Stop To Make Out

Graves had kept me longer than expected.

By the time I reached the exit, Rayne and Jesse were no longer in sight. So I closed my eyes and listened. At first I didn't hear anything except the fun going on at the party. But I pushed farther and farther, focusing until I heard Rayne's soft laugh. "Got you." I opened my eyes and started forward.

A lone gargoyle blocked my path. He wore a creepy smile as he studied me. "Talking to myself," I said, moving in the direction of the stairs.

"Don't go, little princess." He wrapped his arms around me from behind, holding me fast.

I immediately went limp, allowing him to bear all my weight.

His grip slipped just enough that I was able to ram the back of my foot into his knees and roll forward out of his arms.

The gargoyle cried out, and I was free before he even realized what had happened. Using my vampire speed, I dashed over to the stairs and raced down them before he had a chance to recover.