“Alexander turns eighteen just before my birthday. I think we should just have one party together.”

“That sounds awesome! Maybe we can have it at the Mansion,” she suggested.

“Did I hear it’s going to be someone’s birthday?” a familiar male’s voice said from behind me.

I didn’t even bother turning around and continued walking, but that didn’t stop my nemesis from disturbing me. He jumped in front of me, blocking my way.

“It’s been a whole year, has it?” he asked in a syrupy tone. “Maybe this birthday I’ll finally give you what you’ve always wanted.”

Becky was shocked and blushed. But I wasn’t moved.

Trevor was as menacing as he was gorgeous. If he were a vampire, he’d be the dark kind, the kind that sneaks up on innocent girls and bites without a thought. Trevor possessed many of the qualities of a vampire without actually being one. He constantly preyed upon me, was deeply charismatic, and tried to suck the life out of me.

Trevor could have any girl he wanted — except for me. But for some reason, I’d always been a thorn in his side, maybe one that he never really wanted to get rid of.

“I’ll just have to Lysol myself and make sure to get a rabies shot,” he said. “I won’t turn on the lights. For my protection — not yours.” He leaned in so close to me I thought for a moment he was going to kiss me.

“Don’t forget to bring your ‘Dating for Dummies’ handbook,” I said. “I’m sure you’ll need it.”

Instead of scowling, his face lit up with a glistening white, devilish smile. It was as if I’d made his day and our quick and battling banter were like an aphrodisiac to him. He winked at me before he arrogantly turned away and disappeared into the crowd of students.

Becky appeared weary as we headed to our lockers, but I remained unperturbed.

At the moment, celebrating our birthdays in a joint party should have been the biggest event in my life. Usually I’d be obsessed with thoughts of decorating the mansion with bat-shaped balloons, dark purple streamers, and a monster-size chocolate cake with tiny coffins.