Fate and Magic

By RaShelle Workman

An ages-old secret. An endless supply of blood. Will Snow get her happily ever after or be forever stuck in the mind of an original vampire?
Vampires and magic have become my new normal, and I’m living my own kind of fairy tale. On my sixteenth birthday, my best friends throw me a masquerade. And even though I’m a self-proclaimed tomboy, I’m excited to celebrate. That is until malicious supernaturals crash the party and ruin everything, forcing me to use a magical artifact to save those I love.

Now I’m stuck in the mind of an original vampire and required to live out her life and witness her betrayal by those she holds most dear. There’s only one way back, and I’m desperate to change history.

Without my friends, it’s clear what I must do, but if I succeed, my new friend will wind up dead.

★★★ Fate and Magic is the second book in the #1 bestselling Seven Magics Academy series. If you like unputdownable storytelling, well-developed characters, and vampires with a great romance, then you'll love RaShelle Workman's fast-paced and fun reimagined fairy tale. ★★★

✓ #1 in Paranormal Fantasy

✓ #1 in Horror

✓ #1 in Teen Romance

✓ #1 in Science Fiction & Fantasy

✓ #1 in Fairy Tales & Folklore
__________
Seven Magics Academy World:

Blood and Snow
Fate and Magic
Queen of the Vampires
Deadly Witch
Royal Witch
Vampire Lies
Vampire Secrets
Vampires & Gargoyles
Vampires & Dragons
Vampire Magics
Hidden Princess
Broken Curse
Stolen Magic
Alice in Demonland
Alice Fight Demonland
Alice Takes Demonland
Alice Ignites Demonland
Eternally Entangled
Thoroughly Tousled
Infinitely Intertwined

• Language: English
• Publisher: Booklover Legion
• Release date: Sep 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463836132

RaShelle Workman

Booklover Legion brings together authors and readers who love: ya fairytale reimaginings, supernatural suspense, paranormal cozy mysteries, steamy contemporary romance, heartfelt romantic suspense, sweet romance, sexy ya science fiction, and paranormal romance.Authors include:RaShelle Workman ~ YA Fairytale ReimaginingsRachel James ~ Supernatural SuspenseBess Morgan ~ Paranormal Cozy MysteriesRuby Carr ~ Steamy Contemporary RomanceLayla Jones ~ Heartfelt Romantic SuspenseAnn Hardy ~ Sweet RomanceShelly Saber ~ Sexy YA Science FictionCaroline Asher ~ Paranormal RomanceBooklover Legion is a subsidiary of Polished Pen Press, LLC.

Book preview

1

KISS ME

After losing everything, there was only one option.

Jump.

Go all in.

With both fangs.

It was the punishment I deserved after what I'd done.

Before a few months ago, I didn't eat meat.

Now I craved blood.

As a full-fledged vampire, I couldn't get enough, and I'd decided to embrace it.

Accept my new lot in life as a wicked supernatural creature.

I'd become something I hadn't believed possible, but now that I'd changed, the truth was, I liked it. 

At least while I partook.

Afterward, when the blood haze faded, guilt would edge its way in.

I hadn't killed another human, not since Gabe, but killing him was horror enough.

It ate at my heart.

I remembered the grotesque way his body lay on the floor. The way Professor Pops and the guys looked at me with loathing, disgust, and fear.

But I deserved it. 

I'd become a monster and killed a boy I thought I might love.

A brother.

A son.

He'd kissed me, and I'd repaid him in blood.

Lots of it.

Maybe even all of it.

My vampire need enveloped me, and I let myself give in, even relished the sensation.

At those thoughts, my mind grew darker, and I shrank further away from everything that had to do with my former life.

I kept running.

Where didn't matter as long as I was further from where I'd been, the kind of life I lived before - my ordinary life. 

I blocked memories of my father, my wicked stepmother, the amazing boys who were my neighbors, and the man who loved them. I buried thoughts of Cindy, my cat Gatsby, and Christopher. None of them mattered anymore.

Not to the new me.

Even the name of my home town was forgotten. 

All I cared about was blood.

How I could get it and how much I wanted it.

No longer an in-between - part human and part revenant.

I was a bloodthirsty fiend with an unquenchable thirst.

I had become a vampire.

With interest, I fixed my gaze on the night sky.

Inhaling deeply, I smelled the air. Tasted it. Searching for the coppery fragrance I wanted.

It was there.

Past the rushing wind, through the woodland filled with fir and eucalyptus trees, and down on the sandy shore.

The distinct smell of the ocean. And blood.

Pulsing.

Pounding strong in the veins of two humans.

Fast.

Tantalizing.

I let out an unearthly scream and sprinted forward.

Toward my fix. My drug of choice.

When I was only a few feet away, I slowed down, each silent stride closing the gap between me and my prey.

The humans were in the throes of passion.

They were on a blanket, kissing and losing themselves in each other.

The sight burned my eyes, and my heart as unbidden memories of Gabe cut through me.

I needed to forget.

Drinking the humans' blood would help, would fill me up in ways nothing else ever could.

I stepped closer, the edges of my dirty black Converse touching their blanket while my heels sank into the soft sand.

The girl opened her eyes and stopped kissing the boy. Some skanky girl is watching us. What a perv. She glared before rolling her eyes.

The boy swiveled his head. Get out of here, he hollered. She smells, he said to the girl under him. 

She giggled again, probably grateful the guy on top of her didn't find me attractive.

Since my change, I discovered it didn't matter what I looked like.

With ease, I could change a human's feelings, compel them to come to me, desire me, and even lust after me until I drained them into unconsciousness.

I knelt beside them. Look at me, I demanded, my voice silky-smooth.

The boy whipped his head around, a sliver of fear shading his brown eyes.

He was handsome and lean, and his blood smelled slightly like Gabe's.

I swallowed. 

Get the hell away from us!

He tried to shove me, but I didn't budge.

The angry fear in his eyes grew.

Look into my eyes, I ordered, enjoying the rush, the adrenaline.

Knowing I possessed all the power.

He did as I said.

You smell delicious, I said.

Fear left his eyes as they dilated.

The change in his demeanor was swift.

He got off the girl, who let out an annoyed huff, and came to kneel beside me.

While he stared at me like a good puppy dog, I took the girl's chin.

Do you like the color of my eyes? I'd discovered with girls that they couldn't resist such a simple question despite whether they sensed danger or not.

I think it stemmed from the innate need to compare one's self to another.

Such a pretty thing. I watched her blush in the moonlight, the crimson of her blood rushing into her plump cheeks.

Th-thank you, she stammered. Her dilated cinnamon eyes were no longer interested in the boy next to her but totally focused on me.

What are your names?

As one they spoke.

Ashley.

Kevin.

Hunger pulsed in my veins.

My fangs fought for release, and my mouth watered.

You won't remember meeting me. Understand?

They nodded. 

Good. Now, Ashley, lie down and go to sleep.

Immediately she obeyed.

She closed her eyes, and I watched her breathing deepen.

Kevin still kneeled. His large eyes desperate to please. He had a babyface. Sweet.

Probably seduced a lot of girls with that face.

He wasn't wearing a shirt, and I absently noticed his chiseled abs, the way his faded jeans rested low on his hips, and his finely manicured hands.

I swallowed again. The monster in me wanted to pounce and make him scream. But I resisted. Kiss me, Kevin.

He licked his lips before pressing them against mine.

At his touch, I closed my eyes and pretended I was in Professor Pops' basement, kissing Gabe.

The boy deepened the kiss, grabbing my shoulders, pulling me on top of him, just like Gabe.

My pulse pounded rapidly. My need was strong.

I wanted to take this boy's blood - all of it.

I straddled Kevin, tilting his chin up with one hand.

2

THE VAMPIRE QUEEN

The guy whimpered as though he knew what I wanted.

I allowed my fangs to grow.

His eyes got wide with fear.

I liked that - the horror in them. Bending down, I took in his scent before sinking my teeth into his tender flesh.

His blood filled my mouth, and I swallowed the coppery warmth hungrily. Professor Pops' words strutted across my mind: Promise me you won't drink from a human for more than ten seconds.

Internally I counted to ten. But didn't stop. Eleven. Twelve.

I finally released Kevin.

He lay unconscious, his breathing weak but there.

The bite marks would heal quickly.

The venom I released with my bite was like a liquid cure. Only a bruise would remain. He tasted good, but I wanted more.

Dissatisfaction sat on my tongue.

Quickly I moved to Ashley.

I lifted her into my arms, and she stirred.

Kevin. Her eyes fluttered open and then widened momentarily.

It's okay, Ashley.

Her pupils dilated, and I knew she was mine to do with as I pleased.

Let me see your neck.

She lifted her head, exposing her milky skin.

When my fangs sank into her, she gasped and grabbed my head, pulling me closer.

I drank greedily until her arms went lax.

Eleven.

Twelve.

I had to push the ten-count limit. It was hard enough to stop at twelve.

Releasing Ashley, I laid her on the blanket next to Kevin.

They seemed so peaceful.

Ashley and Kevin wouldn't remember me, but I would remember them.

You're outstanding, a woman's voice purred. Most of the marked don't have the strength to pull back before the human dies.

At being caught, I flinched and backed up at the sound of her voice. All of the newfound power and grace I recently obtained vanished.

Did she know what I was?

What I'd done?

She must.

She said I was marked.

That meant she had to know something.

Her face was hidden in the shadow of a large hood.

Gingerly standing, I wiped the sand off my pants and moved in front of the unconscious bodies.

Wh-what? That was all I could eke out.

It felt like some of the sand from the beach had been poured down my throat.

Don't be demure, Snow White. She took a step forward.

The moonlight caught her blood-red lips.

They were curled into a smile.

Before me stood the vampire queen. 

I'm not. I wasn't. I mean, I don't know what you're talking about, I said, crossing my arms.

Her laugh was low and creepy. Flicking the hood off her head and exposing her jet-black hair, she sighed. Yes, you do.

For some reason, knowing who she was - the vampire queen - made me relax, made me feel more human and less of a monster.

It was as though a heavy burden lifted from my soul.

She wouldn't judge me.

With her, I had nothing to fear, at least not right now.

I was drawn to her.

If anyone could understand what I'd done to Gabe and what I'd just done to the humans, it was her. You're right. I do.

At my words, she glided to me, quicker than a blink, placing an icy cold hand around my wrist. Come, I have much to show you.

Okay, I responded, though I didn't need to.

We were already in her realm. Sharra.

The domain she'd named after herself.

Not only were we in her kingdom, but inside the castle, specifically, in the room where Christopher and I spent the night together.

My hand went to my throat, searching aimlessly for the necklace he left me - the one I tossed away like garbage.

The one I was told was meant to destroy the vampire queen and restore balance.

I shivered, afraid.

The room looked exactly the same: Lush, golden bedding. Even the magical mirror.

Fragrant air filled my lungs.

This was where I belonged.

The vampire queen released me. Why don't you freshen up? She indicated a bathroom I hadn't noticed before.

Are you leaving? I'd been alone for days, maybe even weeks.

I wasn't sure, but it felt like an eternity.

Her presence seemed to chase away the memories, the guilt.

As soon as you've cleaned up, I'll be back. I promise. She walked out of the door and was gone.

I went into the bathroom, which was big as my house, and sat on a golden chair in front of a gilded mirror.

The reflection staring back was scary, and I cringed.

My short, black hair was longer, tangled, and matted.

Dirt streaked my face.

My clothes were dingy and caked with blood and other things I didn't want to think about. How long have I been gone?

In Sharra, the Winter Solstice has begun. In the world of humans, it is the fifth day of November. The voice was deep and resonated within my chest.

It seemed to come from the proximity of the mirror.

I was too tired to freak out.

Leaning forward, I searched for a body to go with the voice.

My name is Zenny. I reside in all of the mirrors within the castle. As he spoke, a funny looking man with lemon yellow hair and skin the color of a copper pot strolled across the middle of the mirror.

He wore forest green and navy-blue checkered pants, a red shirt, a white vest, and white shoes. I would've thought he was a clown, except for the seriousness of his features.

Deep grooves etched creases between his eyebrows.

His honey eyes held mine with a stern demeanor.

Oh. That means it's been more than two weeks since I left. I bit back a sob as memories of my loved ones broke through the wall I'd built up against my pain, shame, and sorrow.

Swallowing, I forced the wall back together with my anger and lust for blood.

Zenny sniffed, bringing me out of my reverie.

I would guess at least that long by the smell of you. Peel off those clothes and throw them into the fire. The hearth on my right suddenly roared to life.

3

YOU'RE A MESS

When you've disposed of your filthy clothes, step into the shower, and I'll send Fina and Trina to assist you in scrubbing off all the debris. He sniffed again.

No, thank you, Zenny. I untied my shoelaces. I can take care of myself. I don't need Fina and what was her name? Treeny.

Trina, dear. And I think you should reconsider. He walked across my reflection to my left cheek, licked his thumb, and pretended to wipe off a dirt streak.

Funny, I said, sarcastic.

He wrinkled his nose. I'm not trying to be funny. Really, you're a mess.

Fine, I get it. Now can you leave so I can shower in peace?

Humph, he snorted and walked to the edge of the mirror.

Before he was gone, I remembered my manners. Thank you, Zenny.

He turned to me, his face ablaze with happiness. Of course, Snow. Then he was gone.

I quickly stripped and, doing as Zenny commanded, tossed my clothes into the fire.

The shower was steaming as I stepped in, allowing the water to wash away layers of grime. There was some lemon-scented soap, and I lathered it up before scrubbing my skin.

My mental wall melted and thoughts of Gabe, Professor Pops, the brothers, Cindy, my dad, stepmother, and Gatsby - hopefully, someone fed my poor cat - filled my mind and stung my heart.

Had Professor Pops held a funeral for Gabe?

Images of Professor Pops and the brothers all dressed in dark suits, white shirts, and ties mocked me.

The brothers walked somberly, three on each side of Gabe's cherry wood casket, toward Professor Pops and the gravesite where they would lower Gabe's cold, dead body into the ground.

Tears, hot with hurt and devastation, trickled down my cheeks.

What have I done?

Unable to keep myself standing, I curled into a ball on the shower floor, and that's where I stayed as I wondered if my dad looked for me, if he knew what I'd done.

Probably not.

Did anyone even care?

Not that they should.

I'd committed the ultimate sin.

Murdered a fantastic person.

I didn't deserve anyone's love or support. I deserved to die. That's what it said in the Bible: an eye for an eye.

If anyone was searching for me, it was probably to find me and punish me. I shouldn't have run. I should've stayed and suffered the consequences of my actions.

A part of me still struggled to believe what I'd done.

It was easier to pretend he lived - that somehow, he'd survived my vicious attack and was only wounded.

Was it possible?

How could I find out without returning?

Should I go back?

A wave of determination washed over me.

I would go home and face the consequences. If that meant death, then so be it.

Standing, I quickly washed my hair before getting out of the shower and drying off. Now that I'd decided, I was in a hurry.

Though, I had no way of getting back.

I was in Sharra, not the human realm.

I wrapped myself in a large red bath towel and sat in a golden chair.

A pearlized brush with soft white bristles appeared near my right hand.

Absently I picked it up and began the arduous process of removing the tangles from my hair.

How would I get back? In the past, when I'd come to Sharra, I went back without trying. Someone or something always pulled me between the two realms.

Zenny, I said quietly and waited.

He shuffled to the side of the mirror. How may I be of service?

I tightened the towel closer around my body. How do I get back to the human realm?

He became agitated at my question and started walking in circles. You can't leave. The queen won't allow it. She brought you here for a reason. You have to stay. 

I nodded, showing him I understood. Of course, he was loyal to her.

That's fine, I won't go anywhere until she allows it. But, if the time comes, how do I leave? I asked, gulping down a slice of fear.

His eyes grew large, and he bowed deeply. My queen, he whispered and scurried out of the mirror.

I turned.

She was at the door.

Sharra.

Wearing a pair of holey black jeans and a black tee-shirt with the words: Love Bites scrawled in red across her chest. She wore no makeup. Her hair hung