Free Upon Waking (Youngling Series) by Ashley Mason Page B

lust, she was still only a mere two months into her change and the hunger could easily rear its blood thirsty head and sweep her into a killing frenzy. So caution was her best friend these days.
    Tessa maneuvered her way through the crowds, making it to the bar in double time. Carter grinned at her from behind it, his large hands resting easily atop the varnished wood as he leaned towards her. 
    “Welcome to the Hollow, little lamb. Alyssa and I had started to worry about you. She had said she hadn’t seen you since the masquerade.”
    “Carter, right? Somehow, I don’t imagine you felt quite as much concern as your friend.” The male shrugged and grinned, flashing two long canines at her. “Where is Alyssa anyways?”
    “She happens to be off for the night. Doesn’t mean she isn’t here, however. I suspect she is somewhere out there, in the crowd, drinking her fill. So tell me, lamb, how can I be of service?” Carter leaned a little further over the counter and Tessa wondered how she could have ever mistaken him for Harper. Yes, they both had black hair that hung down into their eyes and Carter was certainly handsome enough. His eyes though…they were the brightest shade of emerald that Tessa had ever seen. They nearly glowed, they were so bright. And he was missing the scar on his upper lip. The vampire’s skin was perfectly smooth and bronzed with just a hint of dark stubble that was just coming in.
    “You’re starring.” Tessa gave a little shake of her head and smiled.
    “Sorry. I was just…Anyways, I'm looking for Harper. Is he here?” Carter jerked his head towards the door at the side of the bar.
    “He’s in his office.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Any time, lamb.”
    “Don’t call me that.” She turned and made her way to the side of the bar and knocked once on the door before opening it and walking in. Inside, the walls were covered with shelves filled with books and a single desk with a dual screened computer with two chairs facing it. Harper sat at the computer and smiled when he looked up at her.
    “You showed up. I wasn’t sure you would. You seemed so angry earlier.” He stood and walked around the desk to take her in his arms. “I'm glad you did, though.” Before Tessa could utter a single word, Harper's lips came down on hers and Tessa melted against him, her arms coming up to circle his neck and pull him closer.
    With a groan, Harper backed her up against the door, his lips moving slowly against hers like they had all the time in the world. Tessa heard a click and realized he had locked the door. She gasped against his mouth and pushed him away with all her strength. Harper flew across the room, crashing into one of the many shelves, books falling to the floor around his feet. Tessa's chest heaved as she struggled to catch the air that she no longer needed to breath. She slowly straightened and rearranged her tank top that had slid up her stomach.
    “I didn’t come here to make out with you, Harper. I came here for an explanation and I don’t plan on letting you distract me. So just knock it off.” He chuckled and smoothed down his tie, his eyes dark as he took his seat at the desk again. Tessa followed suite, taking one of the chairs facing him. “Sorry, I'm just a little on edge right now.”
    “No worries. I completely understand. Where would you like to start? I’ve already explained how you were turned.”
    “I'm not looking for more of that story. I want to hear yours.” The room fell silent as Harper stared at her, his face contemplative, like he wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to tell that particular story. Tessa opened her mouth to say something but he cut her off.
    “My story…Not many people ask to hear it. I won’t lie and say I'm not surprised. It is a long and sad story, I suppose, but one that should be told on occasion. Would you like something to drink first?” Tessa shook her head, settling further back into the chair. “I’ll try to tell it in order