Fall For Me ((The Tate Chronicles #1)) by K. A. Last Read Free Book Online Page A

had overcome me. I was about to break the rules. It was a warning.
    My hand flew to my mouth. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “I can’t.”
    The hurt and confusion in Josh’s eyes tore my heart in two, and I had to muster all my strength to pick up my bag and run towards the path. My shoulder lightly brushed his arm on my way past and I felt the warmth his touch left behind. Tears blurred my vision and I fell, cutting my knee on a rock. I picked myself up and continued on. The wound healed by the time I reached the sandstone wall, only a small trace of blood was left.
    I could have orbed myself anywhere, home, the cemetery, China, but running made me feel more alive. When I reached the yard I slowed to a walk and stopped under a big gum tree that stood on the edge of the lawn. No students were out yet as the lunch bell hadn’t rung so I sat under the tree, facing the open grassed grounds, and calmed myself. The tree was ours. Archer, Emma and I sat under that tree every day. I opened my bag, took out my water and had a sip. With a deep breath I closed my eyes and leant back against the rough trunk, waiting for the others to show up.
    Archer was the first to arrive. He gave me a good once over with a concerned look.
    “Ok, so spill. What’s up?”
    “I’m fine, Arch, really.”
    “Then why is there blood on your knee, and why have you been crying?”
    Scowling, I licked my finger and wiped the blood away. Was it that obvious I’d been crying? Sometimes I hated being so in tune with my brother. It was hard to hide things.
    “It’s nothing, Arch. I just had a bit of an encounter with Josh.”
    “Encounter? If you don’t tell me I’ll make you.”
    “No, you won’t, I’m way stronger than you.”
    “True. But I can always catch you off guard.”
    “Then I’ll just push you back out again,” I said.
    We stared each other down, but I wasn’t giving in.
    “Seriously, Grace, what happened?” he asked.
    “I’ll tell when I’m ready.”
    “Like what you saw in that vamp girl last night?”
    “That’s different…” I trailed off as Emma plopped down beside me. There was a moment of awkward silence as she looked from me to Archer.
    “What did I interrupt? Or is it secret family business?” Emma laughed.
    Not far off, I thought.
    “How was Chemistry?” I asked in a hopeful attempt at changing the subject.
    Emma cringed. “It’s only the first day and I already wish I’d chosen something else.”
    “Come on, Emma. Chemistry is fun. It’s really cool putting stuff in test tubes and watching it bubble,” Archer said.
    Realising I hadn’t been to the cafeteria to get lunch I snatched half of Archer’s sandwich when he wasn’t looking. He went to say something but I threw him my, don’t mess with me I’m hungry, look.
    The yard was alive with activity and I could see Josh’s group lazing on the grass in the far corner. He wasn’t with them. Seth, Ivan and Blake were sprawled on the front steps, annoying anyone who came within reach of their mockery.
    “Excuse me, Emma?” a tentative female voice said.
    I looked over my shoulder and met the gaze of a strikingly beautiful girl. I hoped I didn’t look as surprised as I felt. Actually, surprised didn’t quite cut it. Shocked, was more like it. She was the girl we’d seen at the property, and the one I plucked from Emma’s thoughts. Up this close she seemed taller, probably because I was sitting on the ground, and she was sleek and indescribably gorgeous.
    Don’t, Arch. I felt him stiffen beside me and could see his hostility rising. She’s different.
    I don’t care, she’s a vamp.
    Just let it go for now, please, I said.
    Emma was oblivious to our silent exchange and invited the girl to sit down. She met my stare with her black eyes and I could see the recognition in her face. She went perfectly still. She was so pale out in the sunshine that her skin almost glowed. The grey and navy check skirt of the school uniform fitted in all the