Free Daughters of Dracula (The Stoker Sisters #1) by Kailin Gow

came to stand toe to toe with Sadie. Though inches shorter, the girl knew she had the back up of her friends and didn’t hesitate to push Sadie back.
    Once again, Sadie shoved her to the ground, eager to show she wouldn’t allow Tatum’s bullying to escalate, but holding back just enough not to harm her.
    Tatum’s eyes fixed just above Sadie’s shoulder a moment and an expression of utter and complete humiliation replaced the haughty air for a split second.
    Without even looking back, Sadie knew Keegan stood inches behind her. Not only could she sense his presence, but she knew only he could have such an effect on Tatum.
    The two had dated briefly, and while they’d split two weeks prior to Sadie’s arrival, Tatum relentlessly blamed her for the break up. Her love for Keegan, if one could call it that, was still evident, making her hate against Sadie all the more intense.
    Shaking off the humiliation and resuming her arrogant stance, Tatum stood, glanced at Keegan and smiled sweetly. “You’ve gotten yourself quite a tiger there, Keegan. From what I remember, you didn’t particularly appreciate strong women.”
    “You're confusing strong with bully.”
    Tatum snickered and came up close to Sadie, her nose inches away. “It’s going to cost you to keep me off Ro’s back,” she whispered. “Your life here at school is going to be hell from now on.”
    “Don’t,” Keegan warned.
    She brought her gaze back to him and the venom in her eyes turned to honey. “I know the kind of fun you like to have, Keegan, and I know that Miss Purity over here isn’t it.”
    Letting her insecurity take over a moment, Sadie glanced down at her faded jeans and frilly paisley blouse.
    “Remember the fun we used to have, Keegan? Remember the nights you spent at my house? Remember how close we used to be?” She took on a seductive pose and passed her hand over her breast, down her belly and across her hips.
    “I think you might have me confused with all the other football players you dated. I mean, I know it might be hard keeping track of who you do, what with your busy line up and all, but we never really got that close.”
    Clenching her teeth, her eyes shot daggers at him. Aware that many were watching, her eyes dart to the crowd, to Sadie and back to Keegan. After a quick cluck of her tongue, she glanced back and snapped her band to attention.
    Sadie moved to check on Ro. Though she could clearly sense the girl’s anger and resentment, Ro remained docile and quiet.
    “The pages are crumpled a bit,” Sadie softly said to Ro as she picked up her book.
    “This crowd is growing dull,” Tatum declared.
    “I’m starting this small book club,” Sadie went on, keeping one ear on Tatum. “I think you’d really enjoy it.”
    Ro offered her first tentative smile and Sadie felt she’d won a huge battle.
    Tatum pushed past Sadie, deliberately jabbing her knee into her ribs. She squeezed up against Keegan, her breasts high and proud as they brushed against his arm. “I know what you really are, Keegan,” she said as she walked by.
    Tension made its way across Sadie’s shoulder and she wanted to know more. But Tatum walked on, carrying whatever knowledge she had of Keegan with her.
    Was he a heartbreaker? A player? The kind of guy who got his kicks out of winning a girl’s heart only to trample it to oblivion? Tatum had called her Miss Purity. Was that why Keegan paid her any attention at all? Just to conquer the school virgin?
    Handing the book to Ro, she glanced up at Keegan for some kind of explanation.
    “She thinks I broke up with her to play the field.”
    “Oh.” Sadie felt a lump of pain well up in her throat. She looked away and busied herself helping Ro. The poor girl’s lunch had also ended up on the floor, her sandwich stomped upon by one of Tatum’s goons. “You can have the rest of my sandwich,” Sadie offered.
    Sadie rose and noticed that Keegan was staring at her. She didn’t have the heart to face