On the facing page was a full-color picture of a young man. He looked to be of Asian descent, with deep olive skin, black eyes, and long black hair. He posed regally in a navy-blue robe decorated with intricate designs. He seemed familiar. Something about the eyes. Under the picture was a caption: Kenmei Yamata."Kenmei," I murmured, and started to read aloud:"Before the time of man, vampires ruled the earth. They lived in harmony with all creatures, great and small: the trolls, and the goblins, the pixies, and the pixilettes. The dragons of the air and of the sea. "The griffin and the mermaid. The elf and the dwarf. "After a thousand years, one vampire rose up from the rest, her magic more potent than all others. She was beautiful, the most beautiful in the land."Creatures fell at her feet to worship her. She was also greedy, hungry for power, her heart filled with enmity for all. "She subjected others to her authority and became the vampire queen."But some resisted, and wa
"Dad. Vivianne. You're home." I wanted to rush over and hug my dad, but my stepmother's scowl held me in place. Where was Christopher? Had he heard them come home and left? I hoped so."Hi, Snow-Angel," Dad said slowly, clearing his throat. He looked good, more in shape, though he still dressed like an undercover TV cop - Hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts, and socks with sandals. He was tan with natural blond streaks in his otherwise dark hair. His face crinkled near his eyes from smiling. He and my stepmother sat across the dining table from each other, dozens of bags piled between them. Apparently, there'd been shopping on their trip. Gatsby darted from under the table and wound around my legs, yowling for his dinner."Don't you feed him? He's too skinny," Vivianne said. She wore a pair of white shorts and a light blue tank. One tanned leg was crossed over the other, and her wedge-sandaled foot bounced rhythmically. She was a lot younger than my dad, closer to my age than his. Not
My dad grumbled, uncomfortable. He didn't like to talk about money. "You'll look lovely. The black beading will bring out your stunning blue eyes," Viv added, ignoring him. I reached out, drawn to the colorful beading. Viv slapped my hand away. "Wash your hands first." She took the dress from my dad. "I hope this fits you. It's hard to tell under all those baggy clothes.""What size is it?" I asked, drying my wet hands on a towel. "Tut-tut. Go try it on." I took the dress and went upstairs. There wasn't a tag or a size in the dress. Viv probably didn't know.When I entered my room, I casually peeked around before closing my door. "Christopher. Charming, are you here?" I checked my bathroom, the shower, my closet, even under my bed. He wasn't there. My stomach sank. He must've left. I hoped he'd come back later - after they went to bed."Snow! Hurry up," Viv shouted from below."Okay." I tore off my clothes and cautiously stepped into the dress, zipping up the side. I went to t
"I see Christopher has been enlightening you. Yes, this is Sharra, a realm of my creation," the vampire queen answered.A long, old-fashioned gown hugged her curvy body and spread out around her in tones of emerald and pine. Black ribbing crisscrossed the bodice. Her raven-black hair was done up in hundreds of curls, a diamond tiara peeking out in front. An emerald choker captured her neck. Thick black lashes framed iridescent blue eyes, and her lips shone red as blood, as did her long manicured nails. "Come closer so I can look at you."My body responded to her alluring voice, and I moved forward. Would she take me now? Had my time run out already? I wasn't prepared. At least, according to Professor Pops, I still needed to drink my true love's blood. As one of the marked, that was how I was to change. Gathering confidence, I lifted my chin. "What do you want?" My question infuriated the other vampires. They launched out of their chairs, hissing and revealing their fangs as
I was furious and ground my hands into fists, forcing back the words I wanted to say. "No, thanks. I've got to get to school." I grabbed my backpack from the dining table and ran out the back door. At the bottom of the stairs, I remembered I hadn't fed Gatsby. No way was I going back in there, though. He'd be okay. Maybe my dad was right. I'd be glad to see him go because it meant he'd take Viv with him. I crossed the yard, making my way to Professor Pops' house. I hoped he was home. I needed to explain the tea situation. Hopefully, he could get some more from Kenmei. Seconds after I knocked on the door, Bart answered. He wore dark jeans and a white button-down shirt. His blond hair was still a little damp, probably from a shower."Hey, Snow. Come on in.""Thanks." I stepped into the high-ceilinged foyer, admiring the enormous sparkling chandelier while he closed the door. "Is Professor Pops around? I need to talk to him.""Yep, in the kitchen. Don't freak out, but there's a m
"I've talked to her, Snow." Dorian's voice betrayed the sarcasm oozing over his words.His heart pounded - steady, but was it faster than usual? I wasn't sure. Taking a deep breath, I caught a whiff of his aftershave. He smelled good. Clean. Appealing.His blood sang me a sultry song. My mouth watered. I'll be fine, I told myself, covering my nose and mouth with my hand."You alright, Snow?" He glanced at me. His eyes full of concern."Sure. I rest my hand over my nose and mouth all the time," I mumbled, irritated.Illumination dilated his eyes. He knew what I needed, what I wanted. The way the muscles in his thighs and shoulders tensed told me as much.My face heated and I looked away, out the window at the houses and trees zipping by. "Snow, I told you if you ever needed blood, I'd gladly let you take from me." The car slowed, and he pulled over to the side of the road. He shut off the engine and scooted beside me. "Go ahead," he said, his voice soft. Shocked, I watched him,
Dorian had been right about Cindy. She was already in chemistry, sitting in her seat. She glanced up as I ambled past our table."Konnichiwa," she said.My eyebrows lifted in question, though for some reason I understood she'd said hello - good afternoon specifically - in Japanese. Ohayo gozaimasu meant good morning. My heart lurched with anxiety. Maybe the pendant?"That means hello in Japanese," she said, her face filled with pride. "I'm soooooo over French. The language is," she paused and shrugged before continuing, "boring."I hid a smile. Once the newness of a language wore off and started to get tricky, she moved on. "Hey, yourself," I responded. "What happened to you yesterday? I was worried." I sat on my stool. She looked irritated a moment but waved it off. "I had some stuff to do."I snorted, only slightly irritated. "Flirting with a boy kind of stuff?" I asked, pulling out my binder and book and flopping them on the table.She twirled some of her blond hair in her
After school, I went over to Dorian's locker to wait. Out of everyone, he was the one I felt most comfortable with, even with thoughts of sinking my teeth in his neck. He allowed me to be myself. He accepted me, liked me. And he wanted me to drink from him. My knees trembled."Snow. Can we talk?"My body tightened. The hall blurred. The angry craving for Cindy's blood once again boiled through my veins. I had to get out of there. "Go away, Cindy. I-I can't be around you right now." I took off down the hall, through the front commons area and out into the crisp fall air. I knew she followed. I'd zoned in on her heartbeat, the aroma of her blood. My canines pressed against my lips. I searched the parking lot for Dorian's car. The Mustang still sat in the same spot he'd parked in that morning. Relieved, I rushed over, hoping Dorian would come soon. When I arrived at the passenger door, I stopped. Trapped. Cindy stood a few feet away, her face screwed up with sadness. My hea