right before I woke, he took me in his arms and kissed me. When my alarm went off, I wasn't as afraid of the man in my dream as I was the first time. I quickly got ready for school and went down to breakfast. Even though I'd drunk
That night, after all of the festivities were over and we said our goodbyes, Troy and I went back to the small house that used to be my mother's. Now that Sharra was no longer a threat, the chayot set up a meeting between several of the heads of different countries in the human realm and me. There, with the help of the chayot, we discussed relaxing the laws for supernaturals. Together we came to an agreement and I created a magical system with the help of Heathcliff and several other human scientists. After much discussion, I became aware of the KPID, a supernatural government agency known as the King's Paranormal Inquiries Division. The organization had been tracking supernaturals for hundreds of years, at first in the United Kingdom, but in the mid seventeen hundreds, they'd moved over to America as well. Given access to the KPID's super top secret information, I was able to update and strengthen the magic already in place as well as add some newer, more technical attributes with He
"Are you ready?" I asked. We were standing outside on my balcony. I took Troy's hand as my wings fluttered behind me. My engagement ring sparkled in the midday light and I couldn't help but admire it. Troy had asked Jesse and the gargoyles to create the ring for me. A thick platinum band with vines filigreed on either side leading to the center where sat a delicate jasmine flower made of diamonds and blue topaz."Are you sure you can do this?" Troy was teasing me, pretending to be nervous about me flying him around Sharra. "There's only one way to find out," I said, and leaped into the air. Troy whooped out a holler as he clung to my hands, his body dangling below."Don't drop him, Jasmine. It isn't every day you find someone crazy enough to fall for you," Abrea said beside me, her pixilette wings fluttering gracefully. "True." I laughed and the action felt really good."Jasmine? We need to leave for the wedding," my mom called from back in my room. I rolled my eyes and glanced at
Before I knew it, I was laughing as tears of joy leaked onto my cheeks. He set me on the ground and pushed my hair out of my face, then cupped it in his hands. "I love you vampire girl." "You do?" I believed him, but needed reassurance as my hands curled around his wrists. "More than I believed it was possible to love." He bent his head and gently touched his lips to mine, his eyes still open and on me. I kissed him back, as a gurgle of happiness shot through me. The sweet kiss turned hot and needy. I loved him and wanted him and didn't care who knew it. He pressed my mouth open, deepening our kiss as his arms went around my waist and he lifted me off the ground. "Hey you two?" It was my Mom. I froze and opened my eyes. Troy was watching me again. "Should we tell them?" he asked. I knew he was talking about our engagement. "Now's as good a time as any," I said as he set me on my feet. Troy took my hand and I turned to face the group. "We have an announcement," he said. The
"Do not do this," Christopher said, a look of complete disbelief on his injured face. "You have the power within you to destroy her. You know you do. So why?" I couldn't explain. But I hoped one day he and the rest would understand. If I failed, Laeddin could tell them the truth about the Unknowns, what they had planned. In the end my family would see I made the best choice. The only choice."Silence, Hunter. I'll deal with your insubordination later," Sharra said, sending a bolt of magic at Christopher. He was thrown back, landing against the other side of the cell before falling to the ground with a groan. Chris bared his fangs in anger and jumped to his feet, though slower than expected. "Hurt them and the deal is off," I seethed, facing her, my hands in fists at my sides. She gave me an innocent look. "I didn't do any permanent damage." She crossed her arms, sauntering toward me. "Now then, let's do this."I swallowed, forcing myself to remain calm. My plan would work. It had t
Determination weighed my shoulders down as I traversed the inkiness. As I went, I called out in my mind, using the magic within me to speak with Silindra and Laeddin. At once, my mind was there, in Laeddin's realm, in his library full of books. He and Silindra were there, standing close, reading something aloud. "Laeddin," I said. Laeddin glanced at me, or rather, my mental presence. Silindra looked up as well. "Is it just me or am I seeing Jasmine?" Surprise flickered across her too lovely face. "I see her too - somehow." Laeddin reached out, but his fingers couldn't touch me. I was there, but not really there. "I'm going to Sharra," I said, and looked from Laeddin to Silindra. "The darkness will swallow the earth soon. There is no more time. I need your help now. Please find me." "We're coming, Jasmine," Laeddin said, and took Silindra's hand. Were they a couple now? There was no time to figure it out. Silindra said, "Watch out for my sister. She's tricky.""I will," I said, a
Now that we had nothing to fear, Lirle and I moved quickly and undeterred toward the stronghold. As we went, Lirle talked more about the dragon she liked as well as growing up in the dragon realm. Hearing her talk, I couldn't help but admire the Hollow. It was stark and vast and though it wasn't blooming with all manner of flowers like Sharra, it still held beauty. That night as we rested and ate under a canopy of trees, I was able to witness one of the wonders of her realm. Here, the forest stirred to life at night. Everything seemed to possess a bioluminescence. Trees whose leaves were pink during the day glowed a soft white, like millions of fireflies covered them. Animals I hadn't known were there, insects and little creatures that reminded me of spider monkeys, lit up as well. It was beautiful and a little terrifying. "Why does it do this?" I asked, mesmerized. Lirle took another bite of whatever she was eating. Her lips were luminescent blue like the spider monkeys and I force
He looked up and for the briefest moment, I thought he was staring right at me. No longer angry, but still unsure. Troy spoke: I love you, too, Jazz. He stopped speaking and adjusted his weight, sitting up straighter. They added: Someone is coming. He closed his eyes and pretended to be sleeping. His cell door cranked open and a female voice spoke. "I brought you a friend. Try not to kill each other." Christopher stumbled into the room before turning and flashing his fangs. "You touch me like that again and you won't live to tell anyone about it." His hands were behind his back and black magic held his wrists together. The person he spoke to laughed. It was Sharra.I focused on Troy. His eyes burned into Chris like he would kill him. To Troy, I begged: Please remember, Chris is on our side. He believes in our love too. When Sharra forced me to kiss him, Chris stopped me and freed me from her magic. He's changed and he can help.I hoped that was true. As much as I trusted Chris
"How nice to see you, Lirle." The voice came from a gray dragon with blood red eyes. His sharp and pointy teeth glistened like they held their own light. Huge talons clamped around Lirle from behind, holding her like a sharpened straight jacket. She gasped and struggled but couldn't move. Her captor's clutches were bigger than Lirle's body. The first dragon looked at me. "And you are Jasmine, heir to Sharra and an original vampire. But where are your wings?" He opened his mouth and I thought he intended to burn me to a crisp. Instead his tongue came out and he licked me. Tasting. "Strange," he said. "Gross." I wiped my cheek with the sleeve of my shirt. It occurred to me he was speaking like Abernathy did, with his mouth and not in my mind like Lirle. Perhaps speaking aloud was a skill that came with age. The first dragon pushed through the trees, causing them to snap and break. Then he pounded his tail on the ground several times in a rhythmic fashion while lifting his head. He ro
Lirle took to the air, her attention on the direction where the sound came from. Her whole body trembled. "You're frightened. What is it?" I asked, fighting my own nerves. Lirle's eyes bore into mine and her terror shone brightly as she said: We're too late. The Ondror's magic is upon us. Listen carefully. A dragon's magic comes from the soul. Our greatest weapon is using the weaknesses of our enemy against them by showing them what they fear most. She flew over to the stream before coming back to me and pointing with one claw. Lirle asked: Do you see the soul magic coming?I followed her gaze and squinted until I saw the blackness, traveling like a deadly mist through the trees, and heading right for us. "Can we outrun it?" She shook her head and said: No. It's everywhere. She spun in a circle and I followed her. Lirle was right. It was coming from every direction, like we had a homing beacon on us. She met my gaze and said: You see? Whatever happens, whatever you experience o