I believe they are upstairs, Jameson directed.
I hurried up the creaking staircase. I passed Sebastians new accommodations and peeked in. The once-barren room was a messclothes, CDs, and games were strewn all over the hardwood floor. It appeared as if hed been living there for decades. His coffin was finished, and the lid was closed and topped with junk. The sides of the coffin were adorned with stickers of global citiesLisbon, Beijing, Romelike a giant suitcase.
I could hear the sounds of battle coming from down the hall.
I headed into the TV room to find Sebastian stretched out, his boots propped up on the coffee table, gaming console in one hand and a cell phone in the other. Two knights were jousting on the screen.
Alexander saw me in the doorway. He immediately rose and greeted me with concern. Sebastian didnt budge but took Alexanders absence as an opportunity and whacked his blue knights sword against Alexanders unprotected red knight.
Are you okay? Alexander asked.
Are you okay? I asked. I think he just flattened you.
Oh, thatits only a game.
Do I look that awful? I asked, suddenly self-conscious.
You have leaves in your hair.
I thought I got them out. I did my best to smooth out my hair.
What happened? Alexander asked, picking out the remaining leaves.
I bumped into Trevor.
Alexanders sweet expression furrowed. In the woods? Did he hurt you? Ill
NoI just hit a bush. I should have hit him instead, I teased.
Alexander shook his head. I knew he was tormented, just like Trevor, but for different reasons. Alexander felt the need to protect me from all evilvampire and mortal. He was tortured, knowing that during the daylight hours it wasnt possible for him to safeguard me against my nemesis.
Ill pick you up from now on, he firmly instructed.
When my parents put me under curfew, I rebelled. However, when Alexander was overprotective, it made my heart race.
Trevorwhos Trevor? Sebastian finally said, pausing the game and typing on his cell phone.
Though the Mansion was as decayed as an ancient ruin, I was disappointed with Sebastians lack of refinement. Instead of behaving like a guest, he was sitting like he was in a fraternity house, scuffing the already antique coffee table with his shoes. I wasnt Miss Manners myself, and heaven knows I wouldnt have cared if Becky had put her John Deere, soil-stained boots on my bed. But this was the Mansion, after all, the house of my dreams, and, more important, Alexanders home. I spotted a beat-up old ottoman in the corner and scooted it in front of him.
You might be more comfortable, I said graciously.
Thanks, he said. Now I feel like a king. I can see why you like it here, he said to Alexander.
I didnt know if he was sincere or making a snide remark.
Alexander sat on the couch, and I curled up next to him.
I was curious about this friend who seemed like the opposite of Alexander.
So how do you like it here so far? I asked.
Awesome, now that Ive found a room with outlets. And I cant believe Alexander still doesnt have a cell phone. How do you two communicateby smoke signals?
Excuse me? I asked defensively.
Its okayhes just joking, Alexander reassured me.
Oh, I said, relieved. My first response was to protect Alexander. I hadnt been exposed to anyone before who amiably ribbed my boyfriend.
So who are you texting? A girlfriend? I wondered aloud.
One of many, Alexander said. A lady in every town.
It must be nice to receive steamy texts, I hinted to Alexander. Id cherish every one.
Alexander only shook his head.
Ohyeah, Sebastian said. Im being rude, arent I? After a few clicks, he closed his phone.
Sebastian sat up, now ready for conversation. So, what did you do all day? he asked. Soak up the sun?
Hardly. I was stuck in school. How about you?
Well, my day started about two minutes ago.
Yes, thats what I figured. Soits really cool you came to town. I havent met any of Alexanders friends.
He likes to keep us hiddenlike tucked away in a vault somewhere.
So do you live in Romania, too? I inquired.
Yes. We lived next door to each other.
I imagined two Gothic mansions resting on top of a large mountain surrounded by fog, witchlike trees, and a ghostly cemetery and protected by a full moon.
I guess you didnt live in the suburbs? I asked.
Not exactly.
Do you live in a mansion, too?
I guess. I never thought about it really. It was just our home. But we had lights, he said, giving Alexander a verbal jab.
Do you know Jagger and Luna?
Vaguely. I wasnt there for that whole covenant thing. I crossed paths with Jagger, but Luna was a mortalso I never saw her. My family travels a lot.
Are they art dealers like Alexanders?
Nothey are pilots.
Are they all
But before I could say vampires, Alexander placed his hand on mine. So many questions. Dont you want to save a few? he hinted politely.
Finally, a woman who is interested in me for a change, Sebastian said coyly. And a beautiful one, at that. He flashed a mesmerizing smile. So what do you want to know?
Sebastian was charming, no doubt about it. But my interest was in Alexander. I wanted to know more about Sebastian but even more about my own handsome boyfriend.
Are you homeschooled like Alexander?
Yes. But we took night classes together. We had to take a few for exams. Alexander helped me pass themwithout knowing it.
So what was Alexander like?
I think its time we figure out what were going to do, Alexander interjected.
Sebastian ignored his host. Ahthats the real question. About Alexander. You were working your way through me to get to him, werent you? he asked. Its okay. Im used to it. Alexander always got the girls, he revealed.
Oh, really? I asked. I couldnt bear to imagine Alexander with any other girl than me. I felt a sword of jealousy pierce straight through my heart.
Something about long hair and being an artist, Sebastian added.
I bit my black lip. Alexander shot Sebastian a cold stare.
Maybe we should go, I said.
Dont worry, Sebastian said sweetly. He broke many hearts. Thats why I had to check out the girl who made him stay. Most keep him running.
I felt relieved and flattered at the same time.
So what about you? I asked. Where is your girlfriend?
Me? he asked. I dont have one.
I figured with all your travels, I said.
True love has always eluded me, he confessed. He spoke in a charming and intimate tone, as if he was baring his heart for the first time.
So, what are you looking for? I asked.
Someone kind, sincere, and captivating. Someone unlike anyone else Ive ever met.
Someone like Raven? Alexander said proudly, giving me a gentle squeeze.
Yes, just like Raven. Sebastian grinned. But without the artistic boyfriend.