Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. Because yeah, it was an excellent plan. She wouldnt get out of the car, of course. She wasnt that stupid. She would simply drive around, people-watchor rather, creature-watchand take notes. And, even better, she would take Penny with her as backup.
Yep. An excellent plan.
Mary Ann left her tank and jammie shorts on, and pulled on a long-sleeved shirt, jeans and a jacket. She anchored her hair in a ponytail, slipped on her tennies, grabbed her purse and stuffed her cell, keys and voice recordera gift from her dad to help her keep track of her thoughtsinside, then wrapped the long strap around her shoulder and hip.
Excited, nervous, she switched off her lamp, then arranged her bed to look like she was lying in it. At the rooms only window, she opened the glass and peered downdown. Her bedroom was upstairs, and there were no nearby trees to scale. Smart daddy, digging up her supposed only way down. But he hadnt been able to alter the shape of the roof. If she dropped a wee bit, she would hit the first story. From there, she could drop and roll to the soft grass below. Simple. Easy. Please be simple and easy. Shed never snuck out before. Never really broken any rules before. Now, she was breaking every single one of them. But this was a new world, she reminded herself, which meant new rules were needed. And the first new rule she was implementing was that the survival of her team was more important than curfew.
Dad would not agree, her conscience shouted.
Well, Dad didnt have all the facts.
Palms sweating, Mary Ann hoisted herself out. She maintained a somewhat steady grip on the ledge, allowing her legs to dangle. Deep breath in, deep breath out. The air was no longer layered with mist, but was chilled nonetheless.
She let go. Her feet hitthudand her knees buckled. She slid along the shingles before catching herself on the gutter, sprawled out, scratched and bruised. Well, more scratched and bruised. Her workout with Aden had left her unbelievably sore. And in places she hadnt even known she possessed!
She panted, grateful for the shadows as she waited for her dads light to turn on and his head to peek out his window. One minute passed, two. Her arms shook. There was nothing, no movement.
In the distance, several wolves howled.
She gulped. Riley? Had he spotted her?
Probably not, she quickly decided. He would have called her cell, texted her, something. So who did that leave? His brothers? She knew they were out there, patrolling the area and fighting goblins, but shed never met them. And if they had spotted her, they would have contacted Riley. Right? Right. So again, she would have been called or texted. That she hadnt been had to mean no one was watching her.
Okay. You can do this. Slowly, she inched her way over the final edge. The shaking in her arms intensified as she once again dangled. Had the first-story roof always been this high up? Couldnt have been. She would have noticed. Just do it.
Mary Ann let go and fell.
When she hit, her legs were jarred, her kneecaps slamming straight before bending. She flipped backward, rolling far more inelegantly than shed intended, air knocking from her lungs and dirt and grass filling her mouth.
Thank God she still hadnt eaten. She would have vomited for sure. But it was odd, her lack of appetite. More and more, she was actuallyrepulsed by food. The thought of it, the smell of it. Ick. Even odder, she wasnt weak from lack of nourishment.
Two days had passed. Shouldnt she be shaky?
Think about that later. She popped to her feet and stumbled next door to Pennys house, stopping at the large oak next to Pennys widow. Lucky.
Stars winked over Mary Anns eyes as she gathered a few small pebbles and tossed them. Clink. Clank. A moment passed. Nothing. How frustrating. Would people wake up if she shouted fire? Cause this was ridiculous.
Three more stones were needed before the glass rose and Penny stuck out her blond head. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and yawned as she searched the night for whatever had disturbed her. Her hair, usually straight and gleaming prettily, was in tangles around her face.
Her jaw dropped when she spotted Mary Ann. What are you doing? she whispered fiercely.
I need your help. Get dressed. And bring your keys. Theyd take her Mustang GT. Mary Ann was still saving to buy a car for herself.
Penny didnt ask any questions. She simply smiled, blue eyes gleaming, and nodded. Give me five, she said, and closed the window.
Mary Ann used the time to catch her breath. Her lungs were so grateful, they finally stopped burning. Then another howl rent the air, this one closer, and Mary Anns lungs were forgotten. She spun, nervously studying the gravel road, the homes, the trees. Leaves and branches rattled together as if somethingor someonewas out there, just waiting for snacktime.
Hurry up, Pen.
A few minutes later, the front door of the house squeaked open, then closed with a snap. Mary Ann whipped back around. And there was Penny, clad in one of her favorite baby doll dressespink with white laceflip-flops on her feet, hair straight and gleaming again, strolling forward without a care. As if they were headed to school. As if it wasnt beyond cold and close to midnight.
What are you doing? Mary Ann demanded quietly, racing over to her friend. A cloud of expensive perfume enveloped her. Your parents
Wont care, believe me. The shock of my new condition wore off and they gave me a pardon. Im no longer grounded for life. Besides, I rarely sleep anymore, so they hear me padding around the house at all hours. Sometimes I get bored and take off. She shrugged. No big. So where we going?
Lets get warm, then talk.
When they were situated inside the car, buckles in place, the engine revved and Lady Gaga blasted from the speakers. Penny turned down the volume and pulled out of the driveway.
Mary Ann said, Im sorry I woke you up. If Id known you were having problems sleeping, I would have
Penny laughed. No worries, girl. Ive been trying to begin your miseducation for years. The fact that you asked me to sneak out is priceless. So Ill ask again. Where we going?
Tri City.
Really? Why? Itll be dead this time of night.
Maybe. Maybe not. I just want to drive around and see if anyones out.
Try again. I dont believe you. Theres something elseexpecting someone in particular to be there? Someone like, oh, I dont know, the oh, so gorgeous Riley? The last was said in a sing-song voice. Cause hes the only person I can think of who could make Mary Contrary finally come out to play.
Mary Contrary, Pennys childhood nickname for her. And she had been. Very contrary. A bundle of energy her parents hadnt been able to tame. Until her momauntdied, and then Mary Ann had changed. Happy smilegone. Laughtergone. Wild spiritcrushed. In their place, a need to please her dad had grown. Shed become somber, a little withdrawn. Shed even developed a fifteen-year plan for her life. College, doctorate, internship, open up her own practice. Like her dad. Nowgoodbye, fifteen-year plan. She had no idea what shed do tomorrow, much less next year. And she was happy about that. Finally free.
Well? Penny prompted.
Mary Ann ignored the question. She didnt want to discuss Riley with Penny, and not because Penny had slept with Mary Anns last boyfriend. To her surprise, that was even less of an issue than it had been at lunch. She just, well, her feelings for Riley were so new, sointense. She could barely process them herself and didnt want anyone else trying to do so.
Is the baby keeping you up? she asked.
Probably, Penny replied, allowing the subject change without comment.
Any word from Tucker?
Her friends baby blues clouded over. Not a peep.
Tucker was a moron.
After the Vampire Ball, she, Aden, Riley and Victoria had taken him to a nearbyyet not too nearbyhospital for a much-needed transfusion. Earlier shed called his room to check on him and was told hed taken off. Now, he was out there somewhere, armed with knowledge that could be dangerous to her friends.
Had he told anyone that vampires were real? Riley had made him vow not toVictoria would have Voice Voodooed him, but vampire compulsion apparently didnt work on demonsand Tucker had seemed adamant in his agreement. But as Mary Ann well knew, Tucker was a very good liar. What was he doing? Where had he gone?
Howd Grant take the news? Grant was Pennys on-again off-again boyfriend. Currently off. Probably forever off now that Penny was pregnant with someone elses kid.
He wont speak to me. Unlike you, hes not forgiving.
Im sorry.
No big, she said again, but she couldnt mask the pain in her voice.
They were quiet the rest of the drive, each lost in her own thoughts. Finally, though, they reached their destination. Red brick building after red brick building came into view, some crumbling, some brand-new, but each spaced far enough apart to accommodate larger than necessary parking lots. The streets curved, lamps shining on each side. Every stoplight was currently green.
Not that traffic was moving. In fact, just the opposite.
Wow, Penny said. Gotta say, this is a little unexpected. Seriously. Is that Mr. Hayward, my Trig teach?
Probably. People were everywhere. Human and nonhuman, though an untrained eye wouldnt be able to tell the difference.
None of the stores were open, but that didnt matter to the loiterers. They had lawn chairs and beer coolers, and music blasted at full volumeall evidently encouraging a multitude of sins involving the removal of clothing. The lawn chairsmajor, grinding PDA. The coolersstripper platforms for some of the girls. The musicdancing that could double as sex.
Shocking. Mary Ann shook her head, rubbed her eyes, certain she was imagining things. This wasnt what shed expected, either. Everything was socollegiate. Well, her idea of collegiate, anyway. One big party, an orgy waiting to happen. Shouldnt creatures of myth and legend be a little moredignified?
Whats gotten into everyone and who are all those people? Penny asked, awed.
She ignored the first question, and answered the second. I have no idea. And technically, she didnt. Shed never been properly introduced to the creatures whod chosen to mingle with the humans.
Should I pull over?
Yeah, but park where we have a view of everyone but they dont have a view of us.
Penny pulled alongside Dairy Mart, killing the lights and immersing the car in shadows. She stopped, and Mary Ann scanned the crowd intently. At first glance, everyone appeared human, but shed already begun to make out the small differences.
There were a few vampires, their skin pale, their lips bloodred. They moved with ethereal grace, as if each step was a ballet. There were fairies, careful to remain a safe distance from the vampires, their skin glittering slightly in the moonlight. Plus, they were mouthwateringly gorgeous, each one of them. The shifters, like Riley, had a purposeful stride, their expressions hunterish, as if the entire world was their dinner buffet.
The otherworld, or whatever it was called, had fully descended on Crossroads, it seemed. And the humans were loving it, even though they had no idea what was truly going on. But
Witches, witches, where were the witches?
With witches, you must be careful, Victoria had once told her. They can smile while cursing you.
They could also cloak themselves in magic so that anyone who looked at them would see only an Average Jane, easily forgettable.
You have to train your eyes to see below the surface, Riley had explained.
Mary Ann found that she couldnt see below the surface, past the magical mask. Five minutes later, she realized she didnt need to. She saw a figure she recognized and gasped.
What? Penny demanded.
Nothing, nothing. A lie without guilt. This is just weird, thats all. Truth.
I know. Totally weird.
One of the witches who had issued the death curse stood under a streetlamp, golden light flooding her. Long blond hair curled over a shoulder, vivid against the darkness of her coat. A breeze had kicked up, blowing the hood of that coat back to reveal her lovely, familiar face. She hadnt worn a mask before, and she wasnt wearing one now, her dark eyes watching the surrounding chaos with disdain.
Have you ever seen that girl? she asked Penny, pointing.
Pretty, but no. Have you?
Maybe, she hedged. Full disclosure wasnt an option. First, Mary Ann needed to gain Riley and Victorias permission. Otherwise, they might want to kill her friend to keep her from talking. Although, really. The secret was pretty much out. How could it not be? Mr. Klien, her stodgy chemistry teacher, was flirting with a scantily clad woman whose body was covered in odd tattoos.
Can I be honest with you? Penny asked suddenly.
Please. Just dont expect the same from me.
This is creeping me out. But should we, I dont know, join them? Act like cute little detectives and find out whats going on?
No!
Okay, okay. Bad suggestion. Penny rubbed her slightly rounded belly. They just look like theyre having so much fun, and I feel like Ive been without fun forever. Her tone was wistful. So whats the plan? Just sit here and watch them?
Yep. When the police arrive to arrest everyone in the vicinity for indecent exposure, she said, thinking fast, well have a better chance of getting away if were in the car.
Uh, Mary Ann? I hate to disappoint you, but the police are already here. See the potbellied man twirling his shirt in the air? Thats Officer Swanson.
Were still staying here. Bottom line, she wasnt going to put her friend in danger. The creatures seemed to be behaving themselves, not hurting anyone, but that could change in a blink. And what if someone sensed the baby Penny carried had a demon father? What then? Would they want to spill Pennys blood? Would they want to destroy the baby?
She shuddered. One thing she knew: different mythological species were at war. Like vampires and fairies. And she had no idea which species liked demons and which didnt.
Fine. Well solve the mystery from here, Penny said, unable to hide her disappointment. Detective Hot Pants reporting for duty.
Good. Welcome to the team. Kind of.
Except, only a few minutes later, Penny grumbled, This sucks. Im officially bored. Theyre still having fun, and were still sitting here watching.
Sorry. Five minutes, and then well head home. I promise. So far, shed learned nothing new.
Crap! Did the witch come here every night? Was there a party every night? If so, shed have to nab the woman in front of a thousand potential witnesses.
So what was the best way to abduct someone from this crowded a place? she wondered. The answers slid into place as easily as if shed been a criminal her entire life. First order of business would be noise control. A scream would draw all kinds of notice.
Second order of business would be carrying the resistant or unconscious body through the masses. Again, without drawing all kinds of notice. Third order would be storing their cargo after the kidnapping.
As her mind pondered the options and subsequent consequences, a stream of something warm rushed through Mary Ann. Her skin tingled, and her stomach growled. In seconds, that something soothed her, intensifying the tingle yet chasing the growl away, and she savored the sensations, wanting more, needing more, warm, so warm. Frowning, she pulled herself from her thoughts. What the
The witch was striding toward Pennys car, she realized, her steps intent.
Go, she shouted, slapping the dashboard. Go now!
What? Why?
Move!
Penny threw the car in Reverse and stepped on the gas. Tires screeched. Gravel sprayed. The car snaked a corner, and Mary Ann thudded against her window. They straightened out, speeding down the road, the crowded square soon becoming a distant speck in the rearview mirror.
Only problem? Two wolves were now running alongside themand neither was Riley. One had white fur, like snow, and the other brown and red. Friends? Enemies? There was no time to reason it out. The farther down the road they went, the farther away the wolves edged from the car. Finally, Mary Ann couldnt see them at all.
Okay. What was that about? Penny demanded, out of breath though theyd done nothing physical.
II dont know, she lied. Damn it! Had she blown everything? Probably. Now the witches knew shed been there, watching. What was the chance the witch would return tomorrow?
She sighed, trying not to despair. Guess shed find out. After she told Riley, Aden and Victoria what shed done and they lectured her for her stupidity, of course.
Penny was right. This sucked.
NINE
WITH HER HEAD HELD HIGH, Victoria led Aden down a longlongline of richly dressed vampires. He saw black velvet robes draping the females, jewels of every color sewn into the fabric, and silk shirts and pants on the men. There was a sweet perfume coating the air, a scent that thickened as he made his way up a dais, where a throne of the deepest ebony rested. A scent that thankfully canceled out his perfume.
Weird symbols were etched over every inch of the throne, symbols that seemed to hum with power, enveloping him as he sat, then holding him in place as if manacles encircled his wrists and ankles.
Victoria placed herself at his right and Riley his left, and the line started moving forward. Introduction after introduction was made. Male, female, young, old. Too many names and faces to remember, especially in his current, foggy condition.
Some regarded him hopefully, some with disdain. Some looked past him to the large tapestry that hung along the wall. He didnt have to turn to know what image was woven there; it was burned into his mind forever. In it, Vlad the Impaler viciously fought an angry, determined mob. They had pitchforks; he had a bloody sword. At his sides were countless pikeseach with a human head perched at the top. Was that what these vampires would expect from Aden?
Most likely. He should care, he thought. Just then, he cared about nothing.
As the introductions continued, he found himself tuning out the voices and studying his surroundings. Even without Elijah, Julian and Caleb tossing out their opinions about everything every few seconds, Aden was still distracted, unable to concentrate. A long red carpet stretched from the dais to the front double doors. The same swirling symbols that decorated the throne also decorated the carpet.
There were no lamps present, only elaborate candela-bras that produced flickering golden flames and ribbons of black smoke. On each side of the room were, strangely enough, stone stepsor bleachersbroken only by the four round columns stretching to the domed ceiling. They led to a platform where uniformed guards stood, swords strapped to their sides.
Humans sat on the steps. He knew they were humans because their skin ranged in color, from slightly tanned to darkest of mocha. Plus, their facial features lacked the perfection of the vampires. They, too, wore robes, though theirs were bereft of both jewels and sleeves. Easier access to their pulse points that way, Aden supposed. And he didnt have to ask them if they wanted to be here. They were watching the vamps with unabashed longing in their eyes.
Blood-slaves, he thought then. Victoria had once told him that humans quickly became addicted to a vampires bite. Aden hadnt believed her at the time. He believed her now. Since then, shed bitten him twice and each time had beenheaven. Her teeth produced some sort of chemical or drug that numbed a humans skin, then sweetly burned their blood.
And finally, Victoria said from beside him, returning his thoughts to the present, Im pleased to introduce you to my sisters.
Theyd reached the end of the line already? How long had he been casing the room?
The first, she continued, is the Princess Stephanie.
A beautiful blonde stepped forward and inclined her head in greeting. Like the others, she wore a robe. Until she reached up and pushed the material from her shoulders, and the thing whooshed to the floor, pooling at her feet. She lifted her chin, practically daring him to object. At least shed had clothing on underneath the robe. Now she wore a black T-shirt with a jewel-studded rainbow in the centerthe makeup on her face matched perfectlyas well as black jeans and bright red boots that hit her knees.
When he said nothing about her wardrobe switch, she relaxed.
As she chewed her gum, her green gaze roved over him. Cute, she announced. And oh, baby doll, you do give off a powerful vibe, dont you? Makes me want to touch you.
With your teeth, Id bet. Uh, thank you, he said. Everyone else had said only My king or nothing at all. Well, the ones he remembered. Please dont be offended, but Im asking that younot.
She grinned, as noncommittal as possible. So youre the one who defeated Dmitri, huh?
Looks like. While fists had pounded and blades had slashed, he hadnt known this was what awaited him if he succeeded. If he had No, he thought then. No matter what, he would have done what hed done. His instincts had taken over, and hed wanted only to eliminate the person who had hoped to eliminate Riley and Mary Ann. And okay, fine, hed also wanted to destroy the guy who planned to marry Victoria.
Stephanie arched a brow. So how do you expect to rule us, human boy?
Human boy. He shrugged; hed been called worse. I honestly dont know.
She offered him another grin. Honesty. I like that. Its different.
Vlad had lied to his daughters? About what?
So, listen, she said. Id really love totoast your victory. What do you say we
Victoria stiffened, even grabbed his arms in a protective gesture. Riley, who stood at his other side, merely chuckled.
We do not drink from our king, Victoria said stiffly.
What? Shed planned to toast his victory by using his neck as a juice box?
Stephanie tossed up her arms. Ever?
Correct, Riley said.
Scarlet lips turned down, the lower one sticking slightly out. Her shoulders sagged. Fine, then, but I have other questions for our future king. Like
Now isnt the time for that, and you know it, Riley interjected gently. Later, princess.
A moment passed in silence. Then another, Fine. But I will ask my questions soon. Theyre important.
Riley didnt back down. Im sure they are. As for now, goodbye.
In a huff, Stephanie picked up her discarded robe, swung around and stomped out of the room. A door slammed.
Only one person remained in the line. The other sister, he thought, her delicate face somehow familiar to him.
Victoria motioned her forward. This is the Princess Lauren.
The cool blonde with the crystal eyes inclined her head in greeting. Like Stephanie, she had ditched the traditional robe. Unlike Stephanie, she wore a skintight black leather half top and matching pants. She had real barbed wire wrapped around her wrists and weapons strapped all over her body.
So you are Aden Stone, the human Ive heard so much about. I admit theres a draw to you, as Stephanie said, but youre nothing like my father.
He inclined his head in acknowledgment. Thank you.
That wasnt a compliment, you idiot!
He shrugged. She said tomato; he said suck it.
Her eyes narrowed. Like my little sister, I have questions, human. Unlike my sister, I expect, no, I demand answers this night.
King, Riley snapped at her. My king. Thats how you will address him from this moment on.
Her chin rose, though she never removed her attention from Aden. In thirteen days, Ill call him king. Until then
For a moment, Aden thought she might be considering unsheathing one of her blades and tossing it at his heart, and a cold sweat broke out over his skin. Not a stabbing. Not again.
But she remained in place and said, Besides, I havent decided to follow him.
Riley descended the dais to stand just in front of her, nose-to-nose. Is that a challenge?
Above, the guards with the swords appeared ready to pounce. On Aden, Riley or Lauren, he wasnt sure. Enough, Aden said, not knowing what else to do. I am not king. I dont want to be king. But something had to be done. Well argue about this later. As for now, glad as I am to meet a member of Victorias family, the introductions are over. You may go. Did that sound kingly enough?
Surprisingly, yes. With a stiff nod and murderous glare, Lauren spun on her heel and stalked from the chamber. Once again, the door slammed shut. He noticed the humans were gone, too. Hed never heard them leave, but theyd somehow silently melted away.
What now? he asked, standing. Dizziness swept through him, and he had to grip the throne arm to remain upright. Just how long had he been sitting down?
Theres a reception in your honor. Victoria smoothed the hair from his brow, the caress gentle, warm. Are you all right?
No. Yes. Maybe. What time is it?
Almost three.
Hed been here for four hours, then. And in three more hours, he would have to wake up to get ready for school. I have to return to the ranch soon. Weve got school tomorrow, and I cant miss again. He knew she could fix things with her voice, making everyone think he was there when he wasnt, but he wanted to go. Hed had to fight to be able to attend, and he wasnt going to waste the opportunity to learn, to better himself.
Yeah, hed probably sleep through every class, because even now, he fought a yawn, but hed still go. Maybe the lessons would sink into his subconscious.
Just a little while longer, then Ill take you home. Her palms flattened on his shoulders before sliding around to cup the back of his neck. She pressed herself against him. I promise.
Did she plan to kiss him? Theyd kissed before, but only gently, and not for nearly long enough. Hed wanted more then and despite his condition, he knew hed want more now. Hed want her tongue, her taste and her teeth.
A minute ticked by, then another, but she merely held him. He tried not to wallow in disappointment. At least he cared about something now, he mused.
This whole place is a stereotype, you know that? he said in an attempt to distract himself. All this black. The robes. The creep factor.
Father loved stereotypes. Loved playing to them.
Her father. There was something Aden should know about the man, he thought, something he needed to tell herbut again, he could think of nothing. Why did he love playing to them?
One of her shoulders lifted in a delicate shrug. People who encounter us think were merely humans pretending to be vampires. Were considered weird, but we arent considered a threat.
He understood. Weirdos were avoided, left alone. Threats were hunted, eliminated.
The same could be said of you right now, Aden Stone. Amusement layered her tone. My people consider you weird rather than a threat.
And how do you know that?
No one tried to kill you.
True, he said with a smile.
And Im proud of you, you know, she said huskily, gaze dropping to his lips, then his neck.
Was she thirsty? Please
Riley coughed.
They ignored him.
Praise had always been a rare commodity in Adens life, and he soaked hers up. In the institutions, the doctors had merely questioned him and the other patients had been wrapped up in their own problems. In foster homes, neither the well-meaning nor the uncaring parents had known how to deal with him, had even feared him. At the ranch, the other kids had ridiculed him at first.
Youre not embarrassed that Im a weak human? he asked her. Because he knew, even if she wouldnt admit it, that thats how her people saw him. Would probably always see him.
She countered with a question of her own. Youre not embarrassed that Im a bloodthirsty fiend? Even as she spoke, her gaze returned to the pulse at the base of his neck, which was hammering wildly. She licked her lips.
Is my fiend thirsty now?
No, she croaked, arms falling away. She stepped backward, adding distance between them.
Liar, he said, but didnt push. She refused to drink from him because she didnt want to turn him into a blood-slave. He understood, but he hated the thought of her beautiful mouth on anyone else.