Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses 8)

"Second round is on the club as well," Jagger said. "It was good of you to come this far to check us out. Tell your mortal friends about it. And if I do ever open it to vampires, you'll be the first to know."

Phoenix made his way back to the bar, sipping his Lethal Injection. I wanted to go and hang out with my boyfriend's alter ego, but I knew I would look like I was flirting with someone other thanAlexander. Several girls sidled up to him and batted their eyelashes at him, doing their best impression of femmes fatales. It took all my

strength not to clobber them. I couldn't tell Scarlet who he really was, so instead we hung by the bar sipping sodas and discussing Phoenix and Jagger's encounter.

"What kind of surprise do you think Jagger has planned down there?" "Maybe a big birthday cake." "I love cake," Scarlet said. "Or maybe he'll turn you into a vampire." "I think that's Alexander's job." Just then Phoenix turned around. Hearing the name Alexander was natural to him. I winked at him, and suddenly Luna was standing before him. "My brother told me about you," she said. "Would you like another drink?" "No, thanks," Phoenix answered in his British accent. "This one's plenty." "How about we split one?" Luna tried to entice him. I walked up to Luna, who had now linked her arm with my boyfriend's.

"Where is Sebastian?" I said loudly. "I thought you two were inseparable. I remember you telling me all about your wedding. When is it, again?"

She shook her head. "There's no wedding," she retorted. "I mean, not now." "That's okay. I was just leaving," Phoenix said. "So soon?" Luna asked. "I have some friends to meet at the Coffin Club," he said. "Will you be back?" Luna asked, flashing her pink lashes. "I might. With pretty girls like this one," he said, putting his hand to my chin, "it will be hard to keep me away." Luna shot me a deadly gaze.

Phoenix put his drink on the bar and left the club through a maze of gawking girls. He could have had any girl in the Crypt; he was that magnetic. And I was one of those girls who was hypnotized. I wasn't sure when I'd ever see Phoenix again. At the last moment, I couldn't help but follow him out of the club. I knew he was not going to be

returning anytime soon. My heart was racing as fast as my feet. He was climbing on the bike when I caught up to him. "Funny," I said. "Now that I know who you really are, I like you even better." "Me, or Phoenix?" he asked. "Both." "Maybe now I can get that kiss that I didn't the last time?" he asked in his sexy British accent. Phoenix stood up. His purple bangs hung over his forehead and gently brushed his eyes. "It's okay. No one's looking," he reassured me. Phoenix drew me into him. "And don't worry, I won't tell." I could feel his leather-clad legs against my naked knees.

He leaned in and gave me a long, deep kiss. It was so riveting I thought I'd lost all my wits. For a moment, I wasn't sure if I was kissing Phoenix or Alexander.

When we pulled apart I saw a figure lurking in the shadows. Then I noticed blonde dreadlocks. "Oh no!" I covered my mouth in shock. "I better go." Phoenix revved up the motorcycle while I took off for the Crypt. Sebastian gave me a death stare. His shoulders were tense and his face was fierce. "Let me explain - " I started. "I can't believe you - after all Alexander's done for you? And you do this to him?" "It's not - " "With some guy you've just met?" "I already know him. It's not like you think. You don't even know what you're talking about." "So you've been seeing him before - and that's your excuse?" "I didn't mean - "

"So help me!" Sebastian was so hurt. I wanted desperately to tell him who Phoenix was, but if I did, the whole plan would be ruined.

"It's not what you think," I pleaded with him. "What's there to think? You were making out with another guy and you're supposed to be in love with my best friend!"

"Please, Sebastian. Don't - you've misunderstood everything." "No, I've only misunderstood one thing - you." He stepped past me and disappeared into the Crypt. I felt as awful as if I had cheated on Alexander. Maybe the image was just as bad, if no one knew the truth.

I would have told Sebastian, but if he had loose lips, Alexander's cover as Phoenix would be blown. Even the events at the Coffin Club, where it was actually Alexander who prevailed at getting the vampire club to be civil, would now be known. And the worst part was that Jagger would feel betrayed and double-crossed and the truce would be broken.

That was something we couldn't afford. I headed back into the Crypt. I tried to dance my feelings off on the dance floor. But when I saw Alexander's back sitting at the bar, next to Sebastian, I hurried over.

Sebastian didn't even turn around. I scooted next to Alexander. "Sebastian hates me," I whispered in his ear. "He has lost all respect for me." "He should. You were kissing someone else!" he said softly. "Please, Alexander. It's not funny. We should tell him." "But what if he spills it to Luna? I don't think we can take the chance." "So this is how it will be?" I asked. "He'll go on thinking I'm cheating on you?" "For the time being." "I feel like Trevor," I mumbled, "but with a conscience." "So, did you miss me?" Alexander said loud enough for Sebastian to hear. "What did you do until I arrived?" Sebastian finally turned toward me. "Yes, Raven, what did you do?" "I waited patiently for you to come," I said, giving Alexander a squeeze. "Yes, that's exactly what she did," Sebastian said. "Waited by herself. All alone." "Well, I was going to ask you to keep an eye on her, but you don't need to do that with Raven," he teased. "I think you might want to start keeping an eye on her," Sebastian warned. "She isn't as patient as she looks."

Chapter 18 - The Covenant

The next day Becky and I arrived at school to an unusual sight. Students were buzzing about the Crypt, and I noticed several girls wearing the same T-shirt Becky had given me for my birthday - black with THE CRYPT in white skeleton bone letters.

"That club rocks!" I heard the Prada-bee say to her friend. Her Crypt shirt was over her long-sleeve button down. "I can't wait to go again."

"I'm going every night," her friend retorted. She was wearing one, too, but it was underneath her green cashmere cardigan.

"How did they get those?" I asked Becky. "I don't know," she said, just as bewildered as I was.