It was already one in the morning, and Jade was so full of adrenaline and excitement that she could stay up all night and still look as radiant as a flower in spring.
A date with Frank. That was about to happen! In an hour! Wow!
About ten minutes ago, Jade and Evie both entered a luxurious hotel room, practically a suite, with high ceilings and flooring inlaid with intricate patterns that matched the brown walls. The bed was large and made for two people, though Evie said she would not sleep. A small desk and chair were positioned on either side of the king-sized bed.
They had already spent a few minutes here in silence, with Evie just standing at the door without saying anything. From time to time, she walked out to patrol, then closed the door again.
"Zeth is here already? Perfect." Evie said on the phone as Jade opened the refrigerator to grab a soda, but she didn't find any of that. All she found were five ten-pound bags of ice. Why did she want so much ice if she didn't have any drinks? "Draco and Alex argued? But BC-13 is still watching them, right? What? Alex entered the hotel alone? He is in the south tower? Talking to a bartender about what exactly? Oh! Right, Zeth is with Draco then? What? They just got here? The five of them? Paul should be on his way. Oh! He went to the hospital? Good, keep me posted. Tell BC-13 to prepare the defences in case of emergency. Thanks." Then she hung up with a sigh.
"Why does this look like an average room mixed with a suite?" Jade asked, looking around.
"Because this used to be my safe space, until you appeared."
"Well, you better get used to my presence because I'm going to be here for a long time, Evie," Jade took her hair brush from her purse, setting a small mirror down carefully before beginning to brush her hair. "The boys are in the suite upstairs, right?"
"And you want to visit them," Evie said. How did she know? "There's no other reason why you're doing your hair."
"Do you know which suite they're staying at?" Jade asked.
"I thought you had been here before." she replied, pulling out her cell phone when it rang again. "Actually, they're in an important meeting right now. It's not a good idea for you to visit them."
"I want to go see them," Jade said, and Evie nodded.
"Sure... What do you want to see them for?"
"I'm going to ask if they have a minute to talk about Jesus," Jade replied, a bit annoyed.
After seeing them on stage tonight stealing the show, something in Jade changed. A compelling need to be a part of their lives, of their band, had taken over her. She wanted to know more about them. To understand them better, better than Evie could ever hope to
Slowly, Jade had become obsessed with them, each and every one.
She had fallen for Frank's tenderness, Draco's energy, Alex's irreverence, Finn's tenacity, Zeth's leadership, and Everett's directness.
It didn't matter how much time passed; they continued to be unforgettable and fascinating.
She was perhaps not in love yet, but she was willing to be with each and every single one of them, to be everyone's girlfriend at the same time.
That was what she needed to find peace for her soul.
They would all be together, laughing, loving, embracing each other in a group hug, kissing... And she would surrender her life, mind, and body to them in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself.
She would make things happen this time, enough waiting for things to fall from the sky!
"Well," Evie began slowly, "I don't think you should..."
"I want to go talk to them, and I will," Jade replied sharply, ignoring her words.
Evie gave a sigh in response.
"I'm going to go talk to them," Jade said, taking her purse and walking towards the door. "I want privacy."
Evie didn't reply and just looked away, speed-dialling.
"Alex, it's Evie. Hey handsome, Zeth texted me and asked where you are because you're not answering his texts," Evie said, pacing, "Sure. Hurry up to the suite, there's a meeting. Okay, and remember that the elevator in the south tower doesn't work. Oh yes sir, it broke down the night before yesterday and the technician will arrive in the morning. It will be cardio night."
Jade opened the door and stepped out into a quiet hallway. Her heart hammered against her chest, her throat felt dry and constricted.
After taking the elevator and knocking on the door of the suite, someone quickly opened up.
"Oh! Hi, Jade." It was Draco, but he looked paler than usual, sad, discouraged, with his dark circles darker than usual, and his red eyes dull, almost black.
And he was drinking a red liquid from a glass...
Oh God!
"Is that... What I think it is?" Jade turned pale; the world was spinning.
Her stomach knotted and the urge to vomit rose in her throat, but she was able to contain herself.
He probably looked very dull because he needed to feed, and that's what he was doing right now.
"Oh! This?" Draco held up his drink weakly, "It always helps lift my spirits, you know?"
"You look weak," Jade whispered, "You look bad."
"I know," Draco pouted, "I'm just..."
"I'm going to throw up," Jade was feeling dizzy.
"It's not as gross as it looks. You should try it. It's my secret recipe actually. The trick is to put a bit of liquid chocolate and a little..."
"I don't want to know!" Jade held her mouth with one hand and her stomach with the other.
Was that blood?
Obviously it was blood!
Draco was a vampire!
And he drank it like this!?
It looked vile!
She should have known better.
But what was she thinking?
Seeing how childish the guy was, she thought he would just drink some chocolate or something, but noooo!
He obviously drank blood!
The worst part about it was that he probably didn't even feel bad about it.
Draco had already opened his mouth, as if to speak. His fangs were tinted scarlet red.
"Do you want to come in? I can get you some..." He raised his glass to her.
"No!" She screamed, backing up. She needed to get away from him before he offered her that bloody, literally bloody, disgusting thing he was holding.
"Hey! Jade?" Alex came running down the hall, drenched in sweat, barely breathing, stopping next to her and leaning against the wall with one hand on his heart, "Hey what... What's wrong... Girl?" Alex asked, looking at Draco with some dissatisfaction. Surely he, being a wolf and a natural enemy of vampires, was as disgusted as Jade.
"Who is it?" Everett came up behind Draco, "Oh. Jade! I was going to ask you favour!"
"I don't feel well," she staggered back. Her breathing was quickening; she felt dizzy.
"Are you okay? You look pale as snow... And clumsy, like Baby Yeti," Everett said, but she was already tumbling.
"I think I'm going to... Faint!" she suddenly fell backwards like a sack of potatoes onto the carpeted hallway floor.
Everett stood still and numb, looking at the girl sprawled on the ground.
Draco stared at her as well, taking another sip of his drink.
"Does she always pass out that hard?" Everett asked, and Draco shifted his shoulders.
"Yeah, she always wobbles and falls like that," Draco said carelessly, numbly, way too depressed.
"She went down like oak tree, scrawny little one," Everett said through narrowed eyes, "She looks like squashed spider, all sprawled and motionless."
"Me lleva la chingada! Why doesn't anyone ever catch Jade when she passes out?!" Alex yelled, hastily kneeling next to her to pick her up in his strong arms, turning to face the door, "QuÃtense, par de pendejos! I must take her to bed!"
"Shouldn't we call 911?" Everett asked the question any normal, sane person would ask.
"Nah. The author makes strange decisions to keep the plot moving," Draco replied, shifting his shoulders.
Alex didn't say anything about what Draco said and took Jade straight to his bedroom in the suite.
At least Zeth wouldn't lose his mind this time.
It took a few seconds for her to wake up.
"W-What?" Jade opened her eyes to the sound of voices, distant. Many men talking.
"I'm glad you're awake," Alex said at the foot of the bed, next to Draco. They were both standing far apart, and there was a thick tension in the air.
"I think there was a misunderstanding," Draco said, raising his glass weakly.
"She faints easily," Everett said to her right, standing imposingly, making her jump in place.
Jade was in Frank's room again.
Wow, déjà vu!
"I passed out again," she said, lowering her head. "You guys must think I'm pathetic."
The three boys shook their heads.
"We should go back to Zeth and others," Everett said. "She interrupted meeting."
"Oh! I'm sorry I interrupted," Jade lowered her gaze.
"We couldn't leave you like that out there," Alex said, sitting down next to her on the bed. "We wanted to make sure you were okay."
"It's just that when I saw Draco drinking blood..." Jade turned a little pale again as she watched the vampire take another sip from his glass. Still, he looked downcast, weak even.
"We should have explained to you that Draco doesn't drink blood," Alex said.
"But he is a vampire!" Jade protested. She hadn't even noticed that her hand was clutching something soft under the sheets. Her fingers met fur, and she realised it was Everett's vest.
"Bram Stoker took some liberties with story. It's old book that changed people's perspective towards vampires forever." Everett said while approaching the door, ducking to avoid hitting the door frame.
With the door open, Jade heard voices talking louder outside.
Men were having a conversation.
Jade couldn't make sense of anything they were talking about, but it sounded important.
"Come on, Draco," Everett said. Draco nodded and followed him out of the room, closing the door behind him.
"What was Draco drinking?" Jade asked, her head throbbing.
"Cherry and chocolate juice, but don't drink it. He says it's delicious, but it tastes horrible," Alex said, dragging himself closer to her on the bed. "He drank it because he thought he had to prove something to us but loved it in the end. You know how he is. He's not always right, but he always comes out triumphant from his nonsense." Alex whispered and got up. "You probably want to rest." Alex put a hand on her shoulder, then quickly stepped back when she shivered. "Sorry. Sorry, I shouldn't have touched your shoulder. That was... Inappropriate."
"You touched my shoulder, not a boob," Jade said with a giggle.
Alex blushed slightly. He was very sweaty, and he was tense too.
"Why do you look like you ran a mile, Alex? You're dripping in sweat!"
"Let's just say I went to the bar for a drink and Evie called me to come to the meeting. The elevator broke down so I took the stairs," Alex said.
"And why did you need a drink?" She yawned.
"Are you sleepy?" Alex whispered.
"A bit. Passing out doesn't count as beauty sleep," she said, biting her lip and lowering her gaze. There was something in the air, like the scent of sweet chocolate again. Her body was crying out for attention, desperately. She needed human warmth, so to speak, someone's touch. What was going on with her? "Alex... Do you want to..." she couldn't believe what she was going to ask, "Do you mind if we stay here together? Like tonight, I mean... Cuddle? I don't want to sleep alone with the visitors out there or downstairs with Evie looking at me like I am a criminal."
"Oh. Yeah, sure, okay. But as soon as you fall asleep, I'll leave because I have an important meeting. But I'll lock the door," Alex said quickly, clearing his throat.
"Alright," she said and patted next to her, "I guess I'll have to wait until the visitors leave before I tell you guys what I came to say."
"I don't think they'll stay for long," Alex looked nervous, looking from side to side, breathing deeply.
"You okay?"
"No," Alex admitted, "You know, sometimes I get upset and, I don't know. Some people smoke when something shakes their world, others get drunk, and I... Shit. I am sweating."
"Well, yes you are."
"I need to take a shower urgently."
"You what?" She looked into his eyes and saw desire in them.
She inhaled sharply.
There was something about his manly scent that made her feel hornier than with any of the other guys, even Zeth.
Alex also inhaled sharply, and she thought maybe it was because of the expensive perfume Zeth had bought her? Or maybe it was the smell of her blood like the girl in the vampire novel?
There were words she wanted to say.
She wanted to express the feelings he inspired in her, the feeling that filled her veins when his sensual chocolate smell filled her nostrils.
Silence stretched between them, it was so awkward, so Jade said something to ease the tension.
"So, um... What's going on out there?"
"Zeth made a decision that none of us like. It was a blessing that you came," Alex answered, pacing a bit. He looked down at her with a smile. "You should come with me and say hello. The visitors actually saw when I brought you into the suite."
"You smell so good, Alex," Jade let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. Her face was hot, and she was starting to feel dizzy again, her pulse racing.
"How about we get out of here?" Alex smiled nervously.
"No," she replied, "I actually like it here. And your smell... My heart is like boom boom boom! So... Remember in the interview you said you couldn't live without..."
"Ooohh! Yeah, my 'pyjamas' huh?" Alex was too anxious, "Yeah, I better leave."
"I've never done anything at all in my life, Alex," Jade was sweating, losing her mind, "And I'd like you and I to get sexy."
"Do you want a private dance again?" Alex bit his lip. "Is that what you want?"
"I'd like..." Jade was getting a little carried away, but if she could be a little naughty with anyone, it was Alex. "I'd like more!"
"Two private dances?" he cocked his head.
"More!" she pressed her thighs together.
"Damn little lady! You want three private dances?!"
"You're playing stupid," Jade lowered her eyebrows. "Don't you take hints?"
"Jade, you just don't understand. When I sweat, my body reacts in a peculiar way."
"Mine is getting hot," Jade whispered, fanning herself, "I want..." She placed a hand on Alex's abdomen, biting her lip.
Alex widened his eyes.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Damn, little lady! That escalated quickly!" Alex chuckled awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck, stepping back. "Jade, that's not you talking, okay? And I have a very weak will so..."
"Am I that ugly?" she asked, blinking slowly. Her body felt so warm, as if floating in a pool of sunlight. "Am I not pretty enough for you?"
Alex shook his head vehemently.
"No, no! I mean, you are beautiful, but... It's nothing like that!" He paused, looking into her eyes and rubbing his hands together. "I mean... Do you really want to?"
"I..." Jade's lips parted, and she stared at Alex with wide eyes. "I guess... I mean, what about you?"
Alex bit his lip, nervously glancing away.
He was truly uncomfortable.
"Well, yeah," Alex admitted. "Do you want to? Like... Right now?"
Jade's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes," she replied.
"Oh well... Well if that's what you want," he swallowed hard, putting his thumbs on the waistband of his sweatpants, "I mean... We don't have much time so how about we just, I don't know..."
"I have an idea," Jade bit her lip, "How about you give me just one taste?"
"Oh yeah. Just one taste and everything will be fine, right?" Alex was now breathing more desperately than before. "I've been good. I think I deserve it. It's just a little relapse, right?"
"Hey!" Draco said, pushing the door open. "I am not saying I was listening behind the door, but... I was listening behind the door and what the actual fuck?!"
"I told you to open door earlier," Everett said, who was surely also eavesdropping.
"Alex! Your pheromones are about to make you do something very stupid!" Draco said, turning on the ceiling fan. Alex reacted, coming out of his trance, blinking a lot.
"Draco I..." Alex shook his head, "You're right. I don't know what the hell I was thinking!"
"Hey, you guys!" Zeth's voice called in the distance, "If she's already awake, leave her in bed and come now! We're discussing serious matters around here!"
"Alex, we're leaving!" Draco said, almost an order, and Alex nodded, leaving the room with his head down behind Draco, although neither of them looked each other in the eyes as usual.
"No! Alex! Don't go!" Jade shouted, "Why? Why did you guys have to..."
"Jade! Alex had addiction problem!" Everett told her, stepping into the room angrily, and she blinked slowly, in shock.
"Really? What was it? Alcohol? Or something else?"
"No. It was physical addiction," Everett growled, "You don't want details. But it's all written in song 'Exorcist' that Alex wrote."
"Wait, the part of the song that says 'I've been bad, I've been naughty' is about... Oh! I get what kind of addiction you are talking about!" Jade gulped. Now the desperate rock and grunge sound of the song made sense.
'Exorcist' was a fun listening experience, But now that she knew the meaning of this song, Jade could only admire Alex for his genuine commitment to evoking emotions and creating masterpieces from the worst of moments. The song didn't have fake edginess and the lyrics were brutally honest, with Finn's powerhouse vocals urgently conveying desperation, pain and anguish during the bridge of the song. And Everett's deep, demonic laugh? The chants that sounded like a priest exorcising someone in the background? That was art!
She could listen to that song a thousand times and never get tired of it, but now she feared that, the next time she pressed play, maybe this moment would come back to hunt her.
"Alex also wrote 'Pit Full Of Vipers' about addiction," Everett said, "Part that says 'I search for love flicking my tongue' actually refers to..."
"Yes, yes, I understand what you mean," Jade said, squeezing her eyes shut. "Let's not talk about Alex's tongue or what he does with it anymore, okay?"
And now that image would come to Jade every time she heard that song. She always thought 'Pit Full Of Vipers' was raucous anyway, an anthemic pop-punk song where Draco sang loudly over guitars and drums inspired by the earlier years of punk music with lots of snake hisses simulating cymbals.
It wasn't one of Jade's favourites anyway.
'Bite Me, Darling' overall was her least favourite album.
"I have to go," Everett pointed to the door.
"Can I go with you?" Jade asked.
"I... I guess," Everett shrugged. "Follow me."
After walking down the hall, she finally entered the room where her friends were talking to...
This had to be a joke.
"What are they doing here?" Jade whispered when she saw the Fifth Octave boys sitting on one couch and the Monster Mash boys on the other.
They all looked quite tense and worried.