Read Blood and Snow 5: Prey and Magic for Free Online

uttered, but a big part of me believed it was impossible to totally forget. I wanted to tell him that, but I was exhausted. A lot had gone on in a short amount of time, and I needed a break.
    He threw on his shirt and I did the same. Then h e grabbed my hand. “C’mon, let’s go see what Professor Pops has to say.”
    I followed, but at the top of the stairs, stopped. Gabe turned and asked, “What’s wrong?”
    “Does my dad know I left?”
    He shook his head. “I guess your dad tried to call you several times, and when some random person answered he freaked out and called Pops. Pr ofessor Pops told your dad you were upset about him leaving again so soon, and that you needed some time.” He touched my cheek with a thumb. “If you hadn’t returned by tomorrow we were going to have to tell your dad the truth. We didn’t want to worry him though.”
    “Good,” I said, exhaling that stored up stress. I would call him tomorrow morning. “What about Gatsby? Do you know where my cat is?”
    “Yeah, the poor thing came meowing at our backdoor a couple of days after you left. We’ve kept him with us. He’s been well cared for, but he sure misses you.”
    “I can’t wait to see him.”
    We lumbered down the stairs and headed into the kitchen. Professor Pops and the brother s were there. Most smiled sheepishly. Some wore more serious expressions.
    “Hi,” I said, clinging to Gabe’s hand.
    Professor Pops pulled me into a hug. I embraced him happily, enjoying the smell of books, ink, and cigars that was the Professor.
    “I am glad you’re okay. I was worried sick.” He held me at arms length. “Where have you been?”
    “Yeah, Snow. We looked for you every day, but it was like you vanished,” Salvatore said.
    Dorian, his face grave, said, “You shouldn’t have run. We will always have your back.”
    I nodded. “I’m sorry. It’s just when I saw Gabe, and thought he was…” I couldn’t finish the sentence . “Something inside me broke.”
    They all nodded, letting out grunts of understanding, and sympathy.
    Except Sebastian. He said, “How many of us regular humans did you kill?” The words sounded light, but I could tell he was nervous about the answer.
    “None,” I answered. Focusing on Professor Pops, I con tinued, “I remembered what you said . I counted. I didn’t take too much.”
    Professor Pops smiled, his shoulders visibly relaxing. “That is really good news.”
    “I guess this means we don’t need to cancel her party,” Daniel said.
    They all groaned.
    And I laughed. “The masquerade ball? Is that still on?” I tried to hide my distain. But at this point I’d do anything, go anywhere for them. As long as these amazing guys-men were near me, I knew anything was possible.
    Professor Pops clasped my hands in his and smiled big. “Of course it is, my dear. You only turn sixteen once.”
    “Yes, but will she be able to resist all the delicious human blood dancing around the room?” Dorian asked his voice tinged with curiosity. As he spoke, he raised his chin slightly. I doubted anyone else even noticed. I did. What was it about Dorian?
    They all turned to me, some smug, others concerned. I shrugged, and then sighed. Drawing out the time before I responded . They all seemed to be holding their breaths. Giving Gabe a sideways glance, I said, “Yes. Of course I can.”
    “ I know she can too ,” Dorian said, pulling me into a hug.
    Gabe shoved him. “That’s enough. Back off my girl . ”
    “Let’s have a ball,” Salvatore shouted.
    The back door flew open, and we all turned to see Cindy, dressed in sof t pink pajamas, and fluffy pink slippers rush into the kitchen and skid to a halt. Even with bedhead and no makeup she was adorable.
    “Snow. Merryweather . White, ” she fumed , crossing her arms .
    I raised an eyebrow. She’d bragged about her locator spell and about being a big-time witch, so why hadn’t she located me? Unless she hadn’t been looking.
    Cindy is n’t