Authors: RaShelle Workman
“When a drone vampire is chosen to be a Hunter by the Queen, she marks him with one of these.” He touched the blade hesitantly, before covering it.
“D-did you mark me? Are you the one who bit me?” I stood, jumped over the desk, and pulled open the door, before I grasped what I’d done. Fear occupied my veins.
“No, Shiryo-san.”
Both Professor Pops and Kenmei rose in unison, as though their movements had been synchronized. Professor Pops had his arms out, a look of pleading on his face.
“We were a part of the Queen’s hive many, many years ago, but we left. For me, it’s been over a thousand years. For Kenmei, almost six.”
My hand dropped from the handle. “Six thousand years? You’re so old.” I also remembered the man who’d bitten me was much taller than Kenmei, his body firmer, younger. The way he’d smelled. Like Heaven, my mind whispered. I closed my eyes, trying to regain focus.
He bowed. “Yes, Shiryo-san. I was the first Hunter. With my help the Queen transferred into a new body. With my help the Queen became the first Snow White, the fairytale child which is your namesake.”
Chapter 2
“Y
ou’re saying that the Snow White from the movie was real?” I needed to sit before I fell. On rubbery legs, I walked back over to my chair.
“Yes, Shiryo-san. She was real, and very beautiful, just as you are. Though the story was more of a Brother’s Grimm tale, and even they were way off.”
It seemed strange to have others say I was beautiful. I didn’t think I was ugly, just plain. I looked down, studying some nonexistent lint on my jeans. After a few moments of silence, I asked, “Am I the only one the Vampire Queen is after?”
Kenmei smiled. “You are one of many. Hundreds. Adam Henry and I have made it our life’s mission to help the marked, the chosen.
“I am your Protector,” Professor Pops stated.
I caught what Pops said, but couldn’t fathom the meaning behind them at the moment. Instead I fixated on what Kenmei had said. “There’s hundreds? She only needs one body. Why not just take mine, or one of the other’s right away? What’s she waiting for?”
The two men looked at each other, and something I didn’t understand passed between them. “A lot must happen for the body of a chosen one to be ready. Many will die,” Kenmei said.
Professor Pops continued, “In order for the Vampire Queen’s magic to work the revenant must drink the blood of her true love, and consume his heart.”
The memory of my dream, where I’d tasted the heart, and his blood, filled my mind. It’d been the heart of my true love. A warm hunger rushed through my body, and I shuddered. Professor Pops noticed.
“What is it, Snow?”
“I dreamt of a heart. Of drinking blood.”
Both men started, I somehow perceived their panic.
“Tell us everything. Leave nothing out,” Kenmei said.
I told them about the guys, and that I’d known the heart had been my true
love’s
, but I hadn’t cared. When I finished they didn’t speak for what seemed like forever. Finally, Professor Pops asked, “What did the boys chant?”
I thought a moment. “Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night. Drink your true love’s blood, become the Vampire, Snow White,” I repeated. As I said the words, a thick darkness filled the air. It was as though the Queen entered me.
“This is worse than we believed,” Professor Pops uttered.
“Yes,” agreed Kenmei. “It seems she may have a distinct interest in this one. Perhaps it’s her name, or her beauty. I must admit
,
she does have something extra special.”
The tremor in my hands traveled into my arms, and down my body. “Is there nothing we can do?”
Professor Pops patted my hand. “Yes, of course. But we’ve shared enough with you tonight. Let’s get you home.”
I wanted to yell, tell him I needed to know everything right then. I didn’t, though. He picked me up, tucking my head against his chest. Kenmei said something about the tea, and he set my shoes on my lap. I thanked him, and closed my eyes.
When Professor Pops stepped into the alleyway, I recognized the odor.
“Were you one of her Hunters too?” I whispered.
“Yes, Snow, I was.”
A part of me wanted to be afraid, but I couldn’t. He’d been nothing but good to me. “Why did you leave?”
“The same reason Kenmei did. I fell in love with the girl I bit.” His voice sounded sad.
“Does that happen a lot?” An idea, or an impression wiggled its way into my mind. I tried to grab hold of it, understand it, but too much had happened. Too much information weighed on me.
“Yes, it does.”
I got the impression he wanted to say more. “What happened to the one you loved?” I asked, fearing the answer.
“She died.”
“I’m so sorry, Professor Pops.”
“As am I, Snow White. As am I.”
I fell asleep, the pounding of his heart, the warmth of his arms, and the movement as he walked making it too difficult to stay awake.
When we stepped off the train, my strength vanished. Professor Pops led me to a waiting car. Though I didn’t see his face, I heard Gabe ask, “Will she be alright?”
“I hope so. That’s what we’re here for.”
Chapter 3
W
hen I woke my immediate reaction was anxiety. This isn’t my room, I thought. The bed was king-sized, and made out of brushed pewter. The sheets were white as was the comforter, and pillowcases. Everywhere else hung posters of the Patriot’s—Dorian’s favorite football team. For the briefest moment I wondered why Gabe hadn’t let me sleep in his room. Then he walked in, a mug of something steaming in his hand, and all thought left me. I focused on the emerald green of his eyes, and his smile.
“Hi,” he said, sitting on the bed next to me.
Seeing his teeth made me think of morning breath, and the fact that I hadn’t brushed last night. Covering my mouth, I sat up, and responded, “Hi back.”
He laughed, and moved my hand. “So, you’re a revenant? How you handling the news?” He held out the mug, its steaming contents dark and uninviting.
Taking it, I pressed the cup to my lips, and took a small sip. Then said, “Yep, that’s me. Snow White, the revenant. And I’m handling the change,” I paused gauging my real feelings. “Fine.” I shrugged. A part of me wanted to tell him everything, that I heard his heart thumping, the sound of it pumping blood through his veins, and how I longed to reach over, and taste him. I didn’t. Instead I swallowed a large portion of bloodlust tea.
“Good.” He pressed a quick kiss on my cheek. “You up to going to school?” Gabe asked, standing.
I searched for a clock, trying to hide the flush his warm lips touching my face caused. “Is it Monday already? Can I go to school? Isn’t Professor Pops afraid I’ll eat someone or something?”
Gabe laughed. “Drink your tea, and you should be fine. That’s what Pops says.” He walked to the door. Before leaving, he added, “There are towels, and girly… stuff in Dorian’s bathroom, including some clean clothes.” He inclined his chin toward the open bathroom door. “Don’t freak out, but yes, the shirt I chose for you is pink, and it’s in your size.”
I pulled back the covers, and got out of bed. My socks had been removed, but I’d slept in my clothes. “Gee, thanks,” I said, throwing a pillow at him. It landed straight in his face, and he fell, smacking his head against the wall with a thud.
I gasped, and ran over to him. “Gabe. Gabe. Can you hear me?” I grabbed his arms, and shook.
He groaned, and his eyes blinked open.
“Wow, I’m so sorry. Remind me never to throw a pillow again.”
“You’ve got some arm.” He sat up, massaging the tender area. His amplified heartbeat pounded like a drum in my ears. A delicious scent saturated his pores, like honey. Without meaning to, I leaned into his neck, and drew a deep breath. His hands pressed against my shoulders, determinedly pushing me away. His expression hung guarded.
I shook my head. “Are you okay?” I asked, working to comprehend what I’d almost done.
“Yep, all good.” He jumped up, as if to show how good he was. “You mostly caught me off guard. But, you’d better finish your tea.”
“Right.”
“Hurry, and get ready. Pops made breakfast.”
I nodded, and closed the door.
In the bathroom I searched my reflection for changes. Opened my mouth, and checked my teeth for needle sharp fangs. Flexed my muscles. They looked the same. “You’re still you,” I said, pulling off my shirt, and turning on the hot water.
***
After my shower, I dressed rapidly. Gabe had picked out a pink shirt with GO GREEN across the chest. I liked it. I liked the jeans too. They sat low on my hips, and draped baggy. What I had issues with were the cotton, hot pink bra, and undies. For one thing, they fit perfectly. Not that I had a lot going on up top. I was a good, solid B cup. How would they know though? Also, the undies were my style, except for the color. I usually wore white underneath everything.
Do I want to know? The thought ran through my mind more than once, and I decided no, I definitely did not want to know. Some things were better left unsaid.
After sliding on a pair of socks, and my converse, I brushed my hair, and gathered my dirty clothes. From the back pocket of my jeans a piece of paper sailed to the floor. I bent, and picked it up. Unfolding the letter, I read:
Dearest Snow,
You have been bitten by your Hunter, and are now a revenant.
Congratulations.
The strong survive, and only one will have the pleasure of becoming my new host.
Now is the time to play. Build up your strength. Enjoy all your new body has to offer. Find your true love. Get your fill of him physically, emotionally, spiritually, and then consume his heart.
You must do so by your eighteenth birthday. I believe in you,
Snow
. You are passionate, and that is why I’ve chosen you.
The sooner the better.
Yours,
Sabina, Queen of the Vampires
My hands shook. The letter had been written by her, in—I sniffed the red ink—and knew instantly. Blood. Dread surged through me. She could be anywhere, yet I knew nothing about her, not even what she looked like.
Quickly, I went downstairs, the letter still clutched in my hand. The aroma of toasted bread permeated, and I hurried into the kitchen.
The guys were in varying degrees of feeding their faces. But when I walked in, they all froze.
I ran a hand through my still-wet hair.
“What’s wrong?” Gabe came over immediately. I held out the note.
“You guys aren’t playing tricks on me?” I tried to laugh.
Gabe took the paper, and read it. I watched the color drain from his face.
Professor Pops came over. From his shirt pocket he pulled his wire-framed glasses. Gabe handed him the letter. After reading, he set it on the counter, replaced his glasses in his pocket, and wiped a hand over his face.
“Do all the marked receive a note from her after they’ve been bitten?”
His face looked bleak. “In the past I’ve heard that more than one have received something similar. I must speak with the other Protectors.”
The brothers circulated the paper. Had I not been panicked to the point of passing out, I might’ve laughed. “How many Protector’s are there? Are you all drone vampires who’ve left the Queen’s… hive?” I asked, focusing on Professor Pops navy button down shirt.
“There are several. Not all of us are Hunter’s. Some are Worker’s. Others are unusual creatures that know of the Queen. All of us have pledged our promise to destroy the Vampire Queen.”
I tucked my hands in my back pockets, and started pacing. “Can you though? She’s been alive thousands years. You’ve been fighting against her for like, forever. What hope is there that you can accomplish this? I mean really?” I felt bad for stating it so bluntly, but facts were facts. Might as well get them into the open.