Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter - By Nikki Jefford Page 0,26

the basketball captain. He'd had girlfriends since like the sixth grade.

His tongue joined the action, drenching the lower half of my face in a saliva bath.

The vampire lunatic appeared in my head without warning. I could feel his clammy lips over me.

No, not now. Nothing would ruin my first kiss. Not bad memories or sloppy mechanics. I just needed to get in the game.

I mashed my lips against Scott's...teeth. He took my lower lip between his own and ran his tongue along the edge.

I closed my eyes and pictured Scott's face, his dimples, his deep brown eyes and thick lashes.

A murmur worked its way up Scott's throat. He liked the kiss. Maybe my expectations were too high.

We pulled apart after the music stopped. The last of the lingering couples headed out of the student center when the lights came on. Scott stood in place staring at me. It made me feel bashful all over again. He ran a hand through his hair.

"That was really unexpected," he said.

"Tell me about it."

When our eyes met we laughed. Scott's shoulders relaxed.

"Look, I really like you. I'd like to hang out again."

"Me, too," I said.

This put a big smile over Scott's face. He cleared his throat.

"I know this is really soon, but my parents are out of town this weekend...if you want to come over and hang out."

Yeah, sure, why wouldn't I? Just Scott Stevens and I, alone in his house.

The kiss would be better if we had more time and privacy. We could get to know each other better.

"Sure."

"Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?"

I was no longer looking at Scott when I spoke, but far into the distance at the flashes of color and sequin as the last of our classmates exited the school.

"No, I'll take the bus. What time do you want me to come over?"

"Anytime you want."

The way he said it all cute and eager made me smile again.

"How about later?" I asked. "Like four o'clock?"

Scott set a hand on my cheek. "Can't wait."
Chapter 10 No Turning Back
I hadn't looked at my list of resolutions since orientation. Saturday morning, I set the list on my desk, pulled the cap off my pen, and slashed through two more. Then I stared at the words until my vision blurred.

kill first vampire

get drunk

kiss a boy

lose virginity

One more left to go.

That night I had laid awake thinking.

I almost died a virgin. I mean, what experience was more life altering than sex?

It's true that getting drunk and being kissed weren't the great experiences I thought they'd be, but sex had to be different. It had to be better. Scratch that. It had to be like no other physical sensation known to mankind.

There was only one way to find out.

Scott was as good a candidate as anyone. I liked him. He liked me.

Isn't that how it worked?

There was only one way to find out.

When I came down to breakfast, I cleared my throat. "I'm going over to a friend's."

Mom stood behind the kitchen counter, pouring a can of Diet Coke into a glass filled with ice.

She turned around. "Which friend's?"

"Her name's Noel."

Mom's shoulders relaxed. "Noel. That's a nice name. How come you've never mentioned her before?"

"We just met."

"Will you be back for dinner?"

"No."

"Can I have your friend's phone number?"

"Mom, I have a cell."

"You don't always answer it."

"Fine."

I jotted down Noel's number on the back of an envelope and slapped it onto the counter.

Mom followed me into the entryway and watched as I wrapped first my red scarf around my neck and then put on my coat.

"Where does Noel live?"

"By school."

Finally Mom's face relaxed. "Call me if you need a ride home. Have fun with your friend."

"Thanks," I said quickly. "Bye."

I called Noel on my way down the hill and asked her to cover for me if my mom called.

When Noel starting asking questions I told her I had to go. If she knew what I was up to she might try to cheer me on or talk me out of it. I had my mind made up.

To get to Scott's neighborhood, I needed to take the bus that picked up across the street. At least I had my pick of seats, it being Saturday afternoon and all.

Halfway to Scott's house, I pulled the bus cord. A moment later, the tires slowed and came to a grinding halt beside Jewel Lake Quickie Mart.

It sorta sucked getting off and having to wait again, but I wasn't in any real hurry, and best to come prepared.

The parking