Shadow Lake Vampire Society - Wendi Wilson Page 0,15

Native American style teepees. The voices belonged to the other counselors who settled themselves on two shady wooden benches beside the teepees.

Levi wasn’t with them. Maybe I wasn’t the only one who felt the need to get as far away from him as possible.

“True,” I whispered, trying to get her attention without projecting my voice to the other counselors. “True!”

She spun around, her arms up like chicken wings as she kept them out of the waist-high water. “Are you coming in or what?” she demanded.

“I think the answer to that is pretty clear by now,” I shot back. “Hey, does Levi ever hang with the other counselors?”

She cocked her head. “Still obsessing over that dude? Yes, he’s gorgeous, and no, I have not pictured him naked. He’s not my type.” She flashed white teeth before flicking some water at me.

I flicked a little back with my toe. “Why does he bother working here when he doesn’t seem to even like it?” And he’s antisocial and mad all the time.

“He’s close with Charles Purty. They know each other from... something.” True lifted one shoulder, like that was all the information she knew. I wanted more, but I’d sound like a stalker if I kept harping on Levi.

“Do they swim?” I nodded toward the teepees at the group of thin, pale counselors.

“Nope, not unless they have to jump in to save a camper. They’re chickens, too. They say there are leeches in here, which... You know what? On second thought, maybe swimming was a bad idea.” True walked out of the water, checking her legs for gross black creatures, but thankfully there were none.

I handed her a towel and waited as she dried off, my eyes drifting over to the teepees again. Though everyone in the group was wearing sunglasses, I had a feeling they were staring this way. My stomach twisted as I fought off that eerie feeling again.

Paranoid much?

“Weren’t you going to give me the rest of the tour?” I asked, giving my brain something else to obsess over.

She rubbed sand off one foot before answering. “There’s not much more to see, but we can detour on the way to the training and peep the barn if you’re so inclined.” She arched one eyebrow.

“Sure, I love cows,” I said, my voice laced with sarcasm as I pumped a fist halfway in the air. “Woo.”

True snorted. “Girl, come on.”

We tromped up the sand to the cement path and headed west. I tried to picture the map in my mind, but the place was so expansive it would take me ages to memorize it all. To illustrate the point, the path curved left and we found ourselves walking right by the teepees.

The other counselors had already turned in our direction. Seven pairs of sunglasses locked in on us as we approached. As I noted each, a hollow pit formed in my stomach.

“Hey, guys,” True said, giving them a wave. “This is Piper.”

They regarded me coolly, a few nodding. I twisted my fingers together behind my back and offered a simple, “Hey.”

“Piper, this is Lars, Miranda, Ian, Micah, Sarah, Analise, and Naveen.” She ticked them off, pointing to each.

Overloaded with information, I waved. “Nice to meet you.”

“You headed to training?” the one she’d called Lars asked as he pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head. He was tall and pale like Levi but with a heavier brow, square jaw, and small searching eyes that made him appear as though he was always scanning for a threat. He wore a Camp Shadow Lake tank top that showed off his muscles. I was sure that was no accident since they were massive. He had that pre-Neolithic look that made me worry he might pull out a club and start bashing.

Not very flattering, Piper. Maybe try being nice if you want them to like you.

I pushed the caveman scenario out of my brain as True answered, “Yep. Can’t wait.” She popped her fist into her flat palm. “Gonna be a real riot.”

“I’ll say,” the slender blonde with legs for days named Sarah said, standing up. “Let’s go, everyone.”

The group stood without complaint. I realized that, while Lars was clearly the largest, Sarah seemed to be in charge. She was, arguably, the most beautiful with straight blonde hair, perfect skin and teeth, and full red lips. I wondered why she wasn’t modeling for Abercrombie or Hollister.

She led the way, her group trailing slightly behind. We followed, True sticking tight to me as she whispered, “Queen