Love Bites (Vampire Kisses 7)

Yeahthe guys have been keeping late nights, I said truthfully. They might want a night off. And more important, who wants to see Trevor?

Its a big place. You wont even run into him, Matt said encouragingly. Besides, if Sebastian is leaving, when will you get a chance to see him again? Matt asked, excited by his idea.

I was hoping not anytime soon, Becky whispered to me.

Awesome, Matt declared. Well meet this week. But Im warning you, Raven, if you open your locker this afternoon and find a ring, then Im telling Alexander.

As soon as the sun set, I hopped on my bike and motored toward the Mansion. It was imperative I get to Alexander posthaste, and this time I wasnt going to let anyone stand in my waynot even a handsome soccer snob. I was fortunate that all I had to dodge were a few cars and a woman walking her poodle.

I pounded on the door until Jameson politely let me in. I paced on the squeaky parlor floorboards for what seemed like an hour until Alexander finally entered the room.

Alexander was dreamy, standing in the doorway, his long black hair tousled and slightly damp from his shower.

You have to talk to him, I exclaimed. I have to talk to him.

What? Talk to who? he asked.

Sebastian, I said, racing over to him.

I was so harried, the note card fell out of my hoodie pocket and onto the floor. Alexander picked it up before I could place my boot over it.

Until we meet againSebastian? he read aloud.

Alexanders dark eyes turned angry red. What is my best friend doing giving you cards? he asked, his brow furrowing.

It wasnt a card, Alexander. It was flowers.

Alexander looked shocked, then angry. He couldnt hide a feeling of betrayal as his expression tightened. Sebastian! he began to call.

I grasped his arm. They werent for me.

Then who were they for? he asked skeptically.

Becky. He texted her all night and then had roses waiting for her in her locker.

Alexander was only partially relieved. Now he was confused. Why would he do that? he asked softly.

You heard him last night. He said he loved her.

I know, but I didnt think he meant it. Besides, hes copying my moves. Leaving surprises in your lockerwell, Beckys.

He has to stop, Alexander. Becky isnt used to this kind of attention. And he is, after all

Like me? he asked with a hint of sadness.

No one is like you, I said, taking his hand.

Sebastian has never acted like this before.

To make matters worseMatt wants to meet him. He has no idea the flowers were for her. He thinks they were for me.

Who gave him that idea? he asked, slightly accusatory.

Well

So now everyone at school thinks my best friend is hitting on my girlfriend?

First of all, hes not. And second, no one knows.

Youre sure?

Of course. How would they, anyway? No one talks to mejust about me.

He glanced away. I knew it was painful for Alexander to imagine me at school without him. I just wish

Just say the word and Ill quit, I said, wide-eyed.

Before Alexander could remind me of the importance of my education, I pulled him close. Matt wants the five of us to go to Hooligans.

Jameson shuffled into the room with a tray of two bloodred smoothies, each garnished with a tiny blue plastic sword and three cherries. Alexander took one and I picked up the other.

Jamesons bulging eyes bulged out even more. Miss Raven, that is for

Ill save you the trip.

I marched up the staircase, followed by Alexander, careful not to spill the bloody concoction, and pressed my ear to Sebastians bedroom door. I could hear the sounds of footsteps on the squeaky floors, followed by a thud.

Room service, I called.

The door creaked open. Sebastians hair was sticking up like a starburst. He was sitting on his closed coffin in boxers, a black wrinkled shirt, and unlaced boots and was staring at the cell phone in his hand. Socks, T-shirts, and bandannas were scattered around his coffin like the dirt from his homeland.

What happened to you? Alexander asked.

I didnt sleep. Ive been up all day.

Well, heres your breakfast, I offered, almost shoving the drink at him.

Im not thirsty.

Oh, yes you are. I need you well nourished.

He examined the smoothie and fiddled with the tiny sword.

Try it, youll like it, I encouraged him.

He made a face. Anybody, is there a vein in the house? he called.

Alexander laughed.

It was never fun dining with the Sterlings, Sebastian continued. When the Camdens had people over for dinnerwe really had them for dinner, he joked like a vaudevillian comic.

Drink up, I demanded.

I watched Sebastian as the red liquid slowly made its way up the straw, past his full lips, and into his mouth.

I thought hed be repulsed, as one would be tasting sour milk. But he appeared to enjoy it just as any mortal might a strawberry shake.

Raven tells me you sent flowers to Becky at school? Alexander asked.

I didnt send them, he emphasized.

Whateverhowever, Alexander said. The point is

I know. Its justIve never felt this way. Really. I see how you two are. I feel that way about Becky.

May I remind you that Becky has a boyfriend? I said firmly.

What would you have done if you thought Raven had a boyfriend?

Sebastian challenged Alexander.

Alexander had experienced that kind of situation when he saw me with Trevor outside the Mansion last Halloween. My boyfriend thought carefully before he spoke. Its not the point what Id do.

See? Sebastian said. I cant forget her. Besides, people break up all the time.

Becky and Matt will never break up. I hadnt imagined that scenario before, and I shuddered at the thought. Shes going to get married to him.

Married? Shes still in high school.

When she gets out. And she certainly isnt going to date a vampire!

They both looked at me. I had just stuck my combat-booted foot in my black-lipsticked mouth.

I mean that in a good way, I said. Im the one who likes vampires, I declared. But Becky has a thing for mortals.

I'm sorry, Raven, I cant change my feelings, Sebastian said sincerely. What am I supposed to do? he asked with an almost childlike quality.

You can change what you do about them, Alexander said. Ravens right. You have to back off.

Sebastian cooled down. I know. I just couldnt sleep all daywaiting and wondering when I could see her again.

Well, youll get to see her tomorrow night, Alexander revealed.

Really?

Matt wants the five of us to hang out, Alexander said.

Whos Matt?

Beckys boyfriend, I stressed

Sebastian turned toward the window. The moonlight cast a glow against his sad and almost lonely expression.

Perhaps once he saw how happy Becky was with Matt hed be cured of his feelings for her.

Sebastian snapped back with a wicked grin. Great! Ill be on my best behavior.