"Snow?" Chace rolled his seat over, touching my arm. "Is everything alright?" He appeared concerned, as did Cindy.
"What's the matter?" she asked, eyeing me with a look that said, 'please don't embarrass me.'
I rose, and muttered under my hand. "I've got to go." I grabbed my backpack, and dashed from the room, knocking into Mr. Wallace. Mumbling a quick, "Sorry," I ran.
The hallway was mostly empty. Only a few stray students rushed the same as me. I dashed into the nearest girl's bathroom, locked myself in a stall, and dropped my bag. With a ragged sigh, I leaned my forehead against the door. Tears leaked onto my cheeks. I closed my eyes, letting them fall.
Chapter 5
"Snow." My name seemed to be threaded within the wind.
Upon opening my eyes, I witnessed what my body had already confirmed. I was no longer in the girl's bathroom, but in a lush forest. The sun shone bright. This time I knew I'd entered another realm, and that I'd been brought because of the Vampire Queen's magic.
Would I meet her this time? There was so much I didn't comprehend. I slowly turned in a circle, taking in my surroundings, and noticed I wasn't wearing my jeans and t-shirt any longer, but a deep red cotton dress. The sleeves were short, and lined in black ribbing, as was the round, scooped collar, and the dresses' hem went to my knees. My feet were bare.
It surprised me I wasn't afraid. I was bitten in this realm. The Hunter took my blood, turned me into a revenant, so fear should've been what I felt.
"Hello," I murmured, carefully stepping over a boulder, moving in the direction of a babbling brook. As I walked, I sensed a presence. The Hunter's. That knowledge didn't frighten me either. Instead, an excited anticipation filled my stomach with butterflies. I bit my lip.
"Where are you?"
The scenery seemed to shimmer in the early morning light. Dew drops glistened on bright green leaves, and spongy moss. The air flourished fragrant with flowers in lavender, rose, butter, and blue. They bloomed in abundance. Chipmunks, rabbits, and deer examined me. Their ears perked, and their noses wiggled, sniffing for danger.
"It's been too long since I've savored you." Each of his words came out laced with longing, and sent jolts through my veins.
"Let me see you." I remembered the way I'd felt when he drank from me, and I trembled.
He stepped from behind a large tree. A thick, brown hood shaded his face, so all I saw were his glowing red eyes. He wore a brown leather vest that enhanced his broad shoulders, rippling biceps, and trim waist. His pants were made of cloth, and hung low on his hips, a leather belt keeping them secured. A large knife sat in a sheath, and was attached to his belt. Dark brown boots covered his feet.
At the sight of him, my body tensed, not in fear, but desire. I wanted his arms around me. I wanted his lips on my neck, his mouth drinking... "What is your name, Hunter?" I asked, my voice shaking with need.
"Here I am called Christopher," he replied gruffly. He stepped away from the tree, and into the sunlight. I still couldn't see his face.
"If you're a vampire, why doesn't the sun burn you?" I asked, curious. My hunger for his blood seared so strong, it took every ounce of effort I possessed not to attack him.
"The Queen's magic is very powerful. I have no fear of the sun." Another step.
I took another. Our steps like a dance. A deadly dance. One I didn't want to win. If I reached out my hands I would've touched him, but I didn't. He smelled earthy, like clover, and honey.
"Are you going to bite me again?" The words left my mouth, and I instantly knew I wanted him to.
"I will if that is what you desire." He sounded so calm, but his heart raced. Another step. Our bodies practically touched, but we kept our hands to our sides.
"If you're a vampire, why does your heart beat?" I asked, startled.
"More of the Queen's magic," he replied, his words like a soft gust against my face.
"Can I bite you?" I'd blurted the question before my brain had time to filter it. That was my deepest desire.
At my request, he raised his head. I squinted, trying to see his face. Still, all I saw were his eyes, and they appeared shocked.
"Yes," he said, in a voice that quivered.
I slipped my hands into his hood, and touched his neck, felt his quickening pulse. He lifted me, so my fangs dangled parallel to his neck. I wrapped my legs around his hips, surprised at my forwardness.
"Wait," he said, huskily.
I opened my mouth, and allowed my fangs to grow.
He walked backward until his back pressed against a tree. Then he slid down so he rested at its base. I readjusted, tilting his neck toward me. He was so warm, his skin soft, like the supple leather vest he wore. "Christopher."
He had his hands in my hair, his body asking, the way mine had the other night. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
His question brought me up short. "Is that bad?"
"No." He sounded pained.
My fangs retracted some. "Why can't I see your face? Do I know you?"
"If you drink from me, I can show myself, otherwise the Queen's magic won't allow it." I caught the tone, the pleading. Physically he desired me, but there was a hesitation, almost an insistence that I wouldn't.
I wavered, my fangs deciding what course I'd take.
He sucked in his breath, and pulled me to him. His lips claimed mine. I allowed it, and returned his kiss with fervor. My lips parted at his soft, insistent movement. It was my first real kiss, and if I could've popped a foot, I would have. As it was I sighed, pressing my body into his firm chest.
He groaned, and said my name. "Snow."
That's when it hit me I'd kissed a guy I didn't even know. The word easy came to mind. Oh my gosh, what's with me? What about Gabe? I pulled away, shoving him. Mostly mad at myself.
"How dare you?" I pushed off him, working to control my jagged breathing. "I need to get out of here."
He stood, and came toward me, this time with confident determination. I sensed the hunter in him. It was tangible. Taking my face in his hands, he tipped my head so he had access to my neck. Like before, I watched his fangs grow. My heart beat so fast I thought it'd come out of my chest.
When his teeth met my neck I responded eagerly. His groan urged me on, and I touched his arms, his back, and up to his hood. With a little effort, I focused on tugging it off. A laugh rumbled deep in his chest. And then I heard his voice in my mind.