I didn't think so.After several moments I heard him suck in a breath."What? What's wrong?" I asked, trying to turn my head so that I could see him.One of his large hands appeared. Something was pinched between his thumb and first finger. I squinted, and suddenly my eyes adjusted like the lens on a microscope. A tiny arrow, no bigger than a sliver. "What. Is. That?""It's a pixie's arrow. The tip has been dipped in a toxin. I need to make a poultice to draw out the poison. The ingredients are nearby, but I'll be out of sight.""Don't go," I cried.He ran his hands through my wet hair. "You'll be safe here. Only a creature whose heart is pure can pass through the enchantments I've put around this place." He came near so that I could see him. "You'll be fine," he added."Where are we?" I asked, changing the subject, trying to keep him with me a little longer.Christopher's eyebrows furrowed in a way I was beginning to understand meant he was anxious."We are in Sharra, the realm of th

Suddenly the magazine flew out of his hand with a thwack, followed by the sounds of voracious laughter. Christopher's shoulders tensed, and he turned."What's the big idea?" he asked, and I perceived his barely contained rage.The large guy in the middle stepped forward, the others flanking him. There were five. Even in ghost form, my heart started pounding in my throat, making it difficult to understand what was said, but I gathered they wanted a fight. That didn't seem fair, five against one. The leader shoved Christopher, causing his shoulder to smack against the magazine rack. He righted himself and adjusted his shirt. The muscles in his shoulders relaxed, and he smirked. I knew that smirk."You'll pay for that," Christopher said quietly.The leader's mouth dropped. "I doubt it, dickhead.""How about we step outside and find out." Christopher's tone was smooth, in control. Did he understand what was happening? Did he want to fight them?Christopher looked seventeen or eighte

"Make yourself useful and feed my cat," I said in mock irritation. He quirked a brow. "Just don't go in my room," I added. "Fine. No snooping." He playfully swatted my butt. "Hurry. The sooner you get there, the sooner you'll be back."I yelped my cheeks hot. "Dude." I left, running at lightning speed over to Professor Pops' house without tripping once.***When I knocked on the door to Professor Pops' house, Daniel answered immediately. "Bout time, Snow. Gabe's been chomping at the bit.""Gabe?" I asked. Fear raced through me. "I-I thought Dorian was training me today.""Change of plans. You better get down there.""Right, thanks, Daniel." I hurried, jogging down the stairs and past the Museum of the Supernatural, into the room filled with weapons. Gabe's angry gaze found mine and slammed my feet to a stop."Where were you?" he demanded."Hey, chill, bossy pants. I'm here now," I said, releasing some nervous energy.His expression softened. "Sorry. I was worried." He held the long

"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

"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