I lower my arm and peak through a slit in my hands. I take in the blood covering the snow just in front of me.

"Alex." A dark figure stands far to my left, the eyes glow a bright red. His coat flaps to the side.

"Kian!" I scream. My body listens as I struggle to stand and run, tripping and falling several times into his outstretched arms. I cling tightly as I hear heavy, disjointed footsteps.

"Close your eyes," he whispers. "I've got you."
—
When Lexi and her brother Zero relocate to the Academy, neither of them is prepared for what lies ahead, especially when Kian reveals that the school is also home to vampires.

Lexi has to navigate a world once unknown to her and the strange feelings she has for Kian.

When unprovoked attacks begin to occur in her new home, she is drawn into the conflict. Now, she must find out who, and what, the attacker wants and the lengths they will go to in order to get it.

Blood and Thorns is created by V. R. Morgan, an eGlobal Creative Publishing author.

BLOOD AND THORNS

I let my rage get the better of me. But I can't bring myself to care.


I don't wait to see whether Kian bothers to do something, to follow me, to speak out about what happened, or to tell off that stupid cow.


I think Bryn is smirking as I leave, but I can't be sure.


I push the doors to get outside. I need to get some space and clarity.


I head towards the dorms. If he comes after me, I'll refuse to see him. He can't force his way in, can he? No, he better not.


I look to my right. The trees are still calling out to me. It may be dark, but I make the split-second decision to go to them.


Spring is imminent and while it may be dark, I'm not afraid of being alone in this moment.


In my angered state, time passes quickly and I reach the treeline in no time at all. I don't even stop to consider any potential dangers.


Chapter 16