Manipulating Fate (Carousel Series #2)

Chapter 6: Santa Cruz, CA | 1987

"Ruby. Ride with Marko." David called over the wind as he mounted his Triumph. The scowl on his face was deep enough to leave permanent marks. Ruby frowned; this was exactly what she was afraid of. Being the reason a best friendship... no, a partnership was torn apart.

Dwayne caught her eye and gave her a reassuring smile. Everything would work out. Marko and David had probably fought before. Never over something as big as this, but they'd obviously survived all these years as friends. Ruby only hoped their friendship and loyalty would out win this.

Marko helped her up on the back of his bike and squeezed her hands before the Lost Boys headed out into the darkness towards the glitz and neon of the Boardwalk.

David led them up around on Beach Street, then up through the parking lot, out onto the back end of the Boardwalk. David slithered from his bike, not speaking and clearly not looking at any of the boys. It was automatically assumed the Boys would follow him. Paul and Dwayne strode off after their leader, Marko and Ruby straggling behind.

"You had a fight with David." Ruby whispered, her mouth close to Marko's ear. He didn't nod or respond, just took her hand. "Marko..."

"Not now Ruby. Please." Marko looked away, out towards the crowds of people.

Ruby frowned. "Marko."

"I promise, later. Right now this is serious. You need to focus."

"It's just a kill, Marko."

Marko stopped. "You don't understand Ruby. This is the last stop before you change completely. No way back. You'll really be one of us..."

"I already am." Ruby scowled. "I was pretty much dead and David brought me back."

Marko shook his head. "No, well yes... no. Hell, I don't know what I mean."

"Obviously."

"Ruby." Marko grabbed her arm as she started to take off. "This is just so important. Killing... it may seem to get easy. But it hurts. It drives the humanity left in you right out. The years go by and you forget that it was hard to take a life. Because it's the way you survive. But then days will hit you and it will come crushing back on you, and you can't breathe, and you just wish you could die."

Ruby looked at Marko. Gone was the carefree boy, the mischievous grin, the shy smile replaced with an older, hurting, and hopeless man. Trapped in a suit of youthful good looks.

"Marko..."

"Really, I'm not trying to scare you sweetheart. It's the last thing I want to do. And yeah, it's really no way to live trapped between being human and vampire. I just want to give you the facts, the reality. Like I never got." Marko softly stroked her cheek. "I'm telling you because I love you."

"I love you too." Ruby bit her lip, holding back tears. Marko's child-like grin spread across his face and he was leaning into kiss her...

"Marko!" David's eyes barely hid his beast. "What are you doing?"

"David, he was just telling me some things..." Ruby stepped between them. David scowled darkly.

"Marko, if she doesn't do this, then she won't be around forever to be with you. Do you want to be alone for eternity?" Marko faltered. "I didn't think so. Now come on. Ruby, with me." David grabbed her wrist and started back towards Paul and Dwayne. Marko and Ruby's eyes met, Ruby's eyes scared and Marko's sorrowful. Nothing could change the path now.

Dwayne and Paul were chatting up some girls. Well, really more like Paul was flirting and making stupid jokes that the girls nervously giggled at and Dwayne stood there looking like mighty fine eye candy. David marched over, Ruby in tow and Marko straggling behind.