The Coffin Club (Vampire Kisses 5)

I wish I`d been there to see it, I said.

He clutched my hand.

After he hugged his brother, Alexander continued, Jagger extended his hand to me. It was then that I knew a truce was formed--between him and me and our families. Returning Valentine safely was more important than completing any covenant ceremony.

Do you think you guys will be friends now?

Alexander shook his head. Sadly no. We`re polar opposites and don`t have much in common. But now that things are peaceful between the two of us, it`s probably best for him and me not to see each other for a while so we can keep it that way.

Alexander took a drink from his goblet.

I am really glad you are here, he said quietly.

I am too!

We locked eyes. For a moment it was as if we were the only two people in the world. Billions of people were shopping, driving, living, but the only person I was aware of was the gorgeous guy staring back at me.

Alexander leaned over and gently kissed me. I was so lost in his kiss, I didn`t realize my sleeve was sitting in my dinner.

Here, let me, he said, dabbing his napkin in his water glass and brushing off the butter stain.

Can`t take me anywhere, I joked. So, when will you be returning to Dullsville? I hinted. Tomorrow? Next week?

I just have one more thing to take care of. It shouldn`t take much longer. I promise. Believe me, it`s lonely not being around the people you care about most. Alexander gently smiled at me. I felt a twinge of sadness for him. In Romania he had his family. In Dullsville he had me and Jameson. But here in Hipsterville, he and Jameson were all alone. How is your family? he politely asked.

Billy Boy misses you like crazy. You`re like a hero to him.

When I return to Dullsville, we`ll have to take him to a science fair or a screening of the original Star Wars.

I laughed. See? That is why you`re so special. You think about doing what he likes to do rather than doing something I'd like to do--like dragging him to a rave.

Alexander smiled.

And Becky? he continued. Is she still dating Matt?

I think she`s picking out her wedding dress as we speak. I`m sure she`s counting down the days until graduation so she can elope.

Alexander laughed. And you? Are you anything like Becky? His gaze was so deliberate, it nearly bore through my soul. For once I was speechless. I was as much of a giddy and googly-eyed girly girl as Becky ever was. But I couldn`t confess that I was weak-kneed in an I`d tattoo your name on my heart if only my parents would let me way. I had to appear at least remotely sophisticated.

Alexander, however, was waiting for my response.

Did you hear that there are crop circles popping up in town? I asked.

Alexander put down his fork. Where did you learn that?

It`s all over the news. Do you think it`s aliens?

He paused. I guess it could be...

Well, my aunt Libby and I had a major discussion about it. Guess what my theory is.

Practical jokers?

I think it`s vampires, signaling the whereabouts of other vampires.

Alexander`s eyes widened and he choked on his water.

Are you okay?

He nodded his head and covered his mouth with his napkin.

It makes perfect sense, I continued. Who else is up at night while most mortals sleep? And who can see the circles better than bats flying over the horizon? I said.

Alexander gave me a blank look.

But I was undeterred. The only thing I haven`t figured out is what the crop circles mean. I leaned into Alexander intently. Are they warning other vampires to stay away or inviting them in?

Alexander quickly broke our gaze.

Jameson burst into the room carrying a dessert tray, ending my investigation.

Just in time, Alexander said. We`re finished.

Jameson presented us with two perfectly delectable cr�me br�l�es.

It`s like eating at a five-star restaurant! I complimented him.

Jameson`s pale flesh turned pink as he wheeled back our dinner plates.

There is so much to do while we are here, I said excitedly, digging into my dessert. You`ll have to meet Aunt Libby. Then there`s Hot Gothics. And of course the Coffin Club!

Alexander gave me a stern look. Not the Coffin Club.

Don`t worry, I can get in. I have a fake ID.

That`s not what I meant. A club like that is not a place a girl like you should frequent.

A girl like me? I laughed in disbelief. It`s a goth club. It was made for me! Ever since I visited it last time, I dreamed that we could return there together. What could possibly happen?

A girl in a bar? he asked, like I had two heads. Don`t you watch the news?

I know, I said, rolling my eyes like I was getting scolded by my parents. It`s not the safest place...but--

Last time you met Jagger. Remember?

Alexander had a point. I didn`t have the greatest track record with my decisions. My curiosity had drawn my boyfriend`s nemesis right to him, creating a lot of danger for him and my family.

All right, I finally admitted. Disappointed, I chiseled away at the burnt sugar topping stuck to the inside of the bowl.

Alexander placed his ghost white hand on my pale one. We will go, but together.

Can we go tonight? I asked, perking up.

How about tomorrow. I wasn`t expecting company, remember? Oh, yes, of course. I remembered intruding on him. Then I furrowed my brow skeptically and challenged him. You don`t have a hot date, do you?

Yes. I do, as a matter of fact.

You do?

Yes, and it is almost ending. Alexander glanced at an antique marble clock sitting on the mantel of the unused fireplace. The clock was barely ticking, and the minute hand was broken. I didn`t want my evening to end, but I knew of course it had to. He wiped his mouth with his linen napkin and then grabbed my hand.

I`m so glad you did come, he said adoringly. You never fail to surprise me.

You surprise me, too... I took a deep breath, then asked, Why are you both still here?

Just then Jameson returned to collect the dishes.

For the time being, Alexander was off the hook. Allow me, Miss Raven, Jameson said. Alexander and his butler placed the dishes on the top shelf of the cart.

Jameson will drive you back to your aunt`s apartment.

I glanced at the broken clock, still struggling to figure out the correct time.

Jameson can drop me off at my aunt`s drumming class. It`s much closer. I believe you may have met my aunt Libby. She works at Happy Homes.

That beautiful woman is your aunt? I should have known. She is quite charming...just like her niece, said Jameson.

I look forward to meeting her, Alexander said. Then with a whisper: Although you`ll have to make a few excuses for me not being seen in the daylight.

Excuses? I wrote the book! I`ve got one for every occasion.

Like a Victorian gentleman minus the top hat, white gloves, and British accent, Alexander escorted me out the door and down the rock path while Jameson brought the car around.