By: Alyson Noel

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This is the Australia edition it was published in December 2009, it is a bit more expensive than the US edition published in February 2009. The quality of the Australian book in terms of the jacket and pages is of a higher quality but the Australian publisher has set the RRP at $16.99. If you prefer the better quality finish and more expensive Australian edition then buy this one otherwise the cheaper US edition ISBN is 9780312532758 and is exactly the same content.

The first title in the Immortals series, a #1 New York Times Bestseller

Seventeen-year-old Ever is the sole survivor of a car crash that killed her entire family. Living with her aunt in Southern California, she's plagued by the ability to hear the thoughts of those around her, and haunted by the ghost of her little sister.

She tries to tune everyone out, shunning her old lifestyle as the pretty, popular cheerleader, but somehow she can't hide from Damen, the new guy at school. Stunningly handsome, clever and not a little bit intimidating, there's something about him that doesn't quite add up. Ever realises he's hiding something – but nothing could prepare her for the truth...

Author Information

Alyson Noel lives in Orange County, California, which forms the backdrop to her incredible new series The Immortals. She is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with Evermore, the first book in the Immortals series, and in addition to its sequel Blue Moon, she has written numerous teen novels – Faking 19, Art Geeks and Prom Queens, Laguna Cove, Kiss & Blog, Saving Zoe and Cruel Summer.

In The Press

* Nominated for the 2011 Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award!
* EVERMORE is an international bestseller!
* Publishers Weekly Bestseller!
* #1 New York Times Bestseller!
* USA Today Bestseller
* Top Choice Award—Flamingnet Reviews
* A Justine magazine Page Turner pick
* A Borders Bestseller for teens
* Nominated for the GoodReads Choice Award for "All Time Favorite" of 2009!

" . . .EVERMORE's vernacular voice and amorous fixation will gratify romance fans. . ."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Teen angst and the paranormal make a combustible mix as Noël utilizes typical themes and gives them a dangerous and eerie twist. Getting hooked on this new series, The Immortals, is guaranteed."
—4 STARS, Romantic Times Magazine

"This opening book in a new series, The Immortals, will thrill many teen fantasy-suspense readers, especially fans of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series...Noël (Saving Zoë, 2007) creates a cast of recognizably diverse teens in a realistic high-school setting, along with just the right tension to make Ever's discovery of her own immortality—should she choose it—exciting and credible."
—Booklist

"EVERMORE is addictive. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about how I could sneak away to read some more. I couldn't put it down. I dreamt about this book. And when I finished, I couldn't get it out of my head. This book was simply breathtaking."
—5 STAR GOLD AWARD, Teens Read Too

"Compared to amazing teen fantasy authors such as the acclaimed Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr, EVERMORE manages to snag the readers attention from the very beginning and pull you head long into the story! Get ready for a wild ride that is filled with twisting paths and mystery, love and fantasy...EVERMORE is a thrilling read for teen readers and yes, even a few adults too. The writing style, story, and characters are a bit like Meyer and Marr's popular books, but written with a new twist and voice so as not to seem like a cheap remake. And after reading the book, you too will probably want your own Damen, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice. After all—Immortality is like the apple in the garden of Eve: forbidden fruit that tempts and always tastes sweeter."
—5 STARS!—The Book Queen

"I thought this book was very good! The author creates a great picture of each and every character in the book. I am a fan of the Twilight series and I recommend this book to those who like the series as well. It is a very quick read, with all the interesting twist and turns in this book."
—Flamingnet Book Reviews

"Beautiful main characters, tense budding romance, a dark secret, mysterious immortals—what more could you ask for from this modern day gothic romance?"
—Justine Magazine

"This is the first installment of The Immortals series. Ms. Noël pens a well-detailed story that makes it easy for the reader to visualize both the characters and the world around them. EVERMORE has a familiar theme that attracts readers, but inside this book you'll find that the author has added some unique details that sets it apart. This is a young adult novel that should appeal to both teens and adults."
—Darque Reviews

"...The writing here is clear, the story well-defined and narrator Ever has an engaging voice that teens should enjoy."
—January Magazine

"This first novel in the Immortals series will appeal to fans of the Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer, and in fact, seems heavily inspired by it...Ever is ultimately a likeable character as she heals and learns to forgive herself for the accident that killed the rest of her family and let go of her dead younger sister, Riley, who has been a companion to Ever throughout the book. She also falls head over heels in love during the process."
—VOYA

"Before you read the review: Open a tab of Amazon or Barnes and Noble's site or Borders's site or whatever site you order your books from. Log in to your account, search for this book, and when it's page thing comes up, click the "pre-order" button. Because this is one you'll definitely want to read as soon as it comes out...Also, Alyson Noël knows how to write her characters. Ever was so real and her emotions were so believable that it was a little creepy. It's like Alyson Noël is actually a grieving, lovestruck teenager. She got Ever completely perfect. And by perfect, I mean delightfully flawed and deep. Also, I'm kind of smitten with Damen even though he got on my nerves a lot. He's fascinating to read about because of his past. Love him."
—The Frenetic Reader

"EVERMORE is a wonderful book that I believe would be a lovely addition to any library . . .Definitely a book that fans of Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr should add to their collections. Definitely engaging and will catch your attention the minute you open to the first page!"
—Mind of a Bibliophile

"I loved this book. It really keeps your attention thoughout the story, because the puzzle gets pieced together bit by bit, but you don't know exactly what happened until the end. The only thing that disappoints me is that the second book won't be published for a while. I would definitely recommend this to my friends."
—Dorothy, Portsmouth Teen Book Review

"EVERMORE is the first book in a new Young Adult Series called The Immortals. The writing is eloquent, the characters come alive, and the romance is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. There are many similarities to compare EVERMORE to Twilight but I enjoyed EVERMORE immensely more. The first person point of view is intimate and the narration by Ever is strong with emotions and feeling. She is confused and going through a lot and the reader can feel her angst come through in her passages. I read EVERMORE in less then two days and could not put it down all weekend. I read for hours at a time and was completely addicted to the writing from the first page. I would without a doubt recommend EVERMORE to readers who are looking for a book that will captivate them from the first word to the last. The next book in this series, Blue Moon will be out in August 2009. Overall, EVERMORE is a superb novel that left me breathless, satisfied, and yearning for more."
—Rachaelfrom NJ

"...I loved the story itself, the plot was engaging, I really had no idea what was going on. I kept waiting for one big revelation, but really it's just revealed piece by piece which was a welcoming change of pace. The writing was marvelous! Impressive imagery! It was customary to find myself lost within the novel. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!"
—The Story Siren

"Lots of people seem to be comparing this book with Twilight and the House of Night series. In terms of quality, I have to agree. The first person storytelling in EVERMORE, is intimate and emotional. Ever's voice is realistic; all of her reactions as a grieving teenager make sense. Many times, in YA novels, authors make little blunders portraying teenagers. I have to say that Alyson Noël manages to do it pretty darn well, if not perfectly...And I definitely can't wait till the second book in the Immortals series comes out...Anyways, this is a book that deserves to be added to your bookshelf. So go on your favorite book purchasing site and add this one to your shopping cart now. You won't regret it."
—Reader Rabbit

"EVERMORE was a great way to lighten my reading load this winter and provided me with a creative, magical story that I really enjoyed. This is the first in a series for Noël and I think she may have a hit on her hands... EVERMORE has good and evil, likable characters, vivid descriptions and a good story."
—Planet Books

"So, let's see. This book was interesting. I fell into it easily, and I loved the world Noël created...The fact that Ever had psychic powers was truly interesting. They flowed neatly through the book and I felt Ever's pain of it...trust me, this book was really good. I couldn't put it down. Alyson Noël created an amazing new world, and after this book I am so curious to see where it heads because honestly, I have no idea."
—Kelsey, Reading Keeps You Sane

"The cover is a bit reminiscent of Twilight and, once you get into the book, there are a lot of similarities. There is the new girl at school, beautiful and awkward, and the mysterious guy who is both charming and dangerous. Is he good for her or bad? Should she run from him? And do we want her to??? But to be fair, that is really where the similarities end...Ever is an easy character to like. I really felt for her because of all she lost and what she struggled with daily. Her two best friends are also great characters who provide both a little humor. Another recurring character I enjoyed was the ghost of Ever's younger sister, who visits frequently...Overall, I thought EVERMORE was a really fast, engaging read with some great characters. It is the first in a series, so I'm eager to see if we will learn more about Ever, Damen and friends in the next one, or if the author will introduce us to some brand new characters. Either way, it's sure to be a great read."
—Ninja reviews

"...Readers who enjoy the works of PC Cast and Stephenie Meyer will love this outstanding paranormal teen-lit thriller."
—Harriet Klausner

"...A fantastic novel for all teens, and possibly even a few adults. Laugh out loud funny and thoroughly suspenseful, Noël creates an entirely other world within the one we know and love. This haunting story will have you looking down alleyways and examining the new boy with undeniable curiosity. Ever tells her story in a convincing voice, and one you are not likely to forget. An amazing book that will have readers eagerly awaiting those following it."
—TruNerd

"...This book is well-written and engaging. I wanted to keep reading to find out who (or what) Ever and Damen were. I also think that some of the strengths of this story lie outside the romantic relationship—Ever's relationship with Riley and her struggle with letting her go, her awkward but caring relationship with Sabine, and Ever's own pain and guilt about the accident."
—Young Adult Romance Reviews

"EVERMORE is one of those books that is simply hypnotizing. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. It's in my top of 2009. I like paranormal but have felt a little burnt out on the whole vampire aspect of novels that are popular now. EVERMORE has so much more to give than just your average story. It has mystery, love, and intrigue. Throughout the whole book, I couldn't put it down, due to needing to know what was really going on and how Ever fit into the whole big picture. Ever is a great protagonist and never bored or irritated me. Alyson Noël is one of my all time favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint this time. The ending is also nice to where you can wait for the next book (out later '09—titled Blue Moon) and not feel like you're going to pull your hair out. I have complete faith in Alyson Noël to take this series to where it should go and not disappoint. Now, I'm just waiting patiently for Blue Moon."
—Writers Block Reviews

"Readers who enjoy the works of PC Cast and Stephenie Meyer will love this outstanding paranormal teen-lit thriller."
—Midwest Book Review

"This young adult novel ponders immortal love and the knowledge that "revenge weakens and love strengthens." Fans of the TWILIGHT series should love it."
—Orange Coast magazine

"Alyson Noël does such a GREAT job of keep the reader on their toes, constantly engaged and wanting more... Noël pulls you in, gives you a tiny morsel of satisfaction, then let's you hang on again, wanting just a bit more, always guessing. And at the end? The big reveal is so incredibly satisfying, like a long nap after a triathlon... I give this book a 10/10! Lovely and beautiful. Everyone needs to read it and have it forever on their bookshelves! Can't wait for the sequel!"
—Reverie Media

"I have discovered the new Twilight series, and I'm sure a lot more people are going to be jumping on the bandwagon as these books become known. Stephenie Meyer faces some stiff competition from Alyson Noël's new series, The Immortals. The series has already been optioned for the movies... Alyson Noël can really write. Her words flow effortlessly and her dialogue rings true. This book is a breeze to read... EVERMORE is a crackerjack read for teens and teen-at-heart adults looking for more teen angst and a gushy love story with some action and mysteries spread throughout."
—Mel Odom, Blog Critics

" ...Noël's debut title in her new immortals seris is an interesting twist on the standard paranormal teen read. Elements of Eastern philosophy in this tale are both effective and refreshingly original."
—Becky Lejuene

"Ms. Noël writes an emotional, thoughtful book about loss as well as falling in love. I will admit that I cried in a couple of places. This was a really easy novel to get sucked into. Every time I had to put it down, I wanted to get back to it as soon as possible. Ever is a sympathetic girl who is dealing the best way she knows how. I am always impressed when an author creates a character that seems so genuine and effortless. The writing was well done and the plot intriguing. Ever's friends are well fleshed out and unique without being caricatures. This would make a great movie (hint, hint). I am thrilled that this is the start of a new series and Blue Moon will be out in August! If I can squeeze it into my schedule, I will be perusing Ms. Noël's backlist. If you love Stephanie Meyer you will LOVE this book."
—Night Owl Romance

" ...In this first installment of her Immortals series, Alyson Noël snags a hold of readers' attention with her amazing ability to build suspense and curiosity. Dipping into the phenomenon of supernatural abilities, the unknowns of the afterlife, and both the limited and unlimited opportunities of immortality, offer a wealth of possible plots to entertain. Noël has also created a very likable and empathetic heroine in Ever, with wonderful descriptive narration on what she's feeling, seeing and experiencing: "And when she lies down beside me, I don't pull away. I just close my eyes and allow myself to feel her pain, and my pain, until it's all mixed together, raw and deep with no beginning or end. Eager fans won't have to wait too long for the next book in the series, as Blue Moon is due out in July."
—TeenReads

"What would you do if you were psychic? I know I would probably be exactly like Ever in this story. I would feel like a freak, close people off and definitely not think the most gorgeous guy in the world would want me.
Not only do I think this has a gorgeous cover, but I absolutely love this story. The plot was flawless—the characters, amazing. Alyson has a beautiful imagination and a wonderful way of letting the rest of us experience it. Ever was so easy to relate to; despite her ability to read minds and see auras. She was simple and sad and felt a guilt for something she couldn't control. At times I felt sad for her, and other times happiness and yes, a drop of jealousy here and there. Her best friends are so funny and so typical in a not-so-typical-way (I think I say this often about characters that are well written), which I really loved. I can't say everything I want to say about this book because it will be a major spoiler.
What I loved even more was Damen. Ok, I must say it—I'm a fictional hottie wh*re. But in such a good way. I can't get enough of the hotties these awesome writers introduce us to. He was perfect, intelligent, mesmerizing and just so yummy.
I would recommend this book to anyone. If your into fantasy you will swoon over it, if your not... I think you'll still swoon. Jump into this book and love every word."
—Just Your Typical Book Blog

"EVERMORE is a fantastic paranormal read that I couldn't put down. From the moment I opened the book, right through to the end I was hooked, wondering what was going to happen next and trying to figure out what it was both Ever and Damen were hiding. I liked Ever right from the start, enjoying her voice and her sense of humor that she never lost, even with what she was going through... Readers looking for a unique paranormal read can't go wrong picking up EVERMORE. Look for the second in the series, Blue Moon to be released summer 2009."
—5 Enchantments, Enchanting Reviews

Chapter One

"The only secret people keep is immortality."
   —Emily Dickinson

Guess who?"

Haven's warm clammy palms press hard against my cheeks, as the tarnished edge of her silver skull ring leaves a smudge on my skin. And even though my eyes are covered and closed, I know that her dyed black hair is parted in the middle, her black vinyl corset is worn over a turtleneck (keeping in compliance with our school's dress code policy), her brand new, floor sweeping, black satin skirt already has a hole near the hem where she caught it with the toe of her Doc Martin boots, and her eyes appear gold but that's only because she's wearing yellow contacts.

I also know her dad isn't really away on "business" like he said, her mom's personal trainer is way more "personal" than "trainer," and her little brother broke her Evanescence CD but he's too afraid to tell her.

But I don't know any of this from spying or peeking or even being told. I know because I'm psychic.

"Hurry! Guess! The bells gonna ring!" she says, her voice hoarse, raspy, like she smokes a pack a day, even though she only tried it once.

I stall, thinking of the last person she'd ever want to be mistaken for. "Is it Hilary Duff?"

"Ew. Guess again!" She presses tighter, having no idea that I don't have to see to know.

"Is it Mrs. Marilyn Manson?"

She laughs and lets go, licking her thumb and aiming for the tarnish tattoo she left on my cheek, but I raise my hand and beat her to it. Not because I'm grossed out by the thought of her saliva (I mean, I know she's healthy), but because I don't want her to touch me again. Touch is too revealing, too exhausting, so I try to avoid it at all costs.

She grabs the hood of my sweatshirt and flicks it off my head, then squints at my earbuds and asks, "What're you listening to?"

I reach inside the iPod pocket I've stitched into all of my hoodies, concealing those ubiquitous white cords from faculty view, then I hand it over and watch her eyes bug out when she says, "What the? I mean, can it be any louder? And who is that?" She dangles the iPod between us so we can both hear Sid Vicious screaming about anarchy in the UK. And the truth is, I don't know if Sid's for it or against it. I just know that he's almost loud enough to dull my overly heightened senses.

"Sex pistols," I say, clicking it off and returning it to my secret compartment.

"I'm surprised you could even hear me." She smiles at the same time the bell rings.

But I just shrug. I don't need to listen to hear. Though it's not like I mention that. I just tell her I'll see her at lunch and head toward class, making my away across campus and cringing when I sense these two guys sneaking up behind her, stepping on the hem of her skirt, and almost making her fall. But when she turns and makes the sign of evil (okay, it's not really the sign of evil, it's just something she made up) and glares at them with her yellow eyes, they immediately back off and leave her alone. And I breathe a sigh of relief as I push into class, knowing it won't be long before the lingering energy of Haven's touch fades.

I head toward my seat in the back, avoiding the purse Stacia Miller has purposely placed in my path, while ignoring her daily serenade of "LOOO-SER!" she croons under her breath. Then I slide onto my chair, retrieve my book, notebook, and pen from my bag, insert my earpiece, pull my hood back over my head, drop my backpack on the empty seat beside me, and wait for Mr. Robins to show.

Mr. Robins is always late. Mostly because he likes to take a few nips from his small silver flask between classes. But that's only because his wife yells at him all the time, his daughter thinks he's a loser, and he pretty much hates his life. I learned all of that on my first day at this school, when my hand accidentally touched his as I gave him my transfer slip. So now, whenever I need to turn something in, I just leave it on the edge of his desk.

I close my eyes and wait, my fingers creeping inside my sweatshirt, switching the song from screaming Sid Vicious to something softer, smoother, all that loud noise is no longer necessary now that I'm in class. I guess the small student/teacher ratio keeps the psychic energy somewhat contained.

I wasn't always a freak. I used to be a normal teen. The kind who went to school dances, had celebrity crushes, and was so vain about my long blond hair I wouldn't dream of scraping it back into a ponytail and hiding beneath a big hooded sweatshirt. I had a mom, a dad, a little sister named Riley, and a sweet yellow lab named Buttercup. I lived in a nice house, in a good neighborhood, in Eugene, Oregon. I was popular, happy, and could hardly wait for junior year to begin since I'd just made Varsity cheerleader. My life was complete, and the sky was the limit. And even though that last part is a total cliche, it's also ironically true.

Yet all of that's just hearsay as far as I'm concerned. Because ever since the accident, the only thing I can clearly remember is dying.

* * *

I had what they call an NDE, or "near death experience." Only they happen to be wrong. Because believe me, there wasn't anything "near" about it. It's like, one moment my little sister Riley and I were sitting in the back of my dad's SUV, with Buttercup's head resting on Riley's lap, while his tail thumped softly against my leg, and the next thing I knew all the airbags were blown, the car was totaled, and I was observing it all from outside.

I gazed at the wreckage—the shattered glass, the crumbled doors, the front bumper clutching a pine tree in a lethal embrace—wondering what went wrong as I hoped and prayed everyone had gotten out too. Then I heard a familiar bark, and turned to see them all wandering down a path, with Buttercup wagging her tail and leading the way.

I went after them. At first trying to run and catch up, but then slowing and choosing to linger. Wanting to wander through that vast fragrant field of pulsating trees and flowers that shivered, closing my eyes against the dazzling mist that reflected and glowed and made everything shimmer.

I promised myself I'd only be a moment. That soon, I'd go back and find them. But when I did finally look, it was just in time to catch a quick glimpse of them smiling and waving and crossing a bridge, mere seconds before they all vanished.

I panicked. I looked everywhere. Running this way and that, but it all looked the same—warm, white, glistening, shimmering, beautiful, stupid, eternal mist. And I fell to the ground, my skin pricked with cold, my whole body twitching, crying screaming, cursing, begging, making promises I knew I could never ever keep.

And when I heard someone say, "Ever? Is that your name? Open your eyes and look at me."

I stumbled back to the surface. Back to where everything was pain, and misery, and stinging wet hurt on my forehead. And I gazed at the guy leaning over me, looked into his dark eyes and whispered, "I'm Ever," before passing out again.


Chapter Two

Seconds before Mr. Robins walks in, I lower my hood, click off my iPod, and pretend I'm reading my book, not bothering to look up when he says, "Class, this is Damen Auguste. He just moved here from, New Mexico. Okay Damen, you can take that empty seat in the back, right next to Ever. You'll have to share her book until you get your own copy."

Damen is gorgeous. I know this without once looking up. I just focus on my book as he makes his way toward me since I know way too much about my classmates already. So as far as I'm concerned, an extra moment of ignorance really is bliss.

But according to the inner most thoughts of Stacia Miller sitting just two rows before me—Damen Auguste is totally smoking hot.

Her best friend, Honor, completely agrees.

So does Honor's boyfriend, Craig, but that's a whole other story.

"Hey." Damen slides onto the seat next to mine, my backpack making a muffled thud as he drops it to the floor.

I nod, refusing to look any further than his sleek, black, motorcycle boots. The kind that are more GQ than Hell's Angel. The kind that look very out of place among the rows of multi colored flip-flops currently gracing the green-carpeted floor.

Mr. Robins asks us all to turn our books to page 133, prompting Damen to lean in and say, "Mind if I share?"

I hesitate, dreading the proximity, but sliding my book all the way over until it's teetering off the edge of my desk. And when he moves his chair closer, bridging the small gap between us, I scoot to the farthest part of my seat and hide beneath my hood.

He laughs under his breath, but since I've yet to look at him, I have no idea what it means. All I know is that it sounded light and amused, but like it held something more.

I sink even lower, cheek on palm, eyes on the clock. Determined to ignore all the withering glances and critical comments directed my way. Stuff like: Poor hot, sexy, gorgeous new guy, having to sit next to that freak! That emanates from Stacia, Honor, Craig, and just about everyone else in the room.

Well, all except for Mr. Robins, who wants class to end almost as much as me.

* * *

By lunch, everyone's talking about Damen.

Have you seen that new kid Damen? He's so hot—So sexy—I heard he's from Mexico—No I think it's Spain—Whatever, it's some foreign place—I'm totally asking him to Winter Formal—You don't even know him yet—Don't worry I will—

"Omigod. Have you seen that new kid, Damen?" Haven sits beside me, peering through her growing-out bangs, their spiky tips ending just shy of her dark red lips.

"Oh please, not you too." I shake my head and bite into my apple.

"You would so not be saying that if you'd been privileged enough to actually see him," she says, removing her vanilla cupcake from its pink cardboard box, licking the frosting right off the top in her usual lunch time routine, even though she dresses more like someone who'd rather drink blood than eat tiny little sweet cakes.

"Are you guys talking about Damen?" Miles whispers, sliding onto the bench and placing his elbows on the table, his brown eyes darting between us, his baby face curving into a grin. "Gorgeous! Did you see the boots? So Vogue. I think I'll invite him to be my next boyfriend."

Haven gazes at him with narrowed, yellow eyes. "Too late, I called dibs."

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were into non-Goths." He smirks, rolling his eyes as he unwraps his sandwich.

Haven laughs. "When they look like that I am. I swear he's just so freaking smoldering, you have to see him." She shakes her head, annoyed that I can't join in on the fun. "He's like—combustible!"

"You haven't seen him?" Miles grips his sandwich and gapes at me.

I gaze down at the table, wondering if I should just lie. They're making such a big deal I'm thinking it's my only way out. Only I can't. Not to them. Haven and Miles are my best friends. My only friends. And I feel like I'm keeping enough secrets already. "I sat next to him in English," I finally say. "We were forced to share a book. But I didn't really get a good look."

"Forced?" Haven moves her bangs to the side, allowing for an unobstructed view of the freak who'd dare say such a thing. Oh that must have been awful for you, that must've really sucked." She rolls her eyes and sighs. "I swear, you have no idea how lucky you are. And you don't even appreciate it."

"Which book?" Miles asks, as though the title will somehow reveal something meaningful.

"Wuthering Heights." I shrug, placing my apple core on the center of my napkin and folding the edges all around.

"And your hood? Up or down?" Haven asks.

I think back, remembering how I raised it right as he moved toward me. "Um, Up," I tell her. "Yeah, definitely up." I nod.

"Well thank you for that," she mumbles, breaking her vanilla cupcake in half. "The last thing I need is competition from the blonde goddess."

I cringe and gaze down at the table. I get embarrassed when people say things like that. Apparently, I used to live for that kind of thing, but not anymore. "Well, what about Miles? You don't think he's competition?" I say, diverting the attention away from me, and back on someone who can truly appreciate it.

"Yeah." Miles runs his hand through his short brown hair and turns, gracing us with his very best side. "Don't rule it out."

"Totally moot," Haven says, dusting white crumbs from her lap. "Damen and Miles don't play for the same team. Which means his oh so devastating, model quality looks, don't count."

"How do you know whose team he's on?" Miles asks, twisting the cap off his vitamin water and narrowing his gaze. "How can you be so sure?"

"Gaydar," she says, tapping her forehead. "And trust me, this guy does not register."

* * *

Not only is Damen in my first period English class, and my sixth period Art class (not that he sat by me, and not that I looked, but the thoughts swirling around the room, even from our teacher, Ms. Machado, told me everything I needed to know), but now he'd apparently parked next to me too. And even though I'd managed to avoid viewing anything more than his boots, I knew my grace period had just come to an end.

"Omigod, there he is! Right directly next to us!" Miles squeals, in the high-pitched, sing-songy whisper he saves for life's most exciting moments. "And check out that ride—shiny black BMW, extra dark tinted windows, nice, very nice. Okay, so here's the deal, I'm going to open my door and accidentally bump it into his, so then I'll have an excuse to talk to him." He turns, awaiting my consent.

"Do not scratch my car. Or his car. Or any other car," I say, shaking my head, and retrieving my keys.

"Fine." He pouts. "Shatter my dream, whatever. But just do yourself a favor and check him out! And then look me in the eye and tell me he doesn't make you want to freak out and faint."

I roll my eyes and squeeze between my car and the poorly parked VW Bug that's angled so awkwardly it looks like it's trying to mount my Miata. And just as I'm about to unlock the door, Miles yanks down my hood, swipes my sunglasses, and runs to the passenger side where he urges me, via not so subtle head tilts and thumb jabs, to look at Damen who's standing behind him.

So I do. I mean, it's not like I can avoid it forever. So I take a deep breath and look.

And what I see leaves me unable to speak, blink, or move.

And even though Miles starts waving at me, glaring at me, and basically giving me every signal he can think of to abort the mission and return to headquarters—I can't. I mean, I'd like to, because I know I'm acting like the freak everyone's already convinced that I am, but it's completely impossible. And it's not just because Damen is undeniably beautiful, with his shiny dark hair that hits just shy of his shoulders and curves around his high-sculpted cheekbones, but when he looks at me, when he lifts his dark sunglasses and meets my gaze, I see that his almond shaped eyes are deep, dark, and strangely familiar, framed by lashes so lush they almost seem fake. And his lips! His lips are ripe and inviting with a perfect Cupid's bow. And the body that holds it all up is long, lean, tight, and clad in all black.

"Um, Ever? Hel-lo? You can wake up now. Please." Miles turns to Damen, laughing nervously. "Sorry about my friend here, she usually has her hood on."

It's not like I don't know I have to stop. I need to stop right now. But Damen's eyes are fixed on mine, and their color grows deeper as his mouth begins to curve.

But it's not his complete gorgeousness that has me so transfixed. It has nothing to do with that. It's mainly the way the entire area surrounding his body, starting from his glorious head and going all the way down to the square cut toes of his black motorcycle boots, consists of nothing but blank empty space.

No color. No aura. No pulsing light show.

* * *

Everyone has an aura. Every living being has swirls of color emanating from their body. A rainbow energy field they're not even aware of. And it's not like it's dangerous, or scary, or in anyway bad, it's just part of the visible (well, to me anyway) magnetic field.

Before the accident I didn't even know about things like that. And I definitely wasn't able to see it. But from the moment I woke in the hospital, I noticed color everywhere.

"Are you feeling okay?" The red haired nurse asked, gazing down anxiously.

"Yes, but why are you all pink?" I squinted, confused by the pastel glow that enveloped her.

"Why am I what?" She struggled to hide her alarm.

"Pink. You know, it's all around you, especially your head."

"Okay sweetheart, you just rest and I'll go get the doctor," she'd said, backing out of the room and running down the hall.

It wasn't until after I'd been subjected to a barrage of eye exams, brain scans, and psych evals, that I learned to keep the color wheel sightings to myself. And by the time I started hearing thoughts, getting life stories by touch, and enjoying regular visits with my dead sister, Riley, I knew better than to share.

I guess I'd gotten so used to living like this, I'd forgotten there was another way. But seeing Damen outlined by nothing more than the shiny black paint job on his expensive cool car, is a vague reminder of happier, more normal days.

"Ever, right?" Damen says, his face warming into a smile, revealing just another one of his perfections—dazzling white teeth.

I stand there, willing my eyes to leave his, as Miles makes a show of clearing his throat. And remembering how he hates to be ignored, I motion toward him and say, "Oh, sorry. Miles, Damen, Damen, Miles." And the whole time my eyes never once waver.

Damen glances at Miles, nodding briefly before focusing back on me. And even though I know this sounds crazy, for the split second his eyes moved away, I felt strangely cold and weak.

But the moment his gaze returns, it's all warm and good again. "Can I ask a favor?" He smiles. "Would you lend me your copy of Wuthering Heights? I need to get caught up and I won't have time to visit the bookstore tonight."

I reach into my backpack, retrieve my dog-eared copy, and dangle it from the tips of my fingers, part of me yearning to brush the tips against his, to make contact with this beautiful stranger, while the other part, the stronger, wiser, psychic part cringes—dreading the awful flash of insight that comes with each touch.

But it's not until he's tossed the book into his car, lowered his sunglasses, and said, "Thanks, see you tomorrow," that I realize that other than a slight tingle in the tips of my fingers, nothing happened. And before I can even respond, he's backing out of the space and driving away.

"Excuse me," Miles says, shaking his head as he climbs in beside me. "But when I said you'd freak out when you saw him, it wasn't a suggestion, it wasn't supposed to be taken literally. Seriously Ever, what happened back there? Because that was some mega tense awkwardness, a real—Hello, my name is Ever and I'll be your next stalker—kind of moment. I'm so serious, I thought we were gonna have to resuscitate you. And believe me, you are extremely lucky our good friend Haven was not here to see that, because I hate to remind you, but she did call dibs—"

Miles continues like that, yammering on and on, the entire way home. But I just let him talk it out, as I navigate traffic, my finger absently tracing the thick red scar on my forehead, the one that's hidden under my bangs.

I mean, how can I explain how ever since the accident, the only people whose thoughts I can't hear, whose lives I can't know, and whose auras I can't see, are already dead?

© Alyson Noël

ISBN: 9780330512855
ISBN-10: 0330512854
Series: Immortals Ser.
Audience: Teenager / Young Adult
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 384
Published: 1st December 2009
Dimensions (cm): 19.7 x 13.0  x 1.8
Weight (kg): 0.256