Twice Bitten (Love, Lust & Magic #1)

Pruitt

“As is tradition, the student body here at Mystic Hollow University has chosen just two of these fine young men and women to represent our college as our true homecoming royalty. The candidate pool this year, as many of you already know, was filled with successful scholars and athletes alike. Each of them is known amongst their peers for going above and beyond to help those in need. And…”

Ada cleared her throat so loud that it was caught on the microphone. It echoed throughout the stadium to a mixed reaction of audience giggles and boos.

“Well, uh, let’s go ahead with the big announcement then, shall we?” Mr. Gore said with a nervous laugh.

’s lycan hearing served him well. “What a bitch,” he heard Griff whisper to Darcy.

“Oh, you have no idea,” Darcy replied.

“This year’s homecoming king and queen are…” Mr. Gore’s voice trailed off as he pulled a sealed envelope out of his pocket and ripped it open. “Why, it looks like it’s star quarterback Mondamin and Ada Ambrose, the captain of the MHU Devils football cheer squad! Congratulations, and Ada!”

The crowd went wild with applause.

“Three cheers for Ada!” the entire cheer team shouted in unison.

An assistant helped Mr. Gore place a crown on Ada before doing the same for . “Now, I know this is sort of an update to our traditional way of doing things, but the Board of Trustees wanted to invite Mr. Mondamin and Ms. Ambrose to each say a few words if they’d like.”

Ada kicked her ex-boyfriend in the shin. “You’re already one-hundred percent the worst ex of my life, but god help me, if you mess this up I will?—”

“Thank you, President Gore,” said as he stepped forward and took the president’s microphone. “And thank you to everyone who could be here tonight. I wanted to take a second to share something I’ve been thinking about for a while now.”

looked from Ada to Griff, and then to the crowd before he continued.

“It’s no secret that because Mystic Hollow University is a small private college, it tends to feel a little more like a high school popularity contest sometimes than a place to turn over a new leaf. But that’s not how it should be. Tonight, I encourage our student body—and everyone here—to greet every new face you meet with a smile, if not an introduction. Take some time to get to know a transfer student or even a nervous freshman. Show the people you meet that they can be part of our community, too. Embrace the differences amongst us.”

’s eyes scanned the crowd. He noticed Uriah leaning against a guardrail not far from Griff, but missed a strange, purplish hue that began emanating from Darcy’s hands.

“Nurturing an open and diverse environment where everyone feels welcome starts right here,” said as he placed his hand on his chest. “Life isn’t about being the most athletic, the most beautiful, or the most popular. It’s about being true to who you are—because how else can you be genuine to others if you’re not honest with yourself?”

“ Ahem ,” Ada whispered.

looked from Ada back to the crowd. “Thanks to everyone for coming out tonight and supporting us,” he said as he handed the mic over to his ex-girlfriend.

“Way to try and steal my thunder,” Ada said under her breath.

rolled his eyes as he stepped to the back of the stage.

Tapping the mic with the ball of her hand, Ada stepped forward and waved to the audience. As she began her introduction, finally noticed the aubergine energy emitting from Darcy.

?Uriah , do you have visuals on Darcy? He’s next to Griff.?

?I’m not far, but there’s a lot of people here,? Uriah responded. ?What’s happening??

?Go. Now.?

watched as Uriah sped to his target. Suddenly, in place of the popcorn bag Griff once held was Uriah’s hand.

“Watch out!” shouted the vampire.

As a stream of smoke poured out from underneath Darcy, the entire stadium shook when a pressurized explosion of energy happened just above the stage.

“What the—who’s ruining my moment?!” Ada shouted into the mic as the crowd panicked.

and President Gore rushed to Ada’s side as the stage shook again.

“Ms. Ambrose, please,” President Gore pleaded as he grabbed for the mic.

“No!” Ada screamed into the mic. This seemed to quiet the crowd.

“What’s going on?” Griff asked as Uriah picked him up in his arms. “Darcy?!”

Darcy turned to Griff and Uriah with a look of genuine remorse. “I’m s-sorry, Griff. Sh-she’s been controlling me. I shouldn’t have done this.”

“Done what, dimwit?” Uriah asked.

Before Darcy could reply, his body surged with electricity. It exploded from his hands and nailed Uriah and a dozen nearby spectators. The force sent Uriah and Griff flying through the air. The two didn’t see what happened next, but did.

Before the energy inside Darcy could further intensify, it transformed into a purple ray that exploded from his chest, sailed over the stadium seating, and went directly inside of Ada. Still in a struggle over the mic with President Gore, the impact sent them both to the stage floor.

“Ms. Ambrose, are you okay?” President Gore asked as he helped pull her back up.

“Who?” Ada asked.

“Are you hurt?” President Gore asked.

“No,” Ada said as she once again spoke into the handheld microphone. “I cause hurt.”

instantly realized a change in her tone. He knew Ada to be ruthless, but not in this kind of way. That’s not Ada .

“Mortals,” Ada chuckled as she looked at the crowd of fleeing spectators. “So funny.”

As President Gore again reached for the microphone, Ada promptly placed her hands on either side of his head and snapped his neck. He let out a surprised grunt before his limp body collapsed on stage.

That’s when the screaming started.