SECOND CHANCES

CHAPTER ONE

Emery's P.O.V

Nobody said that being a vampire wasn’t easy. I thought to myself as I sat on a rock overlooking the lake. My now changed hair which was a flame colored red blew gently in the wind. It was dark and the sun was just setting in the horizon and the stars began peeking behind dark grey clouds. At this hour vampires began to stir. Getting ready for the night ahead of them. I miss being human. I thought as I heard three familiar voices from behind me. I turned and saw Nora, Blake, and Marcus approaching me but I ignored them and continued to stare off into the distance. Nora and Blake were the ones that I found me on the highway that night. Injured and on the verge of death. If it wasn't for Marcus...My thoughts trailed off as I snapped back to reality as I sighed. I was grateful to all three of them..but being like this....a vampire that has to have some control...wasn't and was my choice....

I was turned last week. Due to a car accident that just happened. I was headed home for the night from work and some guy decided to run me over and into a ditch causing me to have glass shards all throughout my body and a pole buried into my side, puncturing my one of my intestines and a bleeding head. I had lost a lot of blood that night and as I said before if wasn't for Nora or Blake being there at the right time I would have been dead.

A hand came down gently onto my shoulder, which caused me to look up at him with a questioning look. "How are you feeling?" he asked with slight concern. "I completely understand that being what we can raise some questions." His short dark hair hung loose on his forehead and my fingers itched to brush it aside to see his beautiful eyes which were a gold color, a very unusual one at that, but I didn't care. They were beautiful all the same but I didn't move an inch.

I looked at him and then gave him a slight smile. "I pretty much know what I am doing." I answered him. "At least as far as aging, speed, strength, and sight." I took a calm breath and continued. "Except..." My voice trailed off as I pondered the question. I felt Marcus' gaze on me as if waiting for me to ask any questions that seemed to be on my mind. "Never mind...I think I got the gist."

Marcus arched an eyebrow but didn't say anything. He turned to Nora and Blake and asked "I think it's time we hunt." I found myself groaning softly to myself. Does he really need to use that term? I thought to myself as I got to my own two feet looking at Marcus, Nora and Blake who was focused intently on their surroundings. Gosh, I really need to get better at this because I got eternity to figure out what my new found life can offer. The thought crossed my mind but I ignored it.

I found myself saying, "I honestly don't know focus on my surroundings like any of you do." I took another breath and asked. "How do you do it?"

I heard Nora giggle softly. "It's only fair since you are rather new at this," she started as she twirled her silver like hair between her fingers. "Mind as well give you a few lessons."

"No sense in leaving you in the dark." Blake said as well. "After all eternity awaits us." He gave a grin and said. "We will start our lessons tomorrow night when the night is still young." I only nodded my response as I brushed strands of my own light brown hair out of my eyes.

"Let's go." I heard Marcus' voice say. "We need to get going before the more dangerous predators come out." I didn't need any more encouraged. I raced off into the forest, already feeling the hunger pangs hit me hard in the stomach, but it wasn't for the normal food that I once craved, it was for blood. The other three right behind me.

CHAPTER TWO

"I really doubt it," Blake said as he too got his feet while placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Marcus knows full well that this is what I do."

"I understand that this is what you do," Nora said as she turned to look down below them at the accident that just occurred before them. "But why must you bring me along every time?" She asked him, sounding more upset that normal.

"Calm down," Blake said gently as if he didn't want to upset her anymore than usual. His gaze was nothing but gentle and he continued, "If it comes down to this being the last person I save just to make you happy, I will stop."

"Do you promise?" Nora said with a half smile. Blake nodded and with that they both turned to go help the person down below.

The car was damaged beyond repair. The driver, whom was a female was slightly unconscious. There was blood pooling from the wounds on her head and side. The smell of it made Nora's fangs poke through her gums and as hard as she tried, she couldn't make them retract. She was as new to being a vampire as all the other ones that Blake saved before her.After Marcus and him made the decision to send them to the clan that they were banned from, Blake chose to keep her with him. Nora learned over time how to control her instincts but sometimes when the call for blood was strong she couldn't help herself and the beast lurked just below the surface waiting to be let out.

"You alright?" She heard Blake's voice and that was all she needed to tame herself. Nora's fangs went back into her gums and she was able to focus on the situation at hand. She nodded and went around to the driver side of the vehicle and went down to peer at the woman.

"We are going to get you out of here." She said. "What's your name?" Nora asked her and a weak reply responded.

"Emery." She sounded young, maybe in her late twenties. She had long light brown hair and it was strewn everywhere from the accident.

"Alright Emery," Nora said. "Try to stay awake while we get you out of the car."

"Okay." Was all Nora heard before she looked at Blake and she said. "She's lost a lot of blood."

"After we get her out of here we are taking her to Marcus." Blake said instantly as he flipped the care onto its wheels and then tearing off the top and front end of the car, releasing Emery from the dented part of the steering wheel.

"What are we going to do about this pole?" The metal was pretty deep into Emery's side and it leaked of even more blood slowly.

"Leave it for now." Blake responded. "If we try to take it out ourselves she will be gone before we get her home." Blake lifted the girl into his arms and both him and Nora raced to the small cabin resided in the woods.

CHAPTER THREE

Marcus Wilder's P.O.V

I sat on the water edge of the lake that sat behind my small cabin. The waves rippled with the wind and the sun had begun to set behind the pine trees casting rays on the ground. At this hour vampires were allowed to come out to enjoy it while it set in the horizon, giving them the longing of being human once again. In those moments, however, I too enjoyed it as well. I longed to be able to go out in the sunlight, to run wild like never before and to see some girl that I had feelings for, radiate in the sun but I knew from years pasts that in a way, it would never happen. Humans aged compared to vampires. We never get old. Always staying the same after we turned. It takes centuries for one to tame their instinct to attack anyone with a vein. I, However was entirely different, scientists found a way to make vampires. More so pure bloods and I was one of them. A genus pig for their tests. Of course I don't remember much of how things went down. All I knew was that I woke up in a cell with the urge to feed on humans. After they turned me, the scientists put me through a program to tame my animal instincts.

My thoughts were interrupted as I heard footfalls from behind me. I turned to see Nora and Blake carrying someone who was as limp as a tree. From where I sat it was obvious that there had been an accident because there was blood staining her clothes. "What happened?" I asked them as they approached me.

"Car Crash," Blake mumbled as he laid the body in front of me. "Hit and run by the look of it." The wind had picked up a few seconds ago caused Blake's' hair to sway off his forehead.

"She looks like she could use the hospital," I said to Blake as I reached over to move the girl's brown hair off of her face. "Why did you bring here?" He looked at Blake as he asked the question.

"She wouldn't have made it if we did take her." Nora was the one to respond. "Even with our speed,"She continued. "It could of been too late." She fell silent after giving me her answer. Nora was always the silent one when it comes to situations like this and in a way in shocked me. What made this girl so special that she had to stand up for her? A howl sounded in the distance which made everyone stop talking. The Remus Pack was here.

I gave a sigh which told the other two that I was annoyed. "They shouldn't be here," I got to my feet and smelled the wind. Of course they were. The Remus Pack was so noisy that sometimes I could rip all of their throats out just for being such a pest.

Blake was amused. "To what do we owe the pleasure of their visit tonight?" His hair had fallen back onto his forehead, giving him the impression of a bad boy, while his eyes started to glow faintly.

"Whatever it is it can't be good." Nora's took a deep breath while her eyes began to glow as well butcher's held a hint of worry. The wind picked up again, causing her silver like hair to rustle in the breeze.

"Don't concern yourselves with the matter," I told them. "But until I find out what they want, " looked toward the cabin and continued. "I want you to get her inside and down into the cellar and then after we can decide on how to handle this." Both of them nodded and Blake stepped forward to gather the girl into his arms.

When Blake stopped and turned back to look at me, I gazed back waited for him to speak. "Hurry," was what Blake said loud enough for me to hear and it made me wonder what he meant until he continued. "I am afraid that she may not have much time left."

My heart would have leaped if I had one and I instantly said, "I won't be long." I made the promise and hoped that whatever the leader wanted from the Pack didn't keep me as long because this girl's life was on the line. I headed for the forest tree line where the Remus pack was waiting.

The Remus pack waited on the edge of the forest for one of the outcasts to show up. It was cold but it didn't bother them. They were hounds after all. All of them smelled blood and needed to consult with them to see what had transpired. There cabin was in view but none of them were in sight. All of them had assumed they were out looking for their next meal until Marcus showed. His golden eyes held a hint of anger and yet a tint of amusement. "No need to fret," Marcus said as he stopped just shy of the tree line. His baritone like voice nearly echoed in the silence. "There was an accident on the road." He told the leader. An owl hooted in the distant void of darkness. "Why are you here Jarvis?" He asked.

Jarvis chuckled lightly and responded. "To check up on the outcasts of course." His eyes gave away his intentions.

Being pesky isn't one of his strong suits but he tries too hard. Marcus thought but instead replied. "We are fine and so is the human."

"I am sure you know that without the humans' consent you cannot turn them." Jarvis said has he turned to one of his members and whispered into his ear. Even with the vampire hearing the wolves had their way of making sure that they couldn't hear their conversations which in a way was truly annoying but it wasn't any of my business to eavesdrop. The member only nodded and had the rest of the pack leave.

"I am well aware," Marcus said as he ran his fingers through his hair tousling it even more so than before. "Are we done here because by the look of it all of you are only here to be pests and the human doesn't have much time."

"I see." Jarvis said "Just reminder," he continued. "Consent is what caused all of you to be banned from the vampire clan in the first place."

"You know very well that it wasn't my fault." Marcus defended. "The Leader only needed someone to blame and it so happened to be me and my friends. He hates me for his own reasons"

With that Jarvis turned on his heels and ran into the forest, turning into the wolf that he was leaving Marcus on his own to his seething anger as he relieved the past just for a short moment. He sighed and quickly ran back to the Cabin to try to save the human

CHAPTER FOUR

Emery & Marcus' P.O.V

I regained conscious enough to open my eyes weakly and noticed that I was no longer in the wreckage. I still heard the same familiar voices that had gotten me out of there instead of leaving me there to die. "Where....." I heard my own voice, raspy and raw from thirst. I saw the girl with the silver like hair turn and then look at the man standing on the opposite side of the room, slowly I turned my head carefully so that I wouldn't cause any dizziness, to look at the man standing next to me. I wasn't in the hospital like I thought I would be but took in what my vision could see. Wooden walls, a side table that had flowers on the top, and the feeling of being on a table which felt metal beneath my fingertips.

"Don't move," I heard the man's voice said in a demanding tone. I was too weak to argue. "You were hurt pretty badly in the crash." He pointed out as he directed my attention to the pole that stuck out of my side. Oddly enough it wasn't causing me any pain.

"Did you...." I began and before I could finish my sentences he nodded his answer. I turned my head again to peer at the woman. She had tied it back into a ponytail giving off her features. She had a round face with a nice nose and dimples that was clear on her cheeks. She was beautiful. Although I can't say the same for me at the moment. I was covered in blood from the accident and it was obvious that it was all mine. Of course I couldn't wait to get out of them and into fresh clothes. I tried to take in more of my surroundings but my vision was getting the better of me and I instantly passed out again.

*Marcus

I glided down the stairs that lead to the cellar. It had that musky smell to it that made me cringe but it was where we resided during the day to avoid the sun and its' deadly rays. Apart of me wished that there was a special ointment that allowed us to go out during the day without bursting into flame and ash but I knew that there wasn't such a thing unless I dared to tread down the path of science and even then I was too terrified to even think about that. In some part of my brain I was sort of traumatized from an experience that I hardly even remembered. I kept that part of myself a secret. A lab rat for the scientists to experiment on and was never allowed to escape. But I did by some miracle. I escaped and I am NEVER going back. Unless I had too. The thought was there but I brushed it aside to focus on the situation at hand. The girl. The one that had been in that car accident and was covered in blood and on her deathbed. Just waiting to be saved. I found my voice. "How is she?"

Nora looked up from where she was attending the vials that sat next to the girl's arm and responded. "Barely holding on." She reached to move the girl's brown hair from her face and continued. "Did everything turn out alright with the visitors?"

I mustered a sigh. "Yes," I rubbed my brow. "Being nosy as usual."

"When are they never." Blake said with stark amusement and I heard him give a light chuckle as he then asked. "Are we set for the procedure?"

I could only nod my answer as I went over to the table where the girl was lying. "Does she have a name?"

"Emery," Nora responded lightly. "I am afraid that she may not have much longer." At that her tone seemed to crack as though she was about to cry and Blake noticed the tension that was radiating from her and tried in his best interest to comfort her by wrapping his arms around her shoulders as she fought back a set of tears. "I'm sorry that I seem emotional."

"No it's fine." I said as a waved our attention to Emery.

"Right." Nora said as they went back to the table to begin the change.

Emery

All I wanted to do was let go and fade but I knew that I wanted to live longer than this. Beyond all this pain that I am experiencing right now which was hardly any because the man that was called Blake had numbed that area so I didn't feel uncomfortable. The rest of me was still achy from being pulled from the wreckage but I was out of there and that was all that mattered. I yearned for that shower once things here was done but it seemed like they were taking their time deciding on the current situation which was me. How were they going to take care of this? Whatever they decided it better be fast. "Please," I forced out of my mouth. My tone was dry and all I wanted right now was water or at least something to quench the thirst.

A face appeared above mine. "Emery," he said my name like he was trying to get my full attention. "This is your choice." His eyes which were gold, glittered at me like stars in the night sky. "To have a second shot at life only in a different point of view."

I didn't need to be asked twice. In a stable but weak voice I replied, "Yes."

CHAPTER FIVE

Marcus’ P.O.V

I felt the leap of my heart in my chest. Emery was a very strong woman who wanted another shot at living, only from a different perspective that our kind provided. The only difference was the overwhelming crave for blood that every fledgling went through in their first three years of turning. Many beforehand learned how to tame it with proper training and skills. Since I was created into being a purebred, I learned quickly to tamper mine. Emery however was willing to go the lengths to have another life outside of being human. Apart from myself was going to explain that this life was different compared to her mundane life at some point but until then she was going to have to adjust and learn.

“We don’t have much time before heading to our sleeping chambers.” Blake snapped me out of my thoughts and I shook my head to clear it. “The quicker the better.” He added with a slight tone of amusement. His hair shimmered in the light above us and eyes that told me to hurry.

“Right,” I said softly. “I can feel the rays of the sun already.”

“As do I.” Nora piped in as she leaned her hips against the counter top behind her. “Just hurry Marcus and stop wasting time.”

“I am trying not but it’s a little hard to focus when the sun is near its peak.” I almost barked but I had the nerve not to. I scratched my neck and added. “Prepare our chambers and I will be in as soon as it is done.”

“Okay.” Nora and Blake replied in unison.

As both of them left the room, I was able to focus and get this over with. I glanced at Emery who was still and quiet and I bent down to tilt her head to expose her neck. A weak but beating pulse was seen and I instantly felt the urge to pierce her throat with my teeth but I held back a moment. I will explain everything when you awaken from your slumber. I inserted the thought into her head only to be shocked when I heard a faint response. Don’t worry about me, I have the feeling that I know what is about to happen and to be honest I don’t mind living my life differently than what I had before this. Even if it means I’ll end up being different on the outside.

“You heard me?” I asked her out loud only to met with her thoughts. How else am I supposed to speak if I am this week?

“Comes in handy.” I replied with a half grin,

Just get it over with.

CHAPTER S SIX

With Emery’s consent I put enough force behind my bite to pierce her flesh. I felt her wince but she knew that this needed to be done. Her blood filled my mouth and to be honest with myself it tasted oddly good. It was sweet and slightly coppery but it was the essence of all our kind in order to continue living. When I was forced into this existence, I swore to myself that I would only hunt on animals and back then I was part of a clan that knew only power and hatred. When one of the members turned a human without their consent, they pointed fingers at me and my friends for the blame. In turn the leader banned us to never return. I closed my eyes to distract myself from the past and swore I saw Emery’s memories. Her as a little girl, twirling around in a Cinderella dress for halloween. Her as a teen,making plans for college in high school and what she wanted to be when she was finished. I held back a slight chuckle at the thought of her being a disney princess for halloween. Don’t you dare laugh. I heard Emery say telepathically.

I’m not. I responded with a small grin forming on my mouth. I withdrew and bit my own wrist, watching as blood spilled from the wound. “I am going to remove this out from your side before I do anything else,” I warned her. “Just so that when your healing, your skin won’t form around the metal.” I said so that she knew what I was doing. With my other hand I quickly yanked the metal from her side, but even in her weak state she hardly moved. Only hearing a small keening sound was all I needed to finish the task at hand. I placed my wrist over her mouth and allowed the red liquid to dribble in.

That’s going to bruise. Emery said. Her thoughts were like music in my mind. I grinned even wider because she didn’t realize the capabilities of being a vampire. Healing was one of our greatest abilities and the only thing that was able to kill us was sunlight and a stake to the heart. I wasn’t planning on either one of those happening to me or my friends any time soon.

“You would be surprised.” I said sarcastically. “Of what being a vampire can do.” I brushed her hair from her forehead. She looked delicate and frail in her state but once she rested and fully transformed, she’ll be much stronger than she has ever been.

I hope that your right. She mumbled weakly. I took my wrist away and licked the wound closed and barked for Blake to come in. Blake came in as quickly as he could, given then state of the sun. His movements were slow and tedious that he looked like an old man just rising from his bed. “Yes?” His tone was groggy and tired.

‘“Get her a change of clothes and into the guest room for the time being.” I commanded. “And make certain that the curtains in there are closed so that nothing happens to Emery while she recovers.” Blake only nodded and went to lift Emery in his arms. He left the room leaving me alone. I looked around the empty space and saw the remnants of blood that Emery left behind. I mulled over cleaning up the mess now or later when I rose from slumber because it was late already. I really didn’t want to spend the time cleaning it when I was this exhausted. “I will leave this for now.” With that I headed to the sleeping chambers.

***

Emery’s P.O.V

The last thing that I remembered was the coppery taste of blood and then darkness. In my own mind, I had flashbacks of when I was younger. Memories that I had thought I had suppressed long ago came flooding back to me in an instant. When I was six, I saw me, doing things with my hands, moving objects and blasting things with my mind. It terrified me to the point of where I begged my mother to let me forget what I could do. Even then, I was able to still communicate with others through telepathy. One of my greatest gifts, as my mother had put it when I was older. My mother complied only because even she thought I was too young to experience such things at six years old. Twelve years later, I was going through I change where, I was able to use telepathy but the majority of my abilities were still gone. Now this accident made me wish I had them again, to stop what was yet to come. The crash. All the damage and blood. I was saved though, by two people who brought me to safety and healed by a stranger that I didn’t even know. I was forever in their debt for this. As Marcus stated, I was given a second chance at life and I don’t think that there isn’t anything I can do to repay him.

……

The Following night….

“How is she?” I asked Nora as she came out of the guest room where Emery rested. In her hands she clutched a bowl of warm water and a cloth that was stained with blood. My only guess was that she was cleaning her up temporarily until she was able to take a shower and change into fresh clothes.

“Emery is fine,” Nora said. She wore a light pink sweater and a pair of grey sweats. She was barefoot and her silver like hair was tied up into a bun. “The transformation is going to take some time, especially if the injuries are this bad.”

“She was injured terribly when both of you brought her in.” I said. I scratched my nose trying to think of something to say. “Do you know how much time?”

“Hard to tell,” Nora said as she placed the cloth into the bowl and reached out to place her tiny hand on my arm. “Have some patience Marcus. It may be slow but from when I was cleaning her up, I saw some changes in her hair that indicated that it has already begun.” I gave her a hard look as if I didn’t really comprehend what she was saying. “Don’t worry too much,” Nora said as she removed her hand from my arm to brush loose strands from her eyes. “I will keep tabs on her as often as I can.”

“What about,-” I started but she instantly interrupted me.

“I’ll be fine,” She assured me. “It’s only a tiny amount of blood and won’t affect me like before.”

I bit my lip as if unsure of what she said was true. “Just be careful.” I said softly. Nora only nodded and headed back toward the sleeping chambers where Blake still slept., leaving me alone upstairs, outside of Emery’s room. I glanced up at the ceiling, marveling at the designs and patterns. Small swirls and circles were carved into it. The floors where wooden and could easily catch fire but we were in a secluded area of the forest where the only ones that knew we were here was the Remus Pack and the Clan themselves. Our banishment was caused by the leader and all I wanted to do was to clear my name and my friends but the only problem was figuring out how to without causing a war to the leader.

After I had done that I was planning on going my separate ways and hope that they would leave me alone for good. Emery’s whimpering caused me to snap back to reality and I inched a bit closer to her door and just listened. I heard a jumble of words from her mind like she was having flashbacks from her past and in some way I was curious about what they were but I wasn’t a snooper. If she wanted to tell me she would. I heard glass shatter and I nearly panicked at the sound. I rushed in to see what happened only to see Emery thrashing around on the bed in frenzy. I darted over to her as quickly as I could and pinned her down and thought of a way to soothe her. I heard her loud as day in my mind. It hurts! Please make it stop! Her cries was agonizing and even though there wasn’t anything I can do to help, all I could do was talk and sing to her to make the process go smoother. I had hoped that the transformation wasn’t as painful as I had imagined.

When Emery’s frenzy subsided, I stroked her cheek and mumbled in her ear. “Everything will be alright.” My heart was in my throat as I said it. It needed to be or else the rest of this ordeal was going to burst a nerve for me. Nora was at the door watching with Blake standing next to her with his arm around her waist with concerns on their faces. “Take turns watching her,” I said to both of them. “I need some air for awhile.”

“Don’t be too long,” Blake said as I left the room. “She seems to stay calm with you here.” That made me stop in my tracks briefly before I went outside into the night air.

“I won’t.” I said loud enough for both of them to hear.

CHAPTER SEVEN

One Month Later….

My red hair which was brown a month ago swayed in the breeze. The crisp air was strong in my nostrils . My newfound life was not like it used to be. Before I was human and had a shorter life span than I do now. Why was it so different? I looked back at the moment that Marcus’ blood had changed me. I was trapped in my head for the longest time, remembering what I had suppressed when I was six years old. I’ve been a vampire for over a month and I still didn’t understand how everything works. My hearing, my eyesight, and even the simple thing as speed. Marcus was teaching me how to tame the crave for blood but every now and then I found it complicated to focus on small tasks like I had before the crash. It was a headache and I had promised to try harder to control the urges that always seems to want to consume me.

“It will take time and practice before your able to fully control the bloodlust that our kind has.” Marcus’ tone echoed in my mind but even then how long will it take before I had such control? How long before this craving dims to a bare minimal? I wanted to ask but I couldn’t bring myself to ask. I had other things swirling in my mind as it was and I wanted to make sure that my sanity was in check before advancing to the next phase in this life.

Marcus seemed like a mystery. Someone who didn’t like to talk about his past and how he came to be the way he is. He, on the other hand, has had a sneak peak on what my life once was. Someone such as myself was only trying to survive in a world that was so mundane, however, once the transformation took hold of me, all of my memories that I demanded that I forget came rushing back to me like a fire storm. My mother had married a warlock from when she was vacationing in London at the age of eighteen with her parents. My father, whom never said a word to her at the time of what he was capable of, only found out because she was snooping around his quarters that following night. Why I remember this was beyond me but was shocked at how much I had actually forgotten.

At the time when I was six I was truly terrified of my own abilities because of my own significance to the universe. My father once said to my mother that I was meant for greatness but back then I didn’t want any part of that world. So I begged her to remove my memories so that I could have a normal life. Now that I think back on what had transpired, I could of been able to stop the crash from happening if I had those powers. Telekinesis. It was one ability that I wished that I could have kept over the years. One thing for sure however, was my telepathy which had been seeping out over the years and for that I was amazed. Rather confused at times on how I was able to talk to others through thoughts but I can’t say that I regret it because it allowed me to speak to Marcus and allow him to keep me calm through the change.

I owe them everything for helping me when I was hurt. For helping me get through the change and guiding me on this newfound way of life. How was I supposed to owe them everything when I have nothing to give? The thought escaped and I was concerned that Marcus or even the other two would hear me. So I kept my mind closed for the time being, silently mauling over the details of everything that has happened so far. My life. My old life and the one that was given to me. Everything was eternally different from now on. This is something that I will never get used to, as far as my idea of thinking goes.

“She looks as though she’s going through a lot lately,” Nora said as she leaned her hip against the windowsill and looked out across the field at Emery, who was lost in thought. It has been over a month since the change and yes there was a lot to process. Our way of life was different compared to the life of the mundane world but before Nora had the chance to finish her comment, I heard howling in the distance and then the rotten aroma of wolves and rogues close by. My heart dropped and I instinctively rushed outside in time to hear Emery’s terrified scream before a rogue pounced on her. A rogue was a genetic experiment gone wrong just as I was when I was held captive only I didn’t turn hideous and fowl with sharp looking teeth and flesh that bared fur and bone. Claws like knives protruding from the fingers that could easily cut through just about anything. Emery was still new at being a vampire and had no real knowledge of defending herself in a situation like this but what I saw was her, grappling with the rogue and jumping on top of it and snapping its neck, leaving it for dead. As I raced toward Emery to defend off the rogues, I came to a halt to check to see if she was alright. She only nodded and I turned to see if Nora and Blake were behind me to help fight off the enemies.

“Why are they here?” Blakes asked, his tone sounded worried and his stance meant that he was ready for battle.

“I’m not sure but we need to find a way to get rid of them.” I said as looked over my shoulder to see Emery getting up on her feet. Her face was covered in blood and I had wondered if the rogue had scratched her. Rogue scratches didn’t have an effect on our kind but left major damages that took time to heal. A deep gash was visible and clearly bleeding. I shook my head and forced my attention toward the forest. There had to be another rogue or two waiting for us to let our guard down.

“You mean there is more of those things?” I heard Emry ask from behind me. “What are we going to do when they come back and what exactly do they want?” She sounded panicked as though she was worried that they were after her instead of the whole group.

I ruffled my dark hair and tried to find the right words to calm he but only came up with a blank slate. Fuck me. I thought as I glanced toward the forest. “I don’t know.” I uttered the words as calmly as I could and looked at her with my golden gaze. “Screw the plan of trying to get rid of them.”

Blake opened his mouth as if he was about to say something but Emery piped in. “Do you think it could of been a message of some sorts?” Her voice, even in the midst of all the chaos, was like music to my ears. Over the course of one month, Emery wove herself in the deepest depths of my soul without her trying and that was an odd feeling and even though I had Nora and Blake to help the loneliness that hid inside of myself, I always felt like there was something missing and maybe Emery was the key. The key to help me even more so than my friends could. Was it love? Was I falling for this woman that I had saved not that long ago?

One month Prior…..

The chilly night air was ever present on my face. The night creatures prowled but I paid no mind to it, considering that I was one myself. It was ironic really. Me and my friends were banished from the one clan that took us in when no one else would and now the leader blamed us for something that I don’t ever doing. It was childish really. Was there something that I didn’t know? I was genetically turned, labeling me a pureblood bit no matter how hard I tried to think of the reasons that leader kicked us out, nothing came. No memory of why or how. I remember being at the lake with my friends at the time of the incident. Sarene DaMarco was the leader and it was stated that if a human wanted to be turned, it had to be consented. If not then there would be consequences that should be met. This also applies to them being injured in any way. Like with Emery and the crash….

Emery. Her name was only a whisper but loud enough to be heard. A voice seemed to have entered her mind and thankfully I could hear it. The accident happened just miles away from our small cabin where we were meant to stay. It was quiet and nobody really bothered us accept the small visits from the Remus pack which I still found really annoying. Why should they care what we did? We were banished and that only meant that we were no longer allowed to step foot on Clan grounds or else we would easily slaughtered by Sarene’s bodyguards and allies. I hated not being a part of them but It was a small price to pay for silence and no war.

“Emery is still changing,” I hear Blake from behind me, I turned and eyed him. “As soon as she is recovered and awake, she is going to need to eat.” He wore a dark blue sweater and sweats, it wasn’t his normal attire but I guess he just wanted to be comfortable. “Do you want,” I raised my hand and shook my head and Blake closed his mouth.

“No,” I answered lightly. “I will teach her.” Was the only thing I said before I heard the piercing sound of howling coming from the distance. My head snapped toward the forest and knew who it was. “Jarvis and his pack are here.” I said. “Get back and check on Emery and help Nora if needed.” Blake didn’t say another word and dashed off toward home.

CHAPTER EIGHT

The pain had subsided and I was able to open my eyes. At first, everything was blurry from being out for a long period of time. I saw a woman’s face looking at me worriedly. She had silver like hair and eyes that saw through you. Not like I could care at the moment. I was awake and that is all that mattered. The room that I was in was dark, the curtains drawn shut, and a dim light was casting shadows in every direction. My sight on the other hand seemed different, my hearing enhanced, and a heartbeat. My head snapped toward the sound and saw a mouse moving alongside the crevice of the nearby wall. I drew my attention away from the tiny creature and back at the woman. “Where am I?” My voice was raw from not speaking and my throat was parched from the lack of water.

“Your awake.” The woman said excitedly. I peeked at her once more before glancing down at my clothes which was stained with blood. “I’ll inform Marcus that your up.” I grabbed her wrist before she could leave the room only because she didn’t answer my previous question. As if she knew what I wanted, she softly responded. “Your safe for the time being.” With that I released her hand letting it fall back on the bed slowly.

The room was quiet once she left. My thoughts were a jumble with no filter. The terrifying memory of being stuck in that car for dead was a vivid image in my mind and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Marcus had said that once I recovered and awake that he would explain things more clearly than I could comprehend. As far as I can feel, I wasn't human anymore and that in itself was an odd feeling to experience. My life before was full of mundane things, like eating food, drinking things that you enjoyed, and had a lifespan of at least sixty some years. Now everything was different just by seeing things and hearing everything around you. What was I now?

Before my thoughts got the better of me, there was a soft knock at the door and in came Marcus and the woman that was here earlier. She wore a soft bay blue tank top and jeans that hugged her thighs and her feet were bare, exposing skin and polished toenails. I paid no mind to them as I slowly looked Marcus, allowing my vision to focus on him. “How are you feeling?” His voice was loud in my ears. I hushed him for a moment while I slowly sat upright in the bed. “It’s alright.” He said as he came cautiously to my side to help me sit up.

“Are you going to explain to me what is happening to me now?” I asked him as I moved my hair off of my forehead. “I mean I have a feeling on what you did but I feel as though I need to hear it.” My words came out coarse and rough but amongst the changes that my body was going through, I didn’t mind. I felt like this was something that was meant to happen in my own life but how or why was the question.

“Who is she?” I nodded toward the woman that stood behind Marcus. Marcus glanced at the woman and back at me.

“Nora,” Marcus said. “She was the one who had helped you out of the wreckage. Along with Blake.” His tone was calm and he peered at me as though he was looking for something, which made me look at him confusingly. “Are you hungry?” Now that he mentioned it, I was, my stomach growled and I felt my teeth elongate from the thought. I lifted my hand to feel my mouth only to gasp in shock.

“What the,” My fingers came away with blood and again I gasped. “Am I…” I stopped as I looked at Marcus who only nodded.

“I turned you so that you could live.” Was all he said before I heard the howling of creatures nearby. Marcus jumped to his feet as though he knew what or who was coming. He looked to Nora and said, “Go get her something. I will be back.” With that he darted out the door. I took a deep breath and my teeth went back to normal.

Nora who was left alone with me came to sit next to the bed. “I’m sure that you would like to get cleaned up before eating.” Her suggestion sounded rather nice, considering that I was still in my clothes from the day before. They were covered in my own blood and they smelled dirty and oddly good. The aroma filling my nostrils and I felt my own teeth start to poke at my gums. Sharp and visible. I could only nod as I drew back the covers and slowly rose from the bed. “Your first time being a vampire is going to be rough,” Nora whispered but I could hear her loud as day. “It will take some time to get used to.”

“I thought vampires were supposed to be mean and scary?” I said jokingly. “I mean as faas I read about them anyway.”

“It’s only lore,” Nora responded calmly. “It’s what your people depicted us to be when we are just like you but different.”

“So everything that I read or even heard is all a lie?” Nora only nodded. She picked up some clothes that had been laying on the dresser and a fresh towel and handed them to me.

“The bathroom is down the hall and to your right.” She said and I gave her a half smile before leaving the room.

CHAPTER NINE

I turned the shower on, allowing the water run for a bit so that way it could heat up. I loved showers because of how it made you feel afterward. Clean and refreshed. It was also my way of escaping reality when I had a long day at work or just to relax. I put my hand underneath the spay to feel it. It was hot enough to burn the skin but that was how I liked it. It helped my bones melt and and just enjoy the feeling of being alive. I was different. I felt it in the very depths of my soul. I wasn’t the mundane Emery anymore. My stomach ached all of a sudden and I clutched my abdomen as if that would relieve the pain but it didn’t. I turned quickly to the sink and hurled. Blood coming up from my throat, it tasted coppery, raw, and good but also food that I had ingested yesterday afternoon before all this happened. Chunks of whatever I ate was combined with it.

The bathroom door opened and in came Nora as if she knew what was going on. “Are you alright?” she asked in a worried voice. I could only nod as I ran the water from the sink to wash away the mess that I had made.

“Does this happen to others when they get turned?” I asked her as I rinsed my mouth out with water. I looked at Nora who only shook her head.

“You are the first person that Marcus has turned.” She said softly. Her silver like hair glimmered beneath the glow of the bathroom light. I could only look at her with a confused look. “There’s a first for everyone.” She said the last one with a half grin on her face before she left the small bathroom.

What did she mean that I was the first person Marcus turned? I looked at myself in the mirror and saw that I was pale. My brown hair now red from the change and thought to myself. Does vampires still have reflections after being turned into a vampire? I merely shrugged and decided to speak to Marcus after I freshened up and changed because of my ordeal. I pulled my bloodied short over my head and glanced down at my side and saw that the gash that once held the metal pipe was gone along with any remains that would normally appear. No stitches and no bruising. I was relieved and even though I was still myself I was different. A knock came from the door and I looked up from examining my side. A head poked through and I saw Marcus’ golden gaze on me. Instinctively I covered myself. He on the other hand didn’t have any shame. Instead he extended his hand and in it was a cup of red liquid which I had assumed was blood.

“Here,” He said. “Once your finished washing up. Drink this.” He placed the cup on the sink when he realized that I didn’t take it right away. “It will make you feel better. Possibly a bit stronger afterward.” I breathed in sharply. The aroma of blood was strong in my nostrils and I fought the urge to guzzle the liquid down. To feel that liquid drizzle down my throat to make me feel alive and strong. My incisors poked at my lip and I looked away shyly. “It’s normal to feel this away Emery.” After he said that he closed the door, leaving me alone once more.

I shook my head and dropped my shirt on the floor and stripped the rest of my clothes and hopped in the shower. Hoping that it would help my sore muscles and allow me to concentrate on the incoming conversation with Marcus.

******

“What are we going to do about Sarene?” Blake asked me as I said on the sofa and waited for Emery to finish her shower. The fireplace was going and I stared at it while Nora sat at the table doing some puzzles to keep her occupied. Blake, on the other hand was leaning his hip against the windowsill that was on the far side of the room, awaiting my answer. “You do realize that she’s the one who placed this banishment on all of us doing something that we didn’t even do.”

“Your right,” I said with a sigh. “We didn’t do anything according to Sarene.” I scratched my nose as I continued to stare at the fire that cracked and pop softly in the fireplace. “Either way, we are not going to start a war unless she strikes first.”

“You’re saying that we do nothing?” Blake asked with anger in his tone. I only nodded. “How long?” I could only shrug because what else was I supposed to do? I couldn’t give him a proper answer when there wasn’t none to give. Sarene DeMarco was a very powerful vampire and with a snap of her fingers we all could be dead but in her good graces Sarene gave us this. Solitude. Banishment. For something that we didn’t do. It must of been someone that resided with her and called the shots to be put on us instead. This was my theory but I couldn’t bring myself to speak of it. More concerned that Blake would go off the rails and do something rash and in truth I didn’t need Nora to worry about Blake either. Nor did I.

“Calm down,” I uttered the words as calmly as I felt but I knew what he was feeling. At times when I think back to the events that played out, all I wanted to do was lash out but I held in for my friends because the way I see it, I didn’t want either of them to worry about me as well. “It’s a matter of patience.”

“Marcus,” Blake all but held his tone at a whisper so that Nora could hear but I simply raised my hand to stop him from speaking. Blake threw his hands up in defeat. “Alright,” He said finally. “I’ll do as you say but if things get out of hand before then,” he stopped and looked at Nora who was looking at him intently before his gaze returned to mine. “All of us need someplace safe to go.”

“If that comes to be,” I began in my calm demeanor. “Then in the next couple of days we will search for another area to go.”

“I meant what I said about Sarene,” Blake stated. “I would like to clear our names so that way our banishment is lifted and that we are free if this pathetic solitude.”

I felt anger boiling in my gut. Blake was pushing his luck with me and I just wanted some silence. As if he sensed my tension, he stopped speaking. I kept my temper at bay and calmly spoke once more. “We will find a way. Just not right now.” He nodded and went to sit with Nora at the kitchen table to help her with the puzzle.

******

I stepped out of the shower and began to pat myself dry. I felt better after washing all the gunk away from my body. Not a trace of blood was left and not a scratch in sight. I went to the mirror and wiped away the condensation that gathered from the steam and noticed that my eyes were different as well. A darker gold than Marcus’ but still held a tint of blue that I found fascinating. I didn’t ponder on my features to much because I wanted to speak to Marcus about a few things. Mainly questions that I felt like I needed to know. So I pulled a grey sweater over my head and slipped on some sweats and opened the door to the hallway. I followed the sound of voices talking and the soft glow of a light that came from the living room. My feet were silent as I glided across the hardwood floor. I didn’t bother much of the appearance of the cabin. As I neared the living room I picked up a name that I found familiar. “Sarene DeMarco.” I racked my brain only to draw a blank. Who was this lady and what did they have in common that I didn’t know about? I peeked my head around the corner and saw Marcus sitting on the sofa, Blake at the window, and Nora at the kitchen table doing a puzzle.

Marcus was tapping his fingers on the armrest and I had this itch to stop him from doing so but I bit instead I bit my lip gently. I came in after knocking once and before anyone said a word I asked. “Who is Sarene DeMarco?” There was another long silence but nobody dared to look at me. I waited for an answer but nothing came. My lips came together and nodded gently and then turned around and looked for the door that leads outside. Great that was rather awkward. First day and I feel the tension but hey I know it’s not me. At least I think it wasn’t. I placed my hand on the knob and turned it but before I got any further than that I hand came down on my shoulder which stopped me in my tracks. I turned my head and I saw Marcus. “I promised that I would explain things once you were better.” He stated blandly.

“Alright.” I said as I slowly closed the door.

CHAPTER TEN

*Castle of Shadows*

Sarene DeMarco

I leaned my hip against the grand marble windowsill overlooking the night veranda deep in thought. I had dawned my sleep wear for the day ahead. It was near midnight but she wasn’t ready for sleep. Our people were able to experience the sun from over the horizon and that was it before it peaked fully in the sky but in doing so had its’ effects. It slowed our ability to function. Our thoughts always a mess and vision blurs. In my opinion it sucked. The sun begins to rise around six o’clock in the morning which in itself five o’clock horizon. I was leader our people and as such I felt the urge to disband the position of my second in command, Gabriel Hues. At times he was a ruthless warrior who always sought out that he got his ways. I hated it more than my own people did. Of course, knowing Gabriel, I had a sense that he’d attempt to replace me by sending Rogues to destroy me. I feared when that day came, I would forever haunt his nightmares.

A knock echoed in the confines of my chambers and my nerves spiked. My eyes darted to the door, the feeling of hatred welling deep within my gut. When I was small, however, the rogues were sent by someone else, to destroy me and my family when we were just citizens as well. My great grandfather was in charge then. Leading the people in the right direction of eternity. Now I, being heir, and the only one that had survived the attack, is stranded among these fine people with no intention on what to do. Gabriel walked through the ornate runic form of the door and my fangs slid from my gums. “What do you want?” I nearly hissed the question over the ponts of my teeth.

Gabriel held a silver tray, on to the top was a clear cup the contained blood. I only assumed that it was poisoned. I turned my head back to the night and refused it, knowing that by doing so, I would deny my meal for the night. My people vowedd that the only source of food would be animals and not humans. If I did find out that one of my own hunted outside of these castle walls, the punishment would either be banishment or even death. This rule was set when my grandfather had the reins and I kept them after his death. My chest hurt from the thought but I held is memory in honor and tried my best to follow in his footsteps. I failed in a way, however, allowing someone else take order when I was the one in charge.

My attention was drawn back the monster before me. Gabriel. His name in itself sounded like he had fallen from heaven and into the void of the universe. Of course I couldn’t compare him to the angel, more so the devil’s spawn that was meant to make my life a torment if I continue to allow him to be standing next to me. “You need to eat.” Came the demand. HIs tone more controlling than I’d like to be. He set the tray on an end table that was next to my bed. As if sensing my hesitation, he picked up the glass and took a sip. “Nothing to be concerned. It’s safe.”

“Stop acting,” I barked. “You lost my respect after your forced the order to ban three of my citizens for no reason.” I folded my arms across my chest. “Something that you did on your own and wanted someone to blame side from yourself.” I heaved a sigh and drew back into my thoughts but Gabriel was quick. He stood before me and grabbed me by the throat. Slamming me against the wall near the window. A small scream before he did so. I saw his eyes flaring red. Teeth exposed as if I had threatened him somehow. A growl simmering in his throat. I could only laugh as he held me up off the ground, my feet dangling in the air. “Where is this getting you Gabrield?” I asked.

“I’d watch what you say,” He threatened. “I could easily dispose of you as I have done with your parents a long time ago.”

“I knew it was you,” I said as I was still held by the throat and against the cold stone of the wall. “Even though your second in charge, doesn't make you the leader of our people. I am.” The last set of words were rough as I felt Gabriel’s hand tighten, causing me to choke but he released me before that even happened. I took in air as I laid there for a short moment to regain focus. I looked at him from on the cobble floors. “I’d watch you say,” I mocked. “Count your blessings before the day sleep occurs because as far as I see, your on thin ice.” I gave him a cold hard stare before Gabriel turned and stormed out the door.

*****

I sat on the sofa in front of the raging fireplace. I was alone with Marcus while Nora and Blake had gone elsewhere to give us some space so we could talk. I felt awkward being alone without someone that I didn’t even know but saved me from dying. I rubbed my hands and clasped my fingers together allowing them to rest in my lap. My red hair hung around my shoulders and my gold eyes weren’t my own. I sensed everything around me, even as far as the forest noises, in a way it was calming and fascinating. I finally broke the awkward silence by saying, “I want to thank you for saving me.” I turned only to see Marcus, in the kitchen, pouring something into a glass mug. My stomach sort of lurched at the thought. I smelled it though. Strong in my nostrils and I knew that it was blood. I moistened my lips as he came over to me and put the mug into my hand. “No need to thank me.” He said as he took a seat next to me. “Did you drink the last one I brought to you?” I could only shake my head. “Why not?”

“I don’t need you interrogating me like a villain.” I teased with a grin. “I just felt like I wasn’t ready to.” I fingered the handle and set it on the floor next to my foot. “I understand what all of this is.” My voice trailed off and I attempted to find the right words to say. “It’s just different than what I have read before all of this occurred.”

“You didn’t think we’d look this human did you?” Marcus asked. I shook my head. “There are limitations though.” He waved to the window. “Daylight but we can still enjoy last minute rays before it fully rises.” I stayed silent as I listened to him speak. “We don’t ever feed on humans more so animals to stay fed.”

“Which would explain the forest.” I muttered quietly. I looked out the window and saw that it was still dark. I heard rustling and I knew that there were animals out tonight. I loved my hearing. I loved my new ability to see clearly now but the one thing I dreaded was the hunger for blood. I knew deep down it was something that I had to get used to in order to survive instead of the mundane food that I was used to. I turned to Marcus considering my thoughts carefully. “Are there others?” The question seemed obvious and I would of kicked myself if Marcus wasn’t sitting next to me.

Marcus, on the other hand, was grinning. why was he grinning? I asked myself as I felt the urge to squirm but I contained it to the best of my ability. “Yes,” he responded. “A clan. We used to be a part of them until we were banished.”

“How come?” I asked. “I hope that you didn’t do anything to cause any trouble.” I stood to my feet and went to the window, observing the night from the drawn curtains. The only thing separating outside and here was the window pane. From behind me I heard Marcus getting up as well. His feet hardly making a sound as he came over to where I stood.

His dark hair, which seemed darker than before, glimmered beneath the onslaught of the moonlight. His eyes, too, sparkled. He stayed silent for a moment before saying. “It’s nothing to concern yourself with at the moment,” He gazed out the window and I couldn’t help but stare at him. He was handsome in his own way. Dark and brooding but nonetheless handsome all the more. Maybe even so because all my past relationships seemed like they were fake but I didn’t want to dwell too much on that and instead turned to the kitchen. It wasn’t much. Everything that you’d find in a cabin kitchen. A stove. Microwave. Coffee pot. All the necessities that would be made out to look as human as possible. “In the meantime, I’d like to show you a few things about your new life. If that is alright with you.”

I turned my attention back to him and gave a half hesitant look then smiled. “I’d like that.” He turned and bent down to receive the cup that I had left there.

“But in order for me to teach you,” he said as he took my hand in his, the feeling of his fingers was rough and different than my own, he placed the mug in mine. “I would like for you to drink up so you can focus.” I could only nod as I got over my fear and downed the rest of the blood. When I finished, the liquid slowly dripped down to my chin and Marcus wiped it away with his thumb and put it his own mouth to lick it clean. “Good.” He grinned and I felt my nerves flutter. “Shall we begin?” he waved his hand to the hall and the door that lead out into the night.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

It was still night time and Marcus and I were outside standing a few feet apart from each other. The Owls hooted in the distance and crickets chirped in the nearby bushes. “What are we doing?” I asked Marcus, half yelling across the yard to him. He wore a grey jacket over a white shirt and black sweats.

Marcus gave me a grin before saying, “Honing your skills some before we head in.” He positioned himself into a running stance and before I asked him what he meant, I heard a whooshing sound then tap on my shoulder. I turned and saw him standing there with cocky smile. “Over time you will get better at doing this,” He directed my attention to the tree line where it met with the forest. “Now you give it a go. Remember to focus and breathe.”

“I thought vampires didn’t breathe?” I asked. “Or was the all folklore as well.” I bent down slightly and focused toward the forest. I heard Marcus give a light chuckle before I dashed off to the trees. I nearly forgot to stop and came to a halt just in front of the tree bark. I heard Marcus laugh again and I turned. “Woah.” I grinned as the adrenaline kicked in.

“There you go,” Marcus said as he clapped his hands to congratulate me. “If you keep practicing this, you’ll be a pro.”

I dashed back to him and knocked him to the ground. A little “oof,” came from my lips as I laid on his chest. “Uh,” I said slightly embarrassed. “Sorry.” I mumbled as I scrambled to to feet.

“As I said,” Marcus said. “Practice.”

“”Easy for you to say,” I mumbled beneath my breath. “How long did it take for you to get the hang of this?” I asked turning the subject over to him. I watched him as he turned toward the lake. I waited as he fought the urge to give me honest answer.

Marcus turned to me, giving me a look that must have meant something. “It took awhile,” He put his own hand on my shoulder and continued softly. “Let’s continue before it gets any later than it is.” Did I miss something? Because if I did the I must be completely dumb. His eyes snapped to me. “Don’t ever think that your dumb.” My jaw dropped but I could only nod. He turned to go back into the cabin.

“Alright if you say so.” I said feeling a pang in my chest. I still had a lot to learn in the aspect of being a vampire. Controlling the urge to eat everything in sight. My speed. Being able to listen to what people say. Just being able to control everything was my main goal. Even if I don’t get it right the first time around is fine. Practice for awhile then go eat. Man what do vampires say when it’s time to drink blood?

“Feed.” Marcus said as if he still was reading my thoughts. The thought of saying ‘Feed’ my stomach sort of lurch but I attempted to force the idea in a small corner of my mind but it still echoed.

“Can you not say that particular word?” I attempted to make sound like a joke but it came out as pure disgust. “I was fine using the term Eat. It sounds normal for me.” Marcus gave a look and then shrugged as if he were saying ‘if you say so.’ mockingly. I felt a blush burn at my cheeks. How can he mock me then make me blush? Before all of this happened, my boyfriend had broken up with me because I was too much of a handful. Well the only thing that I had to say was screw him!

I heard Nora and Blake no that far off from us, I turned and saw Nora grinning like she had seen something that I had not. Blake on the other hand, was not grinning. It looked like something or someone had put him in a bad mood. I used the knowledge that I was given not that long ago, and rushed up to see both of them up close. “Everything alright?” I eyes Blake, a little worried about him but I didn’t dare ask him anything else. Blake only shook his head, not saying anything. The wind had picked up some, causing all of our hair to rustle in the wind. “Are you sure? Because the vibes i am picking up from you alone, is saying otherwise”

Blake’s gaze snapped to me and he instantly said “I am fine.” I brushed passed me and I looked his way as he went to the forest. The silence overturned everything else. The only ones left in the yard was me and Nora.

I turned to face Nora and saw the same expression that I was giving Blake. She only half smiled and said, “Don’t mind Blake. He is always like this.” I raised my eyebrows but she continued softly, her voice all but a whisper. “Not toward me if that was hat you were thinking.”

“I was going to say,” I stated in her defense. “If he acts like that toward you, allow me to put him in his place.” I raised my hand, balled into a fist and made a punching motion in the air. “Nobody and I mean men, should mistreat woman.” I heard Nora giggle but she made no response.

After five minutes of silence, Nora said, “He’s normally a really sweet guy but something has gotten him on edge the last few nights and he doesn’t want to talk about it.”

“Don’t worry,” I said as I placed my hand on her shoulder. “He will come around.”

“I know that he will.” Nora all but mumbled beneath her breath. I could only nod as i thought of something to say to clear the awkward silence that seemed to overcome the both of us.

“It’s getting late,” I finally said. “How about we go inside.” I looked around to find that Marcus was gone. It looks like our lessons of honing my skills were over and I think that in my own way, I was the cause of it. I didn’t know why or how but as much as I wanted to dwell on the idea, I didn’t want to.

“Sure,” Nora said. “We’ll just wait for the boys to get back before it gets any later.”

“Sounds good to me.” I said as I took hold of her wrist and guided her back to the cabin but I couldn’t help but glance back at the forest and noticed a face staring back at me. I turned my head back at the cabin, and ushered her inside. The feeling of danger was still there but I wasn’t ready to face the odds just yet. Until then I’d let the big boys handle it.

CHAPTER TWELVE

I peered at the girls from behind a tree bark, just behind their tiny cabin. Just watching as both of them spoke to one another. Marcus and Blake had gone elsewhere, probably to gather blood for all of them to last for a little while longer. So this is the new addition to the small group? I asked myself. She was beautiful along with her flame colored hair and delicate features. She had a nice figure to her. With decent hips and a nice rump. My ears perked as a sound came from behind me. My head turned toward the noise and I saw Gabriel. My heart dropped and I wanted to flee. What was he doing here? No doubt stalking me and making sure that I didn’t cause any trouble. I hated him for being so nosey and it made me want to punch him in the groin. “What are you doing out here by yourself?” His voice was like nails on a chalkboard. It made you want to cover your ears until the sound was gone. I stood up straight so that I wasn’t in view of the girls. Nora and the other one that was beautiful. I took a quick look only to see that they had gone inside.

“Checking up on them,” I said, standing my ground so that my second in command knew who was in charge. “Don’t concern yourself with me if your not going to properly be my second.”

Gabriel’s hand rose and it came hard on my cheek. The sound echoed throughout the forest and even though I cupped my cheek with my own I, I quickly did a three-sixty to see if anyone had heard. Of course they would, we were vampires, which meant that our hearing was ten times more advanced than any human on this planet. “Don’t you dare intimidate me.” Gabriel warned. “You may be our leader but I still have no choice but to make sure that your safe and that means not going out alone. It is too dangerous.”

“You will not have the throne,” I said as I stood up straight again. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve already appointed the next one to take my place.” The statement was loud enough for him to hear. In this case, I’d tell him who it was but my best guess would be that he’d try to kill them and that was a risk that I couldn’t afford right now. I knew that deep down, Gabriel wanted me dead, and that his main goal was to take over and create a different order than me or my uncle has ever did. Even to protect our own identities from the universe. I feared that and Gabriel knew. I needed to intrust someone that would guide our clan in the right direction in the future.

“There are many ways for me to gain your status my majesty.” Gabriel said as he came over slowly like an animal stalking its prey and backed me up against the tree. He stroked my red cheek and then rubbed strands of my ebony hair between his fingers. “Unless you want to wake up the following night with chaos and turmoil, I’d suggest that you’d stay in line.”

At this point, I wanted to rip his throat out and leave him to the animals to finish him off but once I returned to the castle, the others would question where your second in command is, where in a way I’d be telling a half truth, he was with me then I pack of rogues and werewolves attacked me. Luckily, I had gotten away unscathed but Gabriel, on the other hand, did not. Instead I said angrily, “I’m not afraid of your pathetic threats,” I turned to face the cabin but still stayed hidden. “Unless you want your status to be revoked, I would suggest that you stay in line. I have higher authority than you and the more you threaten me,” I laughed because I knew it would piss Gabriel off, “The more tempted I am to go to the Elders about your obnoxious behavior.” I eyed him from over my shoulder and saw that he had a look that said it all. He was terrified. I knew it in my bones and by the silence that I received from him. “You see Gabriel,” I purred. “I have more power than you make it out to be. No matter what you do or how you approach this situation, it will not change the outcome of your fate.” The courage that I felt while Gabriel was in my presence, the more I needed to say to him. To tell him that he was on thin ice. That he had gone too far and abused his power as second in command but I stayed silent. I wanted to wait before getting enough evidence to revoke him.

“I doubt that you would follow through with that promise,” Gabriel stated, keeping his tone in check, “I know you wouldn’t.” At that I turned my head back toward him and bared my fangs, my own glowing in the process.

“I wouldn’t think twice about turning you into the Elders.” I growled the words to make my point when all I wanted to say was Watch me. And do it without thinking a second about turning back.

“We shall see when that time arises.” He mocked and dashed off into the darkness, leaving me alone in the forest, where the cabin was mere three feet away. I couldn’t wait until I had my chance to turn him in to the Elders that way I could properly appoint my next Second in Command. My fear, however, was Gabriel, finding out about this and killing the next in line. I pressed down my paranoia and headed back to the Castle of Shadows. My home. My people.