A thick, juicy steak was placed before me. All the vampires, including Alexander, almost salivated.
Ill do that, Scarlet said as I began to cut into the bloody steak.
Its for Raven, Alexander said gently.
The vampires watched with envy as I tore into my meal. As I wolfed down the steak and began to regain my strength, Alexander began to address the next issue we had on our handsbloodsucking party crashers.
The candelabras lit Jaggers menacing ice-green-and-blue eyes. His sister stood behind him, basking in the glow of stares from the male partyers.
I dont remember inviting Alexander said.
Some girls have looser lips than others, Jagger said.
Onyx appeared ashamed.
Perhaps its time we mingle, Scarlet said. She led Onyx into the crowd.
We didnt think youd mind, Jagger said to Alexander. Now that we are friends.
Alexander was skeptical. Though their feud had ended when Alexander returned Jaggers weakened brother, Valentine, to him, Alexander wasnt expecting his longtime nemesis to instantly replace Sebastian.
Friends? Alexander said.
Yes, Jagger said. One can never have too many, right?
I suppose you are right, but
There really is safety in numbers, Jagger urged. Besides, we have so much in common: Romania, vampires, and Raven.
Raven? Alexander asked suspiciously.
I saw a lot of her recently, Jagger proclaimed, referring to my attendance at the Coffin Club. She fit right in.
I heard, Alexander said.
No one knew she was any different. Did she tell you?
She didnt have to.
I was hoping to see her there again, Jagger continued. It seemed she got on as well as any of the members there.
She is planning on being here, Alexander said.
I was hoping youd come back, Jagger said to me. But since you didnt, this way weve come to you.
How sweet, I retorted.
I think well be fast friends, Alexander, Jagger said. Its something Ive always wanted. There is so much we can learn from each other. Jagger gestured to the party. There is safety in numbers. We could use more members and, with your help, perhaps start a club here.
Out of the question! Alexander said.
Nothing you have to decide now, my friend, Jagger said calmly. But imagineIf all these mortals were just like us, then think of what could bewhat we could do. A town in which you dont have to hide out in a Mansion, all alone.
I think its time you leave, Alexander demanded.
But we just got here, Jagger said. Youre right. Im getting ahead of myself. Im just a visionary, thats all. Nothing you need to commit to this minute. Besides, Jagger continued, we came to party. And Luna was very eager to see Raven.
So how have you been, Raven? she asked, über-polite. Besides lying flat on your back, she whispered in my ear.
Luna was still bitter toward me for fooling her into believing I was a vampire. And even more so because Alexander had jilted her at the covenant ceremony back in Romania and he had found happiness with me.
However, seeing Luna standing here today, glowing like an angel, I couldnt imagine him ever leaving her.
Alexander, Luna said in a soft, sexy voice. Its great to see you. She showed off her dress for him. A group of jocks ogled her as she twirled around. Its amazing how much a person can change in just a short time, isnt it? Im sorry for you that things in your life have remained the same.
Alexander wasnt pleased with her taunting.
Yes, doesnt my sister look great? Jagger said. This lifestyle suits her. Shes been dying for it since she was born.
Im glad you are so happy, Alexander said. Thats all I ever wanted for you. He turned back to the party.
Luna took Alexanders comment as a slap in the face instead of a heartfelt sentiment. She couldnt mask her scorn and turned her venom on me.
I see youve managed to fool some other girls, too, she said, referring to Onyx and Scarlet.
They like me for who I am, I said.
But do you like yourself as you are? Or, at the end of the day, do you really wish you were more like me?
Luna was right. She had the one thing I didnt haveshe was a vampire.
I have everything youve always wanted, she bragged.
Except Alexander, I snapped back.
Well, when you can be here for an eternity, everything is possible. I just need time.
I wasnt happy with her insinuation.
When he sees my potential. Perhaps what he is missing from a relationship with youWho knows what he might do?
With that, she and Jagger joined the other partygoers.
Alexander, I said, getting his attention, Luna isnt over you. She still cant be trusted.
Her bark is worse than her bite.
Im serious. Shes still in love with
Hey, Sebastian said, suddenly by our side. This party is killer!
You think so? I asked.
Its not what I planned. Im even amazed. Alexander beamed.
This mansion is going to be party central, said Sebastian. The girls think you are a rock star, and I dont mind taking your leftovers.
I glared at Sebastian.
I mean, taking them off your hands so you can be alone with Raven.
A band of jocks bumped into the tomb-shaped table, knocking it over. Alexander rushed to help steady it.
There is no reason you need to be cruising this crowd, I told Sebastian. There are two perfect and single girlsthat were just meant for you, I said as the ultimate matchmaker. Onyx or Scarlet.
I know, Raven. They are beautiful, but there arent any sparks.
What do you mean? You just met them. And now you are totally ignoring them. You need to spend more time with them.
Its just something I feelor rather dont feel. And by the way it looks, they dont seem to be bothered.
Trevor was talking to Jagger, and Onyx and Scarlet were by their sides.
Well, maybe Im not meant to be in love, he said. Maybe Im supposed to just have fun. And is that so bad?
I was a major failure at matchmaking.
This was not supposed to happen! I said. None of this was supposed to happen!
I ditched Sebastian and was heading toward Alexander when Becky jumped in front of me.
Where have you been? she asked.
This night has gone all wrong, I said frantically.
No it hasnt. Look! Everyone is enjoying themselves. You might be having the best party Dullsvilles ever seen.
Sebastian was supposed to like Scarlet or Onyx and he doesnt like either, I rambled, and to top it off, Scarlet seems to be struck by Trevorgag meand Onyx is smitten by Jagger.
Its nice that they came to town for your party.
Jagger and Luna werent invited. Remember? You werent even invited.
Becky laughed. Raven, youve brought the whole town togethereven a neighboring one.
But I didnt want to. Even Jameson is freaking out. He was standing guard outside the kitchen door. I have to do something. I know I took out my phone. Ill call the police. A noise complaint and a few squad cars are enough to drive everyone back to their sprawling estates.