Free Rock n Roll Promises (YAE) (Rock n Roll Paraphantasy Series) by AmBear Shellea Page B

what he has done, but not nearly as much as he
hates himself.”
“So you think I should cut him some slack?” She
fidgeted with her shirt.
    “Yes, I do. As much as he deserves all your fury,
this is the best of worst-case scenarios. Look at it
this way, you can still mingle with humans, but
have all the good aspects of a vampire. You will be
fast. You will heal. You are very strong and you
won’t age as quickly. That, too, is a guess.”
“What do you mean?”
    “As you know, it is true vampires don’t age. So
based on the fact that you heal slowly, as opposed to
instantaneously, we assume you will age, but very
slowly.”
    “Well, I guess that is a good thing and a bad
thing. I have to say I like the strength thing. I have
never really been strong.”
    “Speaking of strong, you do realize both times
you attacked Sebastian today, he let you? He is over
two hundred years old. He’s learned a thing or two.”
“To be honest, I didn’t really think about it. I just
acted.”
    “There is a lot you need to learn. As I said, it will
be OK. You will adjust to this life and be able to
blend in and have a semi normal life.”
    “Thank you, Jack.” She stared at him, caught in
his chocolate mousse eyes. They held wonder and
compassion. She felt herself lean forward and kiss
him. She pulled away quickly and covered her
mouth as she scooted to the end of the couch.
    “I’m sorry. I don’t know what has come over
me.”
“It is OK. Perhaps that is your vampire craving.
If it is, I will warn you, it is not safe to reject it.”
    “I don’t think it is. I think it is a human thing. I
was upset and you were comforting me…your face
was so close…I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize.”
    She fell into him when he pulled her close. Her
head on his shoulder and her eyes closed, she
listened to the music rock in the background. She
blocked everything out and let the tunes fill her
mind, body, and soul. It was invigorating. Her mind
felt dizzy and her body seemed light as air. It mixed
with her inner calm. She could feel it vibrate her
skin and meld into her bones. Lost in the rocking
sounds of Bad Company, she never heard the front
door open and close.
“Anna!”
    She jumped and opened her eyes in shock. There
in front of her stood her best friend. Tall and lean
with bright blue eyes and hair the color of hay, she
looked just as flabbergasted.
“Paige! What are you doing here?” She turned to
Sebastian. “Did you turn her, too?”
     
“Calm down.”
     
She glanced behind her to Jack. “No, I will not
calm down. Ruining my life isn’t enough?”
     
“He brought her here for you.”
    She slapped her leg. “Great, just great!” She
rolled her eyes back to Sebastian. “You think I was
ticked off before? This takes the cake. Why did you
think this would make me happy?”
“Anna!”
     
She ran to her friend and hugged her close. “Oh
God, Paige, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know-“
    Held at arm’s length, she looked at her friend
when she spoke. “Anna! You have to calm down.
No one turned me. I’m not a vampire, but I have
known Sebastian a long time. He came and got me
so that I could help you.”
She pulled away and took a few steps back.
     
“No, you can’t be here. What if I hurt you?”
“If you will chill out and listen, I will explain
why that’s not an issue.”
    She grabbed her friend and pulled her farther
into the room and away from Sebastian. “OK. I’m
listening.”
“As I said, I’m not a vampire. I am a Weretiger, a
white one.”
     
“What the…A were what?”
     
“Weretiger. You know, a white tiger. I can change
from human to a big white cat.”
    “I get what it is…I mean I know what a white
tiger is; I just don’t understand how you can be one.
I have known you my entire life.”
    “Remember that summer between eighth and
ninth grade when I suddenly went away?”
“Yes, because we were supposed to spend spring
break in Orlando and you never showed at the
airport. Your