Free Blood and Snow Volumes 1-4: Blood and Snow, Revenant in Training, The Vampire Christopher, Blood Soaked Promises by Rashelle Workman Page A

tucked me into his chest. “Just a minute,” he said, his voice heavy.
    I quivered in fury at being interrupted, but I didn’t want anyone to see my fangs so I took a deep breath, inhaling the delicious guy smell that was the handsome Dorian. My fangs retracted. Peeking up, I searched Dorian’s eyes. A tight smile sat on his lips. I smiled back before gazing around him, at who’d so rudely interrupted.
    “What the hell is going on, Snow?” Complete shock packed her face, and I laughed.
    “Hey, Cin ,” I said with choked amusement. It wasn’t that I found the situation funny so much as I had all of this anxiety stored up, and it was finally coming out.
    Dorian recovered, and swung around. “I was making sure she was okay. Our Snow needed a hug, that’s all.” He regarded me. “You’re good, right?”
    “Yes, thank you, Dorian.” I closed my lips, trying to hold in the laughter, but that didn’t help. My conscious gnawed with guilt. I’d kissed Christopher, and nearly drank Dorian’s blood. But I liked Gabe.
    Hussy, my mind screamed. 
    Dorian escaped the bathroom without a backward glance.
    Cindy huffed, and stopped her foot. “What’s gotten into you?” She walked to the mirror, and checked her reflection.
    I faced her, my image still taller. “Oh, Cin . It’s a long, crazy story.”
    She gave me the eye, the one that questioned my motives, the one that got right to the center of me. “I want to hear all about it. First, Mr. Wallace wanted me to tell you you’re supposed to go to the office for a tardy slip. He said you’re not allowed in class without it. I’ve got to get back.” She ran her hands through her ponytail. “Chace seemed concerned. He even took off after you did. For a minute there I thought you were in his arms.” She let out a sigh. “See you in a few. Au revoir,” she added as the door closed behind her.
    I straightened my shirt, and picked up my backpack. Cindy’s strong perfume lingered, and it dawned on me. Cindy’s blood hadn’t inspired even a little bit of hunger. “Huh.”
    In the office I called Professor Pops, and explained in brief details what’d happened—the way my fangs grew, and how I’d gone to the other realm where the Hunter, Christopher, bit me again. I left out Dorian offering himself. The confession would be pointless, and I didn’t want what he’d done getting back to Gabe, or the other brothers.
    Professor Pops spoke with the school’s secretary, excusing me from the rest of my classes.
    He picked me up in the front, his distinguished face lined with worry. In the cup holder between the seats sat a carafe. “Bloodlust tea?” I guessed as I buckled my seatbelt.
    “Drink up. I made a double dose in the hopes that will help.”
    I took a sip, and grimaced. It was strong, but I finished. When I placed the empty container back in the holder, Professor Pops mumbled his approval.
    After clearing his throat, he said. “I’ve heard of the Hunter, Christopher. He is very good at what he does. I’m sorry I must say this, but at this point, propriety be damned.” He gave me a quick look, probably to determine my level of shame.
    “What is it?”
    “He’s skilled in the art of seduction. From what I understand, he also has an unlimited lust for power. He wants to be the Vampire Queen’s second.”
    At hearing his words I didn’t blush, but became angry. Well, more hurt. I guess I wanted to believe Christopher reacted to me the way he did, not because it was his job, but because he felt something for me. Ugh, I groaned. I would not be that girl!
    Professor Pops pulled into the driveway. After I followed him into the house, and sat at a barstool in the kitchen, he said, “Your revenant abilities are developing a lot faster than most. And I think I know why.” As he spoke he peeled a banana, and tossed it into a blender. Then he pulled some soy milk from the refrigerator, and some ice from the freezer, and put them in the blender.
    He turned it