Sun Poisoned

By Nikki Rae

Sophie’s life has changed. She’s moved to New York, she’s playing music for new people, and she’s making new friends. Then there’s Myles, and the fact that he is now her boyfriend—and everyone knows it. There are a lot of new things to take in, but Sophie has no problem adjusting.

She’s not exactly normal, living in a half-human, half-vampire world, but she’s finally, truly happy. But some parts of Sophie and Myles’ old life still hide in the dark, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.

Sophie’s having nightmares again, but they aren’t about her; Myles is hiding something that she’s not sure she wants to know.

And one lie will change everything.

No matter how hard she tries to cover up the marks her monsters have left behind, they never truly go away, and Myles’ monsters are no different.

Once again, Sophie’s caught between life and death, but this time, only she can save herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nikki Rae
• Release date: Jun 27, 2013

Nikki Rae

Nikki Rae is an indie author and college student. She loves books, writing, animals and tea. She's a shy, but friendly creature, so feel free to say hi. : )

Book preview

Chapter 2

I was so excited to do such normal things with you.—The Dresden Dolls

I'm running through the woods.

It's dark, the moon is full, there are trees stretching their arms up to the night sky, and there’s a lake, not far from where I am. The water is black, but there are solid chunks of ice floating in it. The ground under my feet is wet and cold, and dead blades of grass bite into my bare ankles like snakes.

My chest feels heavy, and I can’t keep from coughing . My lungs aren’t working the way they should. My breathing comes in and out in raspy tremors. The clothing I’m wearing is thin and flimsy. It looks like it was once a white nightgown, but there’s brown and red stains on it now.

There's no one following me, but I'm afraid there will be.

I trip on something and my face hits cold, hard ice. This part of the lake is frozen.

Cracking under my weight.

***

Hey, Sophie?

My eyes take a few seconds to adjust to the light in the living room.

Light blue eyes meet mine. Myles? My voice is hoarse and I can't catch my breath.

I take his hand, which is on my face, and place it on the couch next to me so I can sit up.

He adjusts himself so he can give me some room.

Are you okay? he asks.

I glance at the clock on the cable box; it's ten in the morning. Did you stay here last night?

He shakes his head.

I try to replay what happened last night in my head. I came home from Club Midnight with Myles. We were kissing and then we weren't. I got a text from Manny asking what time he wanted to practice today. Then after I freaked out in excitement for a while, I got changed into my pajamas and we started watching a movie. I don't remember falling asleep.

I came back just now, Myles says.

I sit up slowly. Why?

He shrugs. Had a feeling.

It happened again.

At first, the nightmares were memories of the accident. I would think I was being force-fed pills, or my arms were being broken. But they were always something that happened.

These aren't. I’ll have dreams about Michael and him hurting—killing—people I don’t know. Sometimes I’ll be asleep and think I’m awake, that it’s all real and he’s there, talking to me.

Why didn't you tell me the nightmares were this bad? Myles asks like he doesn't want to upset me.

He knew I was having them sometimes, but I didn't want to worry him with nonsense.

I shrug. I've had them before.

Myles rests a hand on my shoulder and I glance at him before returning my attention to a blanket that's been thrown over my legs.

About what? he asks.

I decide to start with the lighter of the dreams. When I was little my mom took us to the park. I used to get nightmares of when I first found out about my sun allergy.

He nods.

Then after Stevie and Jade's prom. . . I can't finish it.

What was this one about? He changes the subject either because he's uncomfortable or doesn't want me to be.

It's not important.

I convinced myself a while ago that maybe my dreams have just changed. It doesn't have to mean some big, weird thing; people dream about crazy, scary crap all the time.

Myles’ lip twitches, but not in a happy way when I look at him. Tell me?

I take a deep breath and let it out. I've been having dreams about things that haven't happened to me, I say.  Usually, my nightmares have been about stuff I wanted to forget.

Myles nods once. I thought so.

What do you mean? I try to keep my voice calm.

I don't want you to get upset.

Well that's a way to start a conversation that won't be upsetting at all.

Okay, he says, taking a long time to continue. Blood. . .carries memories and emotions. He leans in closer and I rub my eyes with the back of my hand.  That's important for you to know.

I nod.

Michael’s blood was in your body, and so was mine.

So. They're your memories? I ask. One of you?

He shrugs. They could be. What was this one about specifically?

I relay the dream to him in short, clipped sentences.

That has to be one of Ava's memories.

An instant knot forms in my stomach. What? I more mouth than say.

Our blood carries our own memories as well as the ones of those we have bitten. He shifts uncomfortably on the couch.

So you—

No. Never, he interrupts. "Michael bit her."

I can tell there's more that he's not saying, so casually, I stretch my stiff arms in front of me and glance at the clock again in a failed attempt at using the excuse that it's too early to talk about these things. Ten-twenty. Damn it. Okay. Tell me.

It’s comforting that Myles looks just as uneasy. Are you sure you want to know about this? It’s kind of…scary.

I sigh, Should I drink coffee now or after you tell me?

His face twitches in a wry smile. It’s probably better if you drink it now.

Okay then. I stand, throwing the blanket onto the couch and walking the short distance to the kitchen. Myles follows me and sits at the counter. I turn on the coffee maker and pretend to wash some already clean mugs in the sink while I wait for it to brew.

Dating a vampire, I knew it was only a matter of time before more weird supernatural shit happened; I just wasn’t prepared to be involved this time.

Alright, I say, setting down two black coffees on the counter and taking the stool next him. I have about an hour before I have to get dressed. Go.

Myles takes a small sip of his coffee. Remember what I told you after the winter formal?

About Michael? And how he used to and still was doing horrible things? Nah. Yeah.

Well, Ava was one of those people. Myles stares blankly at the table top. He tortured her…among other things. He stares at the steam coming out of his cup. I’ll give you the shortened, not detailed version.

Kay.

Michael destroyed her life. Trust me when I say that. He takes another sip of coffee. Then he infected her.

Infected her? With what?

Myles leans in closer now, his hand grazing the tiny scar on my left temple. His blood.

Oh. I push my coffee aside; there’s no use trying to drink it now.

And remember when I told you that I helped someone that he was hurting?

I swallow. It was Ava.

He nods. About five years ago, I helped her and Evan escape.

Wait…Evan too?

Myles nods again. It’s a really long story. It would take a while to explain it all. He grabs my hand now, gently squeezing it.

Okay. I don’t really need to know all the horrible details, I say. Am I going to have weird dreams like this from now on?

No, he says, taking his hand away so he can curl his fingers around the mug in front of him, his knuckles turning white for a second. They’ll eventually become less frequent and then they’ll stop.

I don’t even try to conceal my sigh. Good. Then I grab my cup again, relieved enough to drink it, but not completely put at ease. We can now change the subject.

Myles laughs. You have practice with Honus today, right?

A smile spreads across my face. Yeah, I say.  Then I have to go to the club and work the merch booth until about eleven.

I told you, you don’t have to do that, he says.

I want to, I say. I want the whole band experience. This is part of it.

He nods, but he still doesn’t look like he gets it.

What are you doing today? I ask.

He shrugs. I have to meet Evan for a while, but after that I’m sure I’ll think of something. I’ve been thinking about taking Malakhi to a dog park. Maybe Boo and Trei will want to come?

Yeah. You should ask them.

Have you told them about practicing with Manny yet?

I texted them, I say. I’m not sure who’s more excited.

He smiles. I think it’s you.

Yeah. I guess. I mean, if I wasn’t so wigged out, that is.

Myles leaves around eleven thirty and I take the longest shower known to man.

It’s usually pretty cold in the practice spaces because the air conditioning is cranked up in the anticipation that the bands will get all sweaty from rehearsing, so I dress in layers: a black tank top under an oversized, white God Save The Queen T-shirt that was once Jade’s until I stole it. He cut off the sleeves so the armpits stretch all the way to my love handles. I throw on my black ripped jeans and tuck the legs into my boots.

I slip my phone into my pocket, and decide on carrying my trench and sunglasses in case we finish early and they want to go somewhere outside.

I climb down the flight of stairs that take me to the practice rooms a few minutes before noon and Manny is already waiting outside of the room, leaning against the wall and wearing white shorts and red Converse.

His raspy voice greets me. Hey, you made it.

There are sounds of intermittent and random instruments trying to break through the closed door in a muffled wave

Of course I made it. I try for confidence, hopefully it works.

Well, come on. He gestures for me to follow him, one hand on the doorknob. "I want you to meet the