Page 3 of Fang Girl

Her heart-shaped face cycled through emotions rapid-fire: surprise, delight, hesitation. But a curly-haired friend practically shoved her forward.

I reached down, grabbed her arm, and pulled her up beside me, flashing a toothy smile. Most people assumed the fangs were just part of the act.

She grinned back at me. “I can’t believe this,” she said, “I’m such a fan.”

My smile dimmed. “You don’t remember me?”

She winked. “Thurman High.”

“Get on with it…” Eddy yelled in my ear. “Kiss her!”

I pulled her against me.

"I'm going to kiss you now," I said huskily. Her cherry scent swirled around me, making my fangs ache.

She met my eyes, her heartbeat stuttering.

“Consent, you asshole,” yelled Eddy. “Lawsuits!”

"Do you mind?" I asked as our lips drew near.

She shook her head.

"Good." I flicked off my earpiece, silencing Eddy's squawking.

Her lips were soft, parting easily beneath mine. She tasted sweet, like the cherries I could smell on her skin, and I nibbled gently at her bottom lip, careful of my fangs.

I pulled her closer, our bodies pressed up against one another. Holding myself back, I wished we weren’t on stage so this could be more than a kiss. She felt right and good in my arms.

A few minutes later I realized the auditorium had gotten really quiet. I helped Ari stand, but didn’t let go of her hand. She blushed and waved as the crowd went wild.

She was so adorable.

I slid a couple passes out of my pocket and pressed them into her hand before I let it go.

“Come see me after the show,” I said.

“Okay,” she said, still wobbling a little bit.

I couldn’t help my smirk.

Security helped her down into the VIP section. The girl who seemed to be her friend jumped up and down with excitement.

The drummer hit the beat and we started our first song. Even while I sang and performed, I couldn’t get that kiss out of my mind. I hadn’t wanted to stop.

After the concert, we headed backstage. Eddy handed us water bottles and slaps on the back.

He grabbed my arm as I walked by, and hissed, “Why didn’t you go with my nie… the pre-approved fan?”

I wanted to bite him, but I held myself back. “I know Ari,” I insisted. “We went to school together.”

“That’s no excuse…” He backed off when I leaned closer, fangs itching to descend.

“Whoa man… none of that fangy shit.”

He knew about our natures, because it was necessary. Eddy kept us out of the sunlight, and the fridge stocked with blood. When I’d first been turned, I’d needed all the help I could get.

“Then leave it,” I said. “Ari will be back here shortly.”

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