Eye of Abernathy(6)

“Excellent.” Kenmei paused, taking a drink of his tea. Christopher’s eyes never left mine.

“Now, when you touched the Vampire Queen, what thoughts went through your head?”

That was easy. I blinked, breaking the connection between Christopher and I, and turned to Kenmei. All I wanted was to destroy her. I gritted my teeth. “I was thinking I wanted her to be nothing but ash.”

Kenmei sighed. Professor Pops sucked in a breath, and Christopher winked. A quivering jolt shot through my abdomen. My Hunter’s eyes seemed to say I would pay for loving him. My body wanted him to start collecting now.

Professor Pops took a deep breath. “Are you certain? You believe the power of the Seal can be used to heal or kill, depending on the intent of Snow?”

Kenmei nodded. “Precisely.”

Professor Pops crossed his arms. “Sharra has a lot more power than Christopher, you, or I. She’s been collecting it for seven thousand years. And you’re basing a lot on one little test.”

Kenmei turned to Professor Pops. “Agreed.” He paused and I noticed a glimmer of mischievousness. “The Seal of Gabriel has been around seven thousand years as well. I believe Snow is our best and only hope in destroying the Vampire Queen, ending her tyrannical rule, and restoring balance.” His gaze found mine. “There is one way to be certain. You must speak to the dragon, Abernathy. The sooner the better.”

“And how do you intend her to get there?” Professor Pops asked. Ever the father figure, he was concerned.

“Christopher can take her. I’ll give them directions.”

Professor Pops shook his head. “She’s too young to go alone.” He avoided Christopher’s gaze. It seemed Pops forgot what I still hadn’t wrapped my brain around. I was eighteen. No longer a child, but an adult.

“Whatever you decide, make it soon.” Kenmei nodded to me. “You are brilliant. I always knew the Seal was created for you, but to know you actually helped Silindra create it. It’s the most amazing thing.” He smiled.

“It was an experience I won’t ever forget. That’s for sure,” I returned.

“And you shouldn’t.”

To Professor Pops, he added. “When you go, please let me know.”

Professor Pops nodded.





Chapter 5



The three of us left Kenmei’s and took the train back to Salem. We were quiet, each lost in our own thoughts. I sensed Professor Pops needed to talk to me alone. And I perceived Christopher wanted me all to himself. What my Hunter might do made my pulse quicken.

When the train stopped, Christopher got off first. He watched me descend the stairs, a seductive gleam in his hooded eyes. Full of endless possibilities—kissing, trading blood, our bodies tangled together. I shivered. My entire being longed to follow him.

“I need to speak with you,” Professor Pops said.

“I know,” I returned.

Pops gave Christopher a hard stare. “It’s important I speak with her.”

“I understand.” Christopher grabbed my hands.

I sighed, forcing out a breath. Brushing my thumb over his inner wrist, at the place I’d just tasted his blood, I said, “Will I see you tomorrow?”

His eyes grew wide. “Wild trolls couldn’t keep me away.”

He released my hands, and turned to Pops. “Thank you, Adam Henry.” Christopher stuck out his hand.

Reluctantly, Professor Pops took it and shook. “I expect you to be a gentleman. In all things. In all ways. And in all places, where Snow is concerned.”

“I will,” Christopher said.

Professor Pops gave him a quick nod.

My Hunter glanced at me. “See ya, Frosty.”

I waved as he took off.

Professor Pops and I stood in silence several moments, and I guessed he was collecting his thoughts. Whatever was on his mind, it was important. We walked to the car, and drove back to his house. When we were in the garage, he turned off the black Mercedes, but left the keys in the ignition.

I waited.

“I know you’re eighteen. Legally an adult. I’m not your father and I have no right to tell you what to do. But somewhere between my brain and my heart is a communication error.” He smiled.

“It’s okay, Pops. Your opinion means a lot.”

He nodded. “Good.”

I fiddled with some fray on my “new” jeans. Each leg had a dozen holes in them.

“Christopher seems like a good guy. He risked a lot for you. And freeing himself from Sharra wasn’t easy. I know from experience.” He rubbed his jaw, making a scratching sound. “But love?” He blew out his breath. “It’s a powerful emotion, and closely related to hate.” He gripped the steering wheel. “Be careful.”