Page 191 of Collared by the Vampire Prince

Victoria notices. Her expression cools, as though she has only now understood precisely what she is arranging, and I wonder whether she will withdraw her permission. Instead, she gives a lazy wave. “Well. Enjoy,” she says, walking away without another word.

Mark watches her leave before turning to me. “The initiation will begin tomorrow night at six.”

I startle. “Tomorrow night?”

“Yes. While everyone else is at dinner. Unless you have reconsidered…”

I lift my chin. “I haven’t.”

“Good.” He leans closer. “I am looking forward to it.”

Chelsea rolls her eyes and removes a folded piece of parchment from the folder beneath her arm. She holds it out to me. A classroom number has been written across the top in black ink, followed by a short list.

Bathe beforehand.

Wear your uniform.

Do not wear undergarments.

And more of the same ilk.

“First, Mark will claim you,” Chelsea says, wrinkling her nose. “I will be present as witness. Once the formalities are complete, you will swear the oath.”

My fingers tighten around the parchment. Of course she’ll be there. Great.

“Then you will be one of us,” Mark says.

I nod, suddenly aware of every breath I take beneath his scrutiny.

“Don’t be nervous.” Mark’s smile is slow and certain as he brushes a lock of hair behind my ear. “I look forward to welcoming you properly.”

The walk back to Susie’s circle feels endless. I should feel triumphant. Instead, the parchment seems to grow heavier between my fingers as I wonder how to tell the others I have chosen another pack.

“What was all that about?” Harvey asks before I’ve even sat down, passing me a plate already heaped with food.

“Err, just talking,” I stall.

“To Victoria and the Poplarins? Must have been quite the conversation.”

I pretend to busy myself by pouring gravy over my peas.

“Are you sure everything is alright?” Clara asks. “You seem nervous.”

I had hoped to make it through lunch before telling them, but they are all watching me now.

I set down the gravy boat. “I’m joining the Poplarins.”

Becky’s mouth falls open. Clara’s knife stops halfway through her bread. Susie goes rigid. Harvey doesn’t seem to know whether to finish chewing his steak or spit it out.

“They’ve agreed to let me join,” I continue. “The initiation is tomorrow.”

“But…the Poplarins?” Susie asks, appearing faint.

Harvey swallows his food with a pained expression. “With all of them?”

I frown. “All of who?”

He exchanges a glance with Susie and Clara. They’ve both gone pale.