Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses 8)

The last time I'd wanted flowers pinned on me was when Alexander gave me a corsage for the Snow Ball. I'd pricked my finger and he had made a strange expression I'd since come to find out was that of a vampire looking at fresh blood. I made sure not to tempt my boyfriend in front of my parents.

Instead of using pins and needles, Alexander was kind enough to clip the flower in my barrette.

When we got to the restaurant, it was hard not to think of the Crypt, even while so much fussing was going on. I was so anxious to get to the club. Even though we could sit down immediately, we'd be ordering appetizers, main courses, and desserts. It would be ages until we'd be able to meet the gang at the dance club.

Alexander must have sensed my anxiousness. He rested his hand on my twitching leg.

I was suddenly overcome with a sense of peace. I was relaxed. I scanned the table. I had a great mother and father, and though they never understood me, they still were always there for me. My brother, Billy, who was the biggest pest in the world, was texting Henry as if no one knew and would occasionally answer a question without even looking up. But still, there he sat, celebrating my birthday. My best friend, who was there for me, laughing and gossiping since the day we met, and her boyfriend. And of course, the love of my life, my vampire soulmate, who had taken my blood as his own. I realized I was with the most gorgeous guy - holding his hand and wearing one of the flowers he'd given me in my hair. I didn't want to be anywhere else.

And when that horrible moment came, when the waitstaff brought a candlelit dessert and my family and a few patrons sang "Happy Birthday," and I blushed beet red, I kind of liked it. I looked around the room as the single candle blazed in the sundae. I had a best friend, a family, and my true love. What else could I want?

I really had everything I wanted sitting at the table - except the one thing I'd been wishing for since I was in kindergarten: to become a vampire. I closed my eyes, wished, and blew out the candle to cheers and applause.

I wondered just how many more years I'd be making that wish. As we got out of the Mercedes and headed through the back alley to the Crypt, Alexander pulled me aside. "This is my real gift. I didn't want to freak out your parents." "Then what were the flowers?" "Just a prelude gift." "What is it?" I asked coyly. "You'll see." He handed me a box. I only hoped it wasn't a bracelet that said "Raven." I wouldn't know what to do.

I opened the box. There wasn't a bracelet. Instead there was a slender silver eternity ring with petite black diamonds. The center diamond was in the shape of a small heart.

Chills ran down my spine. I almost fainted right there in the alley of the Crypt. "Alexander - I don't know what to say. This is beautiful!" "This way you'll always know that just because I haven't turned you doesn't mean we can't be together forever." "How can you afford this?" I asked. "How could I not afford it?" "I've never had anything real - besides a pearl necklace my parents gave me last year for my birthday." "Just put it on."

Tears welled in my eyes. Nothing I'd ever owned twinkled liked the ring I was now holding. I slid it on my right ring finger.

"It fits?" he asked eagerly. "It's like having the stars on my finger," I said, jumping up and down. I reached up to him and gave him the most passionate kiss I'd ever given. "Get a room, dudes. Or at least a car," Sebastian said, slapping Alexander on the back. I showed Sebastian the ring. "Are you getting married?" he asked. "Dude - " "It's not an engagement ring," I said. "It's an eternity ring." Luna spied the glistening ring and bore her fangs at me. The expression she wore spoke volumes. "It's time we get to the club. We've been waiting forever for it to open!" Alexander said.

Chapter 16 - The Crypt

When I turned down the alley to the mill, I saw an image even I couldn't have ever envisioned in Dullsville. A long line snaked around the corner of the factory and led up to the Crypt. Every student in Dullsville High was standing, texting, and gossiping in line, waiting for a chance, like me, to dance in a club. I was lucky to be in Sebastian's and Luna's company so we could walk past the sea of would-be clubsters and make our way to the entrance.

A sign in blood-red letters marked the entrance: CHECK ALL CELL PHONES, CAMERAS, AND MP3 PLAYERS. PHOTOGRAPHS PROHIBITED . A bouncer was checking all electronic devices.

When we entered, Sebastian and Luna disappeared into the Crypt while I stood spellbound. Alexander stood behind me, his hands on my shoulders. A lot had changed since I'd last been to the factory. The scene was truly magical.

Dullsville finally had a place, besides the Mansion, where I truly belonged.

Gray arched columns made the once-flat ceiling appear curved. Lightning flashed against the windows, and thunder rumbled over the music as if there were a nasty storm outside the club. The center stage was magnificent. It was in the shape of a large coffin. Headstone doorways had handles resembling skeleton bones. Votives and LED torch lighting hung on the walls like a creepy tomb. The bar, too, was shaped like a giant coffin. Bottles covered in fake cobwebs were on wooden racks. The dance area was illuminated by candelabra chandeliers flickering LED lights. Two metal cages with twisted wrought iron were in the corners for dancing clubsters. Neon exit signs hung above all outgoing doors. An open coffin rested next to an erect one with signs inviting customers to step inside. For a small price, a photographer dressed as a caretaker took pictures.

The conservative students raved about the new club. Any club party with loud music was the chance to let loose and be away from nagging parents.

"Wow!" I said. "This is what I've always dreamed of." I found Scarlet and Onyx already dancing.

While Alexander and Sebastian tried to find Jagger, I jumped onto the dance floor and rocked with my vampire friends.

I noticed Luna, off in the corner, waiting for Sebastian to return. She was a misfit, even in her brother's club. Aloof and unfettered, she just observed the goings-on around her. Scarlet and I ran over to her and dragged her onto the dance floor with us. It was as if she was relieved, finally having some friends of her own to hang out with. It wasn't long before her pink hair was tossing back and forth as we all danced to the morbid music.

Exhausted, I took a break. It was then I caught sight of the curious door - only tonight it was adorned like a grave marker and had a skeleton-bone handle.

"Do you know where Jagger is?" I asked Scarlet when we headed off to the bar. "I want to try that door again and I don't want him to see me."