Masquerade's Moon(2)

Yes, but Gabe isn't all human, I thought, pulling my teeth from Gabe's neck, and kissing the twin holes that were already healing.

He grabbed my head, and kissed me, his tongue entwining with mine. "I love you, Snow," he whispered into my lips, gently rocking me closer to him.

His words halted my insides.

He loves me, I thought cheerfully.

"I love you too," I returned.

He slowly moved backward, bringing me down with him and rolled so his body covered mine.

I knew Professor Pops had "the talk" with him after he walked in on Gabe and I the other night. In a phone conversation, Gabe and I decided we would wait to go any further than kissing, but his body felt so good against mine. I almost decided to change my mind.

Gabe stopped though, sitting up, pulling me with him.

"I should go," he said, his voice hoarse, his hair rumpled.

"Okay," I agreed.

We stood, and he hugged me. "You're amazing," he said, his lips brushing against my hair.

"Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you."

I nuzzled his neck. He groaned, kissing my forehead. "I can't imagine what it feels like for you," he stopped and touched his neck, feathering his fingers across the place my teeth had been moments before. The holes were already gone. "But I've never experienced anything better."

His words caused my knees to go weak. "That pretty much sums it up."

For some reason an image of Christopher popped into my mind.

Ask him about the pendant. Use your powers of persuasion if you have to, and ask already, my inner voice commanded.

But I couldn't. I didn't want Gabe to think I was accusing him of stealing.

"What is it?" he asked, his fingers touching my swollen mouth.

I shook my head. "Just happy." I sighed, leaning into him. I never would've believed there could be a Gabe and I.

"See ya." He opened the front door, letting in a brisk November wind.

"Bye," I responded, closing the door behind him.

I got ready for bed, a perma-smile trapped on my lips. After I pulled my purple comforter over me, Gatsby jumped up and curled himself at my feet, his purring a soothing ballad. I immediately fell asleep.

Chapter 2

I was dead. My body rested on a cloud of purple, inside a clear glass cylinder that was my casket. I'd been laid to rest in a gossamer white dress. Dainty white slippers covered my feet. My dark hair was curled and a white ribbon wound through, like a headband. In my hands I clutched a single red rose, the color of my stained lips. Dark lashes stood out against the stark white of my skin. The casket rested on a white stand in a lush field full of thousands of white daises. They swayed in the slight wind.

The smart-dressed brothers and Professor Pops were at the foot of my casket, and the Vampire Queen stood near my head. She wore a blood red dress that scooped low, enhancing her breasts. Above, the sun shone brightly. Birds twittered in nearby pine trees. The hum of insects provided a despondent melody, and a babbling brook meandered nearby.

It was like looking at a painting of a moment in time. No one spoke. No one moved.

What are they waiting for, I wondered.

Overhead, a glorious man with velvet-white wings descended. In his hands he held a large sword. Tears filled my eyes as an overwhelming serenity consumed my soul, and I wondered at it. Why I didn't feel sadness at seeing my body laid to rest in a casket, or fear because of the menacing angel. There was only calm.

He drew closer, his features coming into view.

"Gabe." I noted the set of his jaw, and the hardness in his green eyes.