Sealed With A Kiss

Chapter One1

“Cleo, wake-up. We're here.” Rachel Hartman called.
“Oh, goodness.” I enthused sarcastically. My mother is an archaeologist. She pretty much lives in Egypt while I take care of myself. When I was younger, I always had a nanny for months at a time before she came back to spend a couple of days or weeks with me. Only now that I had just turned seventeen, did I get to take care of myself.
“Get out of the car and pick your room.” My mom instructed.
“Whatever.” I grumbled, unbuckling my seatbelt and hopping out of the fiery-red convertible. The house was big, naturally. My mother would only have the best for her daughter. The front yard was the size of the gym field at my school. My old school. The house itself was made up of pale grey bricks with ivy climbing the walls.
“This should be fun.” I muttered under my breath.
“That's the spirit!” My mom chirped. “Now go pick your room.”
Rachel means well, but she was almost completely clueless when it came to sarcasm.
“Uh-huh.” I mumbled, climbing the stone steps of the porch until I was standing in front of the huge black doors. The door-knockers were made of silver and consisted of two wolf-heads with large silver rings hanging from their mouths. The wolves eyes were narrowed, they looked pissed. “I know how you feel.” I sympathized before pushing open one of the doors and wandering into the house.
The floor was made of white-marble. On either side of the doors there were statues of wolves with their heads tilted back to howl. I spun around looking at my surroundings. There was a single spiral staircase made of marble at the end of the entrance, leading to the upper-levels of the house. I slowly approached the steps, leaping out of the way so that the movers could carry up the frame of my mother's bed.
Not like she's ever going to sleep in it.
“Now, let's pick one of the hundred rooms.” I sighed, climbing the steps, taking two at a time until I reached the second floor.
The floor on the second level of the house was covered with a soft, fuzzy, white – and probably expensive – carpeting. I realized that I hadn't bothered to take my shoes off when I entered the house. Mom would be angry. Good.
I wandered down the long corridor passing door after door until finally I came to the back of the house. I stopped at the final door, trying to turn the glass door-knob.
It was locked.
“Mom, you have a key?” I called across the house.
I shrieked as a man came out of the shadows. He was tall and creepy looking with wrinkles at the corners of his near-black eyes and dark-grey hair.
“Hello, I am Fernando. You must be the daughter that Rachel talked so highly of. Cleopatra, isn't it?”
“I prefer Cleo, actually.” I choked out. “But who are-”
“Here.” Fernando said, placing something in my trembling hand and closing my fingers around it. “Use it wisely and remember, not every door is meant to be opened. I figure that you'll need it more than your mother shall. She won't be here often, am I right? Or did I misunderstand her?”
“You're not wrong.” I practically whispered, my whole body trembling. “But who are you? What do you....do?”
“I am the previous owner of this wonderful house. Treat it well. Good day ma'am.”
Before I could ask any more questions, Fernando spun around and disappeared down the long corridor. Now that wasn't creepy or anything...
I opened my hand to see a single key resting in my palm. The handle of the key was in the shape of a wolf while the rest of the key appeared to be covered in vines made of silver. I looked from the silver key, to the door behind me and decided to give it a try.
The key slid into the lock with no trouble at all, but it stuck slightly when I tried to turn it. Finally, with a click, the door unlocked and I grasped the glass-knob, turning it until the door opened.
The room was dark and covered in a thick layer of dust. I had never seen such a large bedroom before, but it was a bedroom all the same. I sneezed as I breathed in a cloud of dust, before stumbling blindly towards the only source of light which I assumed to be a window. I grabbed desperately at the thick curtains, drawing them back and gasping with shock. The light wasn't exactly a window, but doors leading to a balcony. I undid the latch and forced the doors open, letting the morning light spill into my room.
“Cleo? You up here, honey?” Rachel called from the corridor.
“Yeah, I'm in my room.” I called back.
Rachel coughed as she entered the room. One of her eyebrows rose and she shook her head disbelievingly. “You want this to be your room?”
“Yep.”
“Are you sure? I saw plenty of breathtakingly beautiful rooms on my way over. There are four bedrooms. I picked the first one on the left.”
“I'm sure.” I said sharply, ending the conversation.
I ignored her sigh and turned back to my room. It was completely empty except for a couple of doors. I tried the first one, finding that it led to a large luxury-bathroom with a black-marble floor and a white-marble toilet, tub and sink. It, too, was covered in a thick layer of dust.
“Bit of a fixer-upper, isn't it?” My mom chuckled.
“No. It's beautiful. Just a little cleaning and it'll be perfect.”
“Uh-huh, whatever you say, honey.”
“I'll have the movers bring up some cleaning supplies. Like a broom and a dustpan. Probably some feather-dusters and.....honey are you sure you want this room?”
“Mom!” I shrieked. “I want this room. Now get out of it so I can get started. And while you're keeping yourself occupied, why don't you hand me the broom in the hall?”
“Don't you dare use that tone with me young lady. I'll ground you from now until you're twenty.”
“Yeah, good luck with that.” I hissed.
My mom's face turned red and she stormed out of the room. There was a bang as she tossed the broom onto my floor before slamming the door shut behind her.
I shook my head with frustration before turning to the final door in my room. The knob was made of glass like the rest of them and felt cold in my hand. I turned the knob, opening the door to a large walk-in closet with shelves upon shelves for shoes and purses and bars to hang the rest of my stuff.
“I love it.” I whispered under my breath. This place was like a palace. Okay, so I hadn't wanted to move in before, but getting this room made it almost worth it.2

* * *3

“Cleo, you coming down for lunch?” Rachel called from downstairs.
“Sure.” I called back, breathlessly.
I had been cleaning the room all morning. So far I had removed all of the dust from the main-room and the bathroom, but I still had the closet left to sweep and dust. My mother had sent up a cleaning lady who was mopping the hardwood floor and scrubbing the walls for me. She had already washed the glass doors that led to the balcony and cleaned the thick black off of my two windows with the little ledges on the inside that I could sit in to read. The room was amazing.
For a moment I wondered what the rest of the house looked like, but after being introduced to this room, I could care less.
“I'll be there in a minute!” I called down again before rushing to the bathroom to wash my hands and clean up before presenting myself to my mother.
“How's the room coming?” Rachel asked as I wandered into the kitchen and leapt up on a stool.
“Great,” I smiled, “almost finished.”
“The rest of the stuff has been mostly moved in. Your stuff is still in the back of the moving truck. Once you're finished with your cleaning, let one of the movers know and they'll carry your stuff up.”
“Kay.”
“Here, one peanut-butter-and-honey sandwich, no crust.” Rachel announced, placing the porcelain plate in front of me.
“Thanks mom. So...when are you leaving for the airport?”
“Uh...”
“Sorry, none of my business.” I sighed.
“No, honey. You deserve to know. I called the school and you can start tomorrow. I'll stick around for a couple of days before I have to catch a flight back to Egypt. We think we may have found another chamber that belonged to king Tut.”
“Awesome,” I said bitterly.
“Don't be like that,” mom begged, “please. I'd stay if I could, you know that.”
“I know. Sorry...I don't mean to be such a bitch. I just-” I miss you, was what I wanted to say, but all that came out was, “-nothing.”
“That's okay, I understand. I'm so proud of you. You're going to be living like a grown-up. You've matured so much.” Mom gushed.
“Yeah, thanks. I- I love you mom.”
“I love you, too.”
I grabbed the paper off of the table, looking at the bus schedule. I could take bus twelve to - and from - school. The bus stop was only a short walk from my house.
“Oh, and Cleo.”
“Huh?” I looked up from the paper.
“I've got a late birthday present for you.”
“Aw, mom, you shouldn't have.”
“Come see.” She urged, taking my hand and pulling me off of the stool. She rushed me to the front door and shoved me out towards the stone driveway. On the driveway there was the most beautiful car I had ever seen the colour of midnight-blue.
“What is it?” I gasped.
“That would be your new car. It's a Lamborghini-Murcielago.”
“It's....beautiful.”
“I know.” My mom smiled.
“I can't....accept this. It's too much. You already bought me an entire new wardrobe and that car would cost close to a million dollars.”
“We can and you will. I bought it with some of the money your father left when he....died. He got his first car when he was seventeen and he said that he would do the same for you. Even though he's not here, I intended to fulfill his wish.”
“Thank-you, mom. It means a lot to me, but- ....never mind.”
“The keys are in the ignition and everything has been paid for. You can use the credit card I gave you for your birthday to pay for gas. Oh, and the insurance is covered for the rest of the year!”
“Thanks mom!” I squeaked excitedly, throwing my arms around her neck.
Rachel gasped and tried to slip out of my grasp. She had never been one for physical affection since dad died. I felt hurt at first, but then I shrugged off the feeling and ran to my car.
The doors opened up, instead of out. Inside the car were two black leather seats and an expensive-looking sound-system.
“I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!” I cried out happily before leaping into the vehicle and turning the key in the ignition. The car roared to life under me before the roar turned to a soft purr and I closed the door behind me by pressing a button.
I put the car in drive and let my foot ease down on the gas pedal. The car launched forward gracefully, like a panther leaping from a tree. I went around the circle driveway once looking appreciatively at the grass island in the middle of it with the large fountain before stopping to park the car back in front of the house again.
“How's she ride?” One of the movers called to me.
“Like a dolphin in the big blue.”
“Certainly as amazing.” He called back with a laugh. “Are you ready for us to bring your stuff up to the room yet?”
“Nope. Soon, though. Give me half an hour.”
“No problem, miss.”
I raced back into the house and flew up the stairs to call Beth, remembering suddenly that I could never do that. Tear sprung to my eyes and I ran back to my room. Mom said this would be good for me. That'd I would learn to move on. But would I?4

* * *5

“That okay?” The mover asked, my desk keeping his hands busy along with his partner's.
“A little to the left.” I instructed.
“Like that?”
“No, a little to the right.”
“Good?”
“No. I think I liked it better before. Can you move it to the left again?” I teased.
“You've got to be kidding me!” The female mover wailed.
I couldn't hold it anymore, I burst into a roar of laughter.
“Glad someone thinks it's funny.” she snarled.
“Oh, it's hilarious.” I chuckled.
The male mover smiled at me. See he found it funny.
“Oh come on, can we go now?!” The female whined again. “This is the last item to move in. Pick a damn spot so we can leave!”
“Amelia!” The man gasped. “What's gotten into you? We don't speak to our clients like that.”
“It's quite alright.” I snorted. “You two have been a great help.” – I rolled my eyes – “My mom has your money downstairs.”
“Thanks.” The man said gratefully before turning with his partner and leaving the room. I looked around appreciatively.
The walls were beige, I'd paint them soon. My clothes, shoes and purses have been moved into the closet and my computer had been hooked up on the desk before they moved it. At the far end of my room rested my king-size bed with the four posts that were made of iron and held up a canopy of white netting, making me feel like a princess. The rest of my room was pretty basic. I had two bookcases that went from floor to ceiling and a night-table on either side of my bed. Each item black to go with the pale white walls at our old house. I tore open the last box, yanking out my clear-purple phone and dark-blue CD player. The phone was easy to hook up, but I struggled to find a plug at first for the CD player. After five minutes my room was complete.
My room.
“Cleo! You coming down for dinner, baby?”
“One minute mom!” I called back. “Start without me!”
Great...school tomorrow. New friends, new house, new neighborhood, new life.
“So, what do you plan to do while I'm at school tomorrow?” I asked mom as we cleaned up our dishes. I could still taste the Chinese food in my mouth as I carried my plate to the dishwasher. The kitchen itself was large. It consisted of a bunch of granite counter-tops and stainless-steel appliances. The ceiling held a single glass chandelier that sparkled when the setting sun touched it with its rays of light.
“I think you're going to like it here.” Mom said smugly.
“Maybe...it all depends on how school goes tomorrow.”
“Well, go shower and get ready for bed. You have an early start tomorrow.”
“Night, mom.” I longed to hug her or kiss her goodnight, but I knew that would be unwelcome and unwanted.
She gave me a curt nod before I turned for the front of the house, taking the marble staircase to the second floor.
The room was lit in the ghostly light of the moon as I dug through my closet to find a nightgown and went to have a bath. Tomorrow was school. Would it be as bad as my last school? Would I be called a freak because I was different? Would this place make me lonelier than I had ever been before?
I tried to let the warmth of the water ease away my worries, but I didn't want to be alone again. I didn't want to wander the halls of my new school wondering who I would have to fight next to keep some of my dignity.
Once I had drained the tub, I stepped to the mirror hanging on the back of the door. My long black hair hung down, stopping at my elbows. It was nice hair, I knew that. It had a silky shine and was soft to touch, but it was different. I was different. My eyes were as blue as sapphires and my lips were a rosy-pink. Anyone who didn't know me would think I was albino because of my pale white skin and the thick black lashes surrounding my eyes. It probably didn't help that I traced my eyes with black eyeliner.
My body was nice from what I could see. I was tall, around five-feet, seven-inches with long, toned legs and a slim waste. My entire body was lightly muscled and I curved in all the right places. Even my chest was nicely shaped according to my mom.
“Why do people avoid me then?” I asked my reflection. Was I repulsive? Did I walk funny? Did I smell?
Why am I being so self-conscious? I'm me. This is all I'm ever going to be. People will have to except me as I am, or else I'll have to bleed their pretty little faces....on second thought, maybe I should brush my hair one more time before I dry it.6

* * *7

“You have the power, you need to learn how to use it.” A voice called from the darkness.
“Who the hell are you talking to?” I hissed. “Me? 'Cause I don't give a crap.”
“Yes, you. Do you see anyone else around?” The voice snarled. “You must learn to use your power. With death, comes great responsibility.”
“But I don't want any more responsibilities!” I cried. “I'm tired of being responsible.”
“I know, darling, but it's your destiny. When you die, you will be given more power than anyone can wield.”
“I don't understand! Who are you? Why do I have this power?”
“All in good time. Don't worry for now. For now, live.” The voice boomed.
“Wait, don't go!” I called desperately. “I don't want to be alone, again.”
“You won't be alone. Fate has something in store for you. Not that we approve, but we don't mess around with people's lives if we can help it. Just- Be careful who you trust.”
Then everything went black.8

Cleo woke with a start to her mother banging on the door furiously.
“Cleo! Wake up! You have school.” Rachel called.
“I'm up, mom.” I grumbled, wiping sleep from my eyes and pulling back my dark purple comforter.
The sun shone in brightly through the windows and the doors that led to the balcony. I was never one to sleep with the curtains closed. I liked being able to see the starry sky while I closed my eyes for unconsciousness.
The morning sun promised a warm day, rain free.
Choosing something to wear was frustrating. What do you wear for the first day of school? Is purple still in style? Do people even wear silk around here?
I let out a frustrated sight and pulled on a pair of faded, dark blue jeans and a pair of black ballet slippers. After digging through my drawer for a minute, I found my black La Perla bra and clasped it on before pulling a black tank-top on with spaghetti-straps and a plunging neckline that showed some cleavage. Black was in style everywhere.
There, good enough for now.
“Cleo, hurry! Have breakfast before school, you need to feed your brain.”
“Yes, mom, I know.” I called back. “Almost done!”
I brushed my teeth and hair which waved slightly now that it was dry before putting on my black eyeliner and mascara and applying a shiny layer of lip-gloss.
I grabbed my black messenger-bag as I left my room and raced down to the kitchen where my mom sat at the island with a plateful of waffles.
“Thanks.” I said gratefully, digging eagerly into my breakfast after I had spread strawberry jam onto it.
“Just thought I'd make sure you ate properly while I'm here. And I expect you to feed yourself while I'm gone, too.”
“Umhmm.” I mumbled, forking more waffle into my mouth.
“You need to go to the principal's office once you get to school. He'll give you your schedule and further instructions.” Rachel explained.
“Kay, I'm off!” I chirped with a wave in farewell as I flung my bag over my shoulder and pulled out my car keys.
My car was waiting in front of the house, care of my mom's handyman who served her when she was in Egypt. I opened the door this time using the remote-control on the key chain and climbed in.
“Have a good day, honey.” Rachel called out the door as I started up the Lamborghini-Murcielago and pulled on my seatbelt. The vehicle roared to life - just as it had yesterday - before the roar toned down to a soft and comforting purr.
“Don't be out too late.” Mom added as I stomped down on the gas pedal, forcing the car to launch forward and my back to press hard against the leather seat. I sped out of the driveway with a screech and ate up the distance to school in a matter of ten minutes.
“Whoa...” Was all I could gasp when I saw the school. I mean, for a crappy little town, it sure was beautiful. There were stone pillars at every doorway and the walls were white. It looked like a Roman Empire.
The school wasn't as big as the private one I had attended in Carptown, but it was certainly as nice.
I found a parking spot under a large oak tree and got out of my car, looking for any sign of the office. Every doorway was large and had pillars, they all looked alike. How was I supposed to find it? Wander around campus until I happen to discover it... I don't think so.
“Can I help you?” A male voice called from behind me, making me jump.
I spun around – slightly embarrassed – to see who had the nerve of sneaking up on me. It was a tall, muscular male with a buzz cut. The remaining stubble was dark brown and his eyes were dark blue.
“Oops, sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you,” his voice boomed.
“S'okay.” I said sternly looking appreciatively at his wide shoulders and was rewarded with an uncomfortable shiver.
“I haven't seen you around, before. Are you new?” The boy asked.
“Who wants to know.” I asked bitterly.
“I would. I'm assuming you're new, because I'd notice someone as pretty as you from a mile away. Plus most girls tend to find me first.” he said flirtatiously.
“Really, how wonderful.” I said sarcastically, turning around and looking for the office again.
“I'm Allan. Allan Ford.” The boy announced, catching up with me.
“Cool.”
“And who are you?”
“Not saying a word.” I said, denying him of any information. I couldn't help being a bitch. The boy was just so persistent.
“I'll find out soon enough. I always do.” Allan said in what I assumed was him trying to sound seductive, but turned out cocky.
“Whatever you say, genius.” I mumbled, walking faster towards the doors.
“Can I help you find something?”
“You can help me find someone who can help me get rid of you!” I snapped.
“I see, you like to play hard to get.” Allan mused. His eyes were wicked.
“Or you're just too easy to refuse.” I retorted icily, trying to walk faster.
Allan caught my wrist and spun me to face him.
“Let go of me.” I warned.
“Or what?” he asked, smirking, pulling me closer.
I stomped down hard on his foot and began to storm off. Someone stepped out of the shadows, snickering.
“Aw, poor, Ford just got denied by the new girl.” The boy taunted.
“Shut-up, Newman.” Allan hissed. “This is none of your concern.”
“No, but I think the rest of the football team would love to hear the story about how the quarterback got shot down by a newcomer. Someone who doesn't even know about your bad reputation. ”
“She didn't shoot me down, she'll come around.” Allan defended.
“You wish!” I spat, turning away from him and the new guy that was as tall as Allan.
“Hey, hold up!” The boy called, catching up to me. “Can I show you around? Don't worry about Allan. He's harmless really, so long as you know how to handle him.”
“He tried to assault me!” I noted, voice rising.
“That's the thing with Ford, he's not used to girls refusing him. He's like the king of our school. The star football player and wrestler with all of the money and right connections. Never mind the girls.”
“Well he better not try it again, because next time I'll be neutering him.” I warned.
The boy chuckled. “We need someone like you at our school. Someone who's not afraid to tell the elite to shut-the-hell-up. I'm Wesley by the way. Wesley Newman.”
“Nice to meet you...I think.” I teased. “I'm Cleo.”
“Cleo. That's a pretty name.” Wesley complimented. “So where you headed?”
“Well, I was hoping to find the office, but all of the doors look the same to me.”
“No problem, I'll take you there. Everything inside is numbered. All of the numbers in the one-hundreds are on the first floor and the two-hundreds on the second floor. The office is on the first floor and just so happens to be numbered right on the one-hundred marker. It's almost impossible to miss with the school banner hanging over it and the large glass windows in the doors.” Wesley explained.
“Sounds simple.” I said approvingly.
“Oh, it is.” he said, tossing me a dazzling smile.
Wesley held the big grey door open for me as we entered the school. The lockers were lined on either side of the hallway and were painted a deep, royal blue. The floors were a light gray and the walls, white. I noticed that every now and then there was a banner in the shape of a triangle, declaring some championship title. Apparently the school mascot was a Shark. How....lovely.
“Here we are,” Wesley announce once we were outside of two large, black doors with large circular windows in them. Above the doors was a large royal-blue banner with a shark on it and written in yellow was a quote by William Frederick Halsey, Jr. There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.
How.....inspiring.
“The principal can be a bit of a dick, but don't let him frighten you off. I like having you around. You will make this semester a lot more interesting.”
“Thanks, Wesley. Aren't you on the football team, too?” I asked suspiciously, acknowledging his black top with the sharks logo on it.
“Yeah. I'm a linebacker.” He said proudly raising his head slightly.
It made me smile to see him so confident. He was almost as tall Allan, but not quite as muscular. Still, more muscular than any of the guys I knew before today. He had short blond hair and grey-blue eyes. His skin was golden and healthy looking. It made me jealous.
Why couldn't I tan like that? Why did I always have to look like a corpse?
“Morning, kids.” A lady behind the desk greeted. “How may I help you?”
“This is Cleo, she's new. She has an appointment with principal Sanderson.”
“Nice to meet you Cleo, I'm Miss Annette, the secretary at Hawthorn High.”
“Pleasure.” I mumbled, looking at Wesley. I automatically blushed when I realized that he was looking at me too. Well....staring was more like it.
The secretary leapt out of her chair and wandered over to the door with the principal's name on it. This was going to be fun....
“You can go, you know.” I whispered to Wesley just as the door to the principal's office opened revealing a black male with a bald head and large muscles.
I gulped.
“Don't be intimidated.” Wesley whispered in my ear.
I nodded and took a step toward the principal.
“Hello, I'm Cleo. Cleo Hartman. My mom told me to come and see you.”
“Ah, yes, Cleopatra. Like the Egyptian princess. Your mother called a week ago and booked an appointment with me. I have your schedule ready, except for your elective courses. You have two you can choose from.”
“Thanks, Mr.-”
“Oh, I'm sorry, how rude of me. I'm Mr. Sanderson. I'm the principal here at Hawthorn High. And on behalf of everyone here, I'd like to welcome you.”
“How....considerate.” I said, forcing a smile.
Wesley had to cough to hide a laugh at my snide remark.
“Yes. So here's your schedule. You have Biology first period and English last. You completed Math at your other school, did you not?”
“Yep.”
“Okay, so here's the list of remaining electives. Pick two.”
I looked at the list. Fashion, Art, Sixteenth Century History, Cosmetology, Photography, Gym, Wrestling, Music, Business and Law.
“Uh- I'll take Gym and Photography.” I mumbled.
“Of course- oops.” The secretary began. “There seems to be a mistake. The P.E. Class is filled. You can take wrestling, if you want. I don't think it's too different.”
“Sure. That'd be....cool.” I grumbled.
“Actually...” Wesley began. “That class is all guys. Well all except for one.”
“I don't care.” I hissed. “I need to be able to release my anger at least once a day. At least in this class I'll be able to wail on someone without having to use a volleyball or football. I can use my fists.”
“Actually- you don't punch. You use force to pin your opponent to the mat.” Wesley corrected. Shit!
“Yeah, cool.” I gulped.
“Mr. Newman.” The principal called. “Will you show Cleo where her locker is and escort her to her first class?”
“Sure.” Wesley promised with a curt nod.
“You two better move it along.” The principal advised. “Classes start in five minutes. You don't want to be late on your first day Miss. Hartman.”
“No, wouldn't want that.” I mumbled sarcastically as I turned for the door.
Wesley held the door for me and guided me towards my locker outside of the science classroom. I could smell chemicals from outside the door.
“Your Biology teacher is Mr. Carter. He can be...interesting.” Wesley laughed. “He has a thing for dissecting frogs.”
“What do you mean?” I chuckled.
“He likes to describe what he's doing bit by bit; blood gush by blood gush. Most people pass out. I just thought I'd give you the heads-up.”
“Uh- thanks.”
“So this is where I leave. Class starts in a minute. Here's your locker and your combination is on your schedule. I'll see you later.”
“Hey, Wesley.” I called as he began to walk away.
“Yeah?” he called over his shoulder.
“Thanks.”
“I'm going to see you later.” he pointed out.
“Well, just in case I don't see you later-”
“I'll hunt you down if I have to.” Wesley promised.
“I hope so.” I flirted back, turning towards my locker and using my combination.
35, 10, 34
The bell rang just as I put my stuff in my locker and turned for the classroom. The room consisted of a bunch of lab desks with stools, two per each desk and shelves of implements and chemicals. I appeared to be the last to arrive.
“And who might you be?” The teacher pressed.
I pulled out my schedule and handed it to him. “I'm new. My name is-”
“Yes, I see. Cleopatra Hartman.” Mr. Carter said.
“Actually, I prefer Cleo.”
“Hmm. Well, no matter. I'll have to give you a lab partner. You can have a seat at the back of the class. Sit at table six.” Mr. Carter instructed. “Simon can help you catch up.”
So it begins.....
“Right, Mr. Foster?” The teacher demanded.
“Of, course.” The boy with the shaggy dark-brown hair and big brown eyes answered. “It would be my honor.”
I held back the blush that threatened to break out and took my seat at the back of the class beside the boy.
“Hey, I'm Simon.” he introduced himself, holding out his hand.
I shook it and smiled. “I'm Cleo.”
“Yeah, so I heard. Where're you from?”
“Carptown.”
“Ah, I see. I'm from here. I've lived in Hawthorn all my life.”
“You're lucky.” I said with a sigh.
“Why?”
“Because you're not always moving. Losing friends and schools and memories.”
“You move a lot?”
“I do. My mom is an archaeologist in Egypt. I take care of myself, but move as she sees fit. She decides what schools and neighborhoods are right for me.”
“That hardly seems fair.” Simon sympathized.
“Yeah well, that's life.”
“Well, it sucks!” he said sternly with mock anger.
I laughed. “You're telling me?”
The classroom was large and had about twenty kids in it. Ten desks of two students. Mr. Carter looked like Einstein with his crazy grey hair and glasses, but seemed unable to control the chatting class. Every now and then his tongue would pop out of his mouth like a frog catching a fly. It was bizarre.9

“Today we will be dissecting frogs.” Mr. Carter announced. “Each pair of partners will be given a frog, which the two of you will have to cut open and locate the organs I write on the board. Any questions or problems?”
“Yes!” A blond girl at the other side of the room called. “I can't deal with this! I refuse to touch a slimy, deformed-looking bug!”
“Elizabeth, please.” Mr. Carter begged.
“I don't do bugs!” she groaned.
“Actually, it's an amphibian.” her partner objected. His voice was like melting honey. He had shaggy, bright-blond hair with copper flecks and eyes that were an unnatural green. Not far off from jade.
“A what?” Elizabeth hissed.
“An amphibian.” The boy repeated. “Do I have to spell it out for you?”
“Mr. Carter!” Elizabeth complained. “I can't work with him.”
“Enough! Both of you.” Mr. Carter said sternly. “Simon, Mason, switch places.”
“Huh?” Simon choked. “You want me to work with Elizabeth? Are you nuts?!”
“I'm not thrilled about this either.” Elizabeth spat.
“Please, Mr. Foster.” Mr. Carter practically begged. “Mason can help the new girl and you are intelligent enough to deal with Miss. Jeffreys.”
“Fine.” Simon said bitterly, tossing me an apologetic look.
Simon grabbed his book and marched gallantly across the classroom before sitting down on the empty stool. I had been so busy watching Simon, that I didn't even notice the boy – Mason – sit down beside me.
“Hey, I'm Mason.”
“So I heard.” I mumbled, bitter now that Simon was gone. I liked Simon's dimples when he smiled. Why'd that Elizabeth bitch have to take him away?
“And you're Cleopatra?”
“Cleo,” I said, working to hide my irritation.
“Right. Am I bothering you? If I am, I'm sorry.”
“No...don't be. I'm just a little overwhelmed. It's a lot to take in and I was looking forward to working with Simon.”
“Oh, I see...”
“No, I don't mean that. I'm sure you're great and all, but the second I get to know someone, they leave.”
Why was I telling him this?
“I'm not going anywhere. Girls need too much help in this class. And no worries, I'll do the cutting. I'm used to it.”
Mr. Carter placed a scalpel and a frog in front of us at that moment. I glanced once at the list on the board before picking up the cutting implement and slicing the frog open.
Mason stared at me, dumbfounded.
“What?” I demanded.
He looked like he wanted to say something, but the only thing that came out was, “nothing”.
“Shall I locate the organs?” he asked finally.
“Yeah, sure. Then I'll remove them.”
“You're joking!”
“Do I look like I'm joking? That's what it says to do on the board, right?”
“Yeah, but-”
“Look, locate the damn organs or I will.” I ordered.
Mason smiled and turned to the frog.
“Well, this is the heart.” he began. “And that's the spleen. Then there's its stomach, intestines and kidney. Start cutting, Barbie.”
I glared at him before grabbing the scalpel and slowly removing the heart. Just to piss Mason off, I dropped the heart in his hand. He didn't even freak. Some fun he was...
“Gross.” he laughed, placing it on the plate beside us.
I laughed, too, before hacking out the spleen and the kidney.
“Were you a butcher in your former life?” Mason chuckled.
“No. I just do well in science. I used to want to be a surgeon or an archaeologist like my mom, but now...I'm not so sure.”
“You should at least consider becoming a butcher.” he laughed again.
“Thanks.” I replied, rolling my eyes.
And that's how the rest of the class went. Elizabeth ended up knocking her and Simon's frog onto the floor, while only two people in the class feinted. One was a boy which made me smile. What a wimp. Mason and I were the first ones to finish up with our dissection and Mr. Carter made us stitch it back up for extra marks. I let Mason do that part, explaining that I only took things apart, I didn't like putting it back together. That and the fact that I couldn't sew to save my life.
Mason was kind, though. He was patient and constantly cracked jokes about my talent for cutting things up. After awhile we stopped our conversations, but it wasn't a awkward silence. It was – as mean as it sounds – like he wasn't even there. Which was fine by me. I had no interest in taking him in as a friend. Now Simon on the other hand, he was almost edible. Nerds are so adorable and usually trustworthy.
Maybe this'll be the school I graduate in.10

11

12

13

14

15

Chapter Two
-Mason-16

I watched as Cleo leapt off her stool and made her way towards the door. There was something odd about that girl, but she was unlike anyone I'd ever met. Almost every girl in this school refused to cut up frogs, that's why they were paired with guys. But, Cleo, she didn't even think twice before stabbing the frog and slicing it open like a pumpkin.
Some of the girls had no trouble sewing, but she- well refused. Like having to repair something would kill her.
Was she supernatural? Was that why she was unafraid of blood and guts?
I turned my eyes to her and her alone as I followed her down the hallway. Ever since I was little, I have had the ability to see people's auras. Each aura was a different colour. Red marked supernatural and gold marked hunter. Purple was for witches and green for werewolves. Yellow marked humans with an unnatural – stolen – amount of power, while normal humans were outlined in a white light or pale blue, but when I looked at Cleo, I didn't see either. In fact, I didn't see any of these colours. Cleo was outlined in black. Dark as a moonless night or the shadows under your bed.
“What the f-”
“Hey, Silverstone!” A voice called from behind me. I spun around to face Allan Ford. The school's quarterback and my royal pain-in-the-ass.
“What do you want, Ford?” I snarled, not in the mood for games. I wanted to follow the new girl and figure out what her aura meant.
“I saw you checking out the new girl. My new girl.”
“Excuse me?”
“Cleo. Stay the hell away from her you freak!” he boomed, giving me a shove in the chest. I stumbled back a step before looking him in the eyes.
“I didn't know the two of you were going out. I thought Cleo was smarter than that.”
“Smarter than what?” Allan snapped.
“Smarter than every other dimwitted girl at this school who has been used by your sorry-good-for-nothing ass!”
Allan's face turned red and he balled his hands into fists. I tensed, preparing to defend myself if needed.
“Is there a problem here, boys?”
Allan and I both looked up to see principal Sanderson.
“No sir.” Allan said, defiantly. “Mason and I were just making plans for after school. Right, boy?”
“It's a date.” I promised, walking away and storming down the hall, trying to figure out where Cleo went.
Aw, crap! I have my next class with Allan. Maybe if I'm lucky, the two of us will be paired up.
At that moment, the bell rang, acknowledging the fact that I would be late for class. No big deal, though. Mr. Lawson was cool. He knew I had no problems in his class other than allowing my opponents to win.
After I finished changing, I left the room and raced to the gym. The mats were already set up and everyone was being partnered.
“Okay. Today we're going to have a bit of a competition. We have a new student in our class, as well. Her name is Cleopatra.”
“Cleo.” She corrected sternly.
Cleo! Wait, what was she doing in the wrestling class? Someone as tiny as her was sure in for a surprise. She'd be crushed like a cracker under the weight of an elephant.
There was only one other girl in this class and she looked more like a guy than anything with her cargo-pants and black t-shirt. Her hair was black and buzzed down, while she wore absolutely no make-up. She wasn't lacking any muscles either.
“Cleo, you'll be partnered up with Raven. Raven will explain the rules.”
“Kay,” Cleo agreed as Raven rolled her eyes.
I ended up being paired up with Nathan Greene, a boy that was about five-feet, eight-inches. He had shaggy blond hair and golden eyes. His arms were well-muscled, but not enough for him to pin me. He, too, was on the football team with Allan.
“First up, Joshua and Steven.” Mr. Lawson announced.
As the two males rolled around and fought in the ring, I watched Cleo. Her eyes were glued to the battle and I watched her hands shake slightly with fear. Or was that anticipation?
Raven was explaining the rules to Cleo as the fight went on and in the end, Steve had Josh in a headlock and the battle was over.
“Who'll go next?” Mr. Lawson asked, turning to the class.
Raven glanced angrily at Cleo before volunteering. I expected Cleo to protest, but instead she shrugged and climbed eagerly into the ring after Raven.
“Good-luck, babe.” Allan called up to Cleo. “You're going to need it. But don't worry. I'll take care of you afterwards.”
Cleo ignored his taunts and focused on Raven. I wanted her to know how fast Raven was, but Cleo would soon find out. Mr. Lawson blew the whistle and the battle began. Raven launched herself forward, knocking Cleo onto her back. Cleo grabbed Raven by the shoulders and forced her to roll over so that Cleo was on top. Raven let out a cry of rage and forced Cleo off by using her knees in the gut. The two circled for a moment before Raven dove forward, using her weight to drive her legs out powerfully. Cleo jumped sideways at the last moment to allow Raven to pass, before chasing after her, grabbing Raven's arm and twisting it behind her back.
Cleo then knocked Raven's legs out from underneath of her, forcing her onto her stomach then holding her there. Mr. Lawson blew the whistle, marking the end of the battle. “Match,” he called. “Winner: Cleo.”
The class stared, jaws gaping at the tiny-boned new-girl in the ring. She had beaten Raven. Most of the guys in here had more trouble with her than that.
Finally Cleo climbed out of the ring, with a helpful shove from Raven who was fuming. If Raven were a cartoon character, she would have steam coming out of her ears right now, I thought with a smile.
I won the match against Nathan, leaving me in the final list of competitors.
“If I call your name, you will be going on to the next round.” Mr. Lawson called out.
“Mason, Allan, Steve, Martin, Damien and Cleo.”
Cleo? Crap! What if I had to fight her? What if I hurt her?
“Cleo, you'll be up against...Mr. Ford.”
“Hey, baby.” Allan whispered to Cleo. “Don't worry. I'll make it fast.”
“Fuck you.” she hissed backing up a step. I had to hand it to her, she had guts. Too bad Allan was going to tear them out of her.... oh, well.
“Damien versus Mason and Steven versus Martin.” Mr. Lawson called out the rest of the list. First up is Martin and Steven.”
The two boys climbed into the ring and I turned my attention – once again – to Cleo. She was wearing tight, little, black shorts and a white t-shirt. Her hair was long and black like the feathers of a raven. Her eyes were electric blue and her skin, pale white. I tried to pick up her aura again, but I was too drained from before. It would be hours before I could do it again. Her bright eyes were outlined in thick black lashes and eyeliner while her lips were a pale pink with a gloss on them. I could smell her from here. She smelt like rain.
Cool and refreshing. If only I could taste that rain....
“Match!” The teacher called. “Winner: Steven. Next up, Cleo and Allan.”
Cleo tensed, but I could sense her determination. She gave Raven a smug smile and stuck out her tongue before turning towards the ring and hauling herself up.
Raven clenched her hands into fists and I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. The new girl was getting herself into serious trouble and she'd only been here for a couple of hours. What else would she screw around with before the day was up?
“You can strike first.” I heard Allan whisper to Cleo. She shook her head stubbornly and signaled for him to begin.
Mr. Lawson blew the whistle and Allan moved forward. Cleo dropped to the floor, rolling between his legs and coming up behind him. The students cheered as she caught hold of one of his arms and tried to pin it behind his back. Allan tore his arm forward – Cleo still attached – and flung her to the floor. He then dropped down to grab her, but she rolled sideways, dodging his reaching hands.
“Play time's over.” Allan snarled, grabbing Cleo's ankle and pulling her to him. He climbed onto her back and she struggled beneath him.
She twisted sideways and her bony hip dug into Allan's gut. He let out a furious yell as Cleo dragged herself out from under him, leaping to her feet.
They both stood at opposite ends of the ring for a moment – panting – before Allan charged forward, Cleo running forward to meet him. Her eyes widened with what I assumed to be fear as they met at the center of the ring. She leapt, wrapping her arms around his neck – as if holding him in an embrace – and her legs constricted around his waist.
Now that she was clinging to him in panic, Allan had no way to knock her to the ground, it was smart, but an idiot could see what was going to happen next.
Allan began to crouch before dropping to the ground on his stomach with Cleo pinned on her back beneath him. She gasped as the air was forced out of her lungs and her arms released him. She tried to shove him off, but he seized her by her wrists, holding her arms above her head.
Cleo growled with frustration and struggled madly.
“Match!” Mr. Lawson called. “Winner: Allan.”
Mr. Lawson turned around to address the class, but my eyes stayed locked on Cleo and Allan. Allan still had her pinned beneath him and she was still struggling as if the battle wasn't over. He leaned forward to press his lips to hers and I prepared to jump in and help when he screamed out in pain.
“Ahh! Fuck!” Allan Ford roared.
“What the hell happened?!” Mr. Lawson demanded.
“The bitch bit me!” he hissed.
Cleo climbed to her feet and rounded on him.
“Is that true, Miss. Hartman?” Mr. Lawson demanded.
Cleo shrugged and continued to glare at Allan, her hands in fists.
“Is it?” Mr. Lawson asked again.
“Yes. And if you need proof, look at his lip. Ask him what it was doing so close to my teeth!” she spat.
“That's a good question.” Mr. Lawson agreed, moving his glare to Allan. “Well?”
“The bitch bit me and you expect me to answer? You're out of your fucking mind!”
“Cleo, apologize.” Mr. Lawson demanded after a moment.
I waited for Cleo to admit defeat and crumble under Mr. Lawson's glare like any other student would do, but instead she met his glare with her own.
“I'm sorry.” she apologized. “I'm sorry I didn't do more damage than that!”
And before Mr. Lawson could recover, Cleo leapt out of the ring and stormed out of the gym. Her long mane of black hair streaming out behind her.
“Cleo, come back!” Mr. Lawson called.
I waited until the teacher's back was turned before slipping out of the gym after her. She had fought like a cobra, leaping in to deliver a blow before jumping out of the way. I had never seen a mortal capable of something like that. Especially against someone with the experience and the size of Allan.
Keeping her fight in my head, I continued to follow Cleo. She stopped in front of the change rooms to get a drink from the fountain. I could make out bruises forming around her wrists where Allan had been holding onto her.
“You okay?” I asked, stepping out of the shadows and approaching her. “You were amazing in there. Allan got what he deserved. It's about time he learned that girls can and will eventually fight back.”
“Yeah, well, what can I say... I'm just sweet like that.” she said sarcastically.
“You don't have to do that, you know.”
“Do what?” she demanded, her eyes confused.
“You don't have to be so defensive around me. I won't judge you for being yourself. Don't be afraid to show what you really feel. Maybe you'll find that I'm a lot like you. Just someone trying to get through life, one day at a time without being killed.”
“Yeah, what kind of enemies do you have?”
“You don't want to know.” I growled.
“Whatever. Nice talking to you.” she spun around towards the change room, but paused before opening the door. “You know... I wish I was capable of trust. But I lost what I had left of it on the day my father died. Trust isn't something I can give you. Neither is friendship so don't bother asking.”
“Then what about an acquaintance? Can we just be two students who happen to get along and hang out with each other sometimes?”
“If that'll make you happy, go right ahead. I could care less. I'm just trying to get through school so that I can start my life.”
Before I could say anything else, she disappeared into the change room.
I'll earn your trust. You'll see. And when I do, then I'll be able to taste the rain.17

18

19

20

21

22

-Cleo-23

I quickly changed out of my gym clothes and cleaned up before anyone had time to find me. My wrists throbbed where Allan had held on. There were purple bruises forming. He would pay for every mark he left on my body. Even the ones left unseen.
“Hey, Cleo. Join me for lunch?” Wesley called over as I entered the cafeteria hall.
“Sure, sounds fun.” I enthused, waiting for him to catch up.
“So how were your classes?”
“Biology was fun, but wrestling....”
“What happened? Couldn't take anyone out? Cause most people ca-”
“No.” I interrupted. “I beat Raven first try, but then I had to face Allan....”
“Shit.”
“Yeah. I thought I was doing fine until he pinned me on my back. Who cares. I'll get him next time.” I said, dismissing the subject.
At that moment Wesley looked down at my wrists. He grabbed my hand and lifted my arm into the light.
“He'll pay for this.” he snarled. “I'll see to it.”
“No!” I said a little too loudly. “Please, don't, I bit his lip. You can even see for yourself. I'll get him back next time.”
“You bit his lip? But what was it do-” Wesley stopped talking as the reality of what happened clicked in. “I'll kill him for this. And why didn't Mr. Lawson do anything?”
“He started to, but I think he felt threatened.”
“I don't think that's it. Allan is on the wrestling team as well as the football team which Mr. Lawson just so happens to coach. He won't allow any of his players to be blamed for something if he can help it. He won't risk them being suspended or pulled from the team.”
“Oh, isn't this exciting.” I mumbled sarcastically.
“At least you didn't get into serious trouble.”
“I'm surprised he didn't send me to the principal.” I spoke my thoughts. “Then again, I didn't really give him a chance before I stormed out of the gym and insulted Allan.”
Wesley placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me into the cafeteria which was already filling with students.
“We'll get lunch, but eat it outside. It's a beautiful day. I think I could use the fresh air. You cool with that?”
“Okay.” I agreed.
Wesley and I took our place in the line. The meal today was salad, fruit of choice and a deli sandwich, accompanied by either a white or chocolate milk. I didn't trust the open pitcher of apple juice with all of the passing students eying it distastefully. For all I knew, they could be using it as a spit bucket.
“What kind of fruit would you like?” The lunch lady asked me.
“Apple, please.”
“Here you go, dear.”
What was it with adults and coming up with cute little nicknames for everyone?
I have a name for a reason, woman. Use it!
“Don't turn around.” Someone whispered in my ear. The voice was familiar, but I couldn't put a face to it. The thought sent chills up my spine. “Meet me in the abandoned science lab after school.”
As the curiosity got the best of me, I spun around, only to find that the mystery male had already vanished.
“Did you see who just called me?” I asked Wesley.
“No. Why, what'd they say?”
“Never mind.” I mumbled dismissively. He was talking to the lunch lady, how would he have seen or heard?
“So, ready to head out?” Wesley asked, nudging me with his elbow.
“Yep.” The truth was I didn't want to go outside. I wanted to stay and find Allan. I wanted to make him pay. And maybe Simon would want to join us.
“Julia, Sam, over here!” Wesley called as we were leaving the cafeteria.
A girl with light-brown hair and was about five-feet, four-inches tall approached us. She was joined by a boy with dark-brown hair that hung in his eyes. He reminded me of a shaggy dog. The scruffiness was even cute. He was slightly taller than me.
“Julia, Sam, I'd like you to meet Cleo. Cleo, these two losers are my friends.” Wesley introduced us with mock-horror.
“So you're the new girl.” Julia noted.
“So you're the loser.” I retorted.
Julia smirked and her face lightened. “I think we're going to get along fine.”
I didn't know what she was talking about, but I was glad she liked me. I had no idea how, though. I mean, I had just sort of insulted her.
“I'm Julia, Julia Coleman.” She told me.
“I'm Cleopatra Hartman. I prefer Cleo.”
“And I'm Samuel Thompson. I prefer Sam.”
“I'll remember that.” I promised with a respectful nod.
Wesley hooked arms with me and pulled me down the hall until we were out of the school. The campus was huge. Even outside it looked kind of Roman. It had stone statues and gardens and ponds. The field was green and cool while the sun shone brightly in the afternoon sky.
“Where to?” Sam asked, turning to look at Wesley.
“I thought I'd show her our hangout.”
“Awesome!” Sam cheered, taking Julia's tray and carrying it for her. I couldn't help but notice the blood that rose to her cheeks making her blush.
Good for you, girl. Now why don't you push your friendship a little farther?
Wesley held a branch back for me once we came to the tree-line. He offered to take my tray, but I was clutching it desperately and glared at him when he tried to pry my fingers off. I was too stubborn. The last thing I needed was a boy carrying my lunch like I wasn't capable or something.
Okay, so I'm being a bitch, but people would get used to it real fast.
After a six minute walk, we arrived at their “hangout”. It consisted of a river, old bridge, rock formations and an old cabin.
“It used to be used to store tools that the teachers didn't want on campus.” Wesley explained to me. “We use it when we want to drink on campus.”
I nodded to show that I understood what he was saying and followed the group into the cabin. Inside there was already two others. Both were boys that were in my wrestling class. Wesley introduced the tall, bald one with the big brown eyes as Damien and the other boy that was about five-feet, seven-inches with shoulder-length black hair and near-black eyes as Martin.
“Nice to meet you.” I greeted them, taking a seat on the floor between Julia and Wesley. Sam sat down next to Julia, carefully placing her tray in front of her and tucking a stray hair behind her ear. Julia blushed again and had to look away.
Oh, no you don't. I won't allow you to lose him because you're scared or embarrassed. I'll make you show that you like him too, and I'll make sure it's public.
“So...Sam,” I began. “Do you have a girlfriend?”
Sam tore his eyes away from Julia to look at her. “Huh?”
“I asked if you had a girlfriend.”
“Well....no.” he mumbled.
“Is there someone special then?”
Sam blushed and she knew she had caught him. Now the only thing left to do was reel him in for Julia.
“We should hang out sometime.” I said cheerfully as if not noticing his embarrassment. Julia however was shooting me daggers with her eyes.
“I don't know-” he whispered.
“Why not?”
“Because....”
“Well, is there or is there not, someone special?”
“Yes. I guess you could call them that.”
“So who is she?”
Sam blushed a brighter red, but didn't answer. Instead he looked desperately at Julia – maybe for help or reassurance – then turned back to me.
“So if there's no one, maybe we could hang out this Saturday and-”
“He's busy!” Julia blurted out defensively. “We were going to the movies.”
“Oh, so there is someone special.” I enthused. “I'm happy for you two.”
Julia and Sam looked away from me, both faces crimson with embarrassment.
“So....Cleo-” Damien called from across the circle we had formed on the floor. “Just because Sam is busy, doesn't mean I am. We could hang out if you wanted.”
“No, I'm good.”
“Just because I don't look like a scruffy dog, doesn't mean I can't lick your face.”
“Oh, go die in a corner!” I spat – quite meanly might I add- before taking a bite out of my apple.
Wesley scooted closer to me and whispered in my ear. “Sorry about him, he's kind of an ass. You get used to it, but you shouldn't play so hard to get. He likes that in a girl.”
“Oh, please!” I hissed back at him. “Damien is the type of guy who likes any girl who can walk and talk.”
“True.” Wesley agreed with a chuckle.
I put down my apple core and began to eat my sandwich. Julia's sandwich had some lady's hair in it, so I kindly gave up my salad to her which she gratefully took. Even after what I had just done, I didn't expect to be forgiven so quickly. Once my lunch was finished, Damien pulled out a bottle of brandy from his backpack and began passing it around the circle. I took a big swig, loving the way the alcohol burned in my throat and warmed up my body. The way my problems slowly became unknown as I took another swig and could finally just relax.
“Easy, girl.” Wesley, said, taking the bottle out of my hands and passing it over to Martin. “I don't think your mom would appreciate it if I had to carry you home after your first day at Hawthorn High.”
“You're probably right.” I agreed with a sigh.
“No, worries. You don't have English last period today.” Wesley told me.
“Yes, I do.” I argued. “It says so on my schedule.”
“No, you don't. All English classes were canceled today due to the English teacher's death. She was mauled by some animal on her way home yesterday. Until the new teacher arrives, there's no class.” Wesley explained.
I shuddered at the thought. First day of school and already someone was dead. What kind of animal could have gotten her? And why does this information seem so familiar?
“We should head back.” Julia whispered, leaning to take a better look at Sam.
“Yeah, you're right.” he agreed, placing his lunch tray on top of hers and then taking them both. Julia nodded gratefully.
Props off to me! I made them all lovebird-ish.
“Hey does anyone here know where the old science lab is?” I finally asked. I needed to know where it was if I planned to find it after school.
“Yeah, it's at the far end of campus. No one goes there since it was practically destroyed in a fire. The windows and doors are all boarded up.” Martin answered.
“Why do you ask?” Wesley demanded, turning to me.
“No reason. I just heard some kids talking about it and wondered.”
“You know, Cleo....” Damien began. “....I could show you the place and we could try out the teachers desk. I'm sure you'd look adorable dressed in a schoolgirl uniform. You could even punish me. I like it rough.”
“Fuck you!” I hissed.
“I may take you up on that.” he replied smugly.
I picked up my apple core and whipped it at his head, which hit him full-on.
“Ow, dammit!” he boomed. “Why the hell did you do that?”
“I thought you liked it rough.” I said innocently.
Wesley snickered and Sam covered his mouth to hold back a laugh. Julia however was unsuccessful with staying silent. She burst out into a chorus of laughs and I couldn't help, but join her. Damien's pissed look was too funny to ignore.
Wesley and Sam soon released their laughs and Martin chimed in, leaving Damien scowling at me.
Wesley leapt to his feet and offered me his hand. I ignored it and got to my feet.
“Hey, Cleo.” Damien called to me before Wesley and I could leave the cabin. “I'll see you around. Don't think this is over, bitch. No one humiliates me and gets away with it.”
“Today that all changed.” I snarled before allowing Wesley to guide me out of the cabin. “Show me the old science lab?” I asked him hopefully.
Wesley tossed me a curious glance, but didn't argue. Instead he took my tray from me – ignoring my protest – and led me across campus.
“This is the old science lab.” Wesley finally spoke. “It caught fire four years back and no one is allowed inside. The place is unstable. It could come down at any moment.”
“Why is it so far from the rest of the school?” I pressed. “It's so hidden in these trees.”
“That's because when the school was first made into a school, this was a house. A one-level house. It just made sense to use it instead of spending money on building one closer to the school.”
“Yeah, that makes sense.” I agreed.
“So...you gonna tell me why you're so interested in this lab all of a sudden?”
“There's no reason. I just wanted to see what the big deal was....for those kids I mean.” My voice wavered, but he didn't seem to notice.
“So, you ready to go back? Lunch is over soon and you still have photography. We can cut through the parking lot to get back.”
“Yeah, sure, whatever.” I agreed halfheartedly. I wasn't really in the mood for school anymore, but what could a girl do?
“Whoa, who's car is that?” Wesley gasped once we came to the front of the parking lot. I followed his gaze to an overly-large oak tree with a midnight blue vehicle parked under it. My vehicle.
“Mine.”
Wesley turned his stunned eyes on me. “Yours?”
“Yes. Mine. No big deal. It was a birthday present.” I insisted, hoping he'd drop the subject. I didn't want to be known as the “rich girl” first day.
“Holy cow!” he cried out. “How does it ride? Who bought you this car for your birthday? When was your birthday?”
“Like a race car. My mom. A week ago.” I answered each question in turn.
“Your mom, bought you a car for your birthday? It's got to be worth a million dollars. Is she insane?!”
“Can we just drop the subject please. My family has a lot of money, I just don't like to say anything. And yes, it's worth a million. Just....please.” I begged.
“Okay, okay.” He agreed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I won't say anything else, but you have to take me for a ride sometime. Maybe after school?....”
I started to say sure, but quickly stopped myself. “Sorry, I have plans after school. Maybe another time, Wes.”
Wesley looked disappointed at first, but it only lasted a moment before his smile returned. “Plans? With whom?”
“Uh-”
“No need to lie.” he pointed out.
“I wasn't lying. I do have plans. I'm not supposed to say with who, though. It's sort of a secret. It's nothing special....I think.”
Wesley shook his head and let out a soft laugh. “Who is he?”
“He? I never said he!”
“So you like girls then?” he mocked playfully, cocking up an eyebrow.
“For sure.” I teased back. “Let Julia know I'll be waiting.”
Wesley burst into a roar of laughter and reached forward to take my hand and pull me toward the school. I leapt back, unexpectedly and clenched my hands into fists.
“Cleo, you okay?” Wesley asked, nervously. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No...I just. I don't know what happened, sorry.”
I just don't really like getting connected to people. I don't always like to be touched when my own mother won't allow me to touch her....
“Yes, some thing's wrong.” Wesley argued. “You can tell me, you know.”
“I just don't always like being touched.” I explained briefly. “It was my fault, really.”
“Okay, no touching. I'll try to behave.” he vowed with a smile.
I blinked gratefully before walking back over to him.24

“Hey, wait up!” Wesley called, running to catch up to me in the parking lot.
“Hey, Wes.” I greeted.
“How was photography?”
“Simple. Did you know there are only ten students in the class? And that's including me! Oh, and the teacher's awesome.”
“Yeah, Mr. Moore is pretty cool. He really knows what he's talking about. He makes the class so easy and is completely against tests. All of your marks come from the photo-shoots. Extremely easy and pleasing credit.”
“Where you headed?” I asked, turning to face Wesley.
“I have English with you last period. So, I'm not going anywhere. I thought I'd catch you before you left school. See if you wanted to change your mind and hang out.”
“Sorry, Wes. I'd love to. If it was any other day-”
“It's cool.” he interrupted. “Just thought I'd try.”
“Well it wasn't a completely worthless attempt. We could hand out tomorrow after school.... I mean- if you wanted to.”
“Want to? I'd love to.” he chirped with a smile.
“Meet me at my car after school?” I asked, nervous now.
“Wouldn't miss it.”
I nodded before continuing to walk to my car. “How long is this period?” I called back over my shoulder.
“An hour and twenty minutes.”
“Hop in.” I ordered, not turning to see if he would.
I pressed the button, opening my door and the passenger's door.
“Whoa!” he gasped. “It's....amazing. I think I'm in love.”
I laughed. “No pawing the car, perv!”
Wesley sat down in the leather seat and did up his seatbelt.
“Where should we go?” I asked him.
“Uh....want some ice cream?”
“Yes.” I answered. “Ice cream sounds great. Now where do we get it?”
“Pull out of here and turn left.” he instructed. “I'll point out the turns as we go.”25

“So, thanks again for the ice cream.” I thanked him. “And for showing me a little around town. At least I know where I can get some clothes if I need them.”
“Hey, who said you need clothes?” Wesley asked, horrified. “I think you'd look better without.”
“Down, boy.” I teased. “I don't want you peeing in my car.”
Wesley smirked and climbed out of the vehicle. “I guess I'll see you tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow.” I confirmed.
Wesley nodded and walked away with a final wave. As I climbed out my car, I was attacked by a mob of students, trying to get a better look at it.
“What the fuck?” I choked out, getting smothered against my car as people pushed their way past to see.
Students bombarded me with questions.
“This is your car?”
“You're rich!”
“Nice bod.”
“I'd tap that.”
“How fast does it go?”
“Enough!” Someone yelled out loudly. “Back away from the car and the girl.”
I watched as the crowd cleared away disappointedly as the principal approached.
“How was your day, Cleopatra?”
“Cleo.” I corrected. “And it was fine, thank you, Mr. Sanderson.”
“Good. I'm glad to hear it. I just wanted to make sure all was well. Have a nice evening, Miss Hartman. Oh, and do say hello to your mother for me.”
“Sure....” I replied reluctantly.
My mother?26

I made my way across campus and under the large canopy of trees. Most of the students had already left and the campus was deserted. Now where was that science lab?
The wind whipped my hair around my face and sent chills up my spine.
“Hurry!” I heard someone cry out not far from where I saw standing.
I followed the sound to the building I had been searching for. All was quiet now, but the powerful voice telling me to hurry still echoed in my head.
“Hello?” I called out, trying to open the door. It was locked.
Wandering around the building for a while, I tried to find an opening. Eventually I gave up and began pulling on a couple of boards in front of the back door. They weren't even nailed on. The door opened easily and I entered the dark lab cautiously.
The only source of light was coming from the door behind me and the tiny cracks between the boards of wood covering the windows.
“Hello?” I called out. “Someone here?”
No reply.
I walked farther into the burned remains, coming to the back of the lab and the most shadowed area. There was a bang as the door closed behind me, then a strange laughing began. It sounded insane and humored and.....murderous.
Then the voice spoke up. “He's mine, bitch. Do you hear me?! All mine!”
Before I had a chance to spin around to face the voice, something hit me hard in the back of the head and everything went black.27

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Chapter Three43

Cleo slowly opened her eyes, letting out a soft groan of pain as she tried to lift her head. Her hands were bound behind her back and her one foot was chained to the wall.
“What the hell?” she coughed, making her head throb more.
“Ah, so the devil awakes.” A very feminine, and very real, voice called from the darkness. “Now it is time to lay down the rules.”
“Who the fuck are you?” Cleo demanded. “Get the hell out of the shadows and show your face, coward!”
“All in good time. First I want to talk, then we can meet. Then, if you still don't understand you shall be forced to learn.”
“Who the fuck says 'shall'?!” Cleo hissed mockingly.
“Shut-up!” The voice was twisted with rage, but why was this bitch so angry?
I don't see her chained to a wall.
“You're new, so I'm letting you off easy. Most girls I tie up and leave in the middle of nowhere. Usually the forest. They find their way back eventually, but I never have any more problems with them.
“You aren't going to be dumped in the middle of nowhere, but you are most certainly going to be taught what I have to teach and demand. You're going to stay away from Allan. He's mine.”
“Great, I hope the two of you are very happy.” Cleo snapped. “Now can you untie my hands?”
“Aw, poor, baby.” The voice cooed. “Did I tie the ropes too tight? Does it sting?”
“Well, it kind of itches.” I snarled angrily.
“Pain will soon follow if you don't shut your trap, slut!”
Cleo wanted to snap something back at her, but seeing how she was chained to a wall and all...maybe that wouldn't be the best idea of life.
No, really?!
“Just untie me already!” Cleo ordered. “Untie me and I promise I won't hunt you down and kill you for this, you crazy, demonic-”
Cleo never got to finish her insults, because something met her stomach, hard and powerful. It caused her breath to whoosh out of her lungs and Cleo found herself gasping.
“That's enough!” The insane girl snapped. Her voice was high-pitched...playful.
“Show yourself.” Cleo yelled. “Show your fucking, diseased face!”
Cleo watched as the shadows in front of her wavered.
So that's where you're hiding!
Cleo bent back as far as she could, struggling to take off her shoe. She rolled over and held onto the shoe tightly. The shadows were still moving. Cleo flung the shoe at the shadow – hands still tied behind her back – with as much force as she could muster up.
“Ouch!” The girl squeaked. “I was trying to play nice, but now I'll settle this.”
“UNTIE ME!” Cleo shouted at the fallen shadow. “I don't give a flying fart in space about Allan! He could die and I wouldn't care. Actually- I'd probably celebrate. Then maybe he'll be as demonic as you are, and the two of you can go to fucking hell and leave me ALONE!”
“I was going to let you go, but now I think I'll leave you here to die. No one comes by this end of campus. You can scream, and cry and hope, but no one will find you. Not until it's too late.”
“I'll get out.” Cleo promised. “And when I do, you'll be the first to pay. Then your fantasy-boyfriend and I are going to have a real nice chat.”
What was with the kids at this school anyways? They were all so psychotic.
“Wait-” Cleo began again. “The person who approached me in the cafeteria was a male.”
“Yes. I paid someone to deliver the message for me to throw you off. ”
“You're really crazy....” Cleo pointed out bitterly.
“I'd do anything for Allan. He might think we're over, but he'll come crawling back to me soon enough.”
“I can't wait until I get out of here and hunt him down.” Cleo snarled.
There was no response. Cleo was becoming desperate. If she could just get her kidnapper to come close enough....
“I hope you stick around, too, for our chat. Considering how it will consist of my tongue down his throat!” Cleo taunted.
The crazy chick screamed with rage before flinging something at Cleo, full force. It hit Cleo on her left shoulder, making her cry out in pain.
“What the hell was that?” Cleo gasped.
“A brick.”
“You threw a brick at me? Are you serious?!”
“I can throw whatever I want to! You're just lucky I didn't aim for your head. Come near Allan again and I promise....I won't miss next time.”
No effin way am I staying away from Allan now. No way I'll let her make me feel weak and defenseless.
“Please, knock me unconscious now.” Cleo begged. “I don't know how many more of your fantasy rants I can take!”
“That's it!” The girl shrieked. “I'm leaving you here. You'll never make Allan love you again! He's mine! All fucking mine, bitch and now....you'll never forget it.”
“Just leave!” Cleo screamed. “Shut-up already and leave!”
“Don't think I'm not!” The crazy bitch shouted back. “You can rot in here and you'll never know who I am.”
Cleo tensed. She was really going to do it. The psycho was going to leave her here to die. Would anyone even go looking for her? Her mother was leaving in a couple of days...
Cleo was so busy thinking about the worst-case-scenarios, that she didn't notice the shadow approach. The girl had come behind her and suddenly, Cleo was kicked in the gut again. She cried out in pain, but as her kidnapper had said, no one would hear her.
There was a tear noise and then the girl was taping Cleo's mouth shut. The mental-case wrapped some kind of fabric over Cleo's eyes before grabbing her by her hair. Cleo couldn't hold back the whimper that had been building up.
“Any final requests?” The girl mocked.
Cleo wanted to give her a few words alright, but she couldn't speak them with the tape over her mouth. Instead Cleo brought her head back – ignoring the pull on her hair – and smashed it into the psycho's face.
The girl gasped with pain before her foot met Cleo's side. Tears rolled down Cleo's face as the pain kicked in and she could feel the blood trickling down from her shoulder.
Oh, God, I'm going to die and no one will know.
Before Cleo's beliefs could be confirmed, the sound of footsteps retreating towards the door filled the lab. Cleo couldn't decide whether to find a way to beg for forgiveness, or to hope that the bitch was actually leaving.
There was a bang as the door to the lab was slammed shut, followed by the sound of it being boarded-up.
Cleo curled into the fatal position – ignoring the pain in her side and stomach – and closed her eyes, hoping she would soon awake from this nightmare.
“Cleo?” A voice called in the distance. “Cleo, if you can hear me, say something.”
Cleo wanted to cry out or thud against the floor....anything, but she did nothing. She was too tired and too sore.44

There was a sound of glass shattering, but Cleo was in too much pain to care. The bitch was back and Cleo's time was up. Was she going to light the lab on fire with Cleo in it?
“Oh, shit!” A voice gasped. “Cleo? Cleo!”
She felt her blindfold being removed and then heard the voice calling her name again. The anxious and unbelievably gorgeous voice.
Cleo tried to open her eyes, but everything was blurry. There was someone crouched beside her. His hair was a silvery-blond and his eyes.....unnatural green.
I know those eyes. I would know those eyes anywhere.
The boy reached out to touch her, but Cleo flinched.
“Shhh.” The boy said soothingly. “It's okay. I'm going to untie you.”
Then her hands were free and Cleo reached for the tape, wincing at the movement. It hurt to lift her arms.
“I'll get it.” The boy told her, even though Cleo couldn't make out his face yet.
The boy gently began to peel the tape off her mouth before tearing the rest of it off in one quick movement.
Cleo's eyes were adjusting again and she could finally put a name to the face.
“Mason?” Cleo demanded, “what are you doing here?”
“I saw your car in the parking lot when the school had been closed for an hour. I assumed something was wrong and went looking for you.”
“Why would you do that?” Cleo asked, confused.
“I don't know. Maybe because it was the right thing to do?”
Cleo blinked gratefully before struggling to free her foot. “Do you happen to see a key lying around?”
“No, sorry.” Mason replied, looking thoughtfully at the chain restraining her foot. “I can get it off, though.”
Cleo looked at him curiously. “How?”
“Watch.”
Mason bent next to the chain and bent the metal slowly until it snapped off her ankle. “See? No problem.”
“How the hell did you do that?!” Cleo said, not believing her eyes.
“The metal was old. It wasn't hard. It's all about pressing on the sensitive areas that will give easily. Plus, I work out.”
Cleo didn't find that hard to believe with the not-overly-huge muscles he was sporting. “Thanks.” Then her eyes began to close and she had to lye back on the cold floor again.
“What hurts?” He choked out. “I mean- other than your shoulder.”
“Side, stomach, head..... I'll be fine in a minute. I'm just a little tired.”
“Here let me- Can I see?” Mason asked, voice concerned and full of authority.
Cleo nodded and Mason began to lift her shirt up slowly. He gasped before casting a worried glance at Cleo.
“What?” Cleo demanded, worried now, too.
“Nothing. It's fine.” he whispered, voice wavering.
“No it's not.” Cleo argued. “How bad is it?”
“Nothing for you to worry about now. Just stay still.”
Cleo wanted to argue some more, but instead did as she was told while Mason examined her wounds. His touch was gentle and....cold. Like holding an icepack to her bare skin. It was in every way as numbing and soothing.
“And you said your head?”
“Yeah.” Cleo answered. “She hit me with a brick in the head and threw one at my shoulder. It sort of hurts....not that I'd imagine why.”
Mason smiled. Even though Cleo was in so much pain, she was still cracking jokes.
“Can you stand?” Mason pressed.
Cleo nodded and pushed off the ground with her hands. She made an agonized face, but quickly hid it under a determined smile. Finally she was standing upright. Her body swayed and Mason reached out to steady her.
“Don't touch me!” she cried out suddenly. “I mean- I don't need help.”
Mason didn't agree or disagree, instead he watched as she took her first step towards the door. “See? I'm fine.” she defended.
“Uh-huh.”
Mason began walking towards the door, leaving Cleo to follow. Every couple of seconds, he looked over his shoulder to see if she was coming. Cleo clenched her teeth, holding back the cries of pain that threatened to escape. The gut-wrenching pain was making her dizzy and nauseous. Her vision swam.45

Mason turned to look at Cleo again, only to find her sway and collapse toward the floor. He shot forward, catching her head just in time to stop it from receiving any more damage.
“Cleo, I need you to stay awake!” Mason ordered. “Do you hear me? You stay the fuck awake!”
“This nightmare is over, now. I'm going to wake up and I'll find myself back at home in Carptown. Beth is sleeping on the bed next to me and we're going shopping today. Hawthorn doesn't exist. You don't exist, this school doesn't exist....this pain doesn't exist.”
Mason tried to find a way to convince her it wasn't a dream, but her injuries were internal. She wasn't letting on how much pain she was really in....
That's okay, Mason thought. I can work with this. Let her think it's a dream and heal her. Do what others can't.
Mason pulled Cleo's body against his, letting her head lull back over his arm. He swept the hair away from her neck so that the soft and delicate skin there was exposed.
“It'll be okay, I promise.” Mason whispered. “Don't fight me, it'll only hurt more.”46

Cleo had no idea what he was talking about, but she was too tired to care. Her vision was swimming and all she could think was, he's holding me.
Her thoughts shattered only to be replaced by pain as something sharp as glass, dug into her neck. She began to struggle with what little strength she had and was rewarded with more agonizing pain.
Don't fight me, a voice in her head murmured. It'll only make it hurt more. Relax and the pain will ease away.
Cleo had no idea how she was supposed to relax, but she was slowly losing consciousness from loss of blood when the pain stopped to be replaced by pleasure. A pleasure so strong, she didn't think she'd be able to live without it. She could feel her heart beating in her chest, her blood being drained from her body, her head swimming, her mind being shared with him.
It's okay, he promised. It's almost over.
I don't want it to be over, she argued. It feels nice.
She could feel his silent laughter in her head before he began to pull away.
“What are you doing?” Cleo gasped. “Don't stop.”
“I've taken enough. Now you need to take some of mine.”
Cleo didn't have time to say anything else before Mason dragged his wrist across his teeth, leaving a trail of blood behind. He held it out to her, but Cleo tried to pull away.
“No.” she mumbled. “I don't want to....”
“You have to, Cleo. It's the only way. Do you want to die?”
“I won't do it!” she cried out, but she began to black out.
Mason ignored her pleas for him to leave her and instead pressed his wrist to her mouth. Cleo tried to stop herself, but instincts took over and she soon found herself drinking his blood. Her mind became aware and her memories became his once more.
I wonder if this works both ways.... Cleo thought mischievously.
Don't. The voice warned, but it was too late. Cleo was in his head now, seeing his past. Feeling how he felt. How he feels. All of the people he had killed....with pleasure.
A tiny girl in a fancy dress crying for her mother only to be taken by the monster. To be taken by Mason.
Cleo tried to dig deeper, to find out more about his past, but a wall was put up and it pushed her out of his head, snapping her back into reality.
Reality was painful.....
“Cleo, you okay?” Mason demanded, anxiety highly noticeable in his voice.
“Sleepy...and still sore. Why would you do that to me? I told you I didn't want to!”
“If you didn't drink my blood, you wouldn't have been able to heal.” Mason noted.
“I don't want to be a....a....a-”
“A vampire.” Mason finished for her.
Cleo nodded.
“Don't worry, love. That's not quite how it works. We would need to do a blood exchange a couple more times. And the times have to be close together. By that I mean like three times within a week.”
“So I won't be a vampire?”
“No. Not unless we exchange a lot more blood.”
“Well....it wasn't that bad, but-”
“But what?” Mason urged her to continue.
“But...you killed a lot of people. And it amused you.” Cleo whispered, tears in her electric eyes.
“That was a long time ago...” Mason defended. “I didn't know there were other ways to survive....to feed without killing. We need the blood. We need human blood.”
“You mean vampires.” It wasn't a question, but Mason still nodded.
Cleo tried to sit up, but gasped with pain again. “I thought you said I would heal?!”
“You will, but you're still human. It'll take a couple of hours.”
“I'm so.....tired.” Cleo muttered. “Mom will be worried.”
Then her eyes closed and she fell into a deep sleep.47

Mason scooped Cleo up into his arms, carefully handling her as if she were a sheet of tissue paper. One wrong move and she could tear. He could still taste the power in her blood. The salt mixed with an energy – like a boost you'd get from too much caffeine. Her slightly-wavy, black hair was brushing against his side as her head rested against his bicep.
Mason was still amazed that she hadn't blacked out right after the blood exchange had been completed. Most humans barely kept conscious during the exchange.
She's different than the others. he thought intently. Too bad I'll need her to forget this ever happened. She'll never know. It will all just be a nightmare to her and she won't even have the marks to prove it's real if she has doubts.
Cleo was barely breathing. The lids of her eyes were black and her skin paler than ever from blood-loss. He could feel unease as she slept.
This had never happened to Mason before. He'd heard of vampires who could sense their prey's distress once they've shared blood, but he'd never experienced it himself. He'd never connected with his food before, which was usually for the better.
All he had wanted to do tonight was find Cleo and see if he could discover what her aura meant, and instead he had exposed himself to the damn mortal.
Mason ran with Cleo in his arms to the parking lot, where he sat her gently in the passenger's seat, doing up her seat-belt, before climbing into the drivers side. The doors to the car had been unlocked, like she had left in a hurry earlier, but where was the key now?
Mason felt like a stalker as he dug through her memories that he had seen during the blood exchange, searching for the missing key. Finally he sighed and pressed his hand against the pocket of her jeans. Sure enough, there it was. The car key.
The vampire-boy slipped his hand into her pocket and quickly retrieved the key as his stalker feelings turned to one of a pervert. This is so fucked up.....he thought with irritation.
“You'll be home soon, Cleo.” Mason promised as he started up the car and drove down the deserted streets. “Sleep, young one. Sleep and when you wake it will have all been a terrible nightmare. Don't worry. I'll find who did this to you and they'll pay with blood.”48

By the time Mason parked the car in the driveway, it was around ten o'clock. No lights were on in the house, so he lifted Cleo out of the car carefully. She smacked her lips together as if she were thirsty.
Mason placed Cleo down on the front steps of the house, leaving her while he searched for a way to get in. After a quick circle around the house, he found a balcony with the doors unlocked. I'll just have to put her to bed and make her think it was all a dream...
He began planning out what he was going to do with her when a scream broke out from the front of the house. Cleo!
Mason was fast – vampire fast – but in his mind, every millisecond he had spent away from Cleo, had led to this. He never should have left her alone, so he flashed back to her side to find Cleo curled into a tight ball, howling in pain.
What is going on?
“Cleo?” Mason called, shaking her slightly. Her howl turned to a scream as she writhed in agony on the porch. If she doesn't shut-up, someone will hear.
Mason tried to hold her still or get her to answer him, but she was still in a state of sleep and his patience was running out. Finally he gave up, cupping his hand over her mouth and picking her up. He dashed around to the back of the house, launching himself onto the balcony – Cleo still in his arms, mouth covered – and into the room.
The room was large and had three doors – not including the ones he had just entered through – one he assumed that led to the hallway.
The walls of the room were a soft beige and the bed of iron off to the side was king-size. The comforter was dark-purple and the sheets peeking out from underneath were black.
Mason decided after a moment of looking around and smelling, that this must be Cleo's room. Who else would have AFI CD's and a blue CD player? Never mind the bookshelves that were stuffed with poetry books and fictional stories.
Cleo was still struggling beneath his hand so he carried her to the bed, where he pulled back the bedding and placed her there.
The mortal relaxed in her comfortable surroundings and the struggles stopped.
“Cleo, this is all a dream. Just a dream, young one. There's no such thing as vampires. You'd have to be crazy to believe in them. You came home after school only to find your mom had gone out and the house was empty. So you made a sandwich and went to sleep.”
Cleo mumbled her response, “Just a dream.” And then she didn't scream again.
Mason left her room, carefully closing the door behind him and traveled down the corridor, to the spiral staircase and down to the main floor which had a floor of marble.
“Nice. Someone's spoiled rotten. If I ever have to bite her again, I'll be sure to break into the memories of her family and find out about them.” Mason murmured.
Mason paused to focus on Cleo for a moment. His vampire-senses could pick up her steady heartbeat on the floor above and the slight sigh she released.
Does anyone wonder where she was? Mason questioned. Don't her parents care?
As if to answer his own question, when Mason walked into the kitchen, he found a note taped to the fridge.49

Cleo,
I had to leave early. I know I said I'd stay longer, but this is a really big project and they need the best. You'll be fine on your own, but you won't be able to reach me for awhile. There are no phones or signals where I'm headed, so I wish you luck, honey. Make friends, study hard and eat well.
Ciao, beautiful.
-Mom
P.S. If there are any problems, call Mrs. Roberts. I know talking to Beth's mom is hard for you, but she would never throw you out of her house if you needed help. Farewell my little princess.50

What kind of a mother leaves their daughter without saying good-bye? What if something worse had happened to Cleo today?
Mason couldn't keep the growl in as he stared at the note with disgust. Where's her father? Is there no one else in the house to take care of her?
Cleo shifted upstairs, groaning and Mason automatically flashed up the stairs to her side. She was cold, shivering beneath the blankets like a new born puppy out in the snow. Humans usually weren't cold after a blood-exchange. The fresh blood coursing through her body should warm her. She's tired, which was only to be expected, but cold and in pain? Highly unlikely.
Mason grabbed a blanket off of a nearby chair and spread it over the mortal. She was curled into a tight ball – fetal position – and was still shaking slightly. There was nothing else he could do, unless he found the thermostat.
When Mason came back to the room after turning up the temperature, he realized who Cleo reminded him of, Aphrodite. So beautiful and witty, yet so surrounded by darkness. Did that same shadow claim her heart? Was she already a creature of darkness?
“Sleep, Cleo. I'll see you at school tomorrow. Dark, little flower. Sleep, heal and live.” Something I'll never be able to do.51

Cleo awoke to find herself in a state of confusion.
Where am I and what happened?
“Mom?” Cleo called out. “Mommy?”
Cleo rarely called her mom, “mommy”. It just wasn't something they did. She was mom or Rachel. Never anything else, but Cleo was scared, she wouldn't admit it out loud, but her wavering voice betrayed her as she called again and again in search of her guardian.
There was no response, except the beeping of Cleo's alarm and the sound of birds chirping out in the yard.
Where is she?
Cleo hopped into the shower and cleaned up before getting dressed in a tight, blood-red, v-neck, long-sleeved shirt and a pair of tight black jeans that were torn at the knees. She slid on a pair of black combat boots and Combed through her now-dry hair.
“Mom?!” Cleo called, trying again. “Where the hell are you...?”
Cleo checked her mom's room before dashing down the stairs and into the kitchen. That's where she found the note explaining everything.
She felt her chest tighten as she fell to her knees, screaming angrily. How could she do this to her? I'm her daughter dammit. I don't know many people here and I have no idea what happened to me.....
“Mason.” Cleo whispered suddenly, the night coming back to her. The mob around her car, the old lab, the girl who left her to die, Mason coming and untying her...then biting her. And the taste, the taste of his chilling blood. The taste of death.
No, not Mason. It was a dream. A nightmare. You need to stay away from that boy. He's already invading your sleep and taking the place of Simon as your lab partner. He won't ruin your thoughts throughout the day, too.52

* * *53

“Hey, Cleo.” Wesley greeted, opening the door for Cleo as she grabbed her messenger bag and climbed out of her car.
“Hey.” Cleo chirped.
“Can I walk you to class?” Wesley offered kindly, his short, blond hair was slightly sticking up and his grey-blue eyes sparkled with hope.
“Sure.” Cleo accepted gratefully. It would be nice to get to know someone now that her mom was gone...again.
“You look beautiful.” Wes, noted. “Your hair is wavier than yesterday.”
“I didn't dry it this morning.” Cleo explained, amused that he noticed at all.54

Mason watched as that boy, Wesley, took Cleo's bag for her – ignoring her glare – and placed his hand on her arm, guiding her down the hallway.
Mason's stomach knotted and his lips pulled back over his teeth to expose the slowly-growing canines. His green eyes glowed gold – like a cat's – and his hands were balled into fists. What is this emotion? Mason wondered. Why am I so angered by this sight?
Mason couldn't make sense of his feelings, so he pursued the girl and the snake football player. What kind of a name was Wesley anyways?
Cleo was tense, but she allowed Wesley to stay with her as she got her stuff from her locker and walked to class. The class which Mason just so happened to be in.
Ha-ha, sucker.
Mason strained his ears from the far end of the hall to pick up on what Newman was saying to Cleo. “I just figured since I don't really like to go to this sort of thing, we could go together and maybe the night would be...less dull.” Wesley told her.
So the boy thinks she'll go to the Halloween dance with him...as if. Mason thought with amusement. This denial would be fun to listen in on. It was always nice to see the jocks get what was coming to them. Something every other girl at the school was to spineless to do themselves.
“That's really...sweet...” Cleo began, “...but, I don't really think I'll be up to it. You know, I have to study and clean and...I don't even have something to wear.”
Ha, so there. Mason smiled.
“I can drive you to town...or you can and I'll come with you. After all, your car is nicer.” Wesley chuckled. “Then you can pick something to wear and so can I. We can go as friends, it'll make me feel a little less like a loner.”
Right, cause you're such a loner now. Mason thought bitterly. Before Cleo came, you followed Allan around like a homeless puppy. Now all of a sudden you hate him? I hardly doubt that, asshole.
“Well...” Cleo began to reply. “I guess that would be okay. I don't want to go to town with you, though. I want my costume to be a surprise. It'll be more fun.”
Dammit! Mason thought. She should have gone with me!
There was only one problem with that scenario...she doesn't really know you. She thinks that last night was all some screwed-up nightmare.
“Okay. That does sound like fun.” Wesley enthused.
“And if you're nice to me, I might even let you drive my car and me to the dance.” Cleo hinted flirtatiously.
Wesley pretended to be surprised and when he looked up from Cleo, his eyes met mine and a huge, victorious, taunting smirk spread across his celebrity face.
I wasn't staring that obviously...was I?
Wesley placed Cleo's bag over her shoulder for her before leaning in to whisper in her ear. I tried to pick up what he was saying, but the whisper was even too low for me to make out. It was quieter than the rustle of a leaf and he was at the other end of the hall.
Cleo looked behind her, startled, and her glorious, blue eyes met mine. A shudder passed through her body and she cringed into Wesley unconsciously. She's scared, Mason realized. Of me.
Wesley wrapped his arms around her and gave me the finger behind her back. I growled low and narrowed my eyes threateningly.
So that's how we're going to play this. You're going to try to use her confusion to your advantage. I don't think so.... Mason thought angrily. This, my fellow classmate, means war.55

Cleo wasn't even trying to pull away from Wesley as he held her. She wasn't one for being touched, Mason knew that, but she still stayed in the tight circle of his muscular arms. She thought it was a safety net, but from my view, it was a cage.
“I better get to class....” Cleo mumbled after a minute and she began to wiggle her way out of Wesley's grip. The jock loosened his hold, but placed his hands on either one of her shoulders.
“I'll come and get you after class, okay? And we can eat lunch together.” Wes offered. Cleo didn't see it, but Mason snarled angrily as Wes gave him the finger and Mason began to wander over to them.
“Hey, Cleo.” he greeted her, sounding as friendly as he could. It did no good, she took and involuntary step back and Wesley angled his body so that she was slightly out of Mason's view. “Wesley...” Mason acknowledged him, jaw clenched.
“Hey, Macy.” Wesley replied.
“Actually, it's Mason.” he snarled slightly.
“I- I'll see you later.” Cleo stuttered to Wesley before making a break for the classroom. Wesley waved bye to her before turning to face Mason again. His eyes were blazing angrily and a dark smile played across his face. Mason could swear that if you looked close enough, you would be able to see the fires of Hell burning in their depths.
“Way to scare the girl.” Wesley finally growled.
“Scare her? What did you say to her?” Mason demanded.
“Nothing she didn't already know. Just that you were staring at her like you were going to kill her... oh and that you like to bite people.”
“Bite people?” Mason hissed. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you're dangerous. You're not all words, you'll hurt her if you feel like it. That's something even you can't deny.”
Mason sighed with relief. Oh, lord, that was a close one. For a moment there, I thought he knew. Now to get rid of the competition.....
“So... should I tell Cleo about how close you and Allan really are?” Mason pressed.
“What are you talking about?” Wesley snapped.
“Simple. You and Allan were close friends before she came. And if I'm not mistaken, I saw the two of you going to the pizza place after school yesterday.”
“You can stay out of this!” Wesley ordered. “She's none of your concern and I'll tell her when I'm ready. Just stay away from her, or me and my friends know what to do.”
“I'd like to see you try that one, Newman. Cleo's a smart girl. She'll see right through your charade soon enough, and when she does, you'll be the one watching her from the other end of the hall.”
Wesley tensed, his teeth grinding. “Later” he grumbled, turning around.
Mason caught his wrist and spun him back around. “Oh, and one more thing...” Mason added. “If you hurt her...it'll be the last thing you ever do.”
Then Mason shoved past Wesley and into the classroom to take his seat next to Cleo. It was only then that he noticed they had had an audience in the hallway. Students had their backs to the lockers, staring at the boys who had been moments away from a fight.
“Show is over!” Wesley snapped. “The freak won't be bothering anyone again.”
Mason ignored his taunts and went to take his seat at the back of the class only to find that it was already taken....by Simon? What was that all about?
“What's going on?” Mason asked Simon, not taking his eyes off of Cleo.
“We switched back partners. Cleo....and I,” he added hastily, “figured it would be better if the two of us worked together. I was originally assigned to her, and Mr. Carter said it was fine. Sorry, man. I can't stand Elizabeth and Cleo and I were just getting to know each other. Plus, I hear she's good with a scalpel.”
“Whatever.” Mason said, voice frosty.
“I really am sorry, Mason.” Cleo mumbled, not meeting his eyes.
“Sure...so am I.” Mason replied bitterly before spinning around and taking his seat beside the annoying blond that never shut-the-fuck-up.
“Great.....just when I thought the morning couldn't get any worse.” Elizabeth sighed.
“Hey, I'm not liking this anymore than you are.” Mason retorted, his eyes drifting back to Cleo who was engaged in conversation with Simon Foster.
What does that geek have that I don't? Mason wondered.
How about a beating heart?
“I'll win your trust. Without telling you the truth.” he whispered under his breath. 56

Cleo felt bad, turning Mason down like that. She just couldn't stand the memory of her nightmare. The feeling of being defeated, the thought of needing someone to keep her alive. The idea that there was something to be truly afraid of out there.
But it was all a dream. Cleo assured herself. I don't even have any marks on my neck to back up the option.
“Are you cutting the frog?” Simon asked her after a moment, breaking into her thoughts.
“Huh?...uh- not today.” Cleo mumbled distractedly.
“Can I ask why not?”
“I just...I have a headache.” Cleo replied, her gaze sweeping past Simon to Mason. Elizabeth was bickering with Mason about being lab partners and Mr. Carter shook his head at them. He was clearly preparing himself for a many-times-interrupted period.
And it's going to be interrupted constantly because of me. Because Mason and Elizabeth had to be paired up. Cleo realized glumly.
“Cleo,” Simon said, getting her attention. “What's wrong? You're so...distant. I mean- yesterday you just seemed so....”
“So what?”
“I dunno. Maybe interested?”
“In what?”
“Me...”
“Oh. I was....” Cleo replied sincerely. “I am. You have great friend potential. My mom just went back to Egypt so I'm kind of down today, that's all. Okay?”
“I'm sorry about your mom.” Simon sighed. “If you ever want to hang or talk...”
“I will.” Cleo promised. “I will...”
But Cleo knew she wouldn't. The one person she would want to talk to about this was gone. Gone somewhere where Cleo wouldn't see her for a long time.
I miss you, Beth. I'll see you when the time comes and.....I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I did. What I've done.57

58

Chapter Four59


Cleo slid on a silky pair of black shorts and a dark purple t-shirt for wrestling class. She had never heard of a school that offered wrestling for a credit before but, hey, whatever floats their boat is fine by me. Cleo thought with a laugh.
“I can only hope I'm up against Allan. He'll get what he deserves and I'll be the one to deliver.” she whispered under her breath.
But for some reason, Cleo felt as if she should try to be nice. Try to be nice in order to piss someone off, but who? Who would get pissed off if she flirted with Allan? He is kind of an asshole himself.
Kind of?
Cleo flung open the change-room door and marched into the gym, stepping carefully around the guys stretching on the mats around the ring.
“Hey, Cleo.” Mason called, coming to stand beside her as she stretched her calves.
“Look, I'm sorry about earlier in science. Simon is just really cool and we figured the class would be less dull if we were partnered up. Without Elizabeth...”
"It's fine. I'll survive.” Mason answered with a shrug.
“Good. I don't need your death on my shoulders.”
“But-” Mason continued, “-if I were to die, I would want to be buried in a black coffin with a built-in-X-box.” He laughed.
Cleo couldn't help, but to chime in. An X-box in a coffin? How....creative.
“So Mr. Carter paired you and me up for the day. We're practicing on the mats and I'm supposed to teach you some moves.”
“Moves?”
“Yeah, like how to get some guy like Allan off of you.”
“Hey! I thought I was doing pretty well....”
“You were. Everyone was talking about it in the change room after class yesterday.”
“Ew.” Cleo groaned. “You mean like the half-naked guys were talking about me?”
“That's one way to put it.” Mason snickered. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Uh...maybe.”
“It's nothing bad.” Mason assured me.
“Then I guess so.”
“Mr. Lawson only paired me up with you because I'm his best wrestler. He wants me to teach you some manners.”
“You're kidding?” Cleo laughed.
“That's what I said. I was like, “you're pairing me up with Xena why?” and he just shrugged and walked away.”
“Xena?”
“Yeah, you know...hot chick who can kick ass. Looks awesome in leather.”
“You think I'm hot?” Cleo asked, twirling a strand of hair around her tiny finger.
“I just meant that you can handle yourself in a fight.”
“So you don't think I'm hot?”
Before Mason could answer, Mr. Lawson blew the whistle to signal everyone to begin their mock-battles. Cleo noticed that Mason was staring at her. His gaze was almost desperate and his eyes...longing. His gaze raked once over her once before resting on her neck. His breathing quickened and Cleo took a step back.
“You okay?” she demanded.
“Huh?- uh...fine.” Mason blurted out. “Let's fight.”
“I think I'll sit this one out.” Cleo announced, turning around and heading for the bleachers at the side of the gym.
Mason caught her wrist and pulled her back to him, holding her tightly in his arms.
“I don't think so.” he countered. “You and I have a fight to begin. You don't want to upset the teacher do you?”
“Maybe I do.” Cleo replied, breaths coming out raspy. He had hurt her bruised wrist.
“No, you really don't.” Mason disagreed, spinning Cleo around so that her chest was pressed against his and he could look down into her eyes.
Cleo forgot about how badly she had wanted to avoid Mason. All that mattered right now were those eyes. How could someone with eyes like that, be bad?
He would never hurt me. Cleo thought. I trust him completely.
Cleo's gaze drifted down to his lips and her own parted slightly.
Now if only I could kiss those lips...
Mason smiled darkly before releasing her and tripping her so that she landed on her back on the mat.
Cleo snapped out of the trance, remembering why she needed to stay away from him. Why she needed to get away from him now. To save herself. To keep what little thought about life she had left. She couldn't let her mind stray to him. Not again. No more.
“You'll pay for that.” she hissed, rolling on her back before flinging herself to her feet and charging at Mason.
He stepped easily to the side, so fast, she didn't even see the movement.
“What the?” Cleo gasped, clutching at air, standing where Mason had been moments before. Not moments....not even seconds.
“You'll have to be faster than that.” Mason whispered, humored.
Cleo launched herself at him, this time he let her take hold of his biceps, trying to force him to the floor. He wouldn't move...
“Are you glued to the floor?!” Cleo choked out, breathless.
“Maybe.” he said, the corner of his lips turning up slightly into a half-smile. His smile made her heart stop. God, he's so...beautiful, Cleo thought.
Mason tripped Cleo again, pinning her beneath him, his face mere inches from hers. She could feel his cool breath on her cheeks, his eyes burning holes into hers. She melted at his touch and once again....forgot that she wanted to stay away from him. That she had to.
“Cleo....would you like to go to the dance with me?” Mason asked softly, his breath tickling her ear.
“Yes.” she gasped.
“When can I pick you up?” Mason asked, climbing off of her.
The coach's whistle snapped her back to reality. “Huh?”
“I asked what time I should pick you up at.”
“Oh! You can't.” she blurted. “I'm going with Wesley. Sorry.”
And before Mason could stop her, Cleo was running back to the change room.
“Dammit.” Mason hissed. “Damn everything to the darkest pits of hell.”60

Cleo splashed cold water on her face, trying to clear her head which was filled with thoughts of Mason. Mason's warm, green eyes and cool, minty breath. Mason's strong arms that held her tightly and his lips that formed that smile....
No! Don't think about him! You can't trust him. You can't trust anyone. Especially not yourself. Cleo's mind countered.
Right. “Beth....” Cleo whispered, “I'm sorry.”
Lunch was slow. Wesley brought her to the cafeteria to eat today where she met a bunch of new people. No one she wanted to know better. Julia and Sam sat close together, talking about their first period classes.
“You know,” Cleo had begun. “The two of you should go to the dance together.”
Sam and Julia had blushed and then looked at her with astonishment.
“Really. Go together and it'll make me happy.”
Julia then forced out a smile and answered first, “well, if it'll make you happy....Sam what do you think?”
“Yeah. I don't work that night. I can pick you up around eight?”
“It's a date.” Cleo had chirped happily, clapping her hands together.
Wesley laughed and placed his arm around Cleo's shoulders, which she had automatically shrugged off.61

Now here she was, on her way to her next class. The teacher let Cleo develop her negatives today which she had taken yesterday. By tomorrow, Cleo would be able to go into the dark room and enlarge her photos with the other students.
Mr. Moore was kind to Cleo. He seemed to be nice to all the students, though. He sort of reminded Cleo of her father. Kind, aged – but not too much – and he had the most gentle eyes she had ever seen. Such a soft brown...so familiar.....
“Yes, that's right, Cleo. Just tap it twice and then let it sit for two minutes.” The teacher told her as she developed her film in the tank.62

Mason couldn't keep his mind focused while he was in History class. All he could think about was Cleo and how he could get her away from Wesley.
That boy is a snake. Mason thought angrily. I can feel it in my gut.
Are you sure that's not jealousy, dark prince?63

Cleo hung her strip of negatives on the string to dry before grabbing her bag and heading down to the second floor where her locker was.
Wesley was standing there, arms folded over his chest.
“They found a new teacher.” he called.
“Excuse me?”
“I said they found a new teacher. For English. He's a college student with high grades. He's supposed to be really awesome.”
“Cool. So I guess I should head to class now.”
“You mean we.” Wesley corrected.
“I guess I'll tag along.” Mason called from behind Cleo. She spun around, her heart thudding excitedly in her chest.
“You're in the class, too?” Cleo asked.
“Yep.”
“Come on, Cleo.” Wesley urged, taking her by the arm and guiding her down the hallway towards the staircase.
Mason glided to her side and followed them to the third floor where the English hall was. This is going to be interesting....Cleo thought.
Cleo was listening to Wesley go on and on about the dance as she entered the classroom. She was so caught up in thought that she ended up walking into someone.
“Oh my, god! I'm so sor-” Cleo couldn't finish her sentence because the person she had bumped into was so....handsome. He was taller than Mason and Wesley and he looked older. Not adult old, but.....not high school old either.
“Please, the fault was entirely my own.” The guy apologized, taking Cleo by the shoulders to steady her before she fell over.
“Who are you?” Wesley demanded, his eyes taking in the guy's hands on Cleo's shoulders.
“Oh, how rude of me. I'm Mr. Roberts. Bradley Roberts. I'm the new English teacher here at Hawthorn High.”
Wesley scowled. “You're the new teacher?”
“The one and only, apparently.” Mr. Roberts agreed.
“So....Mr. Roberts,” Cleo began.
“Please, call me Brad. Mr. Roberts is my father. I prefer to have a more equal connection with students. I don't want them to think I'm more important or anything.”
“O-kay.” Cleo stuttered. “Brad, where am I supposed to sit?”
“Wherever you like.”
“You can sit with me.” Mason offered.
“Uh- sure.” Cleo agreed. “Let's go....now maybe?”
Mason understood her discomfort and nodded. He signaled for her to follow as he entered the class, weaving between the desks until they were in the back right-hand corner.
The opposite corner from Wesley. Mason thought smugly. Ha-ha.
Cleo and I sat down, shortly followed by the rest of the class as the teacher made his way to the front of the room in front of the chalk board.
“Good afternoon, class. My name is Mr. Roberts. Bradley Roberts, but please, call me Brad. I want to be as open with all of you as I can be.”
A couple of the girls sighed as he pushed back some of his shaggy, dirty-blond hair. His grey-blue eyes swept over the class until they rested on one student in particular.
Cleo, Mason noticed curiously.
“Just so that we can get to know each other, I want each student to tell me their name and then two things about themselves.” Brad told the class. “I'll start. My name is Brad and I am a college student. I major in drama which will hopefully lead to a future career as an actor.”
Brad pointed to one person at a time until finally it was Cleo's turn.
“My name's Cleo Hartman. This is my second day of school here and my mom is an archaeologist in Egypt.”
Brad's eyes lit up and took Cleo in again before he turned to Mason.
“I'm Mason Silverstone and I'm the best wrestler at Hawthorn High. My hobbies include writing poetry and chatting up the ladies.” Mason joked and a few girls giggled.
“Thanks, that was very....honest.” Brad mumbled, continuing around the class.64

“Now, as I said, I major in Drama, not English. So for a while, we will be reading Romeo and Juliet and then doing a reenactment. The best female reader will be Juliet and the male, Romeo. I want everyone to read the first three Acts from the play tonight, then write a paragraph on your favourite character and what makes them so significant to you.”
“How, exciting.” Someone at the front mumbled, making everyone laugh.
“Oh, Romeo, Romeo. Where art' tho' Romeo!” Someone mocked.
“I may not know where Romeo is, but I certainly know where you're going to go if you don't shut-your-damn-mouth, Mr. Turner.” Brad snapped.
Brad swore....well kind of. Most teachers wouldn't even say shut-up, never mind damn. Maybe Brad wasn't as creepy as everyone thought.
“Ms. Hartman.” Brad called to me, demanding my attention.
“Yuh-huh.” Cleo answered.
“You said this was your second day.”
“Yeah, what of it?”
“I was just wondering if you have already read Romeo and Juliet at your former school. “
“Yes. I did. Not even a month ago.” Cleo answered with a yawn.
Even though Cleo had just read the play, she loved the romance, the emotion in the characters. The disputes and the forbidden love.
“Would you care to enlighten the class by telling us a little about the play?”
“Uh- sure.” Cleo stuttered. “The play is mostly based around two families. The Capulet family and the Montague family. Romeo and Juliet are from opposite families and for years, the families have fought about everything. Blood has been shed on numerous occasions and the “friendly” communication between the two families was almost forbidden. So naturally, the growing love between the young and beautiful Juliet, and the handsome Romeo, was to lead to chaos.
“The denied love didn't stop them, though. Romeo continued to sneak off to see his dear Juliet, and Juliet continued to send her nurse for him. In the end there is a fight where more blood is shed than ever before and a terrible tragedy occurs. Thus concluding this session.” Cleo finished.
Mason was staring at Cleo admiringly while Wesley stared at her with shock. A few students laughed and rolled their eyes, but Brad seemed to be frozen.
“Was that...o-kay, Mr. Roberts?” Cleo stuttered.
“Okay? That was....amazing. Most high-school students don't put that much detail into their answers or summaries. You really feel for the characters, don't you?”
“Well...yes, of course.” Cleo mumbled.
“Huh...anyways. For the rest of the class we will be writing poetry.” Brad announced with a humored glance at Mason. “I want you to write about a person in this class. Someone you know, want to know, or someone you would rather you didn't know. Let your feeling for that person poor out in words onto the paper. Due at the end of the class.”
Julia and Sam, who Cleo had only just noticed, began scribbling away on their papers while Cleo thought about a topic.
I could write about Mason...about those green eyes. But that seems...obsessive.
Cleo settled for writing a poem about people in general. Something that people could relate to.65

Full of questions, full of hate,
full of love and bravery to sate.
Hidden in tendons, skin and bone,
trying to find a power to hone.
Lost their meaning, need a name,
every person looks the same.
Silent cries that plead to skies,
the need to live simply dies.
People search for their other half,
someone who can make them laugh
But no matter how much joy or hate,
you can't escape your destined fate.66

“That's really good.” A voice called from over Cleo's shoulder, making her jump. It was Brad.
“Thanks.” Cleo mumbled.
“Class, listen here for a moment. I'm going to pick three people to read their poems for you to compare before class is over.” Brad informed the students.
Mason was too involved in what he was writing to care what the teacher was saying.
As the period reached an hour, the teacher called three students to the front of the room. Allan – who Cleo had just noticed was in her class - Cleo and Mason.
“Allan can read first.” Brad told the class.67

Warm as the sun,
their bodies can be fun.
Some have long hair, some have short,
hunting them can be a sport.
More than one is always best,
their want for me is the contest.
So, come one, come all,
all sizes, big and small.
Place your lips upon mine,
I'll show you a good time.68

A few girls blushed, guys scowled and the teacher looked...fascinated.
“Why don't you tell the class what your poem is about, Allan.” Brad told him.
Allan shrugged. “Sure. My poem is about the entire female population.”
“Yes, very creative.” Brad praised. “Please take your seat, Cleo, you're up.”
Cleo read her poem to the class, a few people nodded their approval and the teacher eyed her with interest.
“Yes, brilliant.” he cheered. “The emotion and the truth...please take you seat.”
Cleo did as she was told and watched as Mason's eyes locked on hers as he read his poem. His voice was soft, pleasing to hear.69

Electric eyes that stop your pulse,
Her family act, completely false.
Her heart is kind, she rarely shows,
anyone who gets within her mind, knows.
She's braver than your average hero,
her impulse rate, way beyond zero.
Skin so pale, eyes covered in black,
don't speak shit, cause she'll attack.
Shadows surround her, don't know why,
seek your help beyond the sky.
Die to touch or taste or breathe,
wanting desperately to take a leave.
Though the call of blood's so strong,
taking it seems to - for once - be wrong.
So now I wait to get my fill,
of these emotions that make me want to kill.
Maybe soon, the blood shall spill.70

Wow, do I ever need to take a chill pill. Mason thought with a laugh.
Mason had finished his poem, leaving all of the students with their mouths gaping. It was an amazing poem. Maybe a little dark, but it all went with his mysteriousness.
Cleo wondered why his eyes had never left her face as he read. It was as if he had it memorized. He looked at her as if he were remembering something, or planning something. His face scrutinized hers as if waiting for her to react. Or answer....
Did she know the answer?
Cleo's eyebrows furrowed with confusion.
Apparently not.
“That was amazing, Mason.” Brad told him. “The best student piece I've ever heard.”
“Uh-thanks?” Mason stammered.
“Please take you seat, Mr. Silverstone.”
Mason nodded once, eyes not leaving Cleo, before he glided back to his desk.
“That was...amazing.” Cleo choked out. Her blue eyes were bright, like Christmas lights that would never burn out.
“Yours, too.” Mason complimented. “I love how it was about people in general.”
“Who was yours about?” Cleo asked, cocking up an eyebrow.
“Wouldn't you like to know.” he teased.
“Fine. Don't tell me.” Cleo hissed with mock-anger.
“I won't.” Mason chuckled.
Cleo smiled at him and he smiled back.
“What are you doing after school?” he finally gained the courage to ask.
“Uh...well I guess I'm going costume shopping.”
“I still have to get mine. We could go together if you want.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” Cleo approved. “I don't exactly know where to buy a costume. We can take my car.”
“Your car? Can I drive?”
“Not a chance.” Cleo growled, her eyes looking horrified, but her smile erasing any worries Mason had that he had upset her.
“Please.” Mason asked, begging.
“Nope.”
Mason crossed his arms, but kept himself from turning hypnotic on her. From now on, he would only act normal around her. He would win her trust the proper way.
“Mason....”
“Yeah?”
“I just- I'm sorry.”
“For what?” Mason asked her.
Everything. Cleo thought sadly. For trying to avoid you. For leaving you with Elizabeth. For fearing you even now...
“Stuff.” Cleo whispered. “Just stuff.”
Before Mason could press the subject, the bell rang and Cleo sprang to her feet, racing past the teacher and out of the classroom. She shoved her way through the students trying to get to the main stairwell and down to the second floor. She moved like a taxi in that movie Rush Hour. She weaved between students as quickly as she could, having to apologize a couple of times when she bumped people, sometimes knocking books out of hands or hitting them in personal areas. The girl she nailed in the chest with her elbow, glared angrily and Cleo gave a quick apology before running again.
Oops.
“Cleo!” she heard Wesley call from behind her. Should she stop? Cleo ignored him as he called again and dashed down the packed hallway, ducking her head in hope to remove herself from his view.
Guess not.71

Mason grabbed his bag. Stuffed it in his locker and began to make his way down to Cleo's locker. She had taken off so quickly after her apology. But what did she have to apologize for? Wasn't Mason the one who bit her in the first place?72

“Cleo.” Wesley gasped, panting beside her as she closed her locker, bag over her shoulder.
“What is it?” Cleo urged, she was in a hurry to go get her costume. All of the good ones were bound to be gone already.
“I thought we were going to hang at your house today.”
“Oh. Oh!” Cleo exclaimed, remembering their plans only now. “I'm going to get my costume now. I just figured it's better now than later.”
“True.” Wesley agreed. “Can we hang later this week?”
“I guess so. I'll have to see how things go.”
“Okay. Well there's only two days left until the dance. It's Wednesday already and the dance is Friday. So no matter what, I'll see you there, right?”
“Uh- right.” Cleo stuttered.
“You aren't going to bail last minute leaving me to fight the sharks myself?”
“Of course not. I'll be the one to throw you a buoy.”
“Then I'll see you then.”
“Yeah...Bye!”
Cleo turned and raced down the hall suddenly bumping into someone.
“Oops, sorry, Mason.”
“It's okay, Cleo. You ready to go?” he asked.
“Yeah, don't you need your books for homework?”
“No. No homework for me.”
“But, English...”
“No. I have everything I need at home.” His tone told her that the discussion was over. It wasn't harsh, just final.
“Okay, then. Let's go.”73

Cleo slid into the driver's seat and smiled playfully at Mason who was still waiting for her to unlock the passenger's door.
“Are you going to let me in, or do I have to ride on the roof?”
“Roof.” Cleo decided. “Don't scratch the paint.”
“Aw, come on!” Mason complained. “I'm getting lonely.”
“Good!”
“Hey! That's not very nice.”
“I never said it was, I just said you could ride on the roof.” Cleo pointed out helpfully.
Isn't she the sweetest?
“Well now that that's settled, can you let me in?”
Cloe pretended to be thinking before pressing the button to unlock the vehicle.
Mason laughed and got in. “Thanks ever so much.” He said sarcastically.
“Any time.” Cleo chimed. “Where to?”
“Pull out and make a right. I'll direct you from there.”74

The drive took about fifteen minutes and finally they had reached an old stone building. From the outside it looked like it would cave in at any minute. No one at Hawthorn High would be caught dead shopping here.
“It's better than it looks.” Mason assured Cleo.
“I sure hope so. Because from where I'm standing, it looks like a bomb went off.”
Mason chuckled and held the door open for Cleo as they entered the store.75

“Welcome.” The male store owner greeted warmly. “How may I help you today, Mr. Silverstone?”
“Ah, Chancy, it's always nice to see you. This here is my friend Cleo and we were hoping to find some unique costumes for Halloween. Think you can help us out?”
“There's always help for you, young man.” Chancy laughed. “And might I add what a pleasure it'll be assisting your young friend. Cleo, was it?”
“Yes. Pleasure to meet you too, sir.” Cleo greeted, holding her hand out for him to shake. Chancy took it in his hands and kissed the top.
Cleo blushed and looked at Mason helplessly. He knew she didn't like to be touched.
“Come on, old man, we don't have forever.” Mason teased.
“Ugh. The youth these days, no manners whatsoever. Well, come along. Let's go over what we have and your expectations.”
“What are you looking for, dear?” Chancy asked Cleo kindly.
“I'm not really sure. I wanted to wear something different. Anything will do, honestly.”
“Now that's untrue. Any lady as lovely as yourself should have the best. I'll find you something that'll fit like a glove and shine like a pearl.”
“Thanks....” Cleo said appreciatively.
“No problem, darling. Now what about you, boy?”
“I don't know. Something to catch the eye of the ladies. Ha-ha. Cleo, what do you think I should wear?”
“Something mysterious.” Cleo answered automatically. “Nothing that makes you stand out, too much. Of course, you'll stand out no matter what you wear if that smile doesn't come off your face.”
Mason chuckled. “Chancy, help Cleo shop while I look around, please?”
“Of course, Mason. Now go so you can carry her stuff for her.”
Cleo burst into laughter at the stunned look that came over Mason's face as he turned and rushed off.76

The store itself was small, but it's racks were stacked with unbelievably odd pieces of clothing. Some of it could almost be considered “trendy”, but that was stretching words a little far. It was definitely the perfect place to shop for a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume.
Cleo slipped into the change room as Mason purchased his costume. He refused to show it to her or tell her what it was which infuriated her all the more. Why should he get to see hers when she couldn't see his?
“Come out, honey.” Chancy insisted. There are no mirrors in there, how do you know how you look?”
“I have eyes!” Cleo snapped. She was nervous. She'd never modeled clothes in front of a guy before. Who cares what Chancy thought, but Mason.....Mason's approval was what she was looking for. Something that would make Wesley's jaw drop.
“Please, C, you know you want to.” Mason urged.
And suddenly Cleo did. She pulled back the curtain and stepped out of the change room to model her costume.
“You look beautiful.” Chancy said in awe.
Cleo looked at Mason, but he was speechless. His jaw was tight and his eyes were wide in wonder. What was wrong? Was it too tight?
Cleo looked into the mirror. The dress was nice from what she could see. It was an old fashioned, black ballroom gown that clung to the upper-half of her body and then flowed out at the waist, right down to her feet. The chest area was made of a black lace with a dark-blue material underneath and the flowing bottom was all layers of swooping black silk that rose out when she spun.
Cleo felt like a princess.77

Mason couldn't take his eyes off of Cleo as she spun around once in front of the mirror to get the full view of her appearance. The black dress made her blue eyes look brighter and more electric than ever.
“You look.....” Mason couldn't finish.78

“Thanks,” Cleo whispered. He didn't need to finish, his eyes said everything, as always. He thought she looked nice. That was all that mattered. She'd impressed him so it must be the perfect dress to impress Wesley. Ah, Wesley. Something about that guy was starting to make her body tingle. He was so kind to her. Why had she run off from him? She had no reason to be scared. Wes wouldn't hurt her. He didn't mind that she hated being touched. He was persistent, but now it was more of a comfort and less of an annoyance.
“I was going to say beautiful, but it didn't seem to cover my feelings.”
“Again, thanks.” Cleo chuckled nervously.
“So....” Chancy mumbled awkwardly.
“Oh!” Mason shouted suddenly, breaking the awkward silence. “Cleo, we better get going. I don't want to send you home on an empty stomach. Why don't you change and I'll help Chancy tidy up?”
“Uh- sure.” Cleo agreed, turning into the change room and struggling to get out of the dress. “Guys.....”
“What is it, Cleo?” Mason called from the other side of the curtain.
“I can't undo the clasp.”
“Right....do you care if I come in and undo it for you?” Mason asked.
Cleo wanted to tell him to piss off and get Chancy, but she didn't want to seem embarrassed or under confident. Besides, it was Wesley she would be nervous around.
“Please, help.” Cleo wailed slightly.
She could almost hear the gears working in Mason's head as he decided whether to help her or fetch Chancy. Finally he sighed and entered the small, mirror-free room.
“It's the clasp just above my spine. I think it's caught in the fabric.” Cleo told him.
Mason didn't say anything as he worked on freeing her from the dress.
“Thanks.” She finally whispered. “Death by dress was never on the top of my list for things to do today.”
“No problem. Do you still need my help?”
“I don't think so. Can you turn around for a minute?”
Mason did as she told him and Cleo tried to pull the heavy fabric up over her head. It was too heavy and she couldn't seem to get it over herself.
“Okay....this is going to sound completely retarded, but I can't get the dress over my head. Do you want to get Chancy for me?”
“Don't be silly, I won't look.” Mason promised, and he didn't. He kept his eyes closed as he pulled it over her head and then turned around. “I'm going to go pay for this.”
Before Cleo could protest, he left the change room, leaving Cleo to hurry back into her clothes and run out after him.
“No, Mason! I'll pay.”
“Too late. I already covered it.” He said sternly. “Now, say bye to Chancy and we'll go eat.”
“You're an ass.” Cleo teased, but she did as she was told for once and went to say her goodbyes and thanks to the store owner. He was kind, reminded her of Santa Claus. Okay...well if Santa Claus actually existed.
“I try.” He responded casually, placing his hand lightly on the small of Cleo's back and guiding her out of the store, carrying her costume in the bag for her.
This was certainly going to be interesting and awkward. Mason was kind, funny, handsome, but also.....dangerous. He had the movement of a predator, graceful and luring, but frightening all the same. Like the grace of a lion, stalking a gazelle. It's muscles rippling elegantly under its fur and flesh, preparing to pounce at the final moment. The deceiving promise of safety, the truthful promise of death.
Would Mason be the death of her?79

80


Chapter Five81

“So you're saying what exactly?” Cleo asked Mason. “That Wesley isn't who I think he is?”
“Exactly.” Mason approved. “He is actually Allan's friend. The two of them used to be inseparable. Then you came and now....well, Wesley is only pretending to hate Allan.”
“Maybe he's changed.” Cleo suggested. “People do change, you know. I mean, maybe he used to be an ass, but maybe he's decided to do some good. Maybe he's realized what an ass he and Allan were and now he wants to make amends.”
“Uh-huh, whatever you want to believe.” Mason sighed. “Just....be careful.”
“I'll be however I want to be. Now, change of subject, you slammed my date, so who is yours?”
“My date?”
“Yeah, to the dance on Friday.”
“Well. . . I thought about going solo. Then of course there was Elizabeth.” Mason teased.
“Oh, that'll end well. Are you sure there's going to be enough room for you in her empty head? I mean- hearing about shoes all night will get irritating after a while.”
Mason laughed. “You're telling me? Try sitting beside her.”
“I think I'll pass. But, honestly, who are you going to go with?”
“I'm not sure. Any suggestions?”
“How about that girl Jennifer in our English class. She seemed okay.”
“Jenny? I don't know about that. She's really nice, but it would be awkward. I'm not really one for dating. I think I'll go stag and see if I can pick up someone there.”
“Okay. Well, it's late and you haven't even touched your steak yet. Not that I blame you with it being all red and well.....raw, but still.”
“I'm not really hungry. Are you sure you're not still hungry after only eating a salad?”
“It was Greek and very filling, so I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, though.” 82

* * *83

“Yeah, thanks again.” Cleo called out to Mason as she entered her house – costume in hand – and closed the door behind her.
Wait until Wesley sees me in this, his jaw will drop for sure.84

Cleo was fast asleep, or so she thought, when the one person she missed most appeared in her dream.
“Beth?” Cleo mumbled. “Beth, is that you?”
“It's me, Cleo.” Beth replied, moving out of the shadows until she was standing at the foot of Cleo's bed.
“Beth, what are you doing here?”
“I came to see you. I came to.......warn you.”
“About what?”
“The future. You're choosing wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
“You can't always follow your heart, Cleo. Sometimes there are things higher than love. Connections that can't be denied.”
“What are you some kind of Oracle now? Speaking in riddles.”
“Sort of. Mostly I just like sounding mysterious.”
Cleo laughed at her friend's honesty. Beth was the best friend anyone could ask for. She was kind, honest, brave, gorgeous and adventurous....maybe too adventurous.
“Now that I've warned you, I have to go soon.”
“Beth, don't!” Cleo begged. “Please, stay just a little longer. I miss you.”
“I know. I miss you too, C. It's just hard for me to stay once I've fulfilled an order from those that send me to you.”
“I didn't mean for you to get hurt. . .” Cleo blurted out.
“Neither one of us did, but what's done is done. We can't change the past, Cleo. We can only hope to make better choices in the future.”
“Look where my choices have gotten us!” Cleo cried out. “I lost my father when he was trying to protect me from God knows what. I lost Adam, my first crush, to the same things that came after my father. Then I lost you to a sinking ship! Like the Titanic, I survived and you. . . didn't.”
“Cleo, you couldn't have known that the ship was going to sink.”
“No?” Cleo retorted. “I should have. Someone always comes after me. That's why I can't keep people close to me anymore, B. I don't know what I did wrong to make all these people – these things – hate me, but I sure as hell know that I can't stop that hatred alone.”
“Cleo-”
“Don't, Cleo, me!” Cleo snapped. “I was on that ship just like the other fifty-something people and I'm the only one who made it out alive. It's my fault.”
“It's not your fault I died.”
“I let you drown!” Cleo screamed.
Beth stared at Cleo as if she had slapped her.
“I had a hold of you, I was keeping your head above the surface, trying to keep you alive. Then the ship sunk and I panicked, B. I freaked out as the water worked like a drain and I was sucked down with you.”
“You couldn't do much about-”
“Bethany! Stop trying to defend me!” Cleo hissed. She wasn't angry with Beth, she was pissed at herself.
“I should have kicked harder, but like I said, I panicked. It felt like the water was closing in and darkness was swooping in to claim me. I freaked out and I let go of you in my moment of hesitation. That was all it took. I paused for only a second and you were dragged down to the bottom of an ocean!” Cleo looked into Beth's eyes. “Dragged away from me forever. . .”
“Cleo, you have to stop with this self-punishing. It's not your fault I couldn't hold my breath as long as you. I sucked in water and lost consciousness. You shouldn't have to be responsible for being a swimmer that is strong enough to support two people in a raging ocean. It doesn't work like that, kitten.”
Beth's nickname for her cut down to the very core of Cleo. Ever since the two of them had met, Beth had always called her “kitten”. It was because of Cleo's unnaturally blue eyes that were narrow like a cat's, and her long, sharp nails. Cleo had always had amazing balance and was always, well, mischievous. How does that saying go again?
Right, “curiosity killed the cat”.
“Beth. . . I need to blame someone. If I hadn't have invited you, none of this would have happened. It was the stupidest birthday party I could have chosen. I mean, a boat? I shouldn't have even had friends with the danger I draw to me. I don't even understand why, but I still knew what could happen. I took that chance in my own selfishness.”
“Cleo!” Beth snapped angrily. “If you blame yourself one more time I swear I'll come over there and slap you so hard it'll make your head spin.”
Cleo chuckled at one of their favourite quotes from the movie “The Outsiders”.
“I'm SERIOUS.” Beth said, sternly.
Cleo nodded. “I know. That's what makes it so funny.”
Beth shook her head at the friend that both excited her and annoyed the shit out of her at the same time.
“I have to go now, Cleo.”
“Beth. . .when will I see you again?”
“I can't tell you that. I'm not allowed to reveal what will happen in the future.”
“But I will see you, right?”
“We'll leave it to fate.” Bethany whispered.
“But- fine. Take care of yourself, Beth. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too. And Cleo-”
“Hmm?”
“Not even death will keep me from looking after you. After all, friends stick together, right? And we are friends.”
“Right.”
Cleo had no idea where this was going and she didn't get to find out. Everything began to blur slightly and then water appeared in the room and started to rise.
“Beth!” Cleo whimpered. “We have to get out of here, the water's rising.”
“Just embrace your fear, Cleo. Let the water bring you back.”
“No!” Cleo screeched. “Please, Beth. I can't lose you again.”
But it was too late, the water was above Cleo's head and rising what seemed a foot per second. Beth stopped swimming and disappeared beneath the surface.
“Beth!”
The water was cold, ice cold, but Cleo kept kicking desperately at the water, trying to stay surfaced.
It was no use. She couldn't leave her friend down there. Cleo stopped kicking and dipped below the water, swimming down when her body was screaming at her to go back up. Her lungs were tightening painfully, pleading for her to take a breath of air, but Cleo was on a mission. Her mission was Beth.
That's when Cleo caught sight of the dark-chocolate coloured hair, flowing out as Beth sunk deeper and deeper into the black abyss. Because that's what had become of the dream. The walls had disappeared along with all the furnishings and familiarities, now all that was left was cold, bleak darkness, swallowing the both of them whole.
And right when she was about to take hold of Beth's hand. . .
She ran out of air.
Then she woke up.85

Mason sat on the balcony outside of Cleo's window and watched as she twitched and kicked in her sleep. What seemed to have started as a dream, appeared to now be a nightmare. A nightmare that caused Cleo to wake up screaming.
He had to hand it to the Egyptian goddess, she was brave. But whatever she had just encountered, had her shaking in her bed like a jackhammer and running to the bathroom to see if the taps were on. Or maybe off?
Even with her hair all messed up and still slightly damp from a shower, Cleo looked beautiful. Her bright blue eyes sparkled in the faint light being cast into her room and her fair, pale skin seemed to glow.
Mason found himself wanting to desperately reach out and knock on the glass doors that would open to her room. He wanted to pull the trembling girl into his arms and comfort her, but most of all.....he wanted to taste those luscious lips. They were lips that begged for kisses and promised warmth. What was it about this girl that he found so attractive?
Could it be the fact that she was as quick as a snake at telling people off and could kick his ass if she put her mind to it? Probably.
He watched her pace around her room for awhile before finally giving up and going into what he assumed, was her closet. She disappeared for a minute before coming back out wearing nothing but a short black skirt – possibly leather – and a skimpy little halter top.
What is she doing? Mason wondered, admiring the way her choice of outfit exposed so much of her skin.
Before Mason realized what she was doing, Cleo rushed over to the balcony doors and began to open them up.
With no time left to lose, Mason jumped off the balcony and watched as Cleo snuck out of the house into the dead of night.
He trailed her the entire time, keeping his distance, but not risking her safety.
Where is she going? He wondered, slightly angry that she was being so careless.
Cleo stopped to look around. That was when Mason just happened to stub his toe on a piece of the sidewalk – which was so helpfully sticking out – and he let out a hiss of pain.
“Hello?” Cleo called. Clearly she had heard that. “Damn squirrels.” She muttered under her breath as she began to carry on, this time her steps were quicker; lighter.
Mason tried to keep up with her, but he had this strange sense that someone – or something – was following him, too.
Mason stopped to turn for a second, and when he turned back to Cleo, she was gone.
“Shit.” Mason huffed angrily. “I hate playing hide-and-seek.”86

Cleo kept running, not looking back. She knew someone was following her. She couldn't tell how, but she just knew. Why did she have to decide to clear her head by going for a midnight stroll? You would think after all of the horror novels she's read, that Cleo would be slightly smarter than that. That dance club Julia told her about did sound so relaxing, though. But still, not smart. Not alone. Cleo tended to ignore her fears most of the time. Either that or punch it in the face. She couldn't do that this time. You can't punch water. How is she supposed to confront her fear if she can't even stand the sight of it?
“Cleo?” Someone asked, their familiar voice sounded momentarily stunned.
Cleo whipped her head around to see Wesley. “What are you doing here?”
“I live a few houses down. So, what are you doing here?”
“Uh- I- it-” Cleo stumbled for an answer. “Walk. To. club.”
“At this time of night?”
“Mmhmm.”
“That's not a particularly good idea. There are dangerous people out there. Things that could hurt you. You have to be careful. Why don't I walk you home?”
“I don't need help!” Cleo snapped. “I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
“I didn't mean to insult you.” Wesley apologized. “I just don't like seeing someone out here alone. Especially a-”
“A what? A girl?”
“That's not what I was going to-”
“I may be a girl, but at least I'm not some snobby jock who hangs out with asses like Allan!” Cleo retorted.
Before Wesley could say anything else, Cleo spun around and stalked off. Wesley wouldn't let it go. He wouldn't let her go. He grabbed her wrist and tried to apologize again.
“Look, Cleo. I'm tired and not thinking clearly and I'm sorry for upsetting you. I know you can take care of yourself, but can I please, please, walk you home?”
Cleo contemplated her answer. She really wanted someone to take care of her for once. She was so tired of doing everything on her own, but look where her needy feelings got Beth. She wouldn't let that happen again.
It's just an escort home. The voice in her head argued. He won't bite you or anything.
Cleo couldn't help but smile at that thought. Wesley could bite her all he wanted, but he certainly couldn't walk her home. Danger she could face, anger she could deal with, she couldn't however handle these confusing warm and fuzzy feelings.
It was too nauseating.
“Look, I'm going to the club and you can't stop me.”
“Fine, I'll go with you if that's alright.”
“Sure.” Cleo sighed, too confused to argue.
She suddenly had this strange feeling to grab Wesley and pull his lips to hers. She wanted to wrap her arms around his shoulders and feel his hands constrict around her waist.
Before she could let her fantasy become reality, Cleo walked off.
Wesley easily kept pace with her, chatting happily.
“I never pegged you for the party kind of girl. I'm still excited about the dance. We're going to have so much fun. And-” And he just kept on.
Cleo admired his. . . openness.
“Here we are.” Wesley finally announced, waving to the bouncer and holding the door for Cleo as they entered the all-ages club.
An unenthusiastic, “Yee-haw”, was all Cleo could muster up as she looked around.
“Want to dance?” Cleo looked up to see a man towering behind Wesley.
“Sorry, man. She's taken.” Wesley hissed, blocking Cleo with his body. He turned after the man left to wink at Cleo.
Cleo scowled. Who did he think he was, Superman?
“What if I wanted to dance?”
“Then you can dance with me.” Wesley said, point blank. “You're here with me, it's only common courtesy.”
“What if I said I didn't want to be here with you?” Cleo challenged, teasing.
“Well then I guess that's too bad, because you're stuck with me for now.”
Cleo cocked an eyebrow before Wesley offered her his hand and led her out to the dance floor.87

Mason followed Cleo's scent to a club. Her scent was mingled with another, but he couldn't tell who – or what – it was. The scent was familiar and made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
When he got into the club, he froze in his place. Cleo was here alright. A guy was holding her in his arms as they swayed to a slow song. She had her face resting against his chest and he had his arms around her waist, one sliding lower ever so slightly.
Mason growled.
The growl turned to an annoyed hiss when the two of them rotated and the face of Wesley was revealed.
What the hell is he doing here?
Scamming on the girl you stalked. How. . . hilarious. One word,
Karma.
Mason crossed his arms over his chest and tried to refrain from flashing himself over here and removing Wesley's arms. He would never be able to touch her again by the time Mason was done.
The song ended and Cleo pulled back. She indicated that she was thirsty and Wesley disappeared into the crowd. Mason took his place by her side.
“Cleo?”
“Mason?” Cleo gasped. “What are you doing here?”
“Uh- I was restless and. . .”
Mason didn't get to hear her finish because Wesley had reappeared and was now blocking Cleo from Mason's view.
“What are you doing here?” Wes demanded.
“Apparently the same thing as you.” Mason replied, irritated. “I came to socialize, burn off some energy and see if anyone worth talking to was here. And since Cleo's here, I guess there is.”88

Cleo smiled. She had this urge to reach out and touch Mason. He seemed so...unreal. So perfect. Maybe too perfect.
Mason offered his hand to Cleo. “Dance once with me?”
“Sure,” Cleo said at the same time that Wesley said, “No.”
Cleo just remembered that she was here with Wesley.
“I mean...thank-you, but no.”
“Cleo. Are you going to let him order you around like a housewife? It's just one dance. I promise I won't bite.”
Cleo sighed and then nodded. Wes seemed to growl and he grabbed onto Cleo's wrist. “Please,” he whispered. “Don't go. Stay with me.”
“Cleo.” Mason called. “Come on, let's go.”
“Cleo.” Wes urged. “Stay.”
The two of them kept going at it and before Cleo could shut them up, her vision swam and she collapsed on the floor.89

Mason reached down and scooped Cleo up into his arms. He raced out of the club and placed her on a bench.
Wesley easily kept pace with Mason's vampire-speed.
“What are you?” Mason demanded.
“What are you?” Wesley retorted. “Don't answer that. I don't want you to speak, vermin. I'm taking the girl and leaving.”
Mason felt possessive. Cleo was his responsibility. He would take her home and leave once he was sure she would be okay.
“You're not taking her anywhere.” Mason snarled, placing Cleo over his shoulder and flashing forward at warp-speed. He dodged between the cars and through the trees in the forest, jumping the fence at Cleo's and climbing the balcony to her room.
Mason still didn't understand why Cleo had climbed out of her house, when she was the only person there.
“Hey, you, freak!” Wesley called.
Mason sighed. He was really starting to get irritated with this kid.
“Hey, you, Wes, PISS OFF” Mason snarled, exasperated.
He carefully placed Cleo in her bed, before turning around to see Wesley in the room. Mason shot forward – quick as a ship at light speed – and pinned the kid to the wall by his neck. “What do you want?” Mason demanded.
“You to stay away from Cleo.” Wes choked out.
Mason hissed before thumping Wesley's back harder against the wall. The kid looked like a movie star, he'd admit that much. It was obnoxious in the worst kind of way. Mason couldn't believe that he was actually finding himself jealous of something other than Wesley's mortality. Well, do to recent events, he may not be completely mortal.
You think?
“Yo, Hollywood,” Mason growled. “I'm not going anywhere. So you better smarten up, pretty-boy, before I remove your skull from your spine.”
“Ooh, scary.” Wes taunted, choking slightly. “Now let's see the teeth.”
“Wait, what?”
“You're a vampire.”
“How- how did you know that?” Mason snarled.
“Simple. Teeth, super speed, pale skin, looks above average, doesn't have a pulse or a warm body temperature, amazing night vision, large diameters for your pupils, stuff like that.”
“Then what are you?” Mason asked, curious.
“Wouldn't you like to know.”
“I'm not getting any older. I'll stand here all day and night, pinning you to this wall if I have to. So you better start singing, Hollywood, or you're screwed. I might just think you're out to get Cleo, and I'd hate to be you if that were true.”
“Stop calling me Hollywood, you pussy!”
Mason slammed him hard into the wall again, letting Wes's head bounce once.
“Sing your song, Mr. Prim and proper.”
“And now I know how far you'll go. To be the next freak show, American Psycho.”
“I didn't ask you to sing me American Psycho, you psychopath. Now, tell me what you are! I demand to know.”
“He-he” Wes giggled. “I know something you don't know. Doo-dah, doo-dah.” His voice sung out the words to what had to be, the most obnoxious song of all time, because once you heard it, you had to be let in on the secret, too.
“Enough with the music!”
“You told me to sing, Mase. Ha! Better yet, I'll call you, space-case.”
Mason punched Wesley in the jaw.
There. That'll shut him up. Mason thought, utterly proud of himself.
Wesley growled before grabbing hold of the hand that Mason had around Wesley's neck. He then did the most unexpected thing of all, he flung Mason through the open doors and onto the balcony. Wesley stalked out like a deadly predator after him.
“Mason? Wesley?” Cleo called. “What are you doing here in my-”
Cleo stopped her question as the reality of what had happened hit her hard in the chest. Hard enough to knock the breath out of her all over again.
“The two of you are the most pathetic losers I have ever had the unpleasant choice of meeting. Clearly I saw something in both of you that just doesn't exist.”
Mason shot to his feet and dashed into the house behind Wesley.
“Cleo, I'm sorry. I'll leave you now.” Mason whispered. He then turned and walked to the balcony. He didn't turn as he spoke, “I'm glad you're okay and I'm sorry I hurt you.”
Before Cleo could tell him that he was forgiven, Mason was gone.
“And don't come back, Space-case!” Wesley called after him.90

Cleo shook her head at Wes's immaturity. “Look, I'm fine. Now you need to get gone so I can sleep. My head is pounding and I have no problem giving you a ride home.”
“I don't need a ride, sweety. I'll see you later today at school.”
Before Cleo could tell him to piss off, the guy was gone.
What the hell just happened?
You just met your first vampires, hun, moments away from making with the killing.
Cleo couldn't sleep, so instead she got ready for school and thought about the way Mason had been so kind to her tonight. How open and comforting Wesley had been. She had had two potential friends and somehow she ended up driving them off within a few moments. Her mother had always said she was a live-one. That Cleo was uncontrollable and that not even the hounds of hell would stop her from getting what she wanted.
But her mother had been wrong.
Cleo still couldn't get what she wanted, because what she wanted more than anything else in the entire universe....was Beth to be alive and well again.91

* * *92

“What?” Cleo growled into the phone. She had a bit of a temper this morning.
A bit?
“I just wanted to know if I could offer you a ride to school today.” Wesley asked.
“I don't need your help!” Cleo hissed, irritated.
“Well....then I guess I should call you a cab. Cause your vehicle-”
Cleo cut him off, “No I have my car-” Cleo stopped talking. “Wesley. . . what happened to my car?”
“Well. . . when we took you home, we kind of left the gate open. And someone came in behind us and slashed your tires. Your windows are shattered and there is a chunk out of the side of your car.”
“What?!”
“It was all Mason's fault!” Wesley blurted.
Somehow, Cleo doubted that.
“So....can I give you a ride?”
Cleo kept the phone in her hand as she ran outside to see her car. A scream of pure aggression built up in her throat, but she held it back as she took in the damage.
The tires were shredded, not slashed. The windows were shattered and the side....it looked as if something had clawed a chunk out of it. There were five long lines that ran down the side of her prized possession. It was going to cost Cleo a month's allowance to get this fixed.
Oh, poor baby. A whole, month? Most of us wouldn't be able to afford to buy a car like that in our lifetime. A month's allowance would probably only allow us to stroke the hood of the car. A year's worth to get behind the wheel without the keys.
“Whoever did this, will pay.” Cleo vowed, forgetting that she still had the phone in her hand until Wesley cleared his throat.
“So can I give you a ride?”
“No.”
“Are you angry?”
“No.” Cleo said as calmly as possible, a tic working in her jaw. “I'll....see you at the dance tomorrow night. Until then, the two of us are not to socialize. That will be the punishment for leaving my gate open after treating me like a dog that will follow your orders. Remember that when we were at the club? I sure do!”
“But-”
“No, 'buts', Wesley Newman. You will abide or I will break off our” - Cleo gulped uncomfortably - “date.”
“Date!” Wes said, too cheerfully for his own good.
Cleo just mumbled a “yes” before she hung up the phone.93

The day went by slowly. Every moment promised more torture. Science was dull and Cleo refused to speak to Mason. Wrestling class was just a day in the weight room. Photography was just plain....simple.94

“Hello, Miss. Hartman.”
Cleo spun around from arguing with Allan – about the importance of taking English classes – to see her very young, and very new teacher.
“Mr. Roberts.” Cleo acknowledged.
“Cleopatra, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment after class. And I thought I told you to call me, Brad?”
“And I thought I wanted to be called Cleo!” She retorted.
“You are a spit-fire, aren't you?”
“You have no idea.” Cleo confirmed.
Mr. Roberts nodded once before turning back towards the front of the class.
“What was that all about?” Wesley asked from beside her. He had ventured over to her desk because he misplaced his “pencil”.
Right, and all girls have horns.
“How the hell should I know?”
Cleo looked to her other side and saw Mason glaring at the teacher, whatever the problem was, Cleo didn't want to know.
Wesley continued to talk on.
“Mr. Newman. Seat. Now.” The teacher ordered, smiling slightly when he saw Cleo scowl at Wes before he left.
Mason didn't even try to speak to her, which Cleo was grateful for. She needed a minute to think up what she should say.
Finally Cleo sighed and tore a piece of paper out of her binder.
'
Look, I'm sorry, okay?
I didn't mean to chase you out of my house last night. Thanks, by the way, for bringing me home. And yes, I'm sure it was you and not Wesley that carried me because I smelled of your cologne when I went to take a shower early this morning.
I know it doesn't change anything, and I don't expect you to forgive me, but if I can do anything at all to make up for my outburst...let me know.'95

Cleo slid the note into Mason's hand and then twirled a strand of her jet-black hair around her pointer finger.
Mason slid the paper back to her.96

'How could I not forgive you?
I'm so surprised at your apology that I can't do anything but. I'll think of something for you to do to make it up to me. Nothing mean or embarrassing. I swear on my life.
And by the way, how do you know what my cologne smells like?'97

Cleo admired his writing. It was thick, as if the strong muscles in his hand had effortlessly pressed the pen to the paper with such strength, that it nearly broke through the page. Cleo smiled and wrote back a brief answer.98

'How could I not no the scent of your cologne? I smell it everyday in wrestling class. And science and...well, now English.'99

Mason took the note, began scribbling something and then a massive hand swooped down and grabbed the paper from his hands.
Cleo gasped and Mason eyes flashed in an angry, green fire.
“What do we have here?” Mr. Roberts asked.
“None of your business!” Cleo hissed.
“Ah, Miss. Hartman. Our class poet with enough venom in her tone to kill someone in seconds. What ever shall we do?”
“How about you shut your trap and give the note back?” Cleo advised.
Mr. Roberts shook his finger, chiding her, like he was scolding a child.
“Let's see what it says shall we?”
Cleo glared angrily as the teacher read over her note. Not aloud, thank heavens. When he was finished, Mr. Roberts slid the note into his pocket. “Again, Miss. Hartman, I'll see you after class.”
Cleo curled her hand into a fist and began to get to her feet, only to be held back by Mason's hand over her fist. He shook his head in warning at her.
Ugh. He's lucky I'm going to let him keep that hand.
Cleo didn't pay any attention for the rest of the class. When the bell rang, Cleo got up, grabbed her messenger bag, and began to make her way out of the classroom.
Something grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into the room.
“Miss Hartman? I thought I told you I would like a word with you.”
“Yeah, well, I don't follow orders to well.”
“Please, don't argue, you stubborn, little girl. Just come take a seat and the two of us will have a brief chat. By chat I really mean me talking and you listening.”
Cleo scowled before sitting on his desk.
Mr. Roberts stood in front of her, his height causing him to tower over her.
“Cleo, I'm a little concerned about your social life. You are a bright and beautiful girl. You shouldn't be hanging out with people like Mr. Silverstone and Mr. Newman. You are far too mature to have to tolerate their stupidity.”
“I would thank you for some of the compliments, but in all honesty, I really don't like you. You're deceiving, self-centered, nosy and- and tall!”
“Tall?”
“I momentarily ran out of insults.” Cleo explained with a huff.
“Ah. Well, you're stubborn, beautiful, mature, kind to those who need it, cruel to those who don't, an amazing force of nature, and more than anything else.....alive.”
“Alive? What does that have to do with anything?”
“More than you know.” Mr. Roberts said in a dead tone. His eyes held wisdom and.....youth. Jeez, he couldn't be more than twenty-two.
“How old are you, Mr. Rob- I mean, Brad?”
“Just turned twenty.”
“Then how is it that you are a teacher here?”
“I'm not exactly...” He stuttered. “I'm a teacher in training. I am just filling in for a few months until a new teacher can take my place. It's sort of a test run for me. A demo of what my future career would be like.”
Cleo's lips twitched with amusement. He thought he could boss her around when he's not even a real teacher? As if!
“Cleo, I want you to stay away from Mason and Wesley. Sam, too, for that matter.”
“Sam? Why are you bringing him into this?”
“They're.....dangerous.”
“Oh, please, shut-up!” Cleo snapped.
“Cleo, listen to me!” Brad hissed. “You need to listen or you're going to get hurt.”
Cleo picked up his silver letter opener and began fiddling with it. “I'm going to get hurt? If I were you, I would keep my mouth shut unless I wanted to end up with this chunk of silver in my chest.”
“Your threats won't work on me, Cleo. I know your life has been hard, believe me, I do. We've been searching for you for a long time.”
“We?”
Brad ignored her and continued. “You need someone who you can trust right now. And please, believe me, Mason, Wesley and Sam, are not people to mess with.”
Cleo glared at him, grinding her teeth together.
“Who is 'we' and what are you rambling about?”
“Your destiny, princess.”
“Princess? I'm far from royalty, you snob. And don't think that your sweet talk will work on me. I can take care of myself, tall, dark and gorgeous!” Cleo took a breath. “Besides, I don't even have a destiny. I'm going to finish school and then become an archaeologist. Just like my mother. Than we can work together.”
Brad's grey-blue eyes softened with sympathy. “Cleo, becoming an archaeologist won't necessarily make your mother and you closer. You should pursue a career that you want. Not something you think she would want for you.”
“You don't know anything about me!” Cleo screamed, tears threatening to fall.
“I know more than you think, my dear.”
“Your knowledge sucks!”
“So does your temper and denial!” He retorted.
“I'm doing this for me.” She whispered, angrily. “Not anyone else.”
“You're doing it for a mother who wouldn't give a damn if you lived or died.”
Cleo couldn't stop herself, she lifted her hand and slapped him hard across the face.
“You bastard.” She hissed. “How dare you talk about my mother like that? After all she's done for me.”
“Last time I checked, she hadn't done anything for you. She didn't even raise you because she feared what would happen.”
Cleo winced. “What do you mean?”
“I told you, not all is as it seems. I may know you better than you know yourself.”
Cleo glared at him before stabbing the letter opener into his wooden desk and dashing out of the classroom.
Who was he to tell her that her mother didn't love her? Who was he to tell her who she could and couldn't be friends with?
And who is he to know me better than I know myself?100

101

Chapter Six102

“Cleo! Cleo wait up!” Mason called, running after her down the hall.
Mason had caught a fair amount of the beginning of the argument about how Cleo had to stay away from him and Wesley. But why? What was it with this particular teacher and his fascination with Cleo?
Mason had scoped his aura and all he could see was darkness. But not like the darkness that Cleo carried, it was more.......vibrant. It wasn't there naturally, it was forced there using magic to conceal his true aura. Mason thought he detected the yellow aura of someone with stolen power, but he couldn't be sure. Maybe it was nothing at all, but Mason was in a bad mood and it had the probable possibility of making him unable to read the auras properly.
“Cleo!” Mason yelled. “Stop for a minute!”
She didn't stop until she reached the parking lot. There she collapsed on the curb and hid her face in her hands.
Is she crying? Mason wondered. What part of their conversation did I miss?
“Cleo, what happened?”
She shook her head, but didn't reply. Mason sat down beside her and placed his hand on her shoulder as a soothing gesture.
She shrugged it off.
Mason waited a few minutes until Cleo finally looked up and he could see her face. Not red from tears, red from fury. She was angry. Too angry to be natural.
“How dare he?” She hissed, more to herself than to him.
“How dare he what?”
“Talk about my mother like that! Tell me he knows me better than I know myself! How dare he leave me so confused!”
Mason placed his hand over hers. This time she slapped it away.
Um, ouch?
“He doesn't know what he's talking about, Cleo. He has no idea about you or your life. He can't read your thoughts or your feelings or your past. But most of all, he can't decide your future.”
Cleo looked at him, her body slowly extracting itself from its stiff position, her eyes softening with gratification.
“Now, can I do something to help?”
“Nope.”
“Are you going home?”
“Sooner or later.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Mason asked, confused.
“It means that I must wait for a cab before I can go anywhere.”
“A cab?”
“Yeah, because of the gate at my house being left open when the two of you 'saved' me last night. Someone trashed my car. Wesley said it was your fault.”
“Well, due to the fact that this seems to be my fault, I'm going to offer you a ride.”
Cleo tilted her head sideways with curiosity. “What kind of car do you have?”
“I never said anything about a car, fair lady.”
“Then how?”
“You'll see. First I have one question. If you had the chance to fly, would you take it?”
“Without a moment of hesitation.”
“Then you'll love this.”103

Cleo whooped out with excitement as they leaned in to turn another winding bend. The motorcycle ride literally felt like flying.
The adrenaline rush it gave her, the loud rumble of the bike beneath her, the speed, this was what it would feel like to fall into the unknown.
“You okay?” Mason called over the roar of the engine.
“This is incredible!” Cleo chirped. “I have to get one. What is this bike you ride?”
“A motorcycle.”
“What kind of motorcycle?”
“The kind I ride.” Mason teased, pissing Cleo off. “We'll talk bikes later. For now, we ride.” His husky voice carried over the roar easily and Cleo was forced to wrap her arms around his waist as they wound around a tight bend, causing her to almost slip off the seat.104

Mason's lips jerked up into a smile. He knew this road would be the perfect route. She wouldn't be able to deny grabbing onto him with all of the twists and turns.
“Hold on tight.” He advised, increasing the speed.
The bike was moving so fast that it would appear a blur to anyone who saw it. Mason wasn't worried in the least, but Cleo now had her face pressed against his back, eyes closed and nails digging into his ribs through his leather jacket.
“Mason, I swear to god, you will slow down this bike before I take the pen out of my pocket and shove it up your ass!” Cleo yelled over the engine.
Mason chuckled. She was holding out pretty well.
“You wouldn't dare.” He said, sure of it. Still chuckling.
“Care to wager on that?” Cleo tested, Her tone was stern and kind of intimidating.
He slowed down.
But to his surprise, she didn't let go of him. She kept her arms wrapped around his waist and rested her chin on his shoulder.
That's when Wesley drove by in a black convertible, top down.105

“Cleo, what's going on?” Wesley growled, keeping up with Mason's bike.
“What do you mean?” Cleo asked, ever so innocently.
She could feel Mason laughing by the vibration of his chest.
She pinched him to make it stop.
“Cleo, I offered you a ride. You said no. Now you take one from him?”
Cleo glared at him, all innocence gone. “Fuck you!”
“You would like that, wouldn't you?” Wes taunted.
That seemed to push Mason over the edge.
He braked the motorcycle, causing Cleo to be slammed against his back, and started trembling with fury.
Wow, over-dramatic much?
Mason leapt off his bike and began gliding over to where Wesley was getting out of his car. “You think I'm going to let you keep your tongue after that?” Mason snarled.
Wes smiled darkly. Everything that made him look young and adorable, vanished.
Cleo couldn't hold back the shudder as she slid off of Mason's bike and strode over to them. Of course, they were practically nose-to-nose, breathing in each other's faces.
“Enough!” Cleo snarled. “Mason, this is my fight, not yours. It's none of your business so leave it alone.”
“I just made it my business.” Mason growled.
“Well, unmake it your business!” Cleo snapped angrily.
The two of them were impossible!
“Cleo, please, just shut-up and get back on the bike while I take care of this.”
“Don't tell her to shut-up, you worthless scum.” Wes hissed.
Cleo didn't know what to do. “What the hell is wrong with you two?!”
They didn't even look at her, they continued to glare at each other.
Whatever, I'm leaving. Cleo thought angrily.
She padded over Mason's bike, hopped onto he seat and prepared to start it.
“The two of you better sort this out in a civilized manner or I'm going to the dance alone and never speaking to either of you again,” Cleo warned.
She kicked the bike into gear and began to speed off.
“Hey! HEY! That's mine!” Mason yelled after her.
Cleo smiled, but didn't stop. They could work this out alone. And together in Wes's car. She would go and stop for a drink and then head home. Maybe if she felt like it, she'd find out where Mason lived and return his bike to him for school tomorrow morning.
Maybe. . .106

Mason glared at Wesley.
“Now look what you've done!” Wes complained.
“Look what I've done?” Mason demanded. “She took my bike.”
“Then maybe next time you should keep your things to yourself.” Wesley advised.
What a dick, Mason thought.
“Look, this obviously isn't working so well. What is your intent with Cleo?” Mason demanded. They'd tried the rough and tumble, now he'd approach this reasonably.
“I like her. . . a lot. And not you or any other guy is going to stand in the way of the two of us being together.”
“What makes you think she feels the same way?”
“Nothing. But a guy still has to try.”
Mason completely understood, only. . . “You're not a guy.”
“Well . . . neither are you!” Wes retorted.
“True enough, but why can't I see what you are?”
“It's my power – or 'talent' – you can't see my aura or distinguish my species by my scent. It's rather irritating, isn't it?”
“What are you?”
“Same as you. Blood sucker. Leech. Parasite. Vampire. Dracula descendant. Ha-ha.”
“Oh, bloody hell.”
“Heavy on the blood.” Wes agreed. “And Cleo is the sweetest thing I've ever come across. She only puts on the tough act to scare people off. I love the spice, but I'm bound to get behind her facade soon enough.” Wesley smiled, “after all, she has to taste better than she smells. I don't want anyone to sample that.”
“You got that right. She does taste amazing.”
“What?! How would you know.”
“I- uh- don't?”
“No! I knew she smelled of you. What the hell did you do to her?”
“I bit her. I had to. She was badly injured and dying. We exchanged blood so that she'd heal. Then I made her think it was a dream and returned her home.”
“Who, or what, hurt her?”
“I don't know. Whoever it was used too much perfume for me to pick out their scent. And I could have followed it, but I was helping Cleo. Besides, most of the snobs at this school wear that skanky perfume. How do I know who it was?”
“Ew? That crappy perfume that Elizabeth wears?”
“Yeah, and Marissa, Zoe and Alena. The four of them smell like flowers gone bad. Never mind all of the other girls that wear the perfume, including some of the gay guys.”
Wesley wrinkled his nose in disgust. “I'll never understand why some girls douse themselves with perfume. It's so nauseating. All they need it the tinniest spray or nothing at all. Take Cleo for instance, she wears nothing. Just the pure, fresh scent of her skin. Sort of pure, like water.”
“No,” Mason corrected. “Like rain.”
Wes tilted his head to the side. “Yeah, I suppose you're right. She smells just like rain. Fresh, pure, and delightful. Her touch is chilling and her eyes are a stormy blue.”
Not stormy, Mason doubted again. Electric.
“What's your talent?” Wes finally asked nonchalantly.
“I can read auras.”
“Oh. Fun.”
And that ended the conversation for a couple of minutes. Finally Wesley couldn't hold his tongue anymore and blurted out. “She's not safe.”
Mason didn't even have to ask who he meant. “No, she's not.”
“We have to protect her. Make sure she isn't harmed.”
“Yes, we do. And to do that, I think we need to tolerate each other and maybe pretend to be. . . . . ” - Mason gulped - “friends.”
“Well I don't think I'd take it that far.” Wes scoffed. “I don't exactly fancy hanging with the vamp that's trying to steal my girl.....you are, aren't you?”
“I don't steal anything.” Mason snarled. “I only fight for what I want. And yes, I want Cleo. I don't know what it is, but I'm drawn to her. Her touch is electrifying and her gaze can hold mine until I think I'm melting.”
“Yeah, whatever. She does the opposite for me.”
“How so?”
“Her touch is cool and. . . mellow. She calms me more than anyone else. When I'm with her, everything is tranquil. Her eyes are piercing like ice, like she can see through my facade, but she can also warm me. Make me feel a heat from blue fire that I've never known.”
“I guess I can understand that.” Mason agreed.
“Here, hop in. We might as well start this game of charades now.”
And that was that.
Wes and Mason drove to Cleo's and waited at the gate for her to let them in.
She didn't.107

Cleo laughed to herself before answering them through the buzzer.
“Do you really want in?”
“Please, Cleo. We promise to behave.” Wesley begged.
“But why would you want in here?” Cleo asked innocently.
“Cleo. I want my bike.” Mason said sternly. “Please let us in.”
Fine. Be that way.
Cleo buzzed them in and opened the front door before traveling through the house and up into the library where she sat in a leather chair, waiting.108