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Shadow School Ch. 01

By: RedHotLadybug



The bright light flashed in Cameron's eyes and she winced involuntarily. Great... now she'd have to do it again.

"Sorry!" her mother, practically giggling, popped her head out from behind the camera before ducking back behind it again. "Just a couple more. Promise."

"Oh, you take as many as you need Eilleen, these kids are gorgeous and I wanna get a few good ones!" Trenton's mother, Magda, was already on her third glass of wine by the time Cameron's hair and makeup stylist released her for photos. "I can't wait to send some to Emma Jean Harris, you know she'll be pea green with envy that her boy Bobby didn't win your daughter over like my Trent did. She's been plotting their wedding since she laid eyes on your Cammy." Madga stumbled a little on the cobblestone as she neared the two seniors, her son reaching out to steady his mother before she could spill the red liquid sloshing around in her glass. Magda took the support and steadied herself as if nothing had happened. "But don't you worry Cammy, you made the better choice with this boy here. Strapping lad isn't he?"

Cameron stifled a laugh as Trenton muttered "Moooommm" under his breath. Magda chucked her under the chin, tweaked her son's nose as if he was five, then went off to sit with her husband and Cameron's father where they watched the spectacle from behind a puff of cigar smoke.

Trenton offered a soft apology then squeezed her hand before straightening for another picture. The bulb snapped before she was ready. "Mother!" she whined in admonishment. Her mother tittered the same sentence she had said just moments earlier and emptied the rest of the roll on various shots of Cameron and Trenton standing in front of the fountain, the garden, and the wall of shrubbery that lined one side of their yard.

Finally finished, Cameron's father popped open a bottle of champagne and her mother arranged several glasses in a row for him to fill, passing them out to everyone. Cameron was surprised to get an amount equal to her parents since they usually only let her have a sip. Her father made a toast to the kids and the rite of passage they were about to experience. Cameron wondered at the smirk on Trenton's face before they all took a drink. Next, Trenton's father made a little toast to their family knowing each other for six years now, having met at the country club and formed an instant friendship. Alliance, Cameron thought, would have been a better word. She smiled and took another drink.

By the time the parents ushered her and Trenton to the car, Cameron felt the effects of the drink flooding through her, making her giddy. She smiled as her mother recorded the entire departure on her camera, but was glad to finally be on the way to prom.  

"That was a circus." Trenton said, smiling and resting his hand on her leg as he drove. She noticed the move and glanced from the mirror, to his hand, to his face, but he was studiously driving them to the club where their father's had met. 

"Yeah," was all Cameron could say as she checked her lipstick for the hundredth time.

They drove in silence, the ten minutes passing quickly with the rock songs blasting from the speaker's of Trenton's car stereo. Cameron felt excited and a little flustered at the same time. She knew what guys expected on prom night, she had overhead snippets of conversations from the girls in the school bathroom and some of the things they planned as well, but Cameron hadn't been dating Trenton for what seemed to be enough time to do... things. Oh, they had kissed, he'd even gotten to second base one night while they were watching a movie, but she had also found herself irritated by the fact that she was missing some of the film. What did that mean? 

Cameron glanced over at Trenton as he pulled onto the curvy road leading to the main clubhouse where the school prom was held every year. He looked dashing in his tuxedo, a classic black number that made him look like a young James Bond. His sandy brown hair, which usually hung down to his eyebrows, was gelled back off his face, giving his eyes an even more intense look since they were no longer hidden. He was seriously cute. So why couldn't she get past the butterflies in her stomach? He was a football player for crying out loud!

As they pulled into a parking spot Cameron could see the chaos outside the entrance. Couples were arriving to photographers' flashing blubs, making it look more like a red-carpet event than a senior prom. Trenton was every bit the gentleman as he helped her from the car, escorted her down the aisle, and posed with her before stepping back so photographers could get shots of her alone in her dress. Making their way inside they checked in and got a number for the real photographer who was off in one of the side rooms taking the official photos. Good thing she wasn't camera-shy.

"Oh. My. God!" a familiar voice said from over Cameron's shoulder. Her friend Brandy came up to her, dragging her date, Kyle, along behind her. Brandy eyed her dress from head to toe with a mixture of approval and jealousy. "You got the pale blue one. Oh, Cam, it's gorgeous!" They lightly hugged as their dates nodded a greeting and started to mingle with the other new arrivals. 

"My mother wouldn't splurge on the purple one I liked so I convinced her to get me this." Brandy spun, her short red skirt flying up and out like a dancer's costume, except unlike a dancer's costume, there was a hint of lace underneath that wasn't for the stage. Well, not a classy stage. 

"Brandy!" Cameron giggled and glanced around embarrassed for her friend. "You're flashing the room when you do that."

"I know, right? It's so Madonna." Brandy smoothed her outfit lovingly. She turned and winked at Kyle, who was smiling down at her with a look on his face that made Cameron's cheek heat a little. Her cheeks got even redder as she noticed Trenton looking as well. To hide the blush she turned back to her friend, who met her ear with a whisper. "I brought a bag... did you?"

Bag? "What bag?" Cameron frowned.

"For after. You know. They got rooms at the Dalton." Brandy glared at some girls who passed by talking loudly then pulled Cameron toward her to whisper in her ear. "Don't tell me Trenton didn't tell you."

Cameron glanced at her date, who was now standing with three other guys, watching the scene around them with amusement as if they were viewing prized ponies being brought out for them to bet on. Some girls even noticed their staring and played the part. Ugh. Sometimes she felt like she was more mature than everyone her own age, yet she had yet to experience a lot of what most of her classmates had. 

Once they were inside, the rest of the evening passed in a blur – friends surrounding Cameron at all times, multiple dances out on the dance floor, a few scandals being reported and several meltdowns by those who weren't having the best time of their lives. She was clearly a bell of the ball, having the time of her life. Trenton paid plenty of attention to her, stroking her arm as they sat chatting with other couples, or grabbing her waist in his large hands as they danced. By the time they had their pictures taken her hair had fallen slightly, but might have even improved her appearance as far as she was concerned. 

Brandy didn't mention any more about the rooms and Trenton never even brought the topic up so she should have been able to ignore it. But she just couldn't. She was excited and nervous as well as a bundle of other emotions, each one fighting for prominence. The idea of a hotel room flickered in and distracted her every time she didn't having something to concentrate on. 

She was so distracted that she didn't even notice the wall she bumped in to while making her way to the ladies room. Only when she took a startled step back and looked up she realized it wasn't a wall, but a young man. 

"Oh!" she gasped. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you in the darkness." It wasn't that dark, she thought to herself, but what other excuse could she make for running straight into a person. Hi, I was distracted by thinking about having sex with my boyfriend for the first time? No, that wouldn't do. Especially when facing someone with a face so beautiful it made her gasp a second time.

"Are you okay?" The young man asked. His hand reached swiftly out to steady her and she caught a glimpse of his glove-covered hands on her arm. Gloves? At this time of year? They were black, just like his tux and his shoulder-length hair, making his skin look pale in the flashing lights of the dance floor. Someone brought a goth, she thought.

"Yes, thank you." Her mind was a little too hyped up for her to think of anything else to say so she simply gave a little curtsey and retreated to the safety of the restroom. She felt ridiculous for doing it – who curtsied these days? – but she was in this Cinderella-style ball gown and well... she didn't know what she did it but she did. The look on his face though... intrigued and yet surprised... absolutely mortified her. 

Oh who cared what some goth kid thought?

When she was finished, she exited the stall to see a tall willowy girl standing at the mirror, adjusting her makeup. Their eyes met and Cameron received the second jolt of the evening as she noticed the girl's beauty. She didn't know her, but then, there were many people there at the prom who she didn't know, dates of her fellow classmates. 

She looked away quickly, using her hand-washing as an excuse to ignore the girl, but not before she noticed every classic line of the girl's face, the intricate braids and curls of her hair, the flawlessness of her skin and makeup. Definitely enviable, but the girl also looked like she should be in college instead of at a high school prom. She didn't know a single guy who deserved a date with this girl while in high school. A brief thought that maybe the young woman was a prostitute flitted across her mind, but she smiled inwardly and dismissed it. She didn't think any guy would go that far... unless he was one of the unpopular kids wanting to make an impression. Hah!

The willowy blonde stiffened as she gave a last look to the mirror then flicked her eyes in Cameron's direction. Cameron dried her hands, returned the girl's gaze stare for stare, then made her way over to the wall mirror the girl was vacating. She waited for the door to close behind the blonde before looking back at the mirror to give herself a mental pick-me-up.

Cameron reapplied her lipstick which had faded to a muted mauve color after a few kisses from Trenton on the dance floor. She looked at her hair and makeup, then at herself. She had been very comfortable with herself since she was a child, even when she went through that chubby phase during puberty. Her intense green eyes had always been what drew others eyes to her, and by the time the chubbiness had transformed into soft curves over lean muscle from her tennis training, she was considered one of the prettiest girls in school. 

Staring at herself now, she was proud of where she was, and how she looked this evening. Her pale blue gown was cinched so tight at her waist she looked trim and fit, and her chest not too big and not too small, was on the verge of overflowing but not quite. The bottom part of the dress was voluminous, a definite change from the slim satin dress she'd worn last year. Her hair had fallen even more, but no amount of scrunching would make the honey brown locks stay up. The curls started to cascade down her back, which she thought looked even sexier.

That thought brought her back to Trenton. And the room. Rolling her eyes at the whole situation and the fluttering in her stomach she turned and exited just as a whole group of giggly girls stumbled into the bathroom, high on life.

The darkness that greeted Cameron was darker, the light of the bathroom leaving her practically blind now that she was out on the dance floor. She had to tread carefully as she wove her way through the writhing bodies gyrating to the latest rap song. Part of her laughed a little at the thought of bumping into yet another cute boy like she did on the way to the bathroom, and the thought made her look around at the surrounding crowd to see if he was still nearby. She couldn't see him, and it didn't really matter. What did matter was that she couldn't find her date.

***

Trenton was having a great time. He was with Cameron Ellis of all people, prettiest girl in his grade, or one of them, and he was sure she was a virgin. He loved virgins. How Cameron - with her girl-next-door looks splashed with a hint of devious behavior - was single before he'd asked her out, he had no idea. Well, he knew... some stupid rule of her mother's that she couldn't date until she was eighteen – the woman was old fashioned – and Cameron had actually followed the rule. What's the fun of a rule if you can't sneak around and break it a few times? He wondered if she had... he was pretty sure that despite her giving off a slight bad-girl vibe, she was a goody-goody underneath. 

Virgin. Yeah.

The moment he saw the balloons delivered to Cameron in their science class he knew that the mommy-rule had come to an end. She had turned eighteen. Just in time to ask her to prom too. He'd snapped her up before she even made it to her locker. By the time the bell rang to signal that school was over for a day, the whole school knew Trenton Avery was dating Cameron Ellis. They had a month of flirting and a few social outings before tonight, so he figured it was a perfect time to make a move. The only problem was he didn't know exactly how to introduce her to the idea of a hotel room.

Deep down, despite all his bravado, Trenton had never had to ask a girl out. Not really. They had come to him without much effort. He had the feeling Cameron would have played hard to get if it weren't for the fact that she had just been set free from her parents' law. He'd treated her as any boyfriend would – better if he had any say in it – because his father had taught him every way to a woman's heart, from opening doors to helping them out of a car, to offering an arm or hand while walking at their side. That was a way to a girl's... heart.

"Hey," Brock Middleson nudged him, offering him another drink of bourbon from a silver flask as he simultaneously pointed at girl speed-walking down a path toward the lake, "look at that." 

"Is that Melanie Carver?" Trenton asked.

"Yeah, can't you tell?" Kyle said, chuckling a little, "Her cup runneth over."

The boys laughed. They had seen Melanie enter with her date – some goth-looking guy with girl-hair – and her breast were barely contained in the dress she wore. More than one head had turned as she passed. Trenton noticed, but he felt a little guilty, even if he'd never let on to the others. Melanie had grown up just down the road from him. They'd been friends when they were young, but Melanie was a devout Catholic and had looked down her nose at him when Trenton started showing a wild side. Still, they had had some great times together, and mocking her now felt like mocking his sister.

"She looks upset." Matt Davis said, grabbing the flask from Trenton. "Someone should go see if she needs a hug."

The guys laughed again. Trenton mustered a smile.

"I'll give her a hug." Brock said, shrugging out of his coat.

Trenton acted without thinking. He put a hand on Brocks chest and said "I'll go" in a voice that left no question as to which one of them would be heading toward the lake. Brock simply flashed a devilish grin and nudged Matt for the flask. Instead of taking a drink he offered it to Trenton, who took it, sipped, then handed it back. He turned and walked away to a chorus of cat-calls from his friends. 

When he found Melanie she was further down the path, pacing back and forth under an evergreen tree of some kind – he never took the time to learn the names of trees. Spruce or pine or something... needles littered the ground under it and a few pine cones too... did you call them pine cones if it wasn't a pine? By the time he reached her though, all thoughts left him except for one thing... why was she crying?

"What do you want, Trent?" She said, turning her back to him and hugging herself.

"To see if you were okay. Are you? What happened?" He turned her around gently. She was pale but flushed, her cheeks rosy, her dark hair falling down on one side. He knew these girls hair-sprayed their hair as if they were going into battle so the sight instantly put him into a rage. "Did your date do this to you? That goth guy? Where is he? I'll kill'em!" He turned, to what... stalk away? Pace back and forth with her? 

She stopped him before he could think that far. "Trent, no!" She quickly withdrew her hand and gasped, looking at it. 

He wanted to ask her what that was all about but she went back to hugging herself. "God..." she didn't say any more, just bit her lip and rubbed her arms. 

Trenton took his jacket off and threw it around her shoulders. He watched as her eyes squeezed shut and she bit her lip again. "Melanie, talk to me. What's wrong?" He felt her forehead. "You're a little warm." 

She leaned into his touch. He started to pull his hand back but maybe this was what comfort she needed. Odd, but whatever. 

"Seriously, Mel... tell me." He watched her as she shuttered a little. It wasn't that cold...

Then he saw them... two red jagged lines going down her neck into the shadows of his jacket collar. He gasped, drawing her closer and lifting up the jacket for a better look, only to have her put both hands on his chest, moving them up and down in a caress. The movement distracted him enough that he looked at her. A little moan escaped her lips and her eyes were still closed in a frown. 

He thought she was in pain. He looked at the lines again, lifting the jacket up again for a better look, and gasped. There was nothing there. But he could have sworn... they almost looked like bite marks.

It was nighttime, he had been drinking... clearly he was seeing things. He wasn't feeling anything, except Melanie's hands. 

Her hands.

Their location, and the cool breeze playing on his chest brought him back to her actions. She had his shirt unbuttoned down to his navel and had pulled his white tank to run her hands over his abs. Damn! She was getting frisky and he hadn't even noticed.  

"Mel..." 

She made another groaning noise in the back of her throat that he had heard many times before. Seizing her hands he removed them from his chest and held them up in the air, drawing her back so he could get a good look at her face.

"Mel... look at me." He said, trying to look into her eyes. If she would just open them...

"Oh, Gawd, Trent..." she said "God" like it was two syllables, "I feel so... so... funny."

Trenton couldn't see anything funny about the situation, but despite the strange actions coming from his former friend, he couldn't help but get turned on. He could feel himself getting harder, and had to shake himself mentally to concentrate. Especially when she leaned her head toward him and ended up resting it on his chest. He still had her arms in the air. This was a bit ridiculous.

Looking around, he debated the awkward predicament he was in. His date had gone off to the bathroom and would surely be looking for him soon, though he thought his boys wouldn't give him up if they thought he was getting freaky with Melanie. It sure looked like Melanie was up for it. He was on the way to being "up" for it... but she was obviously hallucinating or something. 

Maybe that goth guy slipped her a date-rape drug or something. That made his blood boil. 

"Melanie... did that guy do something to you? Make you drink something?" Her head rolled back and she finally looked at him. Her pupils were huge... dilated... and she stumbled back, the unexpected movement taking him with her, though he managed to keep them both upright until she hit the trunk of the tree. The air left her lungs and she started laughing and crying at the same time.


Shadow School Ch. 01



Jesus. What was with this girl?

"Mel..." 

"He bit me! Okay?" Her sudden change in mood from drunk to aggressive took Trenton by surprise. She was thrusting her arms into the sleeves of his jacket and for a moment he was afraid she was going to rip it apart. "He was all handsy in the garden and I said no, and he was trying to talk me into it and I kneed him between the legs and left. Okay?"

He wanted to pat her on the back for the groin shot but he was distracted. The guy bit her? He looked down at the brush of fingers against one of his nipples. She almost had her mouth on the other but he jerked away in time, still holding her arms.

"Hey..."

"Trenton, please... he left me feeling... so... hot... and... you're a friend... were.... a friend... I just need... just one..." Melanie was leaning closer to him and with the distance he left between them he didn't know if she would simply slump to the ground or fall into him. He rolled his eyes and with a sigh he leaned forward to brace her body against his. "Just a kiss..." she said, leaning into him, her eyelashes wet with her earlier tears.

What would one kiss hurt? She looked like she was on the verge of passing out. Then he'd have to carry her back and explain... what? Before he could formulate a plan her hot mouth was on his, her tongue darting forward brazenly to tangle with his own. Damn! And he thought she was a prude. 

Trenton leaned into her, propping her against the tree as she kissed him. He slid his leg between hers, thinking to prop her up so he could lean back and release her but the movement seemed to have woken her up from whatever stupor she was in. Her eyes widened and she sucked in a breath, kissing him harder, one hand snaking under his shirt and around his back, yanking him closer, the other tangling in his hair. 

Trenton stared down at Melanie's closed eyes as she kissed him fiercely, amazed at her tenacity. She had begun to rub herself on his leg, and the idea that she was humping his thigh made him hard as a rock. 

He was starting to lose the war waging in his brain. 

He'd never been attacked with such passion before... such hungry lust... and it had always been a fantasy of his. Yet this was hardly the time, place, or girl. He had a hotel room waiting for crying out loud. Then again... what if Cam said no? 

Instinct made him break away to look back the way he came. Melanie didn't seemed to mind since she latched onto his earlobe, groaning as she sucked it between her lips. Trying to focus, he saw that they were a good way away from where the path ended at the lake, but anyone could see them huddled against the tree... and they were both consenting adults... Melanie was actually two months older than he was... but if Cameron came looking...

His mind shut down when Melanie's hand left his hair and found the straining bulge in his pants. Her feminine fingers began moving up and down his length and it was his turn to groan. Returning her kiss with equal passion he released her hands and grabbed her waist, swinging them around the tree so they were no longer in plain sight. 

Melanie gasped in triumph and reached up to wrap her arms around his shoulders. The movement made one of her nipples break free from her dress. When Trenton reached up to feel her chest – something he'd wanted to do for a while – only to find it free in the night air, he immediately left her mouth to wrap his lips around the pink tip. He loved sucking on a girl's tits, especially big ones like Melanie's. She seemed to like it as well, moaning and scrubbing her fingers through his hair as he latched onto her, nipping occasionally with his teeth.

As his tongue caressed the sensitive bud, he slid his hands up her corset-like dress and pulled it down a little more to free the other nipple. He stopped only momentarily to lean back and look at her in the moonlight, one nipple glistening with his saliva, the other begging to be touched as her chest heaved with excitement. Melanie was quivering a little and gasping. 

Man, was she turned on or what! 

What he had mistaken as possible illness earlier was simply her being as horny as he'd ever seen a girl before. Melanie didn't give him time to think any longer than one sentence-worth however because without his knee to hold her up she sank easily to her knees. At first, he thought he'd let her collapse but with a few swift moments Melanie had conquered his belt, button, and zipper. He noticed her slight hesitation when she came face to face with the tent in his boxers, the length of him begging to be released. 

Trenton held his breath.

Biting her lip – damn, that was cute as hell – Melanie reached up and with both hands, slid the boxers down to his knees, and his cock sprang straight out to point at her nose. He almost laughed when she crossed her eyes momentarily but the laugh got stuck in his throat as she wrapped her hand around the base of his rod and stared at the moist head of his penis with just as much hunger as he had for her breasts. 

Trenton was on a precipice he knew he should step back from. But hell, what guy has a moment like this? He wanted to join the ranks of those who had. Melanie was brazen in her actions, and her wanton behavior had him holding back the urge to shoot a load on her face right then and there. Looking down at her, breasts exposed to the cool night air, chest rising and falling with the passion of the moment...

Oh who the hell cared. 

He reached out and caressed the back of her head gently, urging her to move the last inch and a half it would take to make those pouty kiss-swollen lips touch the tip of his swollen member. It was already glistening with pre-cum, begging to be sucked. 

Then – oh, sweet Lord – she licked her lips and opened her mouth, her hot breath hitting his sensitive skin a second before her mouth closed around the head of his cock. The whole thing was so intense, the build to this point so fucking hot, that he could feel his balls tighten, ready to unload. With everything he had in him, Trenton gritted his teeth and held back, closing his eyes and thinking of anything other than what was going on. But how could he? This was... was... mind-blowing head.

His teachers... he thought of his teachers... what if they caught him? Mrs. Ransdell was here... the batty old woman... gah, that helped a little. Mrs. Farmer. Bleh... she was definitely a cold bucket of water. The idea of getting caught though...

Trenton stared up into the tree as Melanie's mouth engulfed his cock. A spasm went through his body, a shiver, and he exhaled as he got a grip on himself. All that was left was the sublime feeling of Melanie's tongue caressing the underside of his shaft, bobbing up and down on the length of his erection. He chanced a look down and reveled in the view he had of her tits jiggling with the movements of her blowjob. 

She gagged a little in an attempt to take him all the way in, pulling away for a moment to get her bearings. A line of saliva stretched from her mouth to the tip of his cock in an obscene way that almost had him coming again. He had to stop her before he did. 

Trenton took hold of Melanie's shoulders. She looked up at him, still kneeling. Hot. He offered her his hands to pull her up. Once she was standing again, looking at him with smoldering fire in her eyes, he knew there was only one thing that could cool her off.

"Pull your dress up." As he said this he tugged on her skirt.

She did as she was told, grasping the pink material and pulling it, and all the fluff underneath, up to her thighs. The site of her hands amidst all the white lacy underskirts and bunched material made him breath harder. With one hand he grabbed her head again, pulling her to him. He crushed his mouth to hers, forcing his tongue between her lips. At the same time he plunged his hands beneath her skirts and with a little maneuvering, found her panties and gave them a playful tug. She moaned into his mouth, returning his kiss as his fingers slid deftly beneath the satin and lace of her underwear to caress the soft curls of hair that told him he was close to his target.

Trenton was no stranger to giving girls pleasure. He found the more he got them off, the farther they were willing to go. A small sacrifice of time for a large reward. And she was about to be putty in his hands. 

Trenton's fingers slid into place, the tips of his middle and ring finger resting on either side of Melanie's clit. God, she was wet. And swollen. He caressed her there for a moment, feeling her jerk against him. He pulled his fingers back up, but only slightly, using his middle finger to swirl around the sensitive bundle of nerves at the very top of her pussy. She pressed her pelvis onto his hand, moving her hips back and forth with rhythm.

Trenton was sure she would explode in no time. Melanie groped for him, wrapping her fingers around his throbbing shaft, stroking the length of him as he fondled her. He knew when she was ready for the next step.

Drawing back to catch his breath, Trenton looked down at Melanie's breasts and chose one to suck, clamping his teeth lightly down on the sensitive bud before closing his lips around it. At the same time, he slid his fingers down through her swollen pussy lips and drove his middle finger into her, pressing his palm to her clit to maximize the building pressure. His finger made a "come here" motion inside her.

As if on cue, Melanie came. 

Her voice rang out with her scream of pleasure and he was so shocked he released her nipple and moved to clamp his mouth down over hers to bury the noise. Her body rocked against him, her pleasure uncontrollable as she ground down on his hand. 

Trenton couldn't take it anymore. He was passed caring about the rest of the evening. About high school... the whole stupid structure his life was built around. He wanted this girl. Right then and there.

His hand was coated in her juices as she came down from her climax. Her hand had released his cock during her orgasm and he replaced it with his own, coating his shaft with her cum. She had squeezed her legs together when his hand left her, so he had to caress her mound a bit to get her legs to open enough that he could maneuver himself to her.

Trenton buried his head in her neck, pushing the tip of his cock at the entrance to her virgin pussy, unable to see that Melanie's eyes had flown open with surprise.

***

Melanie realized with a shock that something was going on. Something she was unaware of.

Perhaps unaware was the wrong word... foggy would be a better explanation for the haze clouding her brain. She was aware that she had just had the best orgasm of her life. She was aware that she had needed some sort of release. When that release came, her mind cleared and she realized this had all started with her prom date nuzzling her neck.

Someone was still at her neck, but she knew it wasn't Gavin. Gavin had a sweet smell that intoxicated her, and this guy smelled more like... body spray. There was something familiar about him too. Whoever he was, she was grinding herself lewdly against him and his...

Oh God.

"Oh God" she said, feeling the tip of a penis enter her vagina. That whole area felt on fire, like when she played with herself before bed. But she'd never let a boy near it... never let...

"Oh God," he repeated, echoing her words as he slid further into her. The voice was familiar, the size... oh no... No no no!

"Trent!" She gasped. How could he do this to her? He knew she was a virgin, he knew she wanted to remain that way until marriage, he knew...

"Shh, Mel, it'll be over quickly I promise."

"No..." she didn't want this. He knew! But as the word left her mouth he slammed his cock up into her, hard. She felt like she was being split apart. He filled her so much. He was... oh God... he was inside her!

"Easy. Don't move," he said.

Don't move? What, was he raping her? What the hell? He was her friend... or had been... how could he...

"Shh, Mel, give it a sec and it'll feel good. Don't move yet or you'll hurt yourself." With that he kissed her, passionately, thrusting his tongue into her mouth as if he was her boyfriend or something.

She'd hurt herself? What like she got herself into this situation? She grunted against his mouth, an overwhelming sensation building within her. Melanie suddenly became aware of how turned on she was. Trenton grabbed her breast, squeezing it as he began to withdraw his cock from her. She felt him sliding out a void left where he had filled her, and just as she thought it was over, he slammed back into her. Um, okay... ow. But... was that... what was that tingling sensation... that pleasant friction going on that was painfully sweet... 

Melanie couldn't believe she had a cock inside her. She felt... full. And the surroundings, as she pulled back and looked around, then down... it was like something out of a fantasy. There she was, in a beautiful gown, Trent in a tux, both of them so disheveled that they looked like they had been fucking with wild abandon in a forest. All he needed was a white horse and a sword. Her back was against a tree, but it didn't rub her skin. It was then that she noticed the jacket. What was weirder, her arms were through it, as if she'd put it on.

"Rock gently against me." Trenton whispered into her ear, bringing her back to the way they were connected. She was being fucked! And ooohhh... it was starting to feel good. She was bad. So bad for letting this happen.

Melanie didn't obey him at first, but it was almost as if her body wanted to do it anyway. She sighed inwardly. What was the point now? He had taken her virginity. Tentatively she began to rock against his pelvis, not knowing if she was doing it right. He helped her by grabbing her leg and lifting her knee to his hip. Wow. That friction was... oh... wow... it got better as he started to move with her, his throbbing cock pulsating within her, touching the spots she couldn't ever reach with her petite fingers. 

Melanie lost herself to the rhythm she and Trenton created. As she got more and more used to him inside her, the pain began to fade to a building pleasure that was just out of her reach. She could feel it, on the horizon... it was just...

She ground herself harder against him, clutching at his waist and shoulder, pressing him against her as he began to fuck her slowly, taking more control from her as he ground his hard length into her. 

"Mel, oh God, I'm sorry... I have to... you feel so tight... so good." Trenton turned it up a notch. He pressed her firmly against the tree as he began to thrust his cock into her, deep, hard, every grunt and shove bringing her clit into contact with the hair curling around his manhood. His groin rubbed her in a way that was teasing while he manhandled her pussy, spearing her deeply with each thrust.

A moan escaped Melanie's as she felt the friction give way to a tingling fire she knew well. She was no stranger to bringing herself to orgasm when she needed it, but this... this was a big one. She could feel the flames building. The fire raged just within her reach. It was so close...

"Oh, Trent... I'm going to... I'm going to... oh God.... I'm going to cum." She grunted against him.

"Fuck, Mel, that's so hot... are you... I don't want to... but oh... man... so tight... so damn tight... so damn good..." Trenton was pounding her wet pussy so fiercely she could only cling to him and let the feeling wash over her. 

Melanie only had time to gasp "don't... inside me..." before her world shattered into a thousand shards of pleasure. She started to moan and his mouth found hers, expertly stifling her scream of pleasure as if he knew she was going to release it. Her pussy clamped down tightly on his invading member and he rode her climax until she felt him stiffen. On an outward thrust she felt him leave her completely. Her legs clamped together as she rode her orgasm to its end. She felt hot liquid hit her inner thighs.  

World spinning, Melanie gulped air into her lungs. Trenton was leaning against the tree, cock in hand, aiming, though spent, at toward the lake.

Mary, Mother of God, what had she just done?

***

After several minutes of searching for Trenton, Cameron found Brandy laughing with the other girls of their group about some hot business going on out on the green.

"Ricky Lanham got caught screwing Jenna Schultz out on the golf course. They were just rolling around were you tee up for the first hole." Krissy's laughter got the best of her and Joanna had to finish.

"His girlfriend found them together, joined at the hip. Literally." Joanna had a wicked smile on her lips. "You should have heard her yelling. People ran out to see what had happened but by the time people got there all they could see was Ricky buttoning his pants and Jenna smoothing her dress."

"I'm so bummed I missed it." Brandy said.

"Where are the guys?" Cameron asked, sure she'd hear all the details later.

"Outside sneaking a drink." Brandy said. "Why... you wanna sip? I hate bourbon."

"Nah... wanna come with me though?" Cameron wasn't sure if she was courageous enough to bring up the room herself. She was sure Brandy would bring it up and give Trenton a chance to ask. If he did... well... she'd have to make up her mind then wouldn't she?

As she and Brandy exited onto the back patio, she saw Melanie Carver heading up the steps. The guys were calling to her, asking how she was doing in a teasing way, and she just tucked her head and focused on the stairs. Boys could be so mean. When she reached the top she spotted Cameron and blushed, moving passed her without a word.

"What's her deal?" Brandy said.

Cameron didn't hear her friend. She had noticed Trenton wasn't with the guys and right as she went to look for him she saw him coming up the same steps as Melanie. A thought formed in her mind, unbidden, on the horizon, and supported by the sudden silence coming from the guys. The kind of silence that happens when not one in a group of friends wants to give away that a buddy was in trouble.

Kyle tried to cover the awkward silence by calling to Brandy. She went, hesitantly, coming to the same conclusion Cameron had. 

Trenton cleared his throat. "Hey, Cam... where've you been?" He came to stand next to Brock, who was studiously looking at his nails.

"I'd ask you the same question..." she said, walking up to him. She reached out a hand slowly – he seemed to be on edge and she didn't want to startle him – and brushed her finger across the skin beneath his lower lip.

"Oh, shit," she heard Brandy say.

Cameron had a second, only a second, to decide whether to yell and throw a tantrum at her senior prom or take some form of revenge. Should she slap him? Start crying? Get the DJ to make some lewd announcement calling him and Melanie out? And Melanie of all people! Everyone knew she was a holier than thou virgin. Well... was a virgin.

But Cameron had always been a study of behavior... she knew screaming would do nothing to him and crying would do everything to her... she had to come out on top in this. Monday, when they were back in school, everyone would look up to her...

It took a second... only a second, for Cameron to raise her finger, show Trenton the lipstick she wiped from his lip...

"Pink's not your color," she said before cocking her head, putting a twinkle in her eye, then turning on her heel and walking calmly back into the party. He had said her name, tried to grab her arm to explain... what... what would he say? He didn't know... she had no idea how he'd get himself out of this and frankly, she didn't care.

As Cameron entered the dance room, she scanned the people around her, her feelings on the verge of crashing around her, spilling over, and consuming her. She held it all back though, and was glad she did. Looking up to the balcony above, she saw him. The young man she had bumped in to. He was looking at her, curious, as if he could tell she was about to explode into a weeping mess. She looked away before she could confirm his suspicions and dove into the crowd, ignoring people as they called her name. She would leave. She just had to make it home.




Shadow School Ch. 01



In the end Cameron had called her father to come get her and she had waited outside, sitting on the bench, her shoes beside her, her hair unpinned and cascading in a fall of weak curls down her back. She didn't really care how she looked anymore. Not one tear had left her and that was all that mattered.

Brandy had come to see her but Cameron waved her friend away, saying she was fine, she just needed to go home and get some sleep. She'd call her tomorrow. Thankfully her friend simply sat beside her, saying nothing, waiting with her. If she had sat one inch closer and offered her shoulder Cameron knew she'd be a mess. Instead, Brandy gave her space, and even smiled and waved to her when her dad picked her up. She'd thank her for that later.

Cameron wanted to avoid Monday all together. She'd cried herself to sleep after she got home from the prom, refusing to talk to her parents about what happened until the next day and even then just giving them a light version they could take however they wished. School was another matter though and she refused to cry there or miss even one class to make her peers think she was defeated in some way.

Melanie, as it turned out, didn't bother coming to school Monday. A year of perfect attendance ruined by Trenton Avery. Cameron didn't seem to care much. She didn't hate the girl. She couldn't. She was about to get what she asked for. Melanie was about to go through high school hell. Trenton though...

She hated the male ego. Trust a jock to turn an awkward situation into a chance for congratulations. It wasn't the scandal of the prom – the Ricky/Jenna fiasco beat them to it – so he was able to bask in his lesser scandal as an accomplishment. Nailing the unnailable. A few people asked Cameron about it, but mainly she just heard people go quiet when she neared them, as if they were discussing everything ten times over. 

In the end, Cameron got through the day, surrounded by her supporting friends, Brandy always at her side to sneer at those who even looked like they were about to say something about prom. She loved Brandy. Even her attempt at stealing the attention away from Cameron by throwing a huge party in Trenton's room later that evening, leaving him with a huge hotel bill before going off to sleep in Kyle's suite down the hall.

She was thinking of what it would be like to be a fly on the wall at that party when she got the mail from the mailbox. A large black envelope addressed to her was among the bills and magazines, the gold lettering telling her it was from a college. 

Shacrow VanMeter College

Shacrow? Strange name... Cameron had never heard of the school either. She figured it was junk mail but decided to open it anyway. The brochure inside looked... well... unusual. Dark... yet intriguing. Settling down in her favorite chair, she flipped open the cover and began to read.

*

This is the first in a series. Thanks for reading my first submission!



Shadow School Ch. 02



Three weeks after her senior prom was destroyed forever in her memory, Cameron Ellis had sworn off boys until college. Really. What was the point? Every guy she was interested in was dating someone else and she knew some of the others too well. That's what she got for having a brother two years older than her. Knowledge.

She thought Trenton would be different. She let her mind get the better of her and despite her brother's warning that he wasn't good enough to date her, Cameron had spent months flirting with Trent from across the classrooms and restaurants of the country club where their parents were members. After all that build up, it took one month to destroy.

Not that anything mattered now. Everything was back to normal. She was a single girl getting ready to graduate high school, and Trenton was dating some other girl that hung on his arm during break. It made her want to vomit. Did she seriously want to be that girl?

Shutting her locker, Cameron turned to go to her trig class and spotted Melanie, head tucked down in its usual position, walking swiftly to... Spanish. Cameron still held no grudges, other than wanting to shake Melanie for ruining both their senior prom memories; hers was that her date and boyfriend cheated on her AT the prom, and Melanie... Melanie had fallen from grace.

Cameron wasn't Catholic -- her parents were good old-fashioned Methodists on occasion -- but she was sure it was as easy as stepping into a box and asking some priest to ask God or Jesus or Mary to forgive her for what she did and all was forgiven. Only, as the crude thought flittered through her mind, she knew it was worse than that. Melanie put a lot of faith into her, well, faith. Cameron knew she was one of those girls who saved themselves for marriage. Hell, she was supposed to be one herself if her mother had anything to say about it. The wrath of God for the sin of devirginizing herself was nothing compared to what Melanie had been going through for the last few weeks.

High school Hell.

That was why Cameron couldn't hate her. There was no way anything she could dream up could be worse than what that girl got when she returned to classes on the Wednesday after prom. Still, a simple "I'm sorry I screwed your boyfriend at prom" would be nice.

Sighing, Cameron pushed through the door of her math class and settled down with time to spare. Craig Burke and Melissa Patterson were discussing colleges and universities just like every other student these days. Who was going where; what grades they got on their ACTs or SATs.

"I'm thinking Auburn," Craig was saying, "but I like Florida State." 

"Well Ol' Miss offered me a golf scholarship so I'm considering going there, but God it's so hot all the time I really would love to go some place cold like NYU or Michigan." Melissa said.

"Ew. Snow." Craig sneered. "Are you insane? Who would want to be around that stuff unless you were on vacation. I refuse to go anywhere above the Mason-Dixon Line."

"Like you know what that is." Melissa had noticed Cameron eavesdropping. "What about you Cam? Got a school picked out?"

Cameron prepared herself for this answer. "Not yet... I have six or seven I'm considering."

"Like what?" Craig asked.

"Like... UCLA, Berkley, Stanford..."

"That's out west!" Melissa's eyes had grown large. "Like, near Hollywood."

"Yup," Cameron said. She thought it'd be rude to say "duh" so she refrained. 

"Are you that desperate to leave the south?" Craig grinned.

"Well, I figured dry heat was better than wet heat, so yeah. Maybe... I dunno. My dad's a big basketball fan so I got in to UK as well in case I decided to stick around."

Melissa giggled. "Kentucky. There ya go Craig, nice middle ground. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter..."

"And plenty of hillbillies to entertain you while you study." Craig finished for Melissa.

"Craaaaiigg," Melissa whined, still giggling. "Do you know how much horse money is up there? Like, royals and movie stars go to the derby every year. Ooh! Cam! Maybe you could bag your own stud." Melissa wiggled her eyebrows and Craig laughed. 

"We'll see," Cameron said, turning around in her seat as the teacher called the class to attention. She didn't mention that one of the schools she was touring tomorrow was actually closer to home than any of the others. And was apparently top secret. She still didn't know what to make of the acceptance letter she received along with a scholarship that practically gave her a free ride.

***

As Melanie sat in her Spanish class, she found it hard to keep still. It had been a bad idea to wear tight jeans that day; she only had to sit forward to feel the friction her pants were causing between her legs. Not that would have mattered. She'd been on fire all weekend and couldn't seem to help the sexual tension that built up in her body every few hours.

She wondered what was going on with her. It was the second time she became so worked up that her judgment had been impaired. The first time she had been standing with Trenton Avery, upset that her prom night wasn't going so well because her date had decided it would be funny to bite her while they were making out in the garden. She had avoided Trent ever since he became what she jokingly called a man-whore, yet she had sought comfort from a male friend. But, comfort... probably wasn't the right word.

She knew what she was doing, it was her moves that started everything there under that tree, but it... hadn't really been her. She went against everything she'd established for her personal honor and acted like a slut. God, she had even begged him for it. 

If only she had come to her senses sooner. Seconds earlier and everything would have simply been an awkward moment. Instead, she had had extremely hot sex with a former friend. Something she couldn't undo. She had gone to confession first thing Sunday morning, but all was lost. Trenton Avery had taken her virginity. And the whole school knew it.

School.

If she could have stayed away, she would have, but she knew eventually she'd either have to tell her parents why she wouldn't be returning or she would have to face the student body. Stares, whispers, and laughter followed her around for the remainder of the week, but there was always a new scandal and thankfully after two weeks someone else took center stage on the platform of shame. Now, she had to just focus on graduation and she would be out in the real world with a fresh start. And no boyfriend.

She had met up with Gavin on Friday night to tell him she wouldn't be seeing him anymore. Should be easy since he went to college and his classes kept him away at school most of the time. She wasn't too sad since she'd only known him for about a month, but still. He was wicked cute.

Wicked being the key word.

He actually attempted to console her when she confessed what happened and why she had been avoiding him for a few weeks. It almost made her want him back. But he'd pulled that same stunt with the biting when he hugged her and she had walked away from him. Good thing too, because she had caught that fever from prom night later that evening.

Except this time it wouldn't be sated.

"Melanie?" her teacher's voice made its way through her thoughts and she jerked back to reality. The class was looking at her. She had been staring at her desk.

"Yeah?"

"Can you translate this for the class?" the teacher asked, pointing to the sentence projected onto the whiteboard. It sounded like a double question: Are you okay?

"Actually, can I be excused for a minute?" Melanie sat up in her seat, red-faced. She actually started getting up before the teacher gave her permission. She had to get to the bathroom before she started fondling herself right there for all to see.

All the way down the hall Melanie felt her breath growing heavy from the pressure of holding herself together. Even the scissor action of her legs was adding to the build going on between her thighs. 

Increasing her speed, Melanie made it to the bathroom and into a stall before she could no longer stand the pulsing coming from her vagina. She leaned against the stall's door, unbuckled her belt, popped open the button, deftly unzipped her fly and plunged her hand into her jeans.

Damn, she was wet. Coming back to school Monday was probably not the best idea. Or she should have taken care of herself during lunch. She just didn't think about it because school wasn't exactly the place to do these things. 

Well, not for her.

Melanie closed her eyes and found her pulsing clit. 

***

Kristie MacFarland was having a bad day. If the tell-tale PMS hadn't been enough of a notice, she'd totally neglected to bring anything with her to staunch the flow of what she referred to as "surfing the crimson wave." It was a term she picked up from a current favorite movie of hers, one that surprisingly wasn't anime.

She had gone to the bathroom to pop a quarter into the machine just in time; things started slow with her but it could turn heavy in less than an hour. Things would be so much easier if she just carried something with her all the time in a purse. Except she never carried a purse.

Kristie had just closed the door to the stall when someone ran into the bathroom and darted into the stall next to hers. Geez, where was the fire? Oh shit, was the person going to be sick? She was just about to dart out of her own stall when a whimper and a moan came from next door. 

She froze. What the...

Listening for a few moments, she heard a rustling and her cheeks heated at the thought that some chick was getting off next door. What was the rush? More importantly, did the girl know she had company? Kris had been the only one in the room and hadn't been making any noise at the time. She was suddenly afraid to move.

Only, she was curious. She'd never been brave enough to go for any bathroom action, so she wondered who was taking time out of their class to get off. 

Kristie turned to look at the toilet seat then looked up at the top of the stall. Doable, and hopefully years of watching ninjas be all stealthy and stuff would help her be as silent as possible.

Bracing herself on the stall opposite the other, Kris boosted herself up enough to peak over... and almost lost her balance. Fucking. Melanie. Carver. She was going at her pussy like it was on fire. That little angel was falling swiftly from her high perch. Kris almost laughed but she choked it back. She'd gone unnoticed so far and didn't want to get caught.

Then there was the matter at hand. Literally.

Kris found herself staring openly at Melanie and what she was doing. Little gasps and whimpers were leaving the girl's lips as she worked her hand in her jeans. Mel bit her lip, eyes closed. Kristie wondered what she was thinking about. Probably Trenton Avery. Little vixen. If she wanted him that bad she should have stuck with him after prom. At least they could have defused the situation by saying they were dating... then Melanie could have been a boyfriend stealer instead of an outright slut. Personally Kris didn't think Melanie was a slut because of having sex once, but it's how you do it that counts. Not the number. Not until the number gets out of hand anyway. And speaking of hands...

Melanie jerked her hand out of her jeans and shoved the jeans down to her knees. She hadn't bothered to even open her eyes. Kristie had almost bolted, thinking she had been caught, only to be presented with Melanie's swollen pussy. Holy...!

Kris couldn't help but stare as Melanie's left hand reached for her clit, another whimper leaving her. Mel's other hand slid immediately down her stomach and into her slit, the middle finger disappearing between her puffy lips.

Kristie watched in fascination has Melanie worked her fingers furiously beneath the dark curls surrounding her mound. The smell and sounds of sex was beginning to permeate the air of the stall, wafting up to Kris and making her suddenly panic that they could get caught. It also added to the arousing idea that they could get caught... anyone who walked in would know what was going on. Unable to move, Kris drank in Melanie's actions, saving the images for later. Several days later, she thought through gritted teeth, but the site before her would be ruined anyway if she gave herself away by participating. She doubted Mel would be down with that. Still... as hot as Melanie was right now, Kristie wondered if she wouldn't try to hump anything with a pulse.

Melanie let out a gasp that had Kris retreating to simply observing the action in the stall below. Melanie plunged another finger in, her ring finger, slamming the digits hard and fast into herself, coating them with her juices. She bit her lip again, hard. Kris was surprised it didn't draw blood it was such a vicious assault. Melanie's eyes were squeezed tight, still oblivious to Kristie's eyes on her.

Kristie wondered at the effort Melanie was putting into this orgasm that seemed to be out of her reach. She was trying too hard, probably. Her suspicions were confirmed when moments later, Melanie abandoned her abused clit and forced the hand way up under her shirt. The girl cupped one of her large breasts, squeezing the flesh roughly though only getting about half in her petite grasp. Her hand tented and Kris thought she must be tugging or twisting one of her nipples. It was hard to tell which, but it definitely helped, because Melanie choked back a moan and spasmed, her legs clamping down fiercely on the fingers buried in her pussy -- her hand was motionless above except for light circles made by the base of her palm over her clit. Kristie guessed that Mel was curling her fingers now, massaging herself in just the right spot.

Melanie's eyes shot open with the shock of the oncoming explosion... and looked right at Kristie. 

The girl's eyes grew even larger as she realized that she was being watched but it was too late. Melanie's back arched, her balance went to the tip of her toes, and she sucked in a gasp of air so intense Kristie would have thought Melanie was choking if it weren't for her hand continuing the feverish onslaught to her crotch. 

Kristie simply started at her, mouth slightly parted, in awe of the waves the girl was riding. And continued to ride. Melanie didn't jerk her hand away bashfully... no, she just stared at Kris, her own mouth open, her face red and contorted from holding back what was probably a fairly sizable scream of pleasure.

Melanie's eyes finally squeezed shut again, breaking the moment for Kris. She watched Mel's head fall back against the stall door as her body rocked, humping her hand for all it was worth. The girl finally exhaled the moan she had held back, the whoosh of air retreating in a soft gurgle of pleasure. Melanie's face relaxed to sweet oblivion, like the sweetest drug had just kicked in to her system. A sheen of sweat glistened on her skin.

When Kristie realized Melanie was coming down from her high, she finally ducked down into her stall. Her pants had been zipped but not buttoned so she finished the routine and stepped out of her stall, walking over to wash her hands. She wondered if Melanie would come out. From the sound of the girl's breathing, she was still relishing the aftereffects. 

Debating whether or not she should stay and explain or go and simply deal with it later, Kristie bent over to look at Melanie's feet. The girl hadn't moved.

Well, she would probably be a while, and Kristie had to go back to class, her own heart beating to a slightly faster beat. With a grin, she straightened, grabbed a paper towel, dried her hands, and casually tossed it in the trashcan as she left the restroom.

***

Melanie felt the blood drain from her face once her orgasm had subsided. The fog that always came with these moments retreated as usual, leaving her a little abashed. Her desperation during these random waves of horny intensity was getting ridiculous. Strangely, however, this orgasm was different. She felt... better. Not just sated. And it had been a big one. Like that night with Trent.

But what was worse, she hadn't thought to check and see if the bathroom was clear. She didn't hear anything and her mind was... elsewhere. She listened for the door while she coaxed her release, but had heard nothing. The shock of seeing someone watching you, a glint of hunger in their eye, was... well okay that was hot as hell in her current state. It made things even more intense.

There Kristie MacFarland was, open-mouthed, a rebellious glint in her eye as always. Like she couldn't believe her luck at catching Melanie in this act, and snide approval of her front row seat to the show. She'd never really been friends with the girl; Kristie was a trouble-maker(there was a rumor that she was actually 19, held back a year for skipping school too much), and the girl's fashion sense was just as absurd. Kris, as she liked to be called -- so no confusion linked her with bubbly cheerleader Christy Michaels or Melanie's own friend Kristy Hill, a soft, quiet girl and a sweet smile -- always wore something like a black leather jacket with buckles and cut her red hair into that punk style. It made Melanie think of that girl in the hacker movie with the chic girl-sideburns, puffy lips, and boyish sexiness. What was worse, Kris and that other rebel-wannabe, Dylan Bowman, were always people-watching from their crotch-rocket motorcycles parked near the school exit. Couldn't they drive cars like every other normal student?

Melanie didn't move until she heard Kristie leave. She really didn't want to face the girl and explain why she was getting herself off in the bathroom, or why she'd been so bent on her orgasm that she hadn't noticed someone was watching her the whole time.

Pulling up her jeans, Melanie exhaled once more, glad she was able to at least make it to the bathroom instead of climaxing there in the middle of her Spanish class. Which, she thought embarrassingly, she would have to return to now. She buckled her belt and opened the door just as another student entered the bathroom. She hoped the place didn't smell like sex.

Thankfully though, she exited without incident and even made it through the rest of Spanish with only a few glances in her direction, which, after the last few weeks, she was already accustomed to. She suffered through the rest of the classes that day, and with great relief, realized she wouldn't have to do the same tomorrow.

Tuesday was a get-out-of-jail-free card for her. A college that was interested in her was giving tours that afternoon for prospective students and a gala that evening so students could mingle with professors from the departments they were interested in. Her parents were insisting that she go, considering the generous scholarship the college was offering to a select group of students.

Melanie knew that money was tight and though her parents would send her wherever she'd like to attend -- as long as it was a good, moral institution -- she knew that deep down, the less debt she gave her father, the better. 

It was strange however that her parents were okay with the college they were about to tour. SVMC seemed awfully gothic to her. Even more so when they arrived at the gates shortly after lunch the following day.

Wrought iron gates swung wide once her father checked in with the guard, and a long avenue of budding trees greeted them on behalf of the property. After driving through the mountains, realizing how far away from the nearest fast food join they would be, Melanie was in awe at the obvious embrace of nature this college was making. 

Huge lawns spread out on either side of the tree-lined entrance road, and through the passing trunks she could glimpse stone buildings that looked misplaced in Appalachia. They were more European in design; sturdy, gothic structures with gargoyles guarding the rooftops. She could see students lounging on the grass, a few throwing Frisbees, others studying, and one group clustered around a guy with a guitar. The thought of stepping outside for a breath of fresh mountain air between classes utterly delighted her.




Shadow School Ch. 02



What delighted her parents, however, was that the road emptied out onto a huge square in front of a large cathedral. Melanie had seen a photo of the building in the brochure, but hadn't realized how massive it was. As her father passed it, she looked back over her shoulder, though the back window, and took in the view of the buildings beyond the church. 

She was sold. She wanted to go here. No cities of concrete and flashy commercial banners telling her to buy stuff she didn't need. No cheaply made buildings with bland designs created to hold massive amounts of students in cell-sized rooms; she'd seen the rooms offered here and decided then that it was at least worth a tour. It was a step back into history. And she loved history.

Shacrow VanMeter College: surrounded by trees of every kind, panoramic views of the mountains, access to the Appalachian Trail just a few miles away for hiking enthusiasts... and no sports teams taking all the donation money. No competition to be the best of the best of the best. Simple, secluded, and a patron of the arts.

Then Melanie saw what made her falter. She even thought to duck down into her seat and beg her father to turn around and leave.

Cameron Ellis... standing next to Kristie MacFarland.

The girls hadn't seen her yet, but as her father parked the car, they turned to see who the new arrival was. Melanie's eyes filled with tears as her mind raced at how to handle this. 

The girl whose boyfriend she slept with at prom -- effectively ruining both her reputation as well as a cherished memory -- and the girl who just yesterday had watched her get off in a high school bathroom stall were both applicants at the college she just seconds ago wanted to call home. What now?

Mortification didn't even begin to describe how she felt.

Oblivious, her parents exited the car on a happier note. She could hear her mother greeting the girls and their parents, and her father even opened her door for her. Sweet Mary, help me through this day, she prayed.

Drying the tears before they could fall, she checked her makeup quickly slid out of the back seat. The wind was cool against her heated cheeks, and she smiled brightly at her father, hoping to delay the moment she had to turn around. Sensing his daughter's emotion, he put an arm around her comfortingly and led her to the others grouped around a statue of a man in an Elizabethan-looking attire.

***

Cameron thoroughly enjoyed the drive to Shacrow. Her parents chattered away in the front seat while she just looked at the trees. What a view! Every now and then the trees would give way to a space where anyone could pull over and simply stare out at the tree-covered mountains. And the drive through the gates were even more becoming. Trees were in bloom everywhere.

It was a wonderland.

Cameron's father was always about punctuality and so she was once of the first girls to arrive. Slowly more came, but no one she recognized. She thought she would be the only one from her school coming -- it had been an exclusive invite after all -- but that thought was answered when she saw Kris MacFarland.

Kristie had been her friend in middle school, before her parents split and Kris took a turn for the wild side. Kris' dad had remarried someone a lot younger than he was, and her mom was always traveling with some business mogul, constantly trying to one-up her ex-husband and make him feel sorry for abandoning her. Eventually Kris said screw it and did whatever she wanted, going unchecked for far too long since neither parent kept a close eye on her. She'd cut her hair too. Short. 

Cameron waved to Kris as her former friend walked up to the bronze statue of a man in old-fashioned clothes and a cloak. All four parents and step parents followed behind, trying to seem amiable and using Cameron's parents as an excuse to ignore each other. Kris offered an awkward smile.

"I thought I would be the only one coming up here," Kristie said. "Place looks a little dark for your taste, Cam."

"It's the nature." Cameron answered, trying not to take what Kristie said as an insult. "I love to be outdoors and this place is pretty far from the nearest mall." Take that, she thought. Kris loved going to the mall.

Kristie laughed. "Yeah."

They talked for a little about things, and thankfully Kris didn't bring up the scandal at prom. Then, shortly after, the scandal drove up.

Melanie Carver got out of her parents car, her father's arm wrapped tightly around her, and as usual, kept her eyes on the ground. She looked up, but never at Cameron, purposefully avoiding her eyes to look around the campus.

Well, Cameron thought, it was bound to happen eventually. She just wished the little tramp wouldn't ruin this experience for her as well. When she looked at Kris, she noticed the redheaded girl was also looking at Melanie strangely, a smirk on her face as if she was amused by the girl's arrival. Mel didn't look at Kristie either.

Melanie's parents joined in the greetings and Mel was left to approach the two girls. Cameron never looked away in case the buxom girl actually tried to make eye contact. Oh for crying out...

"Hey," was all Melanie said.

"Hey, yourself," Kris said back. 

Cameron glanced at her then back to Melanie. "So you're thinking about going to SVMC?" 

"Maybe. I got invited," Melanie said to the stone sidewalk beneath her feet.

Well. This conversation was going nowhere. Awkwardness for everyone!

Cameron started to say something but was interrupted by a man holding a clipboard. He wore glasses, which he promptly shoved up his nose before addressing the crowd.

"On behalf of Shacrow VanMeter College, I would like to welcome you all to our campus. I'm Louis Ovidan, and I'll be your escort during your for few hours." It sounded like the guy had a slight French accent.

Cameron heard Melanie gasp slightly, but the girl said nothing, just continued to stare at the young man with black hair and a sharp face. He looked familiar, but she couldn't tell how. She didn't dare ask Melanie what the gasp was for, especially when Louis' eyes flicked their way.

"I would like to congratulate each one of you on your invitation today, as each of you young ladies are in the running for our Shacrow Seven Scholarship, reserved especially for one girl per House each year. You may notice that there are more than seven of you here," Louis said, to titters in the crowd, "which means you'll be competing amongst these other twenty lovely ladies for the prestigious scholarship and the room reserved in each house for its winner."

Cameron suddenly really wanted to win. It looked like she could manage to go to school here without Melanie after all. She shared a grin with Kristie, hoping their former friendship could be renewed... it would be nice to have a familiar face on campus.

"Each one of you will attend the opening ceremony where we will introduce the heads of houses. From there, you will meet with the President of the college and one of the Heads of House while your parents check in to our visitor's rooms and meet with various members of the Board for a Q&A. We will then break for supper where you will be reunited with your parents, after which you will be excused to rest until nightfall. At nine o'clock we open the doors to the gala, where you will mingle with other distinguished guests, professors, and the Heads. 

"The chosen seven will be announced at midnight. Please do not stay out too late after this, as you will be given a tour of the departments of your choice starting at 8am tomorrow morning while your parents check out and go to breakfast with the Heads of your new house. Those who are not chose are welcome to tour the campus as well, with the understanding that every young woman here has been accepted by the college, they will simply not be receiving the scholarship. Those of you who wish to leave in the morning instead of touring the grounds may do so. Any questions?" Louis looked at all of the parents, then the daughters, eyes lingering yet again on Melanie before continuing. 

"Good. Follow me and we will meet up with your assigned guide. Again, welcome to SVMC." He turned and walked into down the sidewalk, toward another statue, this one of a woman in a dress and wig, the skirts so wide she thought it must be something from the Renaissance or whatever. Like Marie Antoinette or someone. 

Further down was another statue of a man, dressed in what looked like Viking attire. Wow. There was so much to see, so much to think about, that she hadn't even realized she walked right beside Melanie, who was also entranced by the surroundings. Kristie was on the other side, her eyes on the competition rather than the buildings.

The three girls walked in silence as Shacrow VanMeter University swallowed their minds, bodies, and souls.

***

 Thanks for reading the second story in my series. Feel free to leave any comment, good or bad. 



Shadow School Ch. 03



Cameron eyed the large stone structure she was approaching with a nervous fascination. She was entering what she knew was some sort of secret society of educators. The brochure had been very vague, offering just enough that you were curious about the school but not enough to tell what all of this was about.

She hadn't applied for this college, yet they had already accepted her. Offered her a scholarship even. Which meant someone was interested in her attendance. But who? Why? She'd like to think that it was something she'd done but she couldn't think of what. She was an average student, but not the smartest. She didn't play sports. She wasn't very active in school clubs. And with thirty-two hundred students at her school, she couldn't imagine how she stood out enough to be one of twenty one girls chosen to compete for the scholarship.

Whatever the cause, she was here, and her parents were interested in the place as well. Maybe not as much as the other schools, especially Stanford, where her mother had sorority connections, but the scholarship offer was enough to entice them to this event.

With one last look at the campus, she noted that the statue in front of this building was a woman in a toga. Further down was a knight, and two more statues she couldn't make out. From this vantage point she realized that all seven statues were evenly placed in a semi-circle facing the cathedral. She wondered who they were. 

Not wanting to cause a buildup in the line of attendees, Cameron turned back to the few steps at the entrance of VanMeter Hall. As the group of girls and their parents walked into the large foyer, they were met with a team of young men and women armed with clipboards. 

Louis turned to the group to stop them. "These are your escorts for the next two days. They will answer questions for you and take you to your designated meetings. Each one will step forward and call your name, have a brief moment with you here in the foyer, then everyone will be taken into the Gaius Germanicus Theatre for the opening ceremony." Louis turned to the first girl, a pretty young woman with strawberry blonde ringlets curling down past her shoulders. "Elise..." he gestured for her to find the girl whose family she would be paired with.

Elise stepped up beside Louis and smiled. "Bridget Monroe?"

A tall girl with straight black hair stepped forward as well as her parents. Elise grinned at them before leading them a few steps away, where they began shaking hands and speaking in hushed voices.

"Devin Buckley?" a barrel-chested young man asked. His charges stepped forward and they all went off to another corner.

It went like that for the next few minutes. Cameron waited patiently for her name to be called. Kristie was the first among their group of three however, her name called by a petite blonde with chunky glasses and her hair pulled tightly back into a ponytail. Another name was called, then...

"Cameron Ellis?" a caramel-skinned young woman with bright green eyes that did not match her other features -- making them all the more stunning -- nodded with a genuine smile on her lips when Cameron stepped forward. "I'm Mahi. Will you follow me please?" 

Cameron's dad squeezed her shoulder lightly in encouragement as they began to follow Mahi to a marble column just beyond the remainder of the group. She glanced back over her shoulder to see Melanie watching her. It was the first time the girl had made eye contact. She offered a brief smile then looked away, leaving Cameron wondering if that was the start of an apology. She turned back to Mahi.

"Welcome to our campus, I hope your drive was successful." Mahi's voice sounded rich with the flavors of India. "Again, my name is Mahi, and I will be your escort for the duration of your stay."

Everyone was introduced and some light chatting took place before the green-eyed girl got down to business. "Here are your packets." She handed over sleek black folders to Cameron's parents, and a crimson one to Cameron. "Inside you'll find all you need to know about what will happen during your stay. They ask us to warn all candidates not to get their hopes up about the scholarship since only one in seven girls will receive it. We do want each girl here to attend, and not choose another school based on rejection. It's simply a perk, should you decide to attend SVMC."

Cameron's mother winked at her. She clearly thought Cameron already had the perk coming to her.

"We also ask that you do not speak of our college openly to anyone as it is a select society of scholars who chose your family specifically. We have connections with other institutions where you will be immediately accepted, which you will hear about later. Trust me. It is worth it. Once you get out into the real world, networking will be your playground." Mahi winked at Cameron. 

Cameron felt the grip of her father's hand on her shoulder give her another squeeze. Well, that got his vote. Her mother was next.

As if reading her thoughts, Mahi smiled to Cameron's mother conspiratorially. "There's a wonderful women's society here as well, and if she wins the scholarship, Cameron will be inducted into a very specific group of girls. If she excels in this group, she will be considered one of the top women in the college during her time here. These top scholars take an annual trip to Washington to meet with dignitaries from all over the world, and there's even a breakfast with the First Lady."

"Well!" Her mother said on an exhale. 

Now all Cameron had to do was win the scholarship.

***

Melanie had watched both Kristie and Cameron leave with their respective guides. Soon she was left standing with just another girl. It was then that she realized there was only one more campus escort remaining and two girls to choose from.

"Tamara Stolz?" the young man with mocha skin and bulging muscles asked. The other girl and her family followed the guide only a few steps before stopping.

"And Miss Melanie Carver." Louis said, stepping forward. For one brief moment of panic Melanie thought she was going to be dismissed. "I am your guide for the duration of your stay."

This, of course, pleased her parents as well, since they were probably thinking the same thing she was about being the last called. Now that they were being guided by the man that was the obvious leader of the escorts, it seemed to make them both swell with pride. 

Her father stepped forward and shook Louis' hand, and her mother followed suit. Louis looked to Melanie. He had the same eyes as Gavin. And the same last name. Did that mean Gavin was here? Oh God.

"Do you like what you see so far?" Louis asked.

"Oh, it's gorgeous," her mother replied. "And that cathedral!"

"Ah yes, you will find many religions here at SVMC, predominately Catholic, but Protestant as well and a sprinkling of others. We encourage students to follow the path they choose, though as you can see, we have only so much space here in the mountains so the cathedral is home to all religions requiring a building."

"Some don't use it then?" Her father inquired.

"Well the Druids prefer to practice their faith surrounded by nature so they have a sacred circle further into the forest, but yes, just a little over half of the groups use the building. Now, as for the studies..." Louis handed each of them folders with materials inside explaining various departments as well as an itinerary for their stay, their room number in Wesir House, and what to expect when meeting with the board members.

Throughout the discussion, Melanie found it hard to focus. She couldn't get over how much Louis looked like Gavin, but Gavin wasn't French, and Louis looked to be several years older than her ex. Everything sounded too good to be true, however, and she was either about to pass up a wonderful opportunity because of a boy or she was about to get scammed. There had to be a catch.

Escorts began taking the students and their parents into the opening assembly which was in a gorgeous theatre made to look like something out of Ancient Rome. Gaius Germanicus. Why did that name sound familiar? Probably because of Julius Caesar, but then those names got passed around to so many children in the Caesar family that it could be anyone within the first few hundred years of the empire.

Looking up, Melanie noticed several people sitting in the private box seats of the theatre, clad in some kind of ceremonial robes. In each box there were one or two people dressed in crimson red, and one in all black. The ones in black had hoods on so their faces could not be seen. Good Lord they took this ceremony stuff seriously. It was probably branch of the Freemasons or something. She was at the point where she wouldn't be surprised if someone walked out onto the stage and introduced himself as the Grand Poobah.

When the lights dimmed, it was actually a girl who took the podium first, a young woman with a bright face, and surprisingly perfect white teeth. She welcomed the assembly and introduced herself as Jessica Wellington, one of the current seniors who received the Shacrow Seven Scholarship four years ago. She spoke of the wonderful things the university had taught her, the experiences she had been given, and the privilege of being the head girl of the Sokar House. She spoke of her plans to continue her education at Harvard, where she had been accepted immediately, and how each girl in the room had the same chances if they applied themselves.

Next was another girl, this one a senior from Waldemar House. She introduced herself as Maya Gregory, and spoke of the arts at SVMC like it was one of the premiere art schools of the country. She was thankful for the life she was given and the path she had chosen to pursue based on her experience at the school. 

The third girl was a junior of Roanoke House named Linney Feinburg. She spoke of the way nature played a part in the schools atmosphere, and the use of sustainable resources to make the school more agreeable to the environment around them. She challenged girls to explore the trails surrounding the school, and to participate on their summer hike on the Appalachian Trail if they felt up for a journey during the summer if they were physically up to it.

With the end her speech, Linney introduced the President of the College, Julian Arinson. He was a man of older years, his wavy golden hair flecked with white. He spoke of school pride, and how SVMC was one of the oldest institutions on the continent, having remained a secret among friends over centuries since its development in the 1600s. He spoke of the achievements of their former students, several that Melanie even recognized as men of history, famous women, two who were movie stars, and how it was possible that someone in this very room could be the next great success.

He spoke of diversity, how all religions were able to practice here in harmony, how the college was founded for the purpose of educating women as well as men, and accepted students no matter the color of their skin. He spoke of the fragile trust they placed on individuals who learned of their institution, and how it was because of their closed-lipped regard that the school was able to sustain this way of life over the centuries.

He then welcomed all of the young women in the room to join that tradition. Melanie had to hand it to the guy. He was a great public speaker. But then, so was Hitler. She felt like someone being coerced into loving a great idea, without knowing the truth behind the scenes.

She glanced up at the boxes holding the robed figures. Though Melanie couldn't see their faces, she got the feeling one of them returned her stare. She was seriously beginning to think this was a bad idea. But as she dropped her gaze, she saw the gleam of hope in her parents eyes and knew they were just as determined as she had been earlier to get their daughter into this school. And to get the scholarship. Her heart sunk as she realized turning this school down now would be a huge disappointment.

Begrudgingly, she turned to listen to the new speaker. Louis had taken the stage again and was telling everyone that each girl would meet for ten minutes with the President before being introduced to a Head of House that was interested in them. They would have a brief interview with the Head before being directed to the banquet hall for an evening meal.

"Meanwhile, parents, please follow your escorts to your rooms where they will wait to take you to the meeting with the Board of Directors." Louis gestured to guides lining the walls and they filed out into the foyer as the parents began to exit the auditorium. "Ladies, I will leave you in the hands of seven house representatives, each who will take you to your meeting at the designated time. Meanwhile feel free to remain here in the theatre until you are called." He smiled to everyone, then... Melanie caught a quick flicker of his eyes up to the box seats above. The robed figures were standing and filing out into the upper halls of the balcony.

What no chanting? 

It didn't take long before the black robbed figures reappeared, this time on stage and minus their companions dressed in red. Once they were all lined up together, their hands reached up to their hoods to remove their hoods as if on cue. 

Each one was a young woman. Melanie recognized Linney Feinburg among them.

"Welcome distinguished daughters of man, to an initiation in which seven of you will be chosen to be part of a prestigious tradition of Shacrow Van Meter University." The first girl in the line, an average-looking girl with auburn hair, had stepped forward.

A shorter girl with chin-length black curls was next. "In the next few hours you will be evaluated based on personality, elegance, and manners befitting one of our prestigious circle."

Melanie wanted to snort with laughter. This was ridiculous.

The next girl, dark-skinned with her hair cut so short it was barely there, stepped forward. "Your parents will undergo evaluation as well, to assure good bloodlines and proper upbringing. Each woman chosen MUST be a lady."

What the hell? They made her sound like she was a horse or something. What did bloodlines have to do with it? Especially after all of that diversity talk. Melanie fought the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she looked over at Cameron, then Kristie. What did she have in common with them that could answer that question?

"Present yourself to your elders to the best of your ability, but remember to be yourself. It is you they are inviting into the circle, it is you who will emerge with the best of connections. It is you, who will succeed." The words came from a girl with soft brown hair that was swept up on top of her head in some kind of beaded banana clip. Who wore those these days?

It was Linney's turn. "Consider all that you hear today and respect the old traditions. Though they may be out of style or foreign to your every day of life, but the rewards are great for those who strive to keep them sacred."

Okay now it was borderline cult talk. Seriously, why hasn't Cameron or Kristie turned to give her the "what the hell?" face. Looking at all the girls scattered throughout the first few rows of the theatre, no one was turning their heads.

A pretty Asian girl stepped forward then, her glossy black hair disappearing into the cloak she wore. "Think seriously about your goals in life and ask yourself this question. "If I could do anything, what would it be?"

The last girl, the one with white-blonde hair, said, "Because that dream can become a reality if you become one of the Seven in your year." She turned, breaking the line, to face the girls standing side by side. "Houses, announce yourself as open to the acceptance of a new member in your family." The girl got back into line.

Melanie watched, hardly breathing, as the houses sounded off. Sokar. Harvard. 

Wait... Harvard? Like the University? 

Arinson. Caesaris. 

Okay what the... 

Roanoke.

Oh... Melanie got it as the last two names were sounded out. She had always been quick with puzzles and wordplay.

Ovidan. Waldemar.

Melanie looked at all seven girls. S-H-A-C-R-O-W. The name was not really a name after all. It was seven names. Which meant... this whole seven thing was probably as old as the university itself. If that were the case, it must not be as bad as she thought; otherwise some mass-suicide or strange occurances would have been splashed all over the news like with any other cult that got out of hand. This one was hundreds of years old.

Looking around the room, Melanie began to wonder how many of the other girls figured it out. She noticed Kristie lower her head momentarily, but it was back up soon after, looking at the girls on stage. If only she could see her face... what was the girl thinking?

The last girl in the row girl stepped forward again, this time several steps away from the others. "Tamara Stolz. You have been chosen to meet with the President. Do you accept?

Melanie had been told by Louis how to reply so she expected it when it came. The Stoltz girl stood and said "Yes" before making her way down the row of seats. The cloaked girl who called her name came down front to a set of steps leading to a side exit. Together, the girls went through the door.

The Asian girl was next. "Bridget Monroe. You have been chosen to meet with the President. Do you accept?" The girl, Bridget, giggled nervously as she stood then answered the same "Yes" before exiting her row to follow the girl in the cloak out the door.

And so it went. Melanie watched each of the cloaked girls step forward and announce some random name before going out with them until was just one girl left on stage; the one with the auburn hair from Sokar House. 

"Kristie MacFarland."

Melanie watched Kristie stand before the girl was even finished with her question. 

"You have been chosen to meet with the President. Do you accept?" 

"Maybe."

Some of the girls in the room gasped quietly and those who hadn't turned to see Kristie did now. The girl on the stage had started to step forward but froze, her eyes wide. Catching herself, she stepped forward and asked again. "Do you accept?"

Kristie ran her hands through her hair. "Yes, but I have some questions." 

The girl on the stage simply looked at her, then smiled. "I'll be happy to answer your questions as we walk to the President's House. Do you accept?" 

Kristie paused for only a moment before answering, "Yes."

The girl on stage began to move forward again, turning to go down the steps as Kristie grabbed her bag. Melanie watched Kristie glance over to Cameron who shrugged then nodded. Kristie offered a bemused smirk before hurrying down the row of theatre seats to the exit.

Cameron waited until the door was closed to look at Melanie. When it became obvious that they were left to mingle like Louis said earlier, Melanie debated going to sit with her classmate. She should tell Cameron her worries about what was going on, but that would mean describing what happened with Gavin, then Trevor. To warn the other girl, Melanie would have to begin with a long-overdue apology and tell her more than she wanted Cameron to know.

***

Kristie walked beside the cloaked girl from Sokar House for a few moments in utter silence. Then the girl spoke. "You couldn't have just said what you were supposed to say and ask the questions now?" The girl kept her face forward.

Kristie chose her words carefully. "No offense, but that sounded like some sort of sorority ritual and I'm not exactly the sorority type." That earned her a glance. "The rest sounded a little... I dunno... all that bloodline talk was weird."

Kristie was trying so hard to be diplomatic but how did you ask awkward questions without being awkward? "Excuse me, are you a cult?" Yeah that'd go over well. 




Shadow School Ch. 03



"Oh," the girl said with a feminine chuckle, "I thought so too when I first heard it, but it's not exactly the blood that runs in your veins... well it is, but not like that. The school kind of has a rule that you can't have any relatives in the last four generations of your family who attended. So if they find that your great-great grandmother went here... well, you probably won't get the scholarship." The girl smiled a little. "So think of it as the anti-sorority if that's what gets you through the day. But it is a sisterhood. We watch each other's backs, and there's the typical rivalry and squabbling. Do you have sisters?

"Uh, no." Kristie was at least a little relieved.

The girl continued. "Well you may have noticed a nice amount of diversity here so we do count on that. We get exchange students on occasion as well. Like this year we have someone from Australia, and a girl from Brazil. But mostly everyone is American." She looked around then whispered to Kristie conspiratorially. "We're pretty sure those girls are simply a sign of good faith the Board of Directors are showing the sister schools we have in other countries. This school is VERY connected all over the world."

Kristie raised an eyebrow. "So the scholarship doesn't go to anyone whose family has won it before? Is it like that for students as well?"

"No, the scholarship is simply about... new blood." The girl looked at Kristie from the corner of her eye. "It keeps the population diverse. The rest of the school is all about family. Generations have attended this school since the beginning. Like Louis. Did you notice he was French?" Kristie nodded. "His mother attended here on the scholarship; one of the exchanges like the girls I mentioned earlier. If you have a child, he or she will go here as well."

Kristie smirked. "IF I have a kid, what makes you think they'll come here instead of going to another school?"

The girl didn't return her smile; she simply raised her eyebrows as if the question was unthinkable. "Trust me... once they learn about this school they'll attend."

"It's that good?"

The girl finally smiled. "It's better than good."

By the time Kristie got to the office lobby, the first two scholarship competitors had already completed their interviews and the third one was in the middle of hers. All of the other girls waited downstairs before being escorted into the President's office on the second floor. 

It was only slightly awkward; at least enough noise coming from a gramophone in the secretary's office to make talking unnecessary to fill the silence. She thought it was strange to use such an old-fashioned record-player but it did add to the atmosphere... she thought a stereo would look funny sitting with the antiques. Everyone sat and listened to an orchestra that was probably playing something by Mozart or Beethoven -- Kristie didn't have enough classical music knowledge to know which.

Slowly, the amount of girls in the waiting area dwindled until she alone was left. When her name was called, the girl beside her stood to escort her upstairs.

"I'm Becky, by the way." The girl said. 

Kristie couldn't do anything but smile. Her throat had closed up like it did every time she was nervous. She swallowed before the grand doors were open.

The room was darker than she expected, the light blocked out by heavy drapes that hung from the high ceiling to the floor. There were three people in the room, one was the President, and the other two... she had no idea who they were... they were too young to be members of the Board, who were actually meeting with her parents now so... maybe they were assistants.

"Kristie MacFarland." Becky said, coming to stand beside her.

There was a moment of silence as Becky eyed the tall, muscular black man and the hauty-looking young woman with wavy brown hair. 

God, what got up her butt? Kristie thought to herself.

The dark-skinned man grunted slightly, and if he didn't look so serious, she thought it might have been a laugh. The woman's eyes simply appraised her. They were both dressed like high-powered business executives but they were too young to pull it off completely. Still, if she knew her clothing styles better, she'd say that they were wearing designer suits.

"Thank you Becky, you may go get the second round please." The President had a gentle way of phrasing things. Kristie liked the sound of his voice. Elegant.

Becky nodded, and smiled. Kristie thought she might have even winked at the black young man, but when she turned to check the girl had already spun on her heel to exit. When she looked back, she met the eyes of the man and gasped. They were a shade of gray she'd never seen before.

"Well, let's get started," the President said, offering Kristie a seat in front of his desk. She sat down, hearing the soft click as the door to the office closed.

***

Cameron sat next to Melanie in silence. She hadn't been able to speak for several moments, overwhelmed by not just the day, but the fact that after three weeks, she was finally presented with an apology. Only it hadn't come as she thought it would.

Oh she had imagined every way possible, or thought she had, so when Melanie sat down and gave her a story no one in their right mind would believe, she was left a little speechless.

"What's worse," Melanie finally broke the silence. "Is that Gavin's... relative... is Louis. They have the same last name. He never said anything to me, so I have no idea if he's a brother or a cousin, but he has some of Gavin's features so I know they're related. On top of that, their last name is one of the names of the seven Houses."

Cameron couldn't take it anymore. Who cared about that goth guy anyway. "Seriously, Melanie, you expect me to believe that you had some fever that made you horny and that Trenton didn't want to do it at first? You're making yourself sound like a slut and a victim at the same time... I mean... which is it?" Cameron tried to calm down before her voice attracted attention. "Unless you were slipped some sort of drug..." She felt the anger leave her as suddenly as she thought and spoke the words.

Melanie opened her mouth but took a second to find the words. "Yeah except whatever came over me that night happened again this weekend. I know I didn't take anything or was given anything. It lasted longer too. Oh, I don't know why I'm telling you this." Melanie put her head in her hands. "But I think if it happens again I'm going to have to go to the doctor."

Cameron faced the empty stage. She hated this. "Well was Trent anywhere near you that weekend?" 

"No... I only saw Gavin. When I broke it off with him. I only saw him for a few minutes before I left for home." Melanie sighed. "I'm so sorry Cam. I don't want it to be awkward if we go to here together."

Cameron rolled her eyes. "Let's get this straight. I don't hate you, but I don't particularly like you. You had everyone fooled with that good-girl act so yeah I was shocked when you slept with my boyfriend at prom. But you couldn't have picked another night? That memory is ruined forever. So how the hell do you think I'm going to be able to be your friend, when even now those pictures of me and Trent are being processed. I'll have to pick them up at school in front of everyone. And do I want them? No! And my dress..."

Cameron knew she was being harsh but everything had built up in her so much it all just came rushing out. "Good thing we have the gala tonight and that dress has a second chance or I wouldn't even be talking to you right now. So let's make a deal. We obviously won't get into the same house and we may only have a few classes together. You keep to yourself, and I'll keep to mine, and maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to tolerate each other and have a good time here."

Both girls noticed the hooded figures lining back up on the stage.

Cameron couldn't help the last remark. "That is, if you even get in."

Luckily she had been called first, so she was able to leave before Melanie could say anything else. The girls in cloaks were going out of order now, the houses jumbled instead of spelling the school name. Cameron didn't think she could sit in that room for another round. When she turned to look at the room, Melanie's face was set in a look of determination, but she was facing the back of the theatre seat in front of her. 

Cameron welcomed the fresh air when she stepped outside with the dark-skinned girl. Closer up, she could see a pretty shade of purple lipstick on the girl's lips.

"I'm Aunalita," she said, a big grin on her face. "You can call me Auna if you get the scholarship, but not before then."

Cameron thought the girl was trying to make a joke. She looked like she could be a model. "Well then, you can call me Cam if I get it, but for now it's Cameron."

The girl grinned and nodded. "Sorry for all this drama. Some of the girls from other houses are really into it. All the proper words have to be said, and we have to wear the robes... My House is not so formal."

"So are you one of the seven?" Cameron asked.

"In my year, yes."

"Are you a junior too? Like Linney?"

Aunalita pressed her pouty lips together. "Well, I'm actually a sophomore. I took time out of school last year but Linney and I are of the same circle, yes." She smiled. "Do you have any questions about the interview? Or what you heard?"

"Actually, yeah." Cameron knew she'd sound crazy if she said this but she had to give it a shot. All that babbling Melanie did was starting to get to her and she wanted to get the curiosity out of her system as soon as possible. "My friend in there went out with a guy who goes here. Or at least, she thinks he's here. Gavin Ovidan." Cameron knew she shouldn't have said anything when the girl's face changed. But she'd started it, might as well finish it. "And Louis Ovidan... he was the one who greeted us. He looks like Gavin." She waited, yet the girl said nothing. "And well, one of the Houses... it's named Ovidan. And by the sound of things this school has been around a while..."

"The families here are very old. The tradition continues with every generation." 

The response was textbook. Cameron was too good a judge of character to let Aunalita's voice sound sincere to her. "And then the President's last name is Arinson..."

"You're clever." It was a statement. "You will probably do well in the interview. Just be prepared. President Arinson is a truthful man and will answer every question. If you ask the wrong one, you may just find yourself with the right answer, and a scholarship to this school."

Well that statement made no sense. How could asking the wrong questions get her the scholarship?

"Look," Aunalita said, stopping in front of the hall and crossing her arms in front of her, "I'll be straight with you. In this college, once you know a secret that can't get back into the world, neither can you. You want to go here? Fine. Ask anything you want and you'll get an answer. But be ready to deal with the consequences. The fastest way to get a scholarship is to figure things out. All the clues are there." 

Cameron turned to Aunalita as the girl opened the door for her. "Yeah, but is it worth it? Knowing?"

Aunalita grinned and winked. "Beyond your imagination."

Cameron's name was called the moment she stepped into the lobby and she followed Aunalita upstairs to the President's office.

***

Kristie was done with all this ritual bullshit. She didn't want to go to college to join some club and chant a few hymns only to congratulate herself and others on how awesome they were.... She wanted to party, cut class, and do all the stuff you heard college kids did. Why else did she work so hard that summer to get caught up on her classes when her teachers threatened to flunk her?

She needed a cigarette. She was never without a pack since she turned eighteen and could finally buy them for herself, but she didn't think now was a good time to light up. 

"Are you alright?" Daman was walking next to her. He had won a slight battle of wits over which house was going to interview her against that snobby Drusilla chick. Apparently both houses liked her spirit. She still didn't know much about him, just that he was with Sokar, was probably twenty or twenty-one years old, and had the most amazing eyes she'd ever seen.

She was walking next to her new Head of House; if she got the scholarship. Daman and the Drusilla girl from Caesaris House had waited until the President ended the interview to pelt her with questions and argue with each other over which house would interview her. Daman had won. Something about the verbal exchange had been so intense it had Kristie on edge. She'd never been the prize of a verbal confrontation before and found herself happy to be the victor.

Now she was on some other ritual journey through the underground passages of Shacrow, to a place called the Crossroads where the seven Houses met. She assumed this was so none of the other applicants could see who they were in competition with. Or something. She had to walk the hallway to Sokar House as part of the initiation, which was why she was getting antsy. She was guessing it was starting to show if Daman noticed just by walking next to her.

"I'm fine. I just... I'm not really one for ceremony."

Daman's perfect teeth gleamed against his dark skin as he smiled. "You get used to it. Some girls even fight for position in the hierarchy of ceremony." His voice was rich and deep. A rumble that probably made other girls more than a little moist.

Well I don't have to get used to anything, she thought to herself. All this ceremony; the place was starting to give her the creeps. Like Stepford gone wrong. Be a good little robot and chant these words for us, but don't light up, it's not good for your circuits. She giggled nervously.

"So... you're House." She figured small talk would get her mind off things. "Sokar. It's been around for a long time."

"A very long time, yes." 

They stepped out into a great room filled with rugs and pillows, benches, and tables set with all sorts of food. Holy shit. It was like something out of Arabian Nights... or Rome... or, well, it looked like a variety of different cultures vomited their décor all over the place. There was a coat of arms on the wall and lace drapes hanging from the ceiling over one of the benches. Persian rugs littered the floor as did bearskins.

Someone should shoot the decorator. 

"This way." Daman gestured to a hallway on the far left. 

The passage was lit with torches for crying out loud. 

Kristie followed him to the entrance and he looked back just as she stepped through the arch. Daman smiled warmly as she caught up to him. It was strange to see him smile so much after watching his stony face all through her interview. Maybe it was the win that put him in a good mood. They walked together down the corridor . 

"Can I ask you something that might sound bad coming from an applicant?" Kristie didn't take her eyes off the walls. They were covered in brilliantly-colored hieroglyphics. 

Daman laughed. "Is it bad?"

"No... maybe... I just don't want it to be taken as an insult." She stopped at a particularly interesting picture of two people obviously getting it on. She forgot her question as her eyes followed the depiction of the man cuddling the woman, her face in what looked to be Egyptian ecstasy: eyes closed, mouth open, head back, as the man nuzzled her neck. Wow. Hot.

"The question?"

Daman's voice made her jump. "What? Oh, yeah..." Kristie noticed him looking at the painted scene she was studying and blushed a little. "Is it worth going here? I mean... they say everyone gets ahead in the world... but at what price? The school has to get something out of it."

"You mean more than just populating the campus with beautiful women?" Daman asked, raising his eyebrows slightly. He sounded so serious but she could swear he was being humorous. Especially since he'd noticed the picture she was looking at.

"Did your ancestors paint this? I mean the school has been here for hundreds of years, right?" Kristie forgot her own early question and referenced the images before her. There were others of girls giving birth to children, the children growing, and then images of men and women who were represented as strong and healthy. Still, her eyes came back to the embrace going on right at her eye level. When he didn't answer she turned, looking at him. The look on his face was... studious... intense... it made her gulp.

"No. My ancestors did not paint these scenes." 

The moment hung between them as the question went unanswered. She was too caught up in those silvery gray eyes to make her usual sarcastic remark. She suddenly found herself wondering if this creepy place really was... creepy. He could be some sort of monster or alien or something. Her heart beat a little faster in her chest.

"Painters." 

It took her a moment to understand. "What?"

"Painters, painted these scenes." He smiled reassuringly and turned to continue down the hall. 

Kristie gave one last look to the scene then caught up to him. She could have kicked herself. Of course painters painted these scenes. But who cared anyway... what was more important was why he had looked at her that way. What was up with that? She glanced at the wall again, an excuse not to look in his direction.

"Woah." Kristie stopped dead in her tracks, staring at the wall. Daman had stopped as well, turning swiftly to watch her. She saw him in her peripheral vision but she couldn't take her eyes off the new image she'd discovered. Drawings of men battling... it looked like wolves. That was fine, except the wolfs were coming from another painting of men TURNING into the wolves. 

Monsters. Yeah. Fuck.

"Kristie, I must ask you to continue to follow me." Daman said, not approaching her.

"I'm sorry it's just..." her voice trailed off when she saw the image of a man biting a wolf. Not, she noted quickly, the other way around. The image was near other pictures of men and wolves locked in a great battle. Shit.

Shit shit shit.

"Kristie." She flinched, realizing the sound came from just behind her. She hadn't seen or heard Daman move. Then again it wasn't like she was paying attention. She looked back over her shoulder, waiting to see him about to pounce on her and eat her alive. When she finally got up the nerve to turn around as casually as possible, he wasn't distorted, but he did back her against the wall she had just been studying. 

"Woah, hey, man personal space." Kristie knew it wasn't the most elegant way to say it, especially to someone high up in the scheme of things at a college she wanted to attend, but he was really close. Daman's silvery gray eyes stared into hers. She stared back, unable to hide her fear. What the fuck had she gotten herself in to? Something about that stare was predatory. She looked down, not wanting to meet his eyes, but as close as she was, she only ended up looking at his lips. 

Okay, bad move.

He kissed her. 

It wasn't some tentative, is-this-okay kind of kiss. This was an I'm-going-to-devour-you kind of kiss. Not the frightening kind, but a passionate consumption of energy she'd only witnessed in movies. The kind of kiss that happened right before a battle, or a separation, or some really hot sex.

Daman's tongue forced her mouth open. The kiss itself was still so unexpected her lips opened without a fight. The kiss was hot, his tongue almost burning her mouth, but not quite. He was plundering her mouth, crushing his lips so fiercely to hers that she felt her teeth scrape the inside of her mouth. 

Then she tasted blood. Hers? His? The flavor must have gotten to him as well because with one last massage of his tongue on hers, he released her, backing away.




Shadow School Ch. 03



Kristie inhaled air, realizing she had forgotten to breathe. She had to admit that was a pretty damn good kiss. It actually left her a little dazed. Through the haze she noted three things. One, there were no fangs; two, the kiss was hot, not cold; and three, he left her the moment she tasted blood. Her imagination had conjured up the idea of vampires thanks to all the books she read and even some of the anime she watched, but he'd fit none of the stereotypes. 

So, she was alive, and wasn't some meal down here in the underbelly of SVMC. But she had still been kissed out of nowhere. What the Hell?

Daman cleared his throat and took a few steps away. "My apologies."

"S'ok." She said, reliving that moment over and over in her brain like it was on instant replay and fast forward. That was probably the hottest thing she'd ever experienced in her life, but damn. Why did it happen in the first place?

He took a few more steps before turning back to her. "Are you coming?"

Kristie looked up at him. Daman was bathed in the firelight of the torch. What was she doing? What was that all about? She started to wonder if the only way to get a scholarship was to get busy with your Head of House. 

"Yeah," she said, standing up straighter and walking to him. When he turned to lead her away, Kristie felt her swollen, abused lips with the tips her of fingers, and completely forgot about the wall.

When they reached the end of the hallway they were greeted by a huge door that looked like something out of a mummy movie. There wasn't a key. 

Daman turned to her and raised an arm. 

She slid back a step. "Woah okay, look. That was great and all, but a little awkward. Hot, but awkward. So don't get any more ideas okay, because really you're not my type. And on top of that, you're like my elder or something," which was sort of true though he only looked a few years older than her, "and I don't want you thinking I'm coming to this institution so you can get some tail. And if that's what this college scholarship is about, then count me out."

Daman eyed Kristie as the words left her mouth in a rush. "Actually, I was just reaching for the control panel to open the doors..."

Kristie's mouth opened slightly, staring at him as his words reached her ears but took longer to reach her brain. That wasn't exactly the response she'd been expecting. She looked behind her and on the wall was a keypad disguised to look like the stone walls of the hallway. Her cheeks flushed.

"But now I'm curious... what is your type?" Daman's had was still raised, unmoving as he watched her squirm.

"Uh, I'm sorry. That was rude of me. Don't get me wrong, you're good looking, very... good looking, and I'm sure all the ladies like you, love you even, but I..." Kristie couldn't feel the sentence.

"You don't find me appealing."

"No. Yes! I mean, I just said you were hot it's just..." How the hell was she supposed to be comfortable discussing this with someone who was the equivalent of a professor?

"You... have a boyfriend."

"No..."

"Then you have-"

"I like girls." Kristie just blurted it out. She didn't mean to, but her edit button suddenly wasn't working properly. Weird.

Silence hung in air until Daman smiled and dropped his hand. "I like girls too." 

Kristie laughed uncomfortably.

He stepped closer to her and she clenched her jaw, wondering how to avoid a repeat of the earlier moment. "Kristie, I'm not asking you to give up anything you are. And I have no problem with your interest in females." His face got closer to hers until she could feel his breath on her skin. "All I ask is that you consider me as well."

Kristie was truly starting to become alarmed by the haze clouding her thoughts. "I..."

"It was your energy I felt in the kiss, not just mine. If you seriously cannot accept what I am offering, what the school is offering... you are free to go." Daman eyed her, waiting for a response.

Kristie heard his words, thinking there was something not quite right about the sentence but she couldn't figure it out. Her mind was fogging up and she couldn't focus on anything but this thrumming pulse in her blood. The panic she'd dismissed earlier was back, but it was muted.

She looked up at Daman, those intense silver eyes were still on her, still watching, though this time the expression was almost amused. "As I said earlier... my apologies."

"What?" Kristie was still looking at his face but her focus was on the vibrations of her body. It was like that time she and Dylan had huffed nitrous out of a balloon at a concert. The pulses her body felt, only for an instant, made her lose every care in the world. Which is what happens when you kill off lots of brain cells all at once. Silly, but cool as Hell.

This pulse however... this new beat her body was dancing to... was something else. Less intense, but it was building... Building to a point in her stomach... a heat spreading to... 

Oh. "My apologies" he had said. Daman had done this to her.

"This isn't exactly the ideal place for this, but... well... after studying the sacred paintings there's really no turning back." Daman stepped back from her, crossing to the other side of the doorway. It wasn't large, only a few feet from where she stood.

He watched her. Expecting. Expecting what?

"You know, my blood would not have this affect on you if you were not the least bit attracted to me." His blood? In her mouth... "You would have continued the conversation as we made our way to my office and I would have answered all of your questions honestly. That's our policy here. Honesty"

Kristie managed a snarky retort. "Well that is the best policy," but it came out of her mouth without the usual oomph she put behind her sarcasm. She heard him but her mind was elsewhere. Mainly she was wondering why he had moved away from her. She was sure he had been about to kiss her again.

Daman smiled. "Did you like my kiss?" When she didn't reply, he continued, "because there are more where those came from. But I only assert myself once... to show my interest. From there, if a kiss is wanted... well, it must be your request, not mine."

Kristie watched his mouth as he spoke. His lips, full and... oh God what had she gotten herself in to? She fought it, the ever-oncoming haze clouding her judgment, but... every time he said kiss, she couldn't help but think of the way his lips felt, pressed against hers. She hated lazy kisses and his... 

She suddenly realized he was offering her more. What was she doing just standing over here?

Daman smiled wickedly as she approached him. Kristie sped her pace so that by the time she reached him, her momentum crushed her body against his. She went immediately for his lips but was blocked by his index finger. Its position, held up just before her mouth found his, made her pull up short. She looked down at the offending digit and had the sudden desire to nibble it.

Fucking. Nibble. It. 

She was doomed.

"First," Daman said, not removing his finger. "What is it you want?" His voice was annoyingly calm.

 She didn't take her eye off the obstacle when she answered. "A kiss."

"From whom, would you like this kiss?" 

Kristie fought the urge to roll her eyes and answered through gritted teeth, "yours." The pounding in her blood was building within her.

Daman removed the finger slowly as he said, "Ask, and you shall receive."

Eyeing his lips hungrily, as they moved. The words had danced from his mouth. She asked. 

"May I kiss you?"

Daman leaned forward just a hint and she took that as a yes. Kristie crushed her lips to his as he had done earlier, and her body sung with the triumph of contact. It was such an amazing feeling she was starting to not really care if he'd done this to her with... with what, did he say? His blood?

Their kiss was hot and wet, and this time Kristie clasped his head between her hands, her fingers running over his extremely short-cropped hair, the texture making the nerves at her fingertips burn. When she had crushed her body to his, she had inadvertently straddled one of Daman's legs, so her thigh was pressed into his crotch. She could feel cock harden against her leg as they kissed.

And the kiss.

Oh hell, she could get used to this. Maybe she was wrong about only liking girls. Maybe she was bi. Of course this was probably only because he spiked her bloodstream somehow and if that was the case, she'd like more. She had, after all, asked for a party life at college. Well, here, with Daman, this was some party.

Daman raised his leg a little more, propping his foot against the wall. He broke the kiss. "I can smell your arousal," he said, which should have put her off but only made her want more. "Rub yourself on me."

Kristie obeyed eagerly. What she didn't expect was the intensity of the reaction her skin had when she made contact with his leg. She could feel herself against him, her tight jeans causing such a delicious friction that she gasped. She began riding Daman's thigh, grinding herself against him, and with her leg pressed between his legs as well, she was clearly giving him the same pleasurable friction.

Daman gritted his teeth and looked down to where their bodies met. For a moment, they simply felt each other connecting over and over again with each of her thrusts.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"More." Kristie answered without even having to think.

"More what?"

"More... more touching." 

It was like she'd taken the best E at some rave party. But there was no music. Just the steady beat of her pulse thrumming in her ears and through where their bodies were connected. She grabbed Daman's hand and shoved it roughly against her chest. She knew she didn't have much for him to grab on to, but it was enough of a handful for the girls she'd been with. Daman's hand however, was the largest that had ever come into contact with that particular area. She suddenly wished she had a chest like Melanie's.

"You're beautiful," Daman said. It was the second time he'd answered a thought of hers. He massaged her breast, causing the material beneath his fingers to rub over her sensitive nipples. 

The friction growing in her pussy was becoming more and more intense. "I want... unh..." she whimpered a little "I want..." she felt a build coming from deep within her. Her clit rubbed against him each time she rocked and it was seriously starting to throb. 

Daman leaned forward and nibbled on her ear, his hot mouth branding her. His voice was soft. "What do you want?"

"Taste," was all Kris could get out. She pushed herself against him harder, grinding her pussy onto his thigh. His cock was straining in his pants. "Your lips... hot... on my skin."

Daman growled a little at this and dropped his leg so suddenly that the loss of friction made her moan in disappointment. That was before she was whipped around and pressed hard against the wall. His lips were on hers again and she only regretted the loss of friction between her legs a little.

Releasing her lips, Daman said "lift your shirt" before pressing against her once more, shoving his tongue into her mouth to dance with hers. She found herself kissing him back, her tongue caressing his with each stroke of the deep kiss.

Again, Kristie did as she was told, starting to like this little game they played. If it were a game. Something about this situation seemed serious... dangerous... like playing with fire. She wondered what would happen if she refused and Daman growled. God that was sexy. 

She lifted her shirt to the middle of her stomach. Kristie felt Daman's hand slide beneath it, his fingers ducking deftly under her bra to grasp her naked breast roughly. He pressed himself closer to her, the hard bulge in his pants making sweet contact with her jeans, forcing her panties to rub against her clit again. She moaned into his mouth.

"Higher," he ordered, his lips refusing to leave hers as he rubbed himself against her. When she lifted her shirt higher, her bra came with the material to her chest, freeing her breasts to the cool air of the hallway.

Daman released her mouth again, leaving her panting, and she felt his lips clamp down on one of her nipples. His other hand continued to massage her breast, each getting an exquisite amount of detailed attention. His tongue circled the bud, flicking over it, before he latched down again and sucked. His hand continued to taunt her other nipple, his thumb running over the tip before his fingers joined in to lightly tug on the sensitive flesh.

She watched him play with her breasts in the firelight of the torches, still in awe at how fast their journey down the hallway had escalated into such incredible pleasure. And with a man. 

"What do you want?" Daman asked, switching to the other breast the same attention with his mouth.

"Your hand..." she said, mesmerized by his actions, "your other hand..."

"Where do you want it?"

Kristie couldn't believe he was just doing everything she asked. "I want it on me..." she gasped as his teeth grazed her nipple. "Down there. I want you to touch me." Was it her or did she sound like she was starting to beg?

Oh who cared! His hand was creeping down the plain of her stomach, the contrast of his dark skin to her creamy paleness a fascinating site, even more so as his hand disappeared beneath the waistline of her jeans. She knew it would be a tight fit, despite her jeans being a bit loose on her, so she decided to unbutton them herself. Why impede what was to come?

At that she giggled a little and he growled again against her breast. Her laughter cut off quickly as his fingers found her throbbing clit. "Oh." She moaned, the sound echoing down the hall. His fingertips toyed with her momentarily before one continued south, dipping into her soaking wet slit. Kristie was pulsing with nerves, every touch was a sensation bursting forth on a whole new level. 

Looking down at the hand on her breast, she studied the long, thick fingers and suddenly had a thrill of anticipation wash over her. Those fingers were about to...

Daman plunged a finger deep inside her, thrusting so quickly it caught her off guard. She rocked forward and his mouth released her breast as he stood to catch her. Kristie dug her forehead into his chest as his hand began assaulting her pussy, his finger delving deep, thrusting in and out, his thumb making contact with her clit to the point of such sweet agony that she thought she might swear off women forever if she could experience this every night. 

Daman raised an eyebrow at her. She giggled a little. It was a strange sound mixed with the whimpers coming from her. She was just caught up in the moment and they both knew it.

As Daman caressed her deeply, he stared again into her eyes. It wiped the smile right off her face. It wasn't hunger she saw there, though there was still a hint of that lingering, but... the only thing she could think of was... pride. He knew he was doing this to her... a man... and he knew she loved it. Hell, she didn't even care if he was an alien at this point... she'd swear of humans. 

Damon chuckled and kissed her hard again, his finger leaving her, only to be replaced by another. In her distraction he had plunged two of his thick fingers into her, stretching her wider, sending a thrill pulsing into her already throbbing pussy. She was so wet, her juices coated his hand making it easy for his fingers to stroke her. Daman built the speed of his digits gradually until his fingers fucked her hard, his thumb simply toying with her clit. The fire he was building was so gradual that she knew in the end she was in for a great explosion.

Daman released her lips and she gasped for air. She clung to him, her hips effectively humping his hand as his fingers continued to plunge in and out of her.

"What do you want?" he asked softly against her mouth. His breath was hot, his smell was becoming intoxicating. "Tell me. Ask... and you shall-"

"Make me cum." She gasp, her forehead dropping forward to press against his. "Please."

Daman grinned. She realized she'd just said the magic word.

His fingers ceased their assault though they stayed within her, and he raised his head to look into her eyes. As Kristie stared up at him, drunk with heated passion, Daman began to gently curl his fingers inside her. 

Kristie bit her lip and moved as if to kiss him but he avoided her, insistent upon watching her face. Her cheeks flushed. He groaned a little at that, then applied the needed pressure to her clit, massaging little circles into the bundle of nerves, before coming to rest on the side of the little ridge where her body's pleasure center rested.

He hit his target.

Kristie exploded into a universe of pleasure. She literally saw stars dancing in her vision as Daman stilled his fingers to barely move within her. She began to ride his hand, the overwhelming power of the orgasm ripping through her. His finger on the side of her clit followed her rocking movement.

As Kristie rode each burst of the explosive orgasm, she began to realize that something was wrong. She wasn't coming down. She was still... it was still... 

Oh God... fuck yes... this was... oh... oh... oh!

Daman watched her as she experienced each pulse of ecstasy. She tried so hard to keep her face under control but as the build continued to stay at such a high level she couldn't help the spasm of sweet pleasure that contorted her face. She refused to look away from him though, as he clearly wanted to see the pleasure he brought her. 

Kristie began to understand that Daman knew what he was doing. Really knew. As her orgasm crashed into her again and again and again, she rode his hand like it was her own personal drug. Her movements became more graceful, slower, more appreciative, and she stared into his eyes as the feeling finally began to wane.

Kristie began to feel her strength leave her with the fading pleasure. She sagged against him, knowing that he would not let her fall. Gasping, she finally broke the gaze as her head fell against his shoulder, yet she saw nothing but the stars. His fingers were still in her and she could still feel little twitches of pleasure zapping her system. Her nerves were not used to such treatment.

Daman finally removed his fingers from her soaked pussy, sliding them deliciously up through her slit before taking his hand from her jeans. His stroke had sent shivers through Kristie's body. As the door came into focus, she noticed the haze that had been clouding her mind was gone.

Kristie stood, a little shakily, and looked at Daman. He reached up and brought her bra back down over her exposed breasts, then pulled down her shirt. His fingers, though large, deftly buttoned the button of her jeans and zipped them up the rest of the way. She watched this, speechless.

He left her there against the wall and turned to enter the code on the keypad. When he finished, he turned back to her. "Can you walk?"

Wait... seriously?

Now that her wits were about her the whole situation seemed hilarious. No... she couldn't walk... she had just had the orgasm to end all orgasms and she was as wobbly as a newborn giraffe. 

Daman smiled at her and reached down to grab her satchel. She hadn't even realized she dropped it. Placing it around one of his shoulders, he put his arm under hers and helped her step through the door. When they entered, Kristie saw a small room, gorgeously decorated in Egyptian statues, exotic flowers, and plush woven fabrics.

Daman guided Kris over to a cushioned bench and helped her sit, gingerly, before placing the satchel beside her. As he turned to walk away, she noticed the bulge still tenting his pants. Yet he made no move to take care of it. He'd even covered her back up. The ending was... abrupt. 

Daman went to a mini-bar area, set up with various wines and liquors. When he turned, a hint of a smile was on his composed face. He held a glass of water for her. 




Shadow School Ch. 03



Kristie took it and sipped, finding it hard to take her eyes off... well, his hardness. He didn't want her to...

Daman knelt before her, fingers lightly brushing his knees. "This was just a taste of what could be should you take the scholarship." He paused a moment before saying, "I offer it to you, Kristie MacFarland. It is yours." He looked at her, serious again. "You asked what the school would get from your presence. The school would get nothing." His fingers began making circled on her knee. "It would be I who would receive you should you attend."

With that, he lifted his other hand, the one that had touched her so intimately, and Kristie watched as he sucked the remaining liquid from one of his fingers. She could smell herself on his hand so she knew that he tasted her on his tongue.

Her mouth dropped open.

Standing, Daman crossed to the door. "I will send Becky to retrieve you in ten minutes. She will escort you to supper with your parents. There is a room just off to the right if you need to compose yourself." He left it at that. Reaching the door, he turned to look at her. "Each girl will have a chance to dance with a Head of House tonight. I give you the freedom to choose, despite the knowledge you have. It's a blatant disregard of a rule, but I never take an applicant if she does not want to be taken. When you are in my arms tonight, tell me what you want."

With that, Daman Sokar left the room.

*

 Thanks for reading the third chapter of my series! I know it's been a lot of build up to this point... just know that there is a lot in store for these characters. I love feedback so please vote or leave a comment. See you at Chapter Four! 



Shadow School Ch. 04



Cameron stood in front of Julian Arinson, President of Shacrow VanMeter College. The office was a good-sized room, filled with things that complimented the colonial décor. Except this time, the décor probably WAS colonial and not just a mockup. As she studied the desk in front of her, Cameron heard the click of the door as the girl in the black cloak, Aunalita, left the room. 

"How are you liking our campus so far, Miss Ellis?" The President asked, taking his glasses from his faces as wiping the lenses with a cloth.

"It's beautiful. The amount of trees... it's like going to school in a forest." Cameron berated herself for such a simplistic answer... she should have mentioned the architecture or some sort of appealing intellectual aspect and she was talking about trees. Well.

"Do you like nature?" 

"Yes, very much so." Very much so? Okay, maybe that was overdoing it. "I mean... your campus seems to embrace the forest around it... the buildings look so... out of place yet so at home among the forest..." Cameron could feel herself start to sweat. "The architecture is stunning."

"We're big on history here," President Arinson said with a slight smile. Thankfully, he eased her torment by changing the subject. He gestured to the three other people in the room. "May I introduce some of the Heads of our seven Houses? This is Elias, Head of Arinson House." 

A handsome young man in his early twenties offered a brief smile and a nod. Cameron returned the smile with a bigger one, and a nod in his direction. She noticed his slightly curled blonde hair and stunning green eyes, thinking he looked like a younger version of the college President. Maybe he was his son. 

"Next we have Catherine, of Waldemar House." The twenty-something blue-eyed brunette had her hair pulled back in waves better suited for the first part of the century. Her sharp face was pretty, her pale skin set off by the darkness of her hair, the brightness of her eyes, and her choice of red lipstick. She eyed Cameron with a calculating look. "And this," the man with dark hair pulled back into a ponytail stepped forward a step, "is Gavin, of Ovidan House."

Cameron immediately recognized him as the young man at the Prom that she'd bumped into on the way to the bathroom. He was a Head? He looked like he was her age. And he had apparently gone to a high school Prom... Cameron heard Melanie's voice in her head, the things the silly girl said to her just moments ago in the theatre. Melanie said he'd bitten her. Part of her wanted to be appalled, the other part figured it was just some kind of kinky make-out session gone wrong. Melanie and her excuses aside, what was he doing here? Why was he at Prom?

Gavin seemed to recognize her too because he said, "we met previously at a social affair." 

Cameron plastered a smile on her face despite being reminded of that awful event. "Yes, I remember, though we were not formally introduced." God, she sounded like someone out of a Jane Austen book. What was wrong with her? And the last time she'd seen him she'd actually curtsied before leaving. Blushing, she turned back to the President, hoping he would bale her out once again.

"I'm sure you are wondering why you have been selected to attend Shacrow VanMeter," the President said, "Each year we send agents into different school districts and this year your district was reviewed. You might even have friends here competing for the scholarship."

"Yes, two girls from my school are here as well." She glanced in Gavin's direction but he now seemed to be more interested in whatever could be seen from the window. Her eyes caught the other young man's before she turned back to the President. She didn't want to stare too long but she'd noticed how attractive the three spectators were and it made her a bit self-conscious.

"As we are not an athletic school, we have no interest in student athletes, yet we choose students in good health with a healthy family background. We look for things that incoming students may offer the school. For instance, you are fluent in French and speak a little Spanish, correct?" The President peered at her from behind papers apparently telling him these things. 

Cameron was a little taken off guard. Was that why she was picked? "My grandmother is French," she hedged. "She moved here when she married my grandfather and she taught me her language and culture... I don't see them much since they moved back to France." Her grandparents had met during the Second World War and kept up correspondence until her grandfather proposed marriage in a letter and asked her to come to the US. Cameron's grandmother had no family left after bombs obliterated her town; she herself had been pulled from her basement by her future husband two years before they married. Cameron didn't feel the need to share that with the people in the room, but the story of valor on her grandfather's part and the will to survive her grandmother displayed had always been a cherished family history. 

"As for the Spanish, I only know a little. I had a nanny from the Domenican Republic until I was ten." Bethina had been her mother in more ways than her own mother had been. "But she spoke French as well and helped me learn my grandmother's language. So I learned more French from her than Spanish."

"Wonderful." The President sounded pleased to confirm this about her. "Would you mind demonstrating these languages?" He nodded to the three standing apart from the interview. 

"If I were to ask you about the Italian Renaissance and the effect Michelangelo had on art, would you be able to answer me in fluent French?" The sentence came from Gavin, who offered it an almost bored tone of voice. The question had been delivered in perfect French. It made her think of Louis and wonder how they were related.

Cameron considered how to respond. It was actually a yes or no question and but she figured a simple "oui" wouldn't do the trick. Instead, she responded in French, "Only if you wish to speak of Italians, my impression is that the French would rather speak of their own artistic achievements."

The blonde one, Elias, allowed a smile to play across his lips as he glanced sideways at Gavin then back to her. The woman beside him, Catherine, laughed haughtily and said "Spoken like a person with French blood in their veins." Cameron only understood a few words... the woman had spoken Spanish more common in Europe, but she got the gist. Was she supposed to respond?

"Godo di sangue francese." Gavin murmured.

"Enough," the President said, looking back at the papers on his desk.

Cameron caught the words but barely understood them... yet Gavin had used one of the romance languages and she was pretty sure he had made some sort of comment about French blood. Yeah, because you probably drink it, she thought sarcastically.

The President looked up at her, glancing at the others before going back to the papers. "You play tennis as a hobby. Why not for the school?"

"There are players on our school team that cause problems for... the less popular girls. I'm not fond of harassment." Cameron had been a freshman when she witnessed one of the tennis players tormenting a girl in the hallway. Cameron hadn't done anything because she didn't think she could keep herself from giving the girl what she really deserved... a good punch to the face. But she was a freshman, and though she had been in that school district for two years, she still felt new. Goodbye popularity and Hello expulsion. 

In the end, she had just watched and said nothing. Her cheeks heated at the memory.

The President waited for her to finish but she didn't. Instead, he said, "you're grades are pretty good, yet you don't belong to many clubs..." he let the sentence fade into silence and Cameron guessed the President wanted her to finish it for him.

"Future Homemakers isn't really my thing... and science club or history club, they just make you do more work. Drama takes too much time. I guess I just enjoy my spare time."

"What do you do with your spare time?"

"Horseback riding... I don't compete or anything, I just like to go for a ride sometimes... I like astronomy too, but we don't have a club at school for those things so I just do them myself... the rest of the time I spend with friends."

"And your parents? What do they do in their spare time?" 

Cameron knew she only had a second to think about this before there would be too long a pause but her parents... "They're country clubbers." She answered, half in explanation of a lifestyle, the other half in embarrassment; that was pretty much all they did. "They sail." Okay maybe they didn't sail but they did own a sailboat that they'd taken out at least three times since they bought it. "My dad golfs, my mother..." drinks. No... what did her mom do really other than socialize with the ladies? "My mother collects antique jewelry." There. No need to mention she just buys it for the prestige of wearing gaudy old necklaces and bracelets that cost a fortune. Cameron's dad always joked that it was an investment... if for some reason the family lost everything they could sell her mother's jewelry and retire comfortably.

"If you attended our college, what studies would you pursue?"

"To be honest I haven't settled on anything specific yet... I planned on working on my gen-ed classes while I was a freshman. I figured it would also depend on the school."

"With your head start in languages have you considered anything along those lines? We have connections at top firms in need of translators who can travel the world with them on business trips."

No. Cameron had not thought of that. Traveling the world on a company's expense account did sound fun though, and her job being only to translate for others... well that wasn't your typical nine to five job. "I'll definitely consider it... do you have a good language department here?"

"One of the best in the country... when you're as well connected as we are, and as discreet, it's best to be able to speak for yourself rather than having another do it for you. All of our translators are former students of Shacrow VanMeter or a sister school. But you'll find we like to keep to ourselves in most cases so it is a position of trust to become employed in such a fashion by the university."

Cameron could only smile. She had no response for this. She went from not knowing what she was going to do to practically being handed a job if she took a certain path of study. Surely that's what President Arinson meant by telling her this.

"I'll open the discussion up to the Heads of Houses now unless you have any other questions." He smiled at her and sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers and thumb together above his chest. 

Cameron only had a few questions, but she figured the first was more important. "This college is unknown to the rest of the world except for a select group of people?"

"Yes."

"And I would expect that by going here, I would have to keep such a secret?"

The President eyed her over his fingers. "Yes."

"So I guess bringing friends up to visit would be against policy." 

"Correct. If you attend here, do you think you could abide by the restrictions?"

"Yes, if they are important enough. But, people talk... has anyone ever slipped up and-"

"Not without consequence." Gavin interrupted. "Everyone who has knowledge of this place understands the importance of secrecy. And the repercussions of sharing what they shouldn't."

"Enough, Gavin." Elias said. "You know she understands. There's no harm in asking for confirmation."

Cameron smiled a little at Elias' rescue, then turned back to the President. She was nervous about this next question, but Aunalita had told her that she would get honest answers to her questions. "What is so important about this school that it must remain a secret?"

The President leaned forward and looked her in the eye. "For hundreds of years we have protected certain individuals from the public eye and will continue to do so for their children and their children's children. Bloodlines are very important here."

Bloodlines again. Cameron wondered what that was all about. "One of the girls mentioned bloodlines when they were on stage... is that why I was chosen? And why just girls? I saw boys on campus as well."

"We do a background check on a scholarship applicant because we believe in adding fresh blood into the mix of students here. If a young woman is accepted, it is assured that no one in her family tree has attended our college for at least four generations, if at all. It keeps the population diverse. And we choose girls instead of boys," the President smiled, using her words, "because the scholarship was set up in the 1600s when women were not allowed to attend college. We believed in equality even then, and the only way a father would relinquish his daughter was if it were paid for and offered her marriage prospects she would not normally have. Today it is not marriage, but business contracts that seduce parents. Simply put, the scholarship and what it entails is the same now as it was then."

Cameron simply stared. It was like an underground movement by men to educate women. But there was still the catch that must be in effect today... "Why would the school offer something so wonderful? You get something in return, right?" 

"Each young woman who attends under the scholarship must adhere to specific traditions during her stay at the school. Those who excel under these conditions are rewarded greatly... but everyone is different so it is up to you to determine your path here should you be given the scholarship. The school benefits from your attendance by providing us with yet another member of the Shacrow VanMeter family... and your position once you graduate is very important to us. Because it will be our position as well."

Cameron's eyebrows knitted together. The President smiled as if he knew she was questioning what he was saying and decided on a different tactic. "Let's say for example you wanted to be a lawyer. We would help you become one... we would send you to Harvard to complete your law degree. We would introduce you to some of the top firms and arrange it so that within years, you were a partner at one of the largest firms in the country. Why? Because now we would have legal representation at one of the largest firms in the country. And when the next student came along, we could send her to you and let her enjoy the same connections and benefits. It becomes a cycle... one we try not break lest we have to start anew."

Cameron understood. "So if I did go through the language courses as you suggested..."

"You would be given the chance to travel abroad and study in the countries where your languages are spoken. You would dive into the culture and learn to be a true native of that country. Then, you would be given the chance to work anywhere you'd like within our network, at some of the best companies. In return, if we ever needed you, you would provide us with your services."

There it was. We give to you so you'll give to us. Sounded good. Also, sounded like the mob or something, but in the end, if she worked hard for them, they'd give her the chance not many students had these days. 

She couldn't help the sarcastic joke that slipped from her mouth. "I won't have to sign my life away or anything, will I?" She gave an unsteady laugh.

"You won't have to sign anything," the President chuckled, "except school attendance forms and the normal paperwork you go through to attend college. "Simply attend, experience life at Shacrow VanMeter, then enjoy the benefits of our society around the globe."

"Sounds good." It did. Cameron had gotten an answer for every question. And she had a feeling it was an honest answer each time. She couldn't really think of anything else to ask, so she simply turned in her seat to face the three Heads watching her.

Catherine spoke first. "Do you have a lot of friends?"

"Yes," Cameron answered with a smile, wondering what that had to do with anything.

"Will you be able to keep the school's existence from them? This may mean distancing yourself to simple visits here and there... you can always make friends here if you enjoy a social environment." The young woman gave the appearance of trying to sound friendly, but it was a little fake.

"I'm sure that's what happens to most people who go away to college... friends change." Cameron answered. "I had to make new friends when I moved to my school, and I don't really talk much to my old friends... we tried, but the calls started to dwindle and I rarely speak to them now."

Catherine smiled, amused and content with the answer. "That'd be a yes, then."

"Yes." Cameron returned the smile.

Gavin was next. "Your family... they would be okay with not seeing you very often? Most of our students tend to stay at college year round."

Cameron hesitated. "I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind so much if they knew it would be beneficial to my future.... Though I'm sure they'd want to see me for Christmas."

"And what if you couldn't go home for Christmas?" he asked, eyeing her with deep dark eyes.

Cameron hesitated. "I'm sure if it were very important..." Words suddenly failed her. Why wouldn't she be able to go home for Christmas?

Elias rolled his eyes. "Gavin, It's a rare circumstance when a student doesn't go home for Christmas, are you referring to something specific?"

Cameron caught the tone in Elias' voice... it was a challenge. It was the second time the blonde came to her rescue during a battle of words with the goth. The two young men simply stared at each other, Gavin clearly irritated and Elias, challenging, but in good humor.

Catherine tsked at the battle of testosterone and took the opportunity to ask another question. "Do you have a boyfriend? I only ask because unlike friends, significant others can be harder to dissuade from contact."

Cameron blushed and looked at her hands. "No... I don't have a boyfriend." Trenton had been a disaster, and before that Kevin and Adam, both just flirtations that went nowhere because of her silly rules. Her first kiss had been with David Lieberman, a cute Jewish boy that lived across the street from her parents' old house before the big move. Long-distance relationships were just as tough on twelve-year-olds.

Catherine pursed her lips and looked at her watch. "Right... that's all the time I have..." She looked back at the two men she was standing with. "She's all yours." She turned, smiled tightly at Cameron and nodded, before walking over to a door that blended easily within the wood paneling of the wall, and exited. 

Cameron turned back to the President. Was it something she said?

"Pay no attention to Catherine, Cameron," Gavin said, "she's always doing things like that." He turned to Elias. "Well, if you have no further questions...

Elias smirked. "I haven't asked any. But don't worry Gavin, I don't feel the need to."

Gavin turned back to the President. "Ovidan House would like to put forth a request to interview Miss Ellis privately."

Cameron's heart sank in her chest. She was all for the school but she wasn't too keen on the Head of Ovidan House. What did a private interview entail exactly? And why didn't Elias 'feel the need' to ask a question? Did he not want her in his House? That would leave Ovidan..."

Elias faced the President. "Arinson House puts forth the same request." 

Julian Arinson stood behind his desk, facing the two young men. They were all silent for a moment before he turned to Cameron. "Miss Ellis," the President hedged, "As tradition dictates, in the case of multiple houses putting forth such a request, it is the privilege of the chosen one to pick the house-"

"Arinson." Cameron cut him off. She probably shouldn't have -- they seemed to be in some sort of formal ceremony with all the "putting forth" going on but there was no question who Cameron would rather leave the room with.




Shadow School Ch. 04



Gavin gritted his teeth. "You do not choose yet, my dear, we have to make an introduction of our House so that you can choose with the knowledge of what you will get."

Cameron's mouth was open slightly and she made a hasty apology. "I'm sorry," she said, embarrassed, "please... continue." She'd simply wait until the presentation was over with then say the same thing.

Elias grinned. "In this case I think we can skip the duel for affection; she clearly chose Arinson."

Gavin rolled his eyes and returned to staring out the window with a wave of his hand. "Take her then. I have three more girls to interview before tonight and this meeting has gone on long enough."

Elias smirked. "Don't be such a sore loser Gavin, you know who you want already so don't bother making a show of courting another potential student... you'll be wasting her time." 

"I have made no such decision." Gavin turned to face Elias. "It would be against school policy to have done so before the gala."

Elias returned Gavin's stare for only a moment before looking at the President. Julian Arinson nodded in acknowledgment before Elias turned to Cameron and held out his hand. She looked up into his face, her eyes wide from the tension in the room. "Arinson House wishes to formally welcome you to campus Miss Ellis, and requests an interview. Do you accept?" 

Cameron didn't take her eyes from Elias' as she reached out and took his hand. She thought he meant to shake it but instead he helped her stand. She grabbed her bag from the floor and followed Elias to the same door Catherine had used as an exit. He opened if for her, gesturing for her to go through. 

The hallway was darker than the President's office, and Cameron's eyes had to adjust to the dim light. The light from the door was fading as it closed and Elias began to lead her down a short hallway. She looked down a stairwell that seemed to descend several stories down. If she were on the second floor of the house, that meant it went far underground. 

She was about to ask Elias where they were going when light flooded the hallway. Gavin had stepped through the door and was walking toward them. 

The goth smirked at them as he passed. "I have time before my next observance. I think refreshment is in order."

Elias didn't smile. He simply nodded warily and nodded his head in the direction of the stairs indicating that Gavin should go first. Cameron wondered why until she realized she wouldn't exactly want Gavin behind her either, especially with the tension between the two.

They all began their way down the stairs in an awkward silence. 

***

Kristie looked at herself in the bathroom mirror as she washed her hands. It had taken her a few minutes to even get off the bench where Daman had left her, let alone make it to the bathroom to clean up. Her brain was still trying to catch up with the last half hour and it was hard to come to terms with what had just happened. 

It had been a long time since a man had sparked her interest and this one had set her on fire. She was pretty sure something else was going on, and whatever had taken place between them wasn't all natural... but whatever he was, he defiantly was not human. 

The image of him sticking his finger in his mouth to suck off the remaining juices was burned into her memory. She had smelled herself on him, and it wasn't just arousal. 

There had been blood on his finger. 

Normally she would have been grossed out, but the act itself had been so shocking, she had done nothing but stare open-mouthed. His actions dumbfounded her. 

He had fucking tasted her blood.

Twisted.

The trip to the bathroom had confirmed her mortification as she tried to salvage what was left of her sanity. Daman was either clueless or was one sick fuck. That was kinkier shit than she was into.

Doing the best she could to clean herself up, she couldn't think of what to do next. Did she find her parents and bolt? Did she warn the other girls to run away as fast as they could? 

Perverted as it was, it had been the single hottest thing of Kristie's teenage life. Never in her eighteen years had anything blown her mind like Daman's clever dexterity. How did he know to touch her there? It was like he entered some sort of hacker code into her nervous system and pressed enter. She had even seen stars for crying out loud. 

Kristie ran through the events leading up to the hot action in the doorway and tried to look at thing objectively. Daman had tried to take her mind off the walls, and succeeded. If she followed her gut reaction she'd seen an Egyptian interpretation of a man making love to a woman while sucking at her neck. Something told Kris that it wasn't an Egyptian hickey in the making. She'd also seen men turning into wolves and fighting... then a man BITING a wolf. Okay... lots of biting led to two things... vampires or zombies. As Daman didn't look dead, he must be undead.

Was Daman really a vampire? The blood she'd tasted in her mouth was his... he'd apologized for putting it there, and acted as if he knew she would soon get so turned on she'd actually beg him for some kind of touch or release. He'd clearly played with her despite the presence of blood which, she admitted, was always a question she had when watching a vampire movie: What happens when the young woman the vampire is interested in gets her period? Does that make him thirsty or is it taboo?

Daman had been cool the entire time. He'd also been hot... which went against vampire lore. He didn't bust out fangs or show any sign that he could smell her blood, which he must have. Her cheeks heated at the memory of him telling her that he could smell her. Fucking Hell.

Still, Daman hadn't done anything she didn't want him too, in fact, it was just the opposite. He'd been a little aggressive, yeah, but he also said he wasn't going to do anything unless she asked him... and he stayed true to that. And the entire time he never tried to find his own release. 

Kris had told him she liked girls. Maybe this was his way of trying to not scare her off? It wasn't like she was scared of a penis... she just had a thing for breasts... and female connection. But the reaction her body had to Daman... He said she wouldn't have behaved that way if she didn't at least feel a little something... 

A knock at the bathroom door made Kristie jump. She'd been staring at nothing while she thought.

"Kristie?" Becky's voice sounded curious. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah... I'll be out in a minute." Kristie checked herself in the mirror again and took a deep breath before turning and opening the door.

"Hey," Becky said. "Daman said you were down here..."

"Yeah, he left... I guess he has to sit in on more interviews?"

"Yes... but only the ones where a girl is considered for his House." Becky turned for the stairs leading up into what Kristie guessed was Sokar House.

Kristie followed the girl up the steps and wondered if she should mention the encounter... probably not... but was that something that happened often? Did Becky know the Head of her House was probably a vampire? And if she did... 

A different thought suddenly hit Kristie. 

Why the Hell was she getting so worked up over something like this? Effing vampires, man! She might have just encountered a real one. 

Holy shit.

Her whole life she'd been looking to do something wild... something out of the ordinary... and really, she was looking forward to a few party years at campus before settling down with a partner and raising a family... or maybe not settling down and just living it up until she died. Yet here she stood in a real life vampire academy (maybe) and she could have an experience only few people had. 

She knew it was a twisted thought, but Hell... Kristie had the sudden urge to be twisted.

***

Melanie was starting to get bored. The third batch of girls were apparently the unlucky ones who had to wait for two hours before their interview. If she were last, it'd be more like three. She wondered what would happen if she got up and went for a walk. There didn't seem to be anyone but the girls in the theatre, so no one was really around to stop her. And if the last waiting period was any indication, she had a good half hour before the girls in cloaks lined up on stage. Bor. Ing.

Standing, she started to scoot out of the aisle. Only a few girls looked up from whatever they brought to occupy their time. She made her way to the doors that her parents had exited through, thinking maybe she could use the excuse of going to the bathroom. Surely they wouldn't expect the girls to hold it that long.

The lobby of the theatre was empty of people so she looked around the room. Spotting the ladies' restroom she figured she might as well go ahead and go since she didn't know what the rest of the day would entail. She passed by a darkened hallway, a few message boards, and some artwork, including a bust of a guy with leaves on his head like a Caesar. Pausing she looked down at the young man's face then read the plaque beneath a swath of marble cloth: Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.

Wow... okay maybe he WAS Caesar. She looked at the face more closely... he was kinda cute... sll this time she'd thought he was some middle-aged soldier with a thing for Cleopatra.... Or was that Antony?

Melanie went to the bathroom to kill more time and came out wondering if she should stay in the theatre. She could have used some fresh air; there wasn't much light coming through the lobby doors as it was and the darkness of the theatre was starting to get to her with nothing going on. 

Strolling around the room she decided to busy herself with message boards and displays. There were pictures posted in a glass casing of a campus outreach program... some students working with pet adoption societies and others reading books to preschoolers. Some Halloween photos were still up showing toddlers in cute costumes and kids with their mouths smothered in candy. She saw Louis standing next to a girl, both dressed as chickens. She was holding a baby in an egg costume. Silly, but cute. 

Melanie started to wonder... was that Louis' baby? Who was the girl? The mother? His wife? She never really thought to look for a ring on his hand but then, she was a little uncomfortable as it was and had avoided looking at him as much as possible. He looked too much like Gavin.

"Melanie?" 

She turned. Speak of the devil. Her name sounded so elegant in that light French accent of his. She was used to a more southern pronunciation. 

Louis came striding up to her, the front door shutting behind him. She wondered if she was in trouble. 

"Hey... sorry... after two hours of sitting in there I had to get out for some air," she said sheepishly. She turned back to the photos. "I was just looking at these pictures."

Louis smiled as he approached her. "My brother... he turned two in March."

Melanie looked back at the baby, then at the girl. "So is she..." the mother? 

"That is my fiancée, Sophie."

"Oh."

"She lives in Paris but she visits during the fall. She never misses a Halloween... it's such a commercial holiday here and she loves dressing up in ridiculous costumes." 

"So it wasn't your idea to dress as a chicken?" Melanie couldn't help but notice how close Louis was to her. Granted, he was leaning over her shoulder to look at the picture, but with all the Gavin business, she was a bit uncomfortable having an Ovidan next to her neck.

Louis chuckled and straightened, taking a step back. "I'm a rooster. She's the chicken. And little Philippe is adorable in the egg costume, is he not?"

Melanie turned back to the photo and giggled. The baby did look absolutely ridiculous, but he was definitely adorable. "Did his mother not want to take him trick-or-treating?"

"Ah," Louis said, sighing. "Sadly Bethanie is no longer with us. With both parents out of the picture, Sophie and I will adopt Philippe when we marry."

Melanie suddenly felt guilty for judging Louis so harshly. "I'm so sorry."

"For what?" Louis said, trying to brighten the mood. "Life goes on, and little Philippe will have everything he wants. I plan to spoil him to pieces."

Melanie smiled. "Well congratulations then."

"And now for you... the girls will arrive in about 20 minutes if you can stand it... then you will have all the fresh air you want as you walk to the President's House. Your parents are already in a meeting with the Board, and as soon as you are finished, you'll have a banquet waiting for you. Think you can hold up for another hour?" Louis had walked to the theatre door and opened it for her.

"Sure." Melanie said, walking back into the gloomy theatre. 

***

Cameron learned after only a few steps into the underground passage that the Heads of Ovidan and Arinson didn't really get along. First, it had been silence. Then, when she had wished someone would say something, Gavin obliged. She thought she preferred silence.

"I do wish you had chosen differently, Cameron," Gavin's voice had called back mockingly. "My family comes from a long line of knights. Elias is a descendant of barbarians."

Elias scoffed. "While your lot were off fighting silly religious battles my people were already discovering the existence of new continents."

"Yes, well my lot effectively converted your lot to our silly religion didn't we? Last I checked there were millions of us and... oh wait your people died out. So sorry about that."

Cameron glanced at Elias only to see him glance at her as well. He raised his eyebrows in a what-can-you-do? expression and looked back at the dark figure cutting his way down the passage. "I think the term is assimilation, not absolute death." He smiled over at Cameron. "Christianity came to the north and they frowned on raiders taking slaves... that was pretty much the end of the Viking Age." He looked back at Gavin, taunting him further. "Of course the difference between a slave and a serf is that you hand over the money it costs you to keep them. They think they're free, they just have to do their own accounting now along with all their other chores."

Gavin chuckled. "And the system is still in place more or less, wouldn't you say? Every few hundred years you change the rules to make the people think you're giving them what they want, but in reality all you're doing is changing some minor details and renaming positions."

Cameron couldn't help herself. "America doesn't have a feudal system."

Gavin glanced back over his shoulder for a moment, a grin on his face. "Of course you don't, Miss Ellis... you get to choose between only two men then place him and his family in a colonial castle that's guarded by soldiers... what was it called when the Kennedy's were there... Camelot?"

Cameron opened her mouth to retort but closed it again. She wasn't into politics and whatever needed to be said just then was beyond her. Never talk politics or religion, her mother always said. 

Coming to a sudden stop, Cameron tried to think of something fast. She dropped to the ground and quickly untied her shoelace, looking up to see that Elias had stopped as well. She hoped Gavin would keep walking. When he stopped too, she looked back at her shoe and mentally cursed.

"You go ahead, Gavin, I think we can handle an untied shoelace." Elias said. His tone made her smile a little. When she glanced up again, Gavin had continued down the passage.

Standing, she straightened her bag and grinned at Elias. "Thanks."

"Well that's one way to get rid of him," he said in a lowered voice. "Unfortunately there's only a short way to go before we hit the Crossroads where he'll no doubt be waiting."

Cameron shrugged with a small sigh. "Did I thank you for saving me from him and his House? 'Cause... thanks."

Elias grinned. "There are girls out there who would love to be in his House."

"Yeah well lots of people love rocky road but I'd take homemade vanilla any day." Cameron said, starting back down the hall.

"Did you just refer to me as ice cream?" Elias sounded as if he was holding back laughter.

Cameron froze, realizing that yes... she'd just called Elias Arinson, potential Head of her House, a flavor of ice cream. 

Before she could answer, Elias said, "What flavor would that make you?"

Cameron laughed and started walking again, her elbow brushing his arm as they made their way down the passage. "Rainbow sherbet. Melt in your mouth sweetness with half the calories." 

It was his turn to stop. 

She giggled, turning to see the reaction on his face. "You asked. It's been my favorite flavor for years and for just that reason."

Elias shook his head, his face thoughtful. "Just be glad you didn't give that answer to Gavin. You might not have made it out of the hallway."

Was it just her or had their conversation turned to flirting?

Within the next two minutes they were at the Crossroads, a place Cameron thought looked like storage for historical movie sets. It was a hodgepodge of different time periods and in the center of it all, Gavin was sipping a glass of red wine while looking through some of the other bottles on display.

"Bit early for that, isn't it?" Elias asked, crossing the room

"Never too early to start drinking this vintage... sixteen years... tasty." Gavin swished the liquid around in the glass.

Cameron suddenly wondered if it was really wine. She decided to ignore the Goth, focusing more on the bizarre room as she walked beside Elias. There were eight or nine different hallways connected to the room -- not counting the one they had just left -- and Elias was steering her toward one in the middle. She couldn't help but notice that they all looked completely different beyond the matching arched entrances... the one she was passing now actually had hieroglyphics etched into the walls. The next had wallpaper that looked hundreds of years old. What a strange way to decorate.

Cameron followed Elias to the fifth corridor. She saw row upon row of circular disks linking the walls and torches casting light on the hallway beyond. The walls themselves were artfully constructed out of wood, the rich colors warm and inviting.

Elias stopped at the arch of this particular hallway and held out his arm, gesturing for her to go first. Cameron didn't even slow her steps, wanting to get as far away from Gavin as possible. He had put his glass down and watched her as she entered the hallway.

Or rather, tried to enter.

Cameron slammed against some invisible barrier, her mouth stinging from the contact. It was like she'd walked right into an invisible barrier.

Before she could even react she heard a gasp, then a growl, and she was suddenly being thrown back against the wall to the side of the archway. Dazed, she opened her eyes to see that Elias had placed himself in front of her, his stance protective. What the...?

She could only peek at Gavin from one side but what she saw made her stomach turn a summersault. Gavin hadn't moved, but was staring at Elias with such fierceness she was suddenly afraid for the man in front of her. Gavin's eyes, already a dark color, were the deepest black she'd ever seen... like the pupils had dilated to the largest possible size. 

"What did you do?" Elias growled, not moving. He was so still... "You offered the scholarship to a virgin?"

Woah... what did her virginity have anything to do with the two guys in the room suddenly going feral?

Gavin's body looked ready to spring into action. "Why would I do that? You know it's against school policy."

"You know what this means... did you have this planned all along? Is that why you invited her? Despite having already selected your applicant prematurely?" Elias' voice was soaked with derision. 

"It was a gamble, sure, but I thought she was already experienced," Gavin said. "She was thinking about sex the whole night and her date was as well."




Shadow School Ch. 04



Cameron felt her heart beat in her lip. Reaching up, she gently touched her mouth, feeling it already starting to swell. She already knew she was bleeding... she tasted blood.

Gavin's eyes darted in her direction and she shrank away from his strange stare, trying to make herself smaller behind Elias. Her movement made him turn and look at her, and when he did, she knew she was in trouble.

Elias' eyes were the same dark black, the green barely visible around the enlarged pupils. It was creepy as Hell.

What happened next was so fast she couldn't register it fully. Gavin was no longer standing where he had been, and in a blink he and Elias were smashing into the wall to her left. Next they were all the way across the room, Gavin slamming into a bench. 

Cameron watched, frozen in shock, as the two blurs moved around the room. Crashes from their combat would sound after they had already moved on to another area. By the time she was just starting to wrap her mind around the impossibility of what was happening right before her eyes, she was being grabbed and hauled across the room. 

She'd seen supernatural acts of strength on TV and in movies countless times but nothing could prepare her for the jolt of being moved faster than humanly possible. Which brought her to the next point... these guys were not human.

She looked down at the arm and traveled up its length to stare at the dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. Gavin. Gavin had grabbed hold of her arm and... Gavin was gone. There was a pause as she turned to see what was going on when she was suddenly jerked back in the opposite direction. Elias shoved her in the bathroom and shut the door behind him.

They weren't normal. They were... what were they... super fast... what the...

"Pull down your pants."

Cameron blinked at Elias as he came over to her and started to unbuckle her belt at a too-swift speed.

"Wha-"

He kissed her. It was rough, and quick, and lasted for only a moment before he pulled back and looked at her. He simply said, "I'm sorry."

Then he bit her.

It was brief, but before she could register his hands tilting her head, Elias had sunk his teeth into her neck. Cameron inhaled at the sharp pain as sharp teeth sliced the flesh of at her neck but the pain was gone the instant she felt it, fading into more bizarre sensations. Simultaneously she felt a pulling sensation from inside her body to the point where Elias' lips touched her skin, and a flooding sensation coming from that same point on her neck. It washed over her within a few heartbeats, her pulse distributing the sweet oblivion through her veins.

The whole moment lasted only a few seconds but it was enough to leave her dazed. She barely registered her jeans being shoved to her knees.

A loud bang came from the door, followed by a language she didn't understand. She got the gist though... Gavin wasn't happy. 

"This will hurt, Cameron... but trust me... the alternative..." Elias lightly kissed her cheek before she felt something press between her legs... a towel? It was followed instantly by something a little closer than she was comfortable with.

It was like her brain had disconnected. She didn't even feel panic. She could feel herself, but not really... simply... bliss. 

And pain. 

Something had shoved up inside her. She should be panicking, Cameron knew, but then, she was paying more attention to her lack of panic than to what was going on to cause it. A grunted chuckle briefly escaped her as she realized Elias had actually apologized BEFORE doing what he'd just done. That made no sense.

Another bang came from the door, this time accompanying the sound of wood splitting. 

Wow. Strong door.

Another voice had joined Gavin's; a discussion was taking place outside. She understood the words this time but she found she didn't really care. 

The feeling between her legs left her, a hollow ache taking its place along with a sharp shooting pain. Elias was close, his warm breath washed over his ear as he spoke to her softly. "When we leave the room, keep your head down. Look no one in the eye. We only have a few steps before you're safe."

Safe? Hadn't he just bitten her? And he'd... to her...

Her jeans were already up and Elias was buckling her belt, but she knew what he'd done. Her heart began to race -- or tried to -- a strange feeling in the limbo she was experiencing.

"A few steps. Remember that." 

She nodded dumbly. If what he had just done was a better alternative... what...? 

Elias took her hand and pulled her behind him. Cameron's legs betrayed her and followed him of their own accord, walking like she was in complete control yet no part of her body was doing her bidding. It was like she was on autopilot.

Elias opened the door. 

Following his advice -- why she didn't know -- Cameron kept her head down. She found it hard to form complete thoughts, even about the feet she saw as she looked at the floor. Black dress shoes... mens. Two pairs. Women's feet too. They were... they were... pretty. That's what they were. The shoes were... trendy and the toe nails were painted a color. Pink. A pink color... soft... 

A discussion was taking place. She cared. She knew she should... but she hadn't been paying attention.

"Well there's no need for a ceremony now." Elias. "That you brought a virgin in as a scholarship recipient..."

There was that word again. Virgin. 

Virgin virgin virgin.

Why was her virginity so important to everyone? Trenton seemed to think it was something they had to remedy as soon as possible. The thought of Trenton made her cringe. What an asshole.

Cameron was suddenly being pulled along, her feet supporting her ungracefully. She couldn't help but look up and upon seeing the archway leading to the wood-paneled hallway, she reacted slowly, barely getting her arm up in front of her face in time before she hit the invisible barrier again. 

Nothing happened. 

Elias had stopped and turned back to the entrance. Cameron looked up at the walls now that she was in front of them, noticing that the large round disks she's seen earlier were actually row upon row of Viking shields.

She heard a hiss and an intake of breath.

"You drank from her." Gavin hissed.

"You left me no choice." Elias retorted. 

"So you claim her then?" asked a female voice.

The silence only lasted for a moment. "I claim her."

"A bit premature, but I must admit I have claimed my own," said a rich deep voice. "As Gavin has apparently done the same, I see no reason to seek punishment for disregarding the formal procedure."

Gavin growled then blurted out, "But tradition states-"

"That you shouldn't have drunk from the other girl, letting her loose into the crowd of her peers before sating her blood urge?" Elias' words were mocking. "You've committed the same crime Gavin; you have made your choice for your House this year. You have no right to judge." 

Cameron felt a thrumming start to pulse in her fingers and toes, spreading through her body in a not unpleasant way. She tried listening but had a hard time of it... until she heard Elias mention "the other girl." Was he referring to Melanie? How'd he know about that? She turned to face everyone.

"You!" She suddenly blurted out, pointing a finger at Gavin. He leveled his eyes on her. "You ruined my Prom! What did you do to Melanie? She ended up screwing my boyfriend!" Was it just her, or did she sound like she was drunk? "What did you do?" she asked again.

Gavin looked at her with a blank expression. "The same thing Elias has just done to you. Only I didn't steal Melanie's virginity... I believe your Prom date did that."

Cameron felt tears sting her eyes. That was a low blow, especially when she had no control on her actions or emotions. She looked at the other people standing with the Goth, all on the other side of the arch: a tall black muscular man she'd never seen before and -- Cameron recognized her immediately -- the tall willowy blonde from the bathroom at Prom.

This whole situation seemed utterly ridiculous. Cameron was in some kind of vampire den. She'd seen movies of vampires... she even though Brad Pitt made a pretty hot vampire but she never really considered that they might be real! In fact, if someone would have asked her, she would have scoffed at the idea. Yet here she was... 

Here she was.

Cameron turned her back on the three watching her and slowly began to walk down the wooden hallway, not really caring what they thought of her. Maybe they'd attack her... maybe she'd be dead in the next few minutes. What was the point of running? The girls who ran in the movies always got caught. 

So, Cameron walked. It was made easier by the lack of caring coursing through her system; she was still on some sort of weird high from that bite Elias gave her. And he'd taken her virginity -- the ache between her legs told her that. She was pretty sure that the experience was shorter than normal... much much shorter... and she didn't even know if it really counted since neither of them got any pleasure out of it.

That made her pause.

What they'd done in the bathroom... she hadn't gotten anything out of it, but then, neither had he. What the Hell was that then?

She continued to walk, alone, in the torch-lit hallway, waiting for something to come up behind her or grab her and drag her away. It was odd being so expectant without the accompanying nerves.

When Elias finally caught up to her, she could no longer see the entrance to the hallway. It was the same in either direction. His hand grabbed her arm and pulled her to a gentle stop; she didn't even flinch. She didn't look up either... unable too, really. She was content just staring at her feet. 

He chuckled a little. 

Asshole.

He chuckled harder. "Cameron, you can look up... I'm sorry..."

"Yeah... sorry. You're laughing." Her voice sounded like a little life was coming back to her. She looked up at him. 

He was the same as he had been when she first saw him in President Arinson's. Cameron expected something... something terrifying... but he still looked... human.

"I'm laughing because I told you to keep your head down and you ended up looking up at the wall, showing everyone my marks on your neck... and then you actually looked at the others in the room." He was laughing now. "You even yelled at Gavin."

She just stared at him. 

Elias explained. "I gave you an order after I drank from you... it was a light order, but it was an order... and you went completely against it. That doesn't happen often. It is, in actuality, extremely rare."

"I'm sorry," Cameron said, eyeing the hand on her arm then looking at Elias, can we go back to the part where you drank my blood?"

Elias' face suddenly relaxed to a state almost devoid of emotion. "It's a bit early for you to learn this, but I'm a-"

"Vampire?" Cameron asked flippantly. "Yeah I got that." 

"Close. According to your myths that is what I would be." Elias smirked. "What gave me away... the battle? The drinking?"

"Your eyes." Cameron didn't know what he was right away but after seeing those engorged pupils... "Then everything moved so fast... and you... you..." 

Elias sighed again. "Cameron, I apologize for putting you through that before you were informed." He brushed his fingers lightly on her still-swollen lip. It burned, still tender from her encounter with the invisible wall. "Our halls are protected but they are also corrupted to a degree in which the protection spells also rebound the innocent. No virgin can pass through that archway."

"What does it matter? You clearly took care of that problem within a few seconds. PS, you could have asked..."

Elias' grin was crooked. "Would you have said yes?"

"Probably not... an explanation would have been nice though." 

"I make no excuses for my kind. You were a virgin trying to pass into a lair. With intent like that, even though you didn't understand, you were subject to a... well, a more brutal resolution. Virgins... well... they have a habit of not leaving the Crossroads in tact."

Cameron paled. "What, like sacrificial lambs?" 

"Virgin blood is... irresistible to my kind. And you were standing at the Crossroads... the heart of the seven lairs here on campus..."

"You drank from me."

Elias suddenly looked sheepish. "I couldn't help myself... like I said. It's irresistible. And once you are no longer a virgin, the blood is... different. Changed. The loss of innocence..."

Cameron could feel the thrumming in her getting more and more noticeable. It was becoming harder and harder to concentrate on the conversation. "Is that what all that talk was about? About Gavin bringing me here?"

"Virgins are not allowed on campus because of the disturbance they can cause-"

Cameron interrupted him. "So no one on campus is a virgin?"

"Yes and no... but we are already wasting time. Come... I'll explain more later." Elias handed Cameron her bag -- she hadn't even realized she'd left it -- and began walking down the hallway. 

"Can they follow us?"

"No... the tunnels protect all within their barriers. You're safe here."

Cameron kept pace at his side, her mind on overload. She was still reeling from the discovery of real vampires, one even walking next to her; her body was still slightly disconnected from her brain, and what she could feel was becoming a problem. Wave after wave of sensation was hitting her, making her very aware of the clothing on her skin and dampness between her legs.

Cameron reached out and let her fingers lightly caress each shield as they walked down the hall. Her fingers tingled where they made contact with the wood and metal. Elias slid his hand across her back and urged her to walk faster. She bit her lip, the place where his hand made contact with her shoulder blades tingled. What was wrong with her?

"It's a side effect of the bite... I needed you to be compliant with what I asked of you so I bit my tongue and mixed my blood with yours... it creates what we call a 'blood urge.' It sets your nerves on fire, which isn't usually a problem since we only feed our blood to... certain people."

Cameron began to breathe a little harder. "Do you always answer people's thoughts?

Elias chuckled under his breath. "Only when it's no longer imperative to keep that particular ability secret. You already know what I am."

"So... this blood urge... will it go away?"

"Not without release..."

"Release?"

Elias smirked but didn't look at her. "There are only two ways to release the cravings your body is experiencing... one involves a mental ability you do not possess... no offense, but it takes years of practice and meditation to accomplish." He paused.

"And the other?" Somehow Cameron thought she knew the answer. Even now her... nerves... were starting to make themselves known in other places of her body.

"Physical release." They had reached a set of impressive doors, each with elegant designs etched into the wood. Elias punched in a few numbers at a control pane. "And you can only be truly sated in the presence of another." He opened the doors and gestured for her to walk inside.

"Do you always tell the truth?"

"I'm going to give you some very good advice." Elias had no trace of humor on his lips. For a vampire he seemed awfully jovial. "Never ask one of us a question that could be potentially dangerous. What we are... what we are made of... we fight a daily battle with what you might call inner demons. The darker side of ourselves feeds on lies and other transgressions so we do not do it often. Because we do not lie, we have learned to answer questions in such a way as to be honest but protective of certain secrets. Ask the wrong question and you will get the truth. And the wrong truth, well... that can get you killed."

Cameron's mouth went dry. "But... murder... isn't that a sin too?"

Elias smiled. "We do not have to commit it ourselves." He watched her gulp, the movement drawing his eyes to her throat. 

Cameron thought it was a good time to go through the door. 

The interior was warm and inviting, though small. The room was decorated with rich woods and dark leather sofas. A large painting of a Viking ship at sea was resting on the wall above a mini-bar. 

"So when you said your people were Vikings..."

"I spoke of the end of the Viking Age." Elias closed the door and began removing his jacket and tie. "Vikings don't exist. It's a term romantics in the 18th century gave my people. We were explorers... we went on expeditions called 'vikings.' We had no set land like other cultures so they named us according to our lifestyle. Just as pirates live for piracy, we lived for adventure and discovery." He stepped closer as she studied the painting. "But yes... my people were from a time when Norse ships dominated the seas."

Cameron had stared at the painting while he talked but before Elias was finished she had started to focus more on the sound of his voice... the male flexing and vibration of his vocal chords as each word left his mouth. She was very aware of how close he was; her breaths became shorter and she closed her eyes.

Elias had noticed.

She felt his hands on her shoulders as he slowly turned her to face him. He looked at her eyes and pursed his lips. 

His lips...

"I never meant to break the rules and put you in this situation. There is a formal procedure to adhere to. Rules to follow. Gavin broke one by bringing you here but I broke two back at the Crossroads. I shouldn't have bitten you... I apologize. It was my own weakness. And I shouldn't have..."

Cameron still couldn't look away from his lips but a thought occurred to her. "You're a vampire... I should be really..." she gulped, "really scared right now but I'm not." It sounded like a statement but it was supposed to be a question.

"It's a... consequence... of the bite; the transfer of fluids sends a certain lethargy through your system... it... makes it harder for victims to scream or run away."

Cameron bit her lip... wondering what it would really be like to kiss Elias. What was that about running away?

Elias kissed her.

Their tongues met each other tentatively before Elias deepened the kiss, his tongue thrusting into her mouth. He moved closer, his body almost touching hers; he caressed her cheek with his hand before sliding palm down her neck to the based where he had bitten her. Cameron wondered for a fleeting moment if the marks were still here. 

Elias broke the kiss but didn't pull away. "In a few short minutes you won't be able to control your urges." His stunning green eyes looked directly into hers. "You will need a release." The words were a whisper at her ear, his warm breath sending chills though her body.

Cameron slowly, breathlessly, nodded and leaned her head back for another kiss. He obliged.

Elias kissed her more fervently this time, dipping her a little as he plundered her mouth. Cameron let her bag fall to the floor and wrapped her arms around his neck. The movement brought them into even closer contact, their bodies pressed together in a tight embrace. 

She felt him working her belt as they kissed and would have panicked if her body allowed her to. She was still relaxed from the bite he'd given her and there seemed to be a strange fog over her brain, ridding her of her inhibitions. She didn't know whether to be grateful or scared that she couldn't have such an extreme reaction to his movements.

With that thought, Cameron was afraid he would stop kissing her once he heard what she was thinking.

Elias chuckled against her lips then kissed her harder, his speed increasing as he finally unbuckled the button and pulled the zipper down. However, instead of pulling the jeans down as well, he slid his hand down her abdomen and under the hem of her panties. Cameron flushed... this was the potential Head of her House that was touching her most private parts. 




Shadow School Ch. 04



Cameron felt Elias slip a finger between her swollen pussy lips, the slick folds parting easily for him. She gasped, breaking this kiss. He had come so close to the bundle of nerves setting her whole body aflame. She pressed her forehead to his, unable to stop the slow rocking movements her hips had begun when he touched her down there... his slim, long fingers deftly stroking her in all the right places. Elias withdrew his finger slowly upward and began to fondle her clit, circling the sensitive bud with his fingers. Cameron whimpered into Elias' lips, their mouths brushing lightly against each other.

Elias pressed his lips firmly back to hers and began to press a finger up inside her. Cameron's tight pussy was still a little sore from its recent abuse and she couldn't help but wince. Elias' touch, however, was gentle -- his tender movements began to make her tingle, pleasure mixing with the pain.

Cameron soon became ferociously hungry for more. More touching, more kissing... just more. She slipped an arm from around Elias' neck and tentatively reached out to his chest, her fingers trailing down his crisp shirt to find the bulge pressing against his pants. She was inexperienced, having only gone so far as to make out with other boys and this was far sexier than any coupling she'd ever been a part of. Her hand didn't tremble though -- a side effect of the urge? -- as she pressed her palm to his hard shaft and began to rub him through the material.

Elias growled his approval into her mouth, his kissing becoming even more feral. The hunger for pleasure he was showing her was a real turn on... no hesitation, just taking. Cameron couldn't believe her ability to draw such a reaction out of him. She wondered what would happen if she did more.

With that thought, Elias withdrew his finger and inserted a another with it, stretching her tender, tight walls.

Cameron was aflame. She couldn't believe how good his fingers felt inside her. He was touching all the right buttons. She began to wonder what it would feel like to have... him... inside her. Again. This time while she could appreciate it.

Elias broke the kiss and stared down at her. "Are you sure?" he asked. He wasn't even breathless. 

She was panting.

Cameron looked up at him. She didn't want her first time to be a quick shattering of her innocence where neither party got anything from it. She knew she should be screaming no, but he had already taken her virginity... she might as well turn the memory into something exciting... and this definitely had her heart going. She also knew she wasn't thinking properly... but to Hell with it... she needed that release he promised.

Elias looked down at her, eyes shining with passion and a glint of... hunger? It was a look that sent a thrill through her body. He nodded and kissed her again, gently this time, withdrawing his fingers to lift her and carry her to one of the couches. 

Elias sat her gently on her feet, and in one swift motion he lifted her shirt over her head. When she emerged from the fabric she took his cue and began unbuttoning his shirt. He pulled it from his pants and worked the bottom buttons.; his fingers moved so swiftly, he had the shirt slipping from his shoulders just as she finished with the second button. He pulled his undershirt off even faster.

Cameron took her time with the sight of his bare chest. Elias was well-muscled and lean, his broad shoulders level with her forehead leaving her eye-to-eye with his nipples. She leaned forward and bit one gently before sucking on it. Elias hissed. 

Cameron froze. Was that a good thing?

"A very good thing," Elias murmured.

Cameron released the nipple and said "I'm not used to someone answering my thoughts" before moving on to the other.

"It comes in handy."

Elias took the opportunity to unhook her bra. Cameron was a little bashful, using his closeness to snuggle against him.. He tweaked hers in response and she let out a broken squeak.

Elias chuckled softly and Cameron blushed, crimson pooling beneath the skin of her cheeks. That made him go silent. Why was that? 

He swept a finger across her cheek then kissed her again, his hands going for his belt as his mouth explored hers. She felt his pants drop to her ankles and she couldn't help but look down, curious at what she'd find.

Black. Boxer. Briefs. A bit modern for a vampire, but then, they seemed to also dress in designer suits so what did she know? The bulge they covered seemed even bigger now that it was more exposed. 

A hand at her breast made her remember she was naked from the waste up and under Elias' gaze as well. Cameron leaned into his caress, her breath becoming unsteady. Her body was buzzing with nerves... every touch becoming almost painful. She was so turned on! She thought she could explode any moment. 

Elias' hand stopped its movement and dropped to her pants. He sat on the couch and brought her jeans AND her panties down to her knees in one skillful tug. Cameron was suddenly completely exposed in front of him, but he didn't stop. Elias began to lift her leg and she followed his lead, letting him pull the jeans free from her legs. She now stood completely nude except for a pair of lime green socks. 

Cameron closed her eyes, the thrumming inside her becoming louder and harder to ignore. Hands braced on his shoulders, she felt, rather than saw, Elias lean forward, opening her eyes just in time to see his tongue make contact with her puffy lips, his face pressing into the light brown curls covering her mound as his mouth made contact with her swollen sex. 

Cameron's legs gave out on her.

Elias caught her and eased her down to the couch, his hands guiding her legs to straddle his own. As she leaned above him, he swiftly pulled his underwear down, his cock springing free from the confining fabric.

Cameron gasped and stared. It was big. She had nothing to judge it on as far as size, but she knew she couldn't possibly fit it inside her.

Except... it had already been inside her.

She wished she could remember it... the feeling of the first cock to invade her virgin walls. That moment of exquisite pain every woman experiences before the pleasure starts.

Eyeing Elias' hard, erect shaft, Cameron realized the moment wasn't so long ago and her desire could still happen. Hell, it was happening. She bit her lip, wondering how to get that thing inside her. She looked at Elias, his emerald eyes meeting hers.

He must have heard her thoughts because he wrapped his fingers around her waist and pulled her down, guiding the glistening head of his penis to her core, pushing gently on her tender lips. He was gentle as he eased the tip of his cock within her, stretching her and pausing before pushing more of himself inside her. Despite being wet, the fit was tight, making the invasion go at an agonizingly slow pace. 

Cameron's body couldn't take it anymore. She relaxed her muscles and let her bodyweight drop her onto Elias' lap, effectively impaling herself on his cock. She exhaled, releasing air she didn't even know she was holding.

Elias grunted softly as she engulfed him, his hand caressing down her back as she adjusted to the size of his cock inside her. Cameron felt... full. She also felt the buzz of nerves leave her body and draw up to focus on a single point just above her clit.

Damn... did this feel good!

Elias kissed her again, sucking on her lower lip. Cameron began to instinctively rock her hips, her clit rubbing against the curls at the base of Elias' thick shaft, the contact causing her to moan softly with pleasure. 

She broke the kiss this time, pressing her forehead against his as she began to grind her pussy onto Elias' shaft, burying it as deep into her as it would go. Cameron could feel the head of his penis pressing against something deep inside her, making her think she couldn't possibly fit any more within her. HE seemed to fit her perfectly. Elias rocked a little with her, providing some delicious friction as his hand caressed around her shoulder and down her chest to cup one of her breasts.

Release.

That's what he had called it. 

Cameron could feel it coming. She was just on the edge... 

She looked down at Elias to see him staring intently at her face. She blushed. He moaned a little and brought her face down hard, his mouth crushing against hers as if he couldn't get her close enough. His tongue thrust into her mouth and she rode him harder, the intense kiss sending her over the edge.

Cameron lost track of everything as her body spasmed with ecstasy. Elias's hands left her head and breast and traveled down her naked flesh to grip her ass. He pressed up into her as he pulled her harder onto his cock, grinding her clit into his hot skin. He also sucked on her sore lip, the tingle of pain making her orgasm even more intense. 

Her pussy pulsed with each wave of her orgasm, clamping down on his shaft. Cameron rocked blissfully against him, drunk with pleasure as the beats began to slow to pulses... the thrumming in her blood sending a steady wave of heat to her core. Elias was buried deep within her, and it was amazing.

Elias pulled back from her lips when she stilled and Cameron rested her forehead against his again, gasping for breath. He brushed a finger down the side of her face, clearing away the strands of hair sticking to a thin sheen of sweat that had surfaced from the effort her body made to come to this point.

Release.

Yeah.

Elias was still hard inside her when the fog clouding her brain began to clear and reality settled into Cameron's mind. What the Hell did she just do?

"You're free from the urge now." He said it softly, still stroking her face. He made no effort to move her.

Cameron stared down at him, a little panicked now that she seemed to be coming back to herself. She wondered what had gotten into her. She was sitting astride a vampire for crying out loud. His cock was still buried inside her, hard as a rock and probably ready for more. She was suddenly afraid of what would happen when a vampire was in the throes of love-making... would he bite her again?

"We're not at that point yet, my dear." Elias said with a slight smile, both easing her mind and stressing her a little with that answer. Yet?

Elias chuckled softly and shifted under her. The movement sent wonderful tingles through her body. She could remember everything that had just happened clearly -- despite the fog clouding her judgment -- including the best orgasm she'd ever had in her life. 

Despite the urge being sated, there was still this wonderful sensation going on where their bodies were connected... a hum that had nothing to do with mind-control and everything to do with good old-fashioned fucking. Boy was she turned on! 

Cameron leaned down tentatively and paused just before brushing her lips against his. She could smell sex, sweat (probably just hers), and something sweet. She had the sudden desire to begin moving again. 

Cameron made contact with Elias' lips, a tentative kiss as if she was testing his reaction. It was the first time she kissed him willingly with no mind-control going on. Elias responded immediately, threading a hand through her hair and crushing their lips together. God, were all vamps this good at kissing? 

The fingers of his other hand brushed lightly over her nipple and made her shiver. He tweaked it a little. 

Point taken. Don't kiss other vampires.

Not that she'd want too... she couldn't believe she was kissing one now... a myth...

A friggin' sexy myth.

Elias had begun to move inside her, his hip rocking back and forth, gripping her breast and spurring her into motion. Cameron sat up at looked at him... really looked at him. He was gorgeous. She noticed vampires always were... but then, they were usually actors. HE was real. His touch... his furtive lips and plundering tongue... he was something to lose... a person she could see herself easily falling for. Especially if he created sensations within her like this every day.

Cameron lifted herself up so that his cock slid partially out of her before sliding it back in. The sensation was amazing... he was truly impaling her on his shaft... just a few minutes ago she had been in an interview and now... 

Elias ran his hand down her back and she began to truly ride him. With each downward thrust her clit made contact with his bodyand it didn't take long before she felt the beginning of a second orgasm. This time, there was no build up. 

"Oh God..."

As the intensity of her oncoming climax began to take hold of her body, Cameron was unexpectedly lifted and spun to lie on her back, Elias on top of her, pressing her into the cushions of the couch. The leather was cold to the touch but she only had a second to register it before the explosion of pleasure washed through her, making nothing more important than the sensations between her legs.

Elias began to fuck her in earnest, his cock pounding into her as her pussy spasmed around it.

"Oh... oh God..." Cameron wrapped her legs around Elias' waist, her hands braced against his back as he began to thrust roughly into her. "Elias..."

Elias growled when he heard her say his name and leaned forward, kissing her as Cameron started to come down from her orgasm. His hands were at her waist, holding her in place as he moved within her, and with one last thrust he grunted into her mouth and came hard inside her. 

Elias rocked gently within her as his hot seed pumped deep within her. Cameron was shocked at first, realizing they hadn't used a condom then wondering if they'd even need one.... She broke the kiss to catch her breath and look up into the startling green eyes that were staring right back at her. Elias held his position above her, breathing a little harder than normal but still not sweating... she was glistening from head to toe.

"I want you." Elias braced himself on one arm and used the other to trace her well-kissed lips. They stung a little, abused and unused to such attention.

Cameron blinked. 

"For my House..." he said after a pause. "Will you take the scholarship?"

Cameron studied his face again, this time really understanding that she'd just slept with... Oh, God. 

Elias grinned. "I know it was good, but I wouldn't call me God yet."

Mortified and humored at the same time, Cameron stammered, "I have to... discuss things with my parents... I..."

"Don't let this hinder your coming here." Elias traced his finger around the edge of her ear, watching her squirm. "I want you here. The scholarship is yours. You know what I offer... you know what I am..."

"You want me to go to a vampire college?" Cameron blinked then sank back into the cushions of the couch. "You're not going to turn me... are you? Do we have to be vampires to go here? Is that the catch?" Her voice rose in panic.

Elias chuckled. "Cameron this is a completely normal college... it just happens to be secret and is run by vampires but you will certainly remain human." Elias grinned playfully. "If you wish it."

With that he sat up, keeping himself inside her. She gasped and clung to his shoulders as he stood with little effort despite her weight being wrapped around his torso. 

Grasping her waist, Elias lifted Cameron and sat her down gingerly. She could feel the juices from their love-making run down her legs and blushed, seeing Elias' eyes glued to her sex-swollen pussy. Or was it the cum dripping down her leg?

Her cheeks burned.

Elias smiled and ducked his head, kissing one of her rosy cheeks as he walked passed her, grabbing her hand for her to follow him. They both walked naked into a richly decorated bathroom. Convenient, that shower... she began to wonder if this was a common practice with all incoming students. 

Elias chuckled. "I promise my real intentions were to interview you... desk and all... This sort of thing is actually against school policy; it shows favoritism before all the interviews are completed."

"Favoritism," Cameron said dryly, staring at his well-muscled back.

He turned the shower on and turned back to her. "It's not common at all." He gestured to the shower. "I do, however, intend to show absolute favoritism and blow off all the other interviews. Care to join me?"

Cameron smirked and took his hand again, letting him lead her into the stream of hot water.

***

 Thanks for reading the fourth chapter of my series! Please take time to vote and let me know what you think. 



Shadow School Ch. 05



Cameron had never showered with a boy before. Er... man. Vampire. Whatever.

With the thrill of her first sexual experience still buzzing through her veins, the nervous energy at seeing a man naked, wet and staring back at her own naked form was electrifying. She was just winging it, knowing nothing of the protocol for showering with someone you just had sex with. Do you wash yourself, giving the guy an eyeful or do you wash each other? Did one or the other imply intimacy? And what do you do when you just met the guy less than an hour ago?

Put that way, Cameron was feeling a bit sluttish. Her cheeks blushed.

Elias reached for a bottle and said, "Lean your head back." Water beating down on his back, he poured shampoo into his hands and brushed his fingers into Cameron's hair, simultaneously working her tresses into a lather and pulling her forward for a gentle kiss. As his tongue entered her mouth and danced with hers, his fingers began doing mesmerizing things to her scalp. 

Cameron practically purred against Elais' lip as she braced her hands against his chest; her fingers tracing the grooves of his torso, memorizing the contours of his muscles and brushing lightly over his nipples. She wasn't as nervous as before. There was no hesitation when she caressed Elias' skin, her hands roaming freely. 

What her inexperience didn't prepare her for was round two.

Elias stepped closer, pressing his body to hers. She felt his cock press against her abdomen, warm and... was it starting to get hard? Was he...

Again?

Oh Hell, why not.

Elias chuckled softly, breaking away from her lips. "You are so innocent," he whispered.

Yeah? "Is that... bad?" She suddenly wished she knew more.

"No... just the opposite." Elias placed soft kisses at her temple, traveling down to her chin. "That I was the first man ever inside you..."he slid a soapy hand from her hair and cupped her breast, "is highly erotic." He began to rock against her, his erection rubbing against her that made her body tingle. 

He also continued those soft kissed down past her chin to the nape of her neck. Cameron froze. The last time his lips had been there, he'd bitten her; drinking her blood just before he took her virginity. Surely there were still bite-marks there... was he going to bite her again?

No... Elias just sucked at her skin, his tongue flicking out mischievously, offering something soft and hot rather than sharp and painful. When Cameron relaxed against him, he chuckled softly and grazed her skin with the tips of his fangs. She tensed again before realizing he was just teasing her.

Or at least, she hoped he was.

Elias sucked at her neck again as his hand on her breast trailed down her stomach. Cameron felt his hips leave her, making room to slip a hand between her legs; his fingers delvied deftly between her swollen slit. His hand didn't even slow as he sunk a finger into her, his thumb coming to rest just above her clit.

Oh...

Cameron gasped and leaned her head back; the way their bodies connected under the hot spray of water doing wonderful things to her nerves. She didn't even care that her opening was still sore from its introduction to sex, or that her nerves were so unused to this form of exercise that they were continuing to sparking at random; the state her pussy was in was making the movements of Elias' hand even more stimulating.

Elias rose from Cameron's neck and turned her, putting her head directly under the water jetting down on them. Good idea... she didn't want soap in her eyes to ruin the mood. Under the flow of water, Elias's free hand caressed her all over... her breasts her stomach, her ass; every inch of her skin made slippery by the cascading water. It made her shudder. 

After the water flowing down their bodies ran clear of soap, Elias turned her again, this time pressing her back against the brown tiles lining the shower walls. Cameron gasped when their coolness touched her skin; the temperature a contradiction to her heated flesh. Elias let out a low rumbling sound that was part moan, part growl as his dipped his taller frame and sucked one of her nipples between his lips.

Oh, sweet Jesus... his lips...

As Cameron looked down, she couldn't imagine anything more erotic... and breathtaking. His teeth were a danger... and having such a danger so close to her points of pleasure was arousing her more than she thought possible. Not to mention that while he suckled her, his hand was doing wickedly wonderful things to her pussy. 

Elias' fingers were so deft in their touches that it wasn't long before Cameron was panting and whimpering, her hips lightly rocking of their own accord. It was so intense; the pleasure building and building just by his touch. The effect was astounding. 

Elias' mouth left her nipple to cover the other one, sucking into his mouth with an almost-painful hunger. He shoved a second finger into her. It was too much.

Cameron choked out a moan of pleasure and began grinding herself onto Elias' hand as the walls of her pussy clenched around his fingers. She wasn't as quiet as before, a sound of pleasure escaping her mouth at a volume Cameron had never allowed herself to release. It wasn't loud, but after silently pleasuring herself in her parent's house, it was exhilarating to release the sounds she had always had to stifle.

As she came down from the third high Elias had brought her to in less than an hour, she felt his fingers leave her. What- 

Then they were replaced with something much larger.

Oh yes, yes, yes!

While her inner walls were still clinching in ecstasy, Elias slid his cock up inside her, giving her orgasm a fantastic finish. Cameron would have slumped down the wall if Elias hadn't grabbed her hips and lifted her so he could stand at his own comfortable height. Her feet left the floor, dangling inches from the surface as she was impaled on his hard length. 

Cameron clung to Elias' shoulders and bit her lip. Deep did not to begin to describe the reach he had within her. Once inside, Elias had begun to rock against her, sliding in and out, her pussy slick with her juices and probably some of his own from earlier. Cameron wrapped her legs around his waist, her feet propped just above his taut ass, feeling his glutes clench with each thrust. He pressed her against the wall, her body crammed between the tiles and his slick flesh.

God, this was hot.

Remembering his earlier snark about calling him God, Cameron grinned, a soft giggle escaping her lips. Elias gave her a crooked smile, eyes twinkling before kissing her lips softly, his tongue slipping into her mouth to kiss her in earnest. 

Despite his soft kiss, his cock began a harder thrust, slamming into her over and over again. 

When Cameron had fondled herself in her bed or one of the random places in her home she dared to try on occasion, she'd only ever managed to get off two times. Having a third orgasm, here in the shower after she thought her nerves were good to go, was remarkable enough. Feeling fourth one coming on was just plain startling.

"That's it," Elias grunted into her mouth, "cum for me."

He began pistoning into her, his balls slapping against her ass, her lower back bumping against the tile every time Elias pulled from her then slammed back in. Smacking noises filled the bathroom, the sound loud and clear. She was being thoroughly fucked. If she wasn't so preoccupied with the onslaught of another climax she would have worried about the bruises she would have later.

Cameron grunted and whimpered, stifling a moan as her climax hit her, knowing it would be too loud.

"Don't hold back," Elias grunted, his own voice strained with exertion. 

Cameron released the sound from her mouth... part groan, part moan, part scream... the reverberation coursing through her body as her inner walls clamped down on Elias' thrusting cock. He moaned with her, his body tensing then shuddering as he came. His thrusts slowed to a pleasurable grind as her pussy milked him, The sensation almost too much for her now-super-sensitive flesh.

When they finally came to a stop, she collapsed against him, her head buried in his neck. They both remained there against the wall, just out of reach of the spray of water. Cameron was trying to catch her breath. Elias' chest heaved beneath her; he had held her this entire time while doing most of the work... was that normal for a guy? Or was the strength a benefit of being a vampire?

Elias chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "One of the many benefits."

There he went again, answering her thoughts. 

Cameron pondered the power of that kind of communication and decided to test it. She wanted to feel the water again.

A chuckling grunt left Elias as he turned them both into the cascading water, his hands grasping her ass, holding Cameron to him. She raised her face to look at him. This man... this vampire... was nothing she expected. He humored her... created feelings within her that would likely haunt her dreams if she never felt them again... yet he was a creature of horror stories. It was like finding out an angel was real then having it slap you. The two things just didn't mix with popular opinion. Her face flushed as she realized he probably heard that; she hoped he wasn't offended.

Elias leaned his forehead against hers and spoke, his warm breath -- warm, also unexpected -- caressing her face as they both were drenched under the spray. "Angels are real. And more active than humans think. You'll find that people believe what they want, despite the truth. This college will educate you on more than just math and literature..."

Cameron simply looked at him. Angels were... and vampires were real... not only real, but undeniably capable of having sex, which went completely against the idea of being undead and needing blood to sustain their life; if you couldn't produce your own blood and needed it from, others... how could he get an erection? It was basically an influx of blood-

Elias laughed and sat Cameron on her feet in front of him. "Let's leave the biology lesson for later... clearly that thought is a myth too." Spinning her to face the water, Elias pressed against her bare back and slid his hands over her breasts, one continuing to slip down her stomach and into her slit to prove his point. Cameron could feel her tenderness as his fingers probed her. Elias was gentle, treating the area with careful strokes, his finger dipping into her lightly, washing her clean of their mingled fluids. 

Cameron leaned back against Elias as he grabbed the soap, working up a lather then running it over her skin. Eventually she turned to face him, returning the favor.

They soaped each other, washed their hair, and stepped from the shower. Elias grabbed plush towels from a cabinet and when Cameron emerged from the bathroom, clean and refreshed -- and to be honest, in need of a nap -- she was greeted with the sudden realization that she had nothing with her -- no makeup, a hair dryer, a flat iron... how would this look? She couldn't return to her parents with dripping hair and no makeup. And she had to go to that banquet... in front of everyone. 

Panic started to course through her.

Elias emerged from the bathroom, completely naked, his hands scrubbing his towel over his head. "I'll get you some things. What else do you need?"

"Handy" he had said. Yeah. Just thinking of what she needed already gave him a list. 

"Just that stuff."

Where would he get it though? And would it be what she needed?

Elias grinned at her. "Don't worry... after centuries living with the opposite sex, I understand the nuances of matching skin tone and all that... I'm sure one of the girls in the dorm will have something." Cameron blanched. 

Great... now everyone would know, Cameron thought. 

Elias draped the towel around his neck and crossed to the scattered clothing on the floor. "I'll get Aunalita to help me... she probably won't have the things you need but if she borrows it and passes it to me then I doubt anyone will suspect a thing."

Cameron smiled, a little relieved. But then, Aunalita would know...

"She's discreet." Elias pulled up his boxer briefs and grabbed his under shirt. His golden curls were damp and wild on his head from the towel, but Cameron could tell already that he was one of those lucky people who could just let their hair dry naturally. She had to work hard to get hers the way she wanted it. 

Cameron stood in the towel and watched Elias dress, making no move to do the same herself.

Overwhelmed.

That's what she'd call herself.

She sat on the couch where just moments before she'd had extremely hot sex. Before the even-hotter shower sex. Cameron could see some remains of their lovemaking starting to dry on the cushion. God... what if someone had come down and found this? Or saw them...

Elias dropped the towel to wipe up the evidence of what they had done. He pushed it to the floor, then scooted it over the hard wood with his shoe, mopping up anything that had drained from her on their way to the bathroom. She was amazed at how quickly he had dressed, but things like this were starting to lose their shock-value.

When he was finished, Elias returned to kneel before Cameron, kissing her on the lips. "No one comes down here unless asked. I wouldn't do this in front of the others... trust me."

Because it was probably against the rules...

"On that note," Elias said, "It would probably be best that you didn't mention this."

Cameron nodded.

Elias smiled at her and leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. "I'll let you get ready... you have a supper to attend in about an hour." He studied her face, his own a mask of seriousness. "Tonight they will announce the names of the seven scholarship recipients at the gala. Yours will be called for Arinson House. I have no doubt that none of the other Houses will challenge my claim after..." He glanced at her neck then raised his eyes to meet hers. "If we are discreet until then, everything after will be simple. No one will question your presence in my company."

He leaned forward and kissed her once more, then stood. "I'll see you at the gala."

Cameron nodded and watched Elias leave the room. He used the door they had come through. She was thankful that the thought she had next came to her after he was gone. 

As beautiful as his eyes were... she had seen them change to something that chilled her to the bone. 

***

Melanie Carver sat facing President Arinson, the grandfatherly man sitting behind a huge wooden desk in a room that had absolutely no sunlight. 

He had discussed her connection with her faith and her involvement with local charities. Somehow he knew of all the different programs Melanie worked with, and had even asked her if she considered making charity work her profession in life. To be honest, she never thought there was much money in it and had poured herself into her studies, thinking if she could go into the medical field she wouldn't worry about money so much... then she could give to whatever charities she felt like.

Then the President offered her a new option she'd never considered. 

Apparently the college was a private benefactor for multiple charities and research organizations. They had a huge operation in New York that focused on blood diseases and possible cures; they had had a hand in helping curtail the AIDS epidemic and were braced for other problems rising in third world countries. 

Melanie had to admit that she was impressed. "So if I went this route, coming to your college and pursuing biology..."

"How does Harvard Med sound?" the President stared at her, leaning back in his chair.

Harvard? That sounded incredible... so did their Harvard House have something to do with getting her into that medical program?

She glanced at the others in the room, more specifically the gentleman in his early thirties that had been introduced to her as John Harvard. Looking at him, only briefly, she couldn't help but glance at the young man standing next to him before turning her eyes back to President Arinson.

Gavin was here.

He was really the last person she wanted to see. Especially in such an important interview. What was worse, it turned out that he was the Head of Ovidan House. That made absolutely no sense seeing as he looked like he was her age. Surely the Heads were more like the Harvard guy -- professors or something.

Harvard. 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Harvard!

"It sounds amazing." She couldn't help herself. "But I could never afford it."

"No need to worry Miss Carver," the President said. "If you do extremely well in your time here, we can make it happen for you."

Melanie gawked. "May I ask why? That would be a big expense for the college to place on one girl... if you did it for every girl..." Her voice trailed off as she realized that was what he was getting at. 

Every girl under the scholarship got these privileges? 

Harvard!

A thrill shot through her bloodstream, perking her up and making her want to sign up immediately. Who cared if Gavin was here... if she wasn't in his House, she would probably never see him. How big was this campus anyway?

President Arinson smiled at her. "Let's say you attend Shacrow Van Meter College and excel in everything, rising to be one of the top in your year. We send you to Harvard through our connections and there you study a course both you and our school agrees on, based on the positions we can place you in later in life. Our blood research for example. You graduate and begin your life, working for a top research facility focusing on charitable efforts. 

"You will probably even travel the world, comparing your research to efforts in other countries. We can then not only boast your success as a SVMC student, if we ever needed you for another purpose, we could call on your expertise. Eventually another student with your ability would come to our school and we could do the same for her, sending her to you to apprentice, just as you will apprentice with an alumnus upon graduation."

Melanie had to admit the trade seemed fair on both ends. "But who would you boast to, if your college is a secret?" 

"We have sister schools all over the world, each with the same interest."

Melanie struggled a little with the things that she had seen, but she'd heard of strange secret societies before... like how most of the US Presidents were freemasons or whatever... they seemed to make out okay; and here was her chance to be a part of a secret -- if creepy -- society that would propel her to the top. 

But was it worth it?

"Do you have any other questions? If not, the Heads would like to ask a few."

Melanie thought for a minute then shook her head. She was really stumped... how do you ask what you really want? Like... is your college a cult of intellectuals or something? Thinking it would be better to keep those thoughts her herself, she turned reluctantly to the people watching her, hoping Gavin wouldn't ask her anything embarrassing. 

Instead, the tall blonde, Virginia Roanoke, stepped forward. "Do you have friends, Miss Carver, who would question you about your collegiate choice?" 

The young woman was French... Melanie hadn't expected that. 

The question brought up a good point... she hadn't thought about how to keep it a secret from her friends. She wasn't social like Cameron Ellis or made a reputation for herself by being rebellious like Kristie MacFarland... before the fiasco at Prom she had flown silently under the radar; one of the kids who was never picked on but who was never recognized either. She was good at biology and chemistry, was okay at literature and math, and sucked at anything performance based like speech or drama. 

On the other hand, all of her friends were the same... intelligent girls who would no doubt get PhDs in their fields of study. They wouldn't shrug off a non-committal answer about her school if she gave them one. "I suppose they'll accept whatever I give them if I word it right... my friends may ask more questions..."




Shadow School Ch. 05



"Oh, we can coach you on what to say..." the blonde said, "but if you do not make much of an appearance in the first few years here... do you think they'll ask questions?"

"Why wouldn't I make an appearance?"

"Why, all the activities, of course!" Virginia beamed at her, Thought Melanie thought the aspect was a little fake. "There are a number of things to occupy you during your first few years here and we encourage lots of interaction within the student body, even during the summer."

John Harvard coughed. Melanie eyed him then looked back at Virginia. It was like he had hid a laugh. What was that all about?

"Do you have a boyfriend, Miss Carver?" The question came from John, thank God. 

She did not look at Gavin. She did not. 

"No." 

"I only ask because a young man would be harder to leave behind if you-"

"I don't." Melanie's tone was firm and final. 

The Head of Harvard House nodded and turned his eyes in the direction of Gavin. Melanie refused to follow his gaze and decided instead to look at her lap.

"Miss Carver," her name on Gavin's lips in such a formal manner made her flush. Awk. Ward. "Do you really think you are a fit for this program?"

Melanie looked at him then. So did everyone else. They seemed shocked by his words.

"I..."

"There are many responsibilities to consider when you attend this college. Secrets to keep, traditions to follow... you seem to be on a straight and narrow path in your life. Do you think you will be able to handle everything that comes with the acceptance of this scholarship?"

"Gavin," the blonde woman hedged...

"I am not speaking to you, Virginia; I am asking a simple of question of Miss Carver." Gavin never took his eyes from her. "Yes, or No, will do."

The others turned back to Melanie. President Arinson had sat up in his chair. 

Melanie tried to gulp but her mouth was dry. "Yes."

It was like everyone had been holding their breath... a collective exhale sounded through the room. It was silent a moment after that; Melanie guessed they were all trying to figure out how to proceed.

"Harvard House has heard enough." John Harvard said, stepping forward. He was very British, in form as much as language. Melanie wondered if the Harvards who started the university here in America were his ancestors. He smirked. "It was a pleasure to meet you, my dear."

Melanie shook his hand and turned to watch him leave. What did that mean? Didn't he want her for his House? Or was this a good thing? 

When she turned back around, Melanie saw Gavin and Virginia looking at one another with calculating faces. When no one spoke, she turned to the President, but he was watching the Heads as well.

Virginia turned to President Arinson. "Roanoke House is content with the proceedings."

Gavin turned and spoke as well. "Ovidan House is also content."

Virginia spun to face him, eyes wide. "Roanoke retracts." She sputtered, looking at the President. "I wish to interview the girl."

It was Gavin's turn to stare. "Virginia-"

Virignia turned her swift gaze on Melanie. "Melanie, you are aware that this college is run by vampires, yes?"

Melanie stared, wide-eyed at the blonde. The President made a choking sound.

"There. She knows." Virginia glanced at Gavin. "Do not act so shocked, Ovidan, you bit her. She knows you did. Roanoke will interview her if you will not."

"I don't want her here, Virginia." Gavin spoke through gritted teeth.

"Well it's too late now, isn't it." Virginia turned and beamed at Melanie, this time it was real. "Don't worry child, we do not wish you harm. In fact, we wish you to live a very happy life; for you and your descendants." She flicked a glance at Gavin. "So now that you know the truth would you like to learn more? You can ask me anything you like."

Melanie's mind was blank. "I'm sorry... are you serious?"

"No!" Gavin blurted out while Virginia said. "Yes. Of course." 

Melanie rubbed at the place on her neck where Gavin had bitten her, considering. She'd checked herself after her encounter with Trenton and never saw any marks...

"Melanie, please." Well, there went the whole 'Miss Carver' deal. Gavin's voice came out in a rude, clipped rush. "The interview is over. Decline any others. Ask no questions. You are dismissed."

"Hardly," Virginia scoffed. "Ask whatever you like, child."

It was so odd having a girl who looked just a few years older than her call her "child." Maybe the blonde was crazy. Melanie looked at Gavin, who stared at her; his eyes boring into hers. It made her uncomfortable. 

She did the only thing she thought she could do: she looked to the only other person in the room. "Is the college run by vampires?" 

President Arinson scowled over at Virginia. "Miss Carver, we do not lie about things here if we can help it. You've been given two choices, one to leave, the other to stay. We will answer your questions honestly if you ask them, but once you know the workings of our school there's no turning back. You WILL attend here, scholarship or no."

Woah. Challenge much?

After the last sentence Melanie felt like leaving the room immediately. Gavin was being rude and the whole thing had her on the verge of tears; she might as well go. On the other hand, what was this whole thing about knowing the workings of the school? If she didn't know better, the President was about to confirm Virginia's statement... otherwise, why would he phrase things that way? Of course, until then, it was all unqualified. Melanie could walk away thinking the willowy blonde was a loony toon. 

But then, Gavin HAD bitten her... was he really the reason Melanie was half crazed that night? Was he the reason she lost her virginity to that jock; a friend who should have protected her but instead took advantage of her erratic state? And was that erratic state something Gavin had actually caused?

Melanie looked right at her dark ex-boyfriend. He scowled at her and shook his head.

"Are you a vampire, Gavin?"

What was she crazy? What would she do if he said yes? Melanie knew now in her gut he could very well be one... and she was condemning herself to staying here, knowing what he was. Mary, Mother of God. She was in deep.

He didn't reply. He simply looked at her.

Oh, St. Michael protect her. He looked at her. With pupils the size of his irises. 

It was eerie, having someone look at her like that. It was like watching a cat hone in on something they were about to pounce on. It gives your heart a thrill to see one do it from the side, but to have that kind of gaze directed at you, and by something the size of a human...

Gavin wasn't human.

Melanie crossed herself.

Her ex sighed and looked away.

"Well. There you are. Congratulations my dear, you're coming to Shacrow VanMeter." Virginia's voice was matter-of-fact. "Now we'll just have to see which House gets to claim you." 

Melanie looked back to President Arinson. The man sighed. Was he a vampire too?

"I..." Melanie gulped, her words getting stuck in her throat. "I haven't decided..."

Could she run? Silly thought, but the exit was so close...

"Oh child," Virginia said, walking across the room to lean on the door, effectively cutting off any escape, "you decided to moment you asked for the truth. President Arinson even gave you a chance to leave. You've made your decision. I'm afraid it's final." 

Melanie looked back at Gavin. He wasn't looking at her.

What had she done?

Why? Why did she have to ask? Why did she have to know? 

Well... now that she did know... what would happen to her?

"The things we offered to you are still in place," the President said. "The chance to do great things in the world, research-"

"Blood work." Melanie interrupted him. She felt her own blood drain from her face. "So, I'm not meant to be a snack... I'm just making other snacks... more tasty." She said it with as much sarcasm as she could muster.

Virginia grunted a laugh. "The one thing you can count on is that every girl chosen for the scholarship will be well taken care of... bites happen... but usually for more pleasurable purposes."

Melanie glanced at Gavin. He was looking daggers at the blonde woman. He bit me while we were making out, Melanie thought. Pleasurable purposes... "Your own?" she asked. How could it be pleasurable for the one being bitten? She remembered... it had hurt. It lasted only a second, but she remembered the pain of it... sort of... there was that fog... She blushed then, remembering the reaction she'd had by the time Trent had found her.

Virginia answered her while grinning back at Gavin. She looked like a cat, toying with a mouse. "It's something lovers do on occasion."

"Enough." Gavin said, scowling over at the President. "Ovidan House reasserts the right to interview Miss Carver... now that she's no longer uninformed."

"Roanoke House would like to remind Ovidan House that the rights to interview were relinquished just moments ago."

Gavin smiled balefully. "Might I remind you, Virginia, that you did the same?"

President Arinson interjected. "Both Houses relinquished rites to ask questions so it is only fair that both are reinstated. This has gone too far. Might I remind Roanoke House that tradition frowns upon telling our secret outright to lock a girl into our roster? This will not be tolerated a second time."

"You can do nothing to me for breaking that tradition, Arinson." Virginia crossed her arms. "You know as well as I how many rules have been broken with this batch of girls. I have done nothing compared to what Ovidan and even your own house-"

"That is enough!" President Arinson's tone was so threatening that Melanie sunk back into her chair. He looked at her then, his face softening. "Under such circumstances both houses can plead their case and have Miss Carver choose which is to interview her."

Virginia crossed the room to stand where she had been before. Gavin seemed to barely tolerate her presence. Melanie suddenly wished she'd never come to this campus, or had at least left the moment she saw Louis; she should have known Gavin would be behind this. Lord, Father, help her.

Virginia plastered a smile across her face. "Miss Carver, I would like to interview you further to see if you are a fit for Roanoke House. Though I sound French, my House can boast being the first truly American bloodline. Unlike other Houses, Roanoke has a special connection with another House on campus, and enjoys the extra connection that bond secures, but here and out in the world. Every woman who graduates..."

Virginia's words dimmed to background noise as Melanie turned her eyes to Gavin. He was looking back at her, the scowl on his face becoming a permanent aspect. She wondered why he didn't want her here. And now he was fighting to get her for his House? No thank you. If she was here, she'd rather not end up in her ex's House, especially if she was unwanted. She was curious about what he had to say, but really, why waste his breath? What happened to her at Prom was his fault. And it was probably his fault that she was here. At a college of vampires. 

Gavin continued to stare at her when he interrupted Virginia's speech. "Ovidan concedes to Roanoke."

Viginia's voice hitched, a little surprised the fight had been one so easily no doubt. 

Melanie turned away to look at the wall, her eyes brimming with tears. This was all too much to take for... what... ten minutes? Ten minutes and her world had changed for the worse. Far, far worse.

And with that, Gavin Ovidan left the room.

***

Kristie MacFarland lounged on her bed, absolutely glowing from the aftermath of Daman Sokar's hands. She'd taken a shower when she got back, throwing away a perfectly good but now ruined pair of underwear, and now sat listening to a CD. Joan Jett was screaming with that sexy voice of hers and Kristie was purposefully ignoring the loud voices coming from the suite's living room. 

Kristie's parents never got along. They came together for special events in her life, like her upcoming graduation, but really, she just wished they'd separate and play nice from opposite sides of the field. She didn't even want to know what caused it this time.

It went on for a good half hour before a truce or a stalemate had apparently been reached followed by the typical awkward silence.

Kris was laying on her bed, flipping through a magazine when her mom knocked on the door and told her it was time to go to the banquet. Jumping up, Kristie checked herself in the mirror, made sure her hair was properly mussed, applied some lip gloss, and sauntered into the living room.

"What are you wearing?" Kristie's mother eyed her daughter with reproach. 

Kris couldn't blame her... for the banquet she'd decided to wear a super short pleated skirt, button down top and loose red necktie. She'd seen the uniforms the students at this college were wearing and she thought she would step it up a notch. Sure, it was rebellious and uncouth, probably better for the bedroom than a banquet of scholarship chasers, but she wanted to see how bad this school wanted her. 

Want me to play your game of Houses? Kristie thought. Sure. Let's go. 

She had no idea what gave her the idea to pack the outfit, but she had a few others for her random mood-changes. Right now, she's was feeling extremely playful... that energized buzz that follows something completely unplanned and thrilling. Kris even winked at Marta, the petite blonde who'd been their family's escort since they arrived. The girl returned her stare with an amused shake of her head. 

"Go change young lady. You could risk your scholarship." Her father scrubbed a hand through his short, salt-and-pepper hair. "We apologize..."

"No need to." Marta said. "It's not typically what scholarship applicants wear, but we encourage the girls to express themselves openly and be who they are."

"Trust me dad, I think I'll be fine. Besides... it's just applicants and their parents, right? No Heads or Houses?" Okay, Kris might have hoped Daman would catch a glimpse...

"Think of how it will look!" Her mother blurted out.

"I think it'll look like I won't be chosen. And if I am, I can't wait to see the shock on their faces." Kristie bent over, giving her socks a tug. I dare them to pick me now, Kristie thought. She knew her mother might be mollified by the tight shorts under the skirt... if there wasn't any underwear showing she could probably get away with it. 

She did.

Marta led her and her family back to VanMeter Hall, this time taking them past the theatre and into a banquet room where some of the families already waited. Some of the girls and parents openly stared at her while others glanced away, purposely avoiding her. It was interesting to see how many dads looked her way and got their arms slapped or toes stomped by their wives. 

That's it Daddies, think all the naughty thoughts you want cause it's a snowballs chance in Hell. Kristie adopted her innocent look, clasping her hands behind her back and following her parents as if she was clueless to the fact that her skirt was a little too short.

That's when she caught the eye of one of the other students. A athletic-looking brunette with thick straight hair that was cropped straight across at her shoulders. What was her name? Devin. She was called out by that burly guy before they had gone into the theatre. Devin looked away, red faced, and Kris thought she might have just made a new friend.

"Oh, my God, what, are you wearing?" Kristie turned to see Cameron coming over, her parents eyeing Kris warily.

Kristie put a hand on her hip and studied her nails. Not that she had cute nails... she was a biter... but the pose she was striking -- with the hip pop and everything -- was drawing eyes to her long legs. This whole deal was cracking her up. "What, my school uniform?"

"Are you purposefully ruining your chances here?" Cameron said, looking around, her own cheeks a little pink just from being next to Kristie's open display.

Kris lowered her voice. "Actually... I think I might have it in the bag for Sokar. Who ended up interviewing you?" Was it just her or did Cameron's cheeks get even redder?

"Arinson. Yeah... I think I'm probably coming here."

Kristie wondered if Cameron had the same experience she'd had. "Coming? Or Cumming." She'd lowered her voice just enough but by the look on Cameron's face you would have thought she'd asked it loudly.

"Oh..." Cameron was suddenly speechless. And, yeah, her cheeks were beat red.

"Reeeeally." Kristie hissed under her breath. "So what's Mr. Arinson like? Did he spank you and say you were a bad girl?"

"Jesus, Kris!" Cameron hissed back, "Do you have to be so crude? And no... no... spanking."

Kristie shrugged. "Sorry, I'm in a kinky mood." She backed off a little, realizing she might have been pouring it on a little too much with the outfit and all. "You would not believe... well, maybe now isn't the best time to discuss it." She'd noticed how full the room was getting and the looks coming her way were sure to be accompanied to ears tuning into whatever she was saying. 

"I wonder if Melanie got the same treatment." Cameron said the name like she'd bit into a lemon.

"Hmm." Kris felt a comment reach the back of her teeth and rebound. No... she wouldn't go there. Not if she wanted to keep Cameron as a friend. She knew the girl was hurt by what went on at the Prom, so that topic was off limits.

The two girls spotted Melanie with her family entering behind Louis Ovidan. Melanie was looking around, eyes wide. Kris wondered what that expression was for. It was like Melanie was preoccupied and worried at the same time. She was looking at each girl, sizing them up. Maybe she didn't get the same assurances Kris and Cameron had received.

Louis called everyone over to their places at two long tables stretching down the room; students and parents took their places. As luck would have it, Kris ended up sitting right next to the brunette she'd made eye contact with earlier.

"Hi." Kris said, grabbing her napkin and putting it in her lap."

"Hello..." the girl said, grabbing her own napkin and doing the same.

"You're Devin, right?"

"Yeah."

"I'm Kristie."

"Nice to meet you."

The girl was shy. It was kind of cute. 

"How did you're interview go?" Kristie took a roll from the bread basket then grabbed the whole thing and held it out for Devin.

Devin took a roll. "Thanks. Um... it went good, I guess. The President was nice."

"So do you think you'll get a scholarship?" Kris didn't really know what the protocol was for talking about the interviews since everyone was competing against one another, but she thought if she was as nonchalant as possible then the girl wouldn't think she was prying.

"Um... maybe." 

Geez, was this girl going to talk or what?

Then... she did. "I have a boyfriend back home so they think that might be a problem... I just don't know if I want to break up with him to go this to college."

Boyfriend. Well, damn. "It works sometimes... I've heard." Okay Kristie hadn't heard that, but she was sure some relationships did actually work out despite the distance. Sure it did. Somewhere. Where, she had no idea. "Or if it doesn't, there seem to be some cute guys on campus." Not that she'd noticed.

Well, other than Daman. But Daman wasn't cute. He was Black fire. And Kris wanted to be burned again.

The girl grinned. "We'll see I guess. I think there's some weird things going on here though... my parents are not completely sold on the place."

Weird things? What, like vampires? Yeah I picked up on that too. Kris wanted so bad to say it but she kept it inside, letting it bounce around her brain. She was crazy for going through with this, knowing that some very fucked up things could be on the horizon. But hot damn... every time she thought about just up and leaving all the ceremony and sorority crap behind she'd get an image of Daman's dark skin against hers and start reliving the feel of his fingers inside her. Sometimes she even touched her lips, feeling the phantoms of his kisses.




Shadow School Ch. 05



Yeah she was going here.

Kristie caught a glimpse of Cameron across the room talking to a girl with naturally wavy blonde hair. God she hated girls like that. They always had that just-fucked look with their long hair all mussed. Okay she loved girls like that. She wanted one. They were usually straight though so she could only dream. 

Looking at the two girls, Kristie suddenly wondered if she really wanted Cameron to attend this school. Did she know what was here? Cameron wasn't a goody-goody like Melanie but she was still pretty naïve. She'd lead a sheltered life. What Kris thought was a thrill of a lifetime, Cameron could very well run screaming for the hills... and there were a lot of hills here... there was no getting out once you were in.

She made a mental note to talk to Cam after supper was done with. As it was, the meal went on for an hour, plates served based on what the parents ordered while the girls were at their interviews. Her parents got her steak as the main course, proving once again they knew nothing about her. Kris was all about the hamburger but the texture of a steak... well... that wasn't the most appealing thing to her. Anything chewy... blech. Still, she had some awesome garlic mashed potatoes and the salad helped fill her up. She took a few bites of the steak before just leaving it all together then dug in for the dessert. Chess pie. Yum.

By the end, everyone was dismissed and given a few hours to rest in their rooms before the gala. Kris left with Cameron, practically flitting away to draw even more stares. She was still revved up... but the other girl looked exhausted, trailing behind her and making Kris settle on a slower pace if they were going to talk.

"You look beat." Kris said, walking with Cameron just out of hearing distance from their parents.

"I'm worn out... I swear I'm just not used to..." But Cameron didn't finish. She simply looked thoughtful.

Kris grinned crookedly. "Okay. Tell. I got a hand job but I know you got more. You're fucking wiped out." 

Cameron's eyes widened and she stopped walking. "You got..."

"Fingered. Yeah. And it was hot as Hell. The boy can kiss, what can I say."

Cameron looked around then leaned in. "But I thought you liked..." 

"Lady-friends?" Kris grinned back with a smirk. "Yeah, but... if you ever experienced what I just did... Wait. You did! You little minx, you better fess up." 

Cameron had blushed a little and averted her eyes. After a moment put on a thoughtful expression, inhaled and breathed everything out before asking, "Kris, do you know what's really going on here?"

Oh. Kay. That was not what she expected, but Kris was suddenly the embarrassed one. What if Cameron didn't know and was really asking? But what if... did she know?

Of course she knew... she'd done something naughty with the guy. He was probably a vamp too... right?

She figured she'd go with the ol' "Honesty is the best policy" line if she was going to be a future SVMC student. "I got the memo." One didn't watch a guy suck those particular fluids without raising an eyebrow. Or in her case, letting your mouth fall open.

"Well, I have to go here anyway... they have this thing where once you know, you're attending whether you like it or not." Cameron suddenly looked dreamy. "But, oh, God." Cameron got a funny look on her face and giggled. What was so funny? "I don't know how I can go back to hue... um... other guys... after that."

There! Cameron was about to say humans. She knew.

"Vampires," Kristie said, matter-of-fact.

Cameron waited a moment then started walking again, taking a deep breath again. "Yeah."

They walked for a while in silence.

"You know," Kristie said, "I was all freaked out at first... I mean, what do they want with us? We probably don't know the half of it. But then I thought... How many times is a hot vampire going to pick you out of a lineup, give you an amazing orgasm, then offer you more if you tag along?"

She giggled at the ridiculousness of what she'd just said.

Cameron nodded. "Is it worth it though?"

"All I know is I'm looking at a mundane life. Just like everyone else. Sure, it'll have awesome moments... but I'm sure I'll have my heart broken more than once, go through some pretty stressful things... deal with a random job... money issues... mortgages, all that bullshit... and here I have the chance to get physical and social pleasure."

"You're leaving out mental and spiritual though..."

"There's the church." Kristie pointed to the Cathedral marking the entrance to campus. "As for mental, it's definitely a trip, but fuck... we're talking about real live vampires that seem to want to do nothing but pleasure us and have us succeed out in the real world. 

Cameron rubbed her hand at the base of her neck and sighed. "Yeah but vampires have teeth."

Kristie didn't really know how to respond to that. She didn't exactly want to be anyone's chew toy.

"And... well," Cameron said, "There's got to be more to it."

"Yeah," Kris agreed, "But it could also be one Hell of a ride."

The two girls walked the rest of the way in silence, both thinking of what could possibly be in store for them if they got scholarships to Shacrow VanMeter College.

*

 Thanks so much for reading chapter five in this series! Please take time to vote or leave a comment... feedback is always appreciated! 



Shadow School Ch. 06



Cameron felt on the verge of tears as she looked in the mirror. She hoped she wouldn't actually cry and ruin her mascara. 

After three weeks you'd think she'd be over the mess that was her Prom, but the whole night still haunted her. The memories were woven into the beautiful light blue gown she now wore. How could she get through this night in this dress? 

By being on the arm of a devilish handsome blonde... that was how. And in front of Melanie too. After everything was said and done she was really starting to like the idea of hurting Melanie for what she did; show her that she had overcome everything and ended up on top. Elias could help her prove that. 

With thoughts of Melanie came thoughts of Gavin Ovidan. The guy gave her the creeps! She knew now he probably did something to Melanie; had given her that blood urge that Cameron herself had experienced. So why then did he do it? Cameron hated the thought that it wasn't Melanie's fault for tackling Trent but really... why couldn't she find a single guy? And why was Trent down there in the first place? He was supposed to be her date... he could have waited until she got back from the bathroom.

It was on the way from the bathroom that Cameron had first seen Gavin Ovidan at Prom. The look he'd given her was appraising... no doubt he was the reason she was here at this school. Well, he wasn't getting her. He could have Melanie, the little tramp. Cameron was content with her blonde warrior. 

Cameron sighed and smiled, thinking of Elias' hands on her. She felt his touch all over her body, the whispered memory of caresses on her legs, her breasts, between her legs... she was getting turned on just by thinking about it. When she looked at herself in the mirror this time, she saw the fire in her eyes put there by the Head of Arinson House and the devious things they'd done while she was supposed to be getting interviewed. He'd taken her virginity, and despite the tenderness she could still feel -- even after taking some painkillers -- she was already interested in another tryst.

The girl in the mirror was different, Cameron now realized. Despite wearing her hair down -- not up like she had at Prom -- she could see herself in a new light. She still looked like a girl of eighteen, but she was now a woman who'd known a man's -- not a boy's -- touch.

***

Kristie MacFarland had purposefully skipped Prom. Instead, she and Dylan met up with his cousin from college and other older kids and gotten trashed. While her classmates partied it up to boy bands crooning love-pop songs, she and the others were lounging in a pot-filled haze listening to Hendrix, Zepplin, and mixing in a little Rammstein, which was making its rounds amongst the angsty young adults these days. German sounds about hate. Very not Prom. Still, the beat was awesome and with the pot in her system making her drowsy, Kris had laid there, propped up against Dylan's shoulders, both of them focusing on nothing but the music and the feelings a night of bingeing brought to the human body.

So Kris had missed the drama of Prom and the experience of buying four hundred dollar dresses that would only be worn for a night with a boy. Darn. Now she stood in front of a floor-length mirror, checking herself out. Was it fate that she was dressed in black silk? She loved the innuendo of black hugging her body so tightly as this dress did, a slit up her right thigh allowing her to walk. You didn't wear something like this to a high school dance. This kind of dress was for the big boys.

Kristie was saved from wearing jewelry on her neck (that she didn't have) by the dress's high collar which wrapped around her neck, leaving her back bare all the way down to the dimples above her ass. Sexy. She was sure some of the dads from earlier would be eying her again, waiting impatiently for nightfall when they could bang their wives into oblivion while thinking of her. Smiling wickedly at herself in the mirror, she knew she shouldn't have such thoughts, but Hell, she was human.

And... she wondered how many others she would see tonight... were not. 

She was really going to do this. Kristie was going to attend a vampire college. Was she truly serious about this? 'Cause vampires could get you dead pretty quick. At least, that was what the myths told her... and her only defense so far was that the myths had gotten a lot wrong.

Daman's warm fingers....

Kris licked her lips and took her hand away from her abdomen where it was threatening to touch lower. Smirking to herself she turned to leave her room and join her parents on the walk to the gala.

***

Melanie Carver stood in front of the ornate stone building, chilled by the spring air; she wrapped her coat tighter around her as she studied the ornate structure. It reminded her of the pictures she'd seen of Versailles. Roanoke House... so this was Virginia's monstrosity.

Melanie shivered; this time it wasn't from the cold. Virginia Roanoke had taken her down through some underground passageways, past a room she called the Crossroads, and into a hallway straight out of seventeenth century France. Her House had been decorated with the swirly fashion of builders who have too much time on their hands and plenty of money at their disposal. Melanie had sat across from Virginia in a golden chair with plush fabric, stealing glances at large paintings on the walls depicting men in tights and women in wigs.

Virginia had been honest. There was no disputing that; and Melanie had left the interview afraid for her life. As it turned out, the girls who didn't get the scholarship became... snacks. They weren't killed, and if they accepted their positions at the university, they could still wind up with some really great connections so a little blood donation was worth it.

If you were sick and twisted.

Melanie was more determined than ever to get the scholarship now, hoping to be one of the special girls who escaped such a fate. She was already told she was attending here, and had foolishly asked Virginia what would happen if she said no. 

Death.

Once a person knew of the school's hidden reality, they were either with it or against it. Those against it were not trusted to live out in the world where they could speak of the precious secret the vampires kept tucked away in the mountains of Appalachia. It was painless, Victoria promised, but it was also final.

No thank you.

Melanie sighed. She had had three people in her interview, and Virginia had explained that those were the Heads who were interested in her. John Harvard had left early, and according to Virginia, that didn't mean much, just that he didn't feel the need to interview Mel. It was rare but a Head who didn't interview a girl could still pick her if the others he or she chose did not live up to the hopes that Head had for their House. 

So if Harvard was out, that left Roanoke and Ovidan. And Melanie really didn't want to be with Ovidan. She had thought briefly of running to him and begging him to take her into his House, but there was no way she could; he'd gotten her into this mess in the first place and she refused to forgive him, despite what she'd been taught at church. She doubted the Catholic faith would enforce the forgiveness rule when referring to the damned.

Oh... Sweet Baby Jesus... would she be damned?

"Stand like that too long and you could get a crick in your neck." 

Melanie turned to see Kristie striding up the walk in a tight black dress that flapped around her ankles when she walked and a black leather motorcycle jacket. The two pieces of clothing were so wrong together it almost looked sexy; like she'd borrowed a jacket from a guy. Kristie's hair was in it's usually style, the red-orange bangs falling down into her eyes; with hair that short it was hard to fix elegantly.

"Have you noticed that all the structures on campus contradict each other, yet still manage to go together?" Melanie asked.

"What you mean like the Egyptian building setting next to this French Renaissance thing?" Kristie looked over at the obsidian structure looming up into the darkness of the night sky.

"Kristie..." Melanie had started. The girl had turned back to her, noticing whatever emotion was showing on Mel's face. Mel had to at least tell someone... "You shouldn't go here. To this school."

Kristie eyed her warily. "This wouldn't have to do anything with your interview..."

"It has everything to do with my interview."

"Which House...?"

"Roanoke. I swear Kris, I can't tell you why, but you need to go. Take your family and go home. Go to another school."

Kristie smirked. "Are you going to another school?"

Melanie blinked. "No..."

"Me neither." Kris turned to study the French structure. "Cameron is probably coming here too."

Melanie gulped. Great. Like she needed anything to make her stay here worse. "Is it certain?"

"When you know what's going on around here, it's pretty certain."

"No kidding." Melanie said, a shaky laugh on her breath. "Let's just hope we get the scholarship."

Kris turned to face her. "Why?"

"Let's just say it's not... um... as pleasant... for those who don't."

Kristie's face took on a thoughtful scowl. "Shit... what did you hear?"

"About what?" came another voice.

The two girls turned to see Cameron coming up to them. Further down the cobblestone sidewalk, other families were beginning to cluster.

"Mel says if you don't get a scholarship it's unpleasant." Kris said, looking at Cameron.

Cameron turned her eyes on Melanie. Mel winced internally but didn't flinch under the girl's gaze. "Well it's a good thing I'm getting one."

Kris snorted. Melanie stared. "How do you know?"

"I was offered it already... not formally though. And Kris-"

"Has no clue what you ladies are talking about," Kristie said with a grin as their parents joined them.

The three girls exchanged eye contact, Melanie and Cameron a little more heatedly. Kris rolled her eyes and strode away, her parents and their significant others following behind, squabbling about who knew what.

Cameron raised her chin and did the same, leaving Melanie standing with her parents. She gave the building one more look before starting up the steps to the entrance of Roanoke Hall.

***

As the girls and their families entered the lobby, their escorts left them to check their coats on their own. Cameron watched as Mahi disappeared with the others into the ballroom, music filtering through the open doors before they closed. By the time her coat was checked, Cameron noticed that the music had stopped. 

Louis Ovidan came through the center door and asked the families to line up for presentation. It was all so formal that Cameron felt herself blush. Here she was dressed as Cinderella and her prince was inside. God, she sounded like a flittery little girl. Why did her heart have to skip around in her chest at the thought of her parents meeting Elias?

Just like when their names had been called, there was no particular order. Lined up like they were, Cameron began to notice that a few families were missing. Why was that? She began counting... only seventeen families were in the line. Maybe some were late?

She and her parents stood just ahead of the middle of the line. She turned to find Kristie, who was next to last in line. They locked eyes, both a bundle of nerves. When Cameron turned to face the doors, she saw that Melanie was first at the door and was already going through. Once her family was inside, a man's voice announced them, followed by the next family and so on.

Cameron's stomach was doing flips. She was seriously nervous, even more so when she got to the door. There were a lot of people in the ballroom. Hundreds. It had to have been the whole school and then some. Shacrow VanMeter wasn't large for a college, but it was enough that the entire hall was filled with people in formal attire; and everyone was looking at the families coming through the door.

Cameron put on a soft smile as her name was announced, followed by her parents. They stepped forward into the spotlight, and then were directed by an escort to turn to the right. There, she could see all of the Heads of Houses lined up, receiving the families in person.

Looking down the row, Cameron noticed more than just seven people standing in line. Each had... a date. Her mind immediately fuzzed. 

Cameron was shaking the hand of a pretty young woman with wavy light brown hair. She was standing with a young man the color of creamy coffee- his eyes a brilliant blue against his light brown skin. The escort behind them introduced her as Drusilla of Caesaris House and made no mention of the young man behind her. Drusilla smiled at Cameron's parents and shook their hands, introducing Samuel Waldemar. Cameron wondered if he was related to the Waldemar Head somehow.

Next was Daman of Sokar House and a girl with auburn hair and hawk-like grey eyes; her name was Tawna Madison and she was leaning nonchalantly on his arm like she owned him. Cameron wondered what Kris would think of that. Daman's eyes twinkled when he met Cameron's gaze and she quickly looked away, allowing her parents to do all the talking.

Gavin was beside Daman, standing with another black-haired girl that looked just like him. Jeez... how many Ovidan's went here? He introduced her as Monica Ovidan, not giving her any title of relation. Cameron smiled politely and said a few words to them both but moved on to the next Head as quickly as she could.

The next two Heads seemed to be each other's date. Virginia of Roanoke House -- coincidentally the tall willowy blonde she'd seen in the bathroom at Prom, and at the Crossroads -- and John Harvard stood together, greeting Cameron and her parents as a couple would greet someone coming to their house. They spoke graciously to her family, and Cameron hung on their words, clinging as if listening would delay the moment as long as possible. 

Elias was next.

And the tall model clinging to his arm.

Cameron looked into Elias' eyes with a faint smile on her lips as he was introduced to her parents. He was polite, reserving a secret smile at the edge of his mouth just for her, but she couldn't help but noticed the way the girl on his arm, Nellie Troutman, was caressing her fingers on his jacket sleeve and staring a warning glare in her direction. Hostile much?

Cameron's eyes followed Elias' hand as he moved to cover Nellie's, effectively stopping the caress but also leaving it in place as if comforting her and warning her to behave at the same time. The girl took the opportunity to snuggle into his shoulder and look back at Cameron with a now innocent expression. Cameron's parents were oblivious, talking to Elias as if they didn't know what had happened between him and their daughter.

Because they had no clue.

Now Cameron felt a bit clueless herself. And here she thought they'd experienced something kind of wonderful. Was it simpler than that? Was it just like he said... a way to get her into his territory, away from other vamps? The hot sex they'd had was probably just that... sex. Meaningless sex. Hell, he even had the excuse that she'd initiated it.

Her cheeks reddened as she remembered he could read her thoughts and she decided to not meet his eyes and move on to the next Head. Her parents barely noticed her abrupt departure and continued to talk with the Arinson House Head.

Cameron was greeted by the eyes of Catherine Waldemar, which were staring back into hers knowlingly. Of course she knew; she could probably read minds too. The blue-eyed brunette shook her hand and smiled at the weak return effort Cameron managed. She leaned forward and Cameron tensed at the closeness of an unknown vampire at her neck; she glanced at Elias nervously but he was still talking to her parents. He did seem to stiffen, however. The girl at his side, Nellie, turned her head to raise an eyebrow at her as if saying "what are you staring at?"

She heard the Waldemar woman's words in her ear. "Don't worry, my dear... she's not living up to Shacrow standards."

It was a quick, puzzling way to comfort her, but Cameron was a little relieved; probably more from the retreating teeth that had been so close to her neck, but also because something in what Catherine said made Cameron think it was a jibe against the jealous girl on Elias' arm. 

The fact that the Head of another House knew what she and Elias had done, not to mention the thoughts she was having, made her blush. It deepened when she noticed the stare of a hard-faced young man with white-blonde hair standing just behind Catherine. The twenty-something lady vampire turned her head to look in the direction of Cameron's gaze and smiled when she looked back at Cameron.

"Hans Raedar, meet Miss Cameron Ellis."

Hans nodded without smiling, then lifted his eyes from hers to watch the crowd. Cameron ducked her head in a slight nod as well, then smiled in thanks to the Head of Waldemar House. Her parents finally left Elias and joined her in their greeting.

Gulping for air by the time they made it away from the Heads, Cameron saw that the other families that were finished with the greeting line were starting to mingle with the guests. She had no desire to meet anyone else who was new... not while in her current state.

***

Melanie stood back, watching as the other girls went through the line. She'd noticed the warning glare that tall girl on the arm of Elias Arinson had stared at Cameron and decided she didn't really care anymore. Cameron was being such a snob lately despite learning the truth of what had happened to Melanie on the night of Prom. Screw her. If she had to deal with catfights over that blonde vampire then let her. Melanie was content with just trying to stay alive.

She watched as Kristie was announced to the rest of the guests. Melanie could feel her eyebrows rise at the look on the face of Daman Sokar's date; Kristie had cocked her hips and propped an arm up -- Mel couldn't see her face -- in an almost flirtatious gesture. The gall of her, flirting with Sokar's date right in front of him!

"You are Melanie Carver, yes?"

Melanie turned to the voice and came face to face with a beautiful -- that was the only way to describe him -- boy that could be no older than herself. His words were so formal! She became flustered and suspicious all at the same time, a weird combination that left her silently flabberghasted.

He seemed to think her reaction funny because he chuckled and stuck his hand out and introduced himself. "William Dare."

She slipped her hand into his and felt the squeeze of his strong fingers. Something in that touch sent an electric buzz humming through her body. Wow. She looked at her hands and back up into his face. His deep brown eyes stared down at her from under his tousled mane of dark blonde hair, the back of which was pulled into a short ponytail. Even his suit looked like it was cut to an older style.

Seriously... it was like he walked out of The Last of the Mohicans or something. 

He chuckled more, which drew her parents eyes. They came over to be introduced as well and William told him he was visiting on behalf Roanoke House. 

"Will you be coming here in the Fall, then, William?" Melanie's father asked.

"I will be coming here, yes." William said with a warm smile. "Will Melanie?"

"We hope she gets the scholarship," her mother answered.

"Well then, I hope that is the case as well." 

The music began softly but quickly leapt into a waltz as the last of the scholarship applicants left the line of Heads of Houses. People began to file out onto the dance floor.

"May I have the honor?" William asked, holding his hand out to Melanie. She smiled and took it, letting him lead her out insto the crowd of dancers. She reflexively looked for Gavin and met his eyes across the crowd. He looked... almost jealous.




Shadow School Ch. 06



Smiling at his obvious disapproval, Melanie turned back to look into William's beaming face. "Okay," she asked, "what's the deal?"

"Why, whatever do you mean, Miss Carver?" he asked, spinning her out this drawing her closer to him.

"You look my age but no one I know dresses like this." Melanie hoped she wasn't being rude, but it was true. He was all... colonial or something. And she had thrown in the towel earlier so who cared about manners? She wanted answers. "Are you one of them?"

"One of who?"

"You know." Melanie said it fervently, hoping she hadn't made a mistake. She knew she didn't.

William chuckled. "Do you mean, do I," his voice switched to a Romanian accent "vant to suck yur blod?"

Melanie blushed. "Well, yeah."

"Trust me... I would be in more danger if I did that than you would be."

Melanie didn't know how to respond. She was dancing with a vampire. A very cute vampire. Who, under other circumstances, would probably want to do her harm.

William chuckled and twirled her around, causing her to cling tighter to his neck. It made her nervous, the thrill of having a vampire so close to her own neck was like a taboo now that is was reality. Something you just did not do. 

***

Cameron watched as Melanie giggled in the young man's arms, completely defeated. This whole night was getting started on the wrong foot. SHE was supposed to be the one in a handsome man's arms making Melanie jealous. SHE was supposed to be with Elias. But the reality of the situation was that Melanie had the man and Elias was still with that girl who looked at her every time Cameron glanced their way.

They were dancing together, the model and the vampire, looking so perfect together that the rest of the guests cast glances in their direction as they danced. Her movements were graceful, much more graceful that Cameron ever thought she herself could manage on a dance floor. And the way he held her...

Cameron had to get some fresh air.

When she emerged onto a grand terrace at the back of the Hall, Cameron instantly regretted it. Though bigger, grander, and with a better garden directly beyond the steps, it looked a lot like the back of the country club where she'd seen Trenton come her way just after Melanie had passed her. Even now she could see the phantoms of that moment, the look of guilt on Trenton's face when he tried to hide what he'd just done with nonchalance.

Tears filled her eyes. 

Breathing deep, Cameron willed the tears to dry and not fall; if she knew she'd be so close to tears all the time she'd have brought waterproof mascara with her. 

It was a bit early for guests to want to wander around the property in search of new scenery so Cameron was alone. As she leaned on the stone rails of the balcony, looking out into the garden that was just starting to fill with blooms, she stared into the surrounding darkness. 

A pair of eyes stared back.

Cameron paled as the glowing orbs watched her, the thing they belonged to hidden by the gloom. Was it a vampire? Do their eyes glow in the night? She had no idea what to expect but whatever it was... blinked.

Oh, God.

She stiffened, darting her head quickly to see how far from the door she was, whipping her head back as fast as she could so she didn't lose whatever it was; but it was gone. For the next few minutes she stared into the shadows, wondering if something was still there. She didn't even notice when another person had joined her on the balcony.

"You know, the tradition of damsels in distress leaving a party usually involves running away from the monsters, not just stepping outside." 

She gasped at turned to see Gavin Ovidan walking toward her. Great. At this point she welcomed whatever the Goth could dish out... hate... death... whatever.

"Hate's a bit strong... death? Really? I had no idea you had a death wish."

"I'm about to go to a school filled with vampires; the kind that kill virgins or at least have meaningless sex with them. There are things lurking around here that scare the hell out of me and to make everything worse, the scenery reminds me of one of the worst moments of my life."

"Trenton Avery is an immature boy who couldn't even withstand a girl's advances knowing the one he really wanted to be with was just yards away."

Like she really wanted to discuss Trent right now. "Yeah about that," Cameron turned to face him, amazed at her nerve to challenge a vampire with no protection this time. "You-"

"Do you remember what it was like when Elias bit you?"

Cameron mentally stumbled. It was so off subject-

"It's right on subject. Our policy is to never bring a virgin here to campus. I made that mistake with you, but admittedly, I was surrounded by hundreds of teenagers all thinking about sex... mistakes happen. I courted Melanie intending to bring her here, yes... and yes, I bit her. But the moment I tasted her blood I knew she was-"

"A virgin?" It was Cameron's turn to cut him off. "Yeah... then she went running off to fix that with my boyfriend."

"Better him than me."

"Fuck you."

"I'm sorry, I'm not interested."

"Good." Another voice came into the conversation. Cameron saw Elias walking towards them from the doors. "Else you would be moving in on my claim."

Cameron's heart flipped over in her chest. She'd heard that before. "So you claim her then?" Virginia had asked... Cameron had heard the young woman's voice through the oncoming fog so she couldn't concentrate on it then... it pissed her off now.

"Hello, Elias... where's your-"

"Nellie is with some of the other Freshmen girls. I'll thank you to stay out of my business Ovidan, she's mine." 

Cameron shrunk back from the look Elias gave had on his face when his eyes flicked to her. Before, when the two vampires squared off -- before she even knew they were vampires -- she'd thought Elias' protectiveness was alluring. Now, seeing his arm candy for the night... Cameron knew the claim he was speaking of went only one way. She was a thing. A possession. She had no idea who she wanted to win this time. 

Gavin smirked at that. Elias scowled. Giving one last look to her, Gavin shrugged and walked back to the doors leading inside. Cameron watched him go, not daring to look at Elias, especially in the agitated state he was in. Once Gavin was inside, however, his shoulders slumped a little and he leaned against the railing.

"Cameron you should realize our world does not work as yours does. I claimed you for Arinson House, not meaning that you were a thing, but that you were under my protection and no other of my kind can touch you."

Cameron said nothing.

"And Nellie-"

"Is she your girlfriend?" Cameron cursed her weakness but she had to know. She wasn't like Melanie... she didn't screw other another girl's boyfriend. She didn't screw people period, which made everything so much worse.

"She's a Freshman. At our college freshmen coming in on this scholarship are treated better than most of the upperclassmen... have you noticed that the whole school has turned out to see who will be chosen for next year? I claim all the students who receive my scholarship... just as the other Head claim theirs. It's equivalent to making you part of my family... my House family." 

Elias turned to look at her. "Nellie was in the same position last year and does not want to be replaced. She knows something happened between you and I... she's trying to intimidate you. She's also trying to grab my attention... which was lost months ago." He smirked. "She's furious."

Cameron looked away, unsure what to think. 

"Would it make you feel better to know that it is an Arinson tradition for the freshmen of our House to accompany me in greeting the next one to join our family? Nellie would have been there on my arm no matter what our relationship. If I care for a woman enough to date her, she still waits in the crowd with the other guests while the freshman of my House stands at my side. Sokar House has the same tradition."

Elias stepped forward, cupping her chin between his finger and thumb, lifting it to make her meet his eyes. "You know my words are truth, so now here this: I have no shame in claiming you. I want you. I want your lips..." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Your thoughts..." He kissed her forehead. "Your body." He simply stared down at her, eyes glistening mischievously.

Cameron couldn't help the moisture beginning to pool between her legs. As mad as she should have been, especially after years of women's right and feminism and all that... she was so turned on by the idea of a man... this man... claiming her and... having his way with her. And the way he looked at her! 

Elias smirked and leaned down, kissing her again, his tongue sweeping just inside her lips. He pulled back long enough to say, "I claim your tongue as well. It's mine... I want it," before kissing her deeply, his tongue plunging into her mouth to wrestle with hers.

Elias pressed his hips against her, crushing the fabric of her dress between them so she could feel him beginning to harden. "Do you feel what you do to me?" he asked, breaking the kiss to hover just over her lips. 

"Yes," Cameron whispered, too close to his face to nod.

"I am usually under more control but you... you have no idea what you do to me." Elias spun her, looking over her shoulder at the doors to the ballroom. "Will your parents notice your absence?"

Her mind was stuttering again, the onslaught of emotions, thoughts, and primal feelings warring with each other for dominance in her brain so that she couldn't think at all. "They're probably at the bar..."

"Then come." 

Elias scooped Cameron up into his arms and carried her swiftly -- almost too swiftly -- down the steps and around the railing and down a walkway. There, he placed Cameron on a stone bench, quickly kneeling on the ground between her legs to kiss her mouth, his lips smashing against hers, no longer tame; his tongue plunged in to tussle with hers.

Cameron's mind was trying to catch up. Just moments earlier she had been saddened and angry, now she was completely lost in one of Elias' kisses as he fumbled with her skirts. It was all too fast.

Cool night air greeted Cameron's skin as Elias exposed her legs to the night. His hands dove beneath her skirt, finding her panties, and pulling them down over her ankles. He broke the kiss long enough to inhale the scent from the fabric, his face pressed to the cloth like it was an oxygen mask, leaving Cameron's mouth free to drop open as she watched.

Elias turned his eyes on her, hunger gleaming in their depths. He leaned forward for another kiss, stuffing the underwear into a jacket pocket. "You must be quiet out here, my sweet," he said against her lips, "the ears just inside are much sharper than yours. We're breaking the rules yet again."

A gasp froze in her throat at the thought that they could be found. What would the vampires do if they found one of their leaders outside with her instead of attending to his guests? 

Elias' head disappeared beneath her skirts and she suddenly realized she didn't care what they did to her. 

Oh...

Elias inhaled her sent right at the source before leaning forward and pressing his lips to her core, the warmth and wetness of his mouth no match for her burning heat, making the cool contrast send electric tingles down her legs and up to her stomach. His tongue left his mouth to sink beneath the moist folds of her pussy, the strong muscle sinking into her before sliding out and up to the sensitive bud where her nerves were on fire.

Cameron had nothing to hold on to as Elias assaulted her with his mouth so she had to grasp his shoulders. One hand went to his head, her fingers digging into his blonde curls as his tongue teased her clit. He expertly caressed her nerves just the way her body liked it, his tongue delving into the deepest part of her only to emerge seconds later to flick her clit once more. It was almost too much.

Holding back a gasp -- or was it a groan -- Cameron felt Elias sink a finger into her pussy, his mouth now working steadily on her sensitive clit as he fondled her inner walls with his long digit, the tips of his finger rubbing forward over and over to make her wild with hunger for more.

Elias sunk a second finger into her depths and she was done for.

Grasping the back of his head, Cameron held back a moan of pleasure as she pressed his face to her spasming pussy, his tongue never ceasing its relentless teasing on her clit. Elias' mouth sucked and nibbled at her sensitive bud as his fingers worked inside her, driving her orgasm to a newer level.

Through it all, Cameron had managed to stay silent. It took everything she had to not make a sound, but nothing disturbed the night except a few soft whimpers of pleasure.

Elias released her and emerged from her skirts, his smirking lips glistening with her juices. He leaned forward, letting her smell herself on his mouth. She'd smelled herself before, when she'd masturbated in her room, but she'd never tasted herself like she did when Elias kissed her.

The tang of her cum assaulted her taste buds and he drove his tongue into her mouth, feeding Cameron her own fluids. She thought she would be grossed out... If anything she was even more turned on.

Before she could catch her breath, Elias helped her to her feet and walked her shaky legs backward to the wall of the steps leading to the terrace. If anyone came out now they only had to look over the railing to see Elias seducing his latest scholarship recipient.

Well, if she got it.

"It's yours," he said, nibbling at her neck as he worked himself free of his suit. 

Cameron felt her skirts lift and braced her hands on her lover's shoulders as he bent down to reach her entrance. She spread her legs, welcoming the intrusion. When he began to put the head of his cock inside her she hissed, the pain of their earlier pleasure revealing itself now that the area was being tormented once more. Elias pressed his lips over hers to silence her. As the pain increased, Cameron found herself pressing back against his mouth, her tongue passing his lips to feed him her moan of pain.

Elias slid his hard shaft inside her, burying himself deep within Cameron's pussy. Once inside, he straightened his legs, lifting her once more, taking care not to rumble her dress as he prepared to fuck her. Cameron felt Elias pull from her, almost leaving her altogether, before plunging back inside. 

Cameron whimpered. She was too sore from their earlier session and his cock was so big... her tight pussy was refusing to let her have any pleasure. 

"Relax," Elias said against her mouth. "Wrap your legs around me and let your pussy take me how it wants. It will be pleasurable soon, I promise."

He pulled from her again but this time slid back in just as slowly. Elias took it slow for the next few thrusts, letting her pleasure build. Her pussy clenched around him, his cock stroking her inner walls into a frenzy of sensations. Her nerves began to hum with pleasure; Elias sped his movements.

Cameron whimpered again, this time with pleasure as the sensations within her began to solidify into pulses of ecstasy. His hard length felt so good inside her as he rocked in and out of her, skin on skin, the ridges of his shaft hitting all her sensitive spots. She could feel the oncoming explosion building.

Elias grunted as he pumped in and out of Cameron's moist, swollen pussy, her tightness beginning to clench at him harder, her climax beginning to shake through her body. With each pulse he started to slam into her with almost uncontrollable force; each thrust taking him closer and closer to the edge.

"Elias..." she moaned into his ear, "Oh... yes... oh... ohhh oh oh..."

Her stifled words hit his ear and Cameron felt him lose control. As her body went into the highest spasm of bliss, Elias began to unload inside her, his hot seed pumping deep within Cameron as her pussy clamped down on his length. Cameron hid her moans of pleasure by clamping her mouth down on his neck, her teeth grazing his flesh, the sounds she wanted to make fed into his skin. Elias bucked at the sensation; she felt him shiver and wondered how often a human lover might have returned the favor he'd shown her earlier.

Strangely however, Elias didn't answer her thoughts. He simply remained at her neck, forehead pressed into her skin, breathing only slightly heavier than normal. 

They stood like that for another minute, reveling in the feel of each other. Cameron didn't want to unwrap her legs from around his waist, but she realized someone might notice if they were gone for much longer.

Elias raised his face from her neck and kissed her forehead. "The summer is going to be agonizingly slow without you."

Cameron blinked as he slid his hardness from her and sat her on her feet, her legs a little wobbly. Summer. She hadn't thought of that. "I'll... leave my window open," she said bashfully.

"It's been a long time since I snuck through a window..." Elias smiled wickedly at her as he tucked himself -- still glistening with their mixed fluids -- back into his pants and buckled his belt. "Second floor I hope... with a tree outside... if not, I believe the tradition is to throw pebbles...." 

She giggled. "First floor, around back... near the pool and hot tub."

Elias sighed a mock sigh. "So unlike a fairytale. I suppose I will have to modernize my hunting and seduction tactics to include hot tubs." He helped her rearrange her skirts. Cameron could feel his cum starting to drip out of her, running down her legs; she wondered what she should do to clean herself up.

"Don't," he said seriously, coming close to her face and whispering seductively in her ear. "I want to know you're dancing and talking with others while part of me is still inside you."

Cameron blushed. She felt so naughty doing something like that...

Elias resumed his wicked teasing. "You are naughty, my dear, you just snuck off with your lover for a heated moment within earshot of hundreds of guests."

Her skin was aflame. Elias chuckled and leaned down, kissing each blushing cheek before offering her his arm. She took it and began to walk beside him, welcoming the night breeze on her heated skin as they traveled the garden path back to the steps.

***

Kristie watched as Elias Arinson entered the ballroom from the terrace, followed by Cameron. Why, that little minx. Cameron spotted Kristie watching her and hesitated. She looked like she couldn't figure out if she was supposed to follow Elias or come on over.

Elias solved the problem for her. He leaned down and whispered something into Cameron's ear then gave a slight formal bow and walked away. Cameron stared at the floor, blinking and blushing before shaking her head and looking back up for Kris. When their eyes met, she walked over, chin high so everyone could see how proud she was. It was so fucking fake, Kris couldn't help but grin.

"You little vamp-whore," Kristie said teasingly. The look on Cameron's face froze and Kris laughed. 

"Is it that obvious?" Cameron looked around the room.

"Well you look like you just got caught with your hand in the cookie jar, but Hell, who cares. It's not like anyone can do anything about it." Kristie took a sip of champagne.

"What about you... any..." Cameron couldn't finish. 

Kristie smirked. "Oh, well, if I could I would but I can't... mother nature blessed me with the monthlies just in time for the hottest moments I could possibly have."

"But I thought you... with him... earlier."

"Jesus, Cameron, could you be even more innocent?" Kristie giggled into her champagne flute. "Felt up, fingered, digitally enhanced, finger fucked... any of those will do."

Cameron snorted, grabbing a glass of wine from a passing tray. "I'm sorry if I haven't been potty mouth trained, Kris, but we are actually supposed to be discreet."




Shadow School Ch. 06



"Discreet? Cameron we're surrounded by fucking vampires with super hearing and mind-reading abilities... we really don't have to lower our voices except for the gullible humans scattered across the room." She downed the rest of the champagne and snorted as the bubbles refused to go down properly. "Lest they go to Hell with us."

"You... you think that's... Hell? Oh God..."

"You just fucked a vampire, Cameron... you don't think God will have something to say about that?"

Cameron stared at the wine in her cup, swishing the liquid around. "I guess... I guess I was so wrapped up in... in everything that I didn't... I didn't think..."

"Cameron," Kristie said, "Ease up. You just got devirginized and learned the existence of vamps like, six hours ago. Seriously. I'm surprised you're not in shock."

"And you're not?"

"Fuck no. I'm in. All cards on the table. I was looking forward to a boring-ass life filled with drugs or whatever to perk things up occasionally but that's like playing Russian Roulette with your lifespan and health. Here I can get my high from a little taste of vamp blood? Hell yeah. Bring it. And those delicious digits too."

"God, Kris, you can really be foul sometimes." Cameron sipped her wine.

Kris rolled her eyes. "Look... I know we haven't been friends lately because I took a few steps forward into the world of the naughty and you stayed all virginal and naïve, but let me catch you up. Vampires don't exactly have the best reputations because they tend kill people so you're technically playing with fire. These guys seem to be okay though... they're not even cold. Daman was... hot. And you obviously got a taste of the pleasure they can bring... AND they want to send you to Harvard or whatever and give you a good life. Doesn't exactly mesh with popular lore, right?" 

Kristie exchanged her empty champagne glass for another when the tray passed by them. "Not to mention you know about them so your choice is to either roll with the punches or get dead. I prefer life, thanks. So why spend the entire time hating what's going on? You will be miserable, not them. So live it up girly. Make the most of it. Glass half full, and all." She took a drink.

Cameron watched the liquid flow into her friend's mouth. "You sound like you're trying to convince yourself."

Kristie sputtered, wide-eyed, stepping back from her glass to avoid spilling any liquid on her silk dress. By the time she had checked herself, Cameron was already walking away.

Fuck.

***

Melanie was actually having a good time. She had danced with William a few times and was just leaving the floor with him, breathless, when she saw Virginia coming near her. Melanie hesitated. She should be sucking up to the Heads right now, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it, despite seeing some of the other girls and their families schmoozing easily.

"Melanie, dear, you look beautiful dancing out there with my William." Virginia said, coming to a stop in front of them. She smiled brightly at William, who was standing just behind Melanie's right shoulder, his fingers woven between hers.

Melanie blinks. My William?

"Hello, Mother." William said, eliciting a wide smile from the 19-year-old blonde standing before them.

Mother?! Melanie gawked as William leaned forward and kissed Virginia on each cheek. 

Virginia beamed at William and began speaking in rapid French. He answered, also in French, but kept the reply short. Melanie had no idea what they were saying but didn't really care. 

Mother?

Virginia turned her eyes back to Melanie and smiled sweetly. "My dear William was born before I was turned. I couldn't bear the idea of an eternity without him so I changed him myself on his eighteenth birthday."

"But..." Melanie sputtered. "His name... your name... it's-"

"Roanoke, yes." Virginia said, smiling. "It's where I was born. And it's a long story dear, not for tonight. Tonight, we announce the students of our Houses." She turned her eyes back to William. "Have you danced with all the girls?"

William released Melanie's hand and bowed slightly but formally to his... mother... the smile on his face replaced with a dutiful expression.

Melanie's heart began to flutter. All the girls? She'd seen William dancing with several others but he hadn't noticed a pattern... was this whole evening a test? She berated herself for being so blind. A random boy pays her polite, gentlemanly attention and she fell right for it, despite knowing right off that he was a vampire. Her mind truly was getting twisted into tangles. Had it been just that morning that she set off with her parents to come see this mysterious school? Now she knew that vampires were real and running the very school she was being forced to attend; what was worse, she hadn't put up much of a fight. 

Melanie reached up and clasped her fingers around the crucifix hanging from her neck, mentally whispering a prayer for protection. 

"What a lovely piece!" Virginia exclaimed, watching Melanie's hand. "May I?" 

Startled, Melanie nodded, curious what would happen if this vampire girl touched the cross. 

Nothing. 

"My, no wonder you've taken such a fancy to her, my dear boy, a girl with guts enough to wear a crucifix to a vampire gathering must have great faith indeed." She looked up at Melanie. "My William is a devout Catholic. He loves the faith dearly."

"But..." Melanie, was again, at a loss. "I thought..."

William spoke at her ear. "Our kind predates Christ. It is humans who think religion has anything to do with our existence or demise. We are more a product of nature than faith.. though faith plays a part." 

Melanie gulped. 

"As I explained earlier my dear," Virginia said, "we follow certain rules to better ourselves. It is essential to our survival." She dropped the crucifix back to Melanie's throat. "Some choose faith. It is only those who experience deep guilt who turn away from the cross as if it burns. But, just as humans, we cannot help our sinful nature, and some reach out for forgiveness just as you do." She smiled, brightening when John Harvard joined them. Her face lit up. "But that is for the classroom. Tonight, you must dance!" 

With that, John swept Virginia out onto the dance floor. Melanie watched them, numb. Her faith was her last protection. How many times had she seen vampire hunters hold out a cross to ward off a bloodsucker bent on killing them or someone else? It worked in all the movies...

"Actors." William said, simply. "Béla Lugosi did a fantastic job presenting his audience with a monster. Have you seen anything monstrous here yet?"

Melanie turned to face the beautiful young man before her. "Do all vampires have the ability to read thoughts?"

William grinned. "You will learn more about our powers... but yes. Humans only use a fraction of what it stored up here." He tapped her temple with a finger. "We use much more. So we can sense the feelings of others... even hear their thoughts if we are close enough... and by simply looking into your eyes," he did, "I can experience everything that you do... thoughts, emotions... sensations..." William ran a finger lightly up her arm and gave her chill bumps. He grinned crookedly, shaking off chills as if they had been his own.

Melanie looked down at the hairs raised on her arm.

"Might I steal your partner for a dance, William?" 

Melanie winced as she heard the familiar voice. Gavin. She thought she would have made it the whole night without having to talk to him, but she was wrong. When she looked up, Gavin and William were locked in a stare. Were they doing that mind-reading thing William had been talking about?

"It's not for me to deny a Head of House... Melanie, it's been a pleasure." William offered her a slight bow and walked into the crowd. She followed him with her eyes to a gaggle of girls who were all obviously delighted to have him join their discussion. He looked back over his shoulder at her before turning back to answer a question. The girls laughed.

Melanie hesitantly looked back at Gavin. His hand was held out to her. She took it, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. Well... one dance couldn't hurt. She'd like to give him a piece of her mind anyway.

"Melanie, before you say anything let me confess something to you." Gavin looked down at her as they spun in time with the other dancers. It was a dance she didn't know but he was guiding her with ease. "I, along with Victoria, am a Seeker for our college. We search the chosen districts for potential scholarship recipients from within the student body. We're the youngest in mortal age so we blend better with modern students.

"I'll admit I had an attraction to you... even thought to make you part of my House despite my other plans... and your lips..." He stared down at her mouth. After a second he looked back up at her. "I went too far. But surely embarrassment is preferable to possible death."

Melanie's eyes widened and she turned her gaze to the dancers around them. After all that about eye contact, she wasn't going to make it easy for him to know every little thing going on inside her. "Have sex or die? Is that what you're saying? Like what, you did me a favor?"

"Virgins do not fare well with my kind... trust me... having that young whelp rut with you against a tree is far better than experiencing bloodlust that is out of control."

"But you bit me again! Later... when I broke it off..."

"Only to make sure your blood was free of the intoxicating flavor we crave. And, well, you did reject me. I went willingly, knowing you'd have a hard time sating the hunger I'd given you for the weekend."

"Bastard."

"Now, that's not the polite girl I know. I only tell you this to make peace, Melanie. I could have taken you... hurt you... or worse, have you come here as a virgin... but I didn't touch you. I didn't let you arrive here as an innocent. I even tried to get you to leave but you are here... and I do hope a House will choose you now that you must attend our institution. One as pure as you should not go through the alternative"

Melanie paled. "So I won't be chosen for your House then?"

"You wished otherwise."

Melanie suddenly realized her situation.... Deep down she thought everything would be okay since Gavin seemed to still want her... or had she just imagined that? He did walk out of the President's office... Oh, Christ. Looking up at him now, she knew he didn't choose her. "But... in the office... they said you'd chosen... I thought..."

"I chose another," Gavin said, coming to a stop as the song ended. He bowed. The way he bowed, the way he spoke... there was nothing left of the boy she dated... he was all traditional and old world-ly. "I wish you luck in the moments to come."

Melanie watched as Gavin turned and walked away from her. Her situation really was dire. She'd unconsciously thought Gavin was like a backup plan... a parachute if no one else wanted her. But he didn't want her either. 

The clock ticked by slowly after that. William didn't return to her, but she did spot him on the dance floor with other girls. She stood with her parents as they chatted with others, watching dresses twirl and people laugh. 

She wondered how many guests were actually vampires. She couldn't tell who was who just by looking at them, though she did notice that so far, everyone who was a vamp was in great shape... perhaps a diet of blood made you lose the pounds. 

Melanie giggled manically to herself. She was about to become lunch; something for these things to feed on while others enjoyed the privilege of the scholarship. Scanning the room, she looked at every Head of House she could see. John Harvard was conversing with three young ladies. He'd walked out of their meeting so she was pretty sure he didn't want her. Gavin was out... which left....

She spotted Virginia with a two girls, both standing dutifully on either side of her. Melanie started to head in that direction when the music ended with a flourish and Louis stepped out to greet the audience. Girls were beginning to find their parents among the crowd as a clock somewhere on campus began to strike out beats for the hour. 

Too late... she was too late! 

Melanie was on the verge of hyperventilating as she saw the Heads take their places with a few girls clustered around each. They were in a semicircle around Louis, the Heads and who Melanie guessed were past scholarship winners.

Louis waited patiently, all eyes on him, until the last bell tolled. "When a name is called, please make your way to your respective Head of House. If your name is not called, please feel free to continue the festivities as a Shacrow VanMeter student."

The room went quiet except for a low hum from a violin in the orchestra. 

"Sokar House would like to welcome... Kristie MacFarland!"

Melanie watched, applause from the crowd as well as whoops from various people among the hundreds present ringing in her ears, as Kristie made her way over to the dark-skinned young man and his "family." Every girl but one was a redhead. Melanie couldn't help the quiet snort that left her.

"Harvard House would like to welcome... Bridget Monroe!"

Seriously... it almost sounded like a game show. And her reserve was starting to crack. There went her second hope. Melanie wanted to get this over with.

Arinson House would like to welcome... Cameron Ellis!"

Well there you go. It would be just her luck to watch her new nemesis get a position while Melanie was left with the drama of being the occasional snack. Maybe it would be best if she wasn't chosen... then she would at least keep her morals intact... something told her that the girls around all the Heads probably had to sell their souls or something to-

Caesaris House would like to welcome... Allison Young!"

Mary, Mother of God... she was next. Melanie breathed as slowly as possible, glancing wildly around her, wondering if the exits were guarded.

"Roanoke House would like to welcome..."

Oh God, oh God, oh God oh God oh God!

The crowd around Melanie burst into the same applause she'd heard before. She watched, frantically to see who had been called. She felt a shove at her back.

"Go!" her mother whispered.

They called her name? Oh, Saints be praised! They called her name! 

Melanie began to weave through the crowd until it opened up for her, allowing her to take her place with Linney Feinburg and another girl behind Virginia. Virginia smiled warmly at her and nodded, patting her on the shoulder. Seriously... it was like the young woman was her great aunt or something the way she treated her.

"Devin Buckley!"

Melanie turned to see who had just been called. An athletic brunette was striding toward Gavin. THAT was who he picked? Melanie couldn't help the immediate jealousy that came over her. She applauded with the others but purposefully ignored her ex and his... women. Ugh.

"Waldemar House would like to welcome... Heather Groves!" 

A blonde girl -- one of those blonde girls she would never, could never, be friends with -- strode up to Catherine and the others of her house.

"Ladies and Gentlemen... may I present the Shacrow Seven Scholarship winners!" Louis belted over the crowd as the band began a jovial tune and streamers began to fall from the balconies. Balloons even floated by but Melanie didn't see them. Now that the worry of being lunch was over she was realizing she was in some serious-

"Congratulations," a male voice whispered at her ear. 

Melanie turned to see William grinning down at her. 

"Welcome to the family," he said.

"Thanks." She offered him a smile, a little bashful now that he was looking at her like she really WAS something to eat. 

***

 Thanks so much for reading the sixth part of my series! I love any encouragement to keep writing so please vote or leave a comment... or both! Thanks!! 



Shadow School Ch. 07



Cameron Ellis was seated once again in the banquet room of VanMeter Hall. The school had prepared a special breakfast for the seven scholarship winners and their families, offering them a large variety of food to choose from. However, instead of seating the families at two long tables, as they had done the night before, each family had their own private table with an extra seat.

Once everyone had been settled at their tables and their breakfast choices had been ordered, the seven Heads of Houses entered the room together, splitting off to sit with their newest recruits. Cameron found herself sitting directly across from Elias, her family engaging him in all sorts of questions; none of which were about him being a vampire... because they still didn't know.

Cameron had spent the entire night trying to remember everything she knew about vampires, which wasn't a lot. She'd never actually read a vampire story, so she only had a few movies to go off of and a few things everyone knew... like garlic and crucifixes, coffins and holy water, and that they didn't come out in the daytime. And... they drank blood. But there were also the extra things each story added... when Gary Oldman played Dracula, he'd had a creepy servant that ate bugs, and had screwed that redheaded girl while in some sort of weird hybrid werewolf form. Were vampires werewolves too?

There was one thing all of these stories seemed to focus on: how to kill vampires. As different as all the night-walkers had been, that was the one true goal. Well, maybe not the Anne Rice vampires, but even they had been burned or left out in the sun. Still, Cameron supposed thinking of the movies did nothing to help her situation... if anything, it could harm it. One didn't think of the many ways to kill vampires when surrounded by them.

But... did she want to kill Elias? So far he'd treated her... well, okay, there was the incident in the bathroom but that had been to get her through the archway and into his territory. He'd even apologized for biting her. As much as she should have hated him for it, she couldn't blame him... it was his nature after all. She always tried to put herself in the other person's shoes.

Except, Elias wasn't a person... he was a vampire. She had to keep reminding herself that. But everything he was went against the monsters of the movies. At least... so far. And the way he touched her... 

By this morning she had decided not to think about any of this in front of him, in case he got the wrong idea. Now that he was sitting in front of her, it was hard not to look at him and debate his nature versus those in the stories.

Especially since he was eating.

A plate of food had been placed before him along with those for Cameron and her parents. They were all eating. Did vampires eat food? Obviously they did... he was... but she was under the impression that they only drank blood. Elias raised an eyebrow at her as he took a bite of his blueberry pancakes -- the idea of it making her want to break into a hysterical fit a giggles. 

Her father was speaking about visitation rights. Her parents had heard about the visitor policy during the school year from the Board of Directors the day before. They had concerns; mainly the fact that they wouldn't be seeing their daughter as often as they hoped.

"As with any college student leaving home, it is sometimes hard for parents to let go," Elias said, answering Cameron's father, "but here, the students are immediately involved in extracurricular activities on nights and weekends that prevent them from traveling home. The student body is very active."

"Yes, but Christmas..." her mother said.

"Last Christmas several of the students took a trip to Germany; the year before they went to England, and the year before that, they went to Bethlehem... all funded by the school. Each trip was focused on an element of the holiday season, whether it be the introduction of the Christmas tree and Yule, Charles Dickens and the evolution of gift-giving, or the birth of Christ. It is optional, but it's a combination of study and vacation that helps our students better understand their culture... for instance, this year one of our alumni is leading a trip focused on Saint Nicholas." Elias smiled. "It's a trip not many get to take... so you can understand how some parents will forgo the right to see their child knowing that their student is experiencing something different that can enhance their future. It's all part of attending our institution."

Cameron's parents were still too thrilled that she was accepted into the elite society of Shacrow VanMeter College to argue with anything that might be part of that privilege, so they let the matter drop. They asked other questions about the school throughout the remainder of breakfast until Louis entered and the students were dismissed to accompany their escorts on a personal tour of campus. Cameron left her parents with Elias, the vampire watching her go as she exited the room with the other girls.

"So how did your breakfast go?" Kristie asked, falling in beside Cameron as they walked across campus.

"Okay, I guess. Did you know they could eat?" Cameron didn't dare say vampires around the other girls but couldn't help the question... Kristie seemed to know more about them than she did.

"Hell, no. I sat there staring at Daman as he put cream cheese on a bagel and proceeded to eat it along with scrambled eggs and bacon. I mean, what the fuck." Kristie kicked a rock along the path. "At least we know they still don't go out in sunlight... so I'm guessing all those tunnels we saw yesterday are part of a travel system that lets them move during daytime."

Cameron hadn't considered that... she thought it was simply for privacy.

"Seriously Cam, this is so exciting... I mean, getting to know what's really going on? Having knowledge the rest of the world would kill for?"

Cameron glanced at the other girls around them. "You do realize you're excited about being a human amongst vampires, right? What if they kill us? Or turn us? Or... I mean... the odds of our safety don't seem all that high here..."

"Cameron seriously... you heard all the mumbo jumbo about us going out into the world? What if that's how they get to run their network? They need daywalkers... people who can go to meetings during normal business hours... people who can live in society without suspicions.... That's us. Why would they kill us?"

"Um, because that's what vampires do?"

"Shhh." Kristie said, making eye contact with the brunette recruit for Ovidan House. "Seriously... other than the daylight thing, and okay, they still have a thing for blood... they're obviously are different than what we expect. They aren't monsters, they're actually civilized. They eat food. They're warm-" Kristie's eyes widened. "Hey... do you think they have heartbeats? I mean... you got closer to one than I did."

"I don't know... I was a little... preoccupied."

"I bet you were," Kristie smirked.

"But I wondered about it..." Cameron blushed and hesitated. "I mean... a... a hard on is basically an influx of blood... right? So it had to get pumped down there somehow. He functioned just like any other warm blooded male would."

Kristie looked thoughtful. "If they're warm, there must be some sort of blood movement keeping them heated right? I'm so not into biology. Maybe we should ask-"

"No," Cameron hissed, knowing who Kristie had been about to mention.

They both glanced at Melanie who was walking with Louis, both deep into a conversation. Another girl was with them -- one of the escorts -- and Cameron realized the people escorting them had changed. "Hey... is your escort the same girl from yesterday?"

Kristie looked back at a young man with darker skin and dreadlocks walking next to the barrel-chested guy with light brown hair. They both looked like jocks to Cameron, but they wouldn't have a team to play on at this particular college. 

"His name is Eric. He's with Sokar. I'm not sure what the other guy's name is, but he was walking with that girl who was picked for Caesaris so I'm guessing he's with that house." Kristie eyed the petite blonde who was her guide yesterday. "My girl was with Waldemar so she's with that Heather chick. Did yours change?"

Cameron looked at her own escort who was talking with another escort. "No... Mahi must be with Arinson. They weren't scholarship students so I wonder what their deal is."

"Family." Kristie said. "I mean... look at Louis. He's a dead ringer for an Ovidan." They both looked over to where Louis and the other girl were walking with Melanie. Cameron really hated that Melanie had been picked. Out of twenty other girls, couldn't she have just gone home? No... she couldn't... because Melanie had somehow discovered what was going on here... which made Cameron wonder what the girl's experience in the last twenty-four hours had been. 

"Hey," Cameron said, "you know how we were introduced to the secret here?"

"Yeah..."

"How do you think Melanie found out? I mean... her Head of House is a woman..."

Kristie snorted. "High and mighty Melanie would never. Don't the fiercely-faithful frown on the G and L's? Then again, her group tends to have problems with old guys going after boys... so who knows. Her Head of House was hanging all over that Harvard guy last night though... I bet we were introduced differently. Maybe we should consider that our Heads were just randy boys who like to do naughty things to their incomings."

Cameron blanched, thinking about that model hanging on Elias' arm last night. Had he done the same to her? Probably not... he seemed to be shocked that Cameron was still a virgin and they had both ended up doing things that might not have happened were that not the case.

Right?

"Oh, shit." Kristie halted, staring wide-eyed at Melanie and the two escorts. 

Cameron glanced around at the traveling group and tugged Kristie into motion again before anyone got too suspicious. "What?"

Kristie sounded a little breathless. "Cameron..."

"What?" Cameron answered, worried.

"Louis."

"What about him?"

"He looks just like Gavin Ovidan... right?"

"Yeah..."

"And Gavin is, like, several hundred years old or whatever..."

Cameron frowned "I don't und-"

"Cameron," Kris said, saying her name like she was trying to tell her something.

"What?" Cameron was getting exasperated. 

Kristie gulped, looking around her then back to Louis. Her voice was tight. "He's in the sunlight."

***

Melanie was in complete awe of the structure the vampires had created all over the world. They had a loyal human network in every country, with a wide range of talents from government to entertainment. As creepy as it sounded, the shepherds wanted to ensure their flock flourished happily, despite the occasional one or ten chosen as a meal.

Melanie had been temporarily mollified when she had been chosen for Roanoke House, knowing that the fate of the other girls was much worse. No way would she become lunch. Then when she'd gone to breakfast the next morning only to see the chosen ones, she remembered that several of the other twenty girls wanted to come to this school anyway, without the scholarship. They wouldn't die, but they would also provide fresh blood to the vampires on campus who wanted a snack before going out into the world to seek their true victims.

Could she do this? Could she stand by and let these things harm those around her? Despite the genial respect coming from Virginia, Melanie couldn't look at her without thinking of the things the vampire had said about her kind. They were not monsters, but had to be demons. What else would do such horrible things... and to live so long as they did; Virginia herself was over four hundred years old... and she was one of the youngest among the Heads. 

By the time breakfast was over and all the girls had left the room, Melanie was on the verge of hyperventilating. Her escort had tried to calm her down to no avail, before Louis had come over and asked her what was wrong. 

Melanie seemed to relax a little in his presence... she couldn't help it; ever since seeing that picture of his fiancé and baby brother, Melanie knew Louis wasn't all bad... and he was here... which meant things couldn't be as bad as she was imagining. 

It had been Louis that used the sheep analogy then, trying to make her understand that a shepherd doesn't spend all his time tending his flock only to slaughter them all in a gruesome fashion, but he does tend his flock knowing that the sheep will provide food and clothing when needed. 

So, humans provided wealth and food. Great. The idea had barely consoled her when he explained the reality of the situation.

Shacrow's vampires were different. According to what she'd been told so far, there were several types of vampires out there, not just one kind, and the ones involved in the school systems all over the world were some of the better variety. Yes, they still drank the blood of humans, but they never killed. And then came the most shocking revelation.

The vampires of this shadow school followed the Ten Commandments.

It was a movement in the vampire community that started seven hundred years ago when a Catholic priest had been turned, yet continued his faith despite considering himself possessed by a demon. Unlike the myths, vampires did not lose their sense of self, and the man was able to follow the strict rules of his religion while being a child of the night. 

What was even stranger, though the priest could not go out during the daytime, he did not die instantly when sunlight hit him... he simply sizzled for a bit before the pain started. He could last for whole minutes before the light's effects would begin to do him harm, which lead the first vampire to witness this to ask him how he accomplished the feat; it was a kind of miracle in the vampire community.

"Living that way of life spread slowly, but led to an established Order from which our schools developed," Louis said, smiling slightly at Melanie. "Other benefits emerged as well, but you will learn of these in time."

She knew he was playing to her Catholicism, but she had to admit it was working.

"The priest's last name was von Muter... which translated into VanMeter when we established this American school," said Angelica, the escort for Roanoke House. "Each campus like ours names their main Hall after the man who gave us this way of life. It always faces a cathedral. The rest of the surrounding structures depend on the school's founders."

"But not everyone lives this way?" Melanie asked. 

"There are those who choose not to drink human blood... they are very rare... and there are those who try to live in society with humans, often marrying... they must tell their spouse what they are, however -- it's difficult if you cannot go out into daylight, and when you do not age. There are also those who live out of society, preferring to keep to themselves until they feed. Lifestyles and feeding preferences span the spectrum." Louis made a grim face. "There are those however, that see themselves more as gods, who can do or take what they want... they threaten our existence and we have been at war with them ever since our society became strong."

Angelica sighed. "It never ends. And what with the other threats, not to mention the constant threat of discovery by humans... we work hard to ensure the way of life here remains as safe as possible." The girl smiled. "So, I apologize for your blunt introduction... Aunt Virginia has her moments." She shared a look at Louis as if apologizing to him as well; Roanoke had done this to taunt Ovidan House, after all. 

Louis nodded slightly then looked back to Melanie. "Despite how you were told, now that you know, you must understand why one human life taken to preserve secrecy is worth the act if it means protecting billions."

Melanie swallowed. "Important secret. I already got that message. You don't have to worry." 

The three of them walked a few steps in silence before finally she asked, "So are you seriously trying to tell me the vampires here are good vampires? I mean, they do prey on humans... they don't age... and there's that whole bloodlust thing that is just... not right."

Louis glanced at Angelica. "Even humans have their faults... I'm surprised that you pass judgment on us so easily when your race kills for lesser things than survival and sustenance... how many criminals are packed into your prison system?"

Melanie blushed. He had her there. 

Angelica grinned. "And no one has ever slipped a person a date rape drug or some Ecstasy... right? Because humans don't do that."

Louis glanced behind him. "Look, once you start to realize that most of the bad things said about vampires were created to specifically lead humans astray, you can get past the idea that everyone here is out to do you harm. Has anyone here tried to harm you yet?"

Melanie shook her head. This was all just so confusing.

Angelica grinned. "Good... now that that's all settled, let's go meet your housemates."

Louis had stopped a few steps back to wave over the brunette chosen for his house. Everyone had started to split off with their escorts, including Kristie and Cameron, who were headed in the opposite direction.

***

Kristie fell into step beside Eric, mentally noting that if this was the way to their Houses, then she was expected to walk a lot every day when she attended classes; the idea did not appeal to her laziness. The mental note was insignificant, however, against the raging swirl of thoughts based on the existence of Louis Ovidan. What was his deal? How did he look like Gavin? She and Cameron had come up with only one solution, and it didn't make sense.

Now, looking at Eric out of the corner of her eye, Kristie felt realization and dread wash over her at the same time. There was only way Eric could look so much like Daman and not be a vampire.

"He's my father," Eric said, glancing down at her.

Shit.

"Wanna tell me how that's possible?" Kristie eyed the other girls as they walked further and further away towards their own Houses, each one side-by-side with an escort, each escort probably vampire spawn.

"Do I really need to explain the birds and the bees?"

"You can obviously read minds like your dear ol' dad... you know that's not what I meant." Kristie scowled. "How can the undead have kids?"

"How about we start with the fact the Heads of Houses aren't dead. Or undead."

Kristie stopped. "You're shitting me."

"Their hearts beat just as yours." Eric looked at her curiously. "How much do you want to know, Miss MacFarland?"

"Ugh. Don't call me that. My name's Kristie... or Kris. And... everything. I want to know everything."

"Well you can't know everything just yet, but I will tell you this. When a vampire dies, that's when you run. You won't get far, being human, but what's left once their human soul is gone..."

"So what, there's like, two kinds of vampires?"

"More than two, but you can break it down to alive or undead. 'Immortal' would be a better term for the vampires around here. And yes, they can reproduce."

"Yeah. So. Daman sired you? Like, actually sired you? He didn't just bite you can call you sonny boy?"

"My father had sex with my mother and I was the result." Eric shrugged. 

"How old are you?"

"Twenty two."

Kristie started to walk again. "Do you have siblings?"

Eric looked at her warily. "Only half-brothers and sisters."

"Do you have the same powers as Daman? And why can you do the whole walking in daylight thing?"

"Some powers I inherited... I'm a hybrid... I'm just a human with enhanced powers."

"What, like flying?" 

Eric smirked. "No vampire can fly; some can jump high, but we are all governed by the laws of physics. I use more of my brain than the average human. I can tap into auras and energies, soul communication, enhanced senses... things like that. You'll learn all this soon."




Shadow School Ch. 07



"Okay so answer me this," Kristie said. "If vampires are immortal and can have kids, why aren't they everywhere? I mean... what keeps the bad vamps from going out to produce a hybrid army or something?"

"You ask a lot of questions." Eric scrubbed a hand through his dreads. "One, hybrids have a human life span; we didn't inherit immortality. Two, only vampires that follow a code of ethics -- live a better life you might say -- are even capable of reproducing... you'll have that explained later as well. Three... well, it's rare. The human body tends to reject the idea of creating a hybrid." He scowled. "On top of that, we're constantly fighting battles and losing those in our ranks. We hunt them as much as they hunt us."

"They? Like werewolves? I saw the hieroglyphs..."

"Werewolves are a nuisance, but with them it's more a turf war. They have a rival school. With the others, the darker ones of our kind, it's a fight to the death. They want us gone."

"Why?"

"Because."

"Just because?" Kristie knew she was starting to irritate him but she really wanted to know what was going on. This was so beyond what she knew.

Eric glanced at her. "It's a safety thing; we regulate the world. Humans think we are a myth because we told them we were. They were already starting to suspect the existence of vampires so myths were created to keep the rumors at a storytelling level. No one really believes in vampires, they think it's just entertainment." Eric scowled, glancing around. "If the dark ones had their way they'd treat humans like cattle and live openly. They're greedy. They don't just drink blood, they kill."

Kris studied Eric... his mouth, his skin... "Do you drink blood?"

Eric grinned at her. "Yes and no. I don't need it to survive, but it has health benefits like quick healing or energy... and, well, the rest is none of your business."

Kristie tried to smirk but it left her face quickly as her mind raced.

They arrived at a small obelisk that was at least twice, if not three times her height. It was covered in writing and pictures painted vibrant colors -- not like the worn relics of antiquity. Behind it was a huge wall of white limestone with a door at its center surrounded by similar etchings; they had to go down two steps to be level with the entrance. 

Eric approached one of the two torches that flanked the door; seeing them gave Kristie chill-bumps -- they reminded her of the underground hallway she'd walked with Daman. Eric glanced at her and snorted. 

Kristie, for the first time since that incident, blushed.

Eric pulled on the torch and it swung back from the wall revealing a keypad; he punched a code in and the doors opened. When he replaced the torch back against the wall, he turned to Kristie and gestured for her to enter.

Why did she always have to go first?

The entrance to Sokar House was like walking into an Egyptian tomb... creepy. Kristie thought it would be more like a dorm or something... maybe a hotel. But a gravesite? They walked down a flight of steps to a large Hall filled with columns. Okay... that was more like it.

The Hall was old but in the center stood a very modern looking pool table. Further down the way there were couches, a bar -- hopefully stocked with goods -- and a few arcade games. There was a stereo as well, which made Kris think it was probably a great place to hang after classes.

"This is the lounge," Eric said, "where everyone relaxes when not in class. Classes started a few hours ago so students should start heading in and out depending on the rest of their day.

"You let students drink? Isn't that like, against the law?"

Eric looked at her as if she'd said something moronic. Oh. Yeah.... Being a vampire probably wasn't very lawful either. That and this place was clearly built long before any age restrictions were in place.

Eric took the lead and guided her through the arch at the end of the room and around the corner. "Restrooms, boys and girls, and this is another lounging area..."

"Wow."

Kristie wondered what it would be like to live underground but it was apparently not quite under... there were windows. They were tilted at an odd angle, but they did let light in. She realized they must be on the side of a mountain.

"The glass is tilted down so the sunlight won't bounce off them and alert anyone who doesn't know the school is here."

"Are all the houses underground?"

"Some... not all... Others have extensive basements for the Heads... they do actually like moonlight so most rooms have the option of simply closing off the light until nightfall."

He walked her down a half flight of steps and around to another hallway. Kristie thought if there were any more turns it would get confusing. The hall opened up into a comfortable-looking sitting room surrounded by doors.

"This is the Circle lounge... each scholarship winner has her own room... the Freshman room is the biggest."

"Yeah... why is that? Why do Freshman get all the attention?"

Eric looked around, hesitating. "It's tradition... and the upperclassmen usually have more social lives so they stay out of their rooms more... you'll get the idea when you start here." He walked over to the door on their right, opening it without knocking. 

Kristie wondered if he had free reign of the place, since he was Daman's son. 

"Oh, no. This area is for circle girls only." Eric smiled. "I'm just allowed here because you're getting a tour... and Tawna isn't here now so her room is vacant."

It was vacant alright; it was pristine. The bed was huge... probably a California king size... and there was lots of space to move around; there was a desk near the expanse of windows that made up the entire wall.

"Holy shit." Kristie gawked. "This is mine?"

"When you start in the fall... yes."

"What happened to the other girl... where'd she go?"

"Excused absence. Tawna's a favorite here... she'll get back into the swing of things next semester."

Kristie walked around the room, running a finger of the surfaces. Not one speck of dust.

"Now... we should let you tour potential departments. What major do you have in mind?" Eric began to walk back toward the door, opening it for them to leave.

Kristie didn't answer right away, glancing back wistfully at the room that would be hers in a few short months as she followed Eric out the door.

***

Cameron was a little shocked when Mahi knocked on a door in Arinson House and the model from last night opened it.

"What do you want?" The tall girl asked, her hair pulled up into a messy bun -- the kind that girls spent too much time trying to pass it off as a spur-of-the-moment updo.

"Hello, Nellie," Mahi said. "I'm scheduled to show Miss Ellis the room she will have next fall."

Nellie glared at Cameron. "Fine, whatever." She abruptly turned, flinging the door back, and sauntering into the messy room to collapse on the bed. As she covered her ears with headphones, Cameron couldn't help but wonder why she was fine with wearing a robe that barely covered her butt. What if she had visitors? Like now.

"Nellie," Mahi said, scowling at the clothing piled around the room and books scattering the floor, "you were supposed to clean the room to make it more presentable today."

Cameron only partially heard her escort. She was gaping at the size of the room. There was a sitting area in one corner with a desk nearby, a vanity, chest, and dresser with mirror near the huge bed, and the doors to a good-sized walk-in closet were open revealing even more clothing chaos.

"Why bother? It's not like anyone ever comes in here. The Head doesn't even like to get head anymore. Go figure."

Cameron's eyes widened.

Mahi put her hands on her hips. "Nellie, I will not tolerate such language-"

"What, in front of the little slut? He's banged her already, you know."

"Nellie!" Mahi crossed swiftly to stand next to the bed. Nellie would have towered over the petite woman if she were not laying down, but the model was eyeing Mahi warily from her prone position. 

It still didn't stop her from running her mouth. "What, does it bother you, half-breed; that your father fucks our bodies and our minds or that-"

Whatever insult Nellie had started was cut off when Mahi grabbed Nellie by the neck and lifted her -- with one arm -- to dangle by her throat from Mahi's hand. 

Cameron let out a squeak and almost moved to do... something... but thought better of it. What was more shocking was that the model was dangling just an inch above the floor, the shorter woman clearly having no problem supporting Nellie with only three fingers at the girl's throat.

"You're losing what little respect you have left, Nellie... I'd watch what I said." Mahi promptly dropped the girl to the floor.

Nellie gasped, her hand going to her throat, as she glared at Mahi then at Cameron. She looked as if she wanted to cry but didn't dare.

Cameron's mind was blank. What just happened took only a matter of seconds. 

Mahi turned to look at her, a slight smile of comfort on her face. "My apologies. We do not tolerate bad behavior or name-calling. Especially with regards to the Head of the House." The last was said directly to Nellie who was still recovering on the floor. 

Cameron was too busy staring at Mahi's bright green eyes. Something Nellie had said clicked in her mind; she'd seen those eyes before... up close. 

"Elias... is your father?"

Mahi nodded, a jumbled expression of pride, caution, and comfort all mixed together, no doubt for Cameron's benefit. She stepped forward and Cameron couldn't help the jerking motion she made to step back. By the time she caught herself, her flinch had changed the look on Mahi's face to resolve. 

"I am honored to be a child of Arinson House. And those who attend under his roof are better than this half-wit you see before you." She turned back to Nellie, who made a face. "Nellie started off with such promise but decided to gloat about her station and wave it in the other girls' faces. That is, until she couldn't perform her duties..."

"Not like I didn't try." Nellie said, turning to lean back against her bed, still rubbing at her neck.

"But you failed. And it has made you bitter. Hateful. Perhaps some penance is in order."

"No... no please." Nellie said, finally making eye contact with Mahi. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean-"

"Of course you did. You mean everything you do. Still... it won't be as long as last time."

The girl sat back down, her hands going to her head. Mahi sighed and quickly pointed out the various things in the room that would be Cameron's next fall. Nellie remained silent and unmoving during the quick tour. Mahi ignored the girl until the end, when she glanced down at the model then sighed, looking up and smiling apologetically to Cameron before gesturing that they should leave. 

Once in the hallway, they ran into Aunalita. She was no longer wearing the black cloak; she was dressed in the school uniform: a red sweater-vest with an emblem for Arinson House over her left breast and a gray and black pleated skirt. She had a backpack slung over her shoulder.

"Nellie getting up to her old drama, then?" Aunalita smiled a knowing smile.

"I think she needs a week of penance." Mahi said.

Aunalita's smile left her face and she nodded solemnly. Turning to Cameron she said, "Don't worry... she gives everyone a hard time."

Mahi grinned. "Except you."

Aunalita preened. "Well, not everyone can be like me."

Mahi looked at Cameron. "Be more like Aunalita and you'll do fine here."

Aunalita winked at Cameron and smiled at Mahi before ducking past them and walking down the short hall to another door. Mahi gestured that they should continue on.

As they crossed the lounge and headed down to the first floor of Arinson House, they passed a few students coming back from class. Everyone offered some sort of greeting to Mahi, eyeing Cameron curiously, but not approaching. She wondered why no one came up to them and said hello.

"They're not allowed to speak with you until you move into the House."

Cameron watched a cute guy pass her, his hair very much like Elias' own blonde curls. "So you obviously can read thoughts like your... father. I'm sorry... he's just... so young, it's weird... you look like you could be in the same class together, not father and daughter."

Mahi smiled. "I age. He does not. Within a few decades I'll look like I could be his parent. Like President Arinson."

Cameron's eyes bugged. "The President is..."

"His son. Yes."

And Cameron had thought it was the other way around. "Nellie called you a half-breed... is that like, a curse word or something?"

"Not normally... the way she used it and the things she was about to say... the girl is having jealousy issues lately... especially now that you are here to take her place."

"What she said... about how Elias..." Cameron couldn't finish the sentence but the thoughts were still on target: fucks our bodies and our minds?

Mahi sighed. "Look... with the exception of John Harvard all the males here are young in body and temperment. My father is mortally a twenty-three year old... Sokar is twenty-one, and Ovidan is even nineteen. They have the urges of those of their age. So you cannot fault their advances or the erratic nature that makes most of their relationships short-lived. Just be glad you aren't in Harvard House."

Why?

Mahi smirked. "John and Virginia have been in love since she turned him over three hundred years ago... they consider themselves married... or mated... depending on the company you discuss it with. Harvard... he..." Mahi stopped speaking, looking at Cameron as if she'd caught herself from saying something she shouldn't.

"Forget Harvard... forget the others... just know that Elias Arinson plays by the book, no matter the consequences. The fact that he broke tradition with you..."

Cameron blushed.

Mahi faced forward as they walked, thankfully giving Cameron time to return to a normal color. "Well, once you're going to school here it won't be such a big deal. He just... jumped the gun."

Cameron wondered what the actual rules were. "I don't get that though... Gavin bit Melanie while they were making out... and that was before I even came here."

"Ovidan plays by the same rules but he breaks them if needed. Sometimes our Seekers have to confirm the lack of innocence in a female before bringing her here for... well, you know the reasons. A human doesn't get the blood urge from just a bite... Gavin sent her away with the urge for her own protection, knowing she would be invited to attend here." Mahi looked at her and stopped speaking for a moment. "I'm sorry how the rest happened.... It must have been a shock."

Cameron's mouth felt dry. "How do you know all this?"

"My father told me. He's honest. I asked what was wrong and he told me. He told me of your... introduction... as well. We're an honest family... better to hear it from your own kind than from outsiders. It's a bit of a hushed up scandal, really."

"What does everyone think of me?"

"The circumstance wasn't your fault, Cameron... the result isn't exactly shocking either... I mean, if he weren't my father... To quote Shakespeare, 'He is a pretty piece of flesh.'"

Cameron couldn't help the giggles that burst out of her. Mahi grinned, obviously happy that she had managed to lighten Cameron's mood. "Be content with this, Cameron. Elias Arinson is faithful to the one he is with. The length of that relationship depends on the girl... but the nature of the school... and his loyalty... they play a large part in the bigger scheme of things. You'll learn all this in a short time. Perhaps... perhaps even before school starts."

Cameron blushed again, thinking of the comment she made to Elias about leaving her window open. Would he take her up on her offer to leave it open?

In less than a month, he would.

***

The night of the girl's high school graduation, Kristie said goodbye to her parents and rode with Dylan to the after-graduation party Brock Middleson was hosting; Brock's parents had a guest house on their property near the pool, so it seemed the perfect venue for the seniors to celebrate freedom before going their separate ways.

Kris never really went to social events with her fellow classmates, but this one involved alcohol so, why the hell not. To seal the deal, Cameron had asked her to come; she and Cam had become closer ever since those two days at SVMC, and though they still stayed in their separate social circles, they actually talked to each other now.

As for Melanie, neither of them had said much to the petite brunette since leaving campus, and it seemed that the girl was seriously considering a way off her new academic path. She refused to speak to either of them and her relationship with Cameron had deteriorated to almost outright hatred. The two girls just could not stand each other.

Kristie thought about not choosing sides, but she had to stick with Cam. The other girl had fucked her boyfriend on prom night. Granted, Kris was sympathetic to the fact that Melanie was under some sort of vampire sex haze, but it still didn't mean Cameron had to forgive her. If Kris had been in Cameron's shoes, she probably wouldn't have been as nice. Sometimes Kris was glad she liked girls instead of the testosterone driven boys at her high school... she'd had her fair share of drama from past girlfriends but when the dating pool is smaller there's less threats to relationships. Sortof... there was that one girl she had cheated with... no wait, that other one too... 

God. If she kept thinking about this she'd start sympathizing with Trent and that was the last thing she wanted to do. 

Dylan pulled the car to a stop. They were fashionably late; she and her best friend had determined that they could tolerate the others more if they'd already had a few drinks.

The party was in full swing when they entered the pool area. They were greeted with a few typical glances reserved for the outcast crowd, but she and Dylan were both tolerated for the sole reason of having chosen their outcast status themselves. Rebels were always fun to have at a party.

They got drinks from inside the guest house, horrible stuff from a cheap keg, and began walking through the crowd, some who were actually drunk enough to smile and tell them how much they'd be missed. Dylan had wanted to get a better view of the party from a balcony they'd seen on their way in so Kristie headed for the stairs.

Couples were making out and groping each other in the dark room lit only by the outside lights coming in through the sliding glass door. Kristie had never understood makeout rooms. It never turned into an orgy so what was the point? Wouldn't it be better to get a room and go all out? Which meant those they were walking past were either being taken advantage of, were new budding romances, or had strict parents that told them not to have sex before marriage... a rule they were actually following by keeping things public. 

Kris stopped in the darkness, eyeing the couple standing on the balcony.

"Woah," Dylan muttered, stopping beside her. 

Cameron was talking to Trent out on the balcony. His hand was on her back. They weren't facing each other, but it sort of seemed affectionate. Not was Kris was expecting.

The Cameron leaned over the rail and threw up.

"Jesus." Kris muttered, moving forward. She heard the "Ewwwws" coming from below, and the giggles as students lurched out of the way of the falling vomit, a common occurrence at a party were most drinkers were first-timers. By the time she got there, Trent was helping Cameron down into a lounge chair.

"Hey Trent, where's your girlfriend?" Kristie said, coming up to them.

Trent looked up to see who had addressed him then looked back to Cameron. The girl looked green. 




Shadow School Ch. 07



"Don't have one," he said.

"There's a surprise. Did you cheat on her too?" Kris wondered how he'd take it if someone ever spelled out his faults to his perfect jock face. Well, now was as good a time as any.

"No, it just didn't work out okay?" He brushed a few fallen strands of hair away from Cameron's face.

The movement was enough to distract Kristie, her eyes catching her friend's expression. "How much has she had to drink?"

"Barely any," Trent answered, standing up and looking down at Cameron. The girl seemed to not want to look at him.

"You wouldn't be wanting to take advantage of her now would you, Trent?" Kristie phrased it jokingly but she was dead serious. She didn't think Trent was that kind of jerk but who knew how those assholes who slipped girls stuff in their drinks got their start.

"Like I said, she hasn't had much to drink. She just took a few sips then came up here for some fresh air."

"And you followed her."

"We were talking."

"Apologizing, I hope."

Trent scrubbed a hand through his short-cropped hair. "Well, yeah. Not that it's any of your business."

"She's my friend. You're not. It is my business if she's not capable of telling you to go away."

"It's okay Kris." The weak response came from Cameron. "The smell of the beer made me sick."

Kristie smelled her own beer and set it down on the small table near Cameron's chair. Hell if she was going to get sick from drinking it. Cameron eyed it warily so Kris picked it up and gave it to Dylan; better not to set it within smelling distance. Dylan sipped his, tasting it, shrugging.

As Kristie turned back to look at Cameron, her eyes passed over the crowd below. Three figures were winding their way around the deep end of the pool toward the guest house. Her eyes locked with Daman's even from this distance.

Well, there goes her plan to corrupt some pretty little bi-curious thing. Still... she wasn't sexually-encumbered like the last time she saw the dark-skinned vampire, so this night could have just taken a turn for the better. 

Daman grinned up at her before disappearing under the balcony and into the house. She turned, a huge smile on her face, realizing Trent was still hovering over Cameron. 

Oh shit.

Elias had been with Daman. And some other guy she saw at the ball. 

"I got it from here Trent," Kristie said, stepping in front of him and kneeling down to feel Cameron's head.

"But-"

"Don't argue," Kristie sighed, exasperated. "You fucked up. She doesn't want you. And her college boyfriend just arrived so it would be a good idea if you skedaddled, got it?" Not that Cameron and Elias were dating... she probably hadn't seen him since their visit. But he was here now, and he certainly had more of a claim on her than Trent.

"Her college boyfriend?" Trent looked at Cameron. "When did that happen?"

"Dylan, a little help?" Kristie said, noticing now that Cameron was fully aware of the situation.

Dylan wasn't the fighting type, but the kid was wiley. He turned to Trent and dumped both cups of the cheap beer over the jock's head. 

"Woops," Dylan said, looking at the empty cups. "Sorry man, it was an accident."

It was so not an accident. Kris wanted to laugh.

Trent was in shock; the likes of Dylan simply did not do something like that to a guy like Trent. "You little piece of-"

Trent's words were cut off by the arrival of the aforementioned boyfriend and two others. He didn't know which one of the older guys had a claim on Cameron, so he eyed Daman suspiciously. Daman simply glanced back at Elias, who was already scowling. 

Shit, shit, shit... they could read minds. They probably read Trents... or Cameron's.

Looking back at Trent, Kristie realized that if he'd touched Cameron, he'd probably smell like her... then again, that beer just covered it up. 

Daman looked at her. His eyes flicked to Trent then back to her.

Oh... fuck... yeah about that mind reading thing... That could work on her as well.

 It's okay... Cameron's just sick... he was helping her.  Kris added thoughts to the situation, trying to defuse whatever could potentially happen.

Elias' attention left the pale, beer-drenched teen and looked at Cameron, who was staring at him from the lounge chair.

"Uh, come on Trent," Dylan said. "Looks like I need a refill... you want one too?"

Trent didn't say anything; he simply stalked past Dylan, avoiding the third young man in Daman's group. 

Kristie barely spared a moment to thank whatever deity let the jock leave without a fight; she turned back to Cameron. With just the five of them on the balcony, the two humans having an understanding about who was with them, Elias didn't seem to bother with the charade; he was at Cameron's side in a blink.

Kristie blinked. Seriously; one blink and he was there. It was bizarre having someone disappear and reappear beside you, especially knowing it was movement that the human eye couldn't see. For some reason she thought movies would have prepared her for this, but seeing it in person was... creepy as hell. And fucking cool.

"Are you ill?" Elias was asking. 

"I don't think so... it was kinda sudden." Cameron leaned in to his touch, the vampire's hand caressing her face.

Kristie watched as some sort of silent communication went between Cameron and Elias... he was no doubt reading her mind. 

"William," Elias said, not turning to the third guy in their group. "Taste the beer they have on tap. See if you notice anything different."

"None of the other kids here seem to be sick," Daman said, glancing at William as he left. 

Kristie watched the guy go. He was kind of beautiful. Glancing sideways at Daman, she knew he'd heard her thoughts. Well, if he wanted to read her mind, she could put on a show: Kris crossed her arms then raised a hand casually to her face, slipping her index finger between her lips and biting it playfully. She threw in a few flashes of memory for good measure.

Daman grinned wickedly at her. The flash of white teeth from behind his dark lips sent her heart fluttering with exhilaration. 

Elias brushed Cameron's hair back from her forehead. "Can you stand? I'll take you home."

Cameron nodded and let Elias pull her up. She didn't seem to wobble at all, though she did lean on the blonde vampire's arm.

"Are we leaving?" Kristie asked. Damn. She'd only been here like fifteen minutes. She looked to Daman who shrugged. 

Oh to hell with this party. 

William arrived at the door at the same time the others reached it. "Tastes fine. No one else is sick except for those who overindulged." He looked at Cameron who was leaning on Elias, then at Kristie. "Is Melanie here?"

So that was it. "She's with Roanoke."

William nodded. "So am I."

Kris glanced at Daman. This was part of the mystery of SVMC.

Daman leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, "Virginia likes playing matchmaker."

Kristie eyed William. Cute as he was, he was going to have a hard time winning over the virgin queen... strike that... ex-virgin. She had seen Melanie dance with this guy at the gala... maybe he could do the girl some good. "She's too good for a party. Try her house." 

William's face took on a look of one whose task just got more difficult. Kristie wondered if he knew the address. 

"1724 Sycamore Rd," he said, turning and walking back through the party. The others followed.

In the darkness, with only a few flashing party lights and blasting music, Kristie had to weave carefully through the crowd. It was going to be hard to find Dylan in the throng of student bodies 

Or not.

Outside there was a group of people surrounding what every student instinctively knows is a fight at the center. Kristie groaned and started shoving her way through the crowd. Dylan had done Trent a favor by getting him off the balcony before he ended up in a fight. Now it seemed Trent was repaying him with punches.

The two guys were wailing on each other; Trent obviously having the upper hand but Dylan putting up a hell of a fight. Both were bleeding. 

Oh fuck.

She couldn't help but turn around and eye Daman warily, wondering what that would do to a vampire. He eyed her, amused. 

What? It wasn't like she knew everything about real vampires. 

Dylan got shoved near to her and Kristie she took the chance of Trent's oncoming rush to fling an arm out and whack the jock across his neck with her wrist. It wasn't exactly a clothesline, but it made things pause for a moment while Trent caught his breath. 

The crowd eyed Kristie in shock. You just didn't break up a fight like that; you either tried to put yourself between the combatants, hauled one off the other, or were a teacher and simply used your authority to stop the brawl. You did  not  use a cheap shot and join the fight.

Well they could all go fuck themselves.

Okay so maybe her bravado was a result of having two vampires behind her, but still, Dylan was her friend... and Trent had Brock and Kyle there to back him up. Fair was fair.

"What the hell?" Brock charged over to where Kristie was standing near Dylan. She glanced at her friend, who was wiping the blood from his nose onto his sleeve.

"Yeah, what the hell, Brock?" Kristie said, getting in the guy's face. He didn't expect that, taking a step back before realizing he was backing away from a girl; he stopped and glared at her. "Dylan keeps Trent from getting his ass kicked and he repays him by pounding his face?"

"Asshole dumped beer on his head."

"Yeah. And he deserved it." Kristie didn't add that it was Cameron who should have done it rather than Dylan but it was still true.

"Back off, lesbo, let Dylan fight his own battles."

"I'm sorry," Daman's deep voice came from behind her. She felt his arms wrap around her. "Did you just call my girlfriend a lesbian?" 

Well that gave Brock pause. Kristie was out loud and proud, so it would only mess with his mind momentarily. She might as well kick him while he was down and confuse him even more.

"What, still mad that your girlfriend liked clit more than dick?" Kristie grinned wickedly at the jock in front of her. "Then again, with what I've heard of yours, it's no wonder." Okay so that was more of a "your mom" kind of statement... Kristie didn't know if any of Brock's exes switched teams but the blow to his ego was what she was going for.

"Fucking cunt!" Brock took a step toward her.

"Lay a finger on her and you lose it." Daman said, straightening and stepping in front of Kristie. 

She usually would have told a guy to beat it and let her fight her own battles, but it technically wasn't her fight to begin with, and Daman... well Daman looked damn good defending her. She was suddenly at eye level with his massive shoulder muscles.

"This is how it's going to go," Elias said, stepping up beside Daman; he sounded different -- like he was a actually a college kid. Brock eyed the newcomer warily. Kyle stepped up beside his friend and Trent finally recovered, joining the other two. "Either back off and go back to your party, or we call the cops and end it now."

Oh. Kay. 

That wasn't exactly what Kristie was expecting. To be honest, she was expecting some sort of spectacular throw-down to end all throw-downs. Instead, the vampires threaten to call the cops?

"You see, it would be better for your health if we didn't fight you. The cops would be called before we were done anyway, so let us save you the trouble of a possible hospital visit. This way your friends can continue to enjoy the party and you don't bloody your pretty faces." Elias glanced at Trent. "Well, any more than they already are."

"Who are you people? Why are you even here? Who invited you?" Brock held his ground... barely.

"No one invited us," Daman said, dropping the college boy charade. "We came to get what we wanted and now that we have them, we're leaving. Unless, you'd like us to stay for some form of imminent entertainment.

Jesus. Kristie hoped no one questioned why someone barely older than them was talking that way. Imminent entertainment? For Christ sake.

"Come on guys," Cameron said. "Let's get out of here. Dylan, you coming?"

"Sure," Dylan said, glancing back at Trent and his friends. He stepped back and turned, leaving with Cameron.

"Come on," Kristie said, grabbing Daman's hand. He followed her, smirking as the crowd parted just a little more for him and Elias. 

"Don't even think about it, boy." Elias said, speaking without turning around.

Kristie turned to see Brock stumble as he halted. Was he seriously going to charge? 

"It's cowardly to attack someone from behind," Elias added, finally looking back over his shoulder as he walked away; he'd dropped the college boy thing too. Something in the way they now walked and spoke made chills go down Kristie's spine... no doubt others were feeling the same. "I'd think you'd want to save what little face you have left among your guests." 

And so they left the party. 

Kristie was in awe. Her cell phone said she'd only been in the place for just over a half hour. And that... non-fight... was just... wow. 

She and the others saw Dylan off; he said he was going to head toward his brother's house to drink off the aches in his face. Kris walked beside Daman, watching Cameron and Elias walk a little ways ahead of them. The road was lit by the party lights but the forest on their right was dark; the branches hanging over the road.

"Your bravery is fascinating to me," Daman said.

Kristie blushed. God; she was turning into a giggly school girl around this vampire. "It's easy to be brave when you have... well, someone like you standing there backing me up."

"Still. You could have asked me to break up the fight. You did it yourself instead." Daman glanced down at her and smiled. "So. You know how to fight as well? The move was cunning. Deliberate. Well-balanced."

"I have brothers. And we took karate when we kids. I don't remember what kind... it's come in handy a few times but I don't exactly remember the moves." Kristie paused. "You called me your girlfriend."

"Did that bother you?" 

"No... it made a point. It confused the hell out of Brock, but... well everyone knows I'm a lesbian. I've never been shy about it. They'll know it's a sham."

"Is that what it is?"

"Define 'it.'"

"I try not to live my life by definitions."

Kristie smirked. "Like, 'Hello, my name is Daman Sokar and I'm a vampire?'"

Daman shook his head, a smile forming on his lips. "I am many things, a vampire is merely one of them."

"What else are you?"

"A fantastic lover."

Kristie stumbled, catching herself without looking at Daman. Well, hell.

She remained silent for a little while, glancing over only once to see the smirk on his face. She slowed when she saw where Cameron and Elias had stopped. Two gleaming motorcycles were parked behind the last car on the street.

"You ride crotch-rockets?" she asked.

"We like speed."

Kristie looked at the bikes. They were pretty. "But, can't you, like, run faster than these things?"

Daman chuckled. "Don't let Hollywood make you think too highly of us. Think of the physics of such a feat. Our clothing would catch fire with that much friction." He grabbed a helmet and handed it out to her. "These go much faster."

Kristie took the helmet, watching Cameron strapping on hers. The other girl met her eyes, almost a little worried at their means of transport.

"You do like motorcycles, yes?" Daman asked. 

"Yes..." Kristie placed the helmet on her head. "Where are we going?"

"Your place." 

"My..." Kristie watched Daman lift his leg and slide it over the seat, settling into position and giving her just enough room to sit behind him.

"I came for you, not your high school party. You are mine tonight."

Okay... a little possessive, but Kristie had to admit she found it kind of hot. 

She buckled the helmet to her head and climbed on behind Daman just as Elias passed by with Cameron's clinging to his waist. The girl had her head dug into the vampire's back so she was clearly trying to block out the ride. Kristie couldn't blame her; they disappeared down the road way too fast.

Then Daman shifted gears.

Part of Kristie wanted to scream; the road was seriously a blur around them. The other part of her wanted to laugh. Never had she ever dared to ride at this speed -- not that her bike could actually go that fast; that kind of speed is what killed you dead.

They were home way before it was deemed possible by the regular road laws. 

"Wow," Kristie said, heart pounding. "I never would have guessed I could get from one side of town to the other in less than ten minutes. Then again, I think you broke the sound barrier back there." 

Daman chuckled, taking her helmet from her and placing it on his bike. "Are your parents home?"

"This is my dad's house... he's home, but on the other end of the house."

Daman looked at the home curiously. "So, you're a rich kid."

"Yeah, I came this close to being called Missy or Buffy or some shit like that." Kristie knew it was a bad joke but she had used it once or twice when the occasion called for it. The Buffy reference made Daman quirk and eyebrow before she even realized what she'd said.

"And your father won't call security on me if you invite me in?"

"Nah, my dad's a Republican and wants to be governor one day. I'm a tomboyish lesbo. I think dating a black guy is one step closer to marrying a stuck-up white politician who's just like him."

"Kristie." Daman stopped, grabbing her arm. "How much effort do you put into this image of yourself?"

Kristie's sarcasm left her. "What do you mean?"

"I mean the bluntness, the stereotyping, the bravado... I know it's not the real you."

Kristie eyed him warily. "Look, I'm not used to talking to a guy who can read my thoughts, okay? It'll take some getting used to."

"You're upset."

"No."

"But I've ruined your good mood." Daman stared down at her.

"No... this is just me, minus the sarcasm and wit." Kristie kicked at a rock on the pavement. 

"What's your favorite book?" 

Kristie blinked at the change of topic. "Catch-22."

"Wrong. It's Jane Eyre."

"I think I can say what my favorite book is."

"Yes, but the first thing to pop in your head was the Brontë novel. Favorite movie?"

Kristie hesitated then answered, "Silence of the Lambs."

Daman grinned. "Were you about to say 'Sound of Music?'"

"Shit."

Daman chuckled. "You see? I can see the real you. With me, you will not have to play games or put on a show. I'd rather you just be yourself."

"Hey, I've built up quite a reputation. Don't go messing with it."

"You will be in a new environment. Build whatever reputation you like. Just remember I know who you really are." He leaned in closer to her. "I can see your true passions and desires."

Kristie started walking and decided to change the subject. "Hey, um," she gulped, "when you asked about security being called when I invited you in... that inviting in part... is that-"

"An invitation would be nice, but it is not required. It's what humans tell themselves so they can sleep at night."

"Well, I guess now that I know vampires really do exist I should have trouble sleeping at night."

"When I am with you, you can count on it."

Kristie's mouth opened slightly; her mind was dirty enough to get his meaning. Daman said nothing after that, however; he simply walked a few steps behind her, studying the surroundings.

Neither of them spoke as they went into the house. Kristie didn't bother flipping any lights on; she knew where things were and she was pretty damn sure Daman's night vision was better than hers. She wound her way through the kitchen and into the pantry where the booze was stashed, and grabbed a few glasses.

"Do you drink?" she asked. Daman eyed her in the near-darkness. Kristie realized what she'd asked and added, "Alcohol. Do you drink alcohol?"




Shadow School Ch. 07



Daman nodded.

"Okay, say something; staring at me in the dark is a little creepy." Kristie could barely make out his shape, his dark skin hiding him in the dim light.

"Something."

Kristie snorted. She thought, You know, just when I think your way old you do something only someone your age or younger would do. She thought it loudly. 

She still couldn't see well but she thought he smirked.

Daman followed her as she wound her way through a few other rooms and came to a hallway leading to her bedroom. She hadn't cleaned it in a while, and was suddenly self-conscious; this was an important person from her school after all.

"Okay so, gimme a sec to clean- it's a bit messy so maybe it'd be better if-" Daman walked around her and into her room, "you come right in and see it," she finished.

He surveyed the area quickly, the only light coming from a lava lamp undulating on her nightstand.

"Um... so... this is my room." Kristie watched as Daman picked up a frilly pink thong from a pile of clothes on the floor. "And that's my underwear."

"I never understood the pleasure girls received from wearing such things." Daman eyed the thong then sniffed at it.

Kristie sputtered, "It's attractive. I thought guys liked that kind of thing."

"But you don't want to attract guys."

"Um, yeah, I know that. I meant you are a guy. Your response was supposed to be something along the lines of 'hot'; then you'd try to hump me." Kristie's sarcastic voice was returning.

Daman allowed his arm to drop, his fingers releasing the panties as he walked over to where Kristie stood. "Wearing nothing is hot. And I'm not going to 'try' to 'hump' you."

Looking back up into the vampire's eyes, Kristie felt her mouth go dry. "Uh... okay... I was just being sarcastic you know, not actually... um... Not that I don't want to... I do... I think..."

"Kris, you're mumbling." He took the vodka and glasses from her hands and set them on her nightstand.

"Yeah." Kristie exhaled. "I don't normally do that. I'm usually fairly blunt when I have something to say but at the moment I'm a bit blan-"

Daman crushed his mouth to hers so quickly that Kristie felt the pop of impact on her lips. Her sentence cut off as Daman's tongue plunged into her mouth, effectively blocking any other words. He curled his fingers through her hair and pressed a hand at the base of her back, drawing her body to his.

Pursuing females since she was fifteen, it was odd for Kristie, who was taller than most girls, to be the one tilting her head up to meet a kiss; it was usually her that looked down. She was confused by the heat she felt rush through her body at the ferocity of the kiss; she wasn't being controlled by some substance... her body's reaction was her own... and the moisture building between her legs was for a dude. Okay... not just any dude... a fucking hot vampire that could totally throw her around and make her scream her pleasure. Mmmm.

As Daman's tongue caressed her own, Kristie stared up into the vampire's face; she couldn't close her eyes. Perhaps it was surprise, perhaps it was fascination; either way Daman wasn't wasting any time. He backed her up until her butt bumped against her dresser, bottles and things on top of it rattling or tipping over. 

Okay... Kristie was expecting at least a little awkwardness before something like this happened, but Daman seemed to just skip that part and dive straight into what they both wanted.

Because she did want this, right?

Large hands crushing her to his hard body, Kristie found herself getting wetter at the man-handling. Who'd have thought. Neither of her hands were playing an active part in the scene, both trying to find some sort of purchase on the body she was pressed against; girl's bodies were usually soft... Daman's was hard. Kristie settled on place a hand on each shoulder, then going from there.

Jesus. She'd never been so awkward when getting it on. But then, it'd been a long time since she got down with a guy; not counting her last encounter with the Egyptian vampire when she'd been under his own personal brand of ecstasy. He'd done most of the work.

Daman lifted her, sitting her atop the dresser, making a few more things tip over or roll across its surface. The clanking was a little noisy but Kristie didn't mind. She was too curious at what was happening; things like this only happened in the movies where actors were well-choreographed. 

She instinctively wrapped her legs around Daman's waist and he broke the kiss to look down at her. Holy fuck this was intense.

Ducking back in for another kiss with what almost sounded like a growl, Daman abandoned the dresser by grabbing Kristie's ass and lifting her. Before she could blink, they were both on the bed. 

What the hell? 

Kristie's senses weren't prepared for such a swift movement. She had to shake her head to clear it as her body bounced from hitting the mattress. She felt the weight of Daman's body pressing into her; another thing she hadn't experienced for a while -- men weighed more than the girls she'd dated. A lot more. 

Daman's white teeth flashed in contrast to his dark lips as he smiled -- Kristie half expected to see fangs or at least the hint of them -- and he stood and removed his shirt, giving her a nice view of the muscles she'd expected were beneath his clothes.

Yep. Ripped.

Daman leaned forward and Kristie's hands reached out to feel the ridges of his abs curiously; there was something about how his muscles bunched when he moved. Her eyes went lower, widening when she saw the bulge restrained by the fabric of his jeans. Kristie looked up and saw Daman watching her in fascination. She knew her thoughts had to be a crazy jumble of experience and inexperience, fascination and timidness; everything a contradiction. 

Daman leaned down slowly, brushing his lips lightly against hers. The contact was so different from the earlier hard, passionate kisses that Kristie felt herself wanting to take over. She knew he could tell, because she felt the grin on his lips. 

Was she so amusing?

It was Kristie's turn to growl. She rolled, putting him beneath her; she took the chance turn to remove her shirt. Kris let her own lips grin when Daman's face lost all its mirth and looked hungry. She knew that she should have been afraid of that hunger, but she was too wound up to think of anything other than this man's sexual appetite, not his thirst for blood.

Daman's large dark hands palmed each of her small breasts through the lacey purple bra she was wearing. Kristie thought her choice of underwear was pretty great; who knew what might have happened tonight? She'd picked out the bra and matching thong expecting them to be on display; her bedmate, however, was a bit unexpected. 

At the mention of her thong, Daman's eyes went to her jeans. Hands leaving her breasts, he trailed a finger down her taut stomach, past her belly-ring, and began to unbutton her pants. She raised up onto her knees and let him slide the denim down to reveal what she'd thought of: a lacey purple thong.

Daman's finger dipped below the hem of her panties; just enough to spark a reminder of the last time his fingers were in this general region. A soft gasp escaped Kristie's lips as he let the waistband pop back against her skin. He grinned at her.

Damnit. She seriously wasn't trying to make him laugh, but he just seemed in such a fucking good mood. But a grin was on her face as well; she had to admit she was in a pretty damn good mood herself.

The vampire's hands left her waist and slid up Kristie's sides and around her back, catching on the latch of her bra. Within seconds the straps were sliding down her arms and she was exposed to the cool air of her room. Her nipples were already hard pink buds from the resent tussle, and in a blink one was obscured by Daman's dark, full lips while the other was getting thoroughly examined by fingers.

A broken moan left Kristie's mouth as he sucked her. She didn't think she'd experienced anything so hot as this. It was like a dance -- every movement was fluid, every moment savored, every action direct despite her fumbling. Daman was in control and damn did she think he was good at what he was doing.

Kristie felt his tongue caress her sensitive nipple, swirling around it before his teeth bit lightly down and his lips took over to suck the tender tip. She moaned again, her panties becoming noticeably soaked with every stroke of his tongue and fingers. Her own fingers slid over Daman's strong shoulders, one hand going to the back of his shaved head to press him even closer to her; if that was possible.

Kristie couldn't help herself; she began grinding against his lap, the bulge trapped beneath his jeans creating a wonderful sensation each time her clit was stroked through the fabric. A brief thought entered her mind that she wasn't exactly in virgin territory but it had been a while since she'd played with a dildo, let alone a real cock... she wondered if it would hurt. All this time she'd gotten off on her fingers or another girl's digits and tongue. 

Kristie immediately regretted the thought, embarrassed at comparing the bulge in Daman's pants to a piece of plastic and hoped he wasn't insulted. Cheeks flaming, she looked up at the ceiling.

Daman growled, his hands going to her waist as he lifted her off of him.

There. See? Fuck.

But she heard a zip. Looking down, Kristie's eyes made contact with Daman's cock at the same as one of her hands, guided there swiftly by one of his own. 

"See? Much better than plastic." Daman leaned forward and sucked at the skin of her neck.

Kristie felt chills wash over her; a vampire at your throat was not usually a good thing and the sudden anxiety mixed with pleasure, terror, and curiosity was too much for her mind to handle; it went into overload and then simply stalled. Mind blank, Kris couldn't process anything but the soft skin encasing the hard shaft beneath her fingers. 

Kris's instincts kicked in for her numb brain, her fingers beginning to stroke up and down gently as her mind started to reboot. First, she noticed she was with a man... a rather  big  man... something she hadn't done since confirming that guys did nothing for her. Second, she realized this guy definitely did something for her; and third... this man was a vampire; and at her throat. 

She couldn't help it; a sheen of sweat burst out on every inch of her skin.

"Mmm" Daman murmured. He ran his tongue down her neck, across her shoulder, and across her arm. He sucked briefly at the inner crease of her elbow -- which she found odd and erotic at the same time -- then slid back up to her shoulder where he let his fangs graze her flesh. Kris shivered involuntarily again, and he grunted a chuckle at her body's reaction.

"I have to get used to you not wanting to kill me," Kristie said. She thought it was a bit rude, but she'd been thinking it and he would have heard it anyway. 

"I need you very much alive," Daman replied, looking her in the face.

It was the first time Kristie had truly stared into the vampire's eyes. She didn't know what she expected, but they were human eyes... nothing extraordinary. Yet, beautiful. Natural.

He kissed her again, gentle; a caress. They stayed like that as her hand moved leisurely along the length of his large cock; up and down the warm flesh until Daman began rocking his hips into her grasp. 

Kristie wasn't expecting the next movement.

Daman grabbed her, spinning her to the mattress where he mounted her and crushed his lips to hers. The kiss was brief, and he was gone before she registered the heat behind it. Next she was being tugged lower, her jeans being yanked from her legs as swiftly as one could move tight denim on an unsuspecting wearer. 

The movements were too fast. She couldn't follow one easily, and when she caught up to it something else was already happening. By the time Kristie's mind registered that she was naked, she felt warmth between her legs, looking down to see Daman plant his hot mouth on the bare lips of her pussy.

Kris cried out in surprise, pleasure, and confusion; her brain again so overloaded it was confused on how to respond. She refused to let it blank though; this was too fucking good. Daman smiled, reading the jumble of her mind. 

"Oh my God," Kris gasped as Daman's lips returned to her pussy, his tongue flicking out to do wonderful things to her clit. He took his time, exploring her swollen lips and lapping at the juices that seemed to be pouring from her; Kristie couldn't think of the last time a lover had gotten her so wet. 

She also realized the benefit to being able to read your lover's mind.

Daman touched her in all the right places, knowing when to ease up or press harder. He inserted his fingers just when she needed them; he didn't always do what she wanted, however, leaving her wondering what he would do next. It wasn't long before she was writhing beneath him, soft gasps and moans echoing off her walls, her fingers clutching at his head as he ate her.

Holy fucking mother of... shit that was good.

Kristie panted, as Daman brought her to the edge not one, but three times without letting her go over. It was pure torture. 

He knew, damnit! He knew when she was just about to orgasm then he would back off and do something light then tease her up into a frenzy again.

Before long she realized her negligence. Daman had taught her a lesson in the way he worked the day she met him: she had to ask. But, all she could get out was, "Please." It left her mouth as a grunt.

Daman backed off yet a fourth time, grabbing her hands as she attempted to touch herself. "Please, what?"

"Please, Daman, make me come!" Kristie squirmed, her pussy exposed and open to air, nothing coming into contact with it.

And boy did it need contact.

Daman didn't give it to her, though. Instead, he puckered his lips and blew air across her clit. 

Kristie bucked, hoping those delicious thick lips of his would return to their previous actions but they stayed away. She whimpered.

Daman released her wrist and reached up, tweaking her nipple. "How?" he asked, trailing a single finger down her stomach.

"Put your fingers in me and do what you were doing before... just... please, let me come this time!" Kristie lifted her hips, hoping he would continue but she was forced back to the mattress.

Daman grinned wickedly as his finger continued its path down, across her clit, not stopping until it sunk into her pussy. It retreated, but only for a moment before another joined it, the two thick digits stretching her. His mouth still never made contact.

"Use your mouth." Okay, Kristie admitted that might have come out too much like a demand, but Daman's eyes twinkled before he leaned down and latched on to her clit.

It didn't take long for him to bring her to the edge. He didn't just take her over, however; he shoved her. 

Hard.

As Kristie's orgasm hit, her ass left the bed as she moaned and humped Daman's face, her leg muscles straining as her internal walls tried to suck his fingers deeper, her body out of control in its desperation. The onslaught of pleasure that was suddenly rushing through her was like a torrential river of ecstasy. She even called out for God, a second time, which she never did since she barely believed in the deity. 

Ho. Ly. Fuck.

Sensation after sensation flushed through her, her nerves pulsing in victory at achieving what it craved. Her body fought to push Daman away because it was too much but it also clung to him, drinking in the ecstasy he offered; the result was a tussle that ended in Daman pinning her legs down so she couldn't buck him off.

Gasping for breath the moment it was over, Kristie's sweat-drenched body collapsed, her muscles burning from the amount of pressure she put on them during the rush of bliss. Her entire body had called every last bit of strength to make that orgasm happen and now that the effort was over, she simply laid there and let the aftershocks wash over her. Her mind reeled.

Daman let her catch her breath. Kristie felt him leave the bed, only to return moments later to help her scoot up to lay properly on the pillows. He stretched her arm out, caressing it, kissing her wrists. She was so caught up in the feelings that it wasn't until she felt him do the same to the other side that she realized she felt a little stretched.

What the...?

Eyes widening in alarm she raised her head and watched Daman tie off one of her scarves in some sort of weird knot. He glanced down at her, a look of playful passion on his face.

Shit. He was kinky.

Well there was a first time for everything... Kristie had never actually tried bondage but she wasn't opposed to it... she was kind of curious actually. She laid her head back down and continued to suck air into her lungs. Her pussy still throbbed, shooting off little appreciative shocks of pleasure that jolted her system.

Daman chuckled and Kristie felt her cheeks burn. He leaned down and kissed one of the glowing cheeks before grabbing her foot; he kissed the arch of her foot then nuzzled her toes with his nose. If she was into feet she might have been getting all tingly again, but as it was, she was just ticklish. Giggling, she wiggled her toes against Daman's face and he grabbed her big toe with his teeth, holding it still. Kristie couldn't help the coughing sputter as her giggling faltered.

Death by toe. 

Okay, that was a new thought. Was it possible? She'd never really thought about a vampire sucking on a toe... surely the blood was better near a major vein, but a vampire with a foot fetish...

Daman was openly chuckling at her now, his mouth releasing her foot so his fingers could torturously tickle her. She began kicking him but his strong grip held her in place; he bound her ankle and then looked for a place to attach the other end. 

Without warning he lifted the mattress a few feet into the air; Kristie had no way to grab hold of anything as her body went diagonal. She squealed as the mattress dropped back into place. She endured the same action again as her other foot was tied. By the time she was bound, Kris was suddenly beginning to feel a little nervous and couldn't stop giggling like a damn school girl.

Well, she was one. Sort of.

But sheesh. Everything was so unexpected. She thought there would be some serious heat but this lovemaking session was comical and acrobatic. Definitely not what she thought would happen.

Kristie realized that other than her laughter, the room was silent. She let her mind relax and closed her eyes, testing the bindings at her wrists and ankles. They were tied well. She waited a few moments but felt nothing. The room was still silent, and she had the sudden fear that he had left her room, leaving her tied in a position she wouldn't exactly want her dad finding her in.

Giving up and raising her head, she opened her eyes to find Daman staring down at her, slowly stroking his cock. 

His... very large... cock.

Kristie suddenly knew they were at that point; the point where he was going to stick that thing up inside her.

A new sheen of sweat broke out on her body as her mind suddenly began having second thoughts. On the one hand, she was really turned on... on the other, there was no way her vagina could accommodate that piece of meat without a lot of pain. He could break her.

Daman was suddenly on top of her, his nose at her ear, nuzzling her neck. "You're afraid."

"A little." 

Hell, she might as well be honest... he knew what she was thinking.

"Is it because I'm a man... or a vampire?"

Kristie felt his skin barely brush hers, his body held above her and only making the lightest of contact in various places. She felt his shaft rub against her leg, so close to her pussy that she shivered in anticipation.




Shadow School Ch. 07



"Both," she said.

He continued to nuzzle and nip at her neck. "I could ease that for you... if you like."

Kristie gulped and looked up at him, wondering what he meant.

"My blood..."

"Does that... make it better for you?" Kristie suddenly wondered if she did want it... the last experience was amazing, but then, so was this and she wasn't under any kind of influence.

"In time I may trade a little of mine for some of yours, but it isn't necessary." Daman kissed the skin just behind her ear and she shivered again.

"You mean... what, like you'd turn me?" Kristie's mind suddenly wasn't on sex.

"No." Daman leaned up to look into her eyes and said, "That process is a little more complicated... what I mean is something a little more intimate. But you are not ready. For now, it would be to help ease your nerves... give your body the freedom it needs to feel the pleasure with no hesitation."

Kristie pondered. She looked up into his dark eyes and realized she was too curious to have her body take control of her mind. "Maybe later."

Daman's hips lowered and he continued to watch her as his cock rubbed back and forth between her legs. Her wetness made his motions slippery. With a few more strokes Daman pulled back just enough to place the tip of his cock at her entrance.

Bound, Kristie could do nothing but grip the scarves as she felt him slip between her pussy lips and push into her. She was determined not to wince but she couldn't help her mouth suddenly opening as the tip pushed inside.

He was big. She knew this, but it was different when experiencing it physically.

Daman leaned down to take advantage of her open mouth as his hips began rocking slowly. His cock eased in more and more with each push. Kristie had no idea how far in he was, but damn it hurt.

"You're so tight," Daman said, pressing his forehead to hers. She watched as he closed his eyes and bit his lip. 

Kristie suddenly wanted those lips back on hers.

Daman's eyes popped open and he looked at her for just a moment before hungrily kissing her again, harder this time, his tongue thrusting into her mouth to wrestle hers. The movement was so surprising she almost didn't notice him plunge all the way into her.

Almost.

She felt like she was being split apart and moaned into his mouth. The response seemed to only drive him more, because he pulled back out and slammed back into her. Kris felt his balls slap against her. 

Well, the worst part was over... now she just had to wait for the pain to ease and the pleasure to return.

"Soon," Daman murmured as his hips continued their rocking.

Kristie tried focusing on the sensation instead of the pain, but the two were tied together. She felt Daman's hands on her breast and winced a little when he pinched one of her nipples, twisting it a little.

Okay, ow.

Daman grinned wickedly down at her as he continued to torture her nipple. He gave it a break as his hand went to her hip, pressing down to shove himself deeper inside her, but the fingers would return to flick or twist the tender bud once more.

Soon, it was the only pain she could feel.

Ah. So that was it. Diversion from the pain below.

Kristie forgot she was bound and struggled a little to wrap her legs... or arms... around him... to do  something  if it were possible; but she couldn't. She was tied down well.

Daman returned to her neck and sucked at the skin there, again giving her chills. Kristie wondered if she would ever get used to that. It just went against everything she'd heard. Meanwhile, she realized he was probably giving her a hickey.

"That's so fifth grade," she mumbled.

Daman chuckled and sucked harder then let his teeth graze her flesh. She inhaled sharply at the sharpness of his fangs. She wondered what they looked like.

Daman lifted his head from her neck and looked at her. "If I show them, I'll use them. They weren't fully out just then... and you're in too tempting a position for me not to take advantage."

Kristie didn't say anything to that. No sarcastic remark, no witty quip; she just returned his stare then nodded.

With that, Daman sped his pace. His palm dug into the flesh of her hip as his cock assaulted her pussy, his length slamming into her with such force that her bindings around her ankles begin to tighten from being stretched.

Daman filled her so fully that she couldn't help the sudden zing that washed through her body... that telltale sign of an orgasm on the horizon. Kristie wanted to grab his ass as he pounded into her, but she just grabbed her restraints and arched her back as her pussy reacted to the onslaught of sensations. 

Kristie's hips began to move with Daman, countering his thrusts so that they met each other every time his cock thrust forward. She felt his shaft sliding in and out and focused on the feeling building inside her.

This went on for several moments before Kristie began to get frustrated. She wanted the orgasm so badly and she was so close! She just... couldn't. Maybe she was trying too hard to make it happen. 

"Come for me," Daman said, encouraging her.

"I'm trying... I just... Fuck, I'm so close! And it's a big one... oh... God... fuck..."

"Just focus on my cock inside you. Feel me fuck you. Pounding your sweet little pussy."

Kristie tried to focus on the words but they simply didn't work. Her mind reeled at how to make herself come, and she finally had a thought.

She didn't voice it, but she realized what she meant was that she wanted a little help from that haze she'd experienced before. That orgasm had been amazing... maybe...

But vampire minds work faster than humans. She felt the sharp sting at her neck before she realized Daman had heard her and done just as she asked. 

He bit her.

It was brief, and felt a little strange when he sucked at her wound, but Daman did actually gulp a few times before licking her neck and pulling away to look into her eyes. She watched him, a little stunned by the swiftness of it all and the fact that he'd managed to do it while still fucking her. Granted, he was moving a bit slower, but he was still shoving his cock into her pussy hard enough to make her breasts jiggle at the contact.

He watched her for a reaction but she didn't really have one. She couldn't even process if it was like she'd expected or different. It just... happened.

Daman leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. Her lips barely reacted.

"With your blood pumping through your veins as fast as it is, you'll feel the effect in no time."

"That was... how did you... last time you just kissed me."

"My blood is in your system... I bit my tongue before licking your wound... it will seal itself off soon."

Kristie watched him as he sped his movements, pounding into her hard and fast; her body his to enjoy. She knew the moment his blood took over her brain, knowing that she could... she could... oh. Yeah... 

Her orgasm took no time to build back to the point it had been and by the time the strange fog settled on her brain she was humping herself against Daman with as much force as she could manage. The moans coming from her seemed distant.

Daman leaned down to nibbled on her ear and she lost control.

Kristie's body began to spasm with pleasure, her entire being awash with bliss. This time however, knowing what was going on helped her to not only experience the rush going through her, but recognize what was causing it. 

"Focus on my cock inside you," Daman said, guiding her thoughts. "Feel each stroke..."

She felt it alright. She felt Daman's thick cock slamming into her, his skin caressing her inner walls with such force that they were abuzz with nerves seeking release. Kristie leaned her head back as her body jerked beneath him, her moans a bit louder than she wanted.

The cut off with shock as Daman's mouth found her throat and bit down hard. It was a little more carnal than the last bite, but he was pounding away so roughly at her that he was probably just as lost in the pleasure as she was. 

Strangely, the haze seemed to save her from the pain that should have accompanied the fact that her flesh was being torn open. She also should have been a little more terrified that he was now openly drinking from her neck.

Instead, she was fascinated by the shaking of his body as he came, his cock slipping from her body just in time to spray her with thick ropes of cum. She couldn't see anything, eyes still closed because she had a vampire at her neck, but she felt the hot liquid splash across her abdomen.

She also felt liquid running down her throat.

Daman cursed.

His hand turned her head and she felt his tongue run across her wound. That meant he was done... right?

She lay there, stunned, pussy still throbbing, her lungs gasping from air, and her body tingling all over from another mind-blowing orgasm. The haze was gone, mystically over the moment her nerves had fired off their exultation.

Daman collapsed on top of her, his weight pressing down on her, his stomach smearing his cum between them. He rested his head at the crook of her neck -- on the side he hadn't bitten.

They both lay like that for a while until he finally braced himself above her and looked at her. 

"I am sorry. I lost control."

She wondered if she was going to be okay.

"You will be fine... I didn't take too much, but... I should not have done that so soon. But your blood... from earlier... when I came I lost what control I had. It is for that I appologize."

"You're a vampire," Kristie said. "I can't say I didn't expect it." She winced; partly from the ache at her throat and partly from thinking that what she'd said had come out a little more rude than she meant. 

Daman nodded. "Still... I won't let that happen again. You are too precious."

Okay that... wasn't expected. "I'm precious? But you've only known me for-"

"I chose you," he said, cutting her off. "You are precious."

"For what?"

Daman didn't answer. He slid from her body and stood by her bed, his fingers working at the knots of her bindings. She appreciated that he was releasing her, but she wanted an answer. She knew he heard her thoughts, so she also knew he was purposefully avoiding the question. 

Kristie was distracted by the knot he untied. Looking at the other she saw how tightly pulled it was. No one could have undone it easily.

Of course, Daman did; faster than he should have been able to.

When her arms were free as well, she rubbed her wrists then wondered what was next. She watched Daman cross to the window and stare out into the darkness. Did he want to leave?

"Do you want to stay?" she asked.

He turned to look at her, saying nothing.

Was he reading her thoughts? 

 Stay,  she sent. 

He returned to her bed and Kris scooted over, giving him room. Her blanket was soaked with sweat so she tossed it aside and pulled the sheet up to cover them both. As she started to settle in, Kristie could feel her thoughts waiting in the wings of her brain. She focused instead on the texture of the sheets and the cool air on her fevered skin. 

And the light of the room; her lava lamp was still on.

Before she could move, Daman placed a hand on her shoulder to hold her down. "I'll get it," he said, getting up and crossing to the table to click the light off.

Kristie's room was dark except for a thin sliver of blue light that crept through a curtain. She felt the bed dip as Daman joined her.

"How well can you see my room right now?" Kristie didn't turn to look at him. They were both taking advantage of the cool areas of the bed away from the center, so no part of their overheated bodies made contact. She was okay with that, since she was all hot and sweaty. 

She suddenly wondered if Daman was the snuggling type.

"I can see well enough. It's not like daylight... our eyes are not  that  good. But I can see much better than a human at night. It's all about light reflection. Were we in a cave where no amount of light from the sun reached the floor or walls, I would see what you see now. Very little. But if we are outside on a night with no moon, I could still see better than most, because light is still present through the atmosphere and stars."

"Was that part of a lecture you give or something?" Kristie wanted to giggle but her throat ached.

"No," Daman replied with a weak chuckle. "I don't teach at the school. I have business that sometimes takes me away. No Head of House teaches... unless they want to."

Kristie suddenly felt very tired. Stretching, she scrubbed a hand through her short hair and wondered what life would be like if she had a fling with a vampire. Rolling over onto her stomach, she tucked her arms under her pillow and faced Daman. She was surprised to see him laying on his side, staring back at her.

For a moment they just stared at each other, his dark eyes looking back at her.

Daman reached out and caressed her cheek. "I took too much from you. You're pale."

"I'm fine." 

Was that a lie? She didn't know... she'd never experienced being drained by a vampire. 

At least this vampire cared.

Kristie gasped quietly as Daman moved to the center of the bed, his hand slipping beneath the sheet to caress her bare skin. When he was settled, he was just inches from her face.

"Sleep... you'll feel better in the morning."

"One more question." When Daman didn't answer, she went on. "Do vampires sleep?"

Daman's lips twitched. "Yes. But rarely. We all must sleep to dream, but our minds are more advanced; we do not need the hours humans do to reach the stage. 

Kristie felt her mind start to drift as sleep approached.

"Daman?"

"Yes?"

"You bit me."

"Yes."

"Will I be one of you now?"

"No."

"Good."

Kristie heard him chuckle as she drifted off to sleep.

*

 Thanks for reading the seventh chapter of my series! I know it was long coming but it's not the last. Please take time to vote or leave a comment; they're much appreciated!



Shadow School Ch. 08



The morning after the party Cameron woke to the beautiful yet annoying birdsong just outside her window. It was just like any other morning, with one exception; there was someone in her bed with her.

Jerking awake when she noticed a hand was caressing up and down her side, Cameron bolted up to a sitting position and turned to see who was with her. Panic at an intruder melted away when she met familiar glittering green eyes. 

Elias grinned at her knowingly, reminding her of exactly why he was there.

Last night had not exactly been the most romantic experience of her young life. Cameron had been sick and confused then whisked away for a terrifying high speed ride on the back of Elias' motorcycle. By the time he had escorted her through the door, she spent more time hovering over the toilet than giving him a tour of her house.

Elias, despite his so-far horrible visit, seemed in a great mood. Cameron couldn't understand what had him so thrilled; he'd spent most of the night holding her hair back from her face as she vomited repeatedly. Her stomach muscles felt like she'd done too many crunches.

Figuring it must not have fazed him since he was still in her house - in her bed - she laid back down facing him, wondering what she should say. Thank you? Sorry? Good morning?

"Good morning," Elias said, brushing a stray hair back from her forehead.

"Hey," Cameron answered. Her throat was scratchy.

"Usually this happens further into a relationship, but with you, everything seems to be a bit rushed." Elias grinned at her.

Cameron was processing his words at the same time as she realized what a state she must be in; her breath was probably horrible, and who knows what she looked like. Her only response was to blush.

Elias sighed and rubbed her cheek. "I love the way your cheeks flush when you're around me. You know just how to flirt."

Cameron's eyes widened at the thought of how her cheeks burned, a rush of blood to her face that said hello. She buried her face into her pillow like an ostrich. 

Elias chuckled.

She felt him move closer and inwardly cursed her stupidity; by hiding her face, she'd inadvertently exposed her neck to him. Probably not the best idea when next to a vampire. God, was she really so clumsy?

"Not clumsy... you're a natural temptress." Elias said before he kissed her neck.

Everything left Cameron's mind when she started focusing on the feel of his lips at her throat, soft and gentle, yet hiding a real threat to her life. She slowly suffocated herself with her pillow. When Cameron emerged for air, she peeked through her hair to see Elias roll from the bed and stand in the dim morning light. 

The vampire was wearing black boxer-briefs.

Cameron watched in fascination as the muscles in Elias' back rippled as he stretched, his pale skin shifting over his form in way that had her mouth watering. When he heard her thought, he turned to give her a wry smile and she thought again what a mess she must look.

She glanced at the clock and sat up, looking around her room. It was light enough for early morning but it was almost noon. Her eyes went to her windows and she saw that some makeshift curtains had been created out of spare sheets and a blanket. 

"I'm your hostage today," Elias said when she looked at him questioningly. "There's no way for me to leave your home until nightfall. Will this cause a problem with your parents?"

Cameron shook her head. "My parents are at the club all day on Saturdays. I usually just have the day to myself."

"Well then," Elias said, crossing to her bathroom door. "I hope you are in the mood for some extensive pampering."

Cameron didn't know how to respond as she watched him disappear through the door. Pampering? From a vampire?

She heard water pouring into her tub and was instantly nervous and eager. A bath. She'd love a bath. She  needed  a bath.

***

Melanie stared groggily up at the ceiling. Her head throbbed.

She wondered if a hangover felt like this. She'd never experienced one, but it was probably close. The light was too bright but she could tell it wasn't actually glaring. Still, it was enough to hurt her eyes.

"Hey, she's waking up... Dose her again."

Melanie felt panic try to rear up inside her but she was just too sleepy. A man... there was a man's voice. One she didn't recognize.

"Aw, come on," another voice said, "She's tied. It's not like she can go anywhere."

"Just do it." The first voice was gruff.

Melanie's eyes tried to focus on the face as it came into view, but it was blurry. All she could make out was sandy blonde hair in messy spikes and a youthful face with a bit of stubble.

"It's okay," the face said, "this is probably the last time."

"Dammit, Ian, just gas her and get back over here!" the gruff voice called from somewhere nearby.

Melanie watched as a clear mask approached her face. She turned her head, but the hand guiding the mask simply followed her movement, latching onto her nose and mouth easily. 

It only took a few breaths before she watched the world fade to dissolve and...

***

Kristie moaned into her pillow and squinted, unable to ignore the bright light flooding into her room any longer. What was the deal? She specifically had her curtains set to dim the morning light for just this reason.

Turning her head and groaning, she stayed still long enough to attempt going back to sleep until her mind locked on a simple thought; one that made her jump to a kneeling position and stare around her room.

Daman was gone.

Fuck!

Did he burn up or something? She cursed again and looked over the sheets then dove down to study the floor, first one side, then the other.

Shit, shit, shit!

It would figure that the first time she actually found someone who blew her mind - and body - it would not only be male, but a vampire, and she would incinerate him by accident.

Stopping herself mid-panic, Kristie sat back on her heels and rolled her eyes at herself. Daman was what, like, a thousand years old? Of course he wouldn't let himself die by sunlight... Maybe he'd even started sizzling and the pain woke him up... or... whatever. Looking at her curtains, Kris thought that if she hadn't moved them, then Daman must have.

Which meant he was the fuck and run type. Great.

Then again, it wasn't like she wouldn't see him again eventually; she was going to his school after all. Still, it would have been nice if he'd left a note before leaving without telling her bye.

That's when her eyes fell on a folded piece of paper propped between the unused glasses and liquor bottle on the nightstand.

Of. Course.

Reaching for the paper, Kristie slid her legs back under the warm sheets and flicked the page open. "Ready for Round Two?" 

She couldn't help the snort that left her after she read the note out loud. Round two? When? No time, no place, no number even... How was she supposed to call him? Or... should she call him.  Fucking vampires,  Kristie thought to herself.

 Well, he's not here.  That was for sure; otherwise there wouldn't be a massive amount of light flooding her room. She didn't figure Daman for the hide-in-the-closet type. 

Then again...

Kristie got out of bed and opened her closet, deciding she might as well check the house while she was at it; she didn't want to let her guard down then have him show up while she was taking a shower. Not that showering wouldn't be more fun if Daman did show up, but this inner facade of calm she'd built up when dealing with the existence of real vampires was fragile. Not that she'd admit it to anyone other than herself.

And damn; she'd planned on asking him all kinds of questions... Like about the fact that her school escort was his son.

Kristie's hand froze on the fridge handle when she thought of the total lack of prophylactics the night before. Shit. She didn't really think about condoms... why would she? She never needed one. All her sex up to this point, with the exception of a few experiments back in the day, had been dickless. 

Fuck.

But... Daman had pulled out. Relaxing, she still didn't open the refrigerator. Kristie knew there was something going on at that school, but every time she thought she had it pegged she would come across something that threw her off. 

Finally grabbing the juice she'd come into the kitchen for, she turned and headed back to her room, a bevy of thoughts fighting for dominance in her brain. It made her feel mentally suffocated. Like, why were Elias and Daman both fucking their new recruits? Was that the welcome every girl got? Did they drop a girl once a new one came in or did they have mini-harems? And, there were only four guys among the Heads... so what was the deal with the three chicks?

And how the Hell did vampires have kids? 

Kristie took a swig of her juice and sat it on the counter in her bathroom, turning to get the shower going. As more thoughts began filtering through her already clogged head, one remained on top: when it came to  real  vampires, Kristie had to wipe her knowledge slate clean and start all over; because they were nothing like the books and movies.

***

Cameron gave a sigh of bliss as she relaxed in the hot bath. She had dunked herself a few times so she didn't feel too self-conscious leaning against Elias' chest. She thanked her childhood obsession with bubble baths for the roman tub her parents had installed in her bathroom when they built the house; she didn't use it that much now that she took showers, but it came in handy today.

Snuggling back against Elias, she sighed again. He had lit candles and turned off the lights. If it weren't midday, she would have thought this was a perfect beginning to a romantic night; which made her wonder... 

What was the deal?

Elias' hands were resting on her stomach, caressing up and down from her breasts to the tops of her thighs occasionally, but... His relaxed movements made her think he was just content to lay there with her. That wasn't normal guy behavior was it?

Elias chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "Were I the age I look, perhaps this quality time would not interest me." His left hand trailed up from her abdomen to cup her breast, his thumb tracing over her nipple. She hissed as the tender tip was touched. "But my lifestyle these days affords me little of these luxuries. You learn to appreciate what you do not have a chance to experience often."

"You're surrounded by girls, Elias... How can you not have the chance to experience this as much as you want?" Cameron knew she sounded a little bitter, but she was thinking it, so she figured she might as well voice her thoughts. Nellie came to the front of her mind, along with some of the crude things she'd said; she hoped the readable memory drove her point home.

Elias stayed close to her wet hair, his lips and nose nuzzling her scalp. "Despite the number of women who have been in my life, it is actually rare to find one I immediately take to... I had more passion for you in our first hour together than I ever had with Nellie in our months together combined."

She blanched.

"Cameron, I know we are at opposite ends of the spectrum, you with hardly any experience, and me with... more... but trust me when I say it has been a decade since I last felt anything like this. And you... you have something within you that is so rare it is coveted among my kind; it only adds to my desire to be with you... to protect you... to do everything I can to make you feel exquisite and cherished in every way." 

Glancing down, Cameron stared at his hand resting on her stomach beneath the water. Something in his words... They were so tender and nothing like she expected from a vampire - or a man for that matter - especially one she barely knew.

Cameron rolled over in the water to lay against his chest, looking into his face, staring at those green eyes that always made her breath hitch. Eyes that were not the only of their kind in the world.

Her own eyes widened with a simple thought: Elias could have children.

"I'm pregnant." It was a question, but she said it as a statement. It was simple: vampires could have children; she and Elias had had unprotected sex. Had she been a little more dense, his words might have been flattering. They still were; all that about being cherished made her feel all gooey inside, but deep down she heard the truth in his words.  Something in her that was rare and coveted by his kind? 

Elias nodded at her, his face showing almost no emotion as he read her thoughts. Still, there was a hint of awe in his eyes and mirth worked his lips into the slightest of grins when she noticed.

"Are you certain?" Cameron asked. "Don't I need to take a test or something?"

"I knew before we left the balcony last night." He paused as if he was going to say more, but instead he said, "We know."

Cameron didn't have to ask who the "we" were... It was probably some freaky vampire sense; like the way dogs can tell if someone is about to have a seizure. Staring into his face a few seconds more, she could see he was waiting for her to react. 

She wondered what others had done in her place... Freaked out? Jumped for joy? Did they know what this meant? What  did  this mean? Would it hurt? Like... more than normal?

Would she die?

"Will I?"

"You have just as much chance as any other woman who carries a child." Elias said, holding her gaze. "It will be a little different, due to the nature of the child's bloodline, but you are strong enough to handle it... You wouldn't have been chosen if you couldn't bear it."

"So that's it then?" Cameron asked, knowing she was crossing over into a whole new realm of information if she asked these questions. She also knew she would get truthful answers; she had already been asked to think before she voiced a question, knowing they would tell her what she wanted to know. It was what she did with the answers that would dictate her future safety. 

Standing, Cameron stepped from the tub... and slipped on the tile floor. 

Before she could hit the ground, however, Elias was there, his hands holding her just inches above the floor. He lifted her up to a standing position and she grabbed two towels, handing one to him as if he didn't just keep her from smashing her face into the tiles.  Let the protection detail begin.

Cameron began drying herself as she walked into her room, her hands lingering on her flat stomach. Was she ready for this? She could feel Elias' eyes on her as he followed her; he was probably waiting for her to freak out or whatever most girls did in this situation. 

Most girls. Ugh.

It was like she was back in the hallway, facing all those vampires; she didn't freak out then either - in the face of death - she wasn't about to do it now when logic waved its hand in her face; she'd had sex with a vampire, hadn't used a condom, and learned they could have children. What else was there?

Actually... there was a lot more. "So this amazing scholarship... the catch... it's this, isn't it. It's why you choose women; why you scout for them." Cameron looked up at Elias who was standing a little closer to her than she expected. She sat on her bed. "All that talk about pure bloodlines." She grunted a half-hearted chuckle under her breath.  That's all this was? A plot to get me knocked up? 

"No." Elias eyed her. "You know I only speak truth..." He knelt down in front of her, his damp body sliding between her legs as his hands came to rest on her shoulders. "But can you handle the things you will hear?"

Cameron nodded, her eyes filling with tears against her will.

Elias' hand rose to cup her cheek, his fingers weaving through her damp hair. "Cameron, what you have managed to do from our very first time together is extraordinary. Please understand you hold my fascination and gratitude... but despite that..." Elias lifted her chin and she met his eyes. "I felt a fire boiling in my veins the moment I saw you. I wanted you for my House, I will admit that. But I would have courted you, lavished you with gifts, made you feel safe with me, before ever attempting what happened between us. Despite the way things happened, I am  not  sorry.

His phone began to ring; he ignored it. Instead, Elias let his hand trail down her face and fall to rest beside her on the bed. "What happened between us was me... all me. And you. The school's traditions had nothing to do with this child... If I had gone with tradition, you would be introduced to the inner workings of the college by the women in the circle, or by myself, before even having to come to terms with your condition. Hell, you wouldn't even be  in  this condition. As it is, I have done you a great disservice."

Cameron looked down at her hands. "My parents are going to kill me."

"Your parents will never know."

She met his eyes.

"Not if you do not wish them to. You will be attending college. If we have to say you went on the holiday trip with some of the other students then you won't have to worry about Christmas either." Elias took her hand in his. "No one, other than those involved, should know about this baby, Cameron. It's an important part of..."

The phone rang again. Elias grimaced and stood, leaving Cameron to stare at the floor where he had been.

Tell no one? 

"This had better be good." Elias had one of those newer, smaller cell phones Cameron had been eyeing but she only spared a second to notice the device before studying his face as he listened to whoever was on the other end. He swept his hands through his wet curls, his hair already starting to dry in some places. "Who is leading the team?... Good. Let some of the younger ones go for surveillance... No, I am with her already." Elias glanced at her, then began to pace. "Just send scouts to the other houses; have you called the others?"

Cameron's eyes widened with each new fragment Elias communicated into his phone. What was going on? Surveillance? What other houses? The ones on campus?

"I'm shadow-bound." Elias paused, listening. "No need. I'm staying here. Keep me posted if anything changes." He glanced at her. "On second thought, only call if it is an emergency - I'll check in when I'm ready."

Elias flipped his phone closed and dropped it onto the dresser with his pants. The pile of clothing made her look back at his towel-clad form and she felt a thrill run through her; what if her parents got home to find this naked man in her room?

Elias smirked and began to approach her. "Would you rather play board games? Something a little more PG?"

Cameron didn't let his sarcasm change the subject. "What was that all about?"

Elias neared her and leaned down for a kiss, but Cameron leaned back to look at his face. He wasn't getting out of this so easy.

Or maybe he was.

The move put him over her and as she kept leaning away from him, he simply followed, his look taking on a more familiar predatory glint. 

"Elias..."

He stopped when she did, her retreat halted by the mattress. He looked down at her, moving in slowly to let his lips brush hers lightly, his eyes never leaving her own - since she hadn't closed them. She had to know.

"Mild disturbance. Nothing you need to worry about."

Cameron continued to look up at him, despite the urge to let him kiss her. His lips quirked at her failing willpower but she returned the look with a scowl. It made him chuckle.

"It sounded like more than that," she said.

"It  is  more that that...but just a little. No matter what happens out there, I am here with you, so you are safe." He leaned in to kiss her.

"So someone isn't safe?" she asked, her lips so close to his that she felt them touch as she spoke.

Elias closed his mouth and rose just a fraction to give her a look that said "enough." Sighing he leaned back just a little farther to truly look at her. "Cameron, there are too many things you do not know. Were I to even tell you a fraction of what is happening, you would end up asking even more than you are now." 




Shadow School Ch. 08



He leaned down to nuzzle her ear. "Would you rather spend the day learning about what is happening by playing twenty questions a dozen times or would you rather just... play?"

She shivered as he nibbled her ear and said, "You're trying to distract me."

"Yes."

"Answer me just one question then and I promise not to ask another for at least... an hour."

Elias lifted his head from her neck and looked at her, waiting.

"Am I in some kind of danger?"

He chuckled. "Cameron, you have been in danger since the moment Gavin saw you at your high school social event; it is not really so bad, the trade for a chance to be at the top in life." The mirth left his voice. "But when you entered the Crossroads... as quick and brutal as your introduction was to my reality, it was nothing compared to what could have happened were there more than just the three of us down there. Trust me. You saw the others arrive just because of your scent. They couldn't help themselves."

Elias trailed a finger from her neck, down her throat, then across the towel as he spoke. "You are about to attend a college where vampires send their children. There is no safer place to be if you are one of the seven." He reached down and slid his hand up under her towel and let it rest on her stomach. "And of the hundreds of students attending this fall, you will be the most protected one among them. You carry my child, Cameron... No one will dare hurt you, or they will suffer."

Cameron blinked at the ferocity in his voice. It was a little scary.

Elias moved the hand on her stomach up her abdomen and over her breastbone to where the towel was knotted in place. Watching his face turn devious, Cameron begin to shiver even before the cloth fell to the side and left her lower body naked to the air, her nerves finally catching up to her. The vampire above her looked hungry, and not for blood.

The blonde immortal pressed his lips to hers, gently at first, testing her readiness to end the conversation. When she didn't resist, he kissed her harder. Cameron's eyes closed as his tongue slid into her mouth, tender yet eager, his hand slipping beneath the terrycloth knot to slacken its hold. Now there wasn't a single barrier between her skin and his; she had no idea when he had removed his own towel.

Cameron felt his caresses, gentle at first, soft... until his primal male need took over. He picked her up so she hovered just an inch above the comforter and moved her higher up on the bed, placing her so her head rested on her pillows. It was so effortless for him to move her whole body. She had to admit that power was part of what drew her to the vampire; the strength he had. Her hair was still wet and drenching her pillow but she really didn't care; Elias was doing wonderful things to one of her nipples while his fingers caressed other. Cameron arched her back at his touch.

The novelty of finally having sex in a bed was not lost on her, though she barely gave it any thought. Her first experiences with the immortal had been in more complicated locations and to actually do it in the most conventional place was a relief. The softness of the mattress beneath her left Cameron able to appreciate the feeling of Elias' hands as he caressed her and teased her with his tongue.

And what a wicked tongue he had.

He trailed the wet muscle down her stomach while his fingers massaged her inner thighs, every sensation readying her body for a deeper, more intimate touch. He was stroking a fire that only sizzled moments earlier - if he continued down this path, Cameron knew she would be engulfed in flames in no time.

When his tongue made contact with her clitoris, she moaned, her back arching of its own accord, her body reaching for his sensuous mouth. He could have done anything to her in that moment and she wouldn't have cared, so long as he kept touching her, giving her the pleasure her body craved. It wasn't long before she was gasping at the jolts her nerves were sending out with each caress. 

Elias dipped his tongue into her over and over, withdrawing it only to slide it up her swollen lips to swirl around her clit before descending yet again. Repeating the action with a few variations, Elias drove Cameron to a fever pitch, trapping her in a tempest of pleasure. His hands gripped her legs, forcing them wide open so they couldn't close. And oh, how they wanted to close, trapping him there until her body found the release it feverishly craved.

Helpless to move, Cameron's toes curled and uncurled over and over again as Elias attacked her pussy with his tongue, she grabbed his head in her hands, unable to help herself. More. She wanted more. Hers fingers ran through his blonde curls, her mind lost in the approaching orgasm Elias was driving her to. He ate her so damn good.

Finally, Elias released her legs - an action that made them shut like a trap - and inserted a finger into her. The invasion made her body burst into flames, the orgasm scorching her every nerve. 

Cameron began moaning so loudly, the sound of ecstasy coming from her could have been considered a scream. She honestly had no idea she had at kind of sound inside her, but her body just sang with bliss as Elias drove her on and on, relentless in his assault on her nerves. She peaked, saying his name and feeling him respond with even more aggression.

Finally, her body reaching the tip of Climax, Cameron began to descend from the fiery heights to a valley of burning light. White-hot fire was all she could see, her vision momentarily taken over by the sensation her brain seemed unable to handle. She was almost disappointed when inky black spots began dragging her back to reality. That was, until she looked down between her legs and the darkness settled into the image of Elias, gently caressing her inner thigh.

He watched her, expressionless but for the twinkle in his eyes. His lips were wet with her juices and a grin was slowly forming at the edge of his mouth; probably a reaction to her own face, which had to reflect every bit of bewilderment and satisfaction his touch created inside her.

Collapsing back, Cameron stared up at the ceiling in wonder while her chest heaved with gulping breaths. She felt Elias massaging her hips and knew he wasn't finished with her; they had all day after all. She also knew that the sight she presented him with was that of a woman completely enthralled by her lover, her legs splayed in open acceptance of whatever pleasure he wanted to give her or take for himself. 

Cameron suddenly didn't care that he had been with an uncountable number of women; if all that experience led to his skill in bed, she was content with him spending his talents on her, as long as she was the only one he did this to.

Remembering he was probably reading her like a book, she raised her head and looked down at Elias, who was still nestled between her legs. He hungrier than before, a look she barely caught before his face dove to her core once more. Her eyes widened as his tongue again thrust into her, quickly replaced by two of his fingers. 

Cameron grasped Elias' head and pressed his face into her, his delicious skills mind-numbingly good. Her soft purrs of pleasure increased when he inserted a third finger, stretching her, her sensitive core still throbbing from the first blast of ecstasy he had delivered. 

It took no time to push her over the edge this time. She was helpless to the reactions her body had to the vampire's touch. Her body writhed once more, her nerves at the mercy of his skilled caresses.

Elias' free hand snaked up her stomach and latched onto one of her breasts. Her body bucked at the extra sensation of her nipple being palmed, his touch sparking a fire in an already-explosive situation. Wave after wave, the inferno hit her, bathing her in an orgasm so hot Cameron thought she might drown in the flames.

Soaked, both between her legs and over every inch of skin, Cameron collapsed back onto the pillows like a rag-doll. She felt Elias slide up her spent body, his weight settling atop her as his mouth took over the nipple he had been massaging. Sharp teeth grazed the sensitive tip before hot lips clamped down to suck at her.

Cameron laid still, her body so relaxed she refused to disturb her muscles until they were ready to go again. Instead, she focused on her lover's mouth, his grasping fingers, and the large, throbbing length of him resting against her leg. His cock was hard and swollen, a brand on her thigh, and it's close proximity to her humming core made her eager. 

Elias kissed her breastbone as he climbed further up her body, his lips caressing up her throat to that point on her neck that always made chills rush down her spine. The flash of cold through her heated body seemed to jolt her muscles into action, because she suddenly needed more; wanted more, more, more... anything this man could give her.

A chuckle at her ear told her Elias was listening in. She still didn't know what she thought about another person invading her very thoughts, but in times like this, when she felt the head of Elias' cock push against her heated entrance, she understood the benefits. She didn't have to ask for something she wanted; he already knew.

Elias inserted the tip of his cock into her, and Cameron watched him savor the tight slide into her body. Coming to rest deep inside her, Elias settled his weight on top of her and brushed a hand over her drying hair, leaning down to kiss her. Cameron responded by wrapping her legs around his waist. 

The kiss was just as she expected: conquering. There was no hesitation, no hint of the fear of rejection. Elias knew what he wanted. He took it. And God was it sexy.

What Cameron didn't expect, however, was the taunting slowness of his movements, a deep, slow taking that had her body on a knife's point of anticipation. Every encounter she had with the blonde vampire had been quick, heated, passionate and invigorating. A thrill. What he did to her now was slow, soft, tender and, well, enthralling.

His eyes watched her, drinking in her every reaction. Her own eyes stared back in wonder at the creature above her that legends made out to be so vicious, the same being that was showing a more gentle side than she thought possible. At that moment, he was simply a man making love to a woman.

Making love. Not fucking. There was no way she could call this fucking. It was too tender, too exquisite. Too torturous.

Cameron had the sudden desire to change the tempo; he was going too slow. She would flip him over and ride his cock hard until she felt another rush of orgasmic bliss wash over her once more. Moving to do so, she was stopped by Elias, his fingers wrapping around her wrists and pinning her arms down on either side of her head. Other than that movement, nothing disturbed his rhythm; his body continued its slow slide up and down her skin.

Leaning down he bit her earlobe in warning, sucked at the stinging flesh, then whispered, "Relax. Good feelings come to those who wait." He moved his head up and over to her other ear, caressing her lips teasingly along the way. "Let me pamper you today; you can have your way with me next time."

Cameron did relax. She melted into the pillows and closed her eyes as Elias sucked at the tender skin of her neck. She knew he was just teasing, not threatening to bite her... and if he did, she... well... she really didn't care.

Everything up to this point was so surreal, so unexpected and impossible that someone could tell her the world would end tomorrow and she would just shrug in acceptance. Why spend that time fretting over the inane details. 

Like now. She had hot guy on top of her, he had set up a future for her so she could have chances she never dreamed of, and she was carrying his child. Everything up to this point told her he had claimed her as his, and - while her body still hummed with the electricity of two orgasms he had given her - she was beginning to think that that wasn't exactly a bad thing. 

Elias stilled above her and looked down into her eyes. 

So there was the tiny detail that he was a vampire. It didn't take her long to think that if there were such a thing in the real world, not just in myths and stories, the safest place to be would be with them... wouldn't it?. A favorite. A friend. Hell, even a pet, if that was how vampires thought of humans.

Okay that thought slipped out. She didn't want to be anyone's pet. As much as people joked about wanting to have the life of a lapdog, those pampered pooches still had to be on a leash if they left the house; and had to play and eat on their owners schedules. No... no she wouldn't be a pet to anyone. But she would be... something... to Elias.

Cameron lifted her head to kiss the frozen immortal; Elias for once seeming to hesitate, barely returned the kiss. When she fell back and waited, he continued to stare down at her. They laid there for several moments until Cameron felt him starting to slip from her.

Panic tightened Cameron's chest; had her thoughts done something to-

Elias slammed his hard length back into her a second before his mouth crushed against hers. One of his hands slid beneath her and up to her neck, his fingers clasping her nape while the other grasped her hip, branding her skin. She moaned and arched into him when his second thrust slid even harder into her.

Cameron grazed her nails down his back in appreciation. Her hands traveled down even further to grip his ass. She palmed the flesh there as she lifted her legs, pulling him even deeper into her body as he pounded inside her. Deep... so deep.

Elias broke the kiss, his forehead pressing to hers as he sped his movement, the speed she'd craved earlier finally winning over. Cameron had had her eyes closed at the intensity of the new pace he was setting but she wanted to see it herself. Opening her eyes, she gazed up into a face contorted with... an extreme emotion she couldn't... was it pain? 

Opening her eyes wider, she gripped the sides of Elias' head and raised it up so she could see him better. Eyes that had been squeezed shut popped open and looked down at her, the irises left to thin circles around pupils too big to be natural.

Something sliced into her throat.

Cameron blinked at the sudden sensation and realized Elias was no longer looking at her from above. A sudden tingling sensation rushed through her body like a wave, hitting her toes and washing back up to a point at her neck. She couldn't turn her head so she thought to feel with her hands... which were still on Elias' head. 

He was the source of the momentary pain. He was drinking from her. Another gulp sent that wave down her body again and she shivered as it passed back up and over where their bodies were connected. Something pleasant happened when-

Gulp.

Oh. Hell.

Cameron only had a second to brace herself before another orgasm hit her. She grunted - afraid to scream her pleasure with a vampire so close to her throat - and clamped her legs to his hips, her fingernails digging into Elias' scalp as he drank from her, every gulp intensifying the rush of bliss that was a hurricane inside her.

Elias tensed above her; his own movements became jerky as he came hard inside her. His hands wrapped around her and crushed her to him, tight enough to make Cameron gasp but not so tight that she couldn't breathe. He stayed at her neck, his teeth in her flesh, until their bodies were spent.

Exhausted, Cameron felt her muscles give out. Her arms and legs crashed to the bed and she floated in the calm after the storm. She thought she heard Elias say something to her, but her mind was elsewhere, floating, drifting... into blackness.

***

Melanie woke up to a horrible, tight feeling in her head. Opening her eyes, all she could see was a jean pocket with familiar stitching. It was upside down.

It took a few more moments for her to realize it was she who was upside down, the pressure in her head caused by all the blood pooling in her face and brain. Her arms dangled above her... or rather, below her, and her middle was pressed tightly to someone's shoulder.

Mary Mother of-

"Throw her in with this one. We're running out of time."

"I'm not actually going to throw a teenage girl. How 'bout I lay her down nicely," said the man carrying her. She felt the vibration as he spoke.

"I don't care how the fuck she ends up in the cell, just put her in so we can go wipe the place down. We've got less than an hour before dusk."

Melanie closed her eyes as the man carrying her lifted her and laid her down on cold hard -- and wet -- concrete. Ugh, gross. 

She didn't really want to see where they'd stuck her but she couldn't help opening her eyes; she had to know who was doing this to her.

Lids raising to half-mast, Melanie looked into eyes of deepest brown. She didn't move; it was the same sandy-blonde guy from earlier. What if he gassed her again?

"Uh... she's waking up."

The other man cursed again. "Whatever. Leave her. We have a job to do."

Melanie sat up as the boy... the young man... left her and followed another hulking shape from view, closing a gate, a door, behind them and flicking a lock. As the men left, she had sat up to watch them and instantly regretted it. She'd tried to study both in case she had the chance to identify them later, but the moment she stopped moving, her head swam and she felt like she was going to throw up. 

Black spider webs crisscrossing her vision, Melanie laid back down quickly in hopes that she wouldn't pass out again. She breathed deeply and waited for her body to fully wake up from whatever stupor she'd been put in. She wondered how long she'd have to wait. Was it like giving blood? Not that she'd ever donated enough to make her dizzy but she knew if you stood up too fast you could faint. 

She studied the walls as she waited. They were dingy and dark, with a bare bulb hanging from the ceiling; the room had a grey green cast to it that was just depressing. Makeshift bars locked her in, random pieces of scrap metal with sharp edges - and probably plenty of tetanus among other plagues - just ready for her to wrap her fingers around in an attempt to escape. 

The sad part was that the lock wasn't all that complicated; it was a standard locker contraption with numbers. Just start with 00000 and work your way to 99999 in the hopes that the combination would come sooner than later. So it wasn't so helpless... she just had a hundred thousand numbers to go through.

Melanie blanched. It would take days. 

She tested her body's reaction once more by sitting up. She was bruised but other than that Melanie felt fine. Her head was pounding; what she wouldn't give for a Tylenol right now. 

Sighing, Melanie scooted across the nasty floor to the bars, listening intently for any sounds other than her own, and peeked through the scrap metal while trying to avoid actually touching any of it. Spying no one in the hallway, she saw a door at the end and wondered if it was locked as well. How frustrating would it be to break out only to find another locked door. 

Determined, she sat up on her knees and gave the lock a tug. The blue plastic knobs were set to zero all the way across, so that was where she would start. She tugged at the lock, foolishly hoping her captors were lazy enough to make 00000 the actual combination. When it didn't budge, she continued: 00001, pull... 00002, pull... 00003, pull.

"Start at 12978. That's where I left off."

Melanie spun on her knees - okay, ow - to lock eyes with a girl in the corner. Her thick shoulder-length brown hair was greasy and her whole body was covered in dirty smudges that made her blend with the room, her khaki pants and mustard colored shirt just as filthy as her skin. She looked... tired.

"Devin?"

The girl coughed.




Shadow School Ch. 08



"It's Devin, right?" Melanie's eyes widened. She was one of the seven. The one Gavin had chosen instead of Melanie.

"I know you," the girl said weakly, her eyes straining as she looked Melanie over.

"I'm one of the Shacrow Seven... I'm in your Circle. Melanie. Melanie Carter?"

"The Roanoke girl."

Melanie nodded.

"Well, damn."

Melanie blinked. She didn't know what she expected the girl to say next but that wasn't it. "Sorry?"

"So this is an attack on the school then. Or a very sick and twisted hazing ritual."

Melanie listened to the words with shock, coming to the same conclusion. Why else would another one of the seven be in the cell with her. Surely it wasn't a coincidence. "Are you hurt?"

"No." Devin rubbed at her bare arm as if she were cold. "Just tired, hungry, and drugged. I ran from those bastards for a few hours before they finally caught me. Tranquilizer dart to the shoulder. Woke up I their lab and they put be right back under." She tried to sit up. "Been here for two days with no food."

Melanie gulped. Two days... "They didn't bring you food or water?"

Devin shook her head. "It rained this morning... There's a leak in the middle of the room."

Well that was why the floor was wet, but considering they were a basement, there was no telling what the water filtered through to get down here. And devil had drank it? Eww.

Melanie studied Devin. No way was she drinking the water. With no food for a couple of days a person could be tired but not as weak as Devin seemed to be. She must have ingested something.

Not that she'd point that out in the girl's state.

Melanie turned back to the lock. The only way to get out of this situation was to get out of this room. "What number did you say you stopped at?"

Devin gave the lock and evil look. "Twelve nine seventy-eight. I did the math... Forty combinations a minute is still two thousand five hundred minutes; divided by sixty minutes, we're looking at over forty hours of continuous turning. Factor in breaks, sleep, and general tiredness... It'll two more days at least." The girl put her head in her hands.

Melanie pursed her lips. "We'll work in shifts. Can you do that?" The girl looked like she was about to fall over. 

Devin nodded. 

Melanie turned back to the lock. "You rest now. I feel okay to do this for a while." She heard the girl lay back down as she turned the blue plastic.

12978, pull... 12979, pull... 12980, pull...

***

Kristie lounged on her father's sofa, a Rubik's cube dancing between her hands as she blindly twisted the thing into an even bigger mess. She'd given up trying to figure out how to line up the colors an hour ago.

One thing was for sure; she wasn't keen on house arrest.

She looked up at the hulking man standing at the window of her living room. "Shouldn't you be a little more stealthy? Like, hiding so whatever's out there can't see you until it's too late?"

The honey-skinned man, Jonas, glanced her way before crossing his arms and looking back out at the afternoon light. 

"If one of us stands at the window, there is no guessing how many others wait inside," Eric explained. Daman's son stood at the kitchen archway, propped up against the frame in a relaxed posture that lied about his current alertness. The two men had shown up around one o'clock, invited themselves in, and told Kristie that she was not to leave the house under any circumstances.

That had been over three hours ago.

It wouldn't have been so bad if she could talk at least one of the guys into playing cards or something. She was bored; she couldn't turn the TV on because it would make noise, and solitaire had gotten old pretty quick. 

"How much longer?" she asked.

"Daman will leave his location at twilight. When he gets here it will be easier to watch the premises."

"And what are you guarding me from exactly?"

"That's classified," Jonas said for the hundredth time.

"No, that's bullshit that's what that is. How the Hell and I supposed to run from "classified" if "classified" happens to take you two out?

"Kris-"

"You know what I think?" she interrupted Eric's attempt to calm her, "I think it's werewolves or some shit like that. I mean, they're your mortal enemy in legends... and those pictures, those hieroglyphs on the-"

"Kris!" Eric said, raising his voice to her for the first time since she met the half-vamp. "You wanna know what's going on?" When she didn't answer he asked again, "Do you?"

"Yeah."

"Well so do we."

Okay... Not what she expected.

Eric came in and sat in the chair opposite the sofa where Kristie was splayed. "Two girls from the Circle were abducted within the last four days. Scents tell us it's wolfen but we don't know which pack let alone which clan. All we know is it's an outsider hit on the school and they're targeting you and the other chosen."

"Why us?"

Eric pursed his lips. The inner debate over what to tell her was written all over his face. "Look... You'll learn this soon anyway. You and the others are special; the school needs you. And right now, while you're not on school grounds, you're more vulnerable. It's never been a problem because everything involving you is kept secret; even the CIA or FBI would have a hard time figuring out where you attend college. So, the only explanation is a problem we haven't had at the school in over a hundred years."

"Yeah?" she asked. "What's that."

"A leak," Jonas said, still not turning from the window.

"What like one of the girls?"

"No. It could have come from anywhere but as for you and the other freshman, only the President's office and the other Heads know where you are."

"Well let's be honest guys, if I wanted to, I could shout from the top of the hills that I got accepted into a vampire academy... One of the other girls could have done the same." Or any of the students.

"Ah, but two girls were abducted. Not one. Someone had to know where both lived, which is classified, even from other students." Eric crossed his arms over his chest. "And just a fair warning, were you to have been the leak, you would have been dead three days ago."

"Daman couldn't have read my mind until last night."

Eric's smile was hard. "He wouldn't have had too. Others have the ability." 

He glanced at Jonas. So did she. She looked back at Eric, watching for any sign of silent communication as he turned his eyes back to her. Her own eyes narrowed.

Eric could read minds, a gift from his father. Was Jonas the child of a vampire as well? She guessed she didn't think about it - the brute was so big and beefy where most all the vampires were toned and slender. Did he and others watch her while she was off campus? Listen to her thoughts to track her every move?

Hey Jonas,  she thought.

When he didn't respond, she tried again.  Joooonassss. 

She thought she might've seen a muscle tick under his jaw.

 Jonas, Jonas, bo Bonus, banana-fanna fo Fonas- 

"Enough!" The big guy turned and looked at her. "No distractions." It was a low order, one from a man who could squash her like a bug.

Eric snorted. "Yeah but he'd be dead before midnight." It was an answer to her thought.

Too intrigued to care that both guys in the room could hear what she was thinking, Kristie said, "Really?"

Vampire Jr. stood and gave her a wry smile. "No one messes with one of the Circle unless they want to die at the hands of the Head who chose her." 

He headed back for the kitchen. "And by the way, dhamphir is the proper term for my hybridity."

Kristie blushed a little at that. Her smart mouth often got her in trouble but she could at least filter what she said. Her thoughts, however, were completely uncensored and were an open book to Eric and Jonas. And... whoever else was out there listening in. Great.

As Eric turned to go farther into the kitchen, she thought loudly,  can we order pizza? 

"No."

***

Cameron woke to the taste of metal in her mouth. Blood, she realized, once her senses honed in on the flavor. Gasping, tried to sit up, heart beating frantically, but strong arms wrapped around her, a very warm body fitting itself against her.

"Shhh." Elias whispered in her ear. "You will be okay. You are safe. Calm."

Her mind immediately reacted, her body instantly switching from panic mode to relaxed. She slumped against the vampire holding her, her hand coming to rest over his heart. His beating heart.

It was Elias' blood in her mouth. And he was using it to quell her panic. 

Mind gathering momentum, she remembered the pleasure she experienced beneath Elias, and then... nothing.

"You passed out." Elias breathed the words into Cameron's hair. "My fault," he said, holding her to him for a few moments before releasing her to lay against the pillows, stretching her out beside him so he could look down at her. He stroked the skin above her eyebrows with his thumb, letting his fingers trail down her face to her neck, where he'd bitten her. He frowned at her lack of reaction.

"Your thoughts, Cameron... Your thoughts are like none other. Hundreds of years and never has anyone reacted to me and my kind the way you do. None but one has even come close... And she has been dead for over five hundred years." He closed his eyes and breathed, "You are a memory coming back to haunt me."

At his words, Cameron did react. She haunted him?

Elias nuzzled her cheek and whispered, "Je vous protégera, même à partir de moi-même."

There was something sexy about him speaking to her in French, but even the words of comfort didn't take the edge off her thoughts. He had drained her. A lot. And she couldn't even get mad about it.

"You fed me some of your blood?" she asked. The vampire nodded. Eyes widening, she wondered if she would turn into a vampire now... or if it would do something to the baby.

Elias looked pensive. "You would have to be fed much, much more from an immortal and they would have to be willing to Make you. I would not do such a thing in your state. I gave you a very small amount to help you heal from blood-loss..."

His words trailed off and he sighed. "You've been plunged into my world too quickly. Every moment you do not react with shock or horror I wonder if you are momentarily stunned." He searched her eyes. "I seem to grow more and more apprehensive... the anticipation of an outburst just on the horizon.

"But while I have you in a calm state of mind... The child..."

Cameron's eyes widened but the thumping of her heart she would have expected never manifested.

"Offspring of immortals can survive just as any normal baby would inside a womb... But blood... blood of their father..." Elias said gently, "As they grow, if fed immortal blood, they develop more of that immortal's power. More scientifically, the diet awakens immortal elements in their genetic code." He brushed at her hair, his green eyes never leaving hers, but he said no more.

Cameron was sure that had she heard this while not under Elias' control she would have finally panicked as Elias expected. She had only just learned she was pregnant and now she was finding out the baby wouldn't mind if she drank Elias' blood every now and then. 

But she minded! 

Eww.

Elias didn't grin at her reaction; to him, she may be rejecting his very way of life. He simply watched and listened in on her every thought and feeling. 

Cameron finally saw the downside to having a lover that could read her thoughts. She really didn't want to hurt or insult him, but... blood? She really didn't like dealing with it. Not that she fainted at seeing it but her reaction to it was enough to make her stay away from blood drives. In third grade, a kid in her class fell hard on one of the playground surfaces and skinned his leg from knee to ankle. She'd thrown up at the sight, as much as it mortified her.

Elias still didn't speak to her. Instead, he scooted lower down on the bed and rest his head on her chest, his hand caressing the skin around her navel. 

Cameron realized she would have to face what she hadn't yet considered: she carried an immortal's child. She would have to be a good mother to that child and give it everything it needed to survive. If his or her father's blood was something that would ultimately help them in their adult life, when they dealt with others of their kind or things even more dangerous, how would she feel twenty years from now when she wished she could do something to protect them more?

Would she curse her younger self for being so squeamish? Would she mourn the chance to make her child stronger? And Elias... He would want the child to be powerful...

"Cameron..."

"Shh," she said, wanting to think more on what she'd gotten herself in to. She brushed her fingers through his hair, the soft blonde curls dry and chaotic but soft against her skin. Her other hand found its way to his on her abdomen and she held his palm just over where their child was growing even now. 

She would be a vessel to this immortal's child. She would do everything she could to insure its safety and protection, even after it left her body and took its first breath , first steps. And she would do everything she could to prepare her son or daughter for a world more dangerous than she ever considered.

Elias raised his head to look at her and she returned his stare with one of her own. 

So.

Blood.

*****

 Thank you so much for keeping up with this series! I believe if we keep going I may just have to turn this into a book, in which case I will continue to post rough drafts to this site for the wonderful feedback you all have given me. Stay tuned for the next chapter! You won't have to wait as long.

As always, please take a second to vote and/or drop me a comment letting me know what you think. I hope you liked chapter 8! On to chapter 9...



Shadow School Ch. 09



When twilight arrived, Mahi had shown up on Cameron's doorstep with two men; Bastian, a tall, leaned muscled man with a square jaw and all-American good looks, and Danvy, a... well... he looked like an Irish pirate. 

Elias wasn't shy in front of the newcomers, but his demeanor had changed to that of an authority figure. Turning to face her, Elias kissed Cameron's forehead before stepping outside with the guys, leaving Cameron in the care of his half-vampire daughter. 

Knowing she was now being thoroughly looked after - she refused to call it babysitting - Cameron showed Mahi to the family room and sat there in silence; Mahi was listening to the conversation taking place outside. 

So. Vampires really could hear well.

"I can't hear them," Mahi had said this without turning to look at Cameron. "Elias is communicating his orders to us through his thoughts." 

"Wow," was all Cameron could think of to say at such a revelation.

She hadn't expected Mahi to be upfront about her powers and she was a little puzzled by gaining such a significant piece of information so easily. Knowing that Elias could communicate mentally with others was stepping into a whole new realm of cerebral ability Cameron hadn't yet considered. It had to have been a big secret; why was she being told?

Cameron waited calmly, albeit a little awkwardly, until Mahi finally relaxed and turned to her. The copper-skinned young woman let a smile play across her lips before her expression turned serious. "Cameron, you are a Life-giver. A Blessed One. Nothing will be hidden from you, though you will now be asked to carry secrets on behalf of the father of your child."

Mouth falling open, Cameron stared at Mahi. She knew. Mahi knew. How... 

"Such circumstances are rare and celebrated among our kind. Granted, it is a bit early for such things, but you are to be protected and cherished by any Arinson no matter where you are in the world." Mahi finally let a grin take over her face. "And I know of your condition because my father told me the moment I arrived. Word will spread to the entire family before dawn."

Bastian and Danvy appeared then, entering the room like a secret service agent and a swashbuckler; there really was no other way to describe the way Danvy walked. Cameron couldn't help but stare at the waif, whose flaming red hair was knotted in thick dreadlocks that ended just below his shoulders, a few strands woven with hemp and wooden beads. He had a tattoo on his face, a tribal thing that spanned an entire cheek, and a multitude of weapons hanging from the belt at his thin waist. Compared to Bastian, who looked like a thirty year old frat boy-quarterback turned business man, Danvy was the ultimate scallywag, down to the patchouli cologne and doped expression of ease. The two men in her living room were as different as night and day. 

Except for their teeth. Both had sparkling white, perfect teeth. She had seen them when they smiled their greetings and when she glanced reflexively at Mahi, the girl offered her a wide, perfect-toothed smile surrounded by orange-mocha lipstick.

It wasn't until that moment that Cameron took in Mahi's whole appearance, which was very different from the college uniforms of SVMC. Mahi was exotically dressed in a bright orange sari with hot pink and gold beads. The outfit was beautiful, and suited Mahi's skin and hair color perfectly.

Taking in the other two people in the room, they all couldn't have been more different; Bastian looked like he had just come from a business meeting and Danvy, curiously outlandish in his choice of clothing, could have just stepped off the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World. Cameron shook her head at her own assumption that they would be dressed in spy gear or something. 

That thought made her look again at Mahi. "So when Elias said to let the 'younger ones go as surveillance,' he actually meant..."

"Myself and the other escorts, yes." Mahi nodded. "We train for many situations and that includes protection detail for those important to our Houses. That includes incoming human students."

"So, do you babysit students often?" Cameron couldn't help but ask, feeling a little coddled. Now seemed like a really good time to use the word babysit. She let her mind punch that word for emphasis.

"First time babysitting an older student." Mahi smirked. "I have watched over the young ones before, but this is my first time out in this capacity."

Young ones...

Two different curiosities warred within Cameron, but she chose the second. "And what exactly am I being protected from?"

Mahi glanced at Bastian, perhaps to see what she was allowed to tell Cameron. Or maybe she herself didn't know?

Danvy plopped down on one of Cameron's mother's decorate chairs and popped open a Sprite saying, "growly things with glowing eyes that go bark in the night. Probably nothing serious."

Cameron watched in fascination as Danvy used a finger to lift his mustache before sipping. "Growly things? What like dogs? Wolves?" Noticing she was surrounded by vampire progeny, she thought of another mythical creature. "Werewolves?!"

"Not really," Mahi said, giving Danvy a level look. "There's no such thing."

"Like there's no such thing as vampires?" Cameron said a little tersely. 

"Trust me," Mahi said quickly, "if you ever meet with a real vampire you will not survive the encounter to tell anyone."

"But-"

"Jesus," Danvy said to his soda can. "This girl is going to have a dhamphir baby and she doesn't even know the difference between the immortal races?"

Cameron stared open mouthed, unable to speak. She felt her cheeks flush.

"You know this is a special circumstance," Mahi said, glaring meaningfully at Danvy. Her face turned sweet when she turned to Cameron. "Elias is taking no chances with your condition. Your guard is double the number the other girls have."

"How many people are watching me?" Cameron asked.

"Does it matter?" Danvy said, propping up a worn leather boot on the coffee table.

"And they're protecting me from growly things that are not werewolves?" Cameron said, starting to get a little irritated by her ignorance of the supernatural. Especially now that that the supernatural had her surrnounded.

"Call them werewolves if you like," Mahi said, "just don't expect them to change during the full moon or die by silver bullets. That's what we mean. The same goes for the term 'vampire.' It sums up the immortals you have met more than any other word but they are not what you see in movies. They don't get bumpy foreheads when their fangs come out and they can't do some of the fantastic things shown to you with the help of computer generated images. And they are not dead... or undead for that matter, unless something happens that..."

Lights flashed in the window, signaling her parents return. By the time Cameron looked around with worry about what to do with her house guests, only two remained; Bastian was gone and Danvy was sauntering toward her bedroom. Turning to Mahi with wide eyes, Cameron saw that the other girl had settled into the chair next to the couch.

"I'm visiting. When it's time for me to go you will still have two guardians in the house."

Cameron gulped. Well, Mahi did look like the college student she was... Maybe she would say she was here on college business.

"To get to know the new addition to our House," Mahi said, answering unspoken thoughts before suddenly bursting with laughter. "I had an uncle just like that once! He backpacked all the way across India and back before he finally settled down with the girl his parents chose from him. When you come in the fall I will show you pictures of my adorable niece and nephew."

Cameron was startled by the abrupt change in Mahi's demeanor and momentarily confused by the fake conversation starting so early. When the door opened and her parents came in from the garage, she understood. Maybe they didn't hear what was said, but they knew Cameron was speaking with someone before they entered.

"Well, hello again," her father said, coming over with a bundle of grocery bag in his arms. "Cameron didn't tell us she was having someone over this evening."

"Surprise visit," Mahi said, smiling as she stood. The sari, along with the slight accent of her culture gave Mahi an exotic flare that seemed to mesmerize Cameron's father. "I was in the area so I thought I would stop by."

"Can I help you, dad?" Cameron asked, jumping up. It was a bad idea. With the return of her parents, she'd forgotten about her body being out of whack since Elias took some of her blood and gave her some of his own. His had helped, but he only gave her enough to heal and the effect on her body's reaction to the stuff made her equilibrium a little wonky.

Her father frowned. "You feeling okay, pumpkin?"

She sighed and plopped back down onto the sofa. "Yeah, just sat in that position too long... my legs are wobbly." Which was wasn't true at all but seemed to make since to her father. He took that as enough of an answer but Mahi was eyeing her sharply. Cameron shook her head slightly.

"Oh, mine do that all the time," Cameron's mother said as she came over with a few bags of her own. "Must run the family." She stopped to stare at Mahi. "My, what a lovely dress! I mean... Wait, what is it you call it?"

"A sari," Mahi said, smiling and looking down at the bright fabric.

"Well, I just love the colorful way you people dress. Such vibrant, pretty things. Sometimes it just makes us look drab doesn't it? I think I'd love being able to dress up in pretty dresses every day. Oh! Sorry, saris." She laughed at her wordplay.

Cameron inwardly cringed.  She doesn't mean to offend, she doesn't know any better,  Cameron thought at the girl. Luckily, Mahi's face never changed but she did wink at Cameron to let her know she'd been heard.

"Well, would you like to stay for dinner?" Cameron's father asked.

"Sure. I'd love to." Mahi offered the country-clubbers a sweet smile and watched them as they went into the kitchen. As soon as they were gone, she turned her gaze on Cameron but didn't say anything. Her face had changed though, and not in reference to the conversation that had just taken place.

Cameron mouthed "I'm okay," to the half-vampire, hoping that that was what Mahi was referring to, but she got no response. Instead, Mahi just sat back and started talking about classes and what going to Shacrow VanMeter College would be like. 

As Cameron listened, she noticed that though Mahi was saying things that would raise no suspicion, she was actually being honest about what to expect at the school; things Cameron really did want to know. Settling back, she listened, asked questions whenever they arose, and even got a few answers when she hadn't spoken questions aloud. 

By the time her parents called them in to dinner, Cameron had a better idea of what to expect at the mysterious shadow school she would attend in the fall.

***

Melanie's fingers cramped for the hundredth time. She told herself to rest, but that had been an hour ago. Every time she paused to stretch her fingers, she had a hard time just sitting and staring at the wall to rest. She just couldn't bring herself to sit there and rest when every minute counted. She could rest after they got out. Hopefully.

Devin had been sicker than Melanie had expected. The girl could barely raise her head by the time it was her turn to work the lock, and Melanie had no way to help her. Instead, she made herself work overtime and the stiffness in her fingers told her she was pushing it. She even got up the nerve to call out for help, to see if anyone was listening, but no one came.

Melanie had lost track of time. She didn't own a watch and her cell phone was long gone. Without any natural light coming into the room she had no idea how long she'd been at it, if it were a few hours or a whole day; it seemed like several days had gone by but that wasn't possible since she was only now beginning to feel the pains of hunger. 

Glancing at Devin, Melanie decided maybe it really was time to rest. There was only one cot in the room, but they could both fit on it, and she would rather be up close and personal with a girl she barely knew than try to rest on the cold floor.

"Devin?" When the girl didn't answer, Melanie thought she might have fallen asleep. 

Melanie stumbled to her feet and stretched, hoping that someone would come soon. Or that she could figure out the lock and escape. Either way, she promised herself a good week in bed watching reruns of "Friends" when all of this was over. 

Reaching out, she gently shook Devin. When the girl didn't respond, Melanie shook her again. "Devin?" she said, a hint of panic seeping through her voice. The girl just laid there.

Melanie's heart started to race. She flipped the girl over onto her back and checked for a pulse. It was fluttering lightly, but it was there. Next she checked for breath. If it were there, it was too shallow for her hear. When she couldn't feel anything either, Melanie remembered a trick she'd seen once and licked the back of her hand before holding it close to the girl's nostrils. 

There! Melanie's panic began to ease up when she felt the air brush her wet flesh; the moisture made her skin more sensitive to any breeze, even if it was body temperature. She sighed and shook Devin again, calling out to her. The girl still didn't respond.

Melanie looked around, helpless. There was no point in doing CPR since it wasn't air that Devin needed... she probably needed penicillin or something. And water. Devin's lips were chapped from dehydration. There was literally nothing Melanie could do to help the girl.

But there was; she could get them out of the cell. Melanie spun around and hurried back over to the lock, determined to get out. She stared at the number, trying to figure out what the combination would be. She was going about it mathematically, starting at zero and working her way up knowing eventually she would hit the number. If she veered off course, it would be her luck that the very next number she was destined to hit would be the one and she would miss it trying to play the sleuth.

So did she continue on? Or start at 99999 and work her way down? 

If there were four numbers across, she would use a date, like a birthday or something. Or a phone number. Or street address. Not that she knew any so that was a moot point. But there were five numbers so that would mean a zip code. Of course, she didn't know where she was so who knew what the zip code was. Guessing a number was pointless.

Then again, there were two guys... maybe more. They would each have to know the code right? So it would have to be something easy for multiple people to remember. So... Something easy but not easy to get out of. If someone went at the numbers like she was, they would start at the beginning. Or maybe they would try to outsmart the lock and start at the end; maybe even starting in the middle? The whole process was frustratingly random.

Hoping the guys who stuffed her - and Devin - in the cell were not the brightest, Melanie memorized the number she stopped at earlier and cranked the numbers to 99999 and pulled. She exhaled when nothing happened. Gritting her teeth, she turned it to the middle number 55555 and tugged. Still nothing. 

Pursing her lips, Melanie tried 66666 then 77777 and 88888 with no reaction from the lock. Still determined, she thought of anything that would trip up someone but make it easy on those who had to know the combination. She tried one number more or less at the end, starting with 88889. She tried a one in the middle like 55155, and a one at the end like 99991.

Conceding that it was useless to try to figure the system out, Melanie knew that by just going back and picking up the number she had stopped at and continuing on in the same way she had before, she would hit the number eventually. Her fingers hovered over the 55551, pausing just before backtracking to where she left off.

Melanie stared at the lock. Something... something was on edge of her brain and... She stared at the numbers. What was 55551? What made her pause? Her brain was too tired to connect the thought but the process had started nonetheless, just as other thoughts do.

Melanie stared at the numbers for a moment more before grunting in frustration and dropping the lock to the door. She was tired, aggravated, hungry, and there was a dying girl in the room with her. 

Suddenly the silence was too much for her. Melanie picked the lock back up, turned back to the number where she had left off, and started talking as she worked.

"I've been studying, you know, about our new... friends. Do you know what they are?" Glancing back at Devin, she saw that Devin was still just laying there. "Don't die on me okay?" Melanie turned back to the lock and pursed her lips. "Anyway, you'd be surprised how many stories are out there. I mean, there's loads of legends that were passed down orally before Anne Rice came along, and she wasn't even the first. I read 'Carmilla,'" her cheeks flushed at the memory of some of those paragraphs, "and 'Dracula,' which of course has been made into many movies since then. Lord Byron is even involved in the lore. Seriously. They're all over the place."

"I watched Bela Legosi saunter around with that widow's peak and then there's 'The Lost Boys' which, despite being a little scary, is just a chance for teens everywhere to scream over the Cory's. Of course that was like a decade ago so no one cares anymore. We're so fickle." Melanie stared at her fingers which were already starting to cramp. She sat down, lifting her arms -- which also ached -- to reach the lock and continue. 

"I like 'Buffy' but it seems a little hokey in comparison, and I bet you'd agree that Brad Pitt as a vampire is just plain sexy. Maybe even Tom Cruise... as a bottle blonde. I still prefer him in 'Top Gun.' She paused for a minute, letting the plastic click in between testing pulls on the metal and calling herself an idiot in her head for talking to someone who couldn't even hear her. But then, the silence was worse.

"So what we have to go on is the traditional view of the vampire. Crosses, stakes, silver bullets, thought I think that goes along with the werewolf myth more... garlic, coffins, having to invite them in before they can enter a home... daylight." Click, pull, click pull...

"I'm trying to take a scientific approach to everything but it's just impossible. Magical beings don't just spontaneously pop up out of nowhere. And if I followed my faith I would say they're demons. Which could be possible I guess. Lucifer is supposed to have been beautiful before he was thrown into Hell... but that doesn't explain why a creature has to drink blood and bursts into flames when in sunlight. It's all fun fantasy. It can't be real." Melanie stopped, dropping her fingers to her lap to let her arms rest. She massaged each digit and turned to check on Devin who was in the same position as before.

"Looking at what we know," she sighed, "they have tunnels to travel during daylight hours and sun-blocking curtains. So. No sun. They have a church, and according to William, some even follow different religions, which makes me think crosses have no effect and maybe they don't have demons inside them." That made her think if William. He was Catholic, still, even after changing however many years ago. She just couldn't think that such a beautiful person was possessed. Lucifer, she reminded herself, shaking her head and starting with the lock again. 

"Stakes, who knows... but a stake through any animal's heart would do the trick, you would think. I could die that way so why not them. And silver bullets... or silver in general... who knows. Garlic... there's no reason behind that, otherwise there would be other things in nature that could do the trick if they were in the same plant family... it probably just started as a way to make some scared fool feel better. 'Oh, hang a bundle of garlic outside your door and the monsters will stay away!'" 




Shadow School Ch. 09



Melanie froze. The number... 55555... 

The thought she had had earlier popped back fully formed in her mind and she stared at the numbers. Half of all the numbers, if you took into consideration that 99999 was the number being divided including the zero, would be 50000 not 55555. She had been looking at the numbers in chunks... 11111, 22222 all the way to the end. It was a visual and very elementary mistake, something her brain skipped in its frantic pace to figure out an easy combination. 

If this worked it  would  be easy. The numbers had been on zero all the way across when she started... maybe they just moved the first number to five.

Melanie quickly flicked the numbers to five zeros then lined up the five on the far left. She sucked in a breath and pulled.

Nothing.

She wanted to cry. 

Slumping against the wall beside the makeshift door, Melanie let her sorrow wash over her for just a moment. She didn't have time to go all the way into the depths of despair but she was full of turmoil just waiting to get out in a burst or tears or screams or both.

So, she screamed.

Three good wails later, she looked at Devin and saw no response. Then she listened. Melanie knew there were no security cameras in the room so if someone had heard, surely they would come, thinking maybe one of their captives was hurt or dead. Several minutes later there was still silence.

Melanie sighed, turned dejectedly to the lock, flexed her fingers and reached up start again. Her fingers froze on the lock as she realized she hadn't memorized the number she had stopped on before her useless inspiration. 

The tears came then, because she had either just made herself backtrack and waste time or skip a vital number that could very well be the correct combination. Her heart sunk in her chest and she just stared the numbers as precious body moisture trickled down her cheeks in a now-steady flow. What a waste of time that little bit of problem-solving had been; there was really no telling what the combination was and she couldn't afford to waste anymore time. 

Glancing back at Devin, Melanie was at least thankful that prone body wasn't her. She was also thankful for the burst of adrenaline she'd received from finding out the girl laying on the bed was in bad shape  before  Melanie took a nap. Who knew what she would have woken up to. Devin was in bad shape. How long before her body gave out?

Going back to the lock, she found her fingers unresponsive. She stared at them, willing them to move. They wouldn't. It was like her body was giving up whether she wanted to or not. Deep down, she wanted to. Her heart ached, her energy was weakening, and no one was coming even though she had screamed. 

Turning to sit back against the wall near the door, her eyes overwhelmed with tears, Melanie finally gave in to the self-pity.

***

Kristie woke to movement on her bed. Her response was groggy, her body dosed with Nyquil to help her sleep.

Squinting into the darkness, she saw the silhouette of someone sitting on her bed. That someone reached toward her and brushed her hair from her forehead before leaning down and placing a kiss there. Kristie really hoped it was Daman, otherwise she just scored her first creepy stalker with the insane ability to take out who knew how many supernatural bodyguards.

Kristie heard a masculine chuckle and let her worries melt before they could get a good start. She was too tired to notice the bed move again as Daman stood and went to the doorway, but she did manage to raise her head and look at him as he stared into the hallway leading from her room. 

She laid back down to rest her eyes, only to jolt awake a moment later. Or, a while later, considering someone was now in her bed, behind her.

Oh great. She was spooning.

She found herself repeating the earlier thought that this better be Daman. 

When no chuckle came, she reached for her phone and checked the time; only one in the morning. She was usually still up at one o'clock when it wasn't a school night - thank God  that  was over for a few months - but she had gotten so bored just sitting and waiting for something to happen that she had decided to drug herself sleep. Not that she needed Nyquil to sleep, she usually drifted the moment her head hit the pillow, but it was different knowing people were watching her.

When she settled back onto her pillow Kristie noticed an arm had snaked under her neck while another wrapped over her hip and pressed against her stomach, pulling her against a hard body.

A... hard... body.

Still doped from the cough medicine, she let out a moan that was part sigh. She was snuggled down in her bed and could easily go back to sleep were it not for the tingle making its way from her stomach to her chest, neck, and groin. 

The arm around her waist drew her even closer, the hand snaking up her chest to allow fingertips to caress her cheek. A nose nuzzled her neck at her hair line and even inhaled once it was buried in her hair. 

She was being completely enveloped.

Kristie felt the fingers rake across her lips, one particularly lazy digit lingering at the center, practically begging entrance. At first she was going to play hard to get, but it was a pretty silly game if the fingers belonged to a person already in her bed with their manhood shoved between her ass cheeks.

Lips parting, Kristie allowed the finger to creep into her mouth before she caught it with her teeth. She bit down. It was a playful nip, but she held the finger firmly hostage before sucking on it lightly.

She felt lips at her ear followed by Daman's low voice. "Harder."

Kristie wondered why he was whispering, but she obeyed, biting down a little harder, wondering if he was into pain. If Daman could actually feel pain, that was.

"Harder." 

She didn't respond as quickly this time, understanding what he was doing. He wanted her to bite him. To draw blood? 

Her jaw went slack. No one had asked her to injure them before, at least not in a kinky way, and she suddenly found herself unable to do it. She backed her head away and closed her mouth. When the hand left her, she thought maybe she had ruined the moment for Daman, but the fingers returned and she could smell the blood. He'd done it himself.

"Taste," he whispered in her ear.

Kristie sighed a little mentally, realizing Daman was giving her the choice instead of immediately putting his finger back into her mouth. He was a little insistent though. Like a dealer trying to get a pot smoker to try cocaine for the first time. When he snorted at her thoughts, she rolled her eyes and remembered the way she felt when doped up with his blood. It always lead to something fun. She responded by opening her mouth again and letting her tongue flick out to taste the blood.

It wasn't actually a taste thing; if she let her mind register what she had just done, she would probably be grossed out. Instead, it was the end result - like taking cough medicine despite the fact that it tasted awful. You did it because it made you feel better. 

Kristie sucked the finger back into her mouth and licked it clean just as the wound healed. The moment the blood flow was cut off and the finger was clean, it left her mouth and slid down over her tank, joined by others as it dove into her panties and found a new entrance to her body.

Cool lips pressed to her neck and kissed her softly as two fingers began to dance with her flesh just inside her, instantly making her jerk once the onslaught began. "Shhhhh," Daman whispered as his thumb plucked at her clitoris. His lips closed over her ear.

The dexterous attack was so unexpected in the quiet of the night that Kristie was soon writhing in Daman's arms; her whole body grinding against his by the time his blood began to affect her mind. She hid her face in her pillow to soften her squeals of pleasure then decided to latch onto his arm instead. Her mouth landed at the bend of Daman's arm, the inside of his elbow where he had licked her the night before. His body jerked in response and Kristie thought she might have just found one of his pleasure points.

The resulting fury under the covers had her breaking contact to look down and watch Daman rip her panties to shreds before positioning himself behind her. Kristie was still sore from the night before and felt a sound start to leave her mouth just as the arm beneath her bent and a hand clamped over her mouth. A guttural, silent sound left Daman as he guided his cock into her, its hardness stretching her as it slowly slid inside.

Kristie winced as the pain hit her, inhaling as Daman sank to the hilt and stilled for a moment. The hand over her mouth moved to her raised shoulder just as the other hand clamped down over her hip. He pulled away, the motion making him slip from her slowly then slide back in.

Kristie exhaled once the stinging began to go away, drowned in the effect Daman's blood was having on her. She knew that if she were able to register the pain now it would have been even worse under normal circumstances. Instead, she savored the feeling, the way his cock inside her made her feel full and complete.

Daman moved the hand on her hip; it slid up to cup her breast then large fingers pinched her nipple before sliding back down her stomach to fondle her clit. He was everywhere at once, strumming her like a guitar one moment then massaging her other sensitive areas the next, all the while fucking her slowly from behind. 

Kristie couldn't help moving with him, her own hips rocking back against him to let his cock reach new depths inside her. She loved the slick-smooth motion their bodies made as they silently grinded against each other. It wasn't long before his hand had to cover her mouth again, the building pressure from her nerves pushing Kristie hard towards release. 

Rolling and rolling, bodies rocking and convulsing in a dance of ecstasy, Daman hit her in just the right spot and she fell, the orgasm washing over her as her weightless body sunk into a sea of white-hot pleasure. She moaned into his palm, her head spinning with release.

Just as she reached the point where she would rise back up out of the pleasure-haze, Daman touched her in a way she had never experienced. He teased the spot he had found with a relentless vibration from his fingers and actually kept her stalled at the height of her orgasm. Kristie squawked in response, her toes curling and her back arching against Daman, her butt jamming in shocked ecstasy against his pelvis. Her mind stalled as she tried to register the prolonged feeling, afraid to make it end but wondering what the hell was going on. 

Body clamped as it was in a spasm of bliss, Kristie felt Daman take advantage of the constant squeeze of her inner walls by slamming his hard length into her over and over, hitting her deeper than before. When she began panting for air, Daman finally released her clit to let the climax hit its peak. The climb back to the surface was slow and sinuous, the effort so minimal on her part that Kristie just let her body float upward toward the surface of reality.

Kristie's body was tingling all over, her nerves firing little aftershocks that made her squirm while she emerged from the abyss Daman had plunged her in to. Daman had slowed his thrusts to a gliding rhythm, his own release held back as he felt her body ripple against him. Kristie felt his fingers slide up her sweat-slick arms.

Comprehension was impossible. Kristie could do nothing but stare into the darkness in shock. She hadn't even heard of what just happened. Never even knew it was possible. She had just... He had just... with her...

Daman's finger found its way to Kristie's mouth and she had opened her lips automatically before realizing the finger was again covered in blood. She sputtered in shock, unable to understand why she was getting another dose of his essence. 

"Round two," Daman whispered into her ear before leaving her body and turning her over onto her stomach.

Kristie let him move her like a rag doll, her body still basking in the glow of a great orgasm and unable to respond. She relaxed into the pillows as her hands were pulled above her head, her wrists held together by one of Daman's large hands. She felt him spread her legs just slightly before he positioned himself behind her.

Slowly, Daman sank inside her, his hard length spreading her tender walls and burying itself deep. The vampire paused, moving her legs so they were pressed together. Kristie felt the bed dip as he straddled her thighs; this was a position she had never tried.

Kristie reveled in the idea of simply laying beneath Daman's strong body as he took his pleasure. It was a kinky, dominating position, especially with her hands bound abover her head, and it made her even more aroused. Especially when the haze started to kick in.

Body aching for another release, Kristie bucked her hips at Daman but he remained unmoving, his body leaning down over hers. He nibbled at her ear as his hips began a slow agonizing pump in and out, his cock sliding tauntingly against her inner walls, making Kristie moan into the pillow beneath her.

With each thrust, Daman began to pick up speed. His hips started to slam into Kristie with jarring roughness that rattled her teeth and made her whimper. The pleasure-pain was exciting and a little scary, which, combined with their effort to be quiet, increased the thrill of their coupling. Each thrust was restricted before total contact so that the impact of their bodies was muted under the sheets.

Kristie wondered if the restriction was having any effect on Daman. She tightened her legs, crossing her ankles and locking her feet together before squeezing internally. The resulting grunt of pleasure from Daman was all she needed. 

Daman leaned down over her, his hips jerking upward as he pressed his chest to her back. Reaching around to grab her breast, Daman thrust even harder into Kristie, making that pleasure wave start to build back up inside her when his hand made contact with her clit.

Circling the little bud of nerves, Kristie began to writhe under Daman's body, unable to move much with his hand still holding her arms above her head. He coaxed the orgasm out of her, doing wicked things with his fingers while his cock sunk deep inside her over and over again.

When the rush of pleasure finally hit, Kristie moaned loudly into her pillow. She felt Daman's fingers leave the juncture between her legs to move up and cup her breast.

"You are mine," he whispered roughly into her ear just before his fangs sank into the skin at the base of her neck. 

The penetration of teeth combined with her orgasm sent Daman over the edge and he came hard, his body pressing Kristie into the mattress. Through her own orgasm she could feel the pull of blood from her body where Daman's teeth broke her skin and she knew he was drinking from her. 

As her second orgasm began to ebb and the fog in her mind dissipated, Kristie's mind split into two distinct thoughts. The first was that the magnificent being above her had given her two wonderful orgasms and was even now reaching his peak and shuttering above her. The second was that they had forgotten a condom. Again.

***

Melanie sat with her head in her hands and shook with frustration. She had barely begun to live and now she was going to die. In a gross room. With a stranger. 

This really, really sucked.

She was angry at the who situation, the people that put her here, and the people who were taking their sweet time finding her. She was angry that someone wouldn't think to leave some form of food or water if they were just going to leave them down here. She was angry at Devin for passing out before she could help Melanie with the lock.

Melanie was just plain angry. No. Furious.

"Fuck it," she said, uncharacteristically. 

She would get out if she died trying. No way was she letting someone kill her off by starvation in a cinderblock hole in the ground. She was too smart to let this be it.

And she was smart enough to figure out the damned lock.

Melanie turned to the cursed piece of metal and plastic and began saying prayers taught to her through the years. She prayed to various saints, asking each one to guide her fingers, give her inspiration, and bless her with some sort of clarity on outsmarting the dumb contraption that was dooming her to a pitiful death.

So maybe she didn't remember the combination she had stopped at. She would simply work backwards until she hit a number she knew she had tested. Then she would jump to 50001 and move forward until something happened.

She tugged once more on the 50000 to get started and begun a backwards pace. What would it matter? She was just as likely to hit the jackpot this way than the way she was going. She set the numbers to 49999 and tugged.

The lock clicked.

Melanie's hand stopped as it prepared to turn the next number. She stared up at the lock in shock, and it took a few seconds to register what had just happened.

It had snapped open; a half inch of freedom was staring her in the face.

She shrieked and stood, yanking the lock from the door and flinging it open. "Devin! You have to wake up now, it's open!" Melanie turned to glance at the girl as she started for the door; she hadn't actually expected Devin to stir for this victory.

To her left, the light flickered on the ceiling and revealed another cell and a door at the end. To her right, where the guys had exited after they dumped her unceremoniously in the cell, was a door with a window that had been sprayed with black paint. The bars protecting the window were also a shiny ebony color. That gave her a bad feeling. If there were bars on the window...

Reflecting quickly that it was unlikely the place would have multiple exits, Melanie chose to go toward the barred door. She listened, then looked at the doorknob. It was old and tarnished, but that could be a good thing since modern doors had stronger locks. She hoped it was old and rusty inside.

Grasping the cold metal in her hands, she tugged and the door gave way.

An inch. 

She pulled again, meeting some sort of resistance. 

Looking through the sliver of an opening, what Melanie saw made her want to scream. Ropes had been looped through a handle on the door and over what looked like a metal pipe that spanned the width of hallway and into two facing doorways. The pipe was heavy; it didn't make much noise when she tugged again, and when she returned her gaze to the handle on the door, it struck her as an odd place for a handle. Looking closer, Melanie could see that the handle was out of place in make as well as placement; it had been drilled onto the door recently. 

The place was rigged for rescue, not escape.

Whimpering, Melanie gave a few more tugs on the door for good measure, and even tried a few angry pulls of frustration with her foot propped up against the door frame. Trapped. She was still trapped. Breaking the code on the combination lock had done nothing but make her cell bigger.

Melanie collapsed back against the wall to the side of the door, breathing heavy from effort and panic. She wanted so badly to give in to the overwhelming emotion pushing at her, the emotion that was making it hard to breathe as it squeezed her throat. But she still had a sliver of hope and she wasn't ready to wallow in self-pity.

Gulping down air as she tried to steady her nerves, Melanie stood and walked shakily to the door at the opposite end of the hallway. This one didn't even budge. Not even a rattle. Looking closer, she saw a goopy opaque substance lining the door. Some sort of glue or caulk.

Well.

Melanie leaned against the door and sunk to the floor. All the anger she had built up leached out of her with the last of her energy. The whole situation was ridiculous. She was going to die unless someone was able to find her. 




Shadow School Ch. 09



She sighed, giving up, and glared down the hallway at the door to her cell. It was handing on makeshift hinges, wide open. At least she managed to escape from that. It gave a sense of accomplishment that was pretty pointless considering the ropes keeping her from really getting out.

Her eyes landed on the second cell, the one closer to where she sat now. That door was closed too, just as poorly constructed with scrap metal. She hoped no one was inside.

Standing shakily to her feet, she crossed slowly to the cell, afraid of what she might see. There was nothing inside it other than another cot, and the door had a lock on it too, this one with pink plastic. Touching the lock, she wondered if it had a different combination.

Melanie looked from her fingers to the first "bar" of the door. It was a flat piece of metal, shiny on one end and rusted on the other. 

Eyes widening, she glanced down the hallway at the door with bars over the window. It had opened just enough for something to slip through... like a sword. Or, she thought, glancing back at the other pieces attached the cross bars, a long flat piece of jagged scrap metal.

"Please don't be welded, please don't be welded," Melanie said quietly as she check how the pieces were attached. The flickering light was dim, but she could easy see screws in some of the pieces. Without a screwdriver, she would have to improvise. 

Melanie knelt on the floor, carefully but quickly searching the ground for snything that could be used to move a screw. She made her way down to one door then back up the hallway to the other with no luck. She sighed as she tested the screws for stability. They were pretty tight.

The movement of her own hand made her look closer at her nails. She yelped with surprised victory and began searching for the best piece to detach. 

"Thank God for Prom!" she said, glad for the first time in months that she had attended that awful event. Despite the horrible time she had and the rumors that would forever haunt her, she had gotten her nails done for the first time. Acrylic nails.

Hoping the darned things would live up to their reputation, Melanie slid her thumbnail into the end of a screw and gently but firmly twisted. After a few seconds it gave way. 

Melanie laughed hysterically. This whole thing had to be a hallucination. She was using a girly ritual of fake nails to exit a hostage situation by dismantling a cell door. No normal nail could even begin to do this. She thanked God she had them trimmed down a few days ago, otherwise they might have broken under the pressure.

"Eat that, MacGyver." There was no way Richard Dean Anderson would have been able to do this.

She worked in silence -- creepy silence -- at an agonizingly slow pace until the screw was out. Standing, victorious, she started on the other. It wouldn't budge.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me!" Melanie kicked at the metal angrily and took a breath before moving on to another possible piece. That one  was  welded. She actually growled. 

As she looked for another piece that actually had screws in it, she heard a dull thud. Dust and sand fell from the ceiling and she scrambled back pulling her shirt of her nose. Now she had to fight asbestos too!

Afraid to open her eyes, Melanie took a few steps back to the wall and slid down the wall to sit and catch her breath from under her shirt. No way was she opening her eyes until she gave the dust a chance to settle.

As she rested, all she could hear was her own sharp breaths. Until there were other noises; muffled noises.

Willing herself to quiet, she listened as hard as she could, willing her ears to pick up whatever was going on. For a few more moments, there was nothing.  In here,  she thought loudly, imagining the thoughts being thrown in various directions as she repeated the thought. 

At least if it were vampires they could track her thoughts and hear her. She had no idea if the people keeping her had that ability. Unless the people who attacked her were also vampires in which case she should really shut up mentally and continue to try and escape. 

Like she could escape anytime soon.

Voices. She heard voices yelling somewhere outside the barred door. The sudden clarity of the voices as well as the language being something other than English, jolted Melanie into action. If they were bad guys, she was not in the best place to start negotiations. 

Melanie scrambled up from where she sat and clumsily made her way back to her cell. Her legs really were giving out on her and she felt so weak she knew she had pushed herself too hard. Her adrenaline had been pumped up too many times today.

Grabbing the lock, Melanie was having a hard time putting it back in place. It took her forever to crack this thing and now she was just returning it to where it had been. Her hands shook and refused to work properly as she turned all the numbers back to zero. If she had to break out again she could, but she wasn't about to give her captors any reason to put a new lock on the door. She absolutely loathed having to lock herself back in the cell.

Melanie scrambled back just as the hallway door flew open. Afraid to move any further, she wrapped herself into a ball and waited, heart pounding for someone to arrive.

Someone did.

A gun was pointed into her cell before a person emerged, dressed in what looked like an outfit from a spy movie; all black from head to toe with various things strapped to arms, legs, and belt. Whoever it was spotted her immediately. Or Devin; Melanie couldn't tell because of the face mask. A masculine yell of "Here!" rang out from behind the mask and a flurry of movement accompanied it seconds later, including the ripping of the makeshift gate-door into a mangled pile of scrap metal. 

The lock was still hanging on the door frame, along with a sliver of rusty metal twisted impossibly into a curve. Gavin stood where the door had been, his vampire eyes taking in the scene. He was in black too, which was nothing new, minus the gadgets. Melanie found herself so glad to see him she didn't care what had happened between them. He was in front if her in the next second.

"Melanie, are you alright?" he asked, tilting her chin up to check her face. She nodded. Despite a few bruises, she just felt weak and dehydrated from lack of food or water.

By the time she finished that thought, Gavin was gone.

Blinking, Melanie saw him hovering over Devin and saying her name. Of course he would go help her; he was Head of Ovidan house and Gavin had chosen her to fill his spot in the Circle of Seven. Still, Melanie couldn't help the twinge of jealousy that coursed through her, unwanted. She hated Gavin, she reminded herself. Or, well, seriously disliked. She didn't hate anyone.

"Melanie?" a voice came at her left ear.

Melanie jerked, her head whipping around to stare straight into a pair of deep brown eyes.

"William!" 

Finally, relief flooded her system and let Melanie release the tension in her muscles.

William reached out slowly, as if he were afraid to touch her. His fingers brushed lightly over her chin and she leaned into his lukewarm hand, letting William's palm close over her cheek before she simply relaxed every muscle and leaned against him.

It was silly, of course, to play the damsel in distress role by practically collapsing into his arms, but Melanie really had no energy left and it was easy to just topple over from her sitting position. William didn't disappoint either; he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. 

From the protection of William's embrace, Melanie looked up at Gavin, who was holding a bleeding wrist to Devin's lips and urging her to drink. Melanie gasped at the sight, and buried her head in William's chest. She tried in vain to keep her disgust at the act from the vampires in the room, knowing it would be insulting, but she couldn't help it. Devin was being fed blood. Straight from a wrist.

Gross.

William said nothing, but he picked her up and turned to carry her out of the cell. Melanie peaked out once more to glimpse her surroundings and met the eyes of her Head of House. 

Virginia's face looked... proud. Not the beaming kind of proud, but the relieved kind. She reached out and caressed Melanie's forehead then made eye contact with her son. Virginia squeezed William's shoulder and nodded before turning to walk passed them, her proud face changing to something more stern.

As they continued on toward the exit, Melanie turned in William's grasp in time to see Virginia step up to the glued door at the opposite end of the hall. With one sharp tug, the female vampire ripped the door, along with the frame, from the wall, leaving nothing but a gaping door-shaped hole among the cinderblocks. Staring wide-eyed, Melanie wanted to see what was on the other side, but William carried her through the barred door just as Virginia stepped through the other. 

It was strange to be carried as if she were a quarter of her actual weight. William had lifted her with hardly any effort, and though it wasn't like the strength the vampires of novels and Hollywood movies, it was still a significant difference from a human William's age. Or, Melanie reminded herself, the age he looked.

Melanie felt William step over the large pipe she had seen attached to the multiple ropes that held her hostage. She looked down at it as they passed through the hallway and wondered why her captors used that method to trap her inside when it was obviously an easy obstacle for vampires to overcome.

Her thoughts were answered before they were even finished. 

Popping noises sounded from farther away, as well as shouts. Was that...? Was that  gunfire? 

William seemed to pick up his step as they entered a corridor, his feet falling soundlessly on the concrete floor. She clung to him, scared to even breathe if he thought it worth staying silent, and she felt his grip tighten for a moment in answer.

Melanie wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulder, clinging to him tightly as he began to run. She saw nothing but the areas they left behind while in this position, and as much as she wanted to turn to see where they were going - and what they were approaching - she knew it would change the balance and grip William had on her.

The gunshots were getting loud enough that Melanie suspected they were just about to emerge onto whatever makeshift battlefield was nearby. William slowed, and suddenly stopped, gripping Melanie hard as he pivoted and sunk back into a doorway. The momentum William had built up jerked at Melanie with the split-second change of direction and she found herself a little disoriented once they came to a stop.

All the excitement was starting to become hard to hold back. Air couldn't fill Melanie's lungs fast enough and she panicked at her sudden need for oxygen. She tried breathing deep and slow but her chest began to burn, her body begging her to take big gulping breaths.

William nuzzled her neck, freezing her movement. Was he thinking of drinking her blood while all this was going on? His head jerked away and he bumped his forehead to hers, shaking his head just a fraction. Was that a no?

They waited a moment in silence and she noticed her breathing had eased out. Like she was in shock or whatever. The revelation was shortlived however because in the next moment, William growled.

Melanie stiffened and fought a new panic inside her as she tried to read whatever signs he was giving her, but being quiet was finally not the agenda. She started to do... what? Something... when she was suddenly flying backwards and being dropped unceremoniously to the ground.

Air whooshed out of Melanie's lungs and she began breathing heavily now that she could. Her lungs burned and she was so lost to her own condition that she only registered the second growl when a fight spontaneously broke out just yards from where she sat.

Unable to see anything except a dull green glow from the door they had entered, Melanie's ears tracked the impossible movements around her without any ability to understand what was going on. A fight, obviously, but nothing she had ever seen, or rather  heard, before. The room would be completely silent for one second then sounds of contact between William and whatever was in the room with them would ring out before going silent again.

It was hard to follow the progress of the two combatants when it was as if a mute button was being hit every two seconds. Sound, no sound, the whole thing was unsettling until one sound was constant in her ears; her heart was racings and each beat began to pulse in her head like a drum. 

Between her breathing and her heart, she was able to let the things around her blur into what it was... a situation she had no ability to avoid and thus shouldn't bother following. She gave up trying to track the sounds of the room and just let the whole ordeal play itself out.

Someone finally lost. Whoever it was slumped to the ground with a thud and she hoped it wasn't William. She really did want to get to know him better, maybe even had a bit of a crush despite his... supernatural existence.  God, please don't let it be William,  she prayed.

Melanie's breathing cut off when she noticed whoever had won the fight was just standing there, silent. She couldn't see anything and had no idea who was there. What if it was William who...

 St. Michael, please, please, please let William be the victor, and I'll promise that I'll-  

Nothing prepared her for the hand that clamped down over her mouth. She screamed into the palm as she was lifted from the ground. 

"Shhh... Melanie, it's me." William breathed into her hair. 

Melanie whimpered and stilled, her body collapsing back against Williams in relief.  Don't you ever scare me like that again!  she thought roughly at him. She was angry, but not enough to make any more noise than they already had. 

Her hands had found their way to William's arms when he lowered his hand from her mouth. He was bleeding. A lot. She inhaled sharply, afraid to gasp, as her fingers slipped through the thick liquid. 

Unless it was the blood of whatever he killed.

 Is it? 

He shook his head against her hair.

Melanie's mind raced. He should be healing, quickly. Maybe? All she had to go on was the things humans made up for entertainment. Some needed blood to heal, others just healed on their own. Without any light to see, she couldn't tell.

 Do you...  it took a second for her to even think the question,  Will drinking from me heal you? 

William's voice was quiet and tense at her ear. "No, but healing requires replenishment. If I hadn't fed before I came here I'd be in trouble, but as it is, I'll just be a little weaker."

Melanie's mind stumbled when he said "fed."  Will you be able to get me out of here without... without feeding?  Ugh.

William exhaled into her hair before leaning back down to speak into her ear. "Maybe."

They stood in silence together in the dark room, whatever he killed laying dead or at least knocked out nearby and bullets popping somewhere down the hall. Melanie stood there with him, as silent as he was.

 Maybe isn't good enough. 

She thought it as she grabbed her hair and tilted her head to the side. When nothing happened, she thought,  Do it. Before I change my mind. 

There was no hesitation after that. William sank his teeth into Melanie's neck at the same time his hand went back to her mouth to hide any noise she might have made. She didn't scream or yell, but she did whimper. How could she not? She had something cutting into the pulse of her throat.

The pain faded from her neck just as WIlliam took his third gulp. Her whole body quivered at the thought of what she was doing; it was simply against her nature. But she would rather be bitten than dead, so she would do what she had to do to survive. She trusted William. Sortof.

The feeling was an odd sensation; a strange pulling that made her head tingle. It took her a second to realize she was light-headed and couldn't actually feel her feet. By the time that thought went through her brain, her legs started to crumple under her. William held her up and licked at the wound, but other than that, she lost track of what was going on.

Until a bloody arm was pressed to her mouth.

Melanie gasped and spit out the thick, warm liquid that had managed to make it into her mouth, but William's hold was insistent and she was too weak to fight. Still, she didn't have to suck the stuff in.

"Drink, or you'll be a dead weight. I need to you watch my back and stand when I need both my arms."

Okay, well, if you put it that way, it made sense. Melanie blanched and tentatively licked the crescent wound with her tongue. She was so glad she couldn't see what she was doing.

After two swallows the wound had closed and clarity had returned to her mind. She opened her eyes to the darkness, a little disappointed that she still couldn't see. She figured drinking William's blood would give her some sort of enhancement, like better vision or hearing. When the dull green of the door was all she could see, she found herself a little disappointed. 

William snorted into her air as if he wanted to laugh or make some comment about... well, whatever he could divulge about the benefits of drinking vampire blood. Instead, he said nothing as he scooped Melanie up into his arms. 

As they barreled through the door, the bricks on the wall near the end of a hallway exploded. She ducked automatically and felt William stop and turn as debris rained down on them. He huffed and shook his head, turning to assess the damage before moving again. 

Melanie kept her head on William's shoulder, looking at the empty hallway as they retreated; she guessed this was what he meant by watching his back. By the time they got to the area where the hallway ended in rubble, she felt William come to a stop. The gunshots rang out loudly and she knew they were close. When William didn't move, Melanie peaked around to see what the holdup was and gaped.

They were standing at the edge of a warzone. A huge room with broken hallways attached to the surrounding walls was filled with people going at each other in various degrees of viciousness, all fighting one another and occasionally aiming guns in random directions. It was madness.

And the only reason Melanie could see it was because part of the floor had collapsed into the basement. It wasn't the only major area of damage to the building; one whole wall had fallen in as well as most of the ceiling, which allowed Melanie to see the stars.

Tightening her hold on William, Melanie studied his face as he looked for an escape. She thought it was a good time to check out mentally and let her savior do the work. She would just be the eyes in the back of his head.

A good decision, since the moment she turned around she saw a man running toward them. She yelled at William as another blast hit somewhere nearby and he spun to dodge the man's thrusting blade.

Melanie found herself dumped on the floor again as William spun to catch the second swing. She felt so useless. All she could do was watch, just another piece of rubble in the grand scheme of whatever supernatural war was taking place. But looking at William, Melanie knew she couldn't just sit and watch him without lifting a finger to help. Looking down, Melanie grabbed a huge chunk of cinderblock, lifted it, and brought it down on the foot of William's opponent.

The guy howled in pain and took a swing at her for her trouble. He missed, thanks to William, who used the man's distraction to rip our the guy's throat. Blood sprayed and the man fell, his warm lifeblood splattering Melanie on his way down.




Shadow School Ch. 09



Yuck.

No movie could prepare her for a moment like that.

She sat, staring at the dead man's open, stunned eyes until William grabbed her arms and pulled her to her feet.

"Melanie, I need you to focus on me."

She shook her head and shuttered.

"Mel, please, just keep your head until we get out of this and you can scream all you want. I promise. Are you with me?"

A blonde man landed beside them, jumping from the remaining floor above with too much grace to be human. William saw her shock and spun to take on his next opponent.

Elias Arison stared at Melanie then William in silence, his stern face appraising the situation as he took in the dead body at their feet and the blood soaking their clothes.

"Are there more?" Elias asked.

"One," William answered. "The one Gavin chose. He's with her now." 

"Devin," Melanie added.

Elias eyed her, his eyes narrowing before nodding and turning toward the chaos just a few steps outside the hallway. He looked back. "I'll clear a path. John is at Station 2 with his team. They're waiting for word from Virginia." He took a few steps then spoke over his shoulder. "Follow me."

William picked Melanie up once more before jumping up to the unstable ground of the huge room. Melanie closed her eyes after that, preferring to just panic quietly instead of hyperventilate, which she knew she would do if she had to watch whatever was going to get them out of the warzone.

She felt William's body duck and dodge various obstacles and she felt the pull of gravity the few times he jumped to higher ground. Elias shouted out only a few orders while they moved and soon the sound of gunshots dimmed. It wasn't long before the temperature and feel of the air changed and they came to a stop. 

Melanie took the opportunity to gulp down the fresh air as quietly as possible while she prayed thanks to God for allowing her to leave that building alive. William too, she added, then offered a hopeful prayer for Devin.

"Last dash," Elias said, crouching down beside them. "They have snipers there and there."

Melanie didn't bother looking.

"You will have to use speed for this," Elias said before he left them to duck back inside.

"Melanie, do you have your eyes closed?" William asked softly.

She nodded.

"This will feel rather strange."

And with that, her body became weightless as it pressed harder to William's chest, then jerked to a halt moments later, her head braced in one of William's hands and her lower back held in place by the other. The air in her lungs had whooshed out with the sudden movement, leaving her gasping when they came to a stop. Her ears rang as her brain adjusted to the jolt.

There was a squawk of a radio then a voice reported, "Harvard team. One obtained. Out." 

Melanie began trembling as William laid her on the grass of what looked like a football field. She could see the yellow goal post stretching high above her.

"It'll stop soon," William said, sitting down beside her. She saw others start to crowd around. They were faces she didn't know

William waved them away as he scooped her up and cradled her, rocking her back and forth like a child. She had a hard time coming up with a comment about it, so she let it happen. Her body jerked in his arms as the trembling continued.

"Your body isn't supposed to move like that. Enertia tampers with your stability but it's something you can get over quickly as opposed to gunshot." William spoke soothingly, to her, probably appealing to her scientific side to calm her worries about what she'd just experienced.

"It's not like the movies. Lois Lane wouldn't walk easily away from Superman if he took her up into the atmosphere or flew too quickly. Humans can't take extremes." He nuzzled his nose into her hair. "Even we can't move that fast for too long." 

William took her shaky hand and pressed it to his inner thigh. At first she was shocked but when she jerked her hand away it wasn't because of where he put it. It was hot.

"Friction." He said simply. "Clothing doesn't hold up well to such momentum. It would be nice if we could run as fast as our bodies allow, but unless we want out clothing to burst into flames, it's not advised."

Melanie giggled. It was more of a weak grunt, but the noise seemed to ease William's worries. He touched her cheek, his finger drawing a circle around a tender spot she didn't even know was there. Melanie figured she must look a mess. And probably smelled bad too. Who knew how long she was down there. Her cheeks flushed.

"Two, maybe three days. We'll have more information soon," William said, as someone approached and handed him a bottle of water. "Take a sip of this for me?"

He lifted Melanie up and pressed the bottle to her mouth. She swallowed a few gulps before he pulled it away.

"Not too much or you'll be sick. You can have more in a minute."

"I'm feeling better," she said, testing her ability to speak. Other than being a little shaky, she was fine.

Bullets rang out from the bleachers on her left and Melanie felt William's warm body leave hers. He actually stood over her and growled as those around him either fell back from the impact of the bullets or shot forward toward the shooters. 

Melanie watched in horror as a bullet hit his shoulder. He didn't hunch over though, or show any signs of pain, just kept his stance in front of her. She was oblivious to what was happening, her entire focus centered on the young man standing guard in front of her.

When the bullets quieted, William stood and listened for a moment longer then turned. He seemed to realize they were more exposed now that their "station two" or whatever this was had been discovered.

"We're moving."

"Orders are to stay put," said a female voice from a few yards away.

Melanie scooted her legs under her and tried to kneel as William approached. He helped her to her feet but she could barely lean against the goalpost.

"Damn your orders. We're wide open here and she can't heal like the rest of us. Send a Roanoke team to her house. I'm taking her home."

"Just give her some blood. She'll be fine." The woman approached from behind William and Melanie saw that she was a very pretty blonde in her early twenties. She was dressed like the rest, all black ensemble with various pouches and buckles, but she had removed her headgear to reveal a glossy shoulder-length ponytail.

William checked his shoulder, and glanced at Melanie to see her reaction to the blood statement. He must have picked up on Melanie's thoughts as well but said nothing as the woman approached. He ripped at the hole in his t-shirt to expose the wound then removed his jacket.

Melanie blanched at the blood oozing from the small hold in William's left shoulder. She watched as the blonde woman reached out to help William out of his jacket before raising his shirt to check his back. Melanie watched intently. Was it just her, or was the blonde enjoying the inspection a little too much?

The woman made eye contact with Melanie, and narrowed her eyes. Melanie's own eyes widened at the gesture and within a blink William was causally standing between the two, shrugging back into his shirt.

"I think she's seen enough blood for now," he said. He winced as he eased back into his jacket.

"That bullet didn't go through," the blonde said. "You'll have to dig it out. Stay here and I'll get my kit." 

"We're going, Alicia. Melanie can handle it."

"She looks a little squeamish to me."

"I don't care about the blood," Melanie said, "I care that he got hit with a bullet while protecting me." She knew she could have thought it but she was fine saying it so anyone could hear.

William grinned. "How good were you at 'Operation' when you were a child?"

"Unbeatable," Melanie said, with a pointed look at Alicia.

"And how about fast rides on motorcycles?" 

Melanie's eyebrows rose as she faced William, taken off guard. Alicia snorted and turned to meet up with a few others that were coming in from the bleachers. 

William studied Melanie's face, tilting her chin up to look her over. "We travel easier on two wheels, for speed and to take shortcuts. I could take a car but I can't get you home as fast. Do you think you could cling to me for the ride?"

Seeing Alicia turn to look at her, Melanie's chin rose and she nodded strongly to William. He let a small smile play across his lips before he scooped her up once more to take her to wherever he parked his bike. 

They walked in silence for a while and Melanie took the time to close her eyes for a minute. When she opened them, she was surprised to see three others surrounding them, keeping watch. Alicia, thankfully, wasn't one of them.

William sat her down near a blue motorcycle with black scrollwork painted down the sides for decoration. Melanie's eyes went straight to the logo.

"You drive a Harley?"

William grinned wickedly at her, the same flirtatious curve to his lips that he offered her the night she met him. As he straddled the seat he said, "I've been a loyal customer since before the Great Depression." He handed her a helmet.

She stared at him, taking the helmet slowly and holding it in place as she eyed the motorcycle. It was stupid really, since she knew he was born in the 1600s, but she had a hard time adjusting to the idea that the eighteen-year-old in front of her was almost four hundred years old.

William pulled her to him by hooking a finger over her waistband. When she was close enough, he wrapped his hand around her and placed his fingers on the small of her back. She looked down at him, a little bemused.

"Melanie, I will answer any questions you may have about me or my kind. And I will answer honestly. But for now, I would prefer it if you wouldn't mind playing doctor, because if we wait any longer you will have to cut me open to remove the bullet in my shoulder."

That brought her out of her stupor. "Right," she said, blinking. She put her helmet on and reached up to balance herself before swinging up, only to gasp William's injured shoulder and making him wince. "Sorry!" she said, letting go of him and balancing awkwardly in an attempt to straddle the seat.

By the time Melanie was settled, William had already started the engine. She clung to his waist as tight as her weary muscles would let her and leaned her head on his good shoulder as he pulled away from the other parked motocycles.

Vampires liked motorcycles. Who would have guessed.

*

 Thanks so much for reading this series! Sorry for the delay, I got involved in a local theatre production and it took all my time. I'm done for the summer though so expect a few more chapters to head this way soon. 

As always, if you like what you've read, please drop me a comment and/or take time to rate this chapter so my ADD brain will be encouraged to continue on. I've enjoyed all the feedback so far and look forward to whatever you may have to say.



Shadow School Ch. 10



Cameron couldn't sleep. So much had happened in the last couple of days and waiting to hear from Elias was driving her mad. She had no excuse to stay up late as far as her parents were concerned, so she had gone to her bedroom to pace, read, pace, flip through magazines, and pace some more.

It was almost two-thirty in the morning.

Propped against her pillows, Cameron put her book on the nightstand and looked at her dimly-lit room. "Danvy? Are you here?"

A minute passed without a sound. 

"Danvy, I saw you saunter into my bedroom hours ago. You're either under my bed or in my closet. A few more seconds passed.

"I'm in the closet."

Cameron looked over at the closed doors when she heard the muffled voice.

"Please do not take that in any way other than my actual location at this precise moment."

When the doors didn't open, Cameron stood and crossed to them and shoved one aside. "Are you going through my underwear?!"

"No, I'm not 'going through' anything. I specifically chose the ones on the top. Do you use Snuggles fabric softener," Danvy said quickly before Cameron grabbed his arm and pulled him out from her clothes, "'cause I love that little bear."

"Out!" She said, grabbing various bras and panties that seemed to have made their way into Danvy's pockets. In the light he was able to study the hot pink pair in his hands. "Give me those!" Cameron said, shoving her recaptured undergarments into the laundry basket.

Danvy seemed nonplussed. He sauntered over to her chaise lounge and plopped down, grabbing a magazine.

"Seriously, how were you going to protect me by staying in there?" Cameron asked, shutting her closet and crossing the room. 

"Watchful eye. No one can see in 'cause you still have those blankets on your windows, and were one of your parents to come a knockin', I doubt they would be pleased to find a man in your room." Danvy started studying a "who's hot, who's not" photo spread.

"Well, they're asleep now. You can stay out here." She went back to bed and fluffed her pillows before leaning back and grabbing her book.

Danvy eyed Cameron without moving his head in her direction. "You know, reading those will do you no good."

Cameron's eyes lifted to stare at Danvy. "Why not?"

"Because as wonderful as Anne Rice is... and don't get me wrong, I love her stories, they are very entertaining... it's all human imagination." Danvy went back to his magazine.

"So vampires don't have to avoid sunlight? They don't need to drink blood? They don't ever kill people? You know Louis even says he's okay with crucifixes which seems to be the case with you guys."

Danvy pursed his lips. "Okay, she's right on those accounts." When Cameron rolled her eyes, he quickly explained, "Rice's vampires are monsters who hide from society and see people as food. Like cattle. They're also undead and have weird supernatural powers like flying. And they dress funny."

Cameron glanced at Danvy's outfit. "Really? Done any pirating lately?"

"Hey, personal choice! You saw Bastian and Mahi... they dress like normal people. I'm eccentric." He sighed and put the magazine down. "Look. Vampires are a thing of media. Some fantastical idea that romantic authors played upon to thrill a very bored group of readers hundreds of years ago. It was exiting. And, it evolved. I mean, for crying out loud, I have a pulse! I was born, not bitten, and my father's heart beats as sure as mine. I am not a vampire!"

"No, you're a dhamphir. Isn't that what you called..."  my baby?  Cameron blanched. The whole idea of "my baby" was new to her. "That sounds awfully close to vampire. So what is Elias?"

"An immortal."

"One that drinks blood and can't go out in sunlight."

"Yes. No. Look," Danvy said, getting flustered, "by all means, call the immortals you've met 'vampires' if you wish. It's the easiest term available to humans. Which is why their children are called dhamphir; those that have a 'vampire' father, " he said, making quotation marks with his fingers. 

Cameron became even more confused.

Danvy finally turned toward her, setting the magazine down. "There are real vampires out there... or, what you would consider vampires. But their foreheads don't go all beastly and their teeth don't morph into grotesque fangs. They're... it's really hard to explain. They're more like a cross between your zombies and vampires myths. They are the walking dead. Demon-possessed immortals."

"You do know that the vampires on 'Buffy' have demons inside them right?"

Danvy growled in frustration. "Okay, I'm going about this wrong. Let's start over. At the beginning." He took a breath and let it out, calming himself. "There are a very few number of immortals in the world in comparison to humans. These beings to not die. They do not fully live either, which is  why  they do not die. They do not reproduce red blood cells like animals that grow old. Like humans. So they must borrow... take... that life source from others. Animals work but only for a short time..."

Cameron pictured a long-haired Brad Pitt sucking on a bunch of rats in a sewer and scrunched her nose. 

Danvy rolled his eyes and continued. "Animals do have certain DNA characteristics similar to man. As do plants. This is why the immortals can eat food. I think your mythological vampires only drink blood and can  not  eat, right?

"But in the end, humans are the best source. A few sips here or there will sustain an immortal. They need more when too much energy is exerted or they are wounded, or if they haven't fed for a long time. Just like a human in need of a transplant; just more frequent. It's not a bloodbath like your movies have displayed; no immortal would be so grotesque. Not one of our kind anyway. Killing someone isn't necessary, but it will sustain an immortal for several weeks if they took enough blood to end a human's life."

Cameron absentmindedly touched the place where Elias had bitten her.

"Do you drink blood too?" Cameron asked, eyeing Danvy warily. 

"I don't need it to survive if that's what you mean," Danvy said, leaning back on the chaise. A toothpick materialized in his hand and he stuck it in his mouth before propping his hands behind his head. "When you grow up around this stuff it really does not seem as bad as you humans seem to think. Like breastfeeding. You don't get all squirmy at the thought of a baby sucking liquid from its mother's body. It's a part of nature. Well, this is our nature."

Cameron made a face.

Danvy grinned. "Look, human blood does nothing for me. I can produce my own blood cells thank you very much. But the blood of an immortal has healing powers and provides energy. Among other intense forms of energy I'm sure you've already experienced.

Cameron's cheeks heated. "None. Of your. Business."

Danvy chuckled. "Birds and the beasts, sweet cheeks. You didn't end up a Blessed One without doing something naughty."

"And how is that even possible?"

"Well, now, that's opening a whole new can of worms." Danvy turned to look at her, his characteristic smirk gone. "You sure you want to hear it? 'Cause that path is something you would have been prepped for before..." he flourished his hand around, gesturing at her stomach.

Cameron sighed and marked her page before putting her book down on the blanket draped over her legs. "It's like you said. I should have known whatever you are about to tell me before," she repeated Danvy's gesture, flinging her loosely-pointed finger around at her stomach, "this."

Danvy grinned.

"I deserve to know."

"And you want to hear it from me? Not some supped-up version from a bunch of girls in your Circle or a to-the-point lover's whisper from Elias? 'Cause I will give it to you plain and simple with no whipped cream and cherry on top."

Cameron rolled her eyes. "Danvy."

"Okay, just wanted to make sure you were all receptive to my intel." Danvy leaned back, his hands going behind his hands once more. "How about we start with the fact that your child is the reason Elias isn't a cold-blooded killer?"

Cameron's eyes widened.

***

Kristie rolled over to face Daman, her eyes having adjusted to the darkness at some point during their little escapade. Her room was still very dark but what little light came from various electronic devices twinkled in Daman's dark eyes.

"Why did we have to be quiet?" she asked in a whisper.

Daman stroked her sweat-soaked brow and answered quietly, "No reason, other than several others stationed outside have very good hearing. And I like to keep moments like this private."

"Oh." Kristie said. 

She slapped him.

Scrambling out of her bed, Kristie stomped to the bathroom. "What the hell, Daman? When she turned to glare at him, she was surprised to see he was right behind her, his face stern and... Oh shit, was he aroused again?

She shoved him, barely making him move. "Are you... I mean... for fuck's sake Daman, you ever heard of using a condom? Jesus fucking Chr-"

Daman's hand clamped down over her mouth. "You should not say such words. You are a lady."

Kristie's teeth clamped down, biting him hard. When he released her she said, "Lady my ass! I have never, will never be some southern debutant. Ask my mother, she gave up on that years ago."

"Kris-"

"No! Daman, fuck! I'm a Les. Be. Un. I don't have condoms! I don't use birth control! You just fucking came inside me!"

Daman growled at her and she backed up to her sink. His eyes were predatory.

It was the shock of hearing that guttural noise coming from his chest that made her stop her tirade and taste blood in her mouth. Her eye widened and she glanced down at Daman's hand which had no bite marks to show where she had bit him. It did however have a tell-tale smudge of blood on his palm.

Oh, fuck.

She turned to spit the remaining blood into her shower as she cranked the nozzle to start the flow of water. The move was deliberate and quick, her body turned awkwardly away from Daman so she didn't just stick her ass in the air, presenting him with the few of her... no best not to even think it.

"Do you know how hard it is to become pregnant by me?" Daman said. "You are not dealing with normal circumstances, Kris."

"I've met your children." Kris said, turning to glare at him. She stood and advanced on him, saying, "I was surrounded by them on your campus. Don't tell me I can't get pregnant by you." She shoved him again to no avail.

Daman simply arched an eyebrow. "So you know all there is to know about our reproductive abilities? Please. Enlighten me."

Kristie sneered. "No, of course I don't. Vampires are not supposed to have babies! But I've met Eric. And Jonas. And boy do they look just like their father." She let her own growl come to the surface. "What happened to all that bullshit about telling you what I want, huh? Did I ask you to get me pregnant?"

Striking quickly, she did manage to hit him this time; twice actually, her other fist connecting as quickly as she could manage after the first. Despite a jerk of the head, Daman didn't move; he simply stared at her, his gray eyes ablaze as she registered the resulting pain in her knuckles. 

"Jesus!" She said, cupping her hands to her chest and doubling over. It was a fight within her to stay upright where she could see him. She doubted anyone could just hit a vampire and get away with it.

"Probably not, Daman said, eyes boring holes into her. "But I'm not your average vampire."

"The fuck you aren't. You bit me! Look! She tuned to look in the mirror and saw no marks where his teeth had sunk into her flesh. No bruises even. What the hell?

"My blood has healing powers when given to humans," was all he said. 

She looked at him in the mirror. He was tense, his skin tight over his muscles. And he was fully naked. Kristie only had time to realize she could see his reflection before her eyes automatically drifted south to his erection.

His... huge... erection.

"Oh, no," she said, "You can take care of that yourself. I'm taking a shower."

Daman smirked at her. "It's too late. My blood is in your system."

"Yeah, well, that's not all that's in my system." Kristie knelt down and opened her cabinet, searching the various bottles and boxes underneath. She could already feel the tendrils of fog drifting to her brain from the ingested blood, but she refused to respond as she stood with a box that made Daman scowl. 

"Cleanliness is next to Godliness," she said triumphantly, emptying the contents out and shaking them before attaching the nozzle. The whole time she waited for Daman to stop her but he simply watched - almost studiously. "I'm rinsing the rest of your little swimmers down the drain. I mean, really. Of all the times to ask me what I want during sex. Not getting injected with your ninja sperm is pretty high up there on my list. We need to establish that right now." 

As Kristie stepped into the shower, she could hear Daman's voice from the other side of the curtain. 

"So, the thought of having my child repulses you."

"Don't put words in my mouth. I didn't even think that and you know it. I just don't want to have kids. Maybe ever. Or if I do, it'll be because I've settled down with the lady-love of my life in some mountain cabin or a beachside community OR a high-rise condo overlooking a HUGE city. Hell. I have no idea what I want. But it's definitely not kids and not now- HEY!"

Daman had stepped in behind her and grabbed her hips when she tried to turn around. She really didn't want him that close, especially now that her insides were on fire with a need she planned on taking care of before she was done washing. The haze was already starting too, but she was angry more than horny and that seemed to keep the pleasure-fog.

"Seriously, Daman," she snapped, "no sexy time for you. You've pissed me off."

"I promise not to have sex with you until you ask me," he said, grabbing her shampoo and running his fingers through her short hair.

Kristie stood still, having finished everything down south that she could until she went and got on the day after pill. However you did that. She'd never looked into birth control before.

"Birth control is not allowed on campus," Daman said quietly, answering her thoughts, his fingers having stopped the massage on her scalp.

Kristie tried to spin to face him but only managed to get soap in her eyes. "Ow, ow ow! What do you mean no birth control?" She was aggravated that she couldn't glare at him without her eyes burning. "How do you expect people to not have babies if they don't want-"

"No chemical substances are allowed in the form of medicine. No man-made pills or drugs."

"No drugs?" When she got the soap out of her eyes she saw Daman's sour face.

"No impure things enter your body while you are a student of our college."

"So what do you guys do for fun? Don't answer that." Kristie spun back to the water jetting down on them. "And tuck that thing away. I told you no. Deal with it."

Daman grabbed her shoulders and traded places with her. "Hey!" She said, her body leaving the hot spray. "My shower." 

Daman grabbed the soap and began washing his arms, torso and...

Kristie closed her eyes and turned away. Her legs involuntarily clamped together in an effort to hide the way his blood was really starting to arouse her. Really, it had been stupid to bite him that hard, especially when she had refused to do it when he asked. She reminded herself not to do it again.

"You will be required to do certain things on behalf of your school, Kris. It's all part of the program you signed up for. You get all the perks but you have to be an ideal student.

"Okay, you better tell me now that being an ideal student has nothing to do with becoming your fuck-buddy because I will drop out right now if I'm required to give you pleasure as part of my scholarship."

"Fuck-buddy?" Daman repeated the term, bemused.

Kristie scowled as a flash of heat pulsed through her nerves, hitting her in the most delicious of places. "What the hell is in your blood?"

"I told you. Healing properties. And if you are in good health, the cells go on to do... a little extra." Daman looked down at her, knowing the torment her body was giving her.

Kristie scowled. "Out! Out of my shower." She gave him a little shove. "Out of my bathroom, out of my house. It's not sun-up yet so you have plenty of time to go wherever it is you go when the sky gets blue."

No amount of pressure she put on Daman could budge him but he did turn and step out of the shower, grabbing her towel to dry off. At this point Kris just didn't care. She needed him out of her sight before she begged him to stay.

And he knew it. He was taking his sweet fucking time.

 Go away!  she mentally shoved.

A few minutes later, when she heard her bedroom door click shut, she peaked around the curtain to find herself alone in the bathroom. Carefully, Kristie tiptoed out of the shower and peaked around the bedroom, which was also empty. For good measure, she locked her door. No getting back in until she knew about it.

Scampering back to the shower, Kristie groaned as her fingers found her clit. It was swollen and ready for contact, and her pussy lips were just as tender. Her whole body was just begging for an orgasm and she shuttered a little at the first contact her fingers made.

Oh. Fuck.  Yeah. 

Whimpering, Kristie leaned back against the shower wall and slipped a finger inside her throbbing pussy, finding herself so slick and wet from the... foreplay... between her and Daman that she was sure it wouldn't take long before she would come.

Daman. 

Damnit, he was getting aroused by her hitting him! It's why she stopped; finally realizing that he was going to pounce on her if she continued to attack him. Feeling herself now, Kristie knew she had gotten aroused by it too, or at least by the reaction the vampire had. 

Sadistic.

She winced as her fingers brushed the bottom ridge of her sex; her poor tender flesh had been roughed up by that monster cock Daman possessed. Even if it were a regular size - she admitted she didn't have a lot of knowledge about cock length - Kristie would have been ripped open from contact; her favorite stimulation was oral but she did a pretty good job with her own long, slender fingers. Her pussy was as tight as a virgin's, probably, and just thinking about how that must have felt to Daman...

Kristie moaned as she slipped a second finger in, feeling her walls contract around her digits in a bid for pleasure. She was stretched from recent use, her fingers suddenly not as pleasurable as that big, thick, hard...

Oh, hell no. Was she masturbating to a cock?

Kristie swore under her breath and started to picture that Devin girl she had seen at the school. That thick brown hair and luscious swimmer's thighs. Mmmm. Devin's mouth was just torture for the lesbian mind, her upper lip thick and juicy on each side as if she'd had injections or something. But they were natural. Kissable. Suckable.

Kristie plunged her fingers into herself over and over, her other fingers circling her clit as she imagined Devin's plump lips wrapped around her clit, her petite tongue flicking out, teasing Kristie to a fever pitch. Kris would run her fingers through that thick hair, pressing Devin's mouth to her harder as she writhed and moaned.

Devin's fingers would leave her just a moment, only to replace her feminine hands with a deliciously ribbed dildo that... dildo? What the... okay... a deliciously ribbed dildo that would slide up inside her hot pussy while Devin sucked at her bundle of nerves. In and out, in and out as Devin's other hand reached up and tweaked a nipple, pinching and twisting wonderfully hard and painful. 

The size of what was fucking Kristie in her fantasy thickened to a harder, more realistic feel. Her fingers worked at her walls feverishly as she imagined being fucked against the shower wall, her pussy filled with a hot, hard....




Shadow School Ch. 10



Kristie looked down at her nipples and gasped, seeing thick brown fingers tug at the tender pink tips. She was so full, so hot, her clit being teased mercilessly as she came; hot spasms of pleasure taking over her body as her pussy walls clamped down in triumph. Over and over she convulsed, her head thrown back and her mouth open in an "O" of ecstasy. 

Just as she began to come down, Kristie's eyes opened and looked up into Daman's grinning face. She jerked, her body having nowhere to retreat as her arms lashed out to push Daman away. Her hands grabbed onto the show curtain and she slung herself under the water and to the tiles under the spray, putting the flow of water between her and...

No one.

Gasping, Kristie stared at her empty shower from a sprawling position over the faucet and under the shower-head. She flicked the curtain back and stared at her empty bathroom. She was panting, her heart was beating wildly, and... apparently she was insane.

How could she let herself picture Daman while she masturbated?! And... why was that the one thing that got her off?

What the Hell  was  that?

***

Melanie hadn't been surprised that William had taken her somewhere other than home. She had had a thought just as they pulled onto a main road that arriving home after three days with a bleeding vampire probably wasn't the best way to greet her parents. Instead, William had pulled into the Wal-Mart parking lot and told her to stay put as he went in to purchase some things to get the bullet out of his shoulder. 

She had sat there, a little frazzled and chilled, hoping no one really took a good look at her. Not that there was anyone there; most normal people would have been in bed a long time ago.

William had only been gone a few minutes before he returned and wrapped his jacket around her; he had only taken it to cover the blood soaking his shirt. He stashed the plastic sacks in the saddle bags on his Harley and cupped her cheek before straddling the seat and starting the engine.

After that, he took her to a motel.

The place was the kind she would never in her life expect to visit. The rooms stank of stale cigarette smoke and the walls were still covered in wood paneling. She didn't even want to think about the state of the bed. Ew.

"We're not staying here," William said. "There's just no way to walk into a nicer place without raising a few eyebrows." He brought her over to the mirror and Melanie gasped.

She was covered in blood.

There were dark circles under her eyes, a bruise on her right cheek, and her hair was a mess of tangles and dried, dark blood. Her clothes were filthy, she knew that already, but they had taken even worse damage during the grand finale of her captivity.

Melanie's hands went to her face and she started trembling all over again. This wasn't right. This wasn't her life. Nothing, not even her horrible time at Prom or the aftermath of school gossip and glares could compare to the state she was currently in or what she had just gone through. 

William came up behind her then, murmuring softly that everything would be okay and it was all over. His arms wrapped around her shoulders and he cradled Melanie, his head lowering so that his cheek pressed against hers. He actually rocked her side to side on her feet as she attempted to calm herself down.

"This place is gross," she said, sniffling and eyeing the filthy mirror.

William's rumbling chuckle vibrated through her. "I concur. Let's make swift business of my wound, get you cleaned up, and head for a nicer place."

"I can't go home yet. Not like this. Not even after I'm clean... I'm... I can't let my parents see me like this."

William eyed her reflection in the mirror and she returned his gaze, marveling that she could actually see his reflection at all. His lips quirked at her thoughts and he said, "We'll go somewhere for the night. You can call them, let them know you're safe. At least let them get a good night's rest. I'll take you back at sundown."

Melanie nodded. "Let's take a look at your shoulder."

William's arms left her then and he crossed to the scratch-and-dent table and chairs near the window. Digging through a bag he pulled out an artist's exacto knife and some gauze, neosporin and bandages.

"I thought you healed fully," Melanie said, eyeing the ointment in confusion. 

"Those are for you... unless you want more of my blood to heal your scrapes and cuts." When Melanie shook her head, he nodded and tore open the packaging, handing her the knife and taking the gauze out. Lots and lots of gauze. "This is to catch my blood. I don't make a habit of dripping all over motel floors."

Melanie winced and took the knife, looking at her hands in horror. She turned and went to the bathroom to wash off as William pulled his shirt up over his head. By the time she turned to come back into the room, he was sitting on the bed with one of the chairs pulled to face him.

She stared at his muscular back, eyes wide and mouth doing very, very dry. As she took more steps toward him, William reached out and pulled a bottle of water from another sack, twisting the cap and handing it to her with a slight smile on his lips. 

Okay, that wasn't exactly why her mouth was dry but Melanie did vaguely remember being a little dehydrated. She knew there was water being handed to her, but her focus was on William's chest, something that seemed a little more important than the bottle he was holding out for her. Her eyes roamed his torso and landed on the barely-visible hole in his shoulder; that brought her out of her daydreaming. 

Cheek flushing, Melanie took the water and muttered a thank you before gulping some down and setting the bottle on the table. She sat, a new purpose at hand, and stared down at the knife she was holding. How in sweet Jesus' name was she going to do this?

"Just think of biology. Follow the hole through until you see metal."

"But how do I get it out after that?"

"With these," William said, pulling a new pair of pliers from one of the plastic sacks.

"Oh, God, Oh... God, William, I don't think..."

"You have to. Otherwise I'll have to do it myself."

"Does it hurt?" Melanie asked, staring into the wound that was still oozing blood.

"Does a bullet lodged in my shoulder hurt?" William asked flatly.

Melanie looked at him, exasperated. "You're a vampire. You don't look like you're in pain. I've never done this and you're telling me to cut you open like a dead frog and pull out a piece of metal with those things." She gestured to the pliers. "Don't act as if I know what I'm doing because I don't." Her cheeks flushed, her anger at the person who shot William, tried to shoot  her,  boiling to the surface.

"Could I add to that list your making," William said, "that the quicker you do this the easier it will be? Because it's taking all of my concentration to stall the healing process.

Melanie's eyes widened. "You can do that?"

"Only for a very short time." 

Melanie brought her hand up and aimed the knife at the wound, trying to figure out which way to cut. When she hesitated, William asked, "Would you like me to call Alicia to come take care of this?"

She stabbed him.

The knife hadn't quite hit the mark because she had gritted her teeth and glanced at him as she did it, but a quick twist brought the new gash into contact with the hole in William's skin. He grunted, biting his lips and staring over her shoulder as she worked.

Point proven, Melanie furrowed her brow trying to figure out what to do next. Before he could say anything else, she turned the knife and sliced up the same way then decided to cut across as well. Once that was finished, she glanced over at William who seemed to be zoning in on the ashtray.

"How did you find me?" she asked.

William kept his eyes forward, but didn't hesitate too long before answering. "Daman Sokar and John Harvard. They call the two the fox and the hound. They track better than the others."

"I didn't see anyone from Sokar-" Melanie said, before William cut her off.

"Daman left once the location was confirmed. All of the Heads are irritated by this whole infiltration business and they are all keen to keep an eye on their chosen. It wasn't his fight.

Melanie thought she had the wound open enough but she still couldn't see the metal. She dug a little more. "So is he the fox?"

William grin-grimaced. "The hound. He has a higher ability with scent tracking. Harvard has a sharp mind for problem-solving and maneuvering; he's the fox. Tricky bastard. That and he loves to lead any attack. It's a game to him."

"But his student was okay?"

"Well guarded. We found out in time before more were taken. It was just... the two of you."

Melanie thought of Devin's limp body being lifted by Gavin, blood forced into the girl's mouth. She shivered. "Do you think Devin will be alright?"

"No idea. My focus was on you."

Melanie glanced at him again, this time meeting William's eyes. He glanced down at the wound and blanched before returning his focus to over her shoulder.

*** Cameron hung on Danvy's every word; how the immortals found a new way of life by living as Von Muter had once lived, and how the schools were founded by those who followed a certain set of rules. The only difference was that Von Muter still kept to his vow of celibacy. Others had not.

"That was a big surprise, let me tell ya," Danvy said, smirking. "Thousands of years and out of the blue a girl is pregnant with an immortal's child. Caused quite the stir. Suddenly immortals were falling into line, behaving themselves for not only the chance to last a little longer in daylight, but to reproduce as some of them desired.

"They're a bit covetous you see, of valuable possessions. And nothing says "I'm better than you" than presenting other immortals with your offspring, straight out of your very loins."

Cameron blanched at the word "loins." "Yeah, all that," she said, "makes no sense."

"Call it what you will, it works. You believe in God? Maybe He did some heavenly voodoo to make the immortals behave. Don't believe in a higher power? Call it evolution or fate or personal center of balance. Whatever it is, it works. And it only works for males, by the way... female immortals cannot bear children. They use surrogates."

Cameron stared at the cover of her novel. "First, God and Voodoo are two different things. Second, why have children in the first place? What's the endgame?"

Danvy rubbed his ringers into hair, mussing his red dreadlocks. "Because again, immortals are not your mythical vampires. They live forever, yeah; but that still doesn't mean they don't want kids. And when that particular side effect of living this lifestyle spread to others, they amended their way of life."

Danvy eyed her speculatively. "But this way of life, this 'thou shalt not kill, steal or covet' business, means the immortals that walk in the light - figuratively speaking - are more vulnerable to those who chose to remain in darkness. Mating with a human female, staying with her, almost always ended up in some catastrophe where the woman or the child, or both, died. Cause you see, the child of an immortal is quite the tasty morsel to the Dead Ones."

"Dead Ones?" Cameron asked, wide-eyed.

"It's extremely hard to kill an immortal, obviously, but they can die. They're not immortal like a god; more, immortal in a sense that they don't age or grow old. Their hearts can stop beating, and when that happens... well, I'd say run but you'd never get away.

"I said zombies earlier because it's like the corpse of an immortal is reanimated. They look and act like the man or woman they once were but that's where the resemblance ends. No compassion, no heartbeat... pure demonic possession. Reanimated dead. Just without the rotting part. 

"They need more blood, cannot eat food, but living amongst humans like the vampires of myth is impossible. You'd know when one walked into a room. And that is why they search for half-breeds such as myself. Because for a moment, just a moment, they can feel alive again just by drinking our blood. They cannot consume immortal blood so we are the closest thing."

Cameron exhaled and placed a hand on her stomach. "So Shacrow is like a big buffet? Why can you even operate as you do, working in the world..."

"Because there are not many of them. And they only come out at night. And they have no super ability other than being very hard to kill. They are as they were when they died, and when you are half immortal, half human, you're pretty damn strong or quick or whatever you inherited from your parents.

"Par-rentssss, by the way," Danvy said, interrupting himself. "You have just as much to do with your child's ability as Elias."

Cameron gaped. "How?"

"Breeding. Got that memo during the whole lottery day on campus, didn'tcha? Bloodlines. Your family tree must be fresh and ripe for the picking." Davy wiggled his eyebrows. "Not only do you have completely fresh human DNA running through your veins, but you're fertile, have no history of serious family illnesses beyond the norm, and you have specific talents." He paused then said, "That, and the chosen girls tend to be pretty hot."

When he saw Cameron's face, Danvy hastily amended, "Oh don't worry, sweet cheeks. I know your thoughts before they even filter through your brain. Years of 'why me,' 'does he really love me,' and 'am I just a pretty brood mare?' and you start to see a pattern. Every girl has that moment of self-pity without seeing the big picture."

"And what exactly is the big picture?"

Cameron looked up and Danvy spun to face Elias, who was standing stone-faced in the doorway. 

Danvy's mind seemed to stall for a moment before his demeanor changed and he relaxed back on the chaise, saying, "That they have the chance to have a child as awesome as me."

Cameron looked from Elias to Danvy, pretty sure that wasn't what Danvy had planned to say. It did, however, seem to have the desired effect on Elias. Or at least  she hoped it did. 

Elias glanced at her, raising an eyebrow.

"I know what I signed up for," Cameron said, making both males turn to her at the tone of resolution in her voice. "I agreed to go to Shacrow VanMeter College and keep its secrets in return for chances of a lifetime and," she faltered a little, "my services." She looked at her Anne Rice novel and thumbed the pages. "I guess I put my own spin on the situation." She looked at Elias then, to read the expression on his face, but her eyes started to sting with tears the moment she saw him so she looked away.

"Whoa. No, it's not like that-" Danvy started to say.

"Enough, Donovan." Elias said, cutting him off.

Donovan?

"I just meant it's obvious you felt something more for her, otherwise you wouldn't have broken your cycle."

"I said enough!"

Danvy stood. "She's gotta know this stuff otherwise she'll freak out."

"Does she look freaked out?" Elias asked, gesturing to Cameron.

"Why should I freak out?" Cameron's heart began to race.

"Well, yeah, now she kinda does." Danvy admitted.

"Out!" Elias said quietly. "Take Bastian with you. You're both on border patrol with the others." When Danvy started to speak, Elias turned to stare at him. 

"Going," Danvy said quickly.

"And Danvy," Elias said before Danvy was out the door, "thank you."

Cameron heard the grateful tone in Elias's voice so Danvy must have as well. The "Irish pirate" smiled at her and nodded to both of them before leaving the room. Elias closed the door and shook his head.

"You should be sleeping," he said, turning to face her.

Cameron sighed tiredly. "I couldn't. When I hadn't heard from you..."

"I thank you for your concern, Cameron, but there really is no need to worry."

Cameron inwardly baulked at the formal way Elias spoke to her. "Yeah, but Danvy said immortals could die."

Elias eyed her. "Did he. And did he say how?"

Cameron's brow furrowed. "Well, he sort of skipped that part. He just mentioned the Dead Ones and how they used to be immortal." Among other things.

Elias's shoulder slumped as if he were tired. "Danvy should have let your sisters in the Circle break it to you, but in one respect he was right. You should know these things and the sooner the better. You  should  have learned them before..." He glanced down.

Cameron followed his eyes to her stomach, thinking of the way Danvy had gestured to her stomach as well. She wanted to grin but wasn't really in the mood; she had learned quite a lot tonight.

"So, you haven't just had a lot of lovers in your hundreds of years as a va- as an immortal." Cameron shook her head, thinking of each of her house guests that night. "And I'm guessing you have more children than Mahi, Bastian, and Danvy." 

There had only been a few times in Cameron's life when she wished her brain wasn't so clever; so logical in its problem-solving. Seeing the inevitable conclusion approach her, she told herself she knew she was getting into something the moment she agreed to attend the college. Hell, for all she knew they were a bunch of aliens and she was expected to carry their spawn.

Eyes widening, she glanced up at Elias and he gave a look that squashed that theory. 

"You learn you can live in the human world," she said. "Learn you can have children and set up a university for them. But it's not just for dhamphirs, it's for human females. Seven chosen each year, one for each house." She stared at him, daring him to finish her thoughts for her.

"Chosen, being the key word." Elias cut in. "And accepted openly by the girl and her family."

"For what purpose?" Cameron wanted to hear Elias say it.

Elias turned to her and said nothing for a moment as he studied her thoughts. Finally, his face relaxed back into a stony mask. "We are at war. There are not many of us left. For hundreds of years Dead Ones picked us off one by one or turned us into one of their kind. Then there are the were-kind, once trusted companions, now an equal enemy whose population is breeding like rabbits. And there are hunters..."

He looked at her sharply when Cameron immediately thought of Buffy. His tone grew agitated as he said, "As much as I would like the idea of only one 'slayer' being a strong sixteen year old, the truth is that hunters have a strong guild of secret members stretching across the planet. Some live in cities, others reside in deserts or jungles, but all have a common purpose: to rid the world of our kind, alive or dead."

Elias's expression softened. "Hundreds of years ago a summit was held with a handful of immortals who followed in Von Muter's footsteps. It was clear our children had special abilities, abilities similar to our own, but with the added benefit of being able to walk in sunlight.

"This ability was also their downfall. They would sleep at night, having been up during the day, and Dead Ones would find them helpless in their sleep. Until that time immortals and Dead Ones avoided each other, only clashing when one stepped over a clearly drawn line. Once word spread of our offspring however, the war began."

"So why not make more immortals to help you fight?" Cameron asked.

Elias looked at her, his expression softening. "That was tried at first. But to Make another... it's a difficult process. Ritual is involved and things must be done a certain way to create another immortal. The newly created are weak in their first years of life. They do not just change in one night and wake up with amazing powers. Their bodies evolve slowly. They must learn their abilities just as you learn to play a sport."

Cameron could guess the next statement.

"Dead Ones killed them easily, building their own numbers." Elias said, confirming her thoughts. "At one point it was so bad that Dead Ones actually walked among the living. During the Black Death of 1348, what we then called the Great Pestilence, the look of some humans resembled our enemies, allowing them to walk into communities and pick off those who were untouched by illness. As you can imagine, this drove us even more toward war; we could not sit and let such a thing happen."




Shadow School Ch. 10



"Oh, God," Cameron said, thinking of pictures she had seen in school. "Do dead ones have boils or spots all over their skin?"

Elias shook his head. "No but their skin tone is altered without the ability to pump blood through their veins. No heartbeat means no oxygen keeping cells alive. But their skin actually clears and any blemishes they had before death fade in time; it's a result of their possession. They are... too perfect. It is something your storytellers got right, but in reality the change is unnerving just as their presence. 

"Imagine a wild lion walking into the room. You have seen them on your television; know things about them because your teacher or the media informs you of your nature. But looking at them and being in their presence is another thing all together. You would be very afraid and should be. 

"Now imagine a dead lion walking into the room."

Cameron shivered at the idea of such a thing, Elias' words making her truly think about what was out there. "Danvy mentioned that," she said, "That they were reanimated dead. Like zombies."

Elias smiled sadly. "The theory is that we do not lose our souls when we are turned, just simply evolve. When we die, our souls leave our bodies but our immortal state allows demonic possession to reanimate the flesh and bones. The demon still has access to our minds however, which is why Dead Ones look and act as we once did, except that their hearts are cold."

As interesting -- and terrifying - as this all was, Cameron noticed that Elias had deftly steered the conversation away from the original topic. She didn't voice it though, knowing that as soon as her thought filtered through her mind, Elias picked up on it. So, she waited.

And waited.

Finally, Elias spoke. "It took us years to undo the mess we created by Making more of our kind. By the time Dead Ones had dwindled in number, our numbers were down as well. War had taken its toll. Then Von Muter was changed and the first half-breed was born decades later. The child was unique at the time; only a few of us attempted to follow the rules set up for us, but it was difficult after decades of violence and seclusion. Her father was one who walked the new path."

The expression on Elias' face changed to something soft, his gaze distant. "Her name was Teresa. Her father did not know about her, having moved on in his travels without knowing such a thing was possible. It was fourteen years later when their paths crossed and he saw his own face reflected in hers. Being what he was, he tried to take her from her home against her will, wanting her for his own, to show the rest of us this great thing he had done."

When Elias paused, Cameron quietly asked, "What happened?"

"She killed him."

Cameron stared at Elias's still form, understanding the kind of power that must have taken for a fourteen-year-old to accomplish such a thing; the power of a half-immortal. But if she had killed him...

Elias answered quietly. "She buried him." He shook his head. "How was she to know? She had been abandoned by him before she was born and raised by humans. She had no idea that killing an immortal led to a darker version of himself. She didn't even know what he was.

"It teaches us how actions and consequences are so tightly bound together. Had she thrown him over a nearby cliff, his body wouldn't have recovered by morning and he would have burned in the sunlight. If she had severed his head, he would have been truly dead. Instead, she buried him."

"So that story of vampires digging themselves out of the ground..." Cameron said, horrified.

"It's not where the idea originated but all myths have a beginning in truth. He rose the following night and slaughtered the small village where Teresa lived, including the girl. Tasting her blood... it did not take long for word to spread of the power gained from the children of immortals."

Cameron's eyebrows drew together in confusion. "If she died the next night, how do you know this even happened? Where you there?"

Elias shook his head and sat back on her bed, his elbows propping him up. "Because the man was Drusilla's brother Gaius. And he still exists."

***

Melanie's hands were covered in blood. Her fingers were tightly wrapped around the pliers as she eased the bullet toward her from William's flesh. Her hands were a little shaky but other than that, the process hadn't taken too long.

The problem was William's concentration. 

Cutting him open had created new blood flow issues and with each drop that left his body, it became harder and harder for him to focus. Which meant Melanie had two problems: he was healing as she worked, causing various stops in her progress to recut the muscle slowing her progress, and there was a new kind of tension in the room due to her close proximity to a hungry vampire. 

It's not like she could help the position she was in; Melanie had to sit directly in front of the bullet wound to dig into it. But there she was; bloody, her head bent forward as she peered into the hole in William's flesh, and her neck exposed to him just inches from his face. Not to mention she was covered in human blood as well, which was drying in her hair. Yuck.

Melanie had only picked up on the tension William was feeling a few minutes earlier, when he had actually leaned a little toward her and inhaled.

"Did you just sniff me?"

"What?" William said, his eyes popping open.

Melanie glanced at him, eyebrows raised. "You just inhaled. Deeply. In my direction." 

William cleared his throat and winced. "You just hit a nerve and I inhaled. You're digging around in my shoulder; I'm allowed to be tense."

Melanie pursed her lips and had a hard time turning back to her task. It seemed to be time to get this over with. She yanked, the bullet coming free with a disgusting sucking sound.

"Got any gauze left?" She had scoffed at the amount he had purchased but there seemed to be only a few scraps left. 

William pressed some half-used cloth to his wound now that the bullet was gone as Melanie studied the bullet under the lamp. "Why didn't this go through? It's in one piece, and the end is pointy."

"My skin is just a little tougher than yours but my internal makeup is denser. How do you think I can run so fast?" William grinned crookedly.

"So fast your pants catch on fire?" 

He smirked at her comment and glanced under the gauze. Melanie took the chance to peek at his hair, the glossy dark-blonde locks tied back from his neck that made her curious about what it looked like loose and falling around his head. 

She mentally slapped herself out of it and put the pliers on the table. "I think I better take a shower."

William nodded but didn't look at her. Was he hiding something from her? Probably whatever reaction he had to her thoughts about his hair. Or his picturing her naked under the flow of water. 

Oh, God. She was feeding him even more images!

Mortified, especially when she saw William's shoulders shaking in silent laughter, Melanie grabbed a towel and stomped off to the bathroom. She made it to the door before her legs wobbled and she stumbled. Hands reaching for the doorway, she managed to catch herself before falling.

William was at her side in the next instant.

"Melanie?"

"I'm okay. I'm fine," she said, shakily. To prove her point she began trembling as she attempted to stay upright. "God, you must think I'm such a wuss."

William helped her to the toilet, closing the lid so she could sit. 

Melanie stared at it. "No way in Hell I'm sitting on that thing," she said weakly.

William looked around the bathroom and shook his head. "I know it's not the cleanest place but Melanie, you're covered in blood." He grabbed one of the hand towels and covered the toilet seat, urging her to sit. 

Embarrassed, Melanie watched as William started the shower. He turned it to the hottest possible temperature, scalding the tub and wiping down the sides. The room filled with steam.

Once he was satisfied, he adjusted the water and looked at her. "Okay so here's the part where you have to choose."

Melanie looked at him, puzzled. "Choose?"

"You're dead on your feet. You haven't had time to rest, and there's a big clean bed waiting for you at a nicer hotel. But first you have to shower. Really, really shower."

Melanie's cheeks heated.

"Dried blood isn't the easiest thing to remove from hair. Trust me," he said, looking away, "I know."

"Oh," Melanie said. "So... choose what?"

"Option A, you take some of my blood to help you regain some lost strength."

Melanie did her best not to make a face.

"Option B, you let me help you wash. Which, in a bathroom this size, means I shower with you."

"Or Option C," Melanie said, "You let me take care of this myself."

William looked at the shower. "Do you really want to sit naked in this tub?" When Melanie grimaced, he said, "Because I'm not letting you collapse and hit your head while trying to stand and wash someone else's blood out of your hair."

Melanie sighed. She really was tired. And other than the two options William offered, she really couldn't think of another way of getting clean. She just really, really wanted to sleep.

"Nice, cushy bed with the fluffiest of pillows. One hour from now you can sleep for twelve hours if you like."

Melanie whimpered a little and wished for a fairy godmother who could just wave her magic wand and make that hour arrive now. Vampires existed, why couldn't fairy godmothers?

"A or B, Melanie, the sooner you choose, the sooner your wish is granted." William stood, offering her his hands.

She groaned in a whiney, I-don't-wanna sort of way and let William pull her to her feet. "B, I guess. But no peaking!"

William scoffed mockingly. "I will be the perfect gentleman."

And he was. 

He helped Melanie strip down to her bra and panties in a manner that was straightforward -- like a male nurse or something. Her cheeks burned. When it came time to take off the rest, William picked her up and sat her under the stream of water. Seconds later he was in the shower with her, fully clothed except for his shoes.

Melanie couldn't help but peak to see this, but soon shut her eyes as the blood in her hair started running down her face and body. When she had seen he still had his shirt and pants on, she was both relieved and disappointed. 

William really was playing the gentleman. Any other boy his age would have taken the chance to touch skin to skin.

***

 "Caligula?"  Cameron said, eyes widening. "Wasn't he a Roman emperor?"

"Yes," Elias answered.

Cameron baulked. "So... so that means Drusilla... at the college..."

"Is almost two thousand years old. Yes."

There was no way to truly understand this. Cameron's mind tried to wrap around the idea of living for so long; her eyes stared at her comforter, wondering what it must have been like. As her gaze slowly traveled up Elias' body she met his eyes and quietly gasped.

How old was he?

"Older than Leif Ericsson."

Cameron searched her mind for a Viking timeline. "Uh..."

"Mid eight-hundreds. We didn't exactly put a lot of stock in numbers as far as dates were concerned but 842 was my birth year. Three days in to October."

Cameron simply stared.

"If you do some quick math," Elias said, trying to play off the dates, "that makes Drusilla eight centuries older than me."

Nodding was all Cameron could accomplish. By the time she could talk, she stuttered, "So Drusilla is the oldest immortal at the school?"

Elias chuckled. "Not by a long shot." His smile softened. "But I will leave that revelation unanswered. It will be fun to see how long it takes you to guess."

"What, can't I simply ask someone there?"

Elias' smile faded for a moment. "Cameron, be careful who you speak to. Not everyone has the privilege of this knowledge."

"Then why are you telling me?" Cameron couldn't understand it; if she knew all this she would hardly tell someone as new to the game as herself.

"You carry my child," Elias said simply. "We do not lie and we have spent hundreds of years perfecting this sit-" 

Elias stopped. He must have felt the change in Cameron as her brain latched back on to the real reason they were having this conversation. She was once again reminded that her "situation" - she knew that was what he was about to say - was a common occurrence. Annually to be exact.

"Cameron, I-"

"No. It's okay," She said, all easiness gone from her tone. "You've had hundreds of years to perfect this situation. My. Situation. Because it's school policy to get girls knocked up."

Elias didn't bother denying it or trying to make amends. "Please, do not speak so rudely of our child."

"Our child? Our child? Damnit, Elias, I only found out yesterday that I was pregnant. And with an immortals baby that just happens to like blood and will be able to hear my thoughts and the thoughts of those around him. Not to mention this is something I apparently willingly agreed to without thinking, 'hey, maybe they want me to attend this college to make super babies for their..." Her voice faded as she finally understood.

"You're building a super army, aren't you!"

Elias, again - aggravatingly - did not respond with any kind of reaction. "I told you, we are at war. Were it not for our way of life, we would have died hundreds of years ago and who knows what havoc the Dead Ones would have created on this planet."

Tears began to sting Cameron's eyes. "Go."

Elias stood, stepping closer to her. As he reached out to touch her shoulder she jerked away.

"I need time to think without you listening in, okay? Just... go."

"Fine." He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. "This was too much to put on you in one night, I know that. But I want you to know everything. I won't hold back from you. You are the most important thing in my life right now."

 No, the most important thing is inside me,  Cameron thought angrily. She couldn't help that it slipped out, and immediately regretted the venom in the thought once it happened. Elias said nothing after that, and crossed to the door.

"I'll see you tomorrow night," she said as he left her room. Cameron spoke quietly but she hoped Elias heard her. She really did just need some time to process everything. It was too much. 

She had only just graduated from high school two days ago and now she was pregnant and attending a college in the fall that listed a breeding program among its extracurricular activities. That was a lot to take in.

***

Melanie had no idea if she was clean. She could barely keep a straight thought in her head and the only thing keeping her from passing out was knowing William had lost enough blood to make him hungry. You don't just pass out when leaning against a hungry vampire.

She knew he'd hear the thoughts the moment they passed through her head but she couldn't help it. Her censor wasn't working properly. And he seemed not to mind since he wasn't really responding.

William was soaping up her hair for the third time. With his sense of smell he could tell she still had blood in her hair, and she was okay with not smelling too much like dinner.

Leaning against his chest, Melanie could feel William's soaked jacket and shirt scrape her skin, the cloth heavy with water. She frowned, understanding now how William was trying to make her feel comfortable by making himself uncomfortable.

That finally got a chuckle. "I'll be fine," he said.

Still frowning, Melanie stood and turned, letting William brace her arms like an overprotective nurse. She looked up at him and shook her head, sighing as she raised her hands and slid them up his shoulders and around the bring the jacket down over his arms. He helped her the rest of the way, shrugging out of it.

William tossed the jacket to the floor and returned her as he had before, putting her under the spray. Melanie closed her eyes before the shampoo could sting them, and let the water beat down on her scalp. Thank God for hotel water supply; in her bathroom at home the water would have been cold for a while now.

"I think you will live, William said, studying her face and chucking her under the chin when she opened her eyes to look up at him. "As will I." He turned the water off and stepped from the tub, holding his arms out for her and lifting when she couldn't lift her legs to step over the ledge.

Her cheeks heated again. They were doing that a lot lately.

William picked her up and carried her over to the bed. He changed directions when he heard her thoughts of the state of the comforter and chose to stand her near the operation sight. He held her steady as he towel-dried her body, his eye contact purposely avoiding the areas most guys would want a peek at.

Melanie couldn't help that the good Lord had blessed her with a rather large chest, no more than one who had the opposite problem, like Kristie. And standing in a wet bra and panties couldn't be easy for William to simply avoid. 

"Thinking about it doesn't help, either," William said from her knees; he was bending over and drying her legs and ankles, head down.

"Thanks for trying," she said sheepishly.

When she was dry, William pulled over the remaining bag of items, which turned out to be clothing. Jogging pants and a plain pink t-shirt were placed on the chair she had used earlier, as well as a brush and comb set. William grabbed the exacto knife and popped all the tags off before turning to Melanie.

"Can you do this? Or should I..."

"I got it," she said, taking the shirt. She pulled it over her head and paused to wonder how to take her bra off without putting on a show. 

William grinned and closed his eyes.

Melanie stared at him, telling him mentally not to peak before reaching behind her and unhooking the clasp. The material of the bra clung to her so she had to peel it away from her skin before shrugging the rest of the way into the shirt. If William peeked, she didn't know; he didn't look like he did.

Legs unresponsive, William had to help her into the jogging pants but that was a little more tricky. She finally gave up.

"Look, you're like, four hundred years old, so I'm sure you've seen your share of naked ladies, just... don't act the age you look okay? I just can't wear these panties now that they're soaked."

William didn't say anything or even smile. He simply nodded and Melanie let him steady her as she eased her underwear down her legs. She stepped out and straightened, knowing the t-shirt barely covered her butt. Blushing again, she had to lean on William as he opened each leg of the pants for her to step through, then pulled them up for her.

There was no way to describe her relief now that that was over. Melanie slumped into the chair and let her body relax.

"I'm going to take my own shower now but I promise to be fast."

Melanie nodded and reached for her towel. By the time she had dried her hair and combed through the dark curls, William emerged wearing nothing but his own towel around his waist.

Okay, she stared.

Openly.

Before she caught herself and looked up to see William meeting her eyes. There she had asked him not to ogle her and she was doing it to him. She was so bad.

"Sorry."

"Don't be," was all he said.

He pulled a pair of black jogging pants out for himself and a black tank, both of which he put on while Melanie was hiding her face in her hands, willing herself not to peak. 

Sometime later she felt a nudge at her arm and realized she had fallen asleep. She looked up to see the room was spotless and the few things William intended to throw away were stuffed into the shopping bags.

"Ready?"

Melanie nodded and watched William take the bags out. He was gone longer than she thought he would be, but when he returned, he had a receipt from the Motel.




Shadow School Ch. 10



William slid Melanie's shoes onto her feet before picking her up and carrying her over to his motorcycle. He sat her down on the seat and climbed on in front of her, his hands finding hers and pulling her tightly to him. She rested against his back, feeling the hard muscles shift against her cheek as William started the engine and turned the bike toward the road.

As they pulled off onto the highway, Melanie clung to him with every ounce of strength she had left, knowing she didn't have much. That knowledge was what was making William drive at an almost reckless speed.

That, and it was almost dawn. 

*

Thank you so much for following this series! Ten chapters later and it's gotten bigger than I planned... which I guess is a good thing. And thank you for bearing with me as I submit uneditted material - if you happen to be an editor or know one who wanted to take on this beast of a story please let me know. :)

As always, I love any and all feedback you guys offer! And if you want to be put on a mailing list to get notices of a new chapter being released, let me know by emailing me feedback with your address. Thanks! And don't forget to vote ;)



Shadow School Ch. 11



Cameron was miserable. Her whole body was getting tender in random places and she was having a hard time keeping the most random food down.

Bananas.

She was craving bananas. Fresh bananas, banana pudding, banana splits, banana milkshakes... she was on banana overload and it was so hard hiding it from her parents. She just waved it off as a phase, but one night she had actually had a panic attack when she found out her father had eaten the last banana and she would have to wait until morning to go get one.

She'd ended up sneaking out after they went to bed to go to a 24-hour store further away. This wasn't normal right? Was five weeks in enough time to have such intense cravings? She would have to find a way to sneak in one of those pregnancy books that told you what to expect.

To make matters worse, Cameron hadn't seen Elias since she ordered him out of her room. She was still having issues with the idea that Shacrow VanMeter College was a breeding program for immortals of the vampire variety, and that she had been accepted because her bloodlines and attributes were attractive to the not-so-undead founding fathers. And mothers. 

When she traced the whole thing back to getting the invitation in the mail, Cameron couldn't understand how things got out of hand so quickly. Or how she could have behaved so badly.  

She had been a virgin when she went to tour the campus, and when she had met Elias in the president's office, no spark had shot between them. Admittedly she was more preoccupied with Gavin, though for more negative reasons. They had fought for her and Elias had won but only because she chose him in a split second decision. 

She chose Elias. 

Cameron wondered what would have happened if she had chosen Gavin instead. She supposed the same thing; she would have walked into the invisible barrier at the entrance of Gavin's hallway and he would have reacted the same as Elias. Or not. There could have been a multitude of reactions - he could have drained her, or deflowered her in a manner unlike the quick thrust Elias offered. It would have happened regardless how, Cameron was sure, but the future would have boiled down to whether or not Gavin would have fed her his blood and had her lusting after him.

The first time vampire blood flowed through her system, it had been Elias who had given it to her. She had obeyed an order he gave her - sort of. She had been suddenly overwhelmed with the need to get off, and since he'd taken her virginity, Cameron had let Elias have sex with her. Twice.

She could have been pregnant since the first go-around; who knew. That had been a mistake. But she had let Elias take her again later that night, outside, where anyone could have come across them. And seeing him again, having him sweep her away on his motorcycle and say all those things to her while he was in her room, in her bath, in her bed... 

She was a complete moron. 

Cameron got swept up in the whirlwind movie-style romance and, really, everything boiled down to a total of seeing him four days, or rather, nights, and having unprotected sex enough times for him to impregnate her. And as stupid as she felt, it wasn't because she was pregnant.

Something told Cameron this would have happened eventually and she practically had it confirmed by Elias; his school was some sort of breeding ground for half-breeds. Dhampirs, Danvy had called them. So she would have been in this situation eventually anyway.

She was a moron because some part of her actually made her think Elias liked her. That it was instant chemistry. But if that had been the case, wouldn't she have felt a zing or something when she first saw him? 

Cameron blamed herself for her own creative imagination. 

"Know what you want?" Brandy asked before rolling down her window and yelling at the drive-thru speaker, "I'll have a chocolate milkshake and a double cheeseburger." She turned to Cameron.

"Banana split."

"That all?"

Cameron nodded.

Brandy yelled the dessert at the menu and was given a total. "I hate this drive-thru. Hey, so um, wanna tell me about the party? I mean, you got out of there pretty quick and Kyle was pissed as hell when I found him with Brock and Trent. Oops! Sorry, I didn't mean to say the T word."

"It's okay," Cameron said. And it really was. The whole Trent debacle seemed light-years away now that she was faced with her current problem.

"Oh and you should have seen Matt's face. He was so mad he missed the whole thing, but his girlfriend had been helping another girl puke her brains out in the bathroom. Which reminds me. Someone told me you threw up too but by the time I heard, you were gone, of course. With a guy. I mean, are you dating a college guy because I heard he was the hottest thing since lava. Spill."

Cameron stared at her friend, who finally stopped for a breath. Brandy was handing over cash for the food and sat there with an expectant look on her face. 

"He's..." Cameron stared at Brandy, wondering what she should say. If she said she was dating Elias, Brandy would want to know more and Cameron simply didn't know what to say yet. She definitely couldn't tell her friend she was pregnant. "... a guy I met at the college I visited. I don't know what I think about him right now... who knows what will happen in the future." True enough.

"Oh my God, I love the idea of a campus full of college guys," Brandy said. "I mean, I'm still dating Kyle obviously but some serious man candy is always fun to watch. Oh, hey, is that Kristie?"

Cameron turned to see a person on a motorcycle reach for their helmet. She had a brief flash of Elias on his motorcycle but it faded when Kristie's red hair came into view. Cameron stared at Kristie, who was waving at her as if she had something to tell her.

Oh, God. Kristie had left the party with Daman. What if she were pregnant too? Or... should Cameron tell her to run like hell? Not that she would be able to do anything but hide after that; and who knew how easily they could find a person since they kept saying during the visit that the vampires of SVMC had connections all over the planet.

She was in so deep.

"What does she want?" Brandy asked with a sneer in her voice. 

"Um, I don't know," Cameron said, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Let me check."

"What-" Brandy started to say; she was cut off by the lady at the window handing over the food. "Uh, okay."

Cameron opened the door to Brandy's yellow VW beetle and stepped out, closing the door. She walked over to Kristie who looked a little uncomfortable on her motorcycle; the girl actually squirmed in her seat.

"Hey," Kristie said, scrubbing a hand through her short red hair.

"Hey," Cameron returned, coming to a stop on the other side of the shrubs dividing the drive-thru lane and the parking lot. "What's up?"

"Uh, I need to talk to you... about... our mutual friends."

"Okay," Cameron said, knowing her curiosity and confusion was playing all over her face and in her voice. She waited a few moments while Kristie tried to figure out what she wanted to say. "It's okay, Kris, I've learned... a lot since I saw you at the party."

"Um, yeah. How are you?" Kristie seemed to have forgotten the party. Maybe she had been dealing with her own troubles since last weekend.

"I'm..." Cameron didn't know what to say. Should she tell her friend? As hesitant as Kristie was, maybe the other girl really was having the same issue Cameron was. "I'm dealing. I guess."

"So yeah, you are, like, the only one I can turn to for this. Other than..." Kristie was awkward in her confession but still seemed to consider Cameron's feelings toward Melanie Carver. 

Melanie was only a minor itch Cameron wouldn't be able to scratch for the next four years. Cameron had bigger problems. And Kristie did too it seemed because the girl was squirming as she fought whatever hesitation she had.

"Look I'm gunna just throw this out there and you might not like it but you will understand it. I think," Kristie blurted out. "You know when you taste, um, their... stuff?"

Please, God, let her be talking about blood.

"Yeah so um, as it turns out, if you... do things to yourself as result of that consumption... it doesn't help. I have a little experience with this cause of a moment in a bathroom with... nevermind. Anyway I think you have to experience the... um, experience... with another person cause it won't-"

"Oh my God, Kris, do you have a blood urge?" Cameron finally interpreted Kris's fidgety movement and cryptic speech.

"Uh, kinda... if that means I'm horny as hell all the time and can't make it go away by myself." Kristie grimaced.

"Oh."

"And, believe me I have  tried  to find someone to help me out but one girl I dated is monogamous and another I sort of cheated on, and there's no way I'm going to do this with Dylan cause how do you explain something like this without it getting weird? Phone sex didn't work, and I've tried picking up new girls but damn if I don't spot the one or two girls who want to date before doing that. I mean.... dammit, you'd think I could find someone who wanted to get off in a bathroom with a stranger."

Cameron couldn't help the reaction she had; it was a mixture of disgust, hilarity and intrigue because, bathrooms? Ugh. 

That gave her a thought. "Hey, Brandy!" Cameron yelled over to where Brandy had pulled up and parked. "I'll be back in a minute." Cameron turned to Kris. "I gotta go to the bathroom now, wanna come?"

Kristie's mouth actually dropped open in shock.

Cameron replayed what she said and turned red. "Oh! Kris," she laughed nervously, "not like that... I mean, I wanna help, but I uh..."

"Don't worry. I think if you just stand within a certain distance it'll... gah, I'm so sorry, you know I wouldn't even ask if I didn't REALLY need your help."

Cameron nodded, gulping. "Kay." She held up a finger to Brandy who had started to get out of her car. 

Kristie followed her into the fast food joint and then into the bathroom. It had three stalls so there was no lock on the ladies' door but they both went into the handicap stall and Cameron locked that door, turning to Kris and praying no one else came in.

Kristie looked just as nervous as Cameron felt. "This is weird," she said, unbuckling her belt and popping open her jeans as fast as she could.

Cameron blushed and started to look away. "Um, okay so do I just have to be here, or what."

"I think you just have to be nearby. Oh how the hell should I know? Not like I've done this before." Kris wasted no time, plunging her hand into her jeans. "Oh, fuck!"

Despite the fact that Cameron couldn't really see anything since Kristie had kept her pants on, she'd never actually planned on watching a girl get off. In a bathroom.

It seemed even worse that she knew the girl fingering herself. At least with a stranger you had the chance of never seeing them again.  She suddenly got the gist of Kristie's earlier exclamation.

Kristie bit her lip and Cameron found herself a little fascinated at how easily the other girl had started the process. It wasn't fascinating enough to watch though, because after a moment she had to turn away. The whole thing was too intimate and was giving Cameron her own little thrill down south.

She could still hear it going on, especially as Kristie got into it. There were certain noises that moisture on skin made and then there were the smothered gasps and moans accompanying the act.

Cameron plugged her ears. She wished for a second that she was the kind of girl that could easily walk into a stall with her friend and watch said friend get off. But then, she wouldn't be herself. She was the kind of girl who saw logic in things - and logic was telling her Kris needed her help. It was the only thing keeping her from being absolutely mortified or filling like a complete tramp.

How was it that a person had no problem diving into freezing water and suffering the same fate of someone in trouble but watching a girl get off because she needs to get rid of a vampire sex haze was unthinkable? That had been her thought when Kristie told her what she needed. 

Yes, her brain was so fucked up it had come back full circle to understandable logic. Cameron had never had to save someone from drowning in icy water, but she could be nearby while Kristie took care of business. Still, her eyes were clamped shut and her fingers were in her ears, allowing only muffled noises to get into her head.

When the room went silent and it was all over, Cameron peaked. Kristie was panting against the wall.

"Did it work?"

Kristie paused as if she was trying to sense a difference. "Who knows."

"What if it didn't?"

"Then I'm going to fucking kill Daman," Kristie said. "No, first I'll fuck him. Then I'll kill him."

"He did this to you?"

"Oh, I bit him," Kristie said, waving her free hand.

"When?"

"Last Sunday."

Cameron's eyes widened. "So..."

"Every day, several times a day for five days." Kristie zipped up her jeans. "Look, thanks for doing this. If it didn't work then I'll have to call Melanie." Kristie paused, realizing she let the M word slip.

Cameron stared at Kris. "What does she know about it?" Other than how the blood urge made her go have sex with Trent. Cameron didn't know why she couldn't just let Melanie off the hook but the idea that she picked Trent when there were so many other guys who were actually single..."

"Melanie had a little spell herself." When Cameron's eyes widened, Kris said, "Oh, yeah. I watched. She didn't know I did until the end, but I saw her get off in the bathroom at school. Little vixen was just as pumped up as I am." 

That last sentence came out a little disgruntled.

Cameron unlocked the door and washed her hands. She turned to Kristie and nodded, saying, "I'm sorry Daman did this to you. But why did he?"

"Oh, I yelled at him because he came inside me without a condom," Kristie said bluntly. "Of course I didn't have any around and after years of not needing them. I didn't think about it until it was too late. But I went to the clinic first thing Monday morning; I don't care what he says about how it's really hard to get pregnant by a vampire."

"Immortal," Cameron corrected automatically. Her mind had frozen with Kristie's admission. 

Kristie was scrubbing her hands with soap but turned to eye Cameron. "Huh?"

Cameron shook herself. Not her business. "They're not vampires... well they are, but they aren't. They're immortals."

Kristie turned the water off and stared at her while she grabbed some paper towels and dried her hands off. "Explain."

"I... oh, you'll learn all this when we get to school in the fall. I really need to get back to Brandy." 

Cameron turned to go but Kristie put her hand on the door and slammed it shut before it really opened.  Cameron glared back at her friend.

Kristie eyed her knowingly. "Tell me."

"Look, I don't have the time to tell you everything."

"How did you even find this out?"

"A dhamphir told me."

"What, a dhamphir like Eric? A half-breed?"

"Yeah."

"And why would he tell you? They wouldn't tell me jack shit when I got guarded."

"Kris, I really don't-"

"What the fuck, Cameron, why do you get to get all the intel before school?"

"Kristie, don't get all pissy at me when I just helped you!

"And why would you want to keep a vampire's secret from a friend? Huh? You're choosing them over me?"

"What? No. Kristie we're all not the same side."

"Then what's got you up on a higher pedestal than the rest of us? What did you do that's so..." Kristie's eyes seemed to glaze over as she stared at Cameron. 

Cameron jutted out her chin and stared back.

Kristie jerked in one swift movement, aiming a fist for Cameron's stomach. Cameron screamed and brought her arms down to knock Kristie's away at the same time as she bent over to ease the blow. She had no idea where the movement came from; she had no combat training. Instinct then?

Kristie jumped back at stared at Cameron, wide-eyed. Cameron just stayed there in the corner, braced for defense and staring at her friend in horror.

"Okay, one, you should know I wouldn't just punch you," Kristie said loudly. "And two," she lowered her voice, "there is only one fucking reason a woman would react the way you just did."

The two girls just stared at each other. Cameron refused to say anything. She simply stared Kristie down as she wrenched open the door and stalked out of the bathroom, passing two of the restaurant staff workers who had apparently come when they heard the yelling in the bathroom.

Once Cameron was outside, Kristie had caught up to her.

"Cam, look, I'm sorry."

"Fuck off, Kristie. That was a shitty thing to do."

"I wasn't really... I didn't know you'd react like that... I just wanted to know what was up."

"You could have asked." Cameron spotted Brandy, who was leaning against her car, looking irritated. When they made eye contact, the other girl seemed to stiffen, glaring at Kristie as she stood straighter. A friend knew when another was upset and Cameron was barely keeping tears at bay.

"I did. You were dodging."

"Ya think? What would  you  say?" Cameron turned and faced Kristie. "I hope your problem is taken care of. If not, don't bother calling me to help again. Deal with this yourself. I have to."

"You okay?" Brandy said from the car.

"You don't have to do this alone. I'm your friend." Kristie said.

"Yeah," Cameron said to Brandy. She turned back to Kristie and said, "Kris, we're not friends. We were. But you've changed. And I know with school we are in the same boat but what you just pulled in there shows how different we are. You wanna be friends? Cut the shit and get your act together. I'll see you in the fall." Cameron turned and went to the passenger side door of Brandy's car.

Brandy took a second to do the same, staring Kristie down before getting in the car. Kristie rolled her eyes and scrubbed her hands through her hair before going to her motorcycle. 

Cameron opened the door and got in, slamming the door before eyeing her mostly-melted banana split.

***

Melanie Carver was playing dominos with her young cousins. This was a common occurrence on a Friday evening since her aunt and uncle liked to have "date night" every other weekend. She was happy to do it because it got her out of her parents house for a little while without them worrying where she was.

To say her parents were overprotective was an understatement. That they were sending their daughter to a school run by vampires was something unbeknownst to them and after having a vampire save her life, Melanie was no longer conflicted about whether she should tell them about her chosen college.

Not that it was a choice.

Melanie felt altered since her abduction. She had hoped for rescue, and never really gave up that hope even when her strength failed her. She had had to put her faith in things she didn't understand; in supernatural beings that were demonic by nature.

But William didn't seem demonic. He was sweet. He had cared for her. He had gotten her out of that miserable cell and even took a bullet for her. He was just... other. And he scared her.

She was conflicted. Melanie had thought she was going to die in that hole without having truly lived her life. And why? Because the religion she was brought up in told her how to live. Because she had been born to her parents and not another family that had little or no religious ties. Because she was a Catholic, not just one who used confession as an excuse to do bad things and ask forgiveness later, but one who did her best to follow the path her church laid out for her. And now, after eighteen years, she started to doubt the things she had been told. Her head was in turmoil, and Melanie was beginning to think there was more to the world than she had been taught. 




Shadow School Ch. 11



Melanie felt guilty for thinking such things but she couldn't help it. She was human. There was a reason humans had to confess the things they thought, because it was natural to have such sins to purge. 

She imagined William going to confession after last week. It was a bizarre thought to have; the vampire walking into the church without having God strike him down at the door. She pictured William, head bowed, approaching the old wooden doors to the small confined space where others released their burdens to a priest's ear. He would cross himself and ask for the priest to bless him, then tell...

Melanie played one of her dominoes and winked at her the nine-year-old girl across from her. 

What she wouldn't give to rewind the clock a few months. And keep her knowledge. That way she could skip the prom and just stay home to watch old movies. No, she would rewind even further so that she wouldn't go out that one night when she bumped into Gavin at the Tasty Freeze. She wouldn't fall for his flattery and end up seeing him a few times.

Gavin had looked so handsome, a bit dark for her liking, but he had treated her in a manner that her father told her to expect. He was a gentleman. Not like most boys. The few dates they had gone on were nice. Movies, putt-putt, bowling, and he never asked for more than a kiss. Even those had been hot but not overwhelming. 

At first she thought something was strange about it, but she shook her head, reminding herself that there had to be a few guys left out there that didn't immediately want to get into a girl's pants. So she had asked him to her prom and he had said yes.

Melanie played another domino.

It was what he wanted. Probably. It wasn't like she knew what was really going on but Gavin could have come into direct contact with Cameron at the prom. And he probably thought Kristie would be there too. Then he bit her. Really bit her, drawing blood, which she  so  was not into. She had run from him... straight into Trent's arms. Then Gavin chose another for his House. Even though he had seemed conflicted, he had let Melanie be taken by Roanoke, and that had ended their contact. 

Wasn't that what she wanted? To be away from him? What he had done to her?

Smiling to herself, she supposed she owed Gavin for her new closeness to William. Melanie thought that in the end, William seemed to be the better person. Sure, he had danced with most of the girls at the gala, but that had been because of his mother. He had picked Melanie first, and returned to her later.

Melanie wondered what the connection between mother and son really was. It must have been odd for William to grow up loving someone, then continuing to age when she did not. Virginia was forever nineteen and had turned William on his eighteenth birthday. From that moment on they were close enough in age to be brother and sister.

Melanie shivered as she played another domino.

She didn't quite know what to think about William. He had been respectful to her while she was weak, had checked them both into a hotel and despite being hungry, had not taken any of her blood. He had stayed in the room with her, though he did let her have the bed while he rested on the suite's sofa. Melanie wondered if he was giving her the space she needed or if he was simply trying to avoid temptation.

He'd given her even more space when he dropped her off. Melanie had returned home to her parents' arms the following night and William had said goodbye without even coming in. She didn't want to think why he needed to leave so quickly. 

And that was the problem in the end: she was falling for him.

It probably had to do with the whole rescue thing but it was more than that. William had entranced Melanie the moment she saw him at the gala. She tried not to be one of those girls who fell head of heels for a cute boy without getting to know him but he just fit her ideal guy; which to be honest, was a Mr. Darcy with a bit of Wickham mixed in. 

But to get that, realistically, she would have to time travel back to the days of Jane Austen. Or date a vampire who actually lived through those days...

She played another domino.

"Aunt Mellie, that's not a green."

Melanie glanced down and saw she had played an eight instead of a two. She wasn't even paying attention now and even her littlest cousin, who couldn't count to ten, was calling her out for not matching the colored numbers. 

"What do you need sweetie?" The youngest of the four siblings was at her elbow, calling her out on her mistakes. He would be able to play soon too at this rate. "Did your movie end?"

"No. The man said to come get you."

"The man?" Sweat broke out all over her skin. Melanie turned to look at the arch to the kitchen but no one was there. She turned back to say something - she had no idea what - to the other kids who were curious and confused by their brother's declaration. "You all stay here." She lifted the youngest into her seat. "Will you play for me for a minute?"

The tyke nodded and his siblings groaned. 

"Help him if he needs it," she said, going to the arch.

Melanie had no clue what to do. Someone was in the house? Who? She thought she had guardians watching over her. It had to be someone they knew of then, if they let..."

Gavin was standing at the window, his eyes viewing the Disney movie she had popped in earlier. He ignored her, apparently preferring to watch Beast save Belle from a pack of wolves. She glanced back and forth between Gavin and the film, a little shocked that he was ignoring her, and said nothing as Belle decided not to leave the Beast wounded in the snow.

Melanie thought,  Ever heard of a doorbell? 

She stared at Gavin, his pale skin seemed even whiter against black hair and black clothing, not to mention the black night he was standing in. It was a wonder her nephew didn't scream. Her fear was starting to turn into anger.

Gavin walked away from the window and Melanie wanted to throw up her hands. This was absolutely...

The doorbell rang.

All the kids scampered to get it, and she had to wade through three boys and a girl to grab the door as they opened it. The kids stared at Gavin in awe and maybe a little of their own fear.

"Gavin, now really isn't a good time," Melanie said.

"You know him?" the seven year old boy said, wrinkling his nose.

"Are you a boogy man?" the littlest asked. 

Gavin offered the kids a bright smile. "I'm a friend of your... cousin."

Melanie scowled. She didn't like having her thoughts used against her and she certainly didn't want Gavin to interact with her innocent cousins.

He glanced at her. "I need to speak with her for a moment."

The youngest tugged on her arm. "That's the man at the window," he said in a loud whisper. His siblings didn't move as they continued to stare at Gavin.

Melanie looked at him with fresh eyes, trying to see what they saw. A boy about her age, dressed dark like a goth kid, his straight black hair pulled back in a ponytail. She wondered if guys from the Dark Ages called them ponytails.

Gavin smirked at her.

"I'm not inviting you in," Melanie said.

"I don't need an invitation," Gavin replied easily, making a thrill of new fear run through her. "I don't plan on coming in."

"Kids, why don't you go finish your game so he can tell me what he needs to. I'll be back in a minute." She started physically turning the kids by their shoulders to nudge them away and they all went slowly, their little faces turning back over their shoulders as they started whispering about their visitor. Melanie turned back to Gavin. "Okay. What?"

She saw two women standing at the end of the sidewalk and wondered if they were Roanoke or Ovidan.

"Both." Gavin turned back to look at the two. His eyes met those of the woman dressed in something Martha Stewart might wear; if she were a little more dark. She was talking to a young woman with shockingly white hair arranged in spikes.

Gavin turned back to Melanie and grabbed her hand. She tensed but he simply turned her wrist over and eyed her arm. His pale fingers traced a bruise just below the crease of her elbow and her skin was suddenly covered in goosebumps. "Were you hurt badly?"

Melanie bent her arm to her chest when Gavin released her hand. "Physically no. Mentally... I don't know if I can ever..." She shivered, unable to finish her words. She had trouble sleeping and constantly looked out her window to see who was watching her. Of course, she never saw anyone but William had assured her they were there.

"I am sorry if the experience was traumatic." Gavin said stiffly. He was so formal around her now; it was weird. "Things... did not turn out as planned. And for that... for my actions... I'm sorry."

"Yeah. Well. You were just doing your job weren't you," Melanie said bitterly. "Did you have anything else or can I go back to what little normalcy I have left before I head to your institution?"

"No," Gavin said. "I wanted to apologize and I have. Though I would like to add that you should truly listen to the comments around you. Apply every meaning to a word, even if it makes you feel suspicious for no reason. And... be careful of William. You don't weather four hundred years without vice."

"You would know."

"Yes. I would. And you know I do not lie."

Melanie wanted to tell him that he lied to her but she couldn't get the words past her lips. She would just have to settle on knowing that he heard her thoughts.

"I. Do. Not. Lie." Gavin said, staring at her intensely as he said each word.

"Sure. Whatever. I'll see you this fall." Melanie shut the door before she could let her feelings rush over her. She stepped further away, hoping that putting distance between them would make it harder for him to read her mind. She had no idea what distance a vampire needed.

As she crossed back to the table where her cousins were barely playing in their attempt to eavesdrop, she put on a huge smile and asked if they needed any snacks before bed.

***



Kristie sped down the street at a reckless pace. She could see her tails following behind her and she cursed at their ability to drive better than she could. There was no way to lose them.

Not that she wanted to. She knew they were with Sokar House and they were on protection duty but dammit if she didn't want to get away from their mind-reading for a moment and think things through.

What a nightmare this whole situation was turning out to be. At first she thought it was so cool to be one of the only humans who actually new that vampires existed, and knowing they weren't all psycho murdering monsters was even better. But now she knew Cameron was pregnant. 

And Daman was being careless with his own comings and goings.

It irritated the hell out of her that he didn't at least ask first. She had always enjoyed her freedom. She had deluded herself into thinking that as long as she freely chose to accept her new college and the ways of the people who attended that she was still free to do as she chose.

She wasn't free. And the thought of that really grated her nerves.

Nerves that were on fire again.

"FUCK!" She screamed into her helmet as she felt her hips jerk against the seat. Riding her motorcycle had been a bad idea; the vibrations were too much handle and what she had just brazenly done with Cameron didn't work.

"FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!" Kristie yelled, screeching into a turn and darting down a side street. She did a couple of pretzels through a neighborhood and hoped she lost her tail as she headed down an unfamiliar street. She parked around the back of a gas station and stomped inside.

Kristie approached the cashier with every bit of gusto she had. She tucked her helmet under her arm and ran her fingers through her hair, letting her eyes twinkle as they landed on the young man behind the cash register. "Hey."

"Hey yourself."

Okay. Cocky without the looks to back it up, but whatever. Kristie grinned. "Can I see your phonebook?"

One gangly arm slid the book across the counter with gusto, as if he was handing over keys to a Porche. She grinned again and flipped to the C's. 

Kristie looked at the list of Carters with dismay; Melanie just had to have some sort of plain name that loads of people had. There was no way she would find her like this. She didn't really know her parents' name and vaguely knew the area Melanie lived in, but not the street name.

Kristie humphed and slid the book back. "Thanks."

"No problem," said Mr. Suave.

She stepped outside and slid her helmet on, walking back to her bike.

Her feet left the ground. Kristie registered this a second before her body slammed against the wall of the building and her head bounced off the cinderblocks. 

See? Helmets save your life.

"What the?!" Kristie stared out her vizor into the intense dark eyes of Daman Sokar. 

Well shit.

"Do you have any idea what could happen to you if you struck out on your own?" His deep voice was intense.

"No. I don't," Kristie said harshly, shoving at him but only managing to move him about an inch. "Because you tell me jack shit! You have your little army following me around for my protection but I haven't seen any kind of danger and you could very well be making this up just to create some sort of hot sex situation. What's the deal Daman? Are we under attack? Are incoming freshman getting abducted? Is someone trying to take me to pay you back for something? And why the hell can't my body get a hold of itself?!"

Daman still stared her down but this time a twinkle appeared in his eye. Fucking vampires.

"You watch too many movies."

"Well, excuse me if that's the only thing I've got to go on. I've lived a pretty normal fucked up life until this point."

"Uh, you okay?"

The voice came from Mr. Suave, who had apparently decided to take the trash out at the wrong time. Daman glanced his way as he would an annoying mosquito.

"Peachy keen," Kristie said, shoving under Daman's arm and walking to her bike. His was parked just behind hers.

"Follow me," Daman said.

"Like hell," Kristie muttered. She took off toward her house but when she got there and saw her mother's car, she drove right on by.

"Christ," she said, now unable to go home without the usual drama that accompanied her mother's visits. She turned left and found herself driving up alongside Daman's motorcycle. 

Rolling her eyes she decided she may as well follow him. Maybe he would divulge some sort of secret now that she was demanding answers. She had to admit she hadn't been asking too many. She was too busy fantasizing about Daman's...  Okay, stopping that thought before it gets too far. 

Her body reacted anyway. Really? Did she have to choose her motorcycle tonight? She should have known better.

By the time Daman was turning into an upscale hotel, Kristie was panting with the effort to keep her orgasm at bay. Her body was demanding release and as much as she liked those releases, they were very inconvenient in their timing. She was thankful that she was no longer in school; classes would have been hell. 

Kristie thought of Melanie and felt a little bad for the girl. She'd payed. Now Kristie was the one humming like an orchestra warming up for a show. She wondered what was in vampire blood that did this to a person. It made no sense.

"It makes perfect sense," Daman said, offering a hand to help her off her bike.

Like she needed it.

Turns out, she did. Kristie's legs wanted to clamp together in the effort to continue the contact the material of her panties and jeans had with her clit. As much as she hated it, she stumbled against Daman and used his arm as support as she removed her helmet and ran her fingers through her hair to muss it up.

"So you got some sort of scientific explanation for this?" Kristie said, doing all she could to walk normally to the doors of the hotel.

"Yes. You will learn these things in your classes. You will learn much in your time at school and your questions will be mostly answered."

"What do you mean mostly?" She said, realizing more than a few people were looking at her and Daman as they walked inside. She followed him to the front desk.

"Good evening, Mr. Sokar," the woman at the front desk beamed. "Your usual suite?" She glanced quickly at Kristie but was obviously trying to ignore her.

 How many girls do you bring up here?  Kristie thought loudly at Daman. He didn't respond.  Whore.  

The vampire smirked and gave her a leer that would give any woman chills. Kristie played the game right along with him, acting as if nothing was going on mentally between them.

Her body involuntarily convulsed and Kristie barely covered it as a bend to tighten her shoelaces. She crouched so her ass wasn't sticking in the air and gave her face a few seconds to change back to normal. Not that it would so quickly but she at least tried to play it off as an effect of bending over.

 What the hell is going on with my body? And why exactly did you leave me like this?  She asked mentally, staring off in the other direction so Daman couldn't see her face.

"Thank you Mr. Sokar," the clerk said. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call." 

Kristie looked back at her at the hint of flirtation in the woman's voice. The clerk didn't look at her, but gave Daman a huge smile that he ignored once he had his room key. He offered Kristie his arm and they began walking to the elevators.

At first, Kristie didn't want to take his arm again, but being this close to him after a whole week of hormonal stress, her body was weakened by his very presence. She wouldn't be surprised that an even longer time apart meant her body would just present itself to him and just beg to be fucked.

Daman hid a smile as they stepped into the elevator. Kristie dropped her arm and leaned back against the wall trying to regulate her breathing. Seriously?

"My blood is still in your veins and you are the one who asked me to leave," Daman said simply.

"Yeah but I have gotten off like a hundred times since you left. You left! Knowing I'd be like this!"

Daman studied her. "You have been faithful."

"What?"

"A sexual act with another would have eased your hunger for pleasure. You haven't turned to anyone else to seek that pleasure."

"Sure I have!" Kristie rolled her eyes then tried to ignore the change in Daman's face. "I got off in a bathroom in front of Cameron. News flash! Nothing happened."

"The act must be exchanged. A connection must be made."

Kristie thought of how Cameron had closed her eyes and covered her ears. It had been weird for Kristie too but just having another person knowing she was doing something naughty in a public place made her a hot; add that to the inferno of her nerves and it wasn't hard to get off. As for Melanie, Kristie had made eye contact with her...

Daman scowled at her.

"That was before I even met you. And she was the pleasure fool not me. I was kind-of peeping over a stall and she made eye contact with me when she came."

The door to the elevator opened onto a floor and Daman gestured for Kristie to leave. Moving was agony again, the swish-swish of her legs building even more heat between her legs as she followed Daman to a door just a few yards away. She looked back and saw that there was only one other door on this level. So this would be...

Daman opened the door to a massive suite with everything from a bar to a pool table and several sofas. The style was older, not so modern, but the furniture was heavy and looked like heirloom-quality stuff. She wondered where the television was.

Not that that thought stayed in her head long with her legs turning to jelly. Kristie wondered why Daman hadn't swooped down on her and taken advantage of her situation yet. Not that it would take long to satisfy whatever was going on between her legs. She thought even the slightest pressure would tip her over the edge.




Shadow School Ch. 11



She eyed the bathroom and made a beeline for the door. Once inside, Kristie locked it and pressed back against the hard wood panting with effort. No way was she letting Daman get the upper hand, so to speak. She had too much pride to give in and now that she knew how to break this so called blood urge, she could find someone to do this with. Until then...

Kristie quickly unzipped her jeans and plunged her hand between her legs.

***

Melanie threw her keys on her dresser and dropped her bag to the floor as she kicked off her shoes. Her cousins had worn her out and she had only just gotten them all to bed when her aunt and uncle got home.  She pulled the three ten dollar bills from her back jeans pocket and tossed them into the cluster of stuff that spilled from a jade Chinese bowl in front of the dresser mirror and sighed as she started to unbutton her shirt.

Hands grasped her from behind and she squealed into the palm that clamped down over her mouth. 

"Mel, it's me," came a warm breath at her ear. The hands released her and she turned to find a vampire looking down at her.

"Mary Mother of.... William! You scared me to death!" Melanie pressed a hand to her rapidly beating heart.

"Sorry." William grinned, stepping back. "I thought you'd want me to make my presence known before you took your shirt off."

Melanie blushed a little and couldn't help but agree with that logic. "Why are you in my room? I thought it was common courtesy to knock on the front door."

"And your parents would let me in at ten-thirty? To hang out in your room?"

Good point. "I believe it's tradition, then, to toss pebbles at my window," she said.

William arched an eyebrow. "Cliche."

Melanie sighed and shook her head, before it hit her. William was in her room. William!

She flung her arms around his neck and held him close, a move that seem to surprise herself as much as William. She thought of all the horrible nightmares she had had since her time in that cell, and how she had only slept well when she was in that hotel room with William nearby. 

She actually felt safe with the vampire.

William seemed to listen to her thoughts because his hold got tighter as the thoughts rushed through Melanie's head and he asked, "You've been having nightmares?"

She nodded against his shoulder.

"Why didn't you call me?"

Melanie started singing the national anthem in her head. No way was she answering that with her mind. William chuckled, his chin resting on top of her head when she buried her face in his chest to hide her reaction.

"That's an interesting trick you've discovered."

Whose broad stripes and bright stars...

William chuckled again. "You don't have to tell me why, then. I just wanted to see if you were okay."

Melanie sighed and stepped back, "I don't sleep much... I mean, I sleep pretty deep anyway but I always wake up at four or five in the morning and can't get back to sleep." She chewed her lip. "I keep seeing flashes of things from... Like the nasty floor I had to sit on or the eyes of that man you... And you got shot for me." She had a hard time finishing her sentences out loud but she knew William was following her easily.

"Want me to stay?"

"No!" Melanie blinked. "I mean... no... I don't think you staying one night will make it any easier. Unless you stayed every night."

"I could..."

"No. William, I'm not like that. I know girls are pretty easy to catch these days but in that respect I'm a bit... old fashioned. I'd still be a... if I hadn't met any of your kind." Melanie didn't want to sound disrespectful but it was what she was thinking so she figured she may as well be honest. William deserved that.

William studied her. "You're right. I haven't exactly had to try hard in the past. I apologize if my motions are too fast. I promise it is not an insult to your honor." They stared at each other as the meaning of William's words sunk into Melanie's brain. "You wanted to be open and honest, so I will as well," he added. 

"Does that... what do you mean? Are you... trying... with me?" Melanie said, blushing even more.

William licked his lips and looked down. "No." Melanie's heart sank before he quickly said, "It's complicated, but that's the truth. For now."

Melanie nodded, confused on the inside but trying to follow William's comments. She sat down on the edge of her bed and grabbed a pillow to rest her chin on.

William looked just over Melanie's shoulder, as if he couldn't meet her eyes. "Mother wishes it." 

It was a simple statement, carrying a lot of meaning. He changed the subject. "How much do you know about... us? The school?"

Melanie exhaled, her eyebrows raising as she faced the memory of Virginia telling her more than she wanted to know. She ran through the conversation they had at Roanoke House, and remembered being disbelieving, scared, then resolute about the outcome. She was being told too much information on purpose and over time she blamed Virginia for getting her into this mess. 

But she blamed Gavin more. If it hadn't been for him, she wouldn't have even been invited to that campus. Everything led back to Gavin. And he wouldn't leave her alone.

"He will, from now on."

Melanie blinked at the interruption. William had taken her thoughts as an answer to his question and now knew Gavin visited her tonight.

"Your guard called the moment he arrived. None of them had the authority to tell him no. But Mother does. She's aware. And irritated that he trespassed on your life. You should know he will not bother you anymore."

"Do you do everything your mother tells you?" She was genuinely curious.

"No. Well... most of the time her requests are not hard to say no to."

"Except with me." Melanie didn't even know why she felt insulted when everything in her told her she didn't want to be in a relationship with a vampire in the first place. Yet here she was, a little torn over what William was saying. She guessed it was because it wasn't just any vampire. It was William.

William stared at her. "Like I said... it's a little more complicated. And Mother is determined. But with you, I find myself resisting."

Melanie was only a little mortified. He was asked to date her and he was resisting?

"It's not like that. It's just..." William raked his hand through his long hair from forehead to crown as he ducked his head in frustration. 

Melanie simply watched, this whole encounter a little surreal. She would never get use to this, she thought.

William turned back around, his head tilting up to the ceiling before he leveled his gaze on her. "You know I must tell the truth."

"Is it that bad?"

"No! I just don't... I don't want you to be insulted or hurt."

Well  that  hurt a little.

"See? I haven't even said anything and your heart is racing." William sat down beside Melanie on the bed, not touching her, but at least he wasn't distancing himself. "Usually when my mother plays matchmaker I either agree or disagree. It doesn't matter to me or it does. That simple. Because of how we live our lives we must never speak or behave in a manner which is false. It's a setback."

"How so?"

William stared off into nothing, his thoughts turned inward as he said, "We are less monstrous if we live a certain way."

Melanie bit her lip. All this time she had no problem thinking the vampires of her future college were monsters, demons even. But what if she were one of them? What if she were turned against her will? Would she consider herself a monster?

She saw William in a new light as the last question crossed her thoughts. Suicide was a big sin with her faith; the same faith that William shared. If he wasn't really dead, and thought himself a monster, he had no way to end his existence according to his religion.

"I wish it were as easy as stepping into the sunlight. To do so willingly..." William shook his head. "Others have. Those who believe it doesn't matter. But it matters to me. So, I gave up that path long ago. But I was not turned against my will." 

Melanie studied William's face as he spoke.

"I knew that my mother was different at an early age. She didn't grow old like the ladies around her and after a while, it became noticeable to those closest to her. French women are known for their fashion but they didn't have the resources to defy age back then. When I was old enough for her to confide in me, I wanted to join her eternal life. But I admit it was for more selfish reasons. There was a time after my change that I went off the grid so to speak. But... I came back eventually."

"So... you were with her even as a child?" The idea of a child with a vampire; that was dangerous.

William grinned. "You will learn that our nature is not that of your myth. I haven't corrected what you call me because to you, this is what I am. Vampire. But it's more complicated than that."

Everything seemed to be more complicated. 

Melanie gave a mental eye-roll and said, "I think I can handle it."

"Being able to handle it and being smart enough to understand are two different things."

Melanie's mouth opened to reply but she didn't really know what to say. "I will try to understand that you are unlike the things I know of about vampires. Because... vampires are obviously a thing of human fantasy, yet there is usually truth behind myth."

"Well, thank you, Ms. Carver."

"I don't mean to be formal, I just... I'm trying to figure out what this whole conversation is about. Your mother wants to play matchmaker and you... are resisting."

William turned his head toward her and the move brought them almost nose to nose. Melanie inhaled a little but didn't move away. William's breath was sweet, warm, not as warm as a human's may have been, but it wasn't cold either. His eyelashes were long and she could study them easily since his eyes were focused on her mouth.

"For years I have done as my mother asks. But would you want me to act on her wishes or my own?" His eyes flicked up to hers and she was entranced by the depth in his brown irises.

"I..." Melanie's words stumbled. It was hard to speak when he was so close. Her mind was fighting for focus. "I suppose I can... see your point." Now it was her turn to stare at his lips.

"Melanie."

Her name flowed out of William's mouth so fluidly that she had a hard time drawing her eyes back up to meet his. She caught just a hint of the French accent he probably got rid of hundreds of years ago.

William grinned and let his face back away from hers just a few inches. "Would you even consider being my girl if I asked?"

Her face flushed as her thoughts filtered through her brain, knowing he was listening in. He was hearing the truth. No; Melanie wasn't sure. She was terrified and excited but she was also hesitant to the point of utter confusion since her natural instinct was to fling a cross up in his face and run for her church for protection. But she knew he went to church as well so that was completely pointless and distorted the view of... what she thought he was.

William nodded. "You are conflicted. For now, I will just simply say I am as well. But there's just one thing..." he leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly against hers.

Melanie felt the electricity running between them connect as William's mouth pressed against hers. It was light, soft, and quick, and when it was over, she opened her eyes to see him staring back at her.

Her mind, for once, was blessedly blank.

William stood. When he turned back to her, he said, "Shacrow will change your life for the better if you let it. Take the summer to do what you want and collect your thoughts so you are prepared for the fall. I will see you then."

"I won't see you for two whole months?" Melanie asked, still a little befuddled by the light kiss.

William smiled lightly. "I leave for Paris tomorrow. I plan to return before the semester."

Melanie blinked. That brought her back to reality. "You're leaving?"

William nodded. "I have some things to attend to before the semester begins. But I am leaving you in the hands of a trusted guard. You have my number. Call whenever you like. If I cannot answer, I promise to return the call when I can." He kissed the top of her head and smiled, his hand lifting her window effortlessly before he went through it. She watched him drop from the second story ledge with hardly a worry.

Vampires.

Just like that, William was dismissing her. For the whole summer. 

Melanie was having a hard time trying to understand what just happened. This whole time, ever since she first met William, she had no idea what to think or how to respond. Now that she watched him disappear around the corner of her house, she found herself wanting to beg him to stay.

Did she want William?

Gavin told her to beware of William. What exactly did he mean?

***



Kristie sank to the floor, her hands soaked with her own pleasure.

Daman Fucking Sokar was playing pool in the next room by the sound of it, and hadn't even bothered to break down the door to get to her. That was the whole point, was it not? Bringing her up here to take advantage of her situation?

She stared around the bathroom, studying the white tiles of the floor and walls and the dark wood of the toilet seat and cabinet. It was a pretty ornate room with the gold-gilded oval mirror taking up center stage with its swirly leaf patterns and whatnot. Not the type of room she planned on tonight. 

Not that she had any plans.

Kristie wondered why Daman was even bothering with her. He clearly desired some submissive sex kitten who wanted to pleasure and be pleasured. He was also obviously into white girls with red hair for whatever reason. His exotic appearance and gray eyes were defiantly a sidestep from the boys Kristie normal saw, and despite his age, Daman seemed much older in most respects... except his sexual cravings. 

Which were kinky as hell.

Kristie stood and buckled her jeans, her hands going for the faucet to wash away the remaining fluids from her one-gal party against the door. Her reflection shown back at her and she couldn't help but glance. The girl she had become was so bizarre and she had no idea how to respond. So far, her response was to not look at herself in the mirror for more than the few seconds it took to make sure she was presentable.

Each glimpse she had of herself showed her someone she was not. Had she been watching this from outside her body, like a movie, Kristie would have been sneering at this red-head's self-proclaimed bad-ass lesbian status. Was she a fake? She'd been asking herself this all week. Some women spend years discovering or repressing their love of the same sex, but Kristie had known early she was a boob girl and once she had eaten her first pussy she was hooked. She was a lesbian through and through and as a bonus, she loved the way she was around other girls.

So why the fuck was Daman Sokar making her hump her pillow in her sleep? She blushed, remembering waking up in the middle of the girl-on-pillow action and resolving to get off before going to bed so it didn't happen again. Daman had been fucking her from behind again, at least he had been in her dreams, and when she woke to find she wasn't as filled as her dream self, she cursed her lack of dildos and bought one the next day.

He made her hot and she didn't know why.

Glancing back up at the smooth reflective silver, the girl in the mirror stared back at Kristie with a healthy glow of the just-pleasured. Her body was singing. Yet there was something different about her. For the life of her, Kristie couldn't figure out what it was.

Running her wet fingers through her hair to play with the style and muss it up a bit, Kristie turned the water off and braced herself for whatever waited her. Would Daman be pissed that she got off without him? He did say he would wait until she asked, but he did hunt her down tonight for a reason. What reason?

Kristie emerged to the noise of balls clacking together on the pool table. Daman glanced at her as he walked around the table, his hand twisting a blue chalk cube against the tip of his pool stick. She approached, wordlessly, and watching him aim for the white ball.

Before he hit the ball, Daman's nose sniffed the air. 

With a crack, he made contact with the cue ball and they both watched the fury as the other balls were knocked about. Kristie waited for Daman to say something. She knew he knew what she was thinking, so the ball was in his court.

So why wasn't he saying anything?

Kristie watched him hit the balls a few more time before it got to be nearly unbearable. She had to do something, and at the moment, she was planning to simply leave; if Daman would let her.

Just as she was about to say goodbye and storm away, there was a knock at the door. Daman ignored it at continued to play, so Kristie knew he wanted her to get it. She rolled her eyes and crossed the room.

She didn't know what she expected, a man in a uniform with a tray of food, Kristie guessed, but it wasn't anyone she could have foreseen. In fact, the presence of a strawberry-blonde with please-suck-me tits and a cheerleader's body was the last thing Kristie expected. 

"Uh... yes?" Kristie knew her eyes were probably as wide as they could get but the girl simply beamed at her.

"Hi! Well aren't you a cutie-pie!" The woman said, the words falling from her lush berry-colored lips with a thick, vowel-abusive Texas accent. 

Okay, so a Dallas Cowboys' cheerleader body.

"Daman here?" she asked.

"Yes," Daman said, coming up beside Kristie and opening the door wider so the newcomer could saunter in, her slinky yellow dress hugging her ass in a way that had Kristie staring.

Before she could catch herself - and really, if she had been coherent, she should have glared at Daman and stalked out the door - he closed the door with a click and flipped the security lock. Kristie turned to see the action then really did glare at Daman, who leaned back against the door, ignoring her as he eyed the other woman.

Kristie's brain was strangely blank when she groped for a reaction. She felt like smarting off but she couldn't wrap her mind around the words to do so. Even her thoughts were having a hard time turning into barbs to aim at the vampire. They both simply watched the girl toss her purse on the sofa before turning for the minibar.

 I'm confused,  she thought to Daman,  clearly. 

Daman turned his gray eyes on her and she saw the twinkle there again. He stood and went to the pool table to continue his game. So far he had not said a word to Kris since they entered the room. Was he giving her the silent treatment because she hadn't asked him to take care of her impending orgasm?

Now he was blatantly ignoring her.

So the fuck-bunny was for him? She wasn't even needed? 

Kristie looked back at the strawberry-blonde as the girl shook up a few drinks, pulled out three glasses, and lined them up, pouring the liquid with ease. By the time she thought to say something the girl took a sip from one, grabbed the other two, and set one on the pool table's ledge, asking Daman, "So how ya been?"

"Busy. The usual."

"Me too!" The girl drawled. "Practice, practice, practice with no break! Lovin' it tho."

The girl then turned the Kristie with what Kris expected to be a get-out-of-here fake smile. The girl wasn't faking anything... her huge smile was genuine and a little flirty as she handed Kris her own glass.

What. The. Hell?

Kristie glanced over at Daman to watch him down the alcohol easily before going for another shot. The crack and reaction of pool balls knocking against each other sounded noisily throughout the room when Kristie turned back to the woman. The lady winked at her then went back for her glass, sipping, and taking her leave of the room by waltzing into the bedroom.




Shadow School Ch. 11



Kristie watched silently as the woman set her glass on the table, reached up under her long tresses to pull at the material holding her dress up. The yellow fabric fell, revealing even more of her back, before she bent over and slid the rest down her legs.

Realizing her mouth was open, Kristie closed it with a snap and turned to put her glass on the table, her next move taking her closer to the exit she sought. Daman was there before she could walk the last few steps.

"Let me leave."

"Why would you want to do that?" he asked, his breath coated with the sweet mixture of rum and fruity syrups.

"Clearly you don't need me."

"I need you."

Kristie stared up into the vampire's gray eyes. She knew they had to tell the truth, so he had to have meant it. Need her for what? "Whatever you need me for it's clearly not necessary at this point in time."

It didn't really matter what she said, Daman wasn't about to let her leave the room. Her bravado fell.

"Let me go," she said, slightly dejected. "Whatever you have planned with that girl in there, you don't need me here to do it."

"Kristie," Daman said, his hands barely touching her as he wrapped his fingers lightly around her arms, "she's not here for me."

Come again?

Kristie's eyes jerked up to Daman's and her face had to have been displaying the incredulity she was experiencing at that moment. "Me?"

"You need release. And you have made it apparent you will not take that release with me. Nicole is a friend. She was with Sokar House several years ago and she was in town."

Kris fumbled for a response. "I thought... if I... Didn't you just get all irritated at the thought that I had been with someone else?"

Daman turned his head. Kristie looked in the same direction and could see the woman, Nicole, sitting on the side of the bed, completely naked now, unlacing the straps of her high-heeled shoes. "That you were faithful impresses me. But if you will not have me, I offer one of my choosing. Nicole was one of the Seven. I have... known her body."

"So you just called her up and said, hey, come fuck my new recruit?"

"Manners, Kris." Daman said, his eyes returning to her. "She knows what a blood urge can do over a lengthy period of time. Yours will return eventually, despite what you just did in the bathroom. She understands the release you need. As a member of my House this is keeping your situation, and your dismissal of me, under wraps." Daman left her then, crossing to the pool table to finish off the last two balls, an orange stripe and the eight ball. 

Kristie stared at him, then glanced toward the bedroom door and saw the woman looking at her. From this angle, Nicole's body was turned in a way that bared her full breasts to Kris, her stomach muscles showing the results of countless hours in the gym. As Kristie stared, Nicole swung a leg up on the bed and leaned back, her entire body on display.

It was the most erotic thing Kris had ever seen in person. A woman, the kind Kris always imagined she wanted, splayed on a bed ready to be tasted.

Nicole brushed a hand over her breast, her fingers tweaking her nipple before sliding down her taut stomach to dive between hairless, swollen pussy lips. A finger disappeared inside her, emerging with a glistening sheen that she brought to her lips. The finger disappeared once more, this time between the berry lipstick-covered lips of Nicole's mouth.

When it was clean, the finger pointed right at Kris, and curled upward several times.

***



Cameron closed Brandy's passenger side car door easily so she wouldn't wake her parents; they weren't exactly the wait-until-you're-safely-home types. They just assumed she would be in by curfew, which was midnight now that she had graduated from high school.

Her watch told her it was one fifteen.

To avoid any confrontation, Cameron crept around to the side gate and let herself in, knowing full well she was safe despite the darkness because of her hidden bodyguards, wherever they were. She took care to walk in the grass instead of the cobble stones, and crossed around back, along the pool, to the doors to her room.

The pool lights came on and Cameron froze as blue lights bounced off the house in reflective waves. She was surprised, yes, but already knowing there were people around made her reaction a little subdued. She thanked God she wasn't much of a screamer.

Instinct would have had her turning to the pool to see who was in it, but her own brand of logic told her the first place to look would be the actual switch that turned it on. That switch was in the pool house.

Turning to the small stone structure at the other end of the pool, Cameron saw Elias emerge, his clothing appropriate for a night on the town, not a warm spring evening by a pool. She raised her eyebrows as he walked toward her, his graceful, confident movement mocking the men of catwalks around the world.

The father of her child, ladies and gentlemen.

She had to admit, he looked damned good. Damned being the keyword, though, since his nature was considered to be demonic by those who believed vampires were a myth. Yet he seemed to be on some middle ground between the angel he looked like and the demon humans would consider him to be. So far he was simply... ambivalent.

And despite all the things Cameron learned the last time she saw him, Elias was still a mystery.

When he stopped in front of her, half his face in shadow, the other side painted light blue by the lights of the pool, he simply looked her over as if studying her every feature. She wanted him to speak first, so Cameron silently studied him back; the curls of his blonde hair, the shape of his nose, the curve of his lips and edge of his jaw... His eyes, she saved for last, because in the night she knew their green depths would hold her attention.

"I'm sorry," he breathed.

She didn't know what she expected, but it wasn't this. She had hoped for it, sure, but had not expected it. 

"I'm sorry for putting you through this nightmare," he said.

"It's not a nightmare," she inserted, shaking her head.

"For the way you have been introduced. The situation you have been put in. For leaving for the week without telling you why I have been gone."

Now that Cameron was getting all the apologies she could ask for, she found herself not wanting them. She could only shake her head.

"For everything," he whispered, still not touching her, "except the passion I have felt for you.  And the child you carry. I am not sorry for those things. But the rest..."

Cameron stepped forward and pressed her fingers to Elias' lips. His own fingers covered hers and pressed them to his mouth, his lips kissing the tips before clasping her hand and bringing it down to his chest. Cameron's eyes followed the movement of their entwined skin rather than looking back up at him; she wasn't prepared to forgive him so easily, even with the apologies flowing so freely.

"I thought I would see you the following day. What kept you away?" she asked.

"Pride. Your dismissal angered me. It is my own fault. This... feeling toward you that has flared up inside me is fighting with years of ritual and expectation. I wanted you to be as passionate about me as... as I am for you."

Wow. There was that truthfulness again, which, when confronted with its absoluteness, was a daunting thing to hear.

"But it was one-sided on my part. My nature is strange to you and you have had everything thrust upon you in a way that must have been unappealing."

"No."

"You cannot help it, Cameron, you are human. It takes weeks to learn things that were thrown haphazardly at you by two men, not a sisterhood that will embrace you no matter you reaction. It was naturally too extreme for your sensibilities to learn the way you did."

"My sensibilities? Elias I-"

"This is my punishment for breaking the rules. There are reasons we introduce girls slowly to life at Shacrow, so they are not startled by what is asked of them. It gives them the chance to think they have a choice, which they do but only in how involved they want to be. It sounds horrible, I know, but when fully explained and understood it is not as bad as it seems. You on the other hand, were pregnant before you even learned of this lifestyle and feel you have no choice. You still do. You can choose to end things now if you wish."

"Elias!"

Everything she wondered about was spilling from his mouth like he took some sort of truth serum and couldn't help but tell her everything she wanted to know. It was disconcerting and now that she had the immortal's attention, she looked up into his eyes and wondered how to express the jumble of thoughts and feelings that were clogging in her throat.

Instead she said, "Just... wait a second."

They both stood there, shrouded by night and the rippling effect of the pool lights. Elias still held her hand and she returned her focus there as she had moments ago.

"What rules did you break?" She peered up at him then.

"When you hit the barrier... the witch-shield guarding my domain from those outside my House, I thought at first you had been claimed already. But it was your... your virginity that stopped you from entering. When I... inserted myself... it was a claiming I couldn't take back. You were mine from that moment on. It is how we were able to make our exit. It stopped Gavin and it stopped anyone else who approached."

"Yeah, I got that part."

"We... that is, the other Heads and I, set up a school based on the natural course of separation."

Cameron shook her head, not understanding.

"By all accounts I was still with Nellie when I took your virginity."

Cameron's mouth opened a little but not words emerged.

"I had ended things with her long ago, and... the proof is your... current condition."

Looking down at her still-smooth belly, Cameron knew she was in for more vampiric revelations. Elias was right. The answer to one question creates countless more.

Elias lowered the hand that clasped her own and his eyes searched hers, asking her permission she thought, as his fingers neared her abdomen. She was okay with it - it was his child after all - and she held back every emotion that attempted to surface when Elias's palm pressed against her.

"A week ago you learned how we were able to create life. We live a certain way. Such a lifestyle is difficult when taking into account our true nature, but it is possible. A lie is a setback of several weeks, a murder can take months to a year to recover from, but infidelity we perfected to a mere eighty-nine days."

When Cameron didn't say anything, he added, "A summer vacation."

Cameron scowled as she put this information together with everything else she had learned so far. No wonder they opened a school; not only could they educated their children at a college where they could be themselves, but they could get the mothers of their offspring away from their parents, keep them close, then discard them when the school year was up.

She was appalled, but it was hard to argue with logic when looking at it from their point of view. Her damned logic-guided brain understood. It still didn't mean she had to agree with it, however, and Cameron let her hands fall to her sides as she looked at the pool.

Elias didn't take his hand away but he didn't move closer to her either. "Each year I watch girls come to our institution. Each year I must choose for my own House, and each year there's the hope for positive results. It... seems insensitive to a young woman experiencing it for the first time, but to us... to me... it, more often that naught, rankles."

Cameron was braced for such statements now, but it still hurt a little to know she was the means to an end.

"But that is where you are wrong," Elias said, his hands going to her shoulders. "The rules I broke are two-fold. One, I should not have been able to father a child with you were I still with the chosen of that year. But more importantly, I should not have approached you in such a manner until you were firmly ensconced in my House, well protected from the outside world not to mention informed of what would happen between us. Don't you see?"

No, Cameron didn't see. And she was getting a little tired at not being able to understand anything.

"I broke the timeline to be with you. I stepped outside centuries of order to create disorder. For you. So, no matter what you were intended for by being a part of my House, I took your virginity and then entered you again and again before you were even declared publicly to be mine."

Cameron blushed and Elias pressed his forehead to hers whispering, "I wanted you. Before I even knew you. Before you were a necessity for the school. Before you were meant to provide me with a child as part of your time at Shacrow. I  broke the rules  for you. To be with you."

Cameron felt the sting of tears just as a lump in her throat made it hard to swallow. Rather than stand there, before this beautiful immortal, sobbing into his clothes, she turned and pressed a hand to her mouth as she walked to one of the cushioned chairs near the shallow end. She turned and sat and gave her body something to do to break free of the tumble of thoughts in her head; she took off her shoes.

Elias watched her from where he stood, one hand in a pocket and the other scraping through his blonde curls as he exhaled his frustration. Cameron purposefully ignored it since the frustration was his own making. She wasn't about to make this easy for him, no matter what her logic, or his truthful words, told her.

Cameron stepped forward and eased her feet into the pool's tepid water before sitting on the edge of the steps. She put her head in her hands and looked out at the small waves her legs created, deciding to speak her thoughts since he could hear them in her head anyway. This way there was no assumptions as to her thoughts or meaning.

"I suppose..." she started, trying to speak passed the damned lump lodged in her throat, "That were I to have been a founder of this school several hundred years ago... and each year I watched girls come and go, winning the baby lottery some years or facing disappointment..." she didn't care if she sounded crude; it was matter-of-fact. "It could get old."

As she spoke, Cameron found it easier to separate her own feelings from the words – the way of the world was not always the way one wanted it to be and humans more often than not tried to shape the world into the way they wanted then had the nerve to be disappointed when the world uncaringly moved forward without a care for their feelings. Fate. Nature. Whatever it was, it was a force to be reckoned with. No. It wasn't even something you could reckon with. It was a force you could ride if you wanted, it didn't care how you reacted. Nothing you could do could alter the momentum of life.

Cameron blinked at the negative thoughts; she was usually such a positive person. She realized she hadn't been speaking aloud like she planned and continued.

"They say a fly lives only 24 hours," Cameron said, watching Elias watch her out of the corner of her eye. "I suppose as long as you have lived, humans seem like bugs. So you created your own personal ant farm. Bringing in girls for breeding is what you do each year. Seven doesn't seem all that much compared to billions. But each person you bring in has a plan for their life, even if they have no idea what that is. 

"So here's me. One of hundreds, chosen to be in your special Seven. I should be grateful, right? You'll give me the life I've always wanted. All I have to do is provide you with a child. And keep your secret. I can even be a part of the child's life if I want, or I'm guessing, I could hand the child over, duty done, and move on with my new glamorous life unburdened by a kid I may not have wanted. I may keep in touch with you or I may not, but it's not really me that matters. It's the secret. Oh and the children. This army of half-breeds you and the others are creating to protect you day and night. Those who may even be listening right now as I speak." Cameron raised her voice with the last few words and looked out at the surrounding foliage.

"Yet you, an immortal, misunderstood by stories you probably even helped create, every year you have to do your duty. It's probably like eating the best steak you've ever tasted, then being told you'll eat the same steak for dinner for the next hundred years. I can see how bored you must be."

Elias took a step toward her but she held up a finger.

Cameron looked at the water and said, "I understand. Trust me... my way of looking at the world is a blessing and a curse." She looked at him then. "Tommy Wells died in a car crash last year. Everyone was shocked and people cried. Except for me. I thought there was something wrong with me because I should react like them, right? He sat next to me in Chemistry. We did a history report together freshman year. It was tragic. So why didn't I cry? Because my stupid logical mind connected the dots. People die in car crashes every day. I could be next. Statistically speaking Tommy had just as much chance as I did in being part of that statistic. So I never cried. 

"Then I went to his funeral. I saw his mother clutching a girl I guessed was his sister or someone close to the family. I still felt nothing; I liked Tommy, but he was a statistic. It was horrible, tragic, but my stupid mind told me fate had to prune the herd somehow. So believe me when I say I understand how you see us. Ants that go about our business even after you give our world a little shake. We stand back up and move on. I would get over Tommy's passing. But standing there, watching his mom, I realized what she must be going through, and I finally cried. Not for him. For his mother. Because for the rest of her life, she'll have to deal with the loss of a son to a stupid statistic. All her hopes for him were ripped away by a careless driver. I cried for crushed hope. Not for death. 

Cameron was amazed that she had held Elias's gaze for so long and finally looked back at the water. "I don't fear death. I don't fear you. I don't fear the future. No threat I may be under is causing stress. My mind doesn't work that way. So why would I possibly be upset?" 

She looked back up at Elias who was studying her with fascination, or what she hoped was a little curiosity. "Because I just graduated high school. I had a whole future ripped out from under me. Things I didn't even know I hoped for have been altered against my will. And perhaps part of this is because my logic also tells me I'm an eighteen-year-old girl with foolish fantasies of a knight in shining armor sweeping me off my feet and I got caught up in a whirlwind meeting with a handsome vampire who was thrilling and sexy and showed me pleasures I haven't experienced. 

"Am I naïve? Probably. And I can't bring myself to hate you for what you've done to me because I not only see my gut reaction as childish but mixed with your side of things I can do nothing but scream at fate and the trouble it's caused." It was hard to keep hysteria from creeping out of her but Cameron managed to keep her voice on this side of crazy.

Reining herself in, she wrapped her arms around her legs and looked at her toes as they soaked in the water. "Right now, I can't help the way I feel. I'm young. I may be logical but I'm still a teenager. One that just had life slap her up-side the head. It's not every day a girl gets pregnant by a vampire. Immortal. Sorry." She bit her lip and glanced back up at Elias for a second as she took a breath and said, "Perhaps watching girls react to this same situation every year has numbed you to our responses but please try to understand that though I may actually get what you are going through and how you have done this against your rules,... I don't have to accept it.




Shadow School Ch. 11



***



Kristie stared at the naked woman on the bed just a room from where she stood and felt herself her pulse quicken even though she had been sated just moments earlier. Nicole was tweaking her nipples to the tune of hard pool balls getting racked and rolled into position. With the room this quiet, Daman would be able to hear every moan and gasp the two girls would make.

And he had set this up.

Mouth dry, Kristie licked her lips and glanced at the dark-skinned vampire leaning over the green felt as he aimed for the triangle of colorful spheres. Would he play during...?

Looking back at the door Kristie took the few steps towards the bedroom, her eyes locked with the heated gaze of the woman on the bed. She felt her own core flare with need as she leaned against the door frame and even returned the smile she received before reaching for the door and closing it with a click.

What the fuck was she doing?

Kristie rested her head against the door when she heard the balls on the pool table stop their clacking and waited for the next shot. It never came. 

Turning, she met Daman's eyes.

"Fuck it," she muttered, taking a few long strides toward him and leaping into his arms. His ability to read her mind had him ready to catch her and as she wrapped her legs around him and planted her feet on the pool table behind him, Daman spun them with her momentum and had her laying on the surface with one graceful move. 

Pool balls scattered as she landed on a few and before she could dig one ill-placed one from her back, Daman used her lifted position to pull her pants from her hips. Cool hair brushed her heated center as her panties went with them, and she gasped when she landed on the felt with not a stitch covering her. By the time she looked down, Daman's hand had found her wetness, his fingers sliding inside her without hesitation. 

Kristie inhaled when his thick digits filled her, so much deeper than her own fingers could reach. He buried them between her lips and brought his thumb down expertly onto her clit. Any moan that produced was swallowed when his body covered hers and his mouth clamped down tightly on her own, his tongue plunging greedily between her lips.

Daman pressed into her, giving her all of his weight before letting her up for air. He rose from the table and shed his shirt before yanking at her jacket and stripping her down to her bra within seconds. The moment her head was free of the material of her shirt, his mouth was on hers once more and his fingers were back between her legs.

He had bitten his tongue during their break from kissing.

When his tongue slipped between her lips once more, Kristie tasted blood and knew what he was doing. She sucked his tongue hungrily, metal flooding her mouth with each pulse. It was over quickly, his wound healing itself, but it was only a few more heated, caressing moments before Kristie began to feel the haze creep through her system.

"Fuck me," she said before her mind fogged too much for dirty talk. She had to tell him what she wanted him to do. "I want you to taste me and I want to taste you. I want to fuck you so hard I see stars."

There. That about covered it.

Daman answered with a growl before throwing her back further on the pool table. She expected him to leap on top of her but he didn't. Instead, he grabbed her ankles and planted them on the edge of the table, wide apart, his head diving toward the juncture between her legs. She called out as his mouth clamped down on her pussy, his tongue plunging between her lips to tease her. It wasn't as long as his fingers but the sheer anticipation of his skill had Kristie squirming.

Daman didn't disappoint. He rose above her to suck at her clit before lapping at her juices and burying his head into her once more. His hands grabbed roughly at her thighs, reaching up to tweak her nipple, squeezing at her lace-covered breasts. His hands were everywhere. They grasped at her body like a man with an intense craving for flesh, and she arched toward his hunger, feeding him her need.

Kristie felt Daman's fingers enter her once more and she knew she would come soon. Just as she got to the edge Daman was gone and she moaned at the loss of his heat. When she finally looked up to find him, she found that she was being stalked. Daman was wound tightly but was teasing her. His pants were gone, and his cock stood straight out from his body, erect and leaking with precum. He wanted to be inside her as much as she wanted him to be. She could see the fierceness in his eyes as he denied himself just to string her out so she wouldn't find release. He was denying himself for her; her mind was barely clear enough to understand but she got the simple version of it. He wanted the blood lust to remain a bit longer.

Reaching out she held her hand up for him. Daman stared at it before stalking forward and knocking her arm away. His head and fingers went right back to the mound between her legs and she cried out as he attacked her with his tongue. It was amazing how he revved her up so quickly when only moments ago he was denying her release. 

Change of plan, it seemed.

She came, hard and fast, and clamped her legs around his head, squeezing as his fingers danced within her, relentlessly drawing out the firing of her nerves. Her ass was in the air, her own legs straining to press her harder to his face while her hands grasped his head; with no hair to tangle her fingers in, Kristie had woven her fingers together at the back of his head to press him closer during her orgasm.

When she collapsed back onto the pool table Daman followed her, their limbs scattering pool balls so that they clanked together and a few even found their way into the corner pockets. 

Daman was on top of her, his hard cock pressing against her slick cunt as his mouth found hers, his hand, grasping her jaw as she tasted her own essence from his lips and tongue. She arched, no longer in the haze his blood delivered to her system, her fingers raking down his back, creating wounds that would heal in seconds. 

Daman roared above her, pulling back, he slammed his cock inside her. He plunged forward again, withdrawing slowly before taking her again and again. It was rough. It was hot. Kristie brought her knees up to her chest and Daman wrapped his arms under them as he grasped her shoulders and began pounding into her. The angle rubbed her clit against the coarse curls of his manhood and she felt another climax building. Their bodies slapped together, each of their faces contorted with intense desire and concentration for release.

As Kristie felt the next orgasm build, Daman did it again. He left her. One minute he was ravishing her body the next he was gone and she was left blinking up at the dim light hanging above the pool table. Before she could look for him though he was there, beside her, pushing her aside on the table until he was laying next to her and using his arms to pull her up to a sitting position. She took his cue and climbed on top of him as he scooted over to the center. 

Kristie always expected sex to be a fumbling mess as she learned a new lover's body but Daman's ability to read her thoughts as she had them made every transition smooth; like the choreographed moves of actors on TV shows. The experience left her fascinated even if Daman was a man; a fact that was slowly pressing into her as she slid down his length. 

So what if Daman wasn't a woman. If he was a normal man she doubted she would be so attracted to him sexually and though it colored her cheeks to know he could hear these thoughts, Kristie accepted it and considered at what did make him attractive. His cock was huge inside her. The way he fucked her was exciting and she loved the thrill he gave her every time he attacked her with his lust. And she loved the way he knew her. She loved the taste of his blood and what it did to her.

She watched as Daman scraped his fingernails across his pecks, one of the scraped drawing blood. It was for her; she knew it. He grasped her head and brought her face to his skin, her tongue reaching out for the red liquid oozing up from beneath the surface. Kristie sucked the drops into her mouth, her tongue tasting iron and sweat, and when the wound had healed seconds later she moved to his nipple.

Daman's hands grasped her hips and ground her down onto his cock as she took the tip of his nipple between her teeth and bit teasingly. He practically purred. Kristie grinned and sucked the ache away only to do the same to the other side of this chest. 

Kristie released the pearled tip from her teeth and sat up, her body finding it's natural rhythm as she rode him, her head coming close to the light above so she was bathed in the light from the bare bulb under the decorative shade.

Her eyes closed from the light and she tilted her head back as Daman found her fingers and intertwined them with his own. Together they used their strength to make her ride his cock, up and down, over and over until she was sure he would come and her legs began to ache. When Daman grasped her hips to give her rest, she brought her head back down and opened her eyes to see him staring back at her just inches from her face.

Daman took her head in his hands and kissed her hard, bruising her lips and using his other hand to rock her back and forth on his length until the teasing of his pubic curls once again took her over the edge. Kristie ground down on him, her body rutting against his until her orgasm left her tingling all over. She opened her eyes and once more stared into the gray depths of the vampire's gaze. He looked hungry for more than just the release he would have soon.

Clear minded, Kristie tilted her neck to the side and mentally offered him her pulsing vein. It was the first time she truly wanted to give something back to him without feeling that she needed to. She knew he would come soon; she could feel that much. But this, she offered without the haze fogging her mind. 

Daman's eyes darkened and within a blink he was no longer in front of her. It was a second later that Kristie felt the sting of his bite and realized he was already at her neck. As soon as that registered she began to ride him once more, her muscles clenching around his cock, taking him over the edge. She felt him grunt into her neck, felt the warm blood from his bite trickle down her chest as he pressed his forehead to her cheek. 

Kristie moved off him quickly before he came, rubbing her slick heat up and down the length of him as his cock twitched and cum splattered across her breasts and belly, some hitting her chin. Daman said nothing about her dismount as he rode the wave of his own release.

When his body relaxed, Kristie found her arms wound around him and her hands caressing his shaved head as he breathed against her. The scents of their coupling wafted up to her nose and she smelled the blood he had spilled. Daman's tongue found her neck once more and he cleaned the wound. He even licked his own cum from her chin, kissing her afterward so she could taste his musky scent mingled with her own blood.

When their eyes met again, Kristie was surprised by what she saw.

***



Cameron sat with her feet in the water, her skin getting wrinkled from the long contact. Elias had been understanding as she made him grasp her situation. She also told him she wasn't sorry for what she had done with him and that she wanted whatever was best for their child. She had, however, told Elias that he would have to win her heart like any other man, immortal or not, if he wanted them to be some big happy family. They had things to think about, especially if he was to mate with some new girl when Cameron became a sophomore. She wasn't the sharing kind, with our without her understanding of how his world worked. So she had some thinking to do as well in case her cons outweighed the pros.

Several times Cameron thought of just easing into the water with her clothes on but had fought the urge to submerge herself in an offering to her cloudy mood. The water wouldn't help, it would just make her soaking wet.

Alone in the darkness of night, she wondered where the watchers that kept her under constant surveillance were hiding. So far she had not seen one person unless they wanted to be seen, which had been twice since this whole protection detail began. They were good at what they did. Cameron wondered how good; especially when she saw Trenton Avery walk out of the shadows toward her.

Cameron blinked, thinking her eyes were playing trick on her but her heart started to race when she realized he was really there. He stopped walking right about where Elias had been left standing when she made that ridiculous speech about fate and the difference between the two was noticeable.

Elias had a grace only someone who had walked the earth for hundreds of years could have. Trenton was a kid. Like her. The difference was that in the last couple of months Cameron had been schooled on many things life had to offer and Trenton was probably still stuck in a high school frame of mind.

"What?"

Cameron knew she sounded harsh, but really, what was Trenton playing at? Coming to her house at this time of night like it wasn't creepy. If she didn't know she had watchers hiding all over the property she would have been freaked out. As it was, after seeing the things she had seen, Trenton was harmless.

"I came to tell you you should be careful around that new boyfriend of yours."

Cameron eyed him.

Trenton shrugged. "Matt said he's into some pretty heavy shit. Okay? I know what I did was wrong but I still care about you. That dude isn't right, Cam, and someone should tell you."

"So you come over in the middle of the night to tell me this? What the hell, Trent? That's creepy."

"I saw Brandy right after she dropped you off. I knew you were up."

"So you just let yourself into my back yard?"

"Actually I came for help. I know you don't particularly like me right now but Matt and I need to borrow your boat."

"My...?"

"Brock took some chick out in his Dad's boat not knowing it needed gas. He's stranded. He freaked cause he's technically grounded and his parents don't know he's out... your parents have a boat, right?"

Cameron stared at him, flabbergasted.

"Look. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

"Call the coast guard. Brock Middleson is not my responsibility."

Trenton adjusted the baseball cap on his head. "Please, Cameron, I'll owe you forever and so will Matt, Kyle and Brandy."

"Brandy is coming with you?"

"She and Kyle are getting a spare gallon of gas as we speak."

Cameron sighed and rolled her eyes. "You have some nerve..."

"I know, I know. Hate me when this is over. For now can we call a truce?"

Standing and walking over to her shoes, Cameron grabbed them and began walking to her room. "Wait here."

Five minutes later she was in the passenger seat of Matt Davis' Dodge Charger, speeding to the marina that was almost an hour away. The ride was mostly silent which was okay with her, but Matt insisted on playing loud rock music from random unknown bands then entire drive down. 

Inwardly, Cameron wanted to be anywhere else. But she couldn't resist helping someone who needed it. She also admitted that with her future going the way it was she might need the favor returned one day. Thinking of the mess she was in with Elias made her wonder if her bodyguards were tailing them. How would they watch her once she was on a boat?

Ten minutes before they arrived at the yacht club, it began to rain. Great.

When they arrived Cameron had wondered why Brandy and Kyle weren't at their car but Matt guessed they were already at the boat. When they got to the yacht, however, no one was there.

"Maybe they're not here yet?"

"Maybe," Matt said, then spotted someone waving a flashlight down the dock. They walked further, the night and the downpour making it hard to see. When they arrived at the person, they were greeted not by Brandy, but by a petite blonde. "Matt?"

"Yeah" Matt said, squinting at her in the rain.

"Oh my gosh! We're okay. We ran into these two guys and they helped us out." She started to walk to the end of the dock and Matt followed her. Her light flashed on a tall young man with hair plastered to his head. "Everyone, this is Ian. One of the guys who helped us out."

Matt and Trent both said "Hey" but Cameron just glowered. She really didn't want to be here now that she was no longer needed. 

The guys walked on and the blonde waited to fall in beside Cameron. The girl smiled back at her and said "Thanks for your help. We appreciate it."

Cameron simply nodded and muttered, "No problem."

"I'm Britney, by the way. But everyone calls me Brit."

Cameron followed the others toward the light at the end of the dock, the rain chilling her to the bone.

*



Thank you so much for reading! I know it was long in coming but real life put a hold on my writing. Hope it was worth the wait! If you enjoyed this chapter please let me know by commenting or rating it. 

Thanks so much to everyone who has been writing in with encouragement to continue – I assure you there is much more to come and I hope it comes faster now that I have more time to write.