Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses 8)

Onyx nodded.

"He's hoping to invite vampires from around the area," Scarlet shared.

"There aren't vampires around this area," I said. "It's only Alexander."

"Well, Jagger wants the Crypt to eventuallybe as big as the CoffinClub," Scarlet said.

"But it's just not a good idea," I urged. "Not in this small town. Everyone knows everything and they all gossip. It will be harder to conceal yourselves," Iwarned.

"We are good at being secretive," Scarlet reassured me. "It's our life."

"I know," I said. "It's one thing to go underground ina bigger city. But here? People will find out easily--thenyou'll all be indanger," I told them.

"I don't know," Scarlet said. "We are always indanger. It's part of being a vampire ina mortal world."

"But here youc ould be one of the few--the special ones." Itried to convince her.

"But it's hard to meet other vampires," Scarlet said. "The CoffinClub is special for us. It's a place to be ourselves and not have to hide. Do you know how hard it is to hide every waking minute of every waking night?"

I didn't answer as she stared at my out fit.

"Of course youdon't," she said. "Youare bold and outspoken. Everyone inthis townknows youare different. You are yourself. Idon't think yourealize how hard it would be for youto be a vampire. That there would onlybe a few mortals youcould know. That youcouldn't be your whole self inpublic, like youare now."

It was one of the parts of being a vampire that Ithought would be the hardest for me. I'd spent mylife being truthful about who I was, what thoughts I had, my style and tastes. Finally getting the bite of my lifetime would change all that inaninstant. But at this moment, we weren't reallytalking about me being a vampire, and Ineeded to fight to make this club Jagger was opening a safe one for Dullsville.

"I totally understand and get your position," Isaid. "But inthis town, the Crypt wouldn't be like the CoffinClub. In Hipsterville, everyone is accepted for being a hippie, a goth, or whatever. They're evenembraced for being different, and no one digs anydeeper. Dullsvillians fear the kind of people they don't find intheir countryclub on the back nine, tennis courts, or cigar bar. Ireallycan't stress enoughthat the vampire part of the club here would not be like the Dungeon. It canput your existence injeopardy. Youhave to believe me--youknow I'm inlove with a vampire. His needs come before myown. I want what's best for him and all of you."

Scarlet softened and gave me a hug. "We really were lucky when you arrived at the Coffin Club. If only all mortals were like you, we wouldn't have to hide at all and our world would be much better."

"Maybe we should say something to Jagger?" Onyx asked shyly.

"That would be awesome," I chimed in. "But he doesn't have to stop the entire club--just the vampire part."

It was then I realized that what I said might be hurtful.

"But what would be the point?" Scarlet asked, offended. "Mortals have their clubs everywhere."

"I'm sorry--Ididn't meanthat about you. Imeant nefarious vampires," I said in anapologetic tone.

"I know . . ." she said.

"But truthfully," I went on, "we don't have a club here. The Crypt could be that club, and you could be there, too. But other vampires? That's the part that won't work."

Onyx and Scarlet thought for a moment.

"Well, I can't tell him what to do," Scarlet admitted. "But maybe Onyx can."

"Me?" She made a sheepish face. It was evident she adored Jagger far too much to be able to stand up to him.

"What about Trevor?" Scarlet asked.

"He can't know about anyof this. Not vampires. NotAlexander. Not you," Isaid. "We must make a pact," I said,"that we all will do our best to persuade Jagger to openthe Crypt to mortals only--and VIVs--Very Important Vampires. Youguys, Sebastian, Luna, and of course,Alexander."

We all put our pale hands out, one ontop of the other, our wicked nail polishdisappearing inthe darkness. "We promise," we said inunison. Thenwe released our hands.

"And maybe, someday--you'll come inas a mortal and leave as a vampire?" Scarlet teased.

"That would be awesome!" I beamed. Ihad a few more minutes before Iwas to meetAlexander, so I could talk with the girls before I headed to the Mansion.

"So what's it like living at the factory?" I asked them.

"It's fun," Scarlet said. "We miss the CoffinClub because there were more vampires to hang out with. But we were hoping that this one . . ." She paused. "But now that you told us," she continued, "I see your point."

"And Scarlet likes being close to Trevor," Onyx blurted out.

"Does he know that you're a vampire?" I asked.

"No!" she said. "I don't kiss and tell."

Scarlet kissing Trevor. The thought was too much for my stomach to take. I knew that Trevor was going to be unfaithful to my friend. I didn't want her to be used like so many of his girls.

"He's not all that you think he is," I said.

"Hot? Gorgeous?Athletic? Rich?" Her face lit up like she was surrounded by candle light.

"He's trouble," I said.

"I'm all about trouble." Scarlet laughed.

"We wish you were a vampire like us so you could hang out at the Crypt full time," Onyx said.

"Ido, too," Iagreed dreamily. "And what's the scoop onSebastianand Luna?" Iasked. "Does he reallylike her?"

They nodded in unison.

"And does she really like him?" I asked.

"She acts like she does," Scarlet began. "Always fawning over him and flashing her pink eyelashes. She gets on mynerves." Thenshe looked at Onyx. "But she could be your future sister-in-law, OnyxMaxwell!" Scarlet teased.

Onyx blushed.

"Well, I always felt something odd about her," Scarlet said seriously. "Like I can't trust her."

"Me too," Isaid.

Scarlet and I had a commonbond. She was feistyand strong and didn't let the average person--or vampire--get in her way. If she wanted something, she went for it, and any obstacles in her way were just a minor inconvenience.

And I knew she was honest and good-hearted. I was just unhappy that her romantic affections were for Trevor. If her heart was set on it, convincing her not to go after Trevor would be like convincing Jagger not to open the Crypt.

"We gotta run," Onyxsaid. "We have to get back to Jagger."