Invidia

By Nicci Sefton

In this fantasic sequeal to her first book, Luxuria, author Nicci Sefton deepens the relasionship between Annabell and Derrick. Along the way secrets are releaved and Annabell learns that evny can be deadly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Total Publishing
• Release date: Oct 8, 2009
• ISBN: 9780881441017

Nicci Sefton

Tulsa author Nicci Sefton creates a world between the living and the undead from which a love story unravels 2008 Nicci won her first national writing contest by describing her wow first kiss with boyfriend. Since then she hasn't looked back. A 2008 graduate of Tulsa Union Public Schools, Sefton now has two novels under her belt, Luxuria and Invidia. These are coming of age tales written in the vampire genre. Sefton connected with her publisher, Total Publishing and Media, through a booth at the Tulsa State Fair several years ago. Her book Series is called "The Deadly Sin Series"

Book preview

Chapter 1:

Masks

Annabell kicked her coffin’s lid off and jumped out, panting. She held her head in her hands, trying to catch her ‘breath’. She wrapped her white lacy robe tighter before walking out of her walk-in closet into her glorious white and gold room. She sat down at her vanity and pulled up her curls into a ponytail that fell down past her shoulders.

They say when you dream you experience a long forgotten memory of some kind. Though Annabell hadn’t seen the night her family was slaughtered by Eliza and her family, that’s how she pictured it in her mind’s eye ever since she was told the truth about the De Leon’s fall. It had been the same dream for decades and nothing else. Except for recently.

She had come face to face with Eliza once and escaped with her life. Since then it was known throughout the underworld Eliza had dubbed them mortal enemies. She swore she would kill Annabell before a prophecy came true; a prophecy Annabell had never heard about until then. She hadn’t told Derrick any of this because after Annabell had escaped Eliza Snider, she’d never heard so much as a whisper about Eliza. Which was perfectly fine with her.

She hadn’t had that dream in a while, though the son’s part was new this time. She wasn’t too keen to dream again unless it was of her beloved boyfriend, Derrick. She smiled at a picture she had taken of him on one of their midnight picnics. All though she was now able to go out into the sunlight after drinking Jules’s blood and gaining that ability, she was still very cautious about it because she didn’t burst into flames anymore, the stinging from the sun was excruciating still, and Derrick would humor her by taking her on romantic midnight picnics.

She sighed at the memories, then shook herself out of fantasies. She stood and glided out her door. The next moment she was in the morning room where Precious was watching TV and Lucy was sitting on the arm of a white recliner reading the Sunday newspaper over Jonathan’s shoulder. None of them looked up but once Annabell sat down next to Precious, Lucy said:

You have the weirdest dreams, Annie.

Annabell shot her a cold look. She found it very annoying when Lucy intruded on her daydreams of Derrick, but more so when she intruded on her nightmares… I thought we talked about this.

Lucy laughed. I couldn’t help it. I heard you screaming across the house, and I wanted to make sure you were all right. Who were those people? They looked familiar.

Anything interesting? Annabell asked Jonathan, ignoring Lucy’s question.

Jonathan grunted. Nothing really, the usual human stuff. Stock market, town hero saves family from fire, someone famous, blah, blah, blah.

Precious giggled, and Lucy looked down at her husband with a little sparkle in her eye.

Has Derrick called? Annabell asked, looking at the clock.

I was waiting for that, Jonathan said, still not looking up. He’s parking as we speak.

Annabell shot up. Why didn’t you tell me! she screamed. She ran toward the door. I’m not even ready!

They laughed as Annabell ran from the room. The doorbell rang, and they heard Annabell scream again. Lucy got up from her seat and went to open the front door. Annabell was running back to the morning room to grab something she forgot. Lucy opened the front door to find Derrick standing there with his hands in his pockets, smiling.

Good morning Derrick. Annabell is - Annabell whooshed by letting out a little squeak when she caught sight of Derrick. Derrick laughed at the floor. - apparently having a heart attack, come in.

Thanks, Derrick said, stepping over the threshold. Sorry to come by so early.

Lucy shook her head. She was always different at home, much more motherly than the non-social, yet sweet, gothic girl at school. Forget it. We’ve been up for hours, except Annie of course.

Annabell rummaged around in her closet trying to find something decent to wear for whatever Derrick had planned. She started throwing clothes across the room until she heard her door open and froze, catching the familiar scent of Derrick. She smiled.

Wow, I think there’re clothes from the ’50s here, she heard him say. She laughed at his sarcasm.

There are and some from the ’20s too, Annabell said, going back through her clothes.

No ’80s or ’70s?

Just leg warmers. Lucy has all the ’70s clothes.

Derrick appeared at the doorway of her closet. He paused for a second when he saw her white-with-gold-trim casket in the back. Annabell looked at it too. Sorry, she said throwing clothes over it, trying to conceal it as much as possible.

Derrick shook his head. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t seen it. He had actually laid in it for laughs at least twice. One of the many reasons Annabell loved this boy. He didn’t care that she was…not the normal girlfriend.

So what’s on the agenda, besides Clare’s Halloween party? Annabell said, deciding on a light turquoise sweater and jeans.

Derrick turned, still leaning on the doorway, so as to give her some privacy. Well, if you don’t mind, the Stouts need me to go to the store for groceries.

Annabell pulled her head through the sweater. I don’t mind. I will admit I still find eating to be silly but… she shrugged and laughed. She heard a chuckle from Derrick as she pulled on her jeans.

You know, you used to eat too, he said over his shoulder.

Annabell shrugged. I know, but not for a long, long, time. She touched his shoulder and he turned.

His eyes lit up when he saw her. Annabell laughed and kissed his cheek. She took out her pins in her hair and grabbed a black ribbon pulling half her hair back into it. It was much harder to fix her hair without a mirror, but she had a lot of practice.

What car are we taking? Annabell asked, heading for her door.

Derrick shrugged, following her down the hallway, Doesn’t matter.

And by that you mean your car, right? Annabell said, raising her eyebrow.

"You mean my truck," Derrick pointed out. Annabell laughed. Ever since he’d denied Jules’s car and he had saved up enough money for his very own truck, he had offered to drive just about everywhere. The truck wasn’t as glamorous and big like Paul’s, but he loved it.

Fine, I’m ready to go, Annabell said, grabbing her purse from the staircase.

Have a good time, Lucy said, waving at them as they walked out.

Annabell lounged over the shopping cart, looking at the cereal, bored. Derrick knew she hated grocery shopping, but she always offered to go with him.

I don’t understand why there’s such a variety, Annabell said as Derrick threw in two boxes.

Different flavors, Derrick said, checking off cereal on his list. Besides, you have a variety too.

Not like this. Annabell said, gesturing to the boxes. We have A, AB, B, positive, negative, but it’s the same really, except yours.

Mine.

Yeah, you’re B positive, she fidgeted. My favorite kind…

Well,it wouldn’t be if you had changed me two months ago.

Annabell shot him a shut up look.

Ok, what about foxes and humans?

Humans are just more filling. Some vampires believe there’s a distinct difference, but blood is blood to me. Herbivores do taste slightly different, but it’s the carnivores that have more protein.

They looked up and saw a woman frozen with her mouth slightly open, barely blinking at them. They smiled nervously at her.

She’s big on protesting vegetarians, Derrick said.

The women smiled nervously and backed out of the aisle quickly. Annabell lowered her head frowning. Derrick put his arm around her, hugging her tightly and kissing her ear. Annabell shrugged him off and pushed the cart forward. Derrick watched her sad form walk away. Derrick knew it made her uncomfortable when similar conversations like that reminded her of being a vampire or people looking at her like a monster.

Derrick followed her around the corner and saw Annabell staring at the meat, not moving with a pained look on her face.

Annie?

Annabell’s nose wrinkled, like she was furiously trying to hold back tears. Derrick looked at her and saw her eyes were black and look down at the bloody packaged meat.

Annie?

Annabell let out a breath, but her expression never changed. She closed her eyes and Derrick saw a glint of red in the corner of her eyes.

I’m so sick of pretending to be normal and hiding who I am, she said, shaking. At least when I was wild I never hid. I was free. But now… she turned to Derrick. I want to be normal. I want a normal life with you.

Then change me. It’ll be kind of normal. At least for you…kinda. Annabell shook her head looking back at the meat with the same painful expression. You almost did, at the opening party.

You weren’t ready.

"I’ll never be more ready."

You’d be surprised, Annabell breathed

Derrick frowned. He understood why she’d changed her mind, but that still didn’t mean he wasn’t going to stop bugging her until she said yes. But now was neither the time nor the place.

So what are you going to wear for Clare’s party?

The corner of Annabell’s mouth curved up into a smile. She knew what he was doing. Secret.

You, Lucy, and Precious doing a team thing?

For once, no. Lucy usually makes us, but this year I wanted to do something different.

Which is?

Annabell put a finger against her lips. Nope. She pushed the cart towards the cash registers.

Derrick rolled his eyes and laughed, following her. What’s with vampires and secrets? he said, as he started putting the groceries onto the counter.

It adds to the mystery and sexiness, Annabell said, leaning against the counter and winking. Derrick smiled when he saw Annabell’s eyes were back to a sterling gray. He loved the color of her eyes. They made her even more mysterious because when she looked at him, it was like she was seeing right through him and into his soul. And when she smiled they really did sparkle.

Right… Derrick said. They waited for the cashier to scan everything and Derrick swiped Mrs. Stout’s card.

What are you going as? Annabell asked, grabbing a few bags and following Derrick out to the parking lot.

Haven’t decided.

You should go as a vampire, she laughed, piling the bags into the truck’s bed.

Why?

Why not? Halloween is a chance to pretend to be something you’re not or wanna be. You wanna be a vampire, God only knows why, she said, muttering the last part to herself as she got in the truck.

So you must be going as a human, Derrick said, then he faked yawn. Boring.

Ha, Ha, very funny. she said. But no, I pretend to be human everyday. My costume is awesome.

Derrick was about to start up his truck when he saw Paul pull in right in front of him. He honked his horn and waved. Paul looked up and waved back. Derrick rolled down his window as Paul walked over.

Hey guys, he said.

Oh, Paul, you don’t look so good, Annabell said, leaning closer to get a better look.

Paul leaned away from them. Yeah I’m not feeling so good, came by to pick up some meds.

Guess you’re not coming tonight? Derrick asked.

Sorry, dude. Paul coughed. I’d better go before I infect you.

He slumped off into the store as Derrick started up his truck and pulled out. Annabell stared out the window silently.

What are you thinking about?

Paul. Did he seem different?

Not really, just sick.

Maybe. I don’t know, I guess I’m being paranoid, Annabell said.

It’s nothing I’m sure.

Annabell phone began to ring inside her purse and she answered it. Hello?

Who is it? Derrick whispered.

Precious, Annabell mouthed, rolling her eyes.

I say hi.

Derrick says hi…. she laughed. She says blow it out your butt. Derrick laughed. Annabell groaned. Seriously? Can’t it wait?

Pause.

Fine, just chill out. I’ll be there in a moment. She closed her phone.

Trouble? Derrick asked, turning towards Mulberry.

Yeah, Lucy’s skirt ripped and Precious can’t get her bow to work, so yes the world is coming to an end as they know it.

Is Jonathan going?

No, he’s hunting. He likes going way out of town for hunting. He still has trouble not hunting humans.

No offense but hasn’t it been a hundred years?

I still have trouble not hunting humans too, Annabell said. It’s instinct. I just know how to control it and sometimes he does slip. Didn’t you notice the pink tint to his eyes when you first saw him?

Not really. I was too busy worrying about you, Derrick said. The first time he’d seen Jonathan, he was hiding in Chance’s Jeep watching him scold Annabell for being with him. The first time he’d met Jonathan, he had just scaled up to Annabell’s window and they were being scolded, again.

That was kind of Jonathan’s job. He was the father of Annabell’s covenant. Lucy, Annabell’s sister, sometimes played the motherly role since she was married to Jonathan. They were the two most unlikely people ever to marry. Jonathan was stern, proper, and disciplined. Lucy was carefree, spirited; she loved Hot Topic stuff, and her hair was cut at her chin, straight as a board. But the two were more in love than they’d ever let on.

What about Precious and Lucy?

Precious was Annabell’s other sister and who Annabell had sired. Although Precious was kind to everyone else, she never gave Derrick that warm greeting she gave to everyone else. She distrusted Derrick and acted as Annabell’s bodyguard, but Derrick didn’t mind. When it came right down to it, he didn’t very much like her either. But Precious had a dark past like Annabell. After being abused by her fiancé, Precious had grown cold towards men. The family never mentioned Precious’s fiancé, but whenever something about a disrespectful husband came up, Precious would become very stiff and her eyes would flash. Annabell had said the white streaks in her hair weren’t from dye, but they had turned prematurely gray from all the stress she went through.

Lucy has never needed that instinct. Jonathan said when she first awakened she attacked an animal, so with that embedded in her mind, she could only eat animals. So that became her first instinct.

Derrick nodded. He’d have to keep that in mind. And Precious?

Precious usually goes hunting with me so I can keep an eye on her, but sometimes she goes with Jonathan when she wants to go far. She’s still a newborn to some, and she’s not entirely tamed. I’d go with, them but it’s too far. Almost to Canada.

You don’t like going far?

Annabell looked at him and ran her finger down his cheek. Not anymore. I have another babysitting job, one that I like very much.

Derrick laughed, thinking of some really corny jokes he could say, but he decided to hold them back.

They pulled into the Crystal’s drive that led all the way to their mansion. Lucy ran out to them and began jumping up and down impatiently.

I’d better go. Annabell leaned forward and kissed Derrick on the lips. I’ll see you tonight.

You certainly will. Derrick winked at her as she got out.

Derrick watched Annabell head up the stairs then pulled away smiling to himself. It wasn’t until he reached the bottom of the hill that Mulberry sat on, when something Annabell had just said dawned on him. He groaned. He still hadn’t gotten a costume. When he pulled into his drive, next to the red brick two- story building, he jumped out and rushed up the steps into the kitchen, grabbed the cordless phone and ran upstairs, but only after kissing Mrs. Stout on the cheek.

He dialed Chance’s number as he pulled down a cord and climbed the ladder into the attic.

Hello?

Hey I need help on a costume.

So? Just wear a suit. I’m going in my football uniform, Chance said. Chance was number 70 and star quarterback of Madison High.

I always wear that type of stuff, Derrick said, digging through a bunch of old boxes. This was true. Derrick’s style, to Lucy and Annabell’s delight, consisted on dark jeans with a nice button up shirt or sometimes an old suit jacket Simon, his brother, used to wear. Though on his casual days, he wore a t-shirt over a long-sleeved shirt.

Then go as a duck.

What?

You were one when you were seven.

Dude, I was seven, Derrick said. You went as a Power Ranger.

Hey, don’t diss the red ranger!

Whatever, Annabell will kill me if I don’t dress up. Chance made the sound of a whip and started laughed. What are you laughing at? You’re worse than me. And honestly when is it ever wrong to be whipped?

Chance thought about that. You’re right. You should just go with a ball and chain. Chance started laughing again.

Yeah, ha ha. Not funny.

Look, my gramps has a Zoot Suit, wanna wear that?

Derrick shrugged. Yeah, that’ll be good. Is Monica coming?

Yeah, she and Ginger are already here getting ready. You should come over, and we can all drive together.

I’ll head over there, but I’ll take my own car in case Annabell wants to come home with me.

Bom wow chica wa-wa.

Derrick rolled his eyes and hung up. He crawled out of the attic and down the ladder. Mrs. Stout was coming out of his room with a load of laundry. The pile was so high, her white hair barely reached over it.

I got that, Derrick said, grabbing the basket.

Oh thank you, sweetie. Mrs. Stout followed him downstairs. So I overheard you saying you’re going to a costume party.

Yeah, Chance is lending me a suite.

I would suggest Lewis’s old uniform, but I have no idea where he put it. Probably somewhere in the garage. It’s jammed pack with his stuff. Mrs. Stout started throwing his clothes in the washing machine. Did I tell you Judy’s baby is due any day now?

No. Is it a boy or girl? Derrick asked, leaning against the dryer with his hands in his pockets.

Girl, I think, Mrs. Stout said. They’re debating on whether to name her Donna or Michelle.

Both are pretty names, but we already have a Donna in the family, so I’d go with Michelle, Derrick said. Simon said Mom and Dad were going to name me Michael.

I like Derrick better, Mrs. Stout said, throwing in detergent. You better head out; you’re going to be late.

Ok, don’t stay up, Derrick said, kissing Mrs. Stout on the cheek.

Never do, Mr. Stout called from the living room. Mrs. Stout rolled her eyes and laughed, waving Derrick out.

At 7 o’clock, Derrick followed behind Chance’s jeep to Clare’s lake house. He hoped Annabell would already be there, but the drive way was empty of any Eclipses. Derrick fixed his dark green suit jacket and grabbed the matching felt hat with a long feather sticking out it. He looked at himself in his truck’s reflection.

Lookin’ good… he thought to himself.

DERRICK!

Derrick groaned, rolling his eyes, and turned towards Clare running up to him dressed as a vampire in a short plum colored dress.

Derrick, I’m so glad you made it! she said, beaming up at him. What are you suppose to be.

Derrick looked down at his poor costume. Zoot Suit rioter.

Clare giggled. What’s that? she asked, her face going blank.

I’m a gangster.

Oh! Clare giggled again and looked behind him. Where’s Annabell?

Derrick looked towards the door. I’m not sure. She went back to her place to get ready with Lucy and Precious.

Oh… Clare said. She seemed too happy about the turn out of the party to mind much about Annabell coming.

Paul said he’d try to come, Derrick said, putting his hands in his pockets. He knew this was a lie, but maybe small talk would divert Clare away from him.

Oh good, I’ll tell Andrea, Clare said. Wanna dance? Saved one just for you.

I better not, Derrick said, backing away.

Don’t be silly. Come on! Clare grabbed his hand and started pulling him towards the deck.

CLARE! a girl screamed over the music.

Clare stopped pulling Derrick and let out a little squeal of delight when she saw one of her friends. Excuse me. she said to Derrick before bounding up to her friend.

Derrick let out of a sigh of relief and headed out towards the deck where he saw Chance dancing with Monica. Ginger was once again on the side lines, but she didn’t seem bothered by it. She smiled and waved at him as he made his way towards her.

Happy Halloween, he said.

She laughed at his costume. Happy Halloween. Very nice. I like the hat, she said smiling, her teeth almost glowing in the light compared to her dark skin.

Thanks. I like your costume too, he said, gesturing to her winter nymph costume. I didn’t get a good look at it at Chance’s. You and Monica were in the bathroom the whole time.

Thanks, I literally had a few hours to put this together. Me and Monica wanted to do a team thing. She’s supposed to be summer. Derrick looked over at Monica and saw her costume was similar except the colors were yellow and orange instead of white and baby blue like Ginger’s. Where are Annabell and her sisters?

They should be here soon. They love making an entrance so they might appear out of the sky, Derrick said pointing up.

Actually, we came out of the water, Lucy said, appearing behind him.

Derrick and Ginger jumped back in surprise, Ginger clutching her heart. Precious and Annabell laughed at their expressions.

"Geez, Lucy, a little warning would be