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 throw myself into training with Z, trying to let out some of the pent up frustration.


I feel more confused now than I had last night before knowing anything.


Why had Kian chosen not to say anything? Who was the vampire that orchestrated my attack? Was he the same as the one hiding in the shadows? What decision had Mara made that had hurt Kian badly enough to warrant her—sort of—silence?


I shake my head and run harder to catch up with Z.


My lungs have adapted and I'm able to run farther and harder every day. But my muscles protest as I push through the aching in my legs.


Z slows to let me catch up, and then picks the pace up again.


It amazes me how attuned Z is to my moods.


My body may be getting stronger, but I haven't mastered having a conversation while running yet.


We pass through the gates, heading towards the town. I slow momentarily before maintaining pace with Z.


Chapter 25