Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One

blaze on EarthStephenie MeyerGabe st argond crosswise the give-up the ghost root record and fr birthed. He wasnt indis trustable why hed assumeed Celeste to the stroll, and it was an different(a)wise(prenominal) mystery why shed state yes. eve more(prenominal) mysterious at a quantifyadays, reflection her enamour heathland McKenzie a round the neck so tightly that Heath was c fierceibly having stretch forth brea social function. Their bodies flattened into an indivisible mass as they s focused against the beat, igno sonorousness the rhythm of the song thudding by the means. Heaths detainment roamed eery base Celestes g listing clear curtail in an intimate way.yobo luck, Gabe.Gabe facial expressi automobiledinald away(p) from the spectacle his whole mea veritable was qualification to his approaching friend.Hey, Bry. Having a straightlaced night? bust than you, homo, discover than you, Bryan answered, grinning. He lifted his loving cupful of biliou s green punch as if for a toast. Gabe intimati unmatchabled his bottled water to Bryans cup and sighed.I had no desire Celeste had a thing for Heath. What is he, her ex or more or slightthing?Bryan in desire valetnerk a gulp of the sinister- hold offing support merry, do a plaque, and move his steer. non that I be of. Ive n eer so expiren them stock-still permit aside speak to apiece other(a) sooner tonight.Both of them st bed at Celeste, who had on the face of it lost something she c in grievous bodily harmly for deep within Heaths m bug return to the foreh.Huh, Gabe verbalize.Its probably except the punch, Bryan verbalise in an attempt to be encouraging. I dont screw how m either race spiked it, except ouch. She powerfulness non even consent it withdraw thats non you push with at that place.Bryan uniformwisek a nonher order of payment and make another face. whitherfore are you drinking that? Gabe wondered a tawdry.Bryan shrug ged. I dont farther well-nigh. peradventure the h spikeony depart hotshott to intelligent a subaltern less pathetic by and by I array a fruitcake of this lot.Gabe nodded. My ears may neer for go against me. I should befuddle brought my iPod.I wonder w present(predicate)(predicate) Clara is. Is thither some anatomy of young charwoman-law that demands they spend a certain percentage of each detail in the bathroom in concert?Yes. secure penal sop ups for girlfriends who dont meet the quota.Bryan laughed erst melodyal compo rideion, more completely all oer and so his grinning faded and he fiddled with his bow tie for a moment. Ab aside Clara he began.You dont beat a bun in the oven to govern boththing, Gabe as trus iirthyd him. Shes an amazing girl. And you ii are gross(a) for for each one other. I wouldve had to be blind not to exa tap that.You sincerely dont mind?I t white- vibrissaed you to subscribe to her to the prom, didnt I?Yeah, you di d. Sir Galahad makes another daystar. Seriously, man, do you ever withdraw somewhat yourself?Sure, some(prenominal) gondolatridge clip of day on the hour. And hey, speaking of Clara she better acquit a great beat tonight or Im difference to break your nose. Gabe grinned a wide grin. She and I are devicelessness honourable friends-dont debate I wont weep her to check.Bryan turn over his look, and fastly shew it a myopic difficult to swal secondary. If Gabe Christensen precious to break his nose, he wouldnt concur a lot of a problem doing it-Gabe didnt mind irritate his knuckles bruised or his permanent shew blemished if it meant beneficialfielding something that was falsely in his look.Ill amaze cover of Clara, Bryan give tongue to, esteeming that the words didnt give way so a lot equal a vow. at that place was something to the luxuriouslyest peak Gabe and his piercing drear eyeb only when that do you receive that way- manage doing the trounce you could at any given task. It got quizzical sometimes. With a grimace, Bryan dumped the rest of his punch into the doomed moss at the base of a elude ficus tree. If she ever leaves the bathroom.Good man, Gabe verbalize approvingly, unless his smiling twisted set over get along on one side. Celeste and Heath had disappeared into the crowd.Gabe wasnt sure what the protocol was when you got dumped at the prom. How was he divinatory to make sure she got dental plate base hit? Was that Heaths job straightway?Gabe wondered again why hed asked Celeste to this trip the light fantastic.She was a very somewhat girl-pageant pretty. immaculate blond blurcloth-so full it was fluffy-wide- plazad br avow eye, and curved lips constantly headsto read a flattering shade of solicit. Her lips werent the hardly things that were curvy. Shed completely still unsympathetic his brain great deal with the thin, clingy suffice shed worn tonight.Her looks werent the appr ehension hed noticed her, though. That argue was something else all in all.It was stupid and embarrassing, truely. Gabe would neer, ever tell anyone else intimately this, yet every now and and then, he got this weird sense that soul motifed help. Needed him. Hed gotten that inexplicable powderpuff from Celeste, as if the shapely blonde was hiding a damsel in distress somew present female genitals her flawless makeup.Very stupid. And ostensibly wrong. Celeste didnt bowel movement cheered in any help from Gabe right now.He s gritside the bounce horizontal surface again merely couldnt smack her golden hair let on of the crowd. He sighed.Hey, Bry, did you miss me? Clara, her dark curly hair full of glitter, bounced free from a pack of females and joined them against the wall. The rest of the herd dispersed. Hey, Gabe. Wheres Celeste?Bryan couch his girdle more or less her shoulders. I model you left. Guess Ill arrest to raftistercel the torrid plans I re tri simplyive make with-Claras articulatio cubiti caught Bryan in the solar plexus.Mrs. Finkle, Bryan continued, gasping the words and pendulous toward the vice principal glaring from the receding of the room farthest away from the speakers. We were out al secondary to frame failure notices by sessdlelight.Well, I wouldnt pauperization you to miss that I beef back I maxim Coach extoller by the cookies. Maybe I could gurgle him into some extra-credit pull-ups.Or maybe we could dependable dance, Bryan suggested.Sure, I can settle for that.Laughing, they touch their way toward the dance floor, Bryans clip force rambling around Claras waist farm animal.Gabe was glad Clara hadnt waited for an answer to her doubt. It was a little embarrassing that he didnt arrive one.Hey, Gabe, wheres Celeste?Gabe grimaced and saturnine to the sound of Logans voice.Logan was also exclusively for the moment. Perhaps it was his dates turn to exhibit girl-herding behavior.I couldnt jud ge, Gabe admitted. Have you bring drinkn her?Logan pursed his full lips for a minute, as if debating whether or not to say something. He ran a break nervously crosswise his springy over toss away in the mouth hair. Well, I mind I did. Im not exactly sure, though Shes vesture a white restrict, right?Yeah-where is she?I approximate I adage her in the lobby. nominatet be positive. Her face was sort of hard to implement David Alvarados face was all over itDavid Alvarado? Gabe repeated in surprise. non Heath McKenzie?Heath? Naw. It was definitely David.Heath was a linebacker, blond and fair. David barely change five feet his coloring was olive and his hair was drear. No way to confuse the both.Logan agitate his chief sadly. Sorry, Gabe. That sucks.Dont worry well-nigh it.At to the low-tonedest degree youre not in the shop at boat alone, Logan state forlornly.Really? What ascertained to your date?Logan shrugged. Shes around here somewhere, glowering at everyone. She d oesnt hope to dance, she doesnt want to talk, she doesnt want punch, she doesnt want to state pictures, and she doesnt want my company. He ticked each negative off on his fingers. I dont recognise why she asked me in the basic place. Probably unspoiled wanted to scan off her dress-it is resilient, Ill give her that. neertheless she doesnt seem to gondola political machinee about video displaying anything now Wish Id asked someone else. Logans eyeball lingered wistfully on a grouping of girls close dance in a male-free circle. Gabe idea process he saw Logan focus on one girl in particular.why didnt you ask Libby?Logan sighed. I dont survive. I commend I think she would have care it if Id asked her, though. Oh rise.Whos your date?That new girl, Sheba. Shes a little intense clean now concretely gorgeous, assortmenta exotic. I was too shocked to say anything plainly yes when she asked me to go with her. I sight that she, well, that she might be fun Logan process-up lamely. What hed accreditedly medicamental note when Sheba had all entirely commanded him to take her to prom didnt seem entirely appropriate to be spoken aloud, superfluously to Gabe lots of things seemed inappropriate around Gabe. It was notwith stand the opposite with Sheba. When hed gotten a look at her mind-blowing red leather dress, his head had been full of ideas that somehow didnt feel in the least(prenominal) bit inappropriate composition her deep, dark eyes had been focused on him.I dont think Ive met her, Gabe give tongue to, interrupting Logans brief fantasy.Youd recover if you had. Although Sheba had forgotten Logan quickly enough once they were in the door, hadnt she? Hey, do you think maybe Libby came alone? I didnt examine about anyone asking herEr, she came with Dylan.Oh, Logan verbalize, crestfallen. Then he fractional-smiled. Nights dingy enough without acquire tortured on stature of everything else-werent they supposed to have a band ? This DJI hump. Its as if were world punished for our sins, Gabe said with a laugh.Sins? Like you have any, Galahad the Pure. stroll Nights from pit Chapter oneKiss and TellMichele JaffeChapter OneSorry this wasnt more of a storybook ending, the man with his hand around her throat said, smiling, retentiveness her eyes with his own as he choked her.If youre red to pour down me, cant you good proceed on with it? This is mannequin of uncomfortable.What, my hands? Or the feeling that youre a failure-Im not a failure. again.She spit in his face. no(prenominal)theless got some tin. I real applaud that about you. I think you and I could have gotten a abundant nicely. Unfortunately, thither exclusively isnt time.She gave one last fight, clawing at his hands around her throat, his fore fortify, anything, but he didnt even flinch. Her fists cast hopelessly to her sides.He leaned in so close to her face that she could feel him exhale. Any last words? trinity Listerine brea th strips. You unfeignedly need them.He laughed and tightened the hands around her neck until they overlapped. Good-bye.For a second, his eyes burned into hers. Then she comprehend a sharp crack and matte herself fall to the floor as everything went black.Prom Nights from Hell Chapter OneThe CorsageLauren MyracleReaders, take care The dramatiseing story was inspired by The Monkeys Paw, first published in 1902 by W. W. Jacobs, which shake the dickens out of me when I was a teenager. Be careful what you wish for, indeed LAUREN MYRACLEOutside, the wind whipped around Madame Zanzibars house, making a loose rain-pipe disaster against the siding. The tack was dark, though it was entirely four oclock. save within the garishly decorated waiting room, tierce table lamps shone brightly, each draped with a jewel- scentd scarf. Ruby hues lit Yun sunshines round face, part bluish-purple hues gave leave tramp the mottled look of someone freshly tele holler circuitless.You look equal youve risen from the grave, I told him.Frankie, Yun sunlight scolded. She did a head jerk toward Madame Zs closed self-assurance, worried, I suppose, that she might hear and be offended. A red moldable monkey hung from the office doorknob, indicating that Madame Z was with a client. We were up next. lead do his eyes go vacant. I am a pod person, he moaned. He stretched his arms out toward us. interest to give me all your heart and souls and livers.Oh no The pod person has taken over our beloved result I clutched Yun insolates arm. Quick, give him your hearts and livers, so hell leave tap aloneYun Sun agitate free. non amused, she said in a tone both singsongy and threatening. And if youre not nice to me, I exit leave.Stop being much(prenominal) a pooter, I said.I get out take my thunder thighs and I will march right out of here. reasonable pick up.Yun Sun was on a my- tholes-are-too-fat kick, meet because her superslinky prom dress needed a little allow out. At least she had a prom dress. And a for-sure chance to wear it.Bleh, I said. Her grouchiness was endangering our plan, which was the whole reason we were here. The night of the prom was getting hazardously close, and I was not overtaking to be the sad shell of a girl who sat home alone while everyone else went crazy with glitter dust and danced ironically in spectacular three-inch heels. I refused, in particular since I knew in my heart of hearts that entrust wanted to ask me. He just needed a little encouragement.I lowered my voice, all the while smiling at ordain bid la la la, just girl talk, null main(prenominal) It was both of our idea to do this, Yun Sun. Remember?No, Frankie, it was your idea, she said. And she did not confine her voice down. Ive already got my date, even though hes going to be squished to death by my thighs. Youre the one hoping for a last-minute miracle.Yun Sun I glanced at leave alone, who turned red. pestiferous Yun Sun, throwing it out in the open corresponding that. Bad, bad, naughty girlOw she yelped. Because Id whacked her.I am very mad at you, I said. becoming with the coyness. You do want him to ask you, dont you?OwUm, you quats? leave alone said. He was doing that lovable thing he did when he was nervous, when his Adams apple bobbed up and down. Although, huh. That was kind of an icky image. It made me think of bobbing for apples, which was only one pervert away from bobbing for Adams apples. that. Will was indeed feature of an Adams apple, and when it move up and down in his throat, it was indeed adorable. It made him look so vulnerable.She hit me, Yun Sun tattled.She deserved it, I countered. however I didnt want it to go further, this line of communication that was already too revealing. So I patted Yun Suns to ganglingy unfat leg and said, However, I forgive you. Now shut up.What Yun Sun failed to get-or more likely, what she totally got and merely failed to appreciate-was that not all things neede d to be said aloud. Yes, I wanted Will to ask me to prom, and I wanted him to do it soon, because Springtime Is for Lovers was only deuce weeks away.And fine, the forebode of the dance was dorky, but springtime was for lovers. It was an undisputable impartiality. honourable as it was an indisputable truth that Will was my forever boy, if only he could get quondam(prenominal) his enduring diffidence and make a frickin move. Enough friendly shoulder slugs and giggling, snorting tickle wars Enough clutching each other and vociferateing, blaming it on our Netflix copies of The consistency Snatchers or They Come from the Hills Couldnt Will see that I was his for the victorious?Hed near popped the question last weekend, I was ninety-nine-point-five percent sure. Wed been ceremonial occasion Pretty Woman, an over pursy romance which neer failed to amuse. Yun Sun had disappeared into the kitchen for snacks, exit the two of us alone.Um, Frankie? Will had said. His foot tap-tap -tapped against the floor, and his fingers flexed on his jeans. Can I ask you something?Any wear would have known what was coming, because if hed just wanted me to turn up the volume, hed simply have said, Hey, Franks, turn up the volume. Casual. Straightforward. No need for any preparatory re classs. scarcely since in that location were preparatory remarkswell, what could he possibly have wanted to ask me similarly Will you go to prom? Eternal enthral was right there, only seconds away.And then Id blown it. His palpable nervousness triggered a spaz-out of my own, and sort of of letting the moment play out, Id skittishly changed the subject. BECAUSE I WAS A FREAK.Now see, thats the way its make I said, pointing at the TV. Richard Gere was galloping on his white steed, which was really a limo, to Julia Robertss castle, which was really a crappy third-story apartment. As we watched, Richard Gere climbed out of the sun roof and scaled the fire escape, all to win the affections o f his beloved.None of this gutless I think youre kinda cute baloney, I went on. I was blathering, and I knew it. Were lecture action, baby. Were talking dread gesture of love.Will gulped. And said, Oh. And blinked at Richard Gere in a startled-teddy-bear way, mentation, Im sure, that he could never, ever compare.I stared at the TV, knowing Id sabotaged my prom night happiness by means of my own stupidity. I didnt care about grand gestures of love I just cared about Will. unless brilliant me, Id bypast and scared him off. Because in actual real reality, I was an even bigger wimp than he was.But no more-which was why we were here at Madame Zanzibars. She would tell us our futures, and unless she was a total hack, she would state the plain as an impartial observer Will and I were meant for each other. Hearing it spoken so plainly would give Will the mother wit to savour again. Hed ask me to prom, and this time Id let him, even if it killed me.The plastic monkey twitched on t he office doorknob. guess, its locomote, I whispered.Oooo, Will said.A black man with snow-white hair shuffled out of the office. He had no teeth, which made the lower half of his face look puckered, like a prune.Children, he said, tipping his hat.Will stood up and opened the look door, because thats the kind of cuckoo he was. A flack of wind nearly toppled the old man, and Will steadied him.Whoa, Will said.Thank you, son, the old man replied. His words came out mushy, because of the no-teeth thing. augur I best ske dadaismdle in advance the storm blows in.I think it already has, Will said. Past the driveway, tree branches thrashed and creaked.This wee old wind? the old man said. Aw, now, this is just a baby vigilant up and wanting to be fed. Itll be worse forwards the night is over, mark my words. He peered at us. In fact, shouldnt you children be home, safe and sound?It was hard to take offense when a toothless old stager called you children. But come on, this was the s econd time in twenty seconds.Were juniors in high school, I said. We can take care of ourselves.His laugh made me think of dead leaves. any right, then, he said. Im sure you know best. He small-stepped onto the porch, and Will gave a half wave and shut the door.Crazy coot, came a voice from behind us. We turned to see Madame Zanzibar in the office doorway. She wore hot pink Juicy Couture sweatpants with a duading hot pink top, unzipped to her clavicle. Her breasts were round and firm and surprisingly perky, given that she didnt seem to be wearing a bra. Her lipstick was bright orange, to match her nails, and so was the end of the cigarette she held surrounded by two fingers.So, are we coming in or are we binding out here? she asked the three of us. Unveiling lifes mysteries or leaving well enough alone?I rose from my chair and pulled Yun Sun with me. Will followed. Madame Z ushered us into her office, and the three of us scrunched together in an over luged armchair. Will agnize it was never going to track down and lowered himself to the floor. I wiggled to make Yun Sun give me more room.See? Theyre sausages, she said, referring to her thighs.Scooch, I commanded.Now, Madame Z said, hybrid in front of us and sitting behind a table. She puffed on her cigarette. Whats your business?I bit my lip. How to put it? Well, youre a psychic, right?Madame Z exhaled a cloud of smoke. Gee, Sherlock, the ad in the Yellow Pages tip you off?I blushed, while at the very(prenominal) time bristling. My question had been a communication opener. Did she have a problem with conversation openers? Anyway, if she really was a psychic, shouldnt she already know why I was here?Uh okey. Sure, w nauseatever. So I guess I was enquireYeah? Out with it.I self-possessed my courage. Well I was query if a certain special person was going to ask me a certain special question. I purposefully didnt look at Will, but I hear his contrive of surprise. He hadnt seen this coming.Madame Z pres sed two fingers to her forehead and let her eyes go blank. Ahem, she said. Hmm, hmm. What Im getting here is muzzy. in that location is passion, yes-Yun Sun giggled Will swallowed audibly-but there are also how do I say? Complicating factors.Prom Nights from Hell Chapter Onecapital of Wisconsin Avery and the Dim ReaperKim HarrisonChapter OneIf British general, a damsel in a dress, and a pirate passport into a gym, I thought as I discernd over the bodies moving in a mind-numbing chaos of pent-up, inexperienced, teenage lust. Leave it to Covington last to turn prom into a joke. non to mention my seventeenth birthday. What was I doing here?Prom was supposed to be real dresses with a live band, not rented deck ups with canned practice of medicine and streamers. And my birthday was supposed to be anything but this.You sure you dont want to dance? banter yelled in my ear, displace his sugary breath over me. I act not to grimace, conserveing my esteem fixed on the clock beside the gyms Scoreboard and wondering if an hour was long enough to cheque and not get the third degree from my dad. The medicinal drug was dull-the same rhythmic thump over, and over, and over. nothing new in the last forty minutes. And the bass part was way too loud.Yep, I said, edging away in time with the music when his hand act to creep to my waist. Still dont want to dance.Something to drink? he tried again, and I cocked my hip, crossing my arms to hide my cleavage. I was assuage waiting for the boob fairy to betoken up, but the dresss corset shoved everything up and together to make it look like I had more than I did, making me self-conscious.No, thanks, I said with a sigh. He probably didnt hear me, but he got the gist, perceive as he looked away, watching everyone move. spacious ballroom gowns and skimpy barmaid costumes conflate with swashbuckling pirates and straw hats. That was the theme of the prom. bandits. God I had worked for two months on the prom committee at my old school. It was going to have been freaking fantastic, with a woolgatherlit barge and a real band, but no-o-o-o. momma had said protactinium needed to spend time with me. That he was going with a midlife crisis and had to reconnect with something from his past that didnt involve arguing. I think she just got scared when she caught me sneaking out for a late cappuccino and shipped me back to Dad and Dullsville the States knowing I listened to him more than her. Okay, so it had been later on midnight. And I might have been after more than caffeine. And yeah, Id already been grounded from abideing out too late the previous weekend, but thats why I had to sneak out. racetrack the stiff lace of my colonial dress between my fingers, I wondered if any of these lot had a clue what a real party looked like. Maybe they didnt care. tantalize was standing a little in front of me, bobbing his head in time with the music and understandably wanting to dance. Nearby at the victuals table was the guy who had skulked in after us. He was looking my way, and I gave him a stare, wondering if he was after me or twit. Seeing my attention on him, the guy turned away.My survey fell back on josh, who had begun to al near dance halfway between me and the moving people. Actually, I mused as he shifted and bobbed his head to the music, his costume made his thin, awkward height work for him-a traditional British generals red and white, have it away with fake sword and epaulets. His fathers idea, probably, since he was the panjandrum of high muckamucks at the research facility that had unplowed everyone employed when the military base locomote to Arizona, but it did go with the overdone lace-and-corset thing I had on.Come on. Everyone else is bounce, he coaxed when he saw me look at him, and I shook my head, almost feeling tough for him. He reminded me of the guys in the photography high society gaugeing the darkroom door had locked to try to get a little action. It just wasnt fair. I had spent three years larn how to fit in with the placid chicks, and now I was right back with the nice but unpopular guys, mowing down cupcakes in the gym. And on my birthday, too.No, I said flatly. interpretation Sorry, Im not interested. You may as well give up.Even thick-headed, awkward, illogical-glasses kid got that one, and he stopped his almost-dancing to fix his blue eyes on me. Jesus, youre a bitch, you know that? I only asked you out because my dad made me. If you want to dance, Ill be over there.My breath caught, and I gaped at him as if he had punched me in the gut. He cockily raised his eyebrows and tossed away with his hands in his pockets and his chin raised. cardinal girls parted so he could walk between them, and they hunched into each other in his wake, gossiping as they glanced at me.Oh my God. Im a pity date. Blinking fast, I held my breath as I fought to keep the room from going blurry. Crap, not only was I the new girl, but I was a freaking pity date My dad had made nice to his boss, and he made his son ask me out.Son of a dead puppy, I whispered, wondering if everyone was looking at me or if it was just my imagination. I tucked my petty blond hair behind my ear and support to the wall. disposition against it with my arms crossed, I tried to pretend kid had gone to get some pop. Inside, I was dying. I had been dumped. No, I had been dumped by a geek.Way to go, capital of Wisconsin, I said sourly, just imagining the gossip on Monday. I fareted cod at the food table, pretending to ignore me without being obvious about it. The guy in the crew member clothe who had followed us in was talking to him. I still didnt think he was one of Joshs friends, even though he was jostling his elbow and pointing at the girls dancing in dresses cut too low for the gyrating they were doing. That I didnt recognize him wasnt surprising since Id been avoiding everyone for the simplistic reason I wasnt happy being here and I didnt mind anyone knowing it.I wasnt a jock or a nerd-though I had belonged to the photography association back home. Despite my efforts, I ostensibly didnt fit with the Barbie dolls. And I wasnt a goth, brain, druggie, or one of the kids who wanted to play scientist like their mommies or daddies at the research facility. I didnt fit anywhere.Correction, I thought as Josh and the sailor laughed. I fit with the bitches.The guy followed Joshs attention to another group of girls, who were now giggling at something Josh had said. His brown hair was frizzed out under his sailors cap, and his zippy white outfit made him look like all the other guys whod chosen sailor over pirate. He was tall, and there was a smooth grace to his movements that said hed quit growing. He looked older than me, but he couldnt be too much older. It was the prom.And I dont have to be here, I thought suddenly, shoving myself away from the wall with my elbows. Josh was my go home, but my dad would disassem ble me up if I called.My motion to curve through the crowd to the double doors heavyed in worry. Hed ask why Josh wasnt convey me home. It would all come out. The lecture to be nice and fit in I could deal with, but the embarrassmentJosh was watching me when I glanced up. The guy with him was onerous to get his attention, but Joshs eyes were on mine. Mocking me.That did it. No way was I going to call my dad. And I wasnt getting into a car with Josh, either. Id walk it. All five miles. In heels. And a long cotton wool dress. On a countermine April night. With my boobs scrunched together. What was the worst that could happen? A frolic cow incident? Crap, I really bemused my car.Way to go, girl, I m talked, convention my resolution on with my dress, head down as my shoulders bumped into dancers on my way to the door. I was so out of here. People were talking, but I didnt care. I didnt need friends. Friends were overrated.The music melted into something fast, and I brought my a ttention up when the crowd seemed to shift, awkwardly changing rhythm. I jerked to a stop when I agnise I was a step away from running into someone. Sorry I yelled over the music, then froze, staring. Holy crap, Mr. randy Pirate Captain. Where had he been the last three weeks, and were there more where he came from?Id never seen him before. not in the entire time Id been stuck in this town. I would have remembered. Maybe exerted myself a little more. Flushing, I dropped my beat to move my hand to cover my cleavage. God, I snarl like a British tart with everything shoved up like that. The guy was dressed in a clingy black pirate costume, a pendant of gray stone lying on his agency. I could see it where the collar parted. A Zorro-style sham hid his upper face. The wide silk tails of it trailed down his back to mix with his luscious curly black hair. He stood taller than me by about five inches, and as I ran my regard over his tight descriptor, I wondered where hed been cha rge himself.Certainly not the band room or Mrs. Fairels U.S. Government class, I thought as the spinning lights played over him.My apologies, he said, pickings my hand, and my breath caught, not because he was touching me, but because his evince wasnt Midwestern. Sort of a sulky, soft loss laced with a crisp precision that told of appreciation and sophistication. I could almost hear the clink of crystal and soft jape in it, the comforting sounds that more lots than not had lulled me to sleep as the waves pushed on the beach.You arent from around here, I blurted as I leaned to hear him better.A smile grew, his obscure skin and dark hair almost a balm, so familiar amid the watch faces and light hair of the Midwestern prison house I was in. Im here temporarily, he said. An diversify student, in a manner of speaking. like as you. He glanced disdainfully at the people moving around us with little rhythm and even less originality. There are too legion(predicate) cows here, don t you think?I laughed, praying I didnt sound like a unintelligent flake. Yes I almost shouted, pulling him down to talk into his ear over the noise. But Im not an exchange student. I move here from Florida. My mom lives out there on the inner coastal, but now Im stuck here with my dad. I agree. Youre right, its awful. At least you get to go home.And where is home, Mr. Sexy Pirate?A bakshis of low lunar time period and canal water drifted to me, rising from him like a fund. And though some might bring out it unpleasant, tears pricked at my eyes. I missed my old school. I missed my car. I missed my friends. Why had Mom gone so ballistic?Home, yes, he said, and an intoxicating smile commemorateed a hint of tongue when he licked his lips and straightened. We should leave the floor. Were in the way of their dancing.My heart pounded harder. I didnt want to move. He might go away, or worse, someone might swerve their arm into his, cl call foring him. Do you want to dance? I said, ne rvous. Its not what Im used to, but it has a good beat.His smile widened, and time out sent my thump faster. Oh God. I think he likes me. Letting go of my hand, he nodded, and then dropped back a step and started to move.For a moment, I forgot to follow and just watched him. He wasnt flamboyant. No, he went the other way-his slow movements making far more of an electrical shock than if he had cleared the floor by spinning me around it.Seeing me watching, he smiled from behind his mysterious mask and blue-gray eyes as he held out a hand for me to join him. I took a breath, my fingers slipping into his warm ones, and let him pull me into motion.The music was the framework he moved within, and I lost myself trying to match the pattern of it. Almost swaying, we shifted at every second beat. I let myself slow and just dance, finding it easier if I didnt think about it. I could feel every shift of my hips and roll of my shoulders-and a resonate of something began to grow inside me.Wh ile everyone around us continued with sharp, fast motions, we danced slow, the space between us narrowing, our gazes fixing more and more on each other as I became increasingly sure of myself. I let him guide me as the music pulsed and my heart pounded with it.Most everyone here calls me lot, he said, almost ruining the moment, but then his hand curved softly about my waist, and I leaned into him. Oh yeah. This was better.Madison, I said, appetency how I felt, dancing slower than everyone else. But the music was fast, thumping to make my gillyflower race. The two extremes made it seem all the more daring. I havent seen you around. Are you a senior? hardenings fingers tightened on the light cotton of my dress, or perhaps he was just drawing me closer. Im top of my class, he said, magnetic inclination so he wouldnt have to shout.The washy lights played upon him, and I felt airy. Josh could suck an egg for all I cared. This was what my prom should be. That would explain it, I sai d, tilting my head to see his eyes and try to place him. Im a junior.He smiled with his lips closed, and I felt small and protected. My own smile grew. I could feel people starting to watch us, their dancing slowing as they turned. I hoped Josh was getting a good look. Call me a bitch, would he?I lifted my chin, daring to reach out and pull band near, our bodies touching, then moving apart. My heart hammered at what I was doing, but I wanted to vitiated Josh. I wanted the gossip tomorrow to be what an idiot he had been to walk away from me. I wanted something. bands hands slid smoothly at my waist, neither imprisoning nor demanding, vent me to dance as I wanted, and I let myself go, motions routine more sensual than these backwoods bumpkins had seen anywhere but on their TV. My lips twitched when I saw Josh and that sailor kid hed been talking with all this time. Joshs face was white with anger, and I simpered back.You want him to know you arent with him? solidification said wis tfully, and my gaze jerked to his. He hurt you, curing said, and his dark hand left tingles where it touched my chin. You should show him what he lost.The moment balanced, and though I knew it was spiteful, I found myself nodding. solidification eased to a halt, pulling me into him with a smooth, unskintn gesture. He was going to kiss me. I knew it. It was in every motion he made. My pulse hammered, and I tilted my head up to meet his lips with my own, feeling my knees lock. Around us, people slowed to watch, some laughing, some envious. My eyes closed, and I shifted my weight so that we were still dancing as we kissed.It was everything I wanted. Heat washed into me where we touched, spilling down through me like layers, each flaring up as his touch grew closer. Never had I been kissed like this, and I couldnt breathe, afraid Id ruin it. My hands were at his waist, and they held him tighter as he cupped my jaw, holding me as if I might break. He tasted like wood smoke. I wanted more -but boy, did I know better.A low sound lifted from him, softer than irrelevant thunder. His hands tightened, and adrenaline spiked through me. The kiss had shifted.Alarmed, I jerked back, breathless but feeling bright-eyed and exhilarated. Seths gloomy eyes were fixed on mine with a light amusement that I had pulled away.Its only a game, he said. Hes wiser, now. So are you. Hes not worth pain. I blinked as the lights spun madly and the music continued, loud and untouched by our kiss. Everything was different, but only I had changed. I tore my gaze from Seth, my hand still on his waist for balance. There were spots of color on Joshs cheeks, and he looked angry.I raised my eyebrows at him. Lets go, I said, linking my arm with Seths. I didnt think anyone would show up to c hallenge my position. Not after that kiss.Confident, I stepped forward with Seth beside me. A path opened, and I felt like a queen. Though the music thumped and blared, everyone watched us make our way unobstruc ted to the double doors with their brown-paper wrappings decorated to look like the oak doors of a castle.Plebeians, I thought when Seth pushed open the door and the water-assurednessed air of the hall hit me. The door closed behind us, and the music dulled. I slowed to a stop, low heels scuffing on the tile. There was a paper-cloth-covered table against the wall with a tired-looking woman checking tickets. Farther down the hall three kids loitered at the main door. The memory of our kiss rose back through me, making me suddenly nervous. This guy was gorgeous. Why was he with me?Thank you, I mumbled, glancing up and away, then warmed as I wondered if he might think I was talking about the kiss. I mean, for getting me out of there with my pride intact, I added, flushing deeper.I saw what he did. Seth rocked us into motion down the hallway away from everyone and to the parking lot. It was either that or you dumping punch on his clothes. And you He hesitated until I looked at him. Yo u want your revenge more subtle than that.A loose-fitting grin came over me, but I couldnt help it. You think?He devoted his head, acting far older than he should. Do you have a ride home?I jerked to a stop, and he continued a step before turning, his blue-gray eyes wide in alarm. It was cool out here, and I told myself that was why I had a sudden chill.Im sorry, he said, nictation and holding himself still. I didnt mean Ill stay with you while you arrange for someone to come. You dont know me from Adam.No, its not that, I rushed, embarrassed for my sudden mistrust. I glanced back at the woman by the gym door who was watching us with an idle interest. I should call my dad, is all. Let him know whats going on.Seth smiled, his white teeth showing strongly. Of course.I fumbled for the purse that this dress had come with. He moved away a some feet as I dug out my phone and fidgeted, trying to remember the houses number. There was no answer, and we both turned at the noise of the gy m door opening. Josh came out, and my jaw tightened.The answering machine picked up, and in a rush, I blurted, Hi, Dad. Its Madison. Duh. Im getting a ride home with Seth I looked at him in question for a last forebode.Adamson, he said softly, his eyes behind his mask fixed on Josh. anathemize, he had beautiful eyes. And long, luscious eyelashes.Seth Adamson, I said. Josh turned out to be a jerk. Ill be home in a few minutes, okay? But since no one was really there, there wasnt much my dad could say. I waited as if listening for a moment, then added, Im fi-i-i-ine. He was a jerk, is all. Ill see you in a minute.Satisfied, I closed the phone and tucked it away, linking my arm through Seths and turning us to the back doors as Josh caught up, his dress shoes clacking on the tile.Madison He was annoyed, and my satisfaction grew.Hi, Josh I said brightly, my tension rising as he fell into step on my other side. I didnt look at him, and I felt myself go hot. I got a ride home. Thanks. Fo r nada, I added in my thoughts, still mad at him. Or my dad, maybe, for setting this up.Madison, wait.He caught my elbow, and I spun to a halt. Josh froze, pulling back and letting go. Youre a jerk, I said, eyeing his costume and sentiment it looked lame now. And Im no ones pity date. You can just flip off, I adlibbed, not wanting Seth to think I swore like a sailor.Reaching, Josh piece of cakebed my articulatio radiocarpea and yanked me away. Listen to me, he said, and the fear in his eyes stopped my protest. Ive never seen this guy before. Dont be stupid. Let me take you home. You can tell your friends whatever you want. Ill go along with it.I tried to take an insulted breath, but the corset wouldnt let me, so I lifted my chin instead. He knew I didnt have any friends. I called my dad. Ill be fine, I said, glancing over his shoulder to the tall kid in that sailor outfit who had followed Josh out.Still Josh wouldnt let go. Ticked, I twisted my arm, and when I reached to grab hi s wrist in a self-defence hold, he let go as if knowing it. Eyes wide, he backed up a step. Im going to follow you home then, he said, eyes flicking to Seth.Whatever, I said as I tossed my hair, on the Q.T. glad and wondering if maybe Josh wasnt so bad after all. Seth, are you in the back lot?Seth came forward, a softly moving figure of grace and refinement next to Joshs commonality. This way, Madison. I thought I saw a hint of victory in his eyes as his arm slipped through mine. No wonder. Hed obviously come to the prom by himself, and now Josh would be the one leaving alone.I made sure my heels snapped smartly in a show of confident femininity as we went down the hall to the far set of doors. The dress made me feel elegant, and Seth looked fantastic. Josh and his silent buddy trailed behind like extras in a Hollywood film.Seth held the door open for me, leaving the two guys to handle the swinging door by themselves. The air was chilly, and I wished Id begged for an extra cardina l from my dad to get the matching shawl for this outfit. I wondered if Seth would offer me his coat if I complained.The moon was a hazy smudge behind the clouds, and as Seth escorted me down the stairs, I could hear Josh behind me, talking softly to his friend in a low, derisive tone. My jaw clenched, and I followed Seth to a sleek black car parked illegally at the curb. It was a convertible, its top open to the hidden skies, and I couldnt help but smile even wider. Maybe we could go for a drive before he took me home. bleak or not, I wanted to be seen in this car, sitting next to Seth, the wind in my hair and the music cranked. I bet he had great taste in music.Madison Seth said in invitation, opening the door for me. shade awkward and special all at the same time, I eased into the low front seat, my dress sliding on smooth leather. Seth waited while I got the rest of the skirt inside before gently shutting the door. I put on my belt as he crossed behind the car. The black paint glistened in the low glow of the protective covering lights, and I ran my fingers over the smoothness, smug when I saw Josh jogging to his car.Seth startled me when he slid in behind the wheel I hadnt even heard the door open. He cranked the engine, and I desire the solid rumble of it. The stereo came on with something aggressive. The vocals werent English, but that only added to it all. Joshs cars lights flashed on, and we pulled forward, Seth tearaway(a) with one hand.My pulse quickened as I looked at him across the dull light. The cool air felt thick against my skin, and as we picked up speed, the wind worked its way through my hair.I live to the south, I said when we reached the main itinerary, and he turned the proper(a) way. Joshs headlamps swung in behind us, and I colonized myself in the seat, wishing Seth had offered me his coat. But he hadnt said a word or looked at me since Id gotten in the car. Earlier, hed been all sly confidence. Now it was anticipation? And thoug h I didnt know why, a slow feeling of alarm took root.As if perceptual experience it, Seth turned, driving the black road without looking. Too late, he said softly, and I felt my face blank. Easy. I told them it would be easy when you were young and stupid. Almost not worth the effort. Certainly not any enjoyment.My mouth went dry. Excuse me?Seth glanced at the road and back at me. The car started to go faster, and I gripped the door handle, pressure sensation away from him. Nothing personal, Madison. Youre a name on a list. Or should I say, a soul to be culled. An pregnant name, but a name nonetheless. They said it couldnt be done, and now, youll be my admission to a higher court, you and your little life that will now not happen.What the hell? Josh, I said, turning to the lights going distant as Seth picked up speed. Hes following. My dad knows where I am.Seth smiled, and I shivered at the bootleg glinting on his teeth. Everything else was lost in hazy moon shadow and the shri ek of the wind. Like that will make a difference?Oh my God. I was deep in it. My gut tightened. Stop the car, I said forcefully, one hand on the door, the other holding my whipping hair out of my eyes. Stop the car and let me out. You cant do this. People know where I am Stop the carStop the car? he said, smirking. Ill stop the car.Seth shifted his leg, stomping on the brake and turning the wheel. I screamed, grabbing anything. The world spun. My breath left me in a shriek as the odd feeling of too much noise mixed with the cessation of jostling. We had left the road. Gravity pulled from the wrong way. Panic struck when I realized the car was flipping over.Shit. I was in a convertible.I ducked, hands clasped over the back of my neck, praying. A hard thump shook me and everything went black. My breath was crushed from me by the force of the hit. I think I was teetotum down. Then I was yanked another way. The cast aside brightened to gray, and I sucked in the air when the car flippe d once more as it involute down the embankment.Again, the sky went black and the top of the car hit the ground. No I shrieked, helpless, then groaned when the car slammed to a stop, upright. I was flung against the seat belt, agony stabbing through my back as I was thrown and twisted forward.It was quiet. Breathing hurt. Oh God, I hurt all over, and I stared at the shattered windscreen as I panted. The new edges of the windowpane glinted dully in the moonlight, and I followed the broken line down the dash to find Seth gone. My insides hurt. I didnt see blood, but I think I broke something inside. I was alive?Madison came distant over my rasping breath. MadisonIt was Josh, and I forced my eyes up to the mate balls of light at the top of the embankment. A shadowy figure was sliding down. Josh.I took a breath to call to him, groaning when someone took my head and turned me away.Seth? I whispered. He looked untouched, standing outside the destroy car at my door in his costume of bla ck pirate silk. The moon caught his eyes and pendant, giving them both a gray sheen.Still alive, he said flatly, and tears started to slip from me. I couldnt move, but everything was a massive ache so I didnt think I was paralyzed. Damn it, this was a sucky birthday. Dad was going to kill me.I hurt, I said, my voice small, then thought, What a stupid thing to say.I dont have time for this, Seth said, clearly bothered.My eyes widened, but I didnt move when he pulled from the folds of his costume a short blade. I tried to cry out, but my breath left me when he pulled his arm back as if to strike me. synodic month glinted on the blade, red with someone elses blood. Fantabulous. Hes a psycho. I left the prom with a knife-wielding psycho. Can I pick em, or what?No I shrieked, managing to get my arms up, but the blade was a whisper of ice passing through me, leaving me unhurt. I stared at my middle, not confide I was uncut. My dress wasnt torn and blood wasnt flowing, but I knew that bl ade had gone through me. It had gone through me and the car both.Not understanding, I gaped up at Seth, now standing with the blade at rest and watching me. What I tried to say when I realized nothing hurt anymore. But my voice was suddenly absent. He arched his eyebrows in a show of scorn. My expression left me when I felt the first brush of utter nothing, both new and familiar, like a memory long lost.The terrifying absence of everything crept through me, stilling each thought it rolled over. Soft and muzzy, a blanket of nothing started at the edges of my world and moved inward, taking first the moon, then the night, then my body, and last the car. Joshs cries were swallowed up in a low hush of a thrum, leaving only Seths silver eyes.And then Seth turned and walked away.Madison I heard faintly, followed by the briefest touch on my cheek. Then even that melted and there was nothing.Prom Nights from Hell Chapter OneThe Exterminators DaughterMeg Cabotbloody shameThe music is pound ing in time to my heartbeat. I can feel the bass in my chest-badoom, badoom. Its hard to see across the room of writhing bodies, especially with the dapple from the dry ice, and the flickering light show coming down from the clubs industrial jacket overhead.But I know hes here. I can feel him.Which is why Im refreshing for the bodies grinding against one another all around me. Theyre keeping me hidden from his view-and from his senses. other than hed have smelled me coming by now. They can detect the scent of fear from yards away.Not that Im scared. Because Im not.Well. Maybe a little.But I have my Excalibur Vixen crossbow 285 FPS with me, with a twenty-inch-long Easton XX75 (the tip, erst gold, now replaced with hand-carved ash) already cocked and ready to be released at the merest pressure from my finger.Hell never know what hit him.And, hopefully, neither will she.The important thing is to get a dust shot-which wont be easy in this crowd-and to make it count. Ill probably on ly get one chance to shoot. Either Ill hit the quarry or hell hit me.Always aim for the chest, Mom used to say. Its the largest part of the body, and the spot youre least likely to miss. Of course, youre more likely to kill than break if you aim for the chest rather than the thigh or arm but what do you want to wound for, anyway? The point is to take em down.Which is what Im here to do tonight. Take im down.Lila will hate me, of course, if she figures out what really happened and that it was me who did it.But what does she command? She cant think that Im just going to sit idly by and watch her throw her life away.I met this guy, shed gushed at eat today, while we were standing in line for the salad bar. Oh my God, Mary, you wouldnt believe how cute he is. His names Sebastian. Hes got the bluest eyes youve ever seen.The thing about Lila that a lot of people dont get is that down the stairs that-lets face it-slutty exterior beats the heart of a truly loyal friend. contradictory the rest of the girls at apotheosis Eligius, Lilas never pulled an attitude with me about the fact that my dads not a CEO or plastic surgeon.And yeah, okay, I have to tune out about three-fourths of what she says because most of it is stuff that I have no interest in-like how much she paid for her Prada tote at the end-of-season clearance sale at Saks, and what kind of tramp stamp shes thinking about getting next time shes in Cancn.But this caught my attention.Lila, I said. What about Ted?Because Teds all Lila has talked about for the past year, ever since he finally got up the guts to ask her out. Well, I mean, all shes talked about besides the Prada sales and back tattoos.Oh, thats over, Lila said, reaching for the lettuce tongs. Sebastians taking me clubbing tonight-at Swig. He says he can get us in-hes on the VIP list.It wasnt the fact that this guy, whoever he was, claimed to be on the VIP list of the newest and most exclusive club in downtown Manhattan that caused the hairs o n the back of my neck to rise. Dont get me wrong-Lilas beautiful. If anyone is going to be approached by a ergodic stranger who happens to be on the most sought-after VIP list in town, it would be Lila.It was the thing about Ted that got to me. Because Lila adores Ted. Theyre the quintessentially better high school couple. Shes gorgeous, hes a star athlete its a match made in teen heaven.Which is why what she was give tongue to me did not compute.Lila, how can you say its over between you and Ted? I demanded. You two have been going out forever-or at least since I arrived at Saint Eligius Prep in September, where Lila was the first (and, to date, pretty much the only) girl in any of my classes to actually speak to me-and its the prom this weekend.I know, Lila said, with a happy sigh. Sebastians taking me.Seb-Thats when I knew. I mean, really knew.Lila, I said. Look at me.Lila looked down at me-Im small. But, as Mom used to say, Im fast-and I saw it at once. What I should have see n from the beginning, that ever-so-slightly shiny expression-the dull eyes the soft lips-that Ive come to know so well over the years.I couldnt believe it. Hed gotten to my best friend. My only friend.Well. What was I supposed to do? induct back and let him take her?Not this time.Youd think seeing a girl with a crossbow on the dance floor of Manhattans hottest new club would maybe feed a comment or two. But it is Manhattan, after all. Besides, everyone is having too good a time to notice me. Even-Oh God. Its him. I cant believe Im finally seeing him in the physiqueWell, his son, anyway.Hes more handsome than I ever imagined. Golden-haired and blue-eyed, with movie star-perfect lips and shoulders a mile wide. Hes tall, too-although most guys are tall-compared with me.Still, if he is anything like his father, well, then, I get it. I finally get it.I guess. I still dont-Oh God. Hes sensed my gaze. Hes turning this way-Its now or never. I raise my bowGood-bye, Sebastian Drake. Good -bye forever.But just as I have the bright white triangle of his garment front in my scope, something unbelievable happens A bright bloom of cherry red appears exactly where Ive been aiming. buy food I havent pulled the trigger.And his kind doesnt bleed.Whats that, Sebastian? Lila shimmies up to him to ask.Dammit Somebody-and I see Sebastian raise his stunned cerulean gaze from the scarlet stain on his enclothe to Lilas face-shot me.Its true. Someone has shot him. alone it wasnt me.And thats not all that doesnt make sense. Hes bleeding.Except thats not possible.Not knowing what else to do, I duck behind a near pillar, pressing the Vixen to my chest. I need to regroup, figure out my next move. Because none of this can really be happening. I couldnt have been wrong about him. I did the research. It all makes sense the fact that hes here in Manhattan the fact that he went after my best friend, of all people Lilas stupid(p) expression everything.Everything except what just happened. And I had just stood there, staring. I had had a perfect shot, and Id blown it.Or had I? If hes bleeding, then that must mean hes human. Doesnt it?Except if hes human, and hes just been shot in the chest, why is he still standing?Oh God.The worst of it is he saw me. Im almost sure I felt that reptilian gaze pass over me. What will he do now? Will he come after me? If he does, its all my own fault. Mom told me never to do this. She always said a hunter never goes out alone. Why didnt I listen? What was I thinking?Thats the problem, of course. I hadnt been thinking at all. Id let my emotions get the better of me. I couldnt let what happened to Mom happen to Lila.And now Im going to pay for it.Just like Mom.Crouching in agony, I try not to imagine what Dads going to do when the New York City police ring our doorbell at four in the morning and ask him to come to the morgue to ID his only daughters body. My throat will be gouged open, and who knows what other atrocities will be done to my broken body. All because I didnt stay home tonight to work on my paper for Mrs. Gregorys fourth-period U.S. History class (topic the self-restraint movement in antebellum civilized War America, two thousand words, double-spaced, cod Monday), like I was supposed to.The music changes. I hear Lila squeal, Where are you going?Oh God. Hes coming.