Queen of the Vampires: Snow White Reimagined with Vampires and Dragons (Seven Magics Academy Book 3) Page 2

  “Damn right I am,” he said softly, his voice teasing. He kissed my cheek, allowing his lips to linger.

  Electricity danced along my skin at the feel of his breath on my face. His neck was so close to my mouth. I grabbed hold of his jacket and twisted his coat into fists, pulling him closer, his blood calling.

  “You want me?” he said, finding my gaze and holding it.

  I smiled, exposing my extended fangs; his eyes widened as his heart began to race.

  “Right here?” he asked, pulling me against him.

  I grazed him with my teeth, enjoying the feel of his skin beneath them. The vein pulsed faster and faster. I sank my teeth into him, and he groaned quietly. When I began to suck, I felt his body tense but in a different way than when Sharra was here.

  “That feels so good,” he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear, sending tingles along my veins.

  He tasted so good, like love and light and goodness. I reached the count of ten and had to use all of my willpower to pull away, casually licking the wound closed.

  “Get a room,” someone yelled.

  I smiled shyly as Dorian studied me. “I want to kiss you,” he said.

  In that moment, I wanted that too, but I knew it was mostly blood lust and the physical hunger. I still had feelings for Christopher. Complicated, lustful feelings I was still trying to work out. Since waking, I drank from the hunter more than once and we kissed several times. His kiss didn’t wake me from the enchanted sleep the Seal placed on me, but I thought it was stupid to worry about such things. I woke from the two year sleep on my own, so the true love’s kiss thing was probably just bunk. Christopher was special to me and I wouldn’t kiss someone else while I still considered myself bound to him. I licked my lips and shook my head. “I can’t.”

  “Christopher,” he said, straightening, and looking away.

  “Sorry, Dorian.” How could I explain that I thought I loved Christopher, but I also had tender and sweet feelings for Dorian, too, not to mention whatever I still felt for Gabe? I didn’t want to make the wrong move, which meant I was doing everything wrong. I sighed.

  “Don’t’ worry about it.” He put a respectful distance between our bodies, and I immediately missed his nearness. But it was for the best.

  The rest of the night we did our best to have fun. Dorian was easy to talk to. He told me about college and his classes and the parties he went to. It seemed like he was having a great time there and I suddenly wondered if I was too childish for him. His life sounded so grown up and I was still just a high school girl.

  At the end of the night, he walked me to my room. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you so much for taking me to the dance. I had a lot of fun.” My belly ached with wanting him, more of his blood, and to know what his lips tasted like, but I didn’t give in to the temptation. I had enough problems without making a mistake like that. “Goodnight.”

  “Night, Snow.”

  I watched him walk to his room and disappear behind the door. With my supernatural hearing I heard him sigh, then proceed to get undressed before getting into the shower. Inside my closet, I took off my dress and changed into PJs before washing my face.

  When I climbed into bed, Gatsby was there, purring quietly on the end like old times. He returned a few days ago and we made up. I scratched his head between his ears. “Night, Gatsby.”

  He opened his eyes, blinked once before curling into a tighter ball and going back to sleep.

  Chapter 3

  The next day Christopher came by the house, but instead of heading straight for me, he winked before going to Professor Pops’ study. I followed, but I wasn’t able to hear what was said and figured his office was probably spelled against eavesdropping.

  At least until Professor Pops raised his voice. “Fine, but if anything happens to her, I will hunt you down and finish what the vampire queen started.”

  I felt my eyes grow wide, and contentment filled my heart. I was so loved. It was a feeling I cherished beyond belief.

  “If anything happens to her, I’ll expect nothing less,” Christopher answered.

  Those two and their testosterone filled bullheadedness. Sheesh!

  Christopher yanked open the door to the study, nearly running me over. When he saw me, his face lit up. “Hey,” he whispered, taking my hand in his. “I want to take you away for the weekend—just the two of us. What do you think?”

  Him and I alone? The idea sounded exciting, but it also made me nervous. We hadn’t gone all the way, but once we did, and he possessed me in every way, would he still want me? I needed to speak with Cindy. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that next step, with him or anyone.

  “Snow?” Christopher lifted my chin with a finger, his beautiful eyes searching my face. “If you don’t want to go, we don’t have to. I just thought…” He trailed off, and drew me to his chest, his muscled arms encircling me. “I love you, Snow. More than I believed possible, more than I’ve ever loved anyone. If you need time, you can have it.” His words came out anguished and I wondered what happened in his life that made him hurt so much.

  I met his gaze. “I love you, too.” Even as I said the words, I knew my love for him wasn’t the kind poems were written about, but that was okay. I was young. There was no doubt I loved his blood and kissing him. Maybe the rest would grow with time. “And I do want to go away with you.” I traced the outline of his chest muscles through his black button up shirt. “But not yet. I promised Cindy we could hang out today. I need a little time to talk to her and then we can go.”

  I watched different emotions flicker across his features and heard a low rumble in the back of his throat. “Whenever you’re ready.” He smiled, but it was more than that. It was a seductive promise.

  I worked to contain my lust. “Can’t wait.”

  He pressed his lips to mine. Gently at first, caressing. I opened my mouth and he deepened the kiss. In an instant our kiss changed from sweet to sexy. His hunger for me flickered low in my belly and I almost changed my mind. Cindy would get over it. When his lips left mine, he blazed a trail from my chin to my jaw and down my throat. “See you soon?”

  Professor Pops’ voice broke the spell. “Can the two of you move away from my office? The farther the better, please. I’ve got work to do.”

  I nodded, mortified, and cleared my throat, covering my mouth with my hands. “Sorry, Professor.” I grabbed Christopher’s hand and we ran down the hall, through the kitchen and to the front door. My thoughts were conflicted. When his lips were on mine, our bodies touching, I didn’t want to stop, but I couldn’t allow myself to move to the next level of intimacy either. I wasn’t ready.

  Christopher watched my face, his eyes dancing with amusement. “I know you’re confused, your body telling you one thing and your mind saying something else. And that’s why I’m going to leave. Make it easy on you, because I want you certain. I want your body and your mind on the same page.” He opened the door. “No regrets,” he said, tapping me lightly on the nose. “I’ll see you later.”

  I nodded, tears filling my eyes. No idea why. “’Kay.”

  Chapter 4

  As soon as he left, I grabbed a jacket. I needed to talk to Cindy, and I couldn’t wait until she came over. If this going all the way business was going to happen, I needed her input.

  I kept my purple Schwinn; sure, I could’ve vampired myself to Cindy’s house, but I liked bike riding. Pedaling and the wind against my skin allowed my mind to mull over my problems. On the ride over, a million different worries ran through my head—school, Sharra, Dorian, Silindra, Christopher, Cindy and Gabe. I almost turned around, realizing I hadn’t told Professor Pops about seeing Sharra, but I figured Dorian would have, and if the professor had thought it was urgent, he would’ve said something.

  Instead, I kept pedaling, turning my focus to Cindy and Gabe. My feelings for Gabe would always be special, but I didn’t want him the way I wanted Christopher.

  What about Dori
an, I thought and immediately pushed that away. He was a friend. Just a wonderful, supportive friend.

  When I reached Cindy’s house, I skidded to a stop, kicking down the kickstand and parking my bike in her driveway. At the door, I knocked. Her mom answered and said Cindy wasn’t there. That she picked up a shift at Bertilini’s. I almost gave up and went home, but once I got on my bike, I decided to head over to the restaurant. I knew I was procrastinating. That should’ve been a clue as to my real feelings for the vampire, but it wasn’t. After locking up my bike, I went inside the restaurant.

  The most delicious smells filled my nose. Italian red sauce, basil, garlic, sweet butter, and fresh baked bread swirled in the air like an aromatic cloud. I wished I could still enjoy those flavors, savor them.

  “Snow! How was the dance?” Cindy asked, slapping the menus down on the hostess table and rushing to me. Even in a uniform—white ruffled shirt, black pants, black tennis shoes, and a black half apron wrapped around her hips—she still looked like a model. Her blond hair was pulled back in a high ponytail and she wore some shimmering shadow on her eyes and pink lip gloss.

  “Hey, Cindy,” I said, hugging her back.

  “Spill. I need details.” She released me, studying my face.

  “The dance was fun. Dorian was amazing, but—” I glanced around the dimly lit restaurant. “Can we talk?”

  “Is this about Dorian or Christopher?” She put her hands on her hips, a light smirk on her pouty lips.

  “Christopher.”

  “So, this is serious?” She went back around to the hostess stand and I followed.

  “Yep,” I said, trying to sound like it was no big deal.

  Cindy looked at her watch. “My shift ends in thirty minutes. Let me run home, shower, and change, and I’ll meet you at your house in like an hour. There’s something I want to talk to you about, too.” She wriggled her brows.

  I knew from experience an hour meant two, but that was okay. “Fine, but please hurry. This is urgent-top-secret-I’m-dying-to-tell-you stuff.”

  “Really?” Her manager came over and she was distracted by his question.

  I pushed open the glass doors and rode my bike home. It was worth noting that I considered Professor Pops’ house my home, but before I could ponder further, Dorian walked into the foyer and gave me a questioning glance. He held a thick roast beef and cheese sandwich in his hands.

  “What are you up to?” I asked him.

  “After I eat, I’m going downstairs to do some training. Want to join me?”

  I had some time. “I’d love to.”

  “Cool.” He stuck half the sandwich in his mouth and chewed while I followed him back into the kitchen.

  I sat on one of the stools and waited, watching him eat before washing it all down with a huge glass of milk.

  “Ready?”

  “About damn time,” I said, but smirked.

  He lightly punched me in the arm as he passed me and headed down the stairs to the basement. Once he unlocked it, we went through the museum and into the training room where I picked up a pair of swords and he took a broadsword.

  “Take your stance,” he commanded.

  I did as he said as his sword sailed toward my head. Moving faster than lightning, I blocked him and parried, shoving him harder than I planned. Surprise on his face, he sailed backward, smacking into the far wall before crumpling into a heap on the floor.

  “Sorry, Dorian.” I ran to him and helped him stand. “Sometimes I forget the vampire in me.”

  He chuckled. “So do I,” he said, taking his sword in both hands and coming after me again. For the next hour, metal clanged against metal as we practiced. I was getting better or at least I thought so until Dorian swiped my leg and I found myself falling. I wasn’t going to go down without taking him with me, so I knocked the dull side of my longer sword into his shin.

  He grunted in pain and fell. I didn’t see my mistake until he landed on top of me. Our eyes met. Dorian winced, but tried to cover it up. “That hurt.”

  “Sorry, not sorry,” I said, sticking out my tongue.

  He chuckled as he pushed at some of the hair covering my face. His fingers caused my skin to tingle and training was all but forgotten. Instead I wanted his blood. With one movement I flipped us, so I was on top, straddling his hips. He let out a yelp of surprise and grinned.

  “I can always tell when your vampire instincts kick in.” His eyes studied my lips and I knew he wanted me to drink from him as much as I wanted to.

  “Is that right?” My fangs extended and I opened my mouth, flashing them.

  He lasered in on them and his heart picked up speed, but he didn’t try to get away. Instead, he tilted his head, pulling me down. “Go ahead, Snow. My blood is yours.”

  Mesmerized by his vein, I sank my fangs deep into his skin, careful not to be too rough. Blood filled my mouth and I sighed with pleasure as sucked. He wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me to him. I drank until I reached ten and released him. His eyes caught and held mine.

  “One of these days, Snow, you’re going to see that I’m more than a blood donor.”

  I licked my lips, enjoying the blood and my haze until his words sank in. Guilt settled over my hunger. “I’m so sorry, Dorian. That isn’t how I mean to treat you. I know you’re more than that. You mean so much to me. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  He leaned toward me, cupping my butt as he pushed me against him. “You mean so much to me, too. When you’re ready, I’ll be here.”

  I knew he was serious, but I needed to lighten the mood. Hadn’t I just agreed to go all the way with Christopher? More or less. Allowing myself to feel like this for Dorian wasn’t a good idea. Besides, the guys said Dorian was a total flirt. “What about your Harvard girls? Won’t they miss you?”

  He made a face and I stood, pulling him up with me.

  “They are sweet and fun, but they’re just distractions. My heart already belongs to someone else.” He picked up the swords and put them back in their place on the wall, making it impossible to see the expression on his face.

  “Who’s the lucky girl?” I was joking until he gave me a look filled with intensity. “Oh.” He meant me. “Dorian,” I went to him, resting a hand on his arm.

  “Don’t say anything. I know what I feel and when the time is right, you’ll know it too.” He smiled. It was sad, but also showed a confidence I didn’t feel.

  But I nodded. “I better get a shower. Cindy will be here soon and I’m sweaty.”

  “Make it a steamy one,” he said, winking before he left the room.

  Chapter 5

  An hour later, Cindy finally showed. Before she arrived, I called Christopher to tell him we needed to push our overnighter until Sunday. He reluctantly agreed, which left Cindy and me plenty of time to talk. And I desperately needed to talk with her.

  When she came into my room, a trail of magic came with her. The scent of enchantment was so strong, I instinctively glanced at her neck. For the first time I wondered what her blood would taste like.

  She noticed and covered her neck with her hands. “I love you, Snow, but I draw the line at you sucking my blood.”

  I sighed dramatically, falling back on my bed. “Dream crusher.”

  She tentatively sat next to me. “Are—are you going to be able to handle my being this close?”

  I rolled onto my side, trying desperately to keep a straight face, but the seriousness of her expression caused me to laugh so hard tears leaked from my eyes. “I’ll manage,” I finally got out.

  Cindy slapped my leg before crossing her arms “You’re rude. A rude, rude vampire,” she said, but smiled in relief.

  I sat, crossing my legs and wiping the tears from my eyes. “Sorry, Cin.”

  We looked at each other and started laughing again.

  After a good long laugh, she cleared her throat. “It’s so cool. You’re a vampire, but not a blood crazy fiend. You’re still you. I think people have the
totally wrong impression of your kind.”

  “I know, right?” If she saw how I behaved with Dorian an hour ago, she might change her mind, but I let her believe what she wanted. It was mostly true.

  “It’s the same with witches,” she continued. “Most people think witches are green and covered in warts and wicked.” She shook her head. “Not so. I mean, look at my face. It’s flawless.” She turned from side to side.

  “You’re right.” I shrugged. “Maybe people get a little crazy because we scare them.”

  She sighed heavily. “Oh, the trials of the gifted and magical,” she said, resting a hand on her forehead dramatically. Then we busted up laughing again.

  Several minutes later she carefully wiped under her eyes with her fourth fingers only and crossed her legs, so we were sitting on my bed, our knees touching. “Alright, time to get serious. Spill it. What’s going on?”

  I took a deep breath, collecting my thoughts. There was no point telling her about Dorian unless she asked. Mainly I needed to discuss Christopher and sex. Nervous about how to begin, I pulled at a loose string on the bedspread. “Christopher suggested we go away together for the weekend. He even got Professor Pops’ permission.” I blinked several times, still shocked by that.

  Her blue eyes shone brightly. “Holy sexcapades, that is serious.” She patted my calf, checking out my face. Tilted her head. “Okay, what gives? His asking seems like it might not be great. Why isn’t it great?”

  I picked up one of my pillows and clutched it go me. “It is, really. I mean I love him—”

  “Whoa. Whoa. What?”

  “I told you already, didn’t I? When I saved him, I knew I loved him.”

  She grew serious. “You mean it?”

  “Yes, Cindy. I mean it.” It didn’t matter that it wasn’t a forever love. It was still the strongest feeling I ever felt. I tugged up my socks, remembering my feelings for Dorian. But that wasn’t the same. Was it?