PROLOGUE

My name is Lynnette Delaney. I am an average girl with secrets and two sides to the story. No, I don't own any barn with horses or live in a super-small town. It's not cold all the time and I am not disconnected from civilization. My parents are both alive and they aren't going anywhere. I live in a neighborhood with mostly senior citizens with limited amount of younger kids and toddlers. I know I'm not going to be finding any werewolves, vampires, or fallen angels anytime soon, and I'm fine with that. In fact, being fourteen, with my busy schedule, limited social life, and protective parents, I'm probably not going to be finding any guys soon. That doesn't stop me from dreaming.

To be honest my hormones are really have been acting up. My friend Ebony Williams has been lending me these paranormal love stories my mother calls "trashy novels". But man, they are addicting. When I start reading one, I must finish the book or else I can do nothing. Though when I finish I'm dissatisfied with my life and how I'll never find any excitement like in the books. I blame it all on Ebony and my mother. I never liked the crazed readers of paranormal love stories because they were in love with unrealistic characters. Now I'm eating up my own words. I could only imagine falling for a guy with a dark, mysterious, rebellious side and a soft personality inside. But before all this reading, a guy like Michael Cera's character in his movies (with a 4.0 GPA) would have been perfect.

I know I am totally boy crazy even outside of these books. I don't tell my friends anything because I know that would be stupid. I would be tormented all the time. I'm really warming up to Ebony because we get to talk about hot guys in books, and maybe soon in real life.

I wouldn't call myself an outcast or a weirdo. Truthfully I don't know what people think of me. All I know is I'm not popular, I get a 4.0 every year, I'm in eighth grade, I'm a little on the heavy side with a tall physique, I'm shy and quiet at first but underneath I will explode, I have a semi-freckled face, medium amount of horrid acne, dark brown, wavy, short hair a little past my shoulders, dark brown eyes, and my face is towards my mother's side: Asian but not just Asian.

I guess I usually follow the crowd, but in my own unique way. Not making a big ruckus or breaking rules, but maybe laughing obnoxiously loud with my friends about really perverted or non-perverted things (though perverted things really crack us up).

CHAPTER ONE - FLUTTERING HEARTS

The door rang and I rushed downstairs. My plans with Ebony thrilled me. After we saw a movie my mom would drop us off at the bookstore and we would finish our homework there. I swung the door open calmly, but when I saw her face we both jumped up and down laughing. With a huge grin on my face and in a suppressed excited tone I announced her name, "Ebony."

"Lynnette," she said just as eager. I motioned her to come inside and I saw her backpack full of unfinished homework and smiled.

"I hope you didn't start any of your homework, I don't want to be behind," I said.

Ebony gave a hearty "Ha!" and continued, "Trust me, if I did we would be doing so much more than going to the bookstore."

"What, you don't like the bookstore anymore?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Oh please, you know I could never betray the beautiful books to some beach," she answered, making us giggle. Whispering I warned Ebony, "Don't tell my mom I'm into these characters okay? Then she's going to think I do in real life. You can imagine what a mess that will be."

"About that… Lynnette I have to tell you—" She stopped when my mom rushed downstairs.

"Ready to go?" my mom asked.

"Ye-ahh," we both said in unison, grinning and slowly looking towards one another.

After a long awkward drive listening to Katy Perry's "California Girls", we finally made it to the movie theater. We stepped out of my mom's car and I signaled her to roll down her window.

"Yes, honey?" she said politely with an obedient mother smile. I knew I was going to owe her something later for being so nice in front of my friends. Probably doing the dishes or a long lecture on greed.

"I'll call you when the movie is over, we might get something to eat too," I notified her. She dug through her purse and brought out two twenties. And with a hint of you better use this money wisely or else in her smile, she handed me the money.

"Thanks, mom," I said sincerely. Then she drove off until Ebony and I couldn't see her anymore.

"No parental guardians at the movie theater?" Ebony said perking up. I smiled back but I knew better. Two bookworm girls at a movie theater? I knew we weren't going to do anything reckless.

"C'mon Ebony, let's get our tickets." I said hinting that I didn't want to miss a single preview.

Charging past the concessions we entered the movie people at our school were raving about. We sat down near the middle to watch the vampire parody movie, which we both knew was ironic, being almost in love with paranormal beings. Still, it was more a specific book they were making fun of. We didn't like the book.

"Hey, what were you going to tell me earlier?" I said referring to when my mom hurtled down the stairs cutting Ebony off.

"Lynnette, promise me you won't tell anyone." I nodded smiling inside. I was growing close enough to Ebony that I could trust her telling secrets I would never be able to tell my mother. She continued reluctantly, "I'm into guys."

"Ha!" I laughed sarcastically, "I know that, we talk about Patch all the time!" Patch was a fiery fallen angel in a book we read. Ebony gave me a look saying, not that.

"Oh. You mean in real life?" I asked cautiously. I was getting ready to tell her that I was the same. When Ebony nodded with a will-I-regret-this-face I shrieked, "Same!" Ebony then screamed softly.

"We have to continue this after," I said noticing the lights dimming. We both smiled and nodded in agreement.

When the theater grew dark and the previews started rolling, a tall boy with dark, short, messy gelled hair, a white V-neck, and a pair of Levi's rushed in and chose to sit 3 chairs away from me. Ebony nudged my shoulder and mouthed Patch. I chuckled and nodded my head no, but that didn't mean he didn't catch my attention.

A few times I would glance his way and evaluate him. It was the fourth time when he noticed me. My heart fluttered and I couldn't stop staring. He grinned and raised his eyebrow up in curiosity and daring me to look for a second longer.

I tore away from his hypnotic eyes and turned to whisper to Ebony, "We just exchanged looks." She sat up strait and looked over at him. Ohh ye-ahh Ebony air-mouthed.

"Maybe he was looking at someone else," I said uncertain.

I didn't want to look like a fool where someone waves, but not at you, though you wave back. We scanned to our left and saw no one. I looked down at what I was wearing. A pink, ruffle top with a V in the middle. Maybe he thought it was revealing, so I pulled it up. I was wearing make-up, but just mascara and foundation to hide my damaged skin. I looked down again at my shirt and saw small rolls of fat so I sucked them up. I tweaked my hair and looked back again. He was staring the whole time with a surprised smirk. I immediately looked back at the screen but from the corner of my eye I saw him get up and head out of the theater. I must have seemed too desperate. I sighed on the missed opportunity and continued watching the movie.

After three really good laughs and 10 minutes later, the boy came back in. This time he brought popcorn and two large drinks. Damn, I thought, he must be expecting a girlfriend. I slouched down a bit more in my seat, upset for getting my hopes up. This time he sat one seat away from me. My pulse quickened and a flush of heat came over me. I wondered if he had noticed he was closer.

I tried to stay as still as possible, trying to make no jittery movements. I saw his dark eyes staring me down and I couldn't settle to be creeped out or flattered. I waited for his girlfriend to walk in any moment. I decided I was getting too far ahead of myself. He could be a total jerk and all I needed was a few good looks to make me swoon. I promised myself right then to be stronger, like the girls in the romance novels. Finally he made a move and sat right next to me.

"Hey," he whispered near my ear seductively. Strong, I said to myself.

"Uhm, yes?" I replied innocently. Ebony instantly looked past me and gasped that he was sitting right next to me.

"I bought an extra large drink on accident, do you want to share?" he smiled suggesting me to take more than just a sip.

"I'm sorry but I don't drink with strangers." Yes, be strong!

"My name is Chris," his clever smirk charmed me, "Now we're not strangers." Ebony nudged me again, secretly encouraging me to take a long sip from his drink. Too bad I don't obey her.

"I'm really fine, thanks anyway," I said hoping he wouldn't chicken out. Luckily, he read my mind.

"You never told me your name. Some people would consider that rude," Chris said pressing his luck. Even though he might have inquired I was rude, which stung a bit, I wasn't going to give up on him.

"Lynnette," I said it quietly so that maybe he could hear something else. If he decided to stalk me later, he possibly wouldn't remember my real name.

"That's a pretty name, Lynnette," my name slid off his tongue like butter, "Who's your friend?" Chris asked genuinely curious.

"My name's Ebony," she introduced herself with ease. Probably practicing this in front of the mirror multiple times, waiting to meet her own werewolf.

"Pleasure to meet you, Ebony," he said her name so lightly I felt a pinch of jealousy.

"So since you're in this movie, I'm guessing you're the small percentage of girls who resisted vampires," He implied, hopeful. Ebony and I exchanged looks, wondering if we should lie about our passion for reading. I spoke for us, "Actually-" But he stopped me there.

"Oh no," he sighed staring at the ceiling. I began to get annoyed.

"What are you implying? Is something wrong with that?" I said raising my tone, challenging him to say another comment. He accepted that challenge in a heartbeat.

"Yes."

"Oh? What?" Now I was angry, he was saying there was something wrong with me.

"All you want in life is to find some stupid, mysterious guy with some dark secret and a sensitive side," he took a minute to continue, creeping up near my neck, "Let me be the one to break your heart. You're never going to find him." Chris's breath was hot along my neck. I was a little worried we were moving to fast down the romance road, I am only fourteen. I tried on concentrating on staying strong… and breathing.

"I'm not obsessed," I said while Ebony almost choked, "I know I'm never going to find a vampire, a werewolf, or a fallen angel. Doesn't mean a girl can't read. In fact, Ebony and I are going to the bookstore after this." After I said the last sentence, I prayed to God I could take it back.

"Which one?" Chris pried playfully. Just as I was about to tell him it was none of his business, Ebony answered him faithfully.

"Borders, by the Apple store in Glen Brook, a couple miles past Hillgrove cemetary" she said probably hoping he would follow.

"Ebony? A little too much information there?" I said a little agitated. I didn't like how this mysterious boy was unraveling. But that didn't mean he didn't make me nervous, he still kept his drop-dead good looks no matter what nasty comment he had in store.

"Don't worry, I won't stalk," he replied expecting to lighten my expression. Though I had a strong feeling he was lying. We had to take a break to watch the movie, and that's when I got a closer look.

He had sort of a half-half face like mine. I was guessing Korean and Caucasian especially because he had dark skin and almond, warm brown eyes. His strait-gelled hair made him look rebellious, especially with that dangerous look on his face. He seemed tall, about 5'11 and looked much more mature than most of the boys at my age. My heart sank a bit, knowing if he was older there was no chance at all for us to ever… Did I really want to finish that?

Finally the longest, most stressful hour of my life had finally past. I remembered how I said I wanted to get something to eat after, but now I just wanted to get out of here quick.

"C'mon Ebony," I said grabbing her hand trying to get past Chris. It's not that I didn't like him, it's just the possibility of actually liking a guy I could never get was depressing. Plus, I didn't want to get shot down by another one of his insensitive opinions.

"So off to the bookstore?" Chris said smirking. I shot Ebony a dirty look saying, look what you've done now. She shrugged showing it was out of her hands now. I didn't know she was planning to make it worse.

"Actually, we're going to get something to eat around here," Ebony said with a hint of an invitation.

"Mind if I come along?" he asked with his smoldering face.

"I changed my mind, Ebony, I think we should do something else." I tried to make it impossible for him to come.

"Like what?" she said in a really dumb-on-purpose tone. I sighed. I knew she wasn't going to let this go, and I didn't want to argue any further.

"Never mind, where do you want to eat?" I gave up and Chris was chuckling.