Twisted Dreams by Marissa Farrar Page B

last night had made me a bit of a celebrity, and the arrival of the police had only compounded the idea that I was some kind of bad-ass. I guessed that despite the whispers, this made me stand out, and everyone wanted the inside news on what had happened. Of course, it now felt as though I was stealing Brooke’s friends from her, and I wondered how long she would hold onto the secret about what she’d caught me doing last night.
    I told myself my self-harm was different to what some other teenage girls put themselves through. After all, I healed almost as quickly as I cut, and I wasn’t cutting in order to release whatever pent up, teenage emotions I was going through. At least, I told myself that wasn’t the reason I did it. But perhaps my reaction to other people’s extreme emotions by wanting to bite them was my own strange, half-vampire, teenage body’s reaction. Other teenagers might be controlled by their hormones. I was controlled by my part-vampire genetics.
    But no, they didn’t control me. I had a handle on it. Or I hoped I did.
    “So are you coming to the social tonight?” Kayla asked me. “We’re all planning to go if you want to come with?” She looked over to Brooke. “That’s okay, isn’t it?”
    Brooke shrugged, but didn’t look at me. “Whatever.”
    I wondered if Laurel would be going. I hadn’t spoken to her since the police carted me off in the hall, and we hadn’t bothered exchanging numbers. Fingers crossed, she would be there. I could do with a cheerful face whose company I could relax in.
    I just hoped that after I’d been caught out in my blatant lie that she’d still want to talk to me.

 
    Chapter
     
    10
     
     
    M usic blasted from the sports hall, banners strung out front welcoming the new influx of students. Small clusters of students hung out on the grass outside, chatting to each other. A group of guys threw a football around and yelled at one another, distracted only by the girls walking around in heels and short skirts.
    Despite the balmy evening, I’d opted for a long sleeve top in floaty chiffon, and another pair of jeans. I needed to keep my arms covered because, while the cuts from the previous night were now scars, they were still visible. I never felt comfortable showing off my legs.
    The three girls walking with me didn’t have any of my inhibitions. Brooke wore a skin-tight short dress, while Kayla rocked a pair of low slung skinny-fit jeans with a top that exposed her stomach, and Erin sported a strappy cami that left little to the imagination, and a flippy, short skirt. I felt like a total frump walking beside them. The only benefit I could think of was that at least I didn’t need to worry about any of the guys checking me out.
    The image of Riley in my room that afternoon jumped into my head. I remembered the way he had leaned into me, his dark hair falling into his eyes. How the corner of his lip had lifted in a smirk, and how he’d asked me if I really wanted him to leave.
    A pleasurable shiver ran through me.
    I didn’t care if the guys weren’t checking me out. There was only one person I wanted to be noticed by.
    I pushed all thoughts of Riley to the back of my mind. It wasn’t as though he was going to be here. A strange part of me was disappointed, as if the evening was a waste unless I saw him. I had to remember how shaken I was the last time I’d been in his company. How he’d threatened me ...
    Or warned me.
    Either way, I couldn’t help feeling like I should be worried. I should want to stay well away from both him and anyone else to do with the carnival. But then why was my soul drawn to him?
    We entered the hall. Banners were strung across the walls and balloons had been tied in clusters to every pillar and post. On stage, a small band rocked out. A few people danced, but most stood around in groups. A bigger crowd had gathered around the front of the stage, and they jumped up and down in time to the music. A bar was set up on the