Free Blood and Snow 6: Masquerade's Moon by Rashelle Workman Page B

head. She wore a blood red dress that scooped low, enhancing her breasts. Above, the sun shone brightly. Birds twittered in nearby pine trees. The hum of insects provided a despondent melody, and a babbling brook meandered nearby.
    It was like looking at a painting of a moment in time. No one spoke. No one moved.
    What are they waiting for, I wondered.
    Overhead, a glorious man with velvet-white wings descended. In his hands he held a large sword. Tears filled my eyes as an overwhelming serenity consumed my soul, and I wondered at it. Why I didn’t feel sadness at seeing my body laid to rest in a casket, or fear because of the menacing angel. There was only calm.
    He drew closer, his features coming into view.
    “Gabe.” I noted the set of his jaw, and the hardness in his green eyes. 
    He alighted next to my body, and lifted the lid on the casket. Still the brothers, Professor Pops, and the Queen remained still.
    Could they not see him? Was he going to kiss me awake?
    The eyes of my corpse flew open, and my fangs grew. I heard a furious growl rumble in the throat of my dead body.
    Gabe brought the blade above my heart and plunged. As the sharp edges parted my skin it made sounds like metal ripping through concrete. “I’m so sorry,” he cried, pulling back after several moments. Red blood dripped from the edge of his blade and landed on my white dress.
    My eyes closed.
    My fangs withdrew.
    And I was gone.
     

Chapter 3
     
    When I woke I was shocked to see eight handsome men standing at the foot of my bed—Professor Pops and all seven brothers. Professor Pops held a light wooden tray abounding with food.
    Heathcliff stage whispered, “One. Two. Three.”
    Eight deep voices sang as one. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Snow (Gabe said Snowflake. I recognized his baritone). Happy birthday to you.”
    “And many more,” Daniel added.
    “On channel four,” Salvatore sang.
    “We live next door,” Bart crooned, lifting a hand in the air.
    “She likes to snore.” Dorian wiggled his eyebrows in amusement.
    “It shakes the floor,” Sebastian finished, holding the last note.
    I couldn’t help the embarrassed giggle, and I covered my head with my blanket. “Thank you,” I muttered. If I had the choice of any eight people in the entire world to be part of my life, these goofy, awesome, amazing men would be who I chose.
    “Show your face, birthday girl,” Dorian said, flipping the covers back. He caught some of my hair in his fingers and I yelped.
    “Violent,” I howled playfully.
    His eyes grew wide in mock terror. “Sorry.” He brushed the hair out of my face with one hand. I sat, sticking out my tongue, which caused all the guys to laugh, including me.
    Professor Pops set the platter of food on my nightstand.
    A large waffle, topped with a generous helping of whipped cream, strawberries and almond slices steamed from the center of the plate. A glass of orange juice rested at the top, near the knife and spoon, and a bowl of fruit sat above the fork.
    “Looks delicious,” I said, wishing it would taste like the food in Sharra. At the reminder of the apple I sampled while there, my mouth watered.
    “You can eat in a minute. Presents first,” Heathcliff said. One by one they filed out of my room, and then came back. Each held a beautifully wrapped present.
    I willed away the tears forming on my lashes.
    You’re such a baby, my inner voice clucked.
    I flapped my hand, fanning my face, hoping that would help. “You guys didn’t have to get me anything. The party tonight is more than enough.”
    “Pish. Posh,” Salvatore said, setting a box wrapped in shiny silver paper and tied with a red bow in front of me.
    I raised an eyebrow, and laughed. “Thanks, old lady.”
    “Open it.” He sat at the end of my bed. The others gathered around.
    I picked it up, and shook. It was light, but there was definitely something inside. Untying the ribbon, I ripped off the paper and