Free Vampire Lies (Blood and Snow Season Book 1) by Rashelle Workman Page A

the other team didn’t knock the ball over, which meant a point for us, until the other team rotated. The girl had seen our team’s weakness, aka me, and she served the ball right at my face. I backed up a little and tossed it in the air the way I saw the other girl do it.
    Bree glared disgustedly, jumped in the air, and slammed the ball over the net. “Spike it,” she yelled, walking over. She stood several inches taller than me, but I wasn’t intimidated. I’d contended with ogres. Bree would have to get a whole lot scarier before I showed any sort of emotion. Except amusement. I smiled.
    But at least now I understood, to a degree. After that, I didn’t’ miss a ball and by the time class had ended, each team had won a game.
    After class was over, I walked behind the others toward the locker room. Abby was talking to a friend, and I didn’t want to interrupt.
    Troy jogged over. “You’re a fast learner, Jack. And damn, you can spike.” He gave me a fifty-megawatt smile. 
    “Thanks.”
    “If you ever want tips, let me know. Volleyball is my favorite summertime sport.” His green eyes twinkled.
    “I just might.” I wanted to ask why summer, but he smiled and took off toward some guys.
    It seemed that guy was always running somewhere.
     
    ***
     
    After PE, I had Homeroom. Abby helped me find the class. It was basically just a ninety minute block of time set aside to do homework, read, or do what most students did, which was talk or mess around on their cell phones.
    I pretended to read Wuthering Heights and tried not to eavesdrop. But it was so easy with my vampire hearing. And listening to them talk was interesting. Really interesting. They were so… mature and immature at the same time. They talked like they lived their own lives. Then would talk in the next breath about curfews, allowances, and family trips. It was weird. And amazing. I couldn’t get enough.
    When the class ended, it was time for lunch.
    I tried to remember how to get to the cafeteria, and on more than one occasion I got lost. The school was huge.
    It was frustrating. Irritating. I wanted to scream with rage.
    “Hey, are you okay?”
    In front of me was a cute couple holding hands. Somehow they looked familiar. They felt familiar. Even smelled familiar. I gave them a closer look. “Do I know you?”
    The guy shrugged. “Don’t think so. We’re new. Just moved into town.”
    “So did I.”
    They gave each other a quiet look.
    “I’m trying to find the cafeteria.”
    “Yeah, I think it’s this way.” The girl smiled. She had short red hair, green eyes, and a friendly smile.
    They moved down the hall. I followed, trying to push away the strange feeling the two of them brought.
    The guy was tall and had dark hair. I hadn’t seen the color of his eyes , but he was handsome. Just as the girl was pretty. They looked like they belonged together. Which was strange. Why was I even thinking about them like that? I didn’t know them.
    The guy pushed one of the swinging doors open. The girl walked by, kissing him on the cheek. “Thanks, Peter.”
    He patted he r cheek. “Anything for you, Zoe.”
    Peter and Zoe. I didn’t know anyone in Sharra by those names. I hadn’t met anyone at school with those names either.
    “Thank you, Peter.” I said as I we nt in. “I’m Jack.”
    “Oh?” The look on Peter’s face suggested he didn’t believe me.
    Zoe gave me a big smile. “Nice to meet you, Jack.”
    “Let’s eat.” Peter walked toward the long line of students.
    I hung back. “No thanks. I’m not hungry.” If I got any closer to the human food I’d puke.
    A strange look, almost like approval appeared on Zoe’s face. “Okay, well see you around.” They walked away, hand in hand.
    I stared after them, strangely unsure of the immediate connection I felt for them. I figured it was probably because they were new to the school, same as me. I knew they could relate to my apprehension. Except they didn’t seem all that