Blood and Snow 9: Love Bleeds

  “Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night. Drink your true love’s blood, become the Vampire, Snow White.”

  Praise for the Blood and Snow series:

  “The modern twist on the Snow White fairy tale was interesting and original, which isn't easy to find these days. Highly recommended.” Sarra Cannon, bestselling author of the Peachville High Demons series

  “This book will definitely suck you in (no pun intended) instantly.” Anthony

  "BLOOD AND SNOW draws you in from the very beginning and never let's you go, only to leave you anticipating more! Loved it. Can't wait for volume 2." Debbie Davis from Debbie's Inkspectations

  "This is a fun, smart, and sexy read!" Elizabeth Mueller, award winning YA author of Darkspell

  “I definitely look forward to more, and recommend this to anyone who likes a fairy tale with a twist.” Kay Glass

  “If you enjoy vampires and fractured fairy tales you'll enjoy these quick reads!” Laura Pauling, author of the Circle of Spies series

  “Best books that I have read!” Mercedez

  Main Menu

  Start Reading

  Afterword

  Additional Works by RaShelle Workman

  Indelible Authors

  About the Author

  Contact Information

  Copyright Information

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  I believed everything happened for a reason. After my mother died, that belief gave me hope, a life raft in a sea of pain. I convinced myself that maybe she was needed in the after-life, or that she was happier there—wherever there was.

  Of course doubts existed.

  Whispers within, telling me life was random, and a mishmash of messy people trying to get through each day the best they could. But I fought those thoughts, determined to imagine a purpose grew from the ugliness.

  When I saw Christopher standing in the doorway, my first thought was:

  What the hell is he thinking?

  My second: There’s a purpose.

  More than ever, I wanted to trust that principle.

  Everything happens for a reason.

  Gabe drew a sword from his back. “You’re not welcome, vampire.”

  I flinched. He might just as easily be talking about me. I was a vampire too. Did Gabe no longer welcome me? Were we not at least friends anymore?

  Christopher’s eyes flicked from mine to Gabe’s and then back again. “I had to make sure I sensed the change in Snow correctly. That she was, in fact, awake.” He nodded, a smile lighting his beautiful eyes though it didn’t reach his lips.

  I smiled in response, flipping the covers off, sending my birthday cake to the floor. It splattered, icing going in all directions. The cake was red velvet. It would ruin the white carpet. But I couldn’t worry about that at the moment. The furious energy sizzling and snapping through the room had to be calmed.

  The last time I saw Christopher, he was in what looked like a white casket, covered by a glass lid. The Vampire Queen had him, and had sworn she wouldn’t release him until I gave her the Seal of Gabriel.

  While my mind was with Silindra, I heard Christopher tell me Sharra freed him. It was good to see him. He looked amazing.

  “I’m so glad you’re okay.” I stepped over the fallen cake, realizing I wore nothing but the nightgown. Crossing my arms, I continued, “I thought Sharra, I mean the Vampire Queen intended to kill you.” I hesitated, watching Professor Pops pick up the broken cake. “Sorry,” I said.

  “No worries.” Bart came over with a trashcan and a towel. He and Sebastian helped Professor Pops toss pieces of the cake in the garbage.

  It was instinct to want to help them clean, but I was desperate to get closer to Christopher. He told me I saved him. I glanced at his neck. The bear he carved before he was killed, and then turned into a vampire, hung at the V of his white, button-down shirt. Defined muscles shone through the light material.

  “She should’ve killed him, done us all a favor,” Gabe said, moving toward my Hunter.

  “Gabe, stop,” I cried, forgetting my state of undress and stepping between the guys and Christopher. “I-I want him here.”

  Chapter 2

  Gabe snorted. “We wouldn’t be having this conversation if he hadn’t Marked you, bit you.” I glanced into each of the brother’s eyes, as well as Professor Pops. They all appeared to share Gabe’s opinion. Except Pops. His expression was unreadable.

  “Okay, I get that,” I glanced at Christopher, trying to figure out his intentions. Did he have a death wish? He carried no weapon. He looked like a regular teenager coming home from school. Black, lace-up boots. Dark jeans. A black belt with a silver buckle. His white shirt tucked in. “He doesn’t have a weapon. He didn’t come for a fight.” I turned and gave Gabe a hard look. “Do not hurt him.” The Seal of Gabriel burned within. I recognized its power and shivered. I wasn’t sure what it meant. But I realized with the power I possessed, I could hurt someone.

  Or help, my inner voice said.

  “He doesn’t need one, Snow. He is weapon enough.” Professor Pops rolled his shoulders, wiping his cake-covered hands on the towel. When he finished, he tossed it to Salvatore, who chucked the towel in a black hamper. It was inconspicuously placed near the bathroom door.

  It was one of those surreal moments, like watching everything and everyone around me in slow motion. Professor Pops, though old, still moved with lithe precision. He was a Hunter. He’d worked for the Vampire Queen. Professor Pops probably knew better than anyone what Christopher had to be going through.

  Christopher smirked. The Religions Professor and the Hunter were calling each other out.

  “Unbelievable,” I muttered, lifting one hand in the direction of Pops and the brothers, and the other at Christopher. “Stay where you are, all of you,” I hollered, twisting my head back and forth, hoping my voice sounded firmer than I felt. My palms crackled, the Seal’s power desperate to be released. “I mean it!”

  Gabe, and Christopher must’ve noticed. Some of the fight left them, and Gabe put away his sword.

  Professor Pops took a step back. “Calm down, Snow. Nothing is going to happen,” he said softly.

  Sighing, I said, “You’re right, because we’re going to settle a few things right this second.”

  Salvatore, Sebastian, Bart, and Dorian got off the bed, and stood next to Heathcliff, Daniel, and Professor Pops. Gabe was closest to me, and he nodded. I glanced at Christopher. He leaned against the door, glaring at Gabe. “Sheesh, there is way to much testosterone in this room.”

  Cindy brushed past Christopher and ran, slamming into me with a bear hug. “Snow. I’m so glad you’re awake. Grandmother’s spell worked.”

  I wrapped my arms around her, taking in the smell of her heady perfume. “What spell?” I asked quietly.

  “The one Gram showed me how to place over you so I’d know when you woke.” She stood back, placing her hands on my arms. Tears ran from her eyes. “You’re back, and you look…” She examined me. When her eyes reached mine, they were filled with horror. “You realize I can see right through that gown, don’t you?” She turned so her back was to me, trying to cover me. “Pervs,” she shouted. “Get out. The girl needs some clothes.”

  I remembered my state of undress and covered myself with my arms. “Everyone sit and I’ll be right back.” I grabbed hold of Cindy’s shoulders, and turned her like she was my shield, or the look scope on a submarine. “Any idea where my clothes are?” I whispered.

  She shook her head. But I heard movement, and watched Dorian go to the dresser. He proceeded to pull out a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, a pair of matching socks, and underwear… to which I blushed. He handed
them to me.

  “Your Converse are in the closet next to the bathroom, right over there.” He cleared his throat, working to keep his eyes off my body. I followed the finger he’d pointed and noticed the closed door, and next to that a rounded archway, which I guessed was the closet.

  “Okay. Thank you.” I smiled shyly.

  Cindy and I moved to the bathroom while the guys muttered, and shuffled as they found seats.

  “Hey?” I stopped. I really wanted a shower. It’d been two years. Who took care of my body while my mind was with Silindra? I shuddered, and flushed. But as badly as I wanted a shower, it was important I speak with Professor Pops, the guys, and Christopher, before they killed each other.

  Cindy wrinkled her nose. “I understand, and I’m on it.” She left the bathroom shouting, “All of you, get out! Wait downstairs. Snow needs a shower.”

  Mumbling complaints filtered through the door and I smiled.

  Cindy knew me too well.

  I turned on the water and slipped out of the nightgown.

  There was a knock on the door. Before I responded, Cindy hollered through the door. “They’re gone. I’m going to work on the cake stain on the carpet. Let me know when you’re done.”

  “Alright. I’ll hurry.”

  Chapter 3

  “I dressed in a flurry, nervous about leaving the guys alone. Clothes on, I went to the full-sized mirror, next to the double sinks, to check the state of my hair. I hadn’t seen myself in a mirror for two years.

  I looked like me, but different too. My hair was long, hanging almost to my waist. My face was more angular. The girls were more filled out. The shirt Dorian picked out hugged them and the rest of me. Red words were written on it. Reading them made me giggle. Inside a large red box said, “WARNING: I Bite.” In between “warning” and “I bite” was a smile with two fangs and blood dripping off the teeth.

  “I can’t wear this,” I said, noticing my cheeks were flushed. For some reason the idea of biting Dorian sent butterflies low in my belly.

  Cindy knocked.

  “Come in.”

  “You look amazing,” Cindy said. I watched her read the shirt. “That’s hilarious. I love it.” She laughed.

  I regarded her, stepping back, really checking her out. She’d changed. Her blond hair was shorter, but she was curvier, if that was possible, and elongated. Beautiful. She had on a light pink mini skirt with thick white tights, and black boots that reached her knees. Over a white tank, she had on a bubblegum pink cashmere sweater. In her hair, she wore a plain, silky black ribbon. Her clothes weren’t quite as flashy. Still beautiful and perfectly styled, but subdued. “So do you,” I responded, turning to hug her. It was so good to see her.

  We broke apart, and Cindy sniffled.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Merde,” she swore in French, dabbing at her eyes. “There’s something I need to tell you. It’s about me… and Gabe.” She looked down, fiddling with one of the buttons on her sweater.

  I grabbed her hands. “I know. I heard you. It’s—” I paused to really consider my feelings. Yes, I loved Gabe. He was special to me. My first crush, my first love. I should’ve been more upset. Gabe and I, we’d considered going all the way. He’d touched me in a way no other boy had. He’d said he loved me, disobeyed his father for me… because of the way he felt about me. Pain shot through my body. I’d killed his father—Oberon. Whether I had feelings for him or not, Oberon’s death would always stand between us.

  I swallowed, planting a smile on my lips. It was better for everyone if Cindy and Gabe were together. Shaking her hands, I said, “It’s okay. Really. I’m happy for the two of you. A powerful witch and a chayot—what a combination.”

  She glanced up, worry etched along her brow. “I think I love him, Snow.”

  Her words were like a knife in my heart. “Well, then he better be sweet to you. Treat you like the amazing girl you are.” I grabbed a brush from the bathroom counter. I didn’t want her to see I was emotional. Even though I knew the two of them together was for the best, the idea of Gabe kissing someone else hurt. “I need a haircut.”

  She took the brush, and carefully ran it through my wet hair. “A trim, I think. Maybe some blond highlights,” she said gently.

  I watched her reflection. Our matching baby blues met in the mirror. It was obvious she felt bad about her and Gabe. Not bad enough to stop seeing him, but at least conflicted. I sighed. “No to the highlights.”

  She laughed. “You’re right. You’re hair’s perfect. Sit, and I’ll braid it.” I sat in an ornately cut wooden chair with a tight padded seat cut from the same material as the couch in the bedroom.

  A change of subject was in order. “This is Professor Pops house, right?” Without moving my head I glanced around the bathroom—the walk-in shower made of slate tiles accented with white shells. The bathroom walls were pinstriped white and pearl white. Large red towels hung on a heated towel rack next to the shower. Matching hand towels hung to either side of the double sinks set in a black marbled countertop. The toilet was behind its own door, which was closed. A large tub with silver jets was under a window. Next to the tub was a tall white shelf filled with extra towels, bath salts, bubbles, and other toiletries.

  “Yeah.” She wrapped the ends of my hair in an elastic. “How about some red?” Without waiting for a response, she tapped my hair, and said a word I’d never heard before. “Rubios.”

  There was a slight tingle at my scalp.

  “There. All done.”

  “Thanks.” I went to the sink, and brought my braid over a shoulder. One of the three sections was red. The end of my braid rested just above my waist.

  Two years, I thought.

  Out loud, I said, “Cool.” I picked up a red toothbrush, thinking everyone was overdoing the whole red-is-my-new-favorite-color comment.

  “Right,” she said, grasping my braid and flopping it on my back. “Love the shirt, too,” she said with a chuckle.

  I snorted. “Yeah, Dorian’s a comedian.”

  She wiggled her brows. “So, do you prefer drinking from guys, girls, or um, does it matter?”

  Chapter 4

  I squeezed some toothpaste on my toothbrush. Of course it mattered. I’d rather eat regular food than drink from Cindy. I didn’t know if it was the kind of magic in her blood, or what. Silindra hadn’t been able to stand dragon blood, elf blood, or troll blood. Maybe I was as picky about my blood as I’d been with food. I didn’t need to tell Cindy that though. She might take my revulsion to her blood personally, and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

  Shrugging, I said, “Both are good.” I shoved the toothbrush between my teeth, lathering my mouth with bubbles.

  Her eyes grew big. “Really?”

  I nodded, spit, and rinsed.

  “But…” She wrapped a hand around her neck.

  “You’re safe,” I said, flipping off the bathroom light.

  She inhaled ragged breath. “Okay, good.”

  I hid a smile.

  “This used to be Dorian’s room. Remember?” Cindy flourished her hands toward the bedroom walls, and continued, “Everything used to be covered in Patriots paraphernalia. The walls were a different color. Also, it smelled like dirty socks and,” she paused waving a hand in front of her nose, “dude sweat.”

  I smiled, spinning in a slow circle, seeing the room the way it used to be. Of course I remembered. I spent the night here after I was bitten.

  An ache formed in my throat.

  Gabe, I thought, but shook thoughts of him away.

  He was the leader of the chayot. He was supposed to kill me, but went against his father. Then I killed Oberon, his biological father. An unforgiveable sin.

  Whether Gabe forgave me or not, I would do everything in my power to protect him—those I loved, from the Vampire Queen.

  Sharra’s words …“Stay asleep, Snow. Because if you wake, I’ll hunt down, and destroy everyone you care about, starting with that dimwitted c
hild leader you call Gabe. That’s right, dear one. I’ll kill him first.” …

  Her threats lit my veins with worry.

  “Snow?” Cindy touched my arm, bringing me from my reverie.

  “Before all the Patriots décor, he was way into astronomy. A large telescope used to stand in front of that window. When we were little, the guys and me stayed up late to check out the constellations. We saw lots of shooting stars.” I edged the bed, stepping over the red velvet cake stain on the carpet.

  “Yeah, I’m sure when you were around it was all about the stars. After you went home…” Cindy let her words trail off.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, peering back.

  She gave me a look, one that said, duh. “They’re boys, and Dorian had a telescope. I’m guessing they checked out the neighbors… probably even you.”

  “What? No they didn’t.” I walked over to the window, touching the glass. It was cold against my warm fingers, and my fingertips left foggy prints. Outside, the sky shone bright blue. All the trees stood stark and bare, like knotted appendages.

  Cindy edged beside me, and pointed. I knew before she said anything the direction she was headed. Her breath clouded the glass. “Yep, there’s your house. And I believe that’s your room.”

  I followed her gaze. “They wouldn’t do that.”

  “Um, yeah they would.”

  “But only in the winter. When leaves are on the trees his view is blocked.” I said the words, but a flush ran the length of my body. I thought about whether I’d changed or done anything embarrassing with my curtains opened. At the moment my room was dark, making it difficult to see inside. But I wondered how the view changed with my bedroom light on. “No way,” I added.

  “Tell yourself what you need to.” She went to the bed. “Abreegis. Totalis.” The covers and pillows organized themselves. The comforter had cake crumbs on it, and Cindy bent over, wiping them off. “Ta. Da.” She had a please smirked on her lips.