21 Books ||| Seven Magics Academy ||| The Ultimate Fairy Tale Bundle

By RaShelle Workman

Over 4500 pages of magical fairy tale romance! Dive into the modern paranormal world of the Seven Magics Academy and prepare to be captivated by this ultimate reimagined fairy tale omnibus. With vampires, dragons, witches, werewolves, fairies, and more, this collection is like no other!

Snow White: Snow White has never been more than a klutzy teenager until the hunter shows up and sends her into a paranormal world. She'll need her best friend and her seven hot neighbors to help her become the woman she was meant to be before the vampire queen destroys her.

Cinderella: Cinderella has her future all planned out with her angelic boyfriend. But when her fairy godmother shows up and tells her she belongs in another realm and to another man, she must make things right. But the fate of her realm rests in her hands and her choice of husband.

Jasmine: Jasmine is a vampire with wings. And she hates them. So, when she meets a genie, he promises her three wishes. From the moment she utters the first one, the world is thrown out of balance. Now, she must put away her foolish love and find a way to save the world.

Aurora: Aurora's been dreaming of her first kiss since she can remember. So, when she gets it from her crush, she's beyond estactic. Until she finds out that his kiss awakened her curse. Now she must figure out how to reverse it. Or if she even wants to.

Alice: Alice is half demon. Her whole life she's trained for one purpose. Killing her sire. But when a strange man arrives in her life, everything changes. And she's placed on a path between two men and two worlds. One holds the key to her heart while the other holds the key to survival.

Rupunzel: Rapunzel aka Wysteria was taken and imprisoned many years ago because of her powerful magic. So, when she escaptes her towering prison and returns to her town, it's difficult to adjust. And then she sees him. The one she crushed on as a preteen. Now he's grown into a gorgeous man. Except he isn't a man at all anymore. He's someone she fears. Can she love him despite what he's become. And not only that but will it even matter when her tormentor comes to take her away once again.

Belle: "For your vanity, your cruelty, and your cold, unfeeling heart, a curse I leave upon you..."

The stunning Beatrice Cavanaugh is considered American royalty. She has everything except the ability to love. Cursed on her eighteenth birthday, she becomes more beastly than ever, having a newfound craving for raw meat, and an undeniable yearning for the night. Bitterness is her only companion.

After accusing a maid of stealing, a disgustingly kind and exquisitely handsome man named Adam shows up, asking Beatrice to drop the charges against his mother.

Infuriated by his goodness, Beatrice vows to break him.

Destroy him.

Make him suffer.

So she agrees.

On one condition: Adam must take his mother's place as her servant in the mansion.

Because Beatrice won't stop until he's more beastly than she is.

_____

Plus Bonus Content!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Booklover Legion
• Release date: May 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005365035

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

21 Books ||| Seven Magics Academy ||| The Ultimate Fairy Tale Bundle

21 Books ||| Seven Magics Academy ||| The Ultimate Fairy Tale Bundle

MODERN PARANORMAL ROMANCE FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS

BLOOD AND SNOW * FATE AND MAGIC * QUEEN OF THE VAMPIRES * DEADLY WITCH * ROYAL WITCH * VAMPIRE LIES * VAMPIRE SECRETS * VAMPIRES & GARGOYLES * VAMPIRES & DRAGONS * VAMPIRE MAGICS * A BEAUTY SO BEASTLY * HIDDEN PRINCESS * BROKEN CURSE * STOLEN MAGIC * ALICE IN DEMONLAND * ALICE FIGHTS DEMONLAND * ALICE TAKES DEMONLAND * ALICE IGNITES DEMONLAND * ETERNALLY ENTANGLED * THOROUGHLY TOUSLED * INFINITELY INTERTWINED + BONUS SHORT STORY

RASHELLE WORKMAN

Polished Pen Press, LLC

Copyright © 2020 by RaShelle Workman

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Edited by: Jen Hendricks & Debbie Davis

Cover by: Jerry Bonifacio/Phoenix Design Studio

For inquiries, please email RaShelle at [e-mail].

Visit RaShelle’s store for more books @ https://rashelleworkman.myshopify.com/.

Contents

Introduction

Blood and Snow

1. He Isn't A Kitten

2. Yeah, That's Funny

3. Kind Of Sexy

4. What About Chace

5. Butterfly Kisses

6. Snowflake

7. Train To Boston

8. You're Just Jealous

9. Water Dragons

10. Deadly Serious

11. Bloodlust Tea

12. Bees In A Hive

13. Hot Pink Bra

14. Pledged To Destroy Her

15. Do I Tell Cindy

16. What You Desire

17. I Wanted His Blood

18. Gladly Be Your Boyfriend

19. Stake Christopher

20. Unofficial Lesson

21. Part Of Who You Are

22. I Like You

23. You Saved Me

24. I Don't Do Dresses

25. Love Your Shirt

26. Symphony Of Heart Beats

27. My Queen

28. Chemistry Together

29. Failed Him

30. Catch Christopher

31. Shimmering Wings

32. Eat You For Dinner

33. New Born Vampire

34. Stained With His Blood

35. Bossy Pants

36. Original Vampires

37. Twice A Day

38. Keep Your Hair On

39. Revealing Their Fangs

40. Ignore His Beating Heart

41. I Want You

42. Dorian Eyed My Fork

43. My Canines Grew

44. Museum Of The Supernatural

45. Innate Goodness

46. Patch Things Up

47. Abernathy's Spells

48. Did Cindy Take It

49. Cool You're A Witch

50. Glass Fell Like Rain

Fate and Magic

1. Kiss Me

2. The Vampire Queen

3. You're A Mess

4. Poisoned Apple

5. You Are A Vampire

6. Hello Snowflake

7. Are You Real

8. I Was Evil

9. Maybe I Deserved It

10. I Love You

11. You're So Beautiful

12. Needed To Escape

13. Half Angel

14. Kiss Me

15. Happy Birthday

16. Sweet Sixteen

17. Be There In Twenty

18. Pink Lip Gloss

19. Mr. Unicorn

20. Where's Your Mask

21. Birthday Party

22. Five Layers Of Red

23. Destiny

24. Flaming Sword

25. Of Two Minds

26. Two Souls One Body

27. A Piece Of His Soul

28. Sensuous Lips

29. Holy Monster

30. Sirens Circled The Boat

31. Snooty Blue Blood

32. My Favorite Blood

33. I Call Her Envy

34. Mingle With Your Magic

35. Fulfill That Desire

36. Envy

37. Inside My Head

38. My Fate

39. Not Sane

40. Christopher

41. Eyelashes Fluttered

42. Loss Of Fairy Wings

43. Dna

44. Kill Him First

45. Scent Of Lilacs

46. Hard Choices

47. The Little Imp

48. I Have A Surprise

49. Shatter Me

50. Unknown Creatures

51. Back To The Future

Queen of the Vampires

1. Red Hot

2. Love And Light

3. Come Away With Me

4. My Blood Is Yours

5. Dream Crusher

6. Miss Virginia

7. Lions, Tigers, And Dragons

8. Know Your Destiny

9. Borders Of Mizu

10. Mermaids Are Fish

11. Eel Skin

12. Are You Happy

13. I Have A Dragon

14. You're Glowing

15. Someplace Safe

16. Plans For The Chayot

17. Sacrifice Yourself

18. If You Love Me

19. I Need You

20. Saved Us All

21. Fresh Pain

22. The End And The Beginning

23. Secrets Revealed

24. Happily Next Life

25. Light Some Candles

26. Made Of Stone

27. Senseless Death

28. Missed You

29. Broken And Bruised

30. Slapped Him Playfully

31. Clean Soap

32. Defeating Sharra

33. True Love

34. Gorgeous Husband

35. Seven Magics

36. Body Against Mine

37. Night Pixies

Chapter 38

Deadly Witch

1. A Grim Smile

2. Magical Shield

3. Altered With Magic

4. Lumia

5. Saved Me Dessert

6. Fairy Godmother

7. Introductions

8. Extremely Rare

9. Normal Is Overrated

10. Not Ordinary

11. What Am I

12. Leolas

13. Lose My Number

14. Mirror Mirror

15. Leo Is Sketchy

16. They Are Huggers

17. Soul Of Polonias

18. A Diary And Letters

19. Chat With Quilla

20. Posies

21. A Rabbit Truth

22. Senor Saucy Pants

23. Magical Trees

24. Party Crasher

25. I'll Go With You

26. Easily Lose Myself

27. My Thighs Trembled

28. Stupid Boys

29. Stopped Loving You

30. They Are Brothers

31. The Truth

Royal Witch

1. Witch Mists

2. School Dance

3. Someday Isn't Good Enough

4. Sacrifice

5. Polly's Paradise

6. Wedding A Stranger

7. Trust Is Foolish

8. Save This Land

9. Await My Fate

10. Burned At The Stake

11. Stryker

12. To The Rescue

13. It's My Turn

14. Healing Takes Time

15. The Death Keeper

16. He's Looking For Me

17. Make Us Work

18. Party Sparkles

19. Resurrection Spell

20. Glimmer Of Fear

21. Ties Thicker Than Blood

22. Is He An Angel

23. Haunted House

24. Siphon Her Powers

25. What Happened To Gabe

26. Angel Fight

27. A Proposal

28. A Wedding

29. Leave a Review

A Beauty So Beastly

Introduction

Prologue

1. You Aren't Invited

2. Want To Kiss Me

3. A Curse I Leave Upon You

4. The Diamond

5. Beck And Call

6. A Deal

7. Snapping Her Neck

8. Ride In Your Ferrari

9. He Was Tender

10. Loopy Letters And Chicken Scratch

11. Agony Inside Of Me

12. So Completely Evil

13. First Shift

14. I Am A Beast

15. Naked and Tangled

16. Acting Weird

17. A Kiss Full of Feelings

18. In Total Darkness

19. A Werecat

20. Red Warrior

21. Beastly Strength

22. Gargoyles and Vampires

23. Werecat Form

24. Instinct Wins

25. Steak A La Raw

26. A Surprise Visit

27. Swear An Oath

28. Do What I Must

29. Uncontrolled Ability

30. Linger On The Bed

31. Frightening Creature

32. Let Go

33. Tall Tale

34. Grand Entrance

35. A Little Nakedness

36. More Beastly Than You

Vampire Lies

1. Spring Fling Dance

2. Heavy Caterpillar

3. By Their Blood

4. Fight My Battles

5. Destroy All

6. Want More Land

7. Secret Cave

8. Master Requests It

9. My Mom's House

10. Rub A Lamp

11. Shopping

12. Human School

13. First Day Jitters

14. Locker Trouble

15. Vintage Rules

16. I Want You

17. Tattoo Trouble

18. Secret Party

19. Demura

20. Fangs In Your Neck

21. Make You Mine

22. A Bad Dream

23. A New Trend

24. Hot Guys

25. Kissed Me

26. Drank Her Blood

27. Essence Of Evil

28. Late For School

29. Eleven Brothers

30. Blanketed Fears

31. Magic Carpet

32. A Wicked Deal

33. Destroy Them All

Vampire Secrets

1. Ripped Away My Wings

2. Actually Human

3. Troy In A Tree

4. Glad You Are Here

5. Worn Leather

6. Akuma

7. Combat Boots

8. Hunting

9. Tribal Tattoo

10. Abrea

11. Cave of Lost Souls

12. Komoni Tree

13. Old Hunters

14. Circus Tent

15. Unstoppable

Vampires & Gargoyles

1. 89 Days Until Total Darkness

2. Vampire Hunter Diet

3. Foolish Girl

4. A Giant Whale

5. Death Happens

6. Ash Lined Her Face

7. Not A Monster

8. Hang On Princess

9. Frog In My Throat

10. You Look Better

11. Goodbye Grandmother

12. Momentary Fear

13. Professor Pops Part One

14. Professor Pops Part Two

15. Professor Pops Part Three

16. 47 Days Until Total Darkness

17. Gargoyle Realm

18. It Isn't Afraid

19. I Must Be Dreaming

20. Raunchy Thing

21. Dragon Boy

22. Sucked To Be Me

23. Gargoyles

24. My Property

25. Emperor Edge

26. The Creators

27. Blood Bond

28. Wizard's Chamber

29. Freaking Damsel

30. Goblin Shark

31. Dragon Statues

32. Stop To Make Out

33. Selfish Jerk

34. What I Deserve

35. Relief And Worry

Vampires & Dragons

1. 33 Days Until Total Darkness

2. Christopher

3. Blood-Flavored Cake

4. Sense Of Dread

5. I Had Power

6. Fifteenth Century

7. Master Blacksmith

8. Joan Of Arc

9. Deep Resolve

10. Stalking Us

11. Wolves

12. Coming War

13. Knights In Shining Armor

14. Green Fire

15. Full Of Love

16. A Little Awkward

17. A Rainbow

18. Her Visions

19. King Arthur

20. I'm A Monster

21. Pain In My Head

22. 25 Days Until Total Darkness

23. Desperate Anxiety

24. Dragon Dream

25. Prophecy

26. You'll Be Alone

27. Motherly Irritation

28. Silindra and Jasmine

29. 18 Days Until Total Darkness

Vampire Magics

1. Athwana Meyana

2. Hot And Cold

3. About The Crown

4. Into The Cave

5. Smelly And Gross

6. A Vampire Genie

7. Seven Huntsmen

8. She's Alive

9. Enormous Nests

10. Lirle, The Dragon

11. Ondror's Magic

12. A Fighter

13. Slayer Of The White Dragon

14. Nipaforte Wood

15. Wings

16. Access To Your Neck

17. An Announcement

18. One Year Later

19. The KPID

Hidden Princess

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Broken Curse

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Stolen Magic

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Alice in Demonland

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Alice Fights Demonland

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Alice Takes Demonland

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Alice Ignites Demonland

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Eternally Entangled

1. Escape

2. Through The Curtain

3. My Deepest Desire

4. Breath of Familiarity

5. Like A Drug

6. She's Half Angel

7. I Want More

8. Sneaking Out

9. Green Eyed Monster

10. I Want Him

11. Can't Help Myself

12. It's Not A Disease

13. Heaven Or Hell

14. Body And Kiss

15. Head Spins Faster

16. Leave a Review

Thoroughly Tousled

1. Behind The Murders

2. Compelled Me

3. Slayer Type

4. Roommate Chat

5. It's You

6. Little Pieces

7. Make It Right

8. Always New

9. Taste Every Inch

10. Queen Of Awkward

11. He's Family

12. Reel Feelings

13. Cousin Is Fishing

14. Party Face

15. My Little Secret

16. Die, Doug, Die

17. A Meeting With The Dragon

18. Chocolate Muffin

19. Destiny Will Find Me

20. Blood is Divine

21. Fountain of Youth

22. The Death Squad

23. Sober Kiss

24. Who Changed You

Infinitely Intertwined

1. Crack My Knuckles

2. We’re Related

3. No-Good Thief

4. Golden Letters

5. Dangerous Situations

6. Deep Down

7. Supernatural Madness

8. Human Realm

9. Vampire Speed

10. Slithers Around

11. More Rustic

12. Pool of Blood

13. A Ship

14. Little Blood

15. Delicate Balance

16. King is Gone

17. Wedding Day

18. Winter Gala

19. Elven Realm

Tangled Christmas

Introduction

1. Gift-Giving

2. Cowboy Boots

3. Compulsion

4. Move Fast

5. Can’t Keep Her

Leave a Review

About the Author

Also by RaShelle Workman

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this massive bundle. Included are twenty-one books + bonus content!

This bundle features YA modern reimagined fairy tales with some of our favorite princesses, including:

Snow White

Cinderella

Jasmine

Belle

Aurora

Alice

Rapunzel

and more!

These stories are full of paranormal twists and a whole bunch of romance and is rated PG13 for some violence, sensuality, and language.

All sex in consensual and off the page.

Each princess gets her own happily ever after, too!

Blood and Snow

A SNOW WHITE REIMAGINING BOOK ONE

Blood and Snow

Chapter 1

He Isn't A Kitten

I've had several seriously sexual daydreams about the new guy. Have you seen him, Snow? Cindy fanned her face with her hand while she spoke.

Cin, too much information. I don't need to hear about your boy crazy fantasies.

We forced our way down one of Salem Academy's busy hallways as we spoke. Directly in our line of sight appeared Jesse, a guy from the football team.

He was handsome, except for the fact that I'd known him since elementary school and knew he was a walking turd.

He winked, and I blanched, thinking for a split second that he'd winked at me.

Cindy. Babe. Looking good. He made a point of checking her out.

Don't you know it, Cindy said, giving him a coy smile.

He hadn't been winking at me but at Cindy. I wasn't wink worthy.

Whatever.

I was fine with that. I had plenty to deal with, and worrying about what guys thought of me wasn't one of them.

Except that wasn't totally true.

We exited the throng of bodies to my locker. I turned my combination and lifted the latch, letting my backpack fall off my shoulder.

Most of my books were online, saving me from shoulder and back pain, but occasionally some assignments required a good old-fashioned book.

I unzipped my backpack, took my social studies book and my chemistry book, and jammed them into my bag before slamming the door.

You can never get too much information about hot guys, and let me just say, wow! Cindy rested her petite frame against the locker next to mine. Her bright baby blues twinkled in anticipation.

I hefted my backpack onto my shoulder. Apparently, he's cute? I asked, closing my locker.

She snorted. Cute? No! He isn't a kitten. He's dazzling. I'm talking completely gorgeous, and he has a voice that could melt chocolate.

Sounds delicious, I said, laughing.

We wound our way back into the mob of students on our way toward the gym.

Cindy had a way with words. It'd been like that since the first time we met in kindergarten when she traded me her cream cake for my apple. I don't think you should eat the apple, Snow White.

We'd been friends for more than ten years.

She was different than me in every way, except for our eye color.

She was the epitome of a waif while I towered over her at five foot eight.

She had blond hair that hung to her hips and was always perfectly styled.

My hair was coffee brown and stopped just below my ears.

Her clothes looked like they'd come straight out of her latest fashion magazines. It was the same with her nails, makeup, and jewelry, including the heart-shaped stud in her belly button.

Me?

Well, let's just say I didn't own any makeup, and my clothes consisted of baggy jeans and sizeable old tee shirts, thanks to my seven best friends and their hand-me-downs.

My nails were stubby, and my ears weren't even pierced. Honestly, I wondered if Cindy found me embarrassing sometimes.

It could've been because she felt sorry for me.

The same year she and I met, I jumped out of a swing, cutting my arm on something on the ground.

At the hospital, it was determined I had hemophilia, a rare blood disorder. Which basically means my blood doesn't clot like other people's.

After that trauma, most school activities and recess became out of the question. Thankfully, my hemophilia was one of the milder cases.

A girl walking by bumped into my shoulder.

I glanced at her, but she just kept walking.

Rude!

I shook my head, noticing that Cindy was looking at me. What? Then remembered the guy.

He sounds nice. I shrugged. What did she want from me?

Snow! Cindy stomped her foot. Nice isn't even a proper word. It's in the same arena as fine, good, okay, and pure. She shuddered, clinging to her sparkly blue notebook with even more fervor.

What's wrong with pure? I asked, unable to help laughing at her indignation as we turned a corner before heading down a set of stairs.

She jogged down the steps to keep up. Nothing if you're Snow White. A look of amused disgust sat on her face.

I pulled the locker room door open. An immediate whiff of steamed perfume smacked my nose. It was extra hot in there as well as muggy.

Cindy followed me in and sat on a bench while I changed into my workout clothes.

I would've been self-conscious had it been anyone else since I tended to bruise easily, and there was always at least one or two on my body. They looked worse than they were.

I was thankful for my body because I knew I could do more than a lot of people.

Growing up, my mom hadn't coddled me per se, but she had been extra cautious.

Once my mom died and my dad remarried my stepmother, all caution went out the window. She thought I needed to be whipped into shape, which was why I was currently dressing for track practice.

I can't believe your dad and stepmother are still forcing you to participate in this nonsense. Haven't they seen you run? You're an accident waiting to happen, and you don't have to wait long. She tenderly touched a more recent bruise above my knee.

I huffed. Rude! But it was the truth.

I ran like a herd of super klutzy elephants or a drunken rhino.

Hence, the bruises. I wasn't graceful or fast. It was just sad.

Still, my dad and stepmother had agreed to buy me a laptop if I participated. I think they hoped I'd get some rhythm or become less bumbling if the coach gave me some pointers.

Both Coach Sorensen and I knew there wasn't a snowball's chance I'd become more agile anytime soon, but he understood why I tried so hard.

For the sake of a laptop, I'll let you stay on the team, he'd said. But I couldn't let you participate even if I wanted to. Not with your issues.

That was fine with me. With our mutual understanding, I went to every practice and every meet, holding up my end of the stupid deal.

I knew my dad thought the idea of me running track was foolish, but he kowtowed to my stepmother, and I didn't want to make waves.

Sadly, my disgraceful running behavior had made me the brunt of several jokes.

Hide the dust bunnies, Snow's on the loose. We don't want her to fall. Unfortunately, that one had been making its way around school lately.

But others popped up every so often.

What's the difference between Snow and a tree? they'd ask.

Answer: A tree sways, Snow falls.

And another: What do a leaf and Snow have in common?

Answer: They both fall.

The lamest one of all: Why'd the chicken cross the road?

Answer: Because he was afraid Snow would fall on him. The jokes weren't really funny or even that creative, but they were shared within my earshot on a regular basis.

Want to hear the latest joke? Cindy asked, as though reading my mind.

I gave her a look I hoped said, no freaking way!

It's actually kind of fun-ny, she said in her sing-song voice.

I plopped down next to her and slid on my shoes. Do I have a choice?

Chapter 2

Yeah, That's Funny

Snow? C'mon. She smacked me playfully on my super white knee.

I couldn't help but notice how sun-kissed and perfectly shaved her legs were compared to mine. I'd missed a spot or two - or three - in the shower this morning.

Sighing, I nodded reluctantly and pulled up my tube socks.

What's the only thing that runs slower than Snow White?

I double-knotted my shoelaces, waiting.

Come on, ask.

Fine. I grimaced, leaning my elbows on my thighs. What?

A strangled snicker escaped her glossed lips. A snowman, she said, laughing hysterically. Get it? Because it's snow, and it can't run because it has to legs.

I forced a smile. Yeah, that's funny. Standing, I slammed my locker with more oomph than intended. The noise reverberated through the locker room.

I wasn't angry.

No point.

It was true.

Running and me were like oil and water, or rocks and battery acid; we didn't mix.

Still, I didn't enjoy hearing the jokes very much.

I'll see you later. I stood, clutching my fists at my sides.

Hey, we still watching a movie tonight? She took hold of my wrist, her voice pouty, and I knew I'd hurt her feelings.

That wasn't my intention. She hadn't come up with the joke, after all.

Without a doubt, I knew she wouldn't do that.

Of course. Want to meet at the regular spot around nine? I asked, trying to relax the strain out of my face.

A brilliant smile lit her up. Yep, I'll see you after my shift at Bertilini's. Invite the guys if you want.

The guys she referred to were my next-door neighbors, who also happened to be my best friends.

Their names were Bart, Sebastian, Daniel, Dorian, Gabriel, Heathcliff, and Salvatore.

They lived in a mansion with an old professor by the name of Adam Henry.

I called him Professor Pops because that's what the guys called him.

He wasn't their real father as far as genetics went, but I'd never seen a man love his sons more than Professor Pops loved his adopted boys.

Sometimes I got a little jealous since my dad and stepmother were gone a lot - like right now.

They were in St. Bart's doing what, I had no idea.

Staying away from me, probably.

Cool. See ya. I raised a hand in farewell and pushed open the door that led out onto the field behind the school.

Au revoir, she returned, waving.

I smiled to myself as I went outside.

It seemed French was the latest foreign language Cindy decided to study in her free time. She'd already tried to learn Italian, Chinese, and Spanish.

Chewing a nail, I headed down the stairs. One of my steps was too big, and I started to fall forward. Stretching out my arms, I braced for the inevitable, closing my eyes out of habit.

Skinned hands and bruised knees, along with embedded pavement rock, would be a part of my very near future, along with a possible trip to the ER.

But the fall never came.

Someone had a hold of me.

He or she smelled like sweat and spicy cologne: oranges and cinnamon, maybe.

The chest felt taut, and the hands seemed large. I was betting a guy caught me.

Slowly I peered through my lashes.

Dazzling hazel eyes watched me. His lips turned up in a half-smirk.

You should be more careful. That fall would've hurt.

You're singing to the choir, buddy, I said, blushing as I flopped around like a dying fish.

Then made matters worse by trying to stand and smacked him in the mouth with my forehead.

A drop of rosy, red blood immediately formed on his bottom lip.

He helped me onto my feet, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I was shocked he didn't immediately run away.

All guys did.

Sorry about that, I said, studying his handsome features.

His hair was a sandy blond, and he was tanned.

I absently noticed that he was at least six inches taller than me, making my heart do an excited pitter, skippity-skip, pat since most guys were either shorter or as tall.

I'd always had a thing for taller guys, not that it mattered. I'd never had a real boyfriend, and I was pushing sixteen. 

It's okay, he said, a strange look on his face.

I couldn't figure it out but guessed it fell somewhere between abhorrence and shock.

I touched his lip with my thumb and wiped the blood on my shorts.

Yeah, not the most enchanting of moves. No, it isn't. Really, is there anything I can do? Help you find the nurse? Get you an ice pack?

I guessed that since I hadn't seen him around before, he must be the new guy all the girls had been gossiping about.

Not that I could blame them.

Salem, Massachusetts, wasn't very big, and most of the families had lived here for generations, so a new student propelled the school into a frenzy the way blood excited sharks.

Nah, I'll be fine. I noticed his black shorts hung low on his hips, and, if it wasn't for the white tank, I might've seen more than I'd bargained for.

As it was, I was able to see a lot. Muscles rippled down his arms. He had a trim waist and great-looking legs.

I blushed brighter, guessing both cheeks were now the color of radishes.

Okay. I glanced at his running shoes. Are you on the track team?

I hope so. Coach is having me try out.

Oh, no. If he didn't do well, it'd be my fault.

Good luck, I said, looking up.

Thanks, but I don't need luck. He smiled, showing two straight rows of white teeth. Reminded me of a toothpaste commercial. You wanna watch me?

Yes, sure. I smiled back.

He didn't seem upset or hurt, and his lip wasn't even swollen.

I'm Chace Charming, he said as we headed toward the field.

I snickered, and he gave me a sideways look.

It's nice to meet you, Charming. My name is Snow White.

One glance was all it took to know he understood what was so funny.

What were our parents thinking? he asked. I've considered having my last name changed. But if you can deal with yours, I guess I can deal with mine.

He bumped into my side. I would've gone flying, except faster than I thought possible, he grabbed hold of my arm and held me vertical. 

I know, right? I couldn't help the punch of excitement running through my veins.

I was glad Chace and I walked together because I tripped two more times before he led me to a bench, where I gave the coach a thumbs-up and happily sat for the duration of practice.

Chapter 3

Kind Of Sexy

I didn't have my driver's license yet. Two more months and then it was look out world, figuratively and literally.

What I did have was an old purple Schwinn, which was what I rode to meet up with Cindy.

The night air was clammy - the kind that made me wonder why I bothered to shower that day - and the sky sparkled with crisp stars and a full moon.

The perfect night for magic, I thought only half wistfully and snorted.

But I did live in Salem, after all.

If magic were going to happen anywhere, it'd be in our town.

Our regular spot was a movie rental place called Warehouse Video.

Classic movie posters were plastered on the windows, and a neon sign hung along the top.

It actually said AREHOUSE VID thanks to several missing light bulbs, but I liked it that way. It was our house.

The place probably would've closed up a long time ago, but the owner's son got the brilliant idea to add a coffee shop.

The inside reminded me of what I thought a seventies disco would look like, and it smelled like stale popcorn and frothy coffee.

It was fantastic. At least I thought so.

The adults? Not so much, which is probably why I loved it.

Cindy and I had been coming here since we were thirteen.

Carefully getting off my bike, I grabbed the bike chain, stuck it in between two spokes of my front tire, and locked the other end to a chipped green concrete post.

The parking lot was full of cars and teens.

I searched for Cindy or her blue Altima but couldn't see either.

Gabe, one of my seven besties, was there, though, leaning against his silver CRX.

A flock of girls surrounded him.

He must've said something funny because they all laughed.

I smiled and shook my head.

His eyes found mine, and I sucked in a breath, stumbling backward. My hands and butt hit the pavement at about the same time.

Gabe pushed through the girls and rushed over.

Jeez, Snowflake, if you wanted my attention, all you had to do was wave. This falling all over yourself, for me, is unnecessary.

He stood there with his hands on his hips, smiling at me, looking stunning.

He knew about my blood disorder, but he also knew not to fuss over me because I didn't like it.

He leaned down. I mean seriously. His gorgeous green eyes were filled with humor. 

Gabe was good at teasing me - the best of all the brothers - but I'd recently developed a serious crush on him somehow, and I took everything he said way too personally.

Ha-ha. Could you help me up, please? I asked through gritted teeth.

He put a hand around my waist and his other out for me to grab.

Heat spread over my face and down my neck at his touch.

I couldn't look at him.

If I did, I'd get a close-up view of his beautiful face and dark brown hair that curled slightly, perfectly, in a way that made me want to touch it and wrap my fingers in it.

This whole crushing on my best friend really wasn't working for me.

I pulled my hand from his once I was standing. Thanks, Gabe. But you better get back to your groupies, they're getting impatient.

I moved away, trying to focus on the sting in my hands and not the strange tingle in my heart.

He pulled me back toward him by tugging on the waist of my baggy jeans before forcing me to face him.

He was an inch taller than me, so we were practically eye-to-eye. His green eyes were serious, searching.

I looked away toward the girls, still hanging out around his car. I need to find Cindy.

Snowflake, wait. Are you bleeding? Let me see your hands. He grabbed them, flipping them over.

A couple of rocks were still embedded in the palms, and he tenderly brushed them away, but thankfully there wasn't any blood.

Each place he touched caused a jittery flutter in my stomach like I'd had one too many espresso shots.

I tried to pull my hands away, but he held them firm.

I'm fine, Gabe, I said, flustered, and made the mistake of glancing up. My breath hitched.

You're constantly falling because of these clothes. If you'd wear something that fits instead of, he paused and wrapped his fist in my blue American Eagle tee shirt, pulling me close, so close I could smell his cologne.

It was my favorite, like clean sheets that'd been dried on a hot summer day. This shirt used to be mine.

A wondrous smile ignited his lips and spread all the way to his eyes. Actually, that's kind of sexy.

Gabe quit it. I tried to pull away, knowing my face burned red hot.

He wrapped his hands around my waist, coming in close.

His breath tickled my cheek, warm and delicious. It smelled like minty toothpaste. You aren't always going to think of me as a brother. Someday, Snow. You'll see me the way I see you, he said in my ear, his lips brushing against my hairline before releasing me.

He gave me a wave and started walking. See ya, Snowflake.

Stunned, I watched him go.

Did he have feelings for me?

I really needed to talk to Cindy.

Right on cue, she tapped me on the shoulder and jumped in front of me. So, are the guys coming over for the movie?

Cindy overflowed with bubbly happiness.

I don't think so, I said, sneaking a peek at Gabe.

He'd returned to his car and the flock of girls. They were giggling again. That was one of the reasons I was glad Cindy hadn't dumped me for cooler friends.

Sometimes I needed girl time, and she was my only girlfriend.

Her face fell. Did you invite them?

I gripped her elbow, and we walked into the video store together. I did invite them, told them to meet at my house at ten-thirty. They might show.

I decided to change the subject. Are you going to crash at my place tonight?

No, my parents are taking me to the Cape this weekend.

It was my turn to frown as we perused the old video cases. How come you didn't tell me? I really needed to discuss Gabe.

I just found out, silly. She smiled. Besides, I'm sure the guys will keep you company.

I hid a sigh. There was no way I could talk to the guys about my feelings for their brother. That'd be gross.

Let's find us a scary movie, something that'll let me snuggle up with Gabe. I hope they show. She swiveled around, and I knew she was searching for Gabe because that was what I did.

I paused mid-stride.

Abruptly my mind registered what she'd said. Wait. What? Gabe, why Gabe?

Chapter 4

What About Chace

There were six other brothers, all of them good looking.

Besides, I thought Cindy liked the new guy, Chace. What about Chace? I asked, desperate for her to tell me she was joking.

Her glossed lips pouted, and her perfectly lined eyes got all dreamy.

She looked like one of my stepmother's fairytale figurines.

Nah, I'm over him. Cindy headed toward the horror section and started browsing.

I followed, studying her too-perfect features as she picked up a movie. I plucked it from her hands and put it back on the shelf.

After several movie denials, she crossed her arms. All the girls like Chace. Besides, I talked to him and - She didn't finish but shrugged. He isn't for me.

I had a feeling Chace hadn't gushed over her, which was what most guys did, including my guys, my best friends.

Besides, Gabe is gorgeous and so sweet.

She'd noticed he was sweet. When? How?

Had he done something to impress her recently?

This was just not good. I had a crush on him. 

How about S - She held up the movie case.

I grabbed the movie from her well-manicured hand, cutting her off. Please, no. Not that one again. That movie is terrifying. I shuddered.

The first five minutes, with the girl hanging in the tree. Ugh, the whole movie gave me the heebie-jeebies.

What about a love story, like Titanic or The Greatest Showman? That one has Zac Efron, and I know you like Zac Efron. I wiggled my brows, trying to be enticing.

She paused a moment, debating, then shook her head. Not if the guys are coming. We need gory death and kissing, and jump scares.

I groaned inwardly.

Should I tell her I had a crush on Gabe too?

Even as I thought about telling her, I cringed.

If Gabe knew Cindy was interested, there'd be no contest.

I glanced sideways at her.

She was wearing a baby blue mini skirt with a sleeveless white peasant shirt.

On her feet were strappy silver sandals, which matched the thin silver bracelets dangling from each of her tiny wrists.

Her hair was down and curled to perfection. Her honey skin had that just-lotioned look.

I glanced down at my black Converse and gripped my tee-shirt the way Gabe had. He'd said it was sexy that I wore his old shirt.

I seriously doubted that.

Maybe if I told her how I felt? 

Cin, I started.

Aha, this is the one. She held up the case. It felt like something inside me deflated.

Okay, I agreed without looking at it. I was too stressed and sad to care.

Gatsby, my gray rescue cat, snuggled next to me. He purred softly like he didn't have a single worry. I absently stroked his ears while I tried to block out the frightening images on the TV screen.

Cindy hadn't chosen Scream, but Urban Legends, another horror movie from the nineties.

We weren't sitting next to each other.

I was sprawled out on the leather couch, and Cin sat in the burgundy high back.

She had a bowl of plain popcorn on her lap and a diet soda placed precariously on the brown-carpeted floor.

The family living room was medium-sized and outfitted with furniture that would be considered eclectic.

Nothing matched, but it didn't matter.

The couch, chairs, end tables, coffee table, TV, lamps, and curio cabinets seemed irrelevant compared to my stepmother's fairytale figurine collection.

On every surface stood, or hung, a statuette or painting. I'd counted once.

There'd been over six hundred figurines placed around the house, and the number kept increasing.

I mean, talk about extreme.

Cindy thought it was funny.

She especially loved the Cinderella figurines, probably because she looked identical to them.

Young girls would stop her in the mall and ask if she was the real Cinderella.

My stepmother agreed and even gave her a Cinderella figurine for a birthday.

What was weird, though?

Out of all the figurines, paintings, pillows, dishtowels, and clocks, there wasn't a single Snow White.

There were several castings of the Seven Dwarves, the Wicked Queen, Prince Charming, and even an apple, but no Snow White.

I'd asked her about it once when I was eight and realized she was missing. My darling, my stepmother said. I don't need a Snow White figurine because I have you.

At the time, I thought it was sweet and tried to hug her, but now, I don't know, it just seemed strange.

For goodness' sake, Snow. Open your eyes. You're going to miss the best part, Cindy hollered, throwing a piece of popcorn at me.

It smacked me in the forehead. I tried to glare.

She giggled, which sent me into a laughing fit.

There isn't a best part in this movie. It's icky, and it makes me feel icky. That was the truth, the reason I hated horror movies.

I didn't like how I felt while I watched them, and especially after.

The film was almost over. Cindy would leave, and then I'd be alone in my old, creaky house with only my cat for company.

Are you kidding? Watch this. It's classic. She pointed at the screen as she talked with popcorn in her mouth. Here it comes.

I couldn't and scrunched my eyes closed, wishing I had earplugs to block out the screaming, the spine-chilling music, and the terrible acting.

As I lay there, working to think about anything but the death and mayhem going on the screen, something bizarre happened.

An image popped into my head and began playing like a movie.

I tried to shake it, but it was as though my brain had been hijacked.

A man stood in the trees behind my house. I got the feeling he waited for me to do something.

Several of the guys - Sebastian, Bart, Salvatore, Heathcliff, and Daniel - plowed out of my back door and wrestled with each other as they trampled down the stairs.

They laughed heartily.

I followed along with Dorian, but Gabe wasn't there. They were tossing something back and forth, and I was trying to intercept it, desperate for whatever they were keeping away from me.

Suddenly they all stopped, and their faces turned grave.

Sebastian had the thing I was trying to get in his hands. He and the others circled me. There was a coppery stench in the air, and it made my mouth water.

Sebastian opened his hand.

The thing, whatever it was, beat rapidly, and blood dripped from his fingers.

The guys began speaking together, their voices monotone: Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night. Drink your true love's blood; become the Vampire, Snow White.

I want it. Taking the bloody thing in Sebastian's hand, I brought it to my lips.

It beat faster and faster.

At that moment, I knew it was a heart, the heart of my true love, but that didn't matter.

Sinking my teeth into it, I tasted the blood, felt it run down my throat, like liquid pleasure and I shuddered.

A cackle rang through the night, and profound darkness entered my body.

Now, you are mine, the voice said.

I screamed, grabbing one of the decorative pillows from the couch, and covered my mouth.

Startled, Cindy threw the popcorn bowl in the air.

Fluffy kernels scattered everywhere.

Gatsby gave me an evil eye, rose, and casually jumped off the couch.

He sniffed a popcorn kernel before darting from the room.

Merde, Cindy swore in French. It isn't that scary.

She skulked off her chair and started picking up the mess.

I crossed my arms, embarrassed. Sorry, I whispered, unable to stop the trembling in my limbs or the chattering of my teeth.

Chapter 5

Butterfly Kisses

Gatsby, c'mon kitty, I called quietly into the darkness that was my backyard.

From my porch, I searched the night, waiting to hear the soft patter of his running feet.

After five minutes, he still hadn't come. Obviously, he must still be upset with me over the screaming fiasco.

I stepped back inside, shutting the screen door while keeping watch.

Cin had left already with a quick hug and a promise to call Sunday afternoon when she returned from the Cape.

The guys hadn't ever shown, and Gatsby didn't seem to want my company either.

Stifling a shiver, I wrapped my arms around myself.

I wasn't cold so much as unsettled. The disturbing dream thing, along with that scary movie, had me all messed up.

Instinctively I searched the trees beyond my yard, studying between the low hanging branches that smelled of peppermint, their leaves soft as butterfly kisses.

Would he be out there? The man who watched me in the dream.

A noise like crunching leaves pulled my head in its direction. My pulse picked up speed like a thumping rabbit.

Something moved out there - something I couldn't see.

Opening the screen door, I called for Gatsby again. Here, kitty kitty.

The sound of my own voice made me nervous.

The noise grew more intense.

I'd let the screen door slam behind me and now reached back, grabbing the handle. Opening it, I put a hand to my throat. If it was the man, what should I do?

I wouldn't be safe in the house. I so needed a cellphone.

I was about to turn when two guys stumbled out of the trees and fell onto the grass, laughing uproariously.

A scream escaped my lips before I could stop it.

I clamped a hand over my mouth, realizing it was just Salvatore and Bart.

That's what my eyes told me; the rest of me was frozen in fear.

I wanted to laugh with them. They'd only been teasing; it's what they did.

I'd done it to them on more than one occasion: snuck into their yard and scared them.

You should see your face, Salvatore said, rising and coming toward me. I should've taken a picture. Tears were streaming down his face from laughing so hard.

Bart was in a similar state.

I still couldn't move.

In the dream, Salvatore had been holding the bloody heart, the heart of my true love. The brothers had been tossing it around like they were playing catch before a game.

I shook my head, remembering I'd tasted the heart.

A rush of pleasure rushed through me, and I swallowed back the disgust and guilt.

How-how could you? I stammered, tears filling my eyes. You know I'm all alone. You could've been a psychotic murderer.

I rushed into the house, letting the screen door slam behind me.

I'd seen their stricken faces and knew they hadn't meant to do any harm, but I couldn't act rationally.

Sobs wracked my body, and snot dripped from my nose.

I was losing it, and I had no excuse. 

I ran past my parents' unused bedroom and the bathroom in the main hall until I reached my bedroom.

Flinging open the door, I launched myself onto the bed and buried my head in my purple pillows. My dad, being gone for so long, plus knowing Cindy liked Gabe and the weird daydream, was fuel for my pity party.

The guys scaring me ignited it, and now there would be no stopping the floodgates.

All my sadness, my loneliness, my pent-up hurt, and fears seemed to crash into me.

Wave after horrible wave.

Why had my mother died?

Why had my father remarried such a cold, uncaring woman, and why did they have to leave me alone all the time?

Why did my dad choose her over me?

Why was I such a dork?

The questions went unanswered, probably always would.

My life was what it was, and most of the time, I accepted it, even enjoyed it.

Right now was not one of those times.

I'd fallen into my enormous chasm of hurt and allowed myself to sink in.

Care for one more in your pity party?

At the sound of his soft voice, I stiffened.

There was a thud, and then I felt the bed give as four soft paws jumped up.

Gatsby invited me. I hope you don't mind if I join you?

Two feelings swirled through my heart at once: relief and embarrassment.

Relief, because I was happy he was here. I didn't want to be alone.

Embarrassment because I was a blubbering mess, and he would see me, and I'd never be able to look him in the face again.

Gabe, what are you doing? I asked, casually wiping my eyes and nose on my pillowcase. Gross? Sure. But it was better than him seeing me covered in snot. 

The bed dipped as he sat.

His warm skin so close to mine sent tingles through my belly.

I told you Gatsby invited me, and I never miss a pity party, especially not one thrown by my beautiful best friend, Snowflake.

There was amusement in his voice.

He was trying to make me feel better, but that wasn't the point of my feeling sorry for myself. I wasn't supposed to feel better. It was about misery, and that's what I wanted.

Him saying I was beautiful just added to the many waves of hurt.

It wasn't true, and having him rub that in didn't help.

Go away, I said.

He answered by scooting closer, and I felt my body respond hungrily to his nearness.

I'll go away when I know you're feeling better. Professor Pops knows I'm here. He also has Salvatore and Bart on bathroom duty tomorrow. He wanted me to be sure to tell you that.

Huh, was all I could utter, though I had to smile.

Serves them right. I sniffled.

He shifted his weight and pushed me over slightly, then I felt something fall over me. It was the quilt my mother made.

Tears filled my eyes again, and I squeezed them shut.

Now, I'm just going to lie down next to you until you fall asleep. I've already locked up the house, but I'll lock the back door when I leave, okay? He spoke softly.

Gatsby growled before there was a thud. Gabe dropped him to the floor.

The bed shifted as Gabe got comfortable.

Then there was only his breathing.

I held mine for several long seconds.

He meant it.

Gabe was just going to lie there with me.

I took a deep breath and relaxed.

The moment reminded me of our overnighters when we were younger, sleeping out on the trampoline in our sleeping bags.

The seven of them and me all started out at typical distances from each other, but by morning we'd all slid into the middle - a pajama-clad mashup of arms and legs.

I'd always been the first to wake up, lie there, listen to them inhale and exhale, and wish that was how we could be every night - my brothers and me sleeping under the stars.

Only now, I didn't see them that way anymore.

They weren't my brothers, but gorgeous men and the one next to me had my pulse pounding in my ears.

I took a deep breath, thinking about our overnighters.

They'd ended once my stepmother came into the picture.

She'd pointed out that they were boys, and all boys only had one thing on the brain.

As I listened to Gabe now, I wondered what was on his mind.

After a while, I fell asleep.

In my dreams, there were arms wrapped protectively around me, my back tucked against his chest, legs intertwined.

I heard a whisper. Snow, my Snow. You aren't alone.

My heart soared with happiness in the dream.

Gabe, don't leave me, I whispered back. 

Never, Snowflake.

Chapter 6

Snowflake

The sun peeked through my sheer purple bedroom curtains, its brightness burning my eyes. I was on my side, facing my alarm clock, which said seven o'clock.

Gabe's steady breath tickled my neck.

A weight pressed against my hip - Gabe's arm.

All that had happened last night came crashing back, and he was still there, in my bed with me.

I slowly rolled onto my back.

Gabe shifted.

A smile curled his lips.

It's a bit early for a Saturday, Snowflake. His words were low, heavy with sleep.

Sensual, my mind uttered, and my heart responded by beating rapidly.

Before I could give him a comeback, my nose registered the sultry smell of bacon. Someone's cooking, I whispered.

Do you think it's the psychotic murderer? He's going to feed us before he slays us? he asked, mischievous.

I punched him in the arm. You heard me last night?

Snowflake, I think the whole town heard you. He opened his eyes then.

Two beautiful pools of green searched my face, lingering on my lips before focusing on my eyes.

My skin warmed, and I looked away.

I love it when you blush, he said softly.

You do? I couldn't believe he'd stayed, and we were lying next to each other.

All night.

Did he like me?

What about Cindy?

Should I tell him she had a thing for him?

His hand rested on my stomach, and I wondered if he could feel the electricity buzzing beneath.

Snowflake, I do. He rolled onto his side, and I did the same, his fingers creating goosebumps as they moved back to my hip.

Our noses practically touched, and I suddenly worried about morning breath.

I hadn't brushed my teeth and turned in my lips, pressing them together.

He started laughing. What are you doing?

I haven't brushed my teeth, I said, cupping a hand over my mouth. 

He pulled my hand away. Don't care.

Yeah, but what about your morning breath? It might singe my eyelashes, I said, finally coming up with a snappy comeback. 

He laughed and rotated off the bed. You have a point. Let's go see what the psychotic murderer is cooking along with that bacon.

I grinned, thankful, and disappointed that the moment had ended.

I'll be down in a minute.

He raised his eyebrows in question, and I glanced in the direction of my bathroom.

Ah, was all he said as he went to the door.

A bolt of agony shot into my heart. I didn't want him to leave.

I'd clung to him in my dreams last night.

Awake, I didn't want to stop.

I needed him, with his incessant playfulness and thoughtfulness. On top of that, well, he was hot.

Gabe, I called, hearing the tremor in my voice.

He turned back, concerned. Yeah, Snowflake?

Thank you. I looked down, unsure.

My feelings for him were new, and a part of me wished I could go back to just being his best friend.

He walked around the bed to where I stood and gripped my tee-shirt, which used to be his in his hand, making a fist and pulling me to him.

He lifted my chin with a finger, but I kept my eyes down, focusing on his masculine hands that were big, but not too big.

Are you going to be okay?

I nodded, unable to understand why tears stung my eyes.

He pulled me into his arms, and I reciprocated with a fervor I didn't know I possessed.

Tucking my face in his neck, I held on as though my life depended on it.

We stayed that way until I heard snickering from the doorway.

Professor Pops wanted me to tell you both to come down for breakfast.

It was Bart. He stood there, looking super uncomfortable. 

I cleared my throat.

Gabe whispered, Never, Snowflake. Gave me a pointed look.

My heart leaped into my throat.

Maybe last night's words and the way he'd held me hadn't been dreams.

Promise? I examined his face, his eyes, to see if he was serious.

In answer, he kissed my cheek, and my whole body melted like butter. Promise.

Hurry up, Bart said and disappeared. 

Gabe squeezed my hand before exiting my bedroom.

And I sighed.

After handling the necessities - change of clothes, brushing my teeth and hair, and a bathroom break - I ran downstairs.

All the guys were seated around the kitchen island and at the table. I couldn't help but smile. Having the kitchen bursting with delicious smells, and most of my favorite people filled me with total happiness.

Hi, I said, sitting on the oak dining chair next to Dorian.

The guys were piling their plates with waffles, eggs, and more eggs, and cantaloupe, and strawberries.

Taking a dish, I scooped some of the fruit onto it.

Professor Pops came over and plopped a waffle onto my plate. I looked up. Grateful he'd done so much.

Thanks, Professor, but I'm a vegan. No eggs or milk for me. I grimaced, feeling bad, but I couldn't bring myself to eat anything meat or meat-related.

I picked up the waffle, but Professor placed a hand over mine and patted.

I know all about it, he said. These waffles were made without eggs, and I used almond milk instead of regular.

His gray eyes twinkled like he'd lived a thousand lives and knew everything about everything. 

Oh, I said, setting it back on my plate happily.

Neither my dad nor my stepmother would've been so thoughtful.

Thank you.

You're welcome, he said, the skin around his eyes crinkling as he smiled. 

The notion that he'd come over and cooked for me was incredible and another testament to the reasons I adored him and his sons.

They were extraordinarily good, decent men because that's the example Professor Pops set for them. I had to wonder how he and the guys had gotten in and where all the food came from.

My refrigerator held yogurt, apples, raw almonds, and orange juice, and I had some vegan, whole-wheat pasta, and tomato sauce in the pantry, but that was about it.

I wasn't going to ask him, though.

That would've been rude.

Besides, I was too busy stuffing my face with fruit covered waffles.

Gabe sat at the island, his back to me, so I didn't get a chance to talk to him during breakfast.

There'd been a lot of grunting and chewing going on after Sebastian uttered a quick prayer, but not much else.

The food was divine.

Salvatore and Bart had apologized, clearing the air.

Afterward, I helped Professor Pops clean up the kitchen. When it was just the two of us in the kitchen, Professor Pops filled the large sink with hot water and dish soap.

A perfectly good stainless-steel dishwasher had been installed next to the sink, but he wanted to hand wash the dishes. 

You know, we could throw these in there. I pointed at the dishwasher.

True, but where's the fun in that? He wriggled his eyebrows, and I giggled.

Pops handed me a plate.

I dried it and placed it in the cupboard.

Your sixteenth birthday is in two months, he said out of the blue. 

It is, I agreed, curious about where he was going with his question.

Have you made any plans yet?

Chapter 7

Train To Boston

I stood beside Professor Pops and took another plate he handed me. It was hot, and I hurriedly dried it.

Not yet. My parents won't be back from St. Bart's for a while, so I'm not sure.

He didn't say anything right away.

I looked up.

His jaw flexed, and his eyes were scrunched as though he had to concentrate on washing the plate.

Professor Pops had thick gray hair. He was tall and lean.

I figured he'd probably been very handsome when he was younger. As it was, I'd say he was distinguished.

He had on a pair of tan slacks, a red and white checkered button-up shirt, and a tan sweater with dark suede patches at the elbows.

On his feet were loafers, and in his left breast pocket were silver wire-rimmed reading glasses.

He was the epitome of what I believed a Professor of Religion should look like.

Well, a professor of any kind, really.

After I put away the dried plate, I came back for the next one.

It isn't a big deal. Maybe I'll invite the guys and Cindy over to watch a movie. That'll be fun. 

He blew out a breath, and I deliberated if I'd made him mad. 

Professor? I asked tentatively.

He dropped the plate in the soapy sink, letting it splash and turned to me.

Taking the towel from my hands, he dried off his and then placed it on the counter.

Snow, I know I'm not your father, but I've come to look at you as an adoptive daughter over the years. I'm very fond of you. His eyes glowed as he spoke.

I know, I said, my insides tingling with the sweet warmth of his genuine love for me.

But I was curious as to what he was getting at.

I really appreciate that. Thanks again for making me breakfast. 

We waved a hand dismissively. I intend to call your father and stepmother, the words came out like they were laced with acid, "and ask their permission, of course, but if you let me, I'd like to throw you a birthday