Vampire Kisses: Immortal Hearts Part 12

"Alexander loves him," I noted.

"I know. So do I."

I found a quarter in my pocket and placed it in the jukebox. "Play your favorite," I said. A moment later, "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" began to play overhead.

She seemed fascinated by the music and the power of her pus.h.i.+ng the b.u.t.ton and it playing.

Then I remembered the Sterlings lived by candlelight. Modern technology wasn't something they dealt with every day.

"So what's Alexander like as a big brother?" I asked.

I was always dying to know more about my boyfriend-especially because he was so mysterious that I didn't even know until recently that he had a sister.

"He played with me when I was little, but when he got older, he went to his room most of the time and painted."

"What did you play?"

"Games mostly. He loved checkers, so I did, too. But when I pulled out my fas.h.i.+on dolls he ran for his room."

I laughed, and so did she.

"Do you always get along with him?"

"Yes, I guess so. I get on his nerves a lot," she said.

"I can't imagine that."

"Oh, it's true. When he and Luna were going to their ceremony-" Then she stopped. "I mean..."

"No, that's okay, you can tell me."

"I was dressed as the flower girl. I had dead black roses and held them in a small urn."

"I bet you were pretty," I said.

idth="2em" align="justify">"Thank you. Luna was waiting for him to start the ceremony, and everyone was getting impatient. We couldn't find Alexander."

"Oh?"

"I was the one who found him sitting by himself outside a crypt. He told me that he wasn't going to the covenant altar with Luna. I got mad and poured the flowers on his shoes. And then I told my mother where he was."

I had never heard this story before, and from Stormy's point of view, Alexander's arranged eternal betrothal caused disappointment for many besides himself and Luna.

"I'm sure he understood." I tried to ease her guilt.

"When my mother got to the crypt, he was gone."

"What happened?"

"He eventually came home. But the Maxwells wanted revenge. Then he had to leave for Grandmother's Mansion here. But he didn't come back."

I didn't know what to say. "Well, you're together now," I said.

"Yes," she said. "Finally."

"What do you like to do?"

"I like to write poems."

"What about?"

"Boys."

"That's a great subject."

"I hope to have them published someday."

"I'm sure they will be," I a.s.sured her.

"I bet you are glad to see Jameson, too. He's so cool," I said.

"Yes, I've missed him. He's funny."

"Funny?" I asked.

"When I was little, he liked to hide my dolls during the day. So when I woke up, I'd have to search every room for them. I'd find them resting under the stairs, poking out from behind an antique vase, or sticking out from my coat pocket. It was a fabulous game."

I laughed, imagining Jameson sneaking around their Romanian mansion with dolls under his bony arms.

"He's a half vamp; that's why he can be out all Sn b "He is?" I asked.

"Yes, you didn't know?" She appeared surprised.

I didn't want to fib, but I also didn't want to appear like I hadn't been "in the know." "Uh..."

"Yes, he's mortal," she continued. "He can be out in day and night but needs a vein like we do to exist."

She said it so matter-of-fact that I was almost taken aback. I had to remind myself that I was, after all, sitting with a young vampire. But where Alexander was mysterious and kept much of this ident.i.ty to himself, Stormy blurted out her information like any other girl without a secret.

"That's why I love his Romanian smoothies," she continued. "His California smoothies are terrible. They don't have blood."

"Blood?" a familiar voice said as someone scooted into the booth with me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked Trevor. Then he gazed at Stormy.

"Ditched Becky for the evening?" Trevor asked.

Dixie returned with our malts and placed them on our table. Trevor grabbed mine before I could and stuck my spoon in it. He took a scoop of my malt and put it in his mouth.

I wasn't about to be bullied in front of Stormy. It was uncomfortable enough for me to experience it without her having to experience it, too.

"That was Raven's," Stormy said forcefully. I was surprised that she was defending me. I was proud of her. She was feisty like I was. But ultimately I didn't want her to be involved in my torment.

"Raven likes to share," he said to her. "I didn't know you had a little sister," he said to me.

"I don't. This is Alexander's sister." I stressed Alexander, hoping that he'd pick up on not picking on her. That Alexander would seek revenge if he did. And that I'd stop him, too, if he tried.

"Oh ... so Monster Girl has a Mini-Monster."

I was ready to dump the malt on his head, but I worried it wasn't the best example of proper behavior in front of Stormy. Instead I slid my hand underneath the table and pinched his leg with all my might.

"Ouch!" he said, putting the malt down.

I let go and gave him a death stare. "You can address her by her real name. Athe Sal ="2em" na. Other than that, any name is a violation."

"A violation?" he chuckled.

"Yes, of Raven's law."

"I see. And if I break it, will you arrest me? Please?" He was as menacing as he was attractive. His blond hair flopped perfectly in place like a model's.

"It's time for you to go," I said. "Before you turn into a pumpkin."

"Fine," he said. "It was nice meeting you, Athena."

She extended her hand. He paused for a moment, surprised by her formality.

Then he shook her hand.

"Wow-you can learn a thing or two about manners from her," he said to me.

"Uh ... so could you."

Trevor walked off to the counter.

I pushed my malt away from me. I wasn't about to drink it.

"I'm sorry about that," I said. "He's been bugging me since he was born."

"I think he's cute!"

"Trevor?"

"Yes, this town is full of good-looking guys!"

"I think that's the jet lag talking," I said.

"He really likes you. That's why he picks on you," she said.

I was shocked by her keen insight into Trevor. "It's time to call Alexander," I declared.

Just then Dixie sashayed over and handed me another malt. "It's from Trevor."

"Ah," I said to Stormy. "I think your good manners are rubbing off on him."

A short time later, Alexander met us in the diner's parking lot. This time Stormy hopped in the back of the car.

"You can sit up front," I said.

"No, that's okay. I like being chauffeured," she said. I thought it was cute how she was slowly warming up to me.

"So, did you kids have fun?" Alexander teased.

"I did," I said.

"Yes, Raven gave me this dress," she said, pulling it out of the bag.

"You shouldn't be taking clothes from her," Alexander scolded. Normally the driver looks in the rearview mirror when talking to the pa.s.senger in the backseat. But Alexander didn't. He knew he wouldn't be able to see his sister in the reflection.

"It's okay," I a.s.sured him. "I want her to have it."

"You've done enough already," he said.

"And I met her brother, Billy," Stormy added.

"That's cool. He's your age."

"I know..." Stormy giggled under her breath.

"Sounds like you guys had too much fun without me. I'm not sure you need me anymore."

"Of course we do," I said, putting my hand on his shoulder.

"Well, maybe not..." Stormy teased. I thought she liked the attention she was getting, no matter who it was from.

"And I met this guy named Trevor," she continued.

"You did?" Alexander asked. There was a hint of concern in his voice.

"It wasn't a big deal," I said.

"I think he likes Raven," she said.

Alexander paused.

"Are you trying to start trouble?" he asked.

"I'm just being honest."