Blue Bloods

CHAPTER 28

Schuyler didn't doubt that what Jack had told her was true. He told her about the way they'd found Aggie at the club, with all her blood drained, just like a Red Blood after full consumption, except it had happened to one of their own. Just as they preyed on the humans, something was preying on them. Jack explained that while the Blue Bloods kept to The Code there hadn't been a human death due to blood-sucking in centuries, those that hunted the Blue Bloods were not as chivalrous.

Then he told her about some girl who'd died in Connecticut over the summer. Another Blue Blood. She had been a Hotchkiss sophomore, and they'd found her in the same condition as Aggie. There was also a sixteen-year-old Choate boy who'd died just before school had started. He'd been in The Committee as well. Again, the blood was drained completely from his body. Aggie's death was just the latest one they knew about.

Jack was certain the Elders were hiding something from them, and he was determined to find out what it was. "Why do I feel like I've seen this before, like I've lived this before? But there's something blocking my memory. Almost as if someone's tampered with it somehow. But we need to know. We need to know what's happening to us. And why everyone who's dying is our age. Are you with me?" he asked.

Schuyler nodded.

"We need to find out how to stop it. For all our sakes. We can't live in the dark, like we are now. The Elders think it will just go away, but what if it doesn't? I want to be prepared for it—whatever it is."

He looked so passionate and angry, Schuyler couldn't help but put a hand on his cheek. He looked at her intently. "It's going to be dangerous. I don't want to drag you into something you might regret."

"I don't care," Schuyler said. "I agree with you. We have to find out what this thing is. And why it's preying on us."

He pulled her closer to him, and she felt his heart beating in his chest. It was amazing how calm and centered she felt—like this was the only place in the world where she belonged.

He leaned over, his nose gently brushing hers, and she tilted her chin up to be kissed.

When their lips met, and their tongues touched, it was like they were kissing in a hundred different places, and her senses were flooded with new sensations and old memories.

He kissed her, and their souls melted into each other in a melody older than time.

"What a pretty picture."

Schuyler and Jack pulled away.

Mimi Force was standing in front of them, clapping her hands slowly.

"Mimi, there's no need for that," Jack said coldly.

Schuyler blushed. Why on earth was Jack's sister staring at her like that—like, like, like she was jealous of them! How creepy and weird was that? Was she missing something here? Mimi was his twin sister.

"The Llewellyns are here. They're pretty pissed. I came to warn you. We gotta scram."

Jack and Schuyler followed Mimi to the back staircase, where dozens of kids from the party were already streaming out, carrying their goodie bags and chattering excitedly.

"Damn! I forgot to take one!" Mimi cursed. "And I'm out of body lotion, too," she lamented as they walked out to the lobby. The building's concierge looked a tad horrified to encounter a rash of teenagers bursting through, some still carrying beer bottles and cocktail glasses. He gazed openmouthed at the sight of them.

The group dispersed, and Mimi ran out to the street, where their car was waiting. “Jack, are you coming?" she asked, turning around impatiently.

"You're leaving?" Schuyler asked.

"For now. I'll explain later, okay?" he said, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. Then he let go.

Schuyler shook her head. No. Why did he have to go? She wanted him to stay by her side, not run off again somewhere without her. Her lips still ached with the force of his kiss, her cheeks red from his stubble.

"Don't be like that. Remember what I said. Be careful. Don't go anywhere without Beauty."

She nodded mutely, and was about to turn away. Then, as if she thought better of it, she reached out and grabbed his arm. "Jack."

"Yes?"

"I…" she faltered. She knew what she wanted to tell him, but she couldn't bring herself to say the words.

It turned out she didn't have to. Jack put a hand on his heart and nodded. "I feel the same way about you."

Then he turned around and disappeared inside the black Town Car that was carrying his twin.