Page 34 of Ghoul Kisses

“Where do you want to go?” I look at the digital clock on the wall. I’ve been sleeping for almost three hours; it’s eight o’clock in the evening.

“Kate, Mae, and I want to go to a local bar on the island.”

Ugh, Mae. I don’t want to deal with her, but I need to leave the mansion to keep my mind off of Eric. I have been thinking about him nonstop, and I miss him like crazy. I miss his touch, the warmth of his body, and his Old Spice scent. Does he miss me too? Probably not, because he hasn’t texted me.

“You look like you could use a drink,” she says.

“Okay, I’ll go.”

Phat 12 Island Broiler is crowded with people. The host shows us to the bar, and I sit between Odessa and Kate. Mae sits on the opposite side of Kate, which suits me just fine. The three of them are dressed in all black, and I stick out like a sore thumb because I wear tight jeans, a hot pink sweater, and a pair of flats. I order myself a Rum Punch from the bar. Kate and Mae could pass off as identical twins but Kate’s hair is purple, and Mae’s hair is white. That is the only way I can tell who is who. Looking at Mae makes me envy her because she was with Eric for centuries and I can’t give him that. I can give him maybe eighty years before I kick the bucket. Glancing at Kate’s wrist, I notice a nasty scar. It’s round and looks like a nail hole. I nudge her with my arm, and she turns to face me.

“What happened to your wrist?” I ask, trying not to sound rude. She begins to rub the scar; her expression tinged with sadness.

She looks down at the wooden floors as if she is ashamed.

“I was a sex slave to the Enya coven.” I almost spill my drink at her words.

“What?”

She nods.

“Yeah, they captured me, and I was used as a whore,” I didn’t mean to bring up old wounds. I rub her arm.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t—”

“It’s okay; it was over a century ago.”

“Mac saved me and brought me to King Eric so I could be safe,” she says. I can’t imagine going through what she went through. It must be hard for her to live with such memories. I excuse myself from the table and head to the ladies’ room. When I finish using the toilet, I turn on the faucet and wash my hands.

“You know, it’s just a matter of time before he leaves you.” I look up, and Mae leans against the granite counter.

I roll my eyes at her.

“He has a pattern, Sarah.”

“When he is bored, he moves on. That’s why he goes through so many women.” This bitch is getting on my last nerves.

“Then he makes his way back to me, and I’m back in his arms,” she says snidely.

“That’s pathetic, Mae. You must not have any self-respect to allow a man to use you as a doormat.” I give her a withering look. “Just because he doesn’t want you, doesn’t mean you have to take your anger out on me. I get it, Mae, you’re hurt, but move on. It’s not attractive to look desperate.”

Her face flushes with anger.

“You think you can change him?” Ice sparkles from her hand.

“No one can change unless they want to.”

“Watch your back. Eric is not capable of love,” she says before leaving. It takes everything in me not to kick her ass. I will not let her destroy my relationship with Eric. If he wanted to be with her, he would. I dry my hands on a paper towel and lean against the granite counter.

When I turn around, Pete is standing by the door. I feel my legs give out as my heart pounds in my chest. Fear grips me tight. He takes a step closer, and I take a step back until my back is pressed against the wall.

“How did you find me?” I choke out, my voice trembling. He grips my chin, and I struggle under his cold fingers. I want to vomit.

“Where is the key?” he demands. I thought vampires weren’t allowed on the island. He bangs my head against the wall, and I see stars. Pain radiates through my skull.

“I don’t have it,” I lie.

“Did you give it to Eric?”

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