《Deadly Storm》


 Chapter one

    Sarah''s POV

    In the midst of October, Halloween is just around the corner and everyone at Cooperstown Central high school is getting ready for the Monster Bash. Yeah, the Monster Bash where everyone gets ready for the celebration where the vampires that live around the town.

    As soon as a vampire is present, everyone freaks out and stays at least fifty feet away from them. Scurrying to their sses as fast as they could. It felt weird and scary that the vamp kidse to school and not crave for blood. Actually, they each have some sort of item to keep them from craving our blood.

    There''s a band, a ne or a belt that the vamp kids wear. From what I heard, it''s to keep them from going on a rampage for our blood type. If they crave it, whatever they have will shock them. From what I heard.

    I''m Sarah Harper, a junior in high school and 16 years old. I''m a lonely child with great friends. I try to stay away from the vampires as well but can''t when ites to sses. Everyone hates them and they hate us, win win. We hate them because they''re vamps and worried they can''t bite us, and they hate us because they can''t get their blood they crave.

    As I made my way down the hall, I could hear someone, or rather people, behind me.

    "Well, well, well. Look who we have here."

    Recognizing the voice, I turn on my heels with a disapproving look on my face. Marie.

    "What do you want Marie?"

    "Don''t use that tone with me." She spoke bratty like.

    "Don''t use that tone with me." I mimicked her squeaky voice.

    "Arghh!" Stomping away from me I''m surprised her minions aren''t with her. I continued walking down to my Social ss. Walking in the ss, everyone is in ss chatting waiting for the teacher. The only spot open left is at the back of the ss and one beside the vampire himself.

    de Ramose.

    I scan the room for any other spots but that was the only one. Luckily he wasn''t looking so my n is to slip in, do my work unnoticed by them and leave. Great n right? What could go wrong?

    Everyone stayed as far away as they could and I always do too. Since there''s no other ce I made my way towards the back feeling eyes burning through my head. I scan the room seeing people''s worried faces staring back at me.

    What the hell are you doing?

    Don''t sit there?

    Come sit with us.

    I gave them a pleading look of how I have no choice and that I''d be okay. I don''t know these kids personally, but I do know them.

    We all look out for each other like siblings. Except for Marie and her gang of friends. No one likes her. We all would rather be around the vamps instead of them. Yeah I said it. We all would ''cause she''s a nasty one. She''s disresectful, nasty, rude and the list goes on an on.

    I mouthed "I''m sorry " for everyone who have to watch me suffer. Slipping into the seat quietly as possible, some students pleaded me and I returned a sorrowful look.

    "Well, well, well. Look it boys. The most quiet kid in school decide to sit with us," Remose said. The boys snickered beside him. I nced at one of my ssmates, Ellie, and she gave me a worried look.

    She waved me over to a spot that''s finally open as one of her friends left. I took my chance as I grabbed my bag and began to lift from the chair when I felt a cold hand wrap around my arm.

    "Not so fast Harper," de said coldly. He pulled me down on the seat and sat there not knowing what to do.

    "So you tried to escape from us?" the other one said. I stayed silent staring at Ellie. Feeling cold hands linger onto my shoulders which broke my staring contest with Ellie, sending cold shivers down my spine.

    "Get your hands off of me or I will stake you," I threatened with a serious tone. All four guysughed while acting scared.

    "The quiet girl finally steps up to talk to us vampires like that. How impressive," Remose responded. I tensed up as their cold skeleton like fingers didn''t leave my arm and shoulders.

    "Youmited to sit in this seat, got that Harper?"

    "Copy that Remose," I said harshly.

    "Oooh," the boys said in unison. Just then the teacher walked in getting ready for the lesson. About time. "Mr. Vance sit down and leave Mrs. Harper alone." Keir did just that, thankfully. de Remose let go of my arm too. I got out my notes and started jotting down the important things.

    This ss felt slower than usual. Maybe it''s because I''m sitting with these idiots. I may hate them and frightened, but they are harmless with their essories on. Cautious though as I casually nced over to my left to see the boys paying attention thankfully. Looking back to the front, the teacher kept talking. Soon enough, he finished as the rest of us finished taking notes.

    The bell rang as I scurried to put my things in my bag and take off. The second I stepped out of the ssroom, I run to my locker to drop everything off to head to lunch. Slipping through the students as I made my way thinking how I''m going to tell my friends about the encounter with the vamps during Social.

    Spotting my friends outside at a table talking I walk up to them ready to tell my story. I sit down beside Lennix and Lauren. "Hey girl!" Lauren and Katherine said unison.

    "Hey guys. Guess what happened to me in Social?"

    They gave me their full attention now. "I got touched by the vamp kids."

    They all gasped. "I had to sit beside that de kid because there were no more seats when Ellie had an open seat beside her. I was about to go when he touched me forcing me to sit back down. Then one of his friend, Keir Vance, touched my shoulders. I can still feel his fingers on my shoulders."

    "Wow!" They stared in shock asking all sorts of questions once I finished the story.

    "Wow! I never thought the vamps would be all over you Sarah," Sabormented smirking away.

    "Oh shut up Sabe."

    "Hey!"

    Sabor hates it when I call him Sabe, yet his reaction is hrious. Between all of us, Sabor and I have the best rtionship ever. We actually started this group with the friends and throughout the years, Lauren, Lennix, and Katherine came in.

    Iughed hysterically at his remark.

    -

    "I''m home!" I call into the home hoping one of my parents can hear. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hey honey, we''re downstairs!" My mother called.

    cing my bag down on the couch in the living room, I head downstairs into the basement to find both of my parents in my father''s'' office. My father, Jeffrey Harper, is the leader of the vampire hunters. Yep, vampire hunters. For as long as I can remember, ever since vampires roamed the area and taking souls, my father gathered a big group of people and trained them to be vampire hunters.

    It helps protects our town from them. They have killed many vampires until they got their bands, nes, and belts. The government has paid them to kill until now. My father and their group still goes out asionally catching vampires who aren''t supposed to be around. When I''m older, my father said I''ll be joining the group to help with the town.

    Making my way in the room my dad sat in the office chair while mom hovered over his shoulder. My parents are too busy sometimes to even notice I''m here. So for them to know I''m present I have to speak up.

    "Hello."

    My mother nced over her shoulder to acknowledge me. "Hello darling, how was school?" she asked looking back to whatever they''re looking at.

    "Good."

    "Hello Sarah," my Dad grumbled.

    "Hey dad."

    Leaving them to do their business, I head upstairs to grab my bag walking upstairs to my bedroom.

    With light grey ish blue walls, a bed with white sheets and white pillows and two turquoise pillows. My window leads out to the garden with a neck I front for me to chill and look out. Three pillows, two white and one blue pillows.

    Throwing my bag on my bed, I grasped my turquoise pillow and sat on the bench on my windowsill looking out into the fall scenery. I did my homework until my parents called me down for dinner.

 Chapter two

    Sarah''s POV

    I woke up to my phone ringing beside me. Groaning, I rolled over on my back reachingzily for my phone. I pped my table until my phone dropped on the ground.

    "Dammit."

    Leaning over, my top half is falling towards the ground. Swiping my phone off the ground, I saw three text messages and a missed call from Sabor.

    Scanning the texts, I called Sabe back. My voice sounded hoarse when I answered to him.

    "Where the hell are you."

    "In my bed asleep."

    "Well why your but out of bed. We''re waiting for you!"Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Where are you?"

    "Outside your home. For half an hour now. Did you forget?"

    "Nope," I lied.

    "Okay . . . Just get ready."

    I hung up and rushed to the bathroom. Brushing my teeth whilebing my hair is a bad decision. Cupping some water in my hands, I sshed my face a couple times before making my way to my bedroom.

    Yanking my closet doors open, I picked out the first thing my eyesid on. I grasp ripped jeans from my drawer. Putting on my white blouse. I grabbed socks and rushed downstairs with my phone tucked in my back pocket.

    Jogging into the kitchen, my mom made breakfast. I took a piece of bacon with me.

    "Where''re you going in such a rush?"

    "My friends are waiting outside for me."

    "Oh, where''re you going?"

    "The Chase."

    "Okay, have fun."

    "Bye."

    I ran out out the door mming it behind me. A red BMW awaits with my friends inside. Sabe honked the horn, then raised his arms to signify, what took you so long, gesture.

    I mumbled a sorry and got into the back with Lennix and Kathrine. I caught a glimpse of Lauren''s orang-red hair in front of me. "So, you''ve been waiting for me for half an hour?"

    "Yeah, basically," Lauren said as Sabe pulled out of the curb.

    "You forgot, didn''t you?" Kathrine asked.

    "Why would I forget?"

    "Because you knew we had to get up early," Sabe defended.

    "Okay fine, you caught me. I did forget, but I was busy with homeworkst night, plus the assignment that''s due on Monday."

    "Okay, we forgive you. Just this once you get off the hook."

    "Thanks."

    It was silent in the car apart from the radio which is turned down low just for background music.

    Once we got into the school parking lot, we got out as he locked his car. Making our way up to the entrance we entered the quiet school. Making our way down the hall to the gym where the rest of the juniors are.

    There are no teachers in the gym so we crept our way to the back of the group. Sabe pushes us towards the back as we hurried.

    "Look, the mortals arete."

    "Shut up Ramose," Kathrine fires.

    "Roberts and Harper are the same person. Rude, huh?"

    "Alright Ramose, I swear if you don''t stop you''ll regret it," I threatened. I walk up to him stopping inches from him. He smirked at my braveness.

    "Little Harper''s all grown up, huh? Defending for her friends and herself. Is that what your going to do? When you be a vampire hunter, just reason with them?"

    The four vamps broke out into a roar ofughter.

    I rolled my eyes waking with my group. I can''t stand them, but I''d rather them than Marie. I found them at the other end of the enormous group. I stood beside Lennix as the teachers entered the loud gym.

    "Everybody calmed down. Now gather around in groups of five or six."

    People started searching for their group to be in while we have our own. We talked until the teachers got all of our attention.

    The whole gym went silent. The principle spoke up.

    "Okay, since you guys are lucky to be doing the Chase, you will need to stick with your groups. If for some reason you are separated from your group,e back to the school. Don''t stop anywhere else, bute to school and you''ll wait for the others."

    People nodded in agreement.

    "After we review the rules, you''ll be partnered with another group. And yes we will be picking the groups."

    Mourners were heard around the gym for the ones who gets the vampires. Honestly, people don''t care who they get paired up with, it''s when ites to vampires, it gets real. I get we hate them, but as long as they wear their essories, I know I''m safe.

    "Rule number one, stick with your group. Like I said, if you get separated,e back to the school. Number two-" some people snickered, "-don''t argue with each other. Don''t mind the disagreement but don''t full on attack each other." The principle nced over at the vamps.

    I snickered silently to myself as they''re being singled out. It''s hrious of their reaction.

    The principle went on to exin all the rules that are needed to participate in the Chase.

    Technically, from what I know, the Chase is about going around town finding this one person to bring back to the school. Each team is responsible for one person that is part of the Monster Bash in the town. We, high school students, don''t actually get to participate in the Bash unless if we''ve got younger siblings. We instead go to parties around town. Just the same high school parties every other town has for Halloween.

    I have a cousin who participated in this and said it was fun. He moved to California to be a business worker. I haven''t seen him since he left for college there. It''s been five years since I''ve seen him.

    After the rules she paired us up with another group. "Rivera''s group will go with Vance''s group."

    Great.

    Of course we get paired up with the vamps. I mentally face palmed myself as I moved closer into the group. Of course, that''s just luck.

    They came over to us. I moved to the other side slowly. Soon, there''s three big groups waiting in the gym to start.

    One of the grade twelve teachers gave our group the person were chasing through out the city.

    "Okay, since you''ve got vampires, you will be chasing the vampire that will give drinks."

    Agh!

    Why?

    Like this day couldn''t get any worse. I mentally groaned. Taking a sneak peak at the others I could tell they hate it too. Well, we''re done for. Of course they''ve got the advantage.

    When the teachers are done with the groups of telling them what to do, they gathered back at the front.

    "On your marks . . . Get set . . . Go!"

    We huddled together, I tried to stay away from them as possible.

    "Okay, this is what we''re going to do," Frey started, one of Ramose''s friend, "since we''ve got the vamp, we know what''s happening. So we are going to have to lure him which means putting you in danger."

    I''m stunned!

    They''re putting us in danger?!

    "What did you say?" I asked still stunned.

    "Your putting us in danger?" Kathrine asked.

    "How else are we going to lure him in," Talon answered.

    "Don''t worry, we''ll make sure your all safe and no harm wille to you," de answered. He seemed serious for once. Surprising.

    "We know where this person will be but we will tell you what to do. Don''t mess around or mess up and you''ll be okay," Keir replies.

    We nodded.

    "Okay, here''s the n . . ."

    -

    We walked up the road towards the forest. I stopped dead in my tracks. Lauren notices and stopped too.

    "What''s wrong, Sarah?"

    The others noticed and stopped. I always have a fear of going into the forest. I never know what''s in there. Everyone gave me a questioning look.

    "I . . . Can''t."

    "What do you mean you can''t?" Ramose said.

    "I . . . Not in there." My whole body trembled. I couldn''t control my body. Sabe walked over stroking my back trying to calm me down. Beads of sweat formed in my forehead and upper lip.

    Sabor lowers down to my ear and whispers.

    "It''s okay. We''re just going in anding out. I don''t usually say this but right now, I trust them."

    "We''re. . . We''re going on their territory though."

    "It''s their territory, I know. Right now we need to trust them. If anything happens to us it''s their responsibility."

    I nodded.

    I took a tiny step forward. My body still trembling as I descended forward. Every step I took felt like I was stepping on knives. I felt so scared to enter that forest. I felt tears prickle my eyes.

    All eyes were on me and I felt the pressure. Tripping over my two feet, a strong arms caught me as I nearly fell to the ground.

    Sabe caught me and helped me walk to the forest. As soon as we caught up to the others, tears are streaming down my face. The vamps looked at me weirdly.

    "She can''te in the forest like that. The vamp were facing can feed off fear," de said.

    We gave him a strange look. "I''ll stay with her," Sabe offered.

    "Actually, I''ll stay with her. I really hate this guy. We''re not on speaking terms," Ramose eximed.

    "I don''t think-" Sabe started but got caught off by Keir.

    "I think it''s a great idea. de will take care of her until she calms down, but he''s right. This person will feed on the fear of her. Wilson, you wille with us. She will be safe with de. Out of all of us, he''s the most trustworthy person here."

    He nodded then hand me off to Ramose. I was still shaking from the fear. I watched the rest of them walk into the forest.

    As soon as they were out of sight, I push Ramose out of the way and walk towards a stump to sit on.

    "Why''d you push me away?"

    "Why didn''t you go with the others? I''m fine staying here."

    "I told you, I''m on bad terms with this guy right now. Answer my question."

    "I hate you. That''s why I pushed you away, I don''t needforting from a vampire."

    "Now that''s racist."

    "Well . . . I can''t help it if are craving my blood."

    "Actually, I can crave all I want but it''ll hurt me-" he lifts up his left wrist to show his band from his sweater, "-I can''t suck on human blood unless if they''re in our territory."

    "That''s possible?"

    "Sure. It''s our territory you humans are trespassing on. If you can''t make it out before we catch you, well . . . I guess your dinner."

    I scrunched up my nose in disgust. Thinking of how we''re dinner for them.

    "Don''t worry though, your friends are safe with my friends. If something were to happen then we''d be responsible."

    "How so?"

    "Like . . . If something were to happen to you, it''s our fault. Say if you got lost in the forest and a vamp found you. You''d get bitten and we kids would be responsible for that. Taking you in our property and not watching you. It''s like taking a kid to the park and not watching it and it gets kidnapped."

    "Oh."

    "Yeah. It''s not the best exnation, but it''s something."

    He took a step forward to me and I moved back a bit. He noticed that I felt ufortable about it and took a step back. I breathed out a sigh. I nce towards the forest.

    I hope they''re going to be okay.

 Chapter three

    Sarah''s POV

    I don''t know how long they''ve been in the forest but it felt like hours. I did try to go into the forest but chicken out thest minute.

    It''s like as soon as I step a foot on their ground, I coward and walked back to the stump. Meanwhile, Ramose''s been watching me trying to get myself into the forest. We really didn''t say anything after the our little talk.

    We agreed to not talk about me not being able to enter the forest. He said he''ll talk about it with his friends too.

    "Oh my god! How long do they need to take to get the person?"

    "Long. Vamps are hard to get."

    "I see."

    I stood up and walked towards the forest. Stopping at the edge of the forest, I gazed beyond. Turning on my head, I faced Ramose crossing my arms across my chest.

    "Talked to me, I''m bored."

    Throwing his hood over his head, he stepped out from the shade. ncing at me he stopped dead panned. I''d be lying if I didn''t say that he went paler, than usual. I don''t know how that''s possible.

    "What?"

    "Harper, move away from the forest slowly."

    "Why?"

    "Just do it."

    He fixed on something behind me. I turned slightly still fixed on him. Finally turning around I found nothing.

    I don''t know where my confidence came from but I stepped into the forest. Fear washed over me quickly getting out of the forest. I stumbled onto the pathway walking back to my stump.

    Sitting on it I stared Ramose down. He gave me the face of saying, ''what.''

    I looked away immediately.

    It still felt awhile since they''ve gone to get the person. In the corner of my eye, Ramose his back in the shadows looking the opposite way, in deep thinking I assume.

    Silence roamed us.

    Sitting very still, I felt skeleton like hands creep on me. "Quit it Ramose."

    The fingers came up to my mouth while the other fingers wrap around my waste. I was about to tell Ramose off when I look to the right side of me and notice he''s standing there looking into the distance.

    When it finally hit me, it wasn''t someone I recognize. My mind turned when the skeleton like hands grasped onto me and yanked me. I couldn''tprehend what happened but the next thing I knew is I''m in the forest, deep in.

    I squirmed around in the grasp of a vampire. It pushed me to the ground hard I swore I heard my ribs crack. It came into my view. If I wasn''t being attacked or if this vamp wasn''t a vamp, I''d say he''s handsome. Slicked back hair with smooth skin.

    He lowered down onto all fours with me underneath. Lowering his head he sniffs my neck giving a sigh.

    "You smell delicious."

    Smirking, he showed his fangs licking his lips. I could see the hunger in his eyes as it changed from polish gold, to blood red in less than a second.

    "Now I''ll have fun with you."

    He leaned down and licked the spot on my throat, his teeth hovering over my flesh. Just as he was about to bite me, something fast bumped into him. I saw them roll until the vampnded at the bottom.

    I scooted away as far as I could.

    "Why were you going to bite her?"

    "Cause she''s on ournd."

    "No, I saw you steal her. Now answer the question?"

    I say frozen in fear shaking all over. "Because I''m hungry."

    The other guy grabbed his head ready to yank it off. "Anyst words?"

    I got up ready to run when his answer hit me.

    "There will be war sometime this year. No one is safe, not even us."

    "That''s insane!"

    I started running not know what will happen to the vamp or that guy. I kept on running in one direction when I bumped into something hard. Holding my head as I nce up to see Ramose there. I''ve never been so d to see him, but I''m not telling him that.

    "Are you okay? Did he bite you?"

    I shake my head. "Last time I''ve checked, your not my father."

    "Well sorry but a vamp just took you ready to bite when one of my guys went to do the job."

    "Job."

    He nodded.

    "Why didn''t you do it?"

    "Enemies."

    "So what? You watched from afar?"

    "I like a good show. But no. He just so happened to show up."

    "I''m going, see you at school."

    I left him but he caught up to me. I sighed as we headed back. As we got closer, I noticed the simr blonde hair in the distance. I ran up behind him jumping on his back when he wasn''t watching. He tense up when he noticed me.

    "Sarah. Oh my God are you okay, are you hurt, do you need help?"

    "I''m okay."

    "The hell happened Ramose?"

    "First off, she was taken by the other vamp but our guys got her, so she''s fine. And second, when I asked her that she told me to eff off."

    Sabe gave me a bear hug squeezing me. "I''m just d your okay."

    "I''m okay, dad." I exaggerated. We burst intoughter except for Ramose, not surprised.

    We descended off back to school agreed to not talk about what happened with me and the vamp. Clearly everyone else agreed in the vamp group cause they hated them so it was easy. Now it all depends on me freaking out in the forest. I do hope they didn''t tell.

    We stayed with our groups of race while the vamps took care of that vamp, that''s uncharged if the drinks. In our conversation, we heard the argument going on over there ahead of us.

    I didn''t bother with their business. Actually, all I can think of is that guy saying there''d be war this year.

    What did he mean by that?

    War?

    I decided not to not tell anyone about this, I don''t want them freaking out. That''s thest thing I need.

    Once we got to the school, we entered the gym. The teachers are d we didn''t die from anything.

    "Oh good, you are free to go do whatever you want. Thanks for joining in the Chase," the Vice Principle said with her squeaky voice. All of us left the school. I hopped in the passenger seat of Sabe''s car.

    "So tell me, what did I miss and why it took you so long to get the person?"

    Lennix exined that they waited in the middle of the forest for the guy. They''ve called out to the guy. It took a bit of him to respond so Katherine ''sacrificed'' herself by cutting a little cut on her arm to draw the vamp in. That they slowly walked back towards the three vamps. He started attacking them it they managed to get away.

    ording to them, Keir Vance held him down until he managed to escape his grasp. The three vamps chased him down. They tried to catch up to them but they managed to fall behind. Eventually, they did catch up to them and brought him back. That''s when Ramose and I weren''t there.

    "We didn''t know where you two went, so we stayed here in case you came back. Soon you guys came back bickering at each other," Kathrine exined.

    "I''m not trusting that guy. I never had and never did. I did trust the other guys to not let us get harmed. But I''ll never over my dead body trust him."

    "I hear ya," I say.

    I didn''t trust him either. He had one job and that was to watch me, but he failed.

    "I never trusted them to begin with, but d that''s over," Lauren said. I agree with her.

    "Anyways, it happened and it''s over now. Don''t worry about it peeps," Lennix answered. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    -

    As soon as I walked through the door, it was a mistake. My parents are arguing again in the kitchen.

    "No Jeff. You are not teaching her!"

    Of course, they''re fighting if I should be a vampire hunter with my father.

    "It''s for good measure. She can protect herself from vampires this way!"

    "No, I''m not letting my daughter fight monsters!"

    "Your daughter, she''s my daughter too!"

    They didn''t hear mee in. Which means I can surprise them by walking in the kitchen. They still didn''t notice me so I leaned against the frame to the kitchen as they bickered away.

    "She''s not doing it!"

    "She will be and that''s the end of this conversation!"

    I could see my mom have tears in her eyes.

    "Look Carol, she will be joining the vampire hunters whether you like it or not. I want her to be protected in case anything happens. I don''t want her bitten."

    They still haven''t acknowledged me yet.

    "I just don''t want her to be killed in the gang, or anything for that matter."

    "I know, it''s just-" my dad cuts himself off when he sees me standing there, watching the whole show. My mother finally nces over to where I am and pulls herself together.

    "Hey honey. How''s the Chase?" My mom asks me like nothing happened and they were having big a normal conversation.

    "It was good."

    "That''s good." My father says.

    It was awkward silence before my father spoke up. "You haven''t heard anything, have you?"

    "Yeah, actually. I''ve heard everything. What about me, haven''t you thought of my opinion if I wanted to be a hunter or not?"

    I stared down my dad as he gave me a re.

    "How do you think I feel about this whole situation?"

    I let my statement hang over him so it sinks in. "Sure I could use the protection, but I don''t want to be in the hunter group. It''s too much. I''ve got ns for my future and it certainly doesn''t have being a hunter in it."

    "You are being a vampire hunter and that''s final, for both of you. We''re done with the topic."

    My father stormed out of the kitchen.

    My mother sat on the dining room chair and started bawling. She knew she lost that fight. Without my consent, I''ll be a vampire hunter.

 Chapter four

    de''s POV

    I drove home from the school thinking of the events that went down this afternoon. I feel stupid for not watching Harper.

    I had one job and failed it.

    It''s not like I care for the girl anyways. She''s the daughter of the vampire hunter leader and everyone knows that one day she''ll be in that group, serving her father to take down the vamps.

    Of course with our essories on, we won''t bring any harm. As soon as one of us takes off our essories, then game on.

    I drove down the road we came earlier, but kept going until the road to our home showed. Signalling left, even though no ones around and out of habit, I drove down the road being cautious as sometimes the three kids ys in this area.

    Since my mind keeps getting the better of me, I parked the car. I killed the engine and rested my head on the wheel.

    Why would the Vts attack on Harper. Of all people it had to be Harper.

    The daughter of the vampire hunter leader. We did agree to not talk about it. My mind had so many questions that may or may not be answered.

    I heard a knocking at my window. Rolling my window down I recognize the blondie with the purple streak from top to the bottom of her hair.

    "Hey Sapphire, what''s up?"

    "What are you doing sitting here all alone?"

    "Well, pipsqueak, I''ve got a lot of thoughts racing through my mind. And I need to think and not drive or I''d get into a crash."

    "Don''t crash," she whined.

    "I won''t. That''s why I stopped driving."

    "Can I drove all the way back?"

    "Sure."

    I open the driver door allowing her to climb in. Sometimes, I''ll slow her to drive with me in charge of the gas and holding the steering wheel with one hand. I don''t go very fast, twenty would be the fast I''d go, maybe twenty five. Just for safety reasons.

    I help her climb in and sit in myp. I m the door shut turning on the engine. Moving the joystick to drive, she grasps the steering wheel as I descend forward. I always have my fore and middle finger at the bottom of the steering wheel in case I have to take over.

    I pulled the seat forward so it''s better her to reach the wheel. I smiled as she enjoyed driving back home. Luckily, we don''t have every far.

    We vamps are very rich when ites to things. We get the money from the vampire government, and a few of us has jobs to collect more money.

    As soon as our home is in view, I took over to park but still going slowly since Sapphire is still on myp without a seatbelt. Killing the engine, she looked at me with a huge smile on her cute little face.

    "Was that fun?"

    "Yeah, I love driving."

    "Pfft, wait till you have your licence. Then you''ll be free but still have to follow the rules of the road."

    "There''s rules of the road?"

    "Well yeah. If there wasn''t, then there''d be a lot of idents."

    "Oh."

    "Yeah. Let''s go in, shall we."

    "Yeah."

    I killed the engine and opened the door. I lifted out of the vehicle and I got out. The little eight year old ran into the home with me trailing behind her.

    Walking into the home it seemed very quiet. Sapphire stood in the living room waiting for me.

    "Where is everyone?" I ask hoping she would know.

    Instead, she shrugged her shoulders. I sigh while shaking my head.

    "I''m back from the Chase!" I yelled hoping someone would hear me.

    It was quiet until I heard muffled bickering down the hall. I knew exactly who it is.

    "Don''t tell me what to do. You may be a year older than me but that doesn''t give you the right to boss me over!" Nevada shouted.

    "I''m still older than you so it does give me the right!" Corbin fires back.

    They appear in the living room bickering at each other until they saw me.

    "de thank goodness your here. This kid here won''t stop bossing me around."

    I rolled my eyes. "Where the others?" I ask instead of helping.

    "Went out to look for strays."

    When she means strays, she means humans who are trespassing on ournd. Halloween is the biggest because a lot of teense on ournd and try to ''survive'' us. I''d say only a couple made it out alive.

    Impressive.

    They bickered while Sapphire left for the kitchen. I couldn''t take it anymore.

    "Alright . . . Hey!"

    They stopped immediately and looked in my direction. "Okay, what''s the problem?"

    "Well he keeps sneaking into my room and eves dropping on my phone calls!"

    "Well you keep talking to boys!" He fired back.

    "Hey . . . Hey . . . HEY!"

    They stopped once again.

    "Can''t you get along?" I said this to myself. "One at a time. Nevada go first."

    She pushed her jet ck hair behind her ear, with neon red dyed at the tips.

    "Okay, so I was on call with one of my friends, and Corbin here is spying on me through my bedroom window."

    "Well maybe if you weren''t talking to boys, then I wouldn''t have."

    "Okay, Corbin your turn."

    "Okay, so I was enjoying the inside when I over hear her talking to boys about rtionships and how she may date this guy. She''s TWELVE!"

    "Really, Nevada?"

    "Maybe. . ."

    She coward letting her head hang low. "What kind of rtionship?"

    "What do you mean?" She asked, looking back up scrunching her eyebrows together.

    "Well, there''s friendship, boyfriend and girlfriend, and sexual."

    "Isn''t sexual and bf and gf the same thing?"

    "Well yeah, but depends. If your just bf and gf with nothing going or serious on so it''s fine. Now if your dating and things start getting sexual, well your still a bit young for the sex talk."

    "I''m going to be in grade seven next year,e on."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Well also talk to your parents for the sex talk cause I ain''t doing it."

    "Ugh, fine. We''re not even dating. Just talking."

    "Uh huh. Okay. Well I''ll be upstairs if you need anything. If the other get back, tell them I''m home and upstairs."

    I left with Sapphire trailing behind me with a bottle of blood in her hands. I enter my room with hering and sitting on my bed.

    My room is small and cozy. My bed is right against the window with my desk against the wall connecting to my dresser, and shelves on top of my desk.

    "No blood on my sheets, got that?"

    She nodded.

    I sat at my desk facing Sapphire. "Well kiddo, it''s just you and me."

    In the distance, we heard them bickering. Sapphire ced the bottle on the desk and covered her ears, staring at me.

    I smiled at what she''s doing. It''s cute.

    I think of her as a little sister, even though she''s not rted to me. We have the best rtionship. Raul found her wandering around our woods when she was only five and a half. She doesn''t know who her parents were, or are.

    Raul took her in as ours and bit her. Now she lives with us and ever since she''s been here, I''ve been there for her.

    Now she follows me wherever I go in the house. Like a puppy. It''s cute. I was only ny nine and a half at the time. Sapphire was young then. Now she''s grown and able to reach high ces for her.

    The bickering wouldn''t stop as she still covered her ears. I held out my arms and she ran into me. I picked her up embracing her in a hug as I covered her ear.

    "Are they ever going to stop?"

    I shrugged my shoulders as they came into my room.

    Damn, I should have locked it.

    "de!" They both yell in unison. I move around so I''m facing them both.

    "Okay, please talk it out or go for a run, something that''ll help you two get along. Just please stop bickering," I beg.

    "But you know what to do," Nevada whined.

    "This time I don''t. I mean it though, go figure it out on your own. One day I won''t be here to help you. So bye." I waved goodbye trying to get them to leave.

    Eventually, they did leave my room, thank goodness. I uncovered Sapphires ear after they''re gone and knowing they''re not arguing.

    "They''re gone, right?"

    "Yeah, they''re gone."

    I grabbed the bottle of blood, gulping down my thirst. Standing up with her in my arms, I threw her on my bed.

    "de." Sheughed as she curled into the nkets. I grabbed myptop and pushed other over to the window so I couldy down. Sapphire curled up next to me as I scroll through my movie options.

    "That one." Sapphire pointed to Coraline.

    "That one?"

    "Yeah."

    "Isn''t it a bit scary for you?"

    "I''m a vampire, unless if someone''s going to kill me, nothing can scare me."

    "You''re such a brave kid."

    I pressed on the movie and we watched it for the time being. Sapphire curled under my nkets and rested on my chest as we watched Coraline.

 Chapter five

    Sarah''s POV

    I woke up from my mother barging in my room. "Honey, time to get up."

    I groaned.

    "Now, Sarah."

    I''ve never seen her so stern. Instead of arguing with her, I got out of bed. She stood there waiting for me. I followed her to the kitchen. I haven''t even brushed my golden locks.

    My father sat in the head chair of the dining table. My mother sat beside him, turning her body towards me.

    "Have a seat, Sarah."

    I obeyed. Sitting at the other end they gave me the death stare. I''m kind of scared of this meeting. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Sarah. This decision we made is not of your fault."

    "Okay."

    "But you have to make this decision. You either go with your mom or stay with me."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Your mother and I are getting a divorce. So you either go with your mom or stay with me. Now if you stay with me, you''ll be a vampire hunter. If you go with your mom, you''ll be moving to a whole new ce, somewhere far away."

    I thought this hard.

    "Can I think about it?"

    "Sure, you have until tomorrow night to think about it. If you don''t have an answer by then, we''ll make the decision. Trust me, you won''t like the decision we make."

    I nodded and left the table to get ready. I don''t know who I''ll choose. It''s all the pros and cons.

    I took my time getting ready for the day. With it only being Sunday, I do what I want to do.

    First, after I''m finished with my hair, I would finish upst few touches on my Science project that''s due tomorrow.

    After brushing my hair, which came out as poofy since my blonde hair is wavy, I''d have to put water on it.

    I couldn''t think straight this morning. I have less than forty-eight hours to think of my decision. If I go with my mom, then I won''t have to deal with vamps or won''t be a vampire hunter. But I won''t be able to see my friends again.

    If I stay here, then I''ll be with my friends but have two be a vampire hunter. At least I won''t have to move to a whole new city and be that new girl at school. The only time I''ll move out of the town to go to university or college. If I do be a vampire hunter, I won''t be able to go to college or university. I''d get sses from my father who will teach me.

    I really don''t know who I''d chose. I''ll have to ask my friends for their opinion. That''s what I''ll do. I''ll meet up with them an exin my situation. I need an opinion on what I should do.

    Just as I grabbed my outfit from my closet and drawer, my phone rang. I picked it up hoping we could meet today.

    "Hey, Lauren. What''s up?"

    "Bored! I''m thinking we could hang out today if your not too busy."

    "No, actually I was about to call you guys hoping we could go out or do something in the lively fall weather."

    "That would be great. Can you call Lennix? I''ve already called Sabor and he''s busy today."

    "Okay. I just have to finish up my project then we can hang out. Just puttingst minute touches on."

    "Alright, how does 1:30 at Cooperstown diner for lunch?"

    "Sounds like a n. I''ll call Lennix right away."

    "Okay see you soon."

    I hung up. Perfect. This is the perfect n. We''ll talk it out over lunch. After I hung up I immediately called Lennix.

    "Hello."

    "Lennix, do you have any ns today?"

    "Umm, no, let me check."

    I bet he put down the phone and went to talk to his parents. I heard muffled voices from this line as they might be having a conversation. Then I heard from his mother, "you need a haircut."

    "Mom, I love my hair, I''m not cutting it off."

    Lennix has shoulder length brte hair. It''s hrious how his mother is trying to get him to get a haircut to look decent.

    "No ns for today."

    "Perfect. Lauren and I are nning to meet at the Cooperstown Diner at 1:30."

    "I''ll be there."

    "Perfect. No need to call anyone. We''ve done that . . . Or Lauren''s done that."

    "Is anyone elseing apart from us?"

    "Sabe can''t, he''s busy and she''s calling Kathrine. So who knows."

    "Okay, see you there."

    He hung up. Perfect. Three of us, two opinions. In the meanwhile, I finished up my project packing it away in my bag. I went downstairs for a snack, finding my parents on the couch watching tv.

    Correction, on their own couch watching tv. I really guess they''re getting a divorce. I kind of did see thising, they have been arguing recently. So I''m not shocked by this. Sometimes when they''re nice enough to each other, they''ll go down to his office to do work. Instead of bothering them, I went to the kitchen for a snack I''m craving.

    Searching our pantry, I found some goldfish. Taking a pack I headed back upstairs where I open my chrome book, search YouTube and watch videos. I set an rm for quarter after one.

    -

    I drove down to the diner. I couldn''t wait for the lunch so I could exin my situation about my parents.

    I parked in a spot I found. Killing the engine, I make my way inside. I spot Lennix sitting at a table in the far right of the diner, on his phone while he waits. I slip into the chair, facing him. ncing from his phone, he smiles.

    "You know, you should really get a haircut Lennix."

    "No. I love my hair the way it is."

    "Okay."

    His hair falls over his shoulders, barely. We talked about yesterday while we waited for Lauren and possibly Kathrine toe. Ten minutester, she shows up with no Kathrine. Sliding in the chair beside us we get ready to order.

    "Kathrine couldn''t make it either."

    "Well we still have the three of us," I say.

    We ordered our lunch. We talked about yesterday, the vamps, Halloween.

    "I haven''t seen any ck vamps apart from Keir," Lennix replies.

    "Maybe not all ck people got bitten. I wonder what it''s like to be one race and having to be with aplete different race," Katherine speaks.

    "Your to talk. You and Lauren are both redheads," I point out.

    "Well at least I''m not the only one. And my hair ain''t a race."

    Lennix and Iughed.

    "If Keir wasn''t a vamp, or scared of him, I''d say he would be cool to hang around. I mean while we were on that Chase, he made jokes and stuff on the way. We all had a goodugh with him," Lennix pointed out.

    "He was fun to hang around. It''s like he''s the fun guy out of all of them."

    Our food came and we dig in. I think it''s time to say my announcement.

    "Hey, I''ve got something to say," Lauren replies before I could say something. Lennix and I dropped our forks giving our full attention.

    "I''m moving."

    Shocked, our eyes widened at the statement. "Really? When?" Lennix and I asked in unison.

    "Yeah, my mother got a better job in Seattle. And I won''t be moving until Spring Break."

    I couldn''t believe it! Lauren is moving!

    "I was hoping the other two would be here so I could tell them the news. I guess I''ll tell them tomorrow."

    "Wow. I . . . Can''t believe your moving," I say, even though I could be moving.

    "Yeah. So I want to spend as much time as possible. Who knows when I''ll see you again, or ever."

    I think it''s my turn to go. "I have something to say too. It''s more of an opinion and my choice. My parents are getting a divorce and I have to chose who I want to be with. My mom or Dad. My mom''s loving away as well."

    They both gave me a shocked face.

    "I don''t what to do. I have until tomorrow night to think about it, then I guess they chose."

    Lennix took a spoon full of his sd before deciding to talk.

    "Why do you think you should, or stay?"

    "I think I should go because I don''t have to deal with vampires and be a hunter. I think I should stay because it''ll be a new environment, school, people and such. Also I''m leaving you guys."

    "I think you should go, get away from the vamps. But that''s my opinion. I don''t want you to leave us as well but I think it''s good for you to get out of the trap your father has set up."

    He''s right, my father has set up a trap that I cannot leave the family for any kind of reason. Once I''m a hunter I''ll have to stay here. So this is my chance to escape.

    "Lauren, what''s your opinion?"

    "I think you should go too. When you''re old enough, you can explore the world. That''s my opinion but it''s up to you."

    I agree with both. I nodded and dig into my lunch.

    We dropped the topic and went back to happy moments. It''s sad that Lauren will be moving away and I''ll probably too. I don''t want to move away though. I don''t want to leave this town, my friends, my dad.

    The decision is to be made by tomorrow night. I pushed the thoughts at the back of my mind enjoying the time we have now. I''ll just have to ask the other two tomorrow about it.

    For the rest of lunch? We talked andugh about happy things. Talking about the vamps and what they would do in their free time. How Keir would be a great friend or someone to hang out with. ck people do have a lot of fun and such.

    We each pay for our meals. Separating our own ways I walked to my car. I drove home thinking about what could happen if I went with one parent and not the other. The possibilities.

    What they''ll think, that I don''t love them.

 Chapter six

    Sarah''s POV

    "Here''s my assignment."

    I handed in my assignment and walked to my desk. Sitting in my favourite seat, the window seat. The people poured into the room. I looked out the window as I wait for ss to begin. Before I know it, I felt something cold sit beside me.

    I nce over to find none other than Keir Vance. I''m surprised that he decides to sit beside me even though there''s seats still empty.

    I stayed silent looking away hoping he doesn''t notice me. But my luck, he did.

    "Hey there Harper."

    "Hey Vance."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Look, we may not be on good terms but do you know why Vt went after you?"

    "Who?" I raised my eyebrow in confusion.

    "Vt, one of the guys who went after you on Saturday."

    "No clue."

    I turned to face the front as the teacher started teaching.

    Thought the assignment, I couldn''t stop getting a hunch that Vance wouldn''t stop ncing at me. At some point through the lesson, he handed me a note from under the desk, kicking my leg gently to get my attention. I take the note without question.

    I continue on with my notes until the bell rings. Packing up my things and sticking the note in my pocket, I walk out of ss to my next one.

    Social, which means I get both Ramose and Vance.

    Great.

    I''m early so I settle in a seat by the window. After getting in settled, I tale out the note as the people are stilling in to ss.

    I read it.

    Tell me something I don''t know. About the Vt vamp. The guy you ran into on Saturday. Did he say something to you?

    I flipped over the page and wrote as fast as I could for my answer, telling him that''s said there''s war. I didn''t tell him when. I scan the room and there sat Vance at the back alone.

    I then see de Ramose, Frey Lutter, and Talon Floning in.

    I turn around to the guy behind me. "Pass this to Keir."

    He passed it along to the other kids without asking questions. Just as the three sat down, the note got passed to him. I saw him read the note, nced at me and nodded.

    I turn around ready for the lesson.

    "For the next week or two, you will be doing a project on the lesson we''ve been doing. I want you and a partner-" people gasped and searched the room for the person they want to work on the assignment with, "-will be doing a timeline about the Historical evolution of the American Identity, and it''s role in the global. You must include the key terms, definition in your own words, illustrations, colour, and dates. I will be choosing your partner."

    Groans echoed through the room. My luck, I''ll end up with one of the vamps. Mr. Brotherton raised his hand for everyone to settle down.

    "When I say you and your partners name,e up and grab a sheet and sit down with your partner."

    He started calling our names both partners going up and sitting down brainstorming. Now, there''s only the few of us. I feared the worse when my name is called and I''m partners with de.

    Great.

    I get up slowly ncing at him. We briefly nce at each other making our way to the front. He picked up a piece of paper and walked back, gesturing his head to his desk.

    I nodded since I didn''t feel like arguing. We sat down being awkward silence. I fidgeted with my pencil and eraser until he spoke up.

    "So, what''s the n?"

    "I . . . I don''t know."

    It was silent as we both stared at the nk page ahead of us.

    "Oh one more thing," the ss quiet down to hear, "you will be doing this project out of school. This and one more ss to do this project, then you will have to do this project on your free time."

    Just as this day couldn''t get any worse.

    Ramose and I stared each other down. Of course we''ll need to do this outside of school.

    "Can you draw?" Was the only thing he said. I nodded and he passed over the paper. "So what is the n?" He asked crossing his arms on the table.

    "Like I said, I don''t know."

    "Well we''re going to have to think of something soon. I don''t know if you want to meet up."

    "Well if we do, you certainly won''t being over to my ce. My father won''t allow boys in his house, especially vamps."

    "I wasn''t nning on going."

    I scan the room to find people already starting on their project while we have a nk page. I turned the paper vertically and started drawing boxes. Ramose looked at me weirdly. His face says it all, being confuse as hell.

    "I think I know what I want to do but it''s up to you too."

    I drew the boxes lightly in case of erasing them. I exin to him of having a box or section for each term, then writing the dates at the top of the box, with the definition underneath and picture.

    "Or the other option is drawing a straight line across horizontally like normal timelines with the date and teeth at the top, with the definition and illustrations at the bottom."

    "I like both but it all depends on space."

    "I think we should do a rough copy of both ideas and see which one is better."

    "Great idea."

    Ramose took out two sheets of paper. He did the horizontal with the line and I did vertical with the boxes. It took all of ss for us to do the rough copy. At least I''ll do the picture when we figure out which one we want to do. In the end, we decided to do both.

    A straight line with boxes to separate everything to make it neat. When the bell rang for lunch, we packed up.

    I walked down the hallway to my locker. cing everything in, I grabbed my lunch and made my way down to where my friends are. I sit next to Kathrine ready to ask Sabe and her my opinion.

    "Hey, Sarah."

    "Hey, Sabe. Listen I need your''s and Katherine''s opinion."

    I told them my situation and how my deadline is tonight.

    "I think you should stay because you have us," Sabe said immediately after I finish. Katherine also agreed and since they know that Lauren is moving, they want me to stay. I guess she told them while I was on my way to lunch.

    I nodded what they said. It''s fifty-fifty. This is my decision and I have to make it soon.

    -

    During dinner, my parents talked calmly about the divorce. Yeah, calmly about the divorce without arguing. Splitting the furniture and things and whatnot. I just sat quietly thinking over my decision that I''m going announce soon.

    I just hope that the other won''t be mad.

    Staring nkety at my food, which I just pushed around with my fork, my father said it''s time for my choice.

    I ced down my fork, cleared my throat and spoke.

    "I hope you guys won''t be mad at my decision-"

    "What would we be mad?" My mother interrupted me.

    "I want to stay with dad. I thought this over and I really don''t want to leave my friends and go to a new city which means finding new friends and getting used to a new scenery, and I also think that having protection from vamps is a good idea, yet I still don''t like the idea of being a vamp hunter," I rambled.

    Both of my parents stared at me in shock. My fathers face lit up with excitement that he gets to teach me to have protection, while my mothers face dropped into sadness.

    "I coulde visit you during the holidays," I requested to lighten up the mood. Mom just shook her head looking down at her half finished te. I knew I hurt her.

    "Sorry mom."

    "It''s okay, it''s your choice. That''s why we asked you."

    I knew she''s trying to hide the hurt was I created. For the rest of dinner it was silent. I helped mom with dishes as my father went back down to his office to catch up on calls.

    "Mom?"

    "Yes?"

    "Are you mad?"

    This is my worry.

    "No. It''s your decision and I ept it. It''s not up to me, it''s up to you"

    "Okay."

    After dishes, I texted the others telling them how it went. I rxed on my bed having music st from my phone. We have a group chat on Discord so that if we need tomunicate at once, it''s easy.

    Sabe texted back immediately almost like he has been waiting for me to text.

    I told him how bad I felt for hurting my mother. She did seem hurt but what can I do. I''ve already made up my mind.

 Chapter seven

    Keir''s POV

    I sat in the passenger seat as de drove us home from the long school day. It was calm and quiet all the way home. I told him what Sarah Harper told me, more like wrote it down.

    "Do you know what it means?" I ask.

    "No. Why would a Vt mention war?"

    "I don''t know."

    "There''s a lot of meanings of ''war''. What I don''t understand is he would mention to Harper."

    "Yeah, I don''t know."

    He pulled up into his part garage. We got out walking inside the home. I didn''t bother with homework untilter. As soon as I got inside I went straight for the kitchen. I''m dying of thirst.

    Grabbing a bottle of blood I turn around finding Dawn leaning against the door frame arms crossed over her chest. Out of us, not including the kids, she is one of the youngest, next to de, only being eight years apart, on vamp years.

    She''s 110 while de is 102, but still young. It''s probably because she''s been bitten at fourteen and him at seventeen.

    Her light brown curls shone with the light in the house. Her skin so smooth and pale like the rest of us. "Hey handsome."

    "Hey beautiful." I took a sip of blood before I hold out my arms. She runs into my arms embracing her. I kiss her forehead then kissing her sweet, soft lips.

    "I''ve missed you," she whispers.

    "I''ve missed you too."

    Of course I''m be dating her. Although we live in the same household. We don''t really count ourselves as family. It''s like a gathering of vampse together to live in one. Each of us has been bitten at different times and ages.

    Raul is the oldest out of all of us vamps. He''s the ones who found us and turned us.

    "How''s my lovely girl doing?"

    "I''m doing great, I just miss you."

    We smiled as I lean to kiss her.

    "Get a room." We look up seeing de and Sapphire on his back. "There''s a child here."

    "Yes guys, get a room. What does get a room mean?" She asked de.

    "Get a room means . . . Where people go to make out without anyone . . . Coming in to disturb them."

    "Wonderful exnation, but that''s not what it really means. He''s just too ufortable say it it," I say sarcastically.

    "It means having sex, darling," Dawn replies.

    "I''m not too ufortable thank you very much."

    "Right."

    I grab my blood bottle taking another drink.

    "de, what''s sex?"

    I almost choked on my drink when Sapphire asked that. I startedughing because de has to answer that. Dawn chuckled beside me while de looks like he''s seen a ghost.

    "Well . . . Sex is . . . Is when two people connect in a way."

    I burst outughing at his response. I wasughing so hard I had to bend down holding onto my knees to study myself. Dawn rested on my backughing as well. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Now that''s the best thing I''ve heard all day," Ipliment.

    "Why are youughing?" She asked.

    "Because of his answer. He''s right when they connect. But the way he answered is priceless."

    "Oh."

    de let her downing over to me and punched me in the shoulder. I let out an ''ow'' as I rubbed the spot where he punched me.

    "I''m sorry but you''ll never be a great Sex Ed teacher," Dawn reply''s. He shook his head while rolling his eyes. Of course she doesn''t get punched.

    "Alright, Keir and I have to do homework so see y''allter."

    de and I have left the two in the kitchen. We passed Amber, Victoria, and Nevada talking in the hall. Waving hello we walked into my room.

    I sat on my bed as de took ce on my ck leather chair.

    "So, what do we do?"

    "I don''t know."

    It was silent. Someone knocked on my door I allowed them toe in. Raul came in. He closed the door before leaning against it tucking his hands in his pockets.

    "Okay, Keir what''d she say?"

    I told Raul about Harper''s encounter with the Vt.

    "She said that he said, and I quote, ''there''s going to be war.'' She never specified when it''ll be. For all we know it could be tomorrow."

    "Well, at least we know what to prepare for, all we need is when."

    de and I nodded.

    "I''ll go over to theirnd and ask what they mean."

    "Question, why would they go after Harper?" Ramose asks

    "Maybe ''cause she''s the daughter of the vampire hunter. That''s my guess. They have their reasons though."

    It was silent when Raul left the room. Neither one of us talked. Then we decided to start our homework.

 Chapter eight

    Sarah''s POV

    Sitting on the stairs, I watched as my parents split the furniture and other things. I had my earphones in listening to music on st so I couldn''t listen what they were saying.

    How I knew if they were talking to me is if they say something then look at me straight after. I could make out a few words by reading their lips but not a whole sentence.

    They have been at it since the morning. When I came home from school, they''ve taken a quick break before continuing. They were almost done when I decided to start my homework. Going up to my room to gather my notes.

    As I finished filling out the notes in my Social booklet, my phone rings.

    "Hello Lauren."

    "Hey, Sarah. Me and the rest of us are heading to take a hike. Would you like to join?"

    "Sure."

    "Perfect. Sabor will pick you up in ten."

    Hanging up, I got ready. I ran downstairs to meet my parents in the kitchen fetching a drink.

    "Hey, I''m going to hike with my friends."

    I grabbed a little bag and swing it over my shoulder. I ce a water bottle and a hand towel in my bag in case.

    "Where you hiking?"

    "I don''t know."

    "Well in that in case . . ." My dad left the kitchen and came back with a spray bottle. "Take this."

    "What is it?"

    "Garlic spray."

    "Why would I need that?"

    "In case you end up going in the forest, which you won''t be scared so you have protection."

    He is right. I''m scared going in the forest without any protection. It gets me worked up. That''s why I didn''t end up going in the forest when the Chase happened. I didn''t have protection, plus I was going in where I know vamps live so. . . You can put the pieces together.

    "Thanks dad."

    "Be careful, safe, and if you need to use it, use it."

    I nodded.

    I have them both a hug before I left the house. I waited on the driveway until I saw a familiar car pull up.

    I hop in the passenger seat surprised that no one sat in there.

    "Where are we going?" I ask.

    Sabe pulled out and drove. "We would a tell you, but it''s a surprise."

    "If we''re going in the forest, I have some protection with me."

    I could feel stares shooting in my head. I turn around and sure enough they stared at me.

    "Get your head out of the gutter. I mean I''ve got garlic spray. So I feel a little safer."

    They nodded after sighing of relief. "Dirty mind you guys have," I mutter.

    They heard me and they erupted withughter.

    "Well I guess your correct. We are heading in the forest. We will try not to bump into any vamps," Sabe said.

    "Well I should be fine as long as I have you and my garlic spray."

    The two girls talked about what they could find on the nature hike in the forest, Lennix was on his phone for the whole ride as I doubt he even acknowledged me being here, while Sabe and I have our own conversation. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "So when is your mom leaving?"

    "I don''t know. My guess soon, though. I don''t know when I''ll see her again and where she''s going."

    "Don''t feel guilty. You made up the choice of staying."

    "I know. But you''ve should''ve seen the look on her face. It''s like she''s getting fired."

    "It must have been painful for her to hear her own and only child say she''s staying."

    "Yeah, I did mention I could visit on holidays but I doubt she''s fazed by it one bit."

    "I hope she likes the idea. Visiting on holidays? Who wouldn''t want to visit their parents on Hollidays? Especially Christmas."

    "I know right?"

    Sabe pulled in a parking spot outside the paths. No one else is around so we have it all to ourselves. We got out and admired the forest ahead of us. Soon we will be entering that forest and hope to god we don''t end up dinner for the vamps.

    I''m in no mood for being dinner.

    We started walking into the forest. The birds chirped in the fine evening, the trees swayed to the light breeze that flew by unnoticed.

    The path crunched under our feet as we stepped on the pebbles. We took our sweet time. I hung around Sabe as the others walked a little behind us talking.

    Sabe is like a brother that I never have. He''s always there no matter what and is very protective. So I wasn''t surprised when he said stay. We''ve known wacky her for so long, it''s like there''s not a thing we don''t know about each other.

    Sure we keep some secrets from each other ''cause that''s just creepy.

    "The forest is beautiful," Iment.

    "Sure is."

    Although I''m still scared of it, I''ll have to suck it up at some point if I''m going to be a vampire hunter. I feel safe with these guys and my spray.

    I stayed extra close to Sabe, too close where he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I would never love him more than a friend/brother.

    He''s a great friend and I couldn''t ask for a better one.

    It''s been fifteen minutes of walking in the forest and nothing we''ve encountered scared us. Sure we saw the odd squirrel and birds but no vamps or anything that could possibly eat us.

    Sabe and I wereughing at a joke he made when something rustled in the bushes. I immediately stoppedughing and walking. I felt Sabe tense up beside me and soon the three behind us stopped. We looked to our right waiting for anything.

    I unzipped my bag cautiously and quietly trying not to scare off whatever is in the bushes. I grasped my spray ready to use it.

    A little girles out from the bushes smiling until she saw us, then her smile disappears. We each have a staring contest with her and I knew she won ''cause we all blink.

    "Who are you?" She ask. Her sweet squeaky voice chirped through the forest.

    "We are hikers," Lennix replies.

    "Why does she have that?" She pointed to me.

    "It''s . . . It''s bug spray. Got to keep the bugs away from us," I reply. I didn''t want to tell her that''s it''s garlic spray, I could tell she''s a vampire by her pale skin and golden eyes, plus she''s just a child.

    She stared at me with her big beady eyes. No smile whatsoever. I started getting very ufortable with her staring and no blinking. Is this kid okay?

    "Are you lost little one?" Kathrine spoke up.

    Still staring at me she nodded. To make sure she''s okay I started moving to Lauren. I felt her eyes burn at the back of my head. I nce over my shoulder for her continuing to stare at me like no ones around.

    I conclude one thing, this kid has a problem.

    "Hey, kid. Quit staring at my friend or you''ll die," Kathrine snapped like no ones business.

    Her head snapped to Kathrine giving her a re. She looks to be around eight or nine, and for her age, she gave the deathly re. Kathrine didn''t feel taken aback. She stared the girl down.

    It was so silent that we heard a muffled yell. Our heads snapped in the direction as this girl still started Kathrine down. I would be lying if I said I wasn''t scared from her.

    Her death res sent shivers down my spine.

    The fainted voice echoed through the trees again. A couple seconds before another yell, this time clearer. "Sapphire!"

    She snapped her head towards the sound. So her name is Sapphire.

    What a pretty name for a pretty girl.

    "Sapphire! Where are you kiddo?"

    I instantly recognize the voice as it came closer to us. In the next second he appears within second.

    "Well, well. What brings you mortals here?" He slipped a smirk on his face.

    "We''re just fishing," Kathrine said with a lot of sarcasm. I couldn''t help but snicker a bit.

    "I doubt it," Ramose said.

    "Are you stupid? Didn''t you hear my sarcasm?" Kathrine fired.

    "Do you want to be dinner? Now that I think about it, I''m thirsty and craving human blood."

    The little girl, Sapphire, hid behind him. "Look we''re going now," Sabe said and pushed us along.

    We walked along the path back getting back to the car. It was a nice hike until Ramose decides to ruin the great moment. Although he''s my partner for Social, I still hate him. Now that I think of it, I should''ve used the spray.

    Then again there was a child there so I couldn''t.

    We got back to the car as it was silent with awkwardness all the way back. Instead of dropping us off at our homes like a normal person.

    Nope.

    He decides to kidnap us and take us down to the school parking lot. He parked the car and stared at us.

    Sabe then got out of the car and we all followed. He leaned on the hood of his car. We gather around staring at him.

    "We are getting revenge on those vamps. I can''t stand them anymore," Sabe confesses.

    "And I have a perfect idea."

 Chapter nine

    Sarah''s POV

    I walked in when my parents are arguing again. I sigh while rolling my eyes. They are at it again.

    I ce the bag down on the couch and walked into the kitchen where they bicker at each others throats.

    "I''m home!" I shout over their shouting. I shut them up and they stared at me with fake smiles.

    "Hey sweetie, how''s your walk? Did you use the spray I gave you?"

    "No and it was good."

    "That''s good. There''s left over dinner in the fridge," my mom said pointing to the fridge.

    I nod.

    I left them to argue and I went upstairs. Putting the spray in my drawer, I put everything away. Once I knew the clearing is all safe, I head downstairs for my dinner. My dad is probably in his office while mom is watching tv in the living room.

    I sneak into the kitchen to microwave my dinner. Once that''s finished, I head back upstairs with my food. I boot up myptop to check my emails.

    I only got one.

    From de Ramose.

    How the hell did he get my email? Curiosity got the best of me so I checked why he emailed me.

    Where would you like to do the project. I don''t know about you but I would like to get this assignment done.

    I emailed him back sure when and what time. I also said that he needs to fix that kid of his. She was creeping me out.

    I sent the email and in the meantime watched on YouTube while I ate my dinner.

    After, I set the te aside in my bedside and continued the video. Once the video finished, I check the email.

    He did reply.

    She does not need fixing. Sorry if she stared you down. Sapphire''s never seen humans in three and a half years. For her age that''s a long time. Anyways, whatever works for you. I''m free all the time, technically.

    I wrote back.

    What about tomorrow at 4:30 at Cooperstown Diner?

    I sent the email. Not long after he responded. Does this guy just sit at hisputer all day and wait for a response or what?

    Sure, I''ll meet you there. Make sure you don''t run into any more vamps either. Your lucky you made it out alive without Sapphire or I taking our dinner.

    I shook my head smiling at his response.

    Did I just smile at his response? He''s not even that funny. Why did I do that?

    I shook it off taking my te down to the dishwasher.

    I took a quick shower before heading off to sleep for the night.

    -

    After school I let Sabe drop me off at home, gathered the things I need. I said hi to my parents, then drove to the diner when it''s time.

    I found a seat since I''m the first. I sit down and order my lunch. Not long after, Ramose walks in with a bottle- assuming blood is filled- spots me and sits across from me.

    "Hello, Ramose."

    "Harper."

    "Well . . . Let''s get started."

    He pulled out the paper that we started. He wrote the definitions and the key terms while I searched up some pics to draw. He got the writing down fast and started outlining it in sharpie.

    My meal came at some point and started eating it.

    "You''re eating dinner here?"

    "I''m hungry. I haven''t eaten since lunch, and that was hardly anything."

    "Uh-huh."

    "You can''t go wrong with a hungry girl. Especially a hangry one."

    "Okay."

    I started drawing the images to go with the terms. I could feel Ramose staring me down. I nce up from my work to see Ramose admiring my drawings. He took a sip of his blood before ncing at me.

    We held gazes. His golden eyes shine in the light that glimmer in the old building. I never notice how spot on his nose is, dark brown hair on fleek, especially his bangs.

    He flickered away and my gaze went back to my work.

    "You know, your a wonderful drawer."

    "Thanks."

    I continued to draw while Ramose watched me. Kind of creepy, I know.

    "Shouldn''t you be tracing the words?" I ask.

    "I should. But I want to leave you some space for drawing."

    "Alright."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    I continued to draw while I finish my dinner. I hand over the project to Ramose. He looked over it before stuffing it in his pocket.

    He looked back, folding his arms on the table. I copied his actions pushing the te to the side away from me. We stared in each others eyes for a while until the waiter came to pick up my te.

    "Whatcha starring at?" I ask.

    He shook his head still having the tension between us. I started getting uneasy but his eyes set a trance for me. He blink and broke his trance on me.

    "- Ramose?"

    "Did you almost call me by my first name, Harper?"

    "N-no." Why the hell did I stutter! I mentally facepalm myself.

    "So you didn''t admit. Why did you stutter then?" He smirked while raising an eye brow.

    I held a stern face. "Shut up."

    I look down at my hands. I didn''t want to admit that I stuttered and almost called him by his first name. "Don''t mention this," I deadpan.

    He chuckled and nodded his head. I raise my head to look at him. Ramose took a sip of blood and I scrunched my face in disgust.

    "What?"

    "Your drinking blood. It''s gross."

    "It''s delicious."

    "Easy for you to say. I''m mortal. It taste like iron."

    "Hmm." He took another sip.

    "What does it taste like?"

    "Hmm, like blood."

    Oh my god. Just answer the question! "Ok," I mumbled.

    "So . . . Whatcha doing for Halloween?" He asked.

    "I don''t know."

    "You have to do something."

    "I know, whatcha doing for Halloween?"

    "I''m going start hunting for dinner. A lot of teen like to ''show off'' ande into ournd and try to escape from us. Only two people made it out."

    "Wow, surprised."

    "Yeah. The rest . . . Well, the rest became dinner."

    "What do you do with the people?"

    "We ship then off to the groups who don''t have a lot of vamps. Theye to our house and take them. We get our dinner."

    "What about them? Don''t they get the blood?

    "They have a lot of blood. They just don''t have a lot of people where they live. A lot of blood gets shipped there so they have bags and bags of blood."

    "Oh," I was surprise by this.

    He nodded taking another sip.

    "Anyways, if we are done here, imma get going since I''ve got to get ready for Halloween. I''ll finish this. Then I''ll send it to you to put m the poster."

    "m?"

    "Or whatever you women do."

    "Okay."

    We''ve got up and left. I saw Ramose going the opposite way as I am.

    Driving home, I nce at the dashboard seeing quarter past six. We''ve been there for almost two hours!

    I walk inside to a quiet home. "Hello?" No answer.

    "Hello? I''m home!" I call out.

    No answer. I walk into the kitchen for a drink when a note sat on the counter.

    They were gone.

    I''m alone again. Dad''s probably out hunting with his gang or stranded vamps, and mom is looking for a home down in New York City.

    I head upstairs to do the rest of my homework.

 Chapter ten

    Sarah''s POV

    Today is Halloween day and at school everyone, and I mean everyone, is talking about the haunted house in our neighbourhood where peoplee to visit and get scared. Honestly, it''s priceless how people get so scared that othersugh at them, until they go in and it''s when the table turns.

    Others are nning to go to the vamps house and try to make it out alive, just like Ramose was talking about.

    A few kids are talking about the Bash that they have younger siblings. The people that we chased down will be handling all the treats, music, and drinks.

    I walked down the halls as the chatter rose up. Opening my locker I shove everything in there. Grabbing my things for my next ss, I head my way in.

    "Hello, Sarah."

    "Sabe!" I hug him from the side.

    "How many times do I have to tell you to not call me Sabe?"

    "And how many time have I told you that I. Don''t. Care?"

    Weughed as we made our way to ss. We went separate ways.

    I sat down as the kids poured in sitting in their seats.

    -

    "Tonight is going to be great!" Lennix said with excitement.

    "What do you mean?" Lauren asks.

    "Tonight, along with other teens, we are going to the forest and run from the vamps who are snacking on us," Lennix exins.

    "Really?"

    "Yeah, but you don''t have toe if you don''t want to, Sarah," Kathrine said.

    "Yeah, I''m going to stay back at my home and hand out candy to the kids."

    They nodded. My friends are so understanding towards me. Although I would want to join in the fun, it''s not my style. I''d rather sit at home and enjoy my night eating pizza, popcorn and watching a movie while handing out candy to all of the small trick or treaters.

    "What time are y''all going tonight?"

    "There''s a group of us that''s waiting at the entrance of the forest at eight tonight, then we are entering the forest probably not ''till ten. That gives us a lot of time to get prepare," Sabe exins.

    "Then it goes ''till midnight," Lauren''s adds. This will be herst one before she moves.

    "There''s rules too."

    "Since when?" I ask.

    "Since always. They always have rules so people don''t cheat. But that''s only on Halloween. Any other day it''s okay," Kathrine sassed.

    "You don''t need to know since your not joining. Anyone can join it''s just you don''t need to know," Sabe said.

    I nodded.

    I just pray that they won''t get bitten for their midnight snack.

    -

    Sabe drove me home as always then he''ll get ready to go for their fun tonight. I wished them luck and hope they don''t get bitten.

    I walk in getting ready to start my night.

    "Hey honey," my mom wees.

    "Hey mom."

    I unload my bag quickly doing my homework while my mom talked.

    "So, I found a great apartment in New York City! Ites with a lovely roommate."

    I look at her awkwardly.

    "Oh honey, you know I''m just getting divorce. I''m not getting a roommate who''s a male. It''s female."

    I let a sigh of relief.

    I finished up my homework. "Hey mom, I''m ordering pizza and watching a movie tonight, while handing out treats to all the kids."

    "Okay, Sarah. Just be careful who you answer the door to. Your father is out for the night and I''m off to explore the apartment and get to know my new roommate."

    "Okay, mom."

    She grabbed her purse and keys and left the home. I was alone once again. This time I got ready for the night. I first called the pizza ce and order one medium Hawaiian pizza.

    I then st music and got the popcorn ready, picked out a movie and set the treats out by the door.

    The pizza dide and I set it on the table after I paid. Getting out my te and cup for a drink, I grab a couple pieces of pizza with my bowl of popcorn, making my way into the living room. I put on my favourite movie and started watching turning off my music.

    I kept the movie down low so I could hear the doorbell.

    Speaking of, the doorbell rang. I opened the door handing out the candy saying ''Happy Halloween'' to the little kids. There was kids dressed in Superhero''s, Scream costume, princesses.

    They are so cute.

    The time passed and I''m starting to get curious how the hunt is. It''s already past ten. Not very many trick or treaters are out now. I finished the pizza and popcorn a long time ago and is now watching whatever I can find.

    I wanted to text Sabe or the others but thinking their situation, it wouldn''t be a great idea of texting them how they are doing since they''re being chased by vampires who are much faster than them. T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    I just hope they are safe and not have been bitten. And by what Ramose said a few days ago, not bitten and shipped off somewhere.

    I pray they''ll be alright.

 Chapter eleven

    Sabor''s POV

    After I drop off my friends, I head back to my home to get ready for tonight. I can''t wait for tonight. The hunt from the vamps in the forest.

    I''ll be lying if I said I''m not afraid. I am afraid. Not only could this be scary but it can be exhrating and anything can go wrong.

    We could get caught and bitten, we could bail out thest second, and it''s like once five minutes to when it''s time to go in, we can''t bail out. Between the two hours and forty-five minutes, we can leave.

    I''m also worried that we''ll break the rules and wells definitely get sent to them. Only two people made it out alive from them so I hope well be one of them.

    I had a quick shower, did my homework, got a bag ready. It includes small snacks, such as gran bars, fruit snacks, small bags of fruit, and a water bottle.

    The others will bring a water bottle to pack away in this sling bag. By the time I''m finished getting ready, I get into the car and drive off to gather my friends who areing.

    "Hey, Sabor!" Lennix cheered as he got in.

    "Can''t wait for tonight, it''s going to be fun!"

    "I know, Lenny Boy. It''s going to be amazing."

    "Too bad Sarah couldn''t make it."T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "I know, but you know how she is. She''s already scared enough of the forest as it is, but getting chased by vamps is another thing. We don''t need her getting scared, plus she doesn''t have any protection."

    "I know. Let''s just hope she''s having a good Halloween."

    "When we make it out, we''re definitely gonna tell her about it."

    "Definitely."

    I pull up to Kathrine''s home as she waited on the driveway.

    "Let''s get this show on the road!" She yelled in excitement.

    "Yes!"

    "Yo Sabe, where do I put this?" She asked holding her water bottle. My sling bag is back there, just ce it in there."

    "Oh, then can you put mine in there too, please?"

    "Sure Lennix."

    Not long after, I pulled on Lauren''s driveway. She got in and I drove to the diner for a quick dinner. We agreed that we''ll go out to diner for a quick dinner then head over to the forest. It''s only half past five, so we have at least two and a half hours before we have to get to the forest.

    But still enough time to eat and get prepared. There will be a lot of us from the high school that are going to this hunt.

    I parked in an open spot. We got out and head inside. Not a lot of people are here since since Halloween. Although the small, old building is decorated in fake cobwebs, pumpkins carved with all sorts of designs sitting in the front.

    The inside is decorated with pictures of witches, skeletons sitting in a couple chairs, a tiny pumpkin is sitting in the corner on the counter.

    We went up to order and sat in a spot and sat down. We talked about tonight, how far we will go and stick together. Of force one of the rules is saying you have to far in enough into the forest or that''s cheating. We have to wonder around the forest until we get lost and try to find our way back.

    As long as we stick together and not encounter any vamps, we should be fine. It didn''t take long for our food to arrive. We are as much as possible. And we left, heading for the forest.

    Once we got to the forest entrance, I parked the car seeing only a couple of students waiting by the entrance. Of course we can go in, but we decided to wait with them. No matter what, as long as we''re on their territory, we can get eaten.

    For our safety sakes, we stay outside until it''s time. We meet up with the kids that are participating.

    We waited as more kids began to pile in the group. When everyone that needed to be here, we entered the forest.

    No going back now.

    As soon as it hit ten, we all entered the forest. With it being pitch ck now, some of us used our torches from our phones. The only thing that we could hear is that muffled chatter among us, and the footsteps crunching on the leaves, rocks, and twigs.

    Once we knew we were far enough in, some parted their own way. Most of us stayed together for the time being. The four of us stayed near the back but still had some students surrounding us.

    I wasn''t paying attention when I bumped into the student in front of me stopped. I peer over the bunch of students to see a line of vamps.

    They look hungry, their eyes bloody red and their list for hunger is eating them up.

    My fight or flight instincts kicked in and I ran for my life the opposite way. I could hear my friendsing up behind me running for safety. As soon as we get out of here, we''re safe.

    I''ve seen a lot of horror movies and I know not to look back and keep running until I know I''m safe.

    My lungs started burning from theck of oxygen.

    In the distance, I could hear screaming and shouting in the distance back where I came from.

    Before I knew it, I went tumbling down a hill. I felt every pain everywhere until Inded on my stomach on t ground. Looking down on my injuries, I''ve got scratches all over me. Scanning the scenery, I''m alone.

    My friends abandoned me in the dark forest alone, with vampires roaming around, chasing me for their dinner.

    Wasting no time, I stood up and continued on, waking this time to catch my breath. I wandered around hoping to find someone, not a vamp, that I could be with.

    I heard more screams of terror not recognizing them as my friends, which is a good sign.

    At some point in my journey, I stepped in something cold and wet. shing my light down, I realized that I stepped in a creek.

    Great.

    I descended forward onto the other side. Good thing is is that vamps hate water. They start to burn up. The only thing is is they can jump far. So that''s great too.

    I heard someone whimpering to the right of me. Spinning on my heal, I noticed one of the kids from earlier sitting, holding her knees close to her chest as she whimpers away.

    "Hey there," I calmingly say.

    She nces up at me and nods. I hold out my hand and she hesitantly takes my hand and I lead her.

    "So . . . If your scared, howe you came to this?" I ask to stroke up a conversation. I check the time, only twenty minutes past ten. Only another hour and forty minutes left.

    "My friends and I made a bet."

    "What kind?"

    "That if I didn''t ask my crush out to a date to the movies, we would be doing this. So I tried many attempts but never fulfilled my duty. So here we are getting chased by vamps."

    "Oof, that''s rough."

    "Sure is."

    We walked what it felt like we''re going deeper and deeper into the forest. Something caught my eye. We stopped and I noticed what it is.

    A vampire.

    We froze in fear as she whimpered beside me.

    "Well, well. I''ve got dinner."

    The vamp women who''s ck with midnight ck frizzy hair, licked her lips eyeing both of us like she''s and eagle.

    "Which one of you little ones want to be my dinner?" She shed her fangs at us switching her gaze from me to her. As soon as she took a step forward, we bolt the opposite way of each other getting away.

    I ran as fast as I could to get away from this vamp. I couldn''t hear anything from behind me so I slowed and nce behind me. She''s noting, which means she''s after the other girl.

    Soon enough I heard a blood curling scream. Must have been from that girl. I checked the time again, ten to eleven. One more hour left technically. Someone ran into me and knocked ya both to the ground.

    "Sabe!"

    I recognize that voice. "Lauren! Your okay!"

    "Yes I am and so are you!"

    "I nearly became dinner but the vamp chased after someone else that was with me."

    Lauren told me that Kathrine and Lenny were right there until she got separated by the crowding after them. She lost me then them. Since, she''s been by herself.

    "Let''s just hope they''re okay too."

    "Hope so."

    "Let''s not waste time, let''s go." We got up and descended forward.

    "Do you know how far we are from the pathway?" She asks.

    "Does it look like I''m a map?"

    "No."

    "Didn''t think so."

    It seemed quiet for a while, until I hear bushes rustling. Turing toward the sound, someone came out with a bottle of liquid.

    "Look, it''s the kid we saw earlier in the week," Lauren point out.

    I squint my eyes then I realize it is!

    "Oh my god."

    "Run!"

    Just as we turned around and about to run, she stopped us.

    "Wait, don''t run away from me! Please. I want to talk to you."

    "We''d love to stay and talk but we''ve got to go." I pushed Lauren coward and we run. "I can see it! I can see the path!" Lauren shouted for me.

    We ran as fast as we could until our feet stepped onto the rock pathway. We caught our breath until some footsteps walk our way.

    Turning around, some other kids made it out alive, but not our friends. Lauren and I looked at each other upset.

    Where are our friends?

    "Should we wait for them?"

    I nodded and took a seat on the ground. Lauren took a seat next to me. It felt like forever when they finallye running out a few feet away from us. They pant so hard that they fell over, the cones a vamp on the edge of the forest. I get Lauren''s attention then we make our way over.

    It makes the vamp recognizable as we got closer.

    Keir Vance.

    "Why can''t a ck man have his midnight snack?"

    "No Vance."

    "Where''s Ramose? Isn''t he always with you?" I ask butting in their conversation.

    "Nah, he''s gone to snack on some hot chicks from our school."

    "Well we better get going home, we''ll see you and Ramose at school," I say.

    We left the forest to go home.

 Chapter twelve

    de''s POV

    I sat in my room waiting for tonight. The hunt. The delicious blood I get from the teens. Teens are so stupid now a days. They think they can make it out alive and be so cool to tell the tale.

    It''s hrious.

    I watched a movie while I waited for tonight. It''s only quarter past six. I still have a lot of time to kill. I hardly drank any blood today since I''m saving up my thirst when the feaste.

    I got interrupted when Sapphire barged in my room.

    "aaaaaade!" She whined.

    "Yes?"

    Even though I love Sapphire, sometimes I need to spend some time alone, to myself, with no one bothering me.

    "I''m bored, can youe y with me?"

    I sighed rolling my eyes as I closed theptop. I knew if I don''t go, or decline, she''ll be at it.

    I get upzily from myfy bed and walk to her. She jumps into my arms ready for whatever she needs. "Where are we going?"

    "To my room. I want to draw with you."

    "Why can''t you dare by yourself? And didn''t you just say you were bored?"

    "Yes but . . . I don''t want to draw alone and I''m bored without you. So drawing with you is way more fun."

    I nodded and headed to her room.

    I pull out a couple pieces of paper from her little cupboard, and some pencil crayons and two pencils for each of us.

    We sat on the floor as she started to draw Halloween drawings. I drew what came to mind. Isted on my side so that I''m leaning on my right arm. I, de Ramose, believes that I''m not a bad drawer, not the best but not the worst drawer in the world.

    Keir barges in the room.

    "C''mon de! We''ve got to get ready for the hunt!"

    I didn''t get up fast because Keir came to grab my hand and rushed us out into the living room. I sat on one of the white couches as Raul came in.

    "Tonight, is the night where we get dinner!" He raised his fists in the air as we cheered.

    "Tonight is our night! Don''t hesitate for anybody! Feed! Get your hunger up!"

    We cheered in excitement.

    "When it''s time, we go."

    At that we got ready for the night.

    -

    We walked along the path where we''ll be meeting them. As soon as we hear muffled voices, we stopped in a line. Sapphire stood by me as we waited for the people to arrive.

    The more I could feel their presenceing, the more hungry I am for blood. I can feel my eyes turning red for hunger.

    Soon enough, they came stopping dead in their tracks, stunned to see us so soon. I locked my lips ready to feast on these mortals. Our dinner, midnight snack, what ever you want to call it. My belly tumbled for food.

    In a split second, they all ran the opposite direction of us. We have them a five second head start before we ran towards them.

    Since we''re three times as fast, we caught up to them. I brought down a male and bit in their neck. The warm blood came into my mouth a I sucked it all. The red warm liquid sliding down my dry throat satisfied my hunger.

    Leaving this person to feel the painful transformation from my venom, I caught up to a couple more as their screams echoed through the deep forestyers. No one in the town can hear them, just the forest, depending how deep you are in.

    I wandered around a for a good ten minutes until I saw a small group of kids walking away from me. I snuck up as quiet as a mouse, yanking one of them keeping my tight grip as their screams boomed through the forest, alerting the others.

    They took one nce at me and ran leaving their friend behind. I smell I bit into the neck hard. She yelled and struggled against my grip. As soon as she fell unconscious with the venom zipping through her body.

    Since no one else around, I carried the limp body back to the house where Iid her at the front door for the poor vamps toe pick up. Running back into the forest, I stopped when I spotted Raul and Victoria feeding on two humans. Then making out afterwards not acknowledging me.

    I slipped away leaving to do their business and I caught up with Keir.

    "Hey Keir, how many did you catch?"

    "Five, they can''t outsmart me."

    I chuckled.

    "I''ve caught a couple. Not a lot."

    "What?! Your the fastest."

    "I know, but I''m too busy enjoying my meal then to catch them."

    He sighed while rolling his eyes. We stopped dead in our tracks when one milled around.

    "This ones for you. I''m going."

    Keir sped off leaving me with this person. I could hear screams in the distance. I snuck up behind her, grabbed her and bit her in the neck and wrist.

    Sucking everyst drop.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    By the end of the night. We''ve got most but some has escaped so good for them. Sapphire told me that she saw the kids from earlier this week and that they left cause she''s wanted to talk. I''m not ming her cause this is her first hunt.

    "You have to run up to them and grab them. Don''t hesitate and don''t say you want to talk. It''s fine though. Maybe next year you''ll get it."

    I encouraged her before she left to go to her room for the night. I went in mine for the night as well, watching movies all night. By Monday, people will be talking about the survivors in this hunt. It will be the talk of the school.

 Chapter thirteen

    Sarah''s POV

    When I got to school the following week, everyone is talking about the survivors that went down at the hunt. Luckily, my friends are those survivors.

    They told me the next day all about on video call how they were close to getting bit. I did almost have a heart attack ''cause of that sentence.

    I had adrenaline racing through me when they told me everything, and I wasn''t the one that went. If I did, I''d probably be the ones that got caught. I''m not in the mood to getting bitten then sent off to somewhere I have no idea who the vamps are.

    Unlocking my locker, I get my things for the first few sses, then I make my way down to my first ss of the day.

    Social.

    I get the four vamps with me, Keir Vance, de Ramose, Frey Lutter, and Talon Flon. Not only am I upset that Keir went after my friends, but I have to deal with him and his vamp goons this morning, and I''m not in the mood. Without getting their attention, I sit near the front in the middle since my window seats have been taken.

    Getting my things all sorted out, I felt cold skeleton like fingers on my upper arms. I shudder at the feeling. Of course the teacher isn''t here yet.

    "Hello, Harper."

    I could hear the venom in his voice when he said myst name.

    "Ramose."

    I tried to mimic but failed.

    He chuckled as his grip grew tighter. Where''s the teacher when you need him?!

    "So, I noticed you weren''t at the hunt while the rest your mortal friends were. Where were you?"

    "None of your business," I snapped.

    I could feel him grinning. "And why isn''t it?"

    "Because you don''t need to know my every move."

    "Of course."

    His grip loosened a bit. Before I knew it he''s gone when Mr. Brotherton stepped foot in the ss. I could still feel his touch longer in my body.

    "Morning everyone, take out your notes and get ready to write more."

    We all moan.

    -

    After the first few blocks, finally lunch came. I dread led through the morning and not because it''s school. But because I could still feel his touch on me. Even when he touched me a few weeks ago, it wasn''t as tense as this. His feeling didn''t stick for long.

    I shivered with his touch still there. Shaking off the feeling I sat at our usual table waiting for the others.

    Once the others came, I got right into my news about my mom.

    "So she found an apartment in New York City. She''s moving in a couple weeks from now and wants me toe visit her at Christmas and the weekend after she moves. My mom wants me to meet her new roommate."

    "That''s nice."

    "Aww."

    "How great!"

    They all said this at once. It''s very sweet of my mom to make sure that I''m visiting her and not abandoning her. I''m eating my sandwich when I felt some force on my left side pushing me away. When I nce over to give this person a piece of my mind, I realized I have no chance. Keir slipped between Lennix and Kathrine, Frey made a spot on my right, and Talon just stood eyeing us like we''re food or something.

    Oh wait, we are food.

    Three guesses for who''s beside me.

    "What the hell do you want?" Kathrine snapped.

    "We are here to join you for lunch," Ramose said like it''s normal.

    "Why?" I ask ncing carefully at each vamp.

    "It''s none of your business," Ramose said, mocking me from earlier.

    "And why isn''t it?"

    Two can y at that game.

    Ramose faced me grinning like an idiot crossing his arms on the table. "Because you don''t need to know everything now do you?"

    I rolled my eyes taking a bite of my sandwich. In the corner of my eyes, I can see each vamp take a sip of their blood. I guess that''s a way to keep their craving go insane when near us humans.

    It''s a great way from going snapping even if they have those essories on them. Whoever invented those are amazing. It keeps a good safety from the rest of us mortals. Now I don''t know if it''s just our town who has them or every vampire in the world, but it''s a genius idea.

    Speaking of, a beep when off and both Ramose and Vance flinched at the pain, I''m assuming pain.

    "Why''d you flinch?" Lauren asks.

    "We have these essories in case you don''t know. Whenever a vamp craves human blood, they get a shock from that essory. It helps keep us from craving blood and going insane," Keir exin.

    Lauren mouthed ''oh'' and went back to eating.

    "Do you two have been craving human blood?" Lennix asked.

    "No, we did it just for show," Ramose sarcastically said.

    "I''m taking that as a yes," he mumbled.

    "So answer my question, why are you here?"

    "I did, it''s none of your business."

    Ramose took a sip of his blood in a bottle. It''s gross. The bell rang and I got up and left without waiting for my friends. I just can''t stand the vamps.

    -

    In the end of the day, I walked home. I told Sabe that I''ll walk to have some time to think. Of course doing that, I would get a call and have to exinter.

    Which I''ll dly do but just for him.

    As I walked down the sidewalk, I plugged in my earphones and sted music. The fall sun shine down, just the warmth. A little chill blew past me. I love Fall, it''s not too hot or too cold. In between.

    I should do this more often, walk home alone to get through my thoughts. Clear them.

    Clear everything.

    Walking into my home, I found loads of folded boxes. And a couple with stuff in,beled.

    "I''m home!" I shouted as I took out the earphones. My mother came from upstairs.

    "Hey Sarah, how''s school?"

    "Good."

    "Good. Hey can you pass me a couple boxes, thanks."

    I grabbed the first two boxes that I touch is what I pick up to give to my mom.

    I head up to my room to finish my homework when my phone rings. "This is it," I mumbled.

    "Hello, Sabe."

    "Hey, Sarah. So tell me . . . Why did you want to walk home instead of getting a lift?"

    "A lot of things on my mind."

    "So the brotherly friend I am, what''s on your mind?"

    I sigh defeated that I''ll have to tell him or he''ll force it out of me. "That''s vamps. You nearly got bitten by them on Friday. Then he touched my arms and even though he did before, this feeling . . . This feeling kept with me through out the day. The cold, hard touch stayed with me all day."

    "Is that what''s bothering you?"

    "Yeah. Just something about how he''s acting seems off."

    "Sarah, he''s a vampire. What would you expect?"

    "I know, but . . . Did you find it odd for them o sit with us at lunch today? I mean, they never do that. They stick with their own kind."T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "You are correct there."

    "Also, when we did the Chase and I got stolen, this guy said there''d be war. Keir asked me about it the next day and he wanted to know what he wanted."

    "Did you tell him? And who was the guy?"

    "I did, and I can''t remember who it was. I think it started a ''V''."

    "Oh."

    "Yeah, it hasn''t been mentioned since."

    "Well, we''ll ask him about it tomorrow."

    "Okay,"

    "Is that all?"

    "Yeah."

    "Thanks for telling me. If anything bothers you, I''ll be there. Just stay calm and we''ll sort something out, okay?"

    "Okay."

    We hung up after saying our goodbyes.

 Chapter fourteen

    de''s POV

    I drove home while Keir did whatever he does sometimes. What happened yesterday still choked me up.

    Yesterday, the Vts came to our home to talk.

    -

    The door bell rang as we all are in our living room hang out. I can''t remember when thest time we did this. Or if we ever.

    We''ve been sucked into our own little worlds that we never get to hang as one.

    Raul got up from the couch disappearing in seconds by running to the front door. We stayed silent as I observed.

    Amber, with her her jet ck hair and the noticeable neon purple, with her bangs brushed to the side, just chilling on the couch admiring her fingers. Dawn is cuddling with Keir as he yed with her light brown curly hair as she drew circles on his bare chest.

    His abs showing off to everyone in the living room. Victoria just sat waiting for her husband, Raul Crane, toe back. Her little ck self, the most beautiful woman I''ve ever seen. Her midnight ck frizzy hair shining in the light. Her pointed nose and wless looks. Sapphire sat next to me curled up against myp, her golden locks sprawled onto myp as well. I yed with the dark purple streak in her hair that she got almost a year ago.

    Nevada leaning against her mother, Victoria Crane, ying her jet ck hair with the tips died red. Corbin on the other hand is off in his little world, daydreaming about girls and blood. Who knows? His golden brown hair shined in the light.

    My thoughts were interrupted when Raul came back with another man.

    A Vt.

    I tense up the second Iy eyes on him. Everyone twitched their heads in the direction where a Vt stood.

    "Hey everyone."

    His eerie voice echoed through the room. When I say eerie, I mean eerie, his voice is so deep and creepy.

    "Why are you here?" Amber fired.

    "Why, Raul invited me here so I can talk to you. In case if you aren''t aware, one of my guys ran into a mortal and said that there''ll be war."

    "I object!" I raised my hand.

    "I was there when one of your guys took her and ran into your territory. Almost biting her."

    "Were you there, de?"

    "I was when she was taken."

    "But not there when my guy took her into the forest?"

    I shook my head.

    "Well then, you can''t object."

    "Well yes, but I can contact her so she cane and exin what she went through."

    "Do it then."

    I pulled out my phone and contacted her. I somehow managed to get her phone number. I called her making sure I put her on speaker phone.

    "Hello?"

    "Hey, Harper. Listen I need a favour."

    "Why?"

    "Because. I need you toe to my home."

    "Why? You know I''m afraid of going in and noting out alive."

    "I know, but this is a favour. I''ll make sure youe out alive."

    I could hear her sigh in the background. It was silent. We all know she''s thinking.

    "Should I trust you?"

    "No, that''ll be your first mistake."

    "What''s in it for me?"

    "Hmm. I don''t know."

    She sighed. "Don''t get me bitten."

    "So that''s a yes?"

    "Yeah, I guess."

    Score.

    "I''ll pick you up in ten. What''s your address?"

    "I''ll text you it."

    "Perfect. See you then."

    She hung up and didn''t even say goodbye. I stood up ready to leave when she texted me her address.

    "I''ll be back, don''t leave."

    I pointed my finger at the Vt. "In the meantime . . ."

    I got in my car and drove off to the address. It didn''t take long for me to get her. As I pull up she waited on the driveway. Noticing me, she got in the passenger.

    "I''m scared, but what do you need me for?"

    "Well, this vamp, needs you to tell the story of what happened at the Chase. Don''t lie, just tell it like you told me. Oh and don''t say a single word about this or you''ll get bitten, guaranteed."

    "Okay? You''re threatening me are you?"

    "Yeah, to not say a single word. I''ll make sure your alive by the end, just this is private and what ever you hear, don''t say a word or we''reing after ya."

    "Okay. I''m definitely not afraid."

    I chuckled. "You''ll live, don''t worry. Keir''s there too."

    "Great."

    Iughed.

    "Why are youughing?"

    "Because your sarcasm and how you say it."

    She nodded. I concentrated on the road as it was silent. As we entered the forest, I could sense her getting tense. I know she hates being in here but what can we do. I pull up in the garage as I carefully watch Harper''s reaction.

    It''s priceless.

    "Wow."

    "What ''till you get inside."

    We got out and I lead her inside the home, tossing the keys in the bowl. I eyed her as she awed the home. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Wow! This . . . This is just . . ."

    "Wonderful? I know."

    She nodded and followed me to the living room. Harper stuck by me as we closed in into the living room. Her satisfied nces stopped when sheid eyes on the vamps.

    They heads snapped her way once she entered. Since she''s on our property and our essories only worked off of our property, which means she''s at risk for getting bitten. She won''t since I made that promise.

    "Don''t bite her of I''ming after ya."

    I sit down on the couch leaving Harper alone. Every head turned to look at her seeing she''s clearly ufortable.

    "Alright, so what happened at the Chase?" Vt asks.

    "I was chilling on the path when this guy snatched me and took me far into the forest. He was about to bite me when someone came and knocked him off of me. Then he said that there''d be war."

    "HA!" I point towards Vt. "Told ya she was taken, and not ran into."

    "I say she''s lying and you bribed her on the car ride here."

    I ced my hand on my heart acting offended. "I would never."

    "Hmm? Sure."

    Raul got up from the couch and walked towards Harper, embracing her in a side hug as he stroked her side. "I believe her. We may be danger to her but I doubt she''ll lie. So you can tell us about the war, or you may leave and all of your vamps will be endanger and we will send you to Veran or get you killed from her father."

    "Ooh. Your father''s a killer?"

    "Vampire Hunter."

    "Ahh, Vampire hunter. Daughter of Jeff Harper."

    "So tell us about the war," Dawn snapped.

    "Well, from what I know, the war will be near the end of the year. It''ll be against the vamps and the vampire hunters. But that''s all I can say ''cause that''s all I know."

    "Do you know when?"

    "Like I said, near the end of the year. And when I mean end of the year, not the end of 2352. I mean year for the kids. I''ll let you think of that."

    It was silent for a minute.

    "Well," Vt stood up brushing himself up as Raul let go of Harper, "I better leave you guys alone."

    He left with the rest of us stunned how there''s actually going to be war. Against us and the hunters. I stood up ready to take Harper home when Sapphire ran up to Harper and asked if she wanted to see her bedroom. Harper took one nce at me and I shrugged.

    She agreed hesitantly and Sapphire dragged her upstairs telling all sorts of story. I went into the kitchen to grab a drink before heading up to Sapphire''s room and save poor Harper.

    Raul came to me before I made it out of the kitchen.

    "Make sure she doesn''t say a thing about what she heard, and try to make sure Sapphire doesn''t bite her."

    "I''m on my way and I told her on the car ride to not say a word."

    I made my way up to her room. I open the door to Sapphire showing Harper her drawings as Harper sat against the bed.

    "Hey de." She said then went back to showing Harper her pictures. "So, what''s your name? Mine''s Sapphire."

    "Well that''s a pretty name for a beautiful girls like you. I''m Sarah. Sarah Harper."

    "I don''t know myst name. de, what''s myst name?"

    "Sansford."

    I leaned against the door watching. "This is my third time seeing humans. I saw you and and your friends in the forest a while ago. Then I saw your two friends in the Hunt. I ask them to have a talk and they left me."

    "Aww, that''a sad."

    "It is, but it''s fine. And now I get to see you."

    Harper chuckled.

    "So, you know my brother?"

    "Brother?" Harper nces at me with a confused expression.

    "Kind of. I took care of her when she got bit. Sapphire was all alone so I took her in as my own sister, even though we''re not rted."

    "Aww, that''s sweet."

    "So you know him how?"

    "We got to school together."

    "That''s great."

    "Oh, so your in the same ss?"

    "One," I said. "One ss."

    "We switch up between sses," she exined little further.

    "Sorry Sapphire to intrude but she''s got to go home," I interjected.

    "Why?"

    "Because, she needs to go back home where she belongs. Plus she''s in danger if she stays here awhile longer."

    "Will I ever see you again?" She turned to Harper.

    "I . . . Don''t know."

    "I hope so."

    Sapphire gave Harper a big hug before we left.

    "She''s a sweet kid."

    We hopped in the car then I turned on the engine. "Yes she is. Sometimes if she really loves something or someone, Sapphire will im hers."

    "Wow."

    "Yeah. I''m surprised she''s been nice to you since thest encounter."

    "Same."

    "Remember don''t say a word about this or my promise is off."

    "Okay."

    "It''s just between us until further notice."

    "Got it."

    -

    That was yesterday. When I sat down with her at lunch today, I did notice some ufortable sensation going around. But I trust her to keep that secret.

 Chapter fifteen

    Sarah''s POV

    I helped my mom pack her boxes into the car. Today is the day where she is finally moving away to the city. Dad went out to find some beginner tools at the warehouse for me to practice with. As soon as mom moves out, it''s time for my training.

    That''s fun.

    Hint the sarcasm.

    Since Winter ising up, so we''ll be practicing at the warehouse. It''s their little area where they hold meetings and training. My dad says it''s good to start early. Earlier the better.

    As I loaded thest box my mom came out of the house with her keys ready to roll. "Thanks honey, I guess it''s time for me to go."

    I nod and gave her a big hug. "Promise me you''lle visit me."

    "Yeah I promise."

    "On Christmas break you''ll being to stay with me for a week for Christmas, then you''lle back for New Years."

    "Okay. Sounds like a n."

    We waved goodbye as she got into her car. She drove off until her car is out of view. Tears welled up as I saw my mom leave. Even though I''ll still get to see her, it''s just not the same.

    I head inside to make myself some hot chocte for the warmth. Since it''s Fall, I snuggle up on the couch with my nket, fuzzy pink slippers and hot chocte. I flicked on the Netflix and scrolled finding one that I''m interested in.

    Only halfway done the movie and finished my hot chocteter, my dad barges in the home.

    "Sarah, Sarah!"

    "Yes?"

    "Come on, let''s start."

    Staring at my dad, I groan before getting up

    from myfy spot. "I was enjoying my rxation."

    "Haha, let''s go. Your starting your training today. Let''s go."

    I groan louder and get up. Slipping into my sneakers I run to put my golden wavy locks in a ponytail. I run downstairs and outside to where my dad is waiting in the car.

    "Do we have to do it now?"

    "Yes. Well only do this every Friday and Saturdays. Oh and did your mother tell you that you''ll be visiting her over the Christmas Break?"

    "Yes she did."

    "Perfect."

    From our home to the Warehouse, it toon around twenty minutes. It''s outside the city''s premises. Once my father parked, we head inside.

    I''ve never been in here before. I don''t even know where to start with words. It''s abandoned that''s what.

    There''s small stations with each tactics to kill a vampire. There''s a station of how to stake a vampire.

    There''s also a station on how to protect yourself from them, and I''m assuming that''s where I''ll be training today.

    Like I thought we would, we made our way over to the protection stand. It had a little section in the corner with the tools and weapons on the wall. Vests and armours are tucked away in boxesbeled ''vest'' and ''armours''.

    "Okay, let''s start off easy."

    I raised and eye brow when he said ''easy.'' I don''t know what that means but I''m scared and all I want to do is curl up on the couch and watch my movie with popcorn.

    I can''t do that since I decided to stay with my dad.

    "Alright, we are going to start off with the simple thing. Protecting yourself from vamps."

    He grabbed a stake from the table. "This. Everyone knows this is a stake. It''s used to stake them in the heart. But you want to be careful when you try to stake them, they are fast and have really great sense of smell and gearing. They can smell your blood and sense every sound you make."

    I nodded even through I already know. The thing is, living with a vampire hunter, even the daughter of the leader, I can pick up a lot of things, so I already know a lot about stuff and weapons and how to use them. When I was young and I asked about the weapons and things that my dad carried in, he would exin to me.

    The only thing I''ll need to know is to practice with the weapons and not get bitten by any vamps in the process. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    So when he exins what to do and what they do, it''s very boring but I let him ramble on.

    "Alright, let''s get started."

    He passed me the stake. "Alright, aim for that dummy."

    "Do I just throw it?"

    "Yes."

    I nced at the stake then the dummy before I throw it as hard as I could towards the heart. Instead, it bounced off its chest andnded on the floor with a thud.

    "Not bad, just aim for the heart. It''s okay. We''ll practice a lot until you get the hang of it. Again."

    I grabbed the stake walking back to my spot. I throw again. I missed.

    "Again."

    This is going to be a long lesson.

    -

    By the end of the lesson, my arm is stinging form how many attempts I tried impale the dummy in the heart. Guess how many times I''ve tried to impale it in general?

    If you''ve guessed none, you are correct!

    The stupid stake kept bouncing off the dummy. At some point I threw it so hard that it ended up making a mess of another station. Once my father realized I couldn''t impale the dummy that''s standing right there, he called it quits for the night.

    I don''t know how I''m supposed to kill a vampire if I can''t even impale a dummy that''s standing a few feet away from me, when a vamp is moving all sorts of direction.

    After today, I''vee to one conclusion. Imma die.

    All the vamps are going tough at me for my failure, but right now since I''m just starting out, no one needs to know and I hope I''ll get better soon enough.

    Once I got inside my room, Iid down to rest for the night. I finished the leftover homework I have before setting off to have a nice warm shower to wash away the sweat and the pain.

    Both from my mom moving and the sorenessing from my right arm. I then set off to bed for the night.

 Chapter sixteen

    Sarah''s POV

    My friends and I are sitting at the diner for our lunch break today. Nice to change up the scene and lunches. We like to do this once in a while when we feel like it.

    We had a hectic two months with the Chase, the hunt, I remember going to the vamps ce cause they needed my exnation from what happened at the Chase. Ipletely forgot about it, actually. They did say not to say a word so my mind pushed it at the back of my head. My mom moving away, knowing Lauren''s moving away, might be war, and my horrible throwing skills to impale a dummy.

    I told my friends about my first lesson since why not? I know no one needs to know but the need a goodugh from what happened the in past couple of months.

    As soon as I told them, they burst into fits ofughter. "I know right? Ipletely failed."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hey, it''s just your first time. So it''ll get better, hopefully," Lennix said still chuckling.

    "Hopefully."

    We finished up getting ready to head back to the school. It sucks, why does Grade 11 have to be so hard?

    When we got back, a circle of students gathered around something, or rather someone when we got close enough. We heard fighting, like grunt noises when people get punched or kicked.

    Instead of leaving the fight like normal people, we went up to the fight since we''re not normal people.

    "What''s going on?" I ask one of the students who are admiring the show.

    "Keir Vance is fighting another vampire whom I''ve never seen."

    I push my way through the crowd to get a better look at what''s going down.

    Keir punch''s the vamp in the face as he goes flying. I couldn''t really tell what his features are since he''s covered in bruises from the punches Vance thrown. He gets up and I spot his midnight ck hair, his bruised ck skin. His chin and nose is sharp and pointy. His tattered grey t-shirt and jeans covered in dust.

    From his blood red eyes, he''s filled with rage. He swings his arm targeting his right rib cage. I swore I heard a cracking sound. I covered my mouth in shock when I see Ramose interfering trying to get the vamp away from Keir. Freyes along and helps Vance off the ground.

    That didn''t work cause the vamp guy somehow manages to escape de''s grasp.

    Wait, why am I saying de? His name is Ramose, not de. I don''t call him by his first name, onlyst.

    Snap out of it Sarah!

    The vamp then punched Bl-Ramose square in the jaw. Everyone gasps at the sudden punch. He took a couple steps back to study himself. Gaining senses his eyes flickered from golden yellow to deep crimson red.

    Everyone knew this is not going to end well. Just as Ramose was about to attack, Vance did the same but the vamp outsmarted them both and moved out of the way. Before they knew it, both ended up on the ground in a milo second.

    The vampughed hysterically at them. "You two are idiots!" He emphasized ''idiots'' with venom. Ramose and Vance groaned before slowly getting up. Then out of nowhere, one other vamp came, someone I recognized. Rob? Ron? Raul? Whatever his name is came and snatched theughing vampire and walked away, talking to the principle that he''ll deal with him.

    The principle nodded and continued walking towards us students.

    "Alright everyone, shows over! Head back to ss! Mr. Ramose and Mr. Vance,e with me."

    Everyone oohs at the boys since they''re in trouble. Both did take hard blows. I could see Vance walking from the pain in his rib cage. They''re vamps so they''ll heal fast.

    The rest of the school day was slow and exhausting. My mind wouldn''t pay attention to the rest of the sses. All my mind wondered is what ever happened to the boys

    From the students whispers in the hallways to my locker for the end of the day, is that no one has seen them since the fight.

    What happened to them?

 Chapter seventeen

    Sarah''s POV

    My friends and I are sitting at the diner for our lunch break today. Nice to change up the scene and lunches. We like to do this once in a while when we feel like it.

    We had a hectic two months with the Chase, the hunt, I remember going to the vamps ce cause they needed my exnation from what happened at the Chase. Ipletely forgot about it, actually. They did say not to say a word so my mind pushed it at the back of my head. My mom moving away, knowing Lauren''s moving away, might be war, and my horrible throwing skills to impale a dummy.

    I told my friends about my first lesson since why not? I know no one needs to know but the need a goodugh from what happened the in past couple of months.

    As soon as I told them, they burst into fits ofughter. "I know right? Ipletely failed."

    "Hey, it''s just your first time. So it''ll get better, hopefully," Lennix said still chuckling.

    "Hopefully."

    We finished up getting ready to head back to the school. It sucks, why does Grade 11 have to be so hard?

    When we got back, a circle of students gathered around something, or rather someone when we got close enough. We heard fighting, like grunt noises when people get punched or kicked.

    Instead of leaving the fight like normal people, we went up to the fight since we''re not normal people.

    "What''s going on?" I ask one of the students who are admiring the show.

    "Keir Vance is fighting another vampire whom I''ve never seen."

    I push my way through the crowd to get a better look at what''s going down.

    Keir punch''s the vamp in the face as he goes flying. I couldn''t really tell what his features are since he''s covered in bruises from the punches Vance thrown. He gets up and I spot his midnight ck hair, his bruised ck skin. His chin and nose is sharp and pointy. His tattered grey t-shirt and jeans covered in dust.

    From his blood red eyes, he''s filled with rage. He swings his arm targeting his right rib cage. I swore I heard a cracking sound. I covered my mouth in shock when I see Ramose interfering trying to get the vamp away from Keir. Freyes along and helps Vance off the ground.

    That didn''t work cause the vamp guy somehow manages to escape de''s grasp.

    Wait, why am I saying de? His name is Ramose, not de. I don''t call him by his first name, onlyst.

    Snap out of it Sarah!

    The vamp then punched Bl-Ramose square in the jaw. Everyone gasps at the sudden punch. He took a couple steps back to study himself. Gaining senses his eyes flickered from golden yellow to deep crimson red.

    Everyone knew this is not going to end well. Just as Ramose was about to attack, Vance did the same but the vamp outsmarted them both and moved out of the way. Before they knew it, both ended up on the ground in a milo second.

    The vampughed hysterically at them. "You two are idiots!" He emphasized ''idiots'' with venom. Ramose and Vance groaned before slowly getting up. Then out of nowhere, one other vamp came, someone I recognized. Rob? Ron? Raul? Whatever his name is came and snatched theughing vampire and walked away, talking to the principle that he''ll deal with him. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    The principle nodded and continued walking towards us students.

    "Alright everyone, shows over! Head back to ss! Mr. Ramose and Mr. Vance,e with me."

    Everyone oohs at the boys since they''re in trouble. Both did take hard blows. I could see Vance walking from the pain in his rib cage. They''re vamps so they''ll heal fast.

    The rest of the school day was slow and exhausting. My mind wouldn''t pay attention to the rest of the sses. All my mind wondered is what ever happened to the boys

    From the students whispers in the hallways to my locker for the end of the day, is that no one has seen them since the fight.

    What happened to them?

 Chapter eighteen

    Sarah''s POV

    It''s test day for us grade elevens. I hate tests. I got my things all sorted out. On my desk, I''ve got my pencil, eraser, my water bottle, and a book for when I''m done.

    Mr. Brotherton walked into the ssroom. "Alright, settle down. Thanks. You''ll do great, hope you studied. There''s 20 multiple choice, five long answer and two short answers. Good luck."

    He handed out the tests and we all got to it.

    -

    It took me most of the ss to do the test. I sat and read my book quietly. ss was almost over which is good.

    Finally it was time to leave. I packed my things and left. I think I did okay on the test. Not the best but not the worst.

    I shoved my things into my locker ready for lunch when something my mind nagged at me. When I realize that both Vance and Ramose wasn''t here. They''re absent. No wonder the Social was quiet. They were gone.

    I guess their fight paid off. Getting themselves into suspension. Never thought they''d get it.

    But it''s the real world, so who knows?

    I guess vampires are just like people in ways. They may not be mortals or eat food and such, but they still are people nheless. They live just like us, drink blood to keep themselves living just like us, except no blood. So in ways, they are simr. Also, they have to keep from dying, like us.

    So I guess they can get into trouble at school. The only thing they can''t do is get sick, right?

    Anyways, I make my way to lunch, not really feeling hungry. On the way, I stumbled across Marie.

    "Oh look, the little vampire hunter''s daughter decides to show up."

    "Shut up Marie."

    "Why should I?"

    "Because no one likes you."

    "Pfft, that''s false. Everyone loves me."

    "Bitch." I mutter under my breath as I left. Walking into the cafeteria, I found our usual spot. Lennix and Sabe talked and waited for us girls toe. I slide myself in a seat inviting myself into the conversation.

    "Heya guys, watch a talking about?"

    "Where did de and Keir went," Sabe said.

    "Yeah, I noticed they weren''t in Social and Science today. What happens to them?"

    "Rumours are spreading they both got suspended."

    "For how long?" I ask.

    "Wait her this week or both this and next week," Lennix filled me in.

    "Oh."

    The other two came. "So, rumours going around the two famous vamps are suspended for one to two weeks," Lauren said as she sat down.

    "We''re just talking about that," I say.

    "What do you think their head vamp will say, and what do you thinks going to happen to that other vamp? That guy that punched Keir in the rib cage," Katherine asks.

    "I don''t know," we say in unison.

    I really do wonder what happened to all three?

    -

    When I walked into the house, I''m still getting used to having my mom gone. Muffled voices in the living room, I forgot my dad had a meeting here and not at the warehouse. I walk in to say hi and leave, but that was my n until Dad told me to stay for a bit.

    I lean against the doorway while crossing my arms. I''m not useful here so after five minutes I go upstairs to start my homework. I plug in my earphones and st music as I do my homework.

    My phone rang.

    "Hey Lauren!"

    "Hey Sarah. What''s happening?"

    "Almost done my homework, you?"

    "Boredom took over."

    "Oof."

    "Yes."

    "Have you found a home yet in Seattle?"

    "We''ve found a few, so my parents are going to fly up their this weekend and take a look at them."

    "You said you don''t move until Spring Breaks."

    "That''s true. We don''t. But my parents want to take a good look at the houses before hand. And now ns have changed. Depends if they find one and this house sells quick, we might be leaving earlier."

    "How early?"

    "Between Christmas breaks and Spring break."

    "Oh wow. So you could be moving soon."

    "Yes, but that''s if our house sells and my parents find one. I really hope we don''t have to move until Spring break. I want to spend as much time as I can before I move."

    "Aww Lauren, that''s terrible news. Have you told the others?"

    "I''ve told Kathrine, I''m phoning the others soon."

    "Ok, I wonder what they''ll think?"

    "I hope they take it well or it wouldn''t be good for me."

    "Yeah, I guess."

    It''s silent for a moment. We didn''t know what to say. I finished up my homework.

    "Oh you know that project that I had to do in Social with de?"

    "Yeah?"

    "Well, we''ve got and A- on it."

    "Wow Sarah! That''s amazing!"

    "I know. Who knew he had neat printing."

    "Really?"

    "I''m kidding but he does. I''m just shock, the guy I despise got an excellent on the project."

    "I''m so happy for you."

    I gaze out my window seeing it lightly snowing. "Hey, look out your window, it''s snowing."

    "Ugh! I hate snow! It''s awful, cold, freezing, the ice suck."

    I giggle. "You could write a whole essay of you hating snow if you wanted to."

    "I could. In fact, I could start since I''m bored as fuck."

    Iugh. I hunch over in my chair trying to get air. I''ll miss Lauren and her humour. On the other end, I can hear herughing with me as well.

    "I''m going to miss your humour, Lauren."

    "I''m going to miss you and everyone else, but that bitch Marie and the vamps."

    "Your not wrong. No ones going to miss them, especially Marie. No one likes her and she exims they love her."

    "I know right?"

    "Everyone loves me," I mock her in her high pitch voice.

    Laurenughs hardcore. I couldn''t stifle myugh. I had to keep it down because of the meeting. I tried.

    It felt so long that we talked until someone knocked on my door. "Come in."

    My dad walks in. "Sorry to interrupt but dinners ready."

    "I''ll be down in a sec." I turn to face Lauren.

    "I guess this is a goodbye for tonight."

    "Bye Sarah, see you tomorrow."

    I end the call heading downstairs. I dish myself up and sit at the table, across from my dad. "So, hows school honey?"

    "Busy."

    "Hmm. So I heard a fight broke out yesterday."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "It did. Vance and Ramose were part of it. More like Vance was when Ramose stepped in to help his friend."

    "Ahh. So I went to visit them today for work with a couple of my colleagues. Raul Crane, the leader of their group, and apparently a Vt, is what they like to call them. Came into school grounds and picked a fight with Keir Vance. So instead of shoving him back to where he belongs, they sent him to us. Mr. Crane told us to kill him or do whatever we want. So, we took him in with Mr. Crane with us so this vampire doesn''t escape. We tied him to a metallic chair and guess what?"

    "Three wild guess, you killed him?"

    "Yep. Your old father killed a vampire with his colleagues."

    "Where was Mr. Crane?"

    "After we tied him down he left back to his home."

    "So wait . . . You went to their house?"

    "Yep, he called us over."

    "Did you go inside?"

    "Oh yes, man it was a huge house, and a nice one too."

    "Did you by any chance see Vance and Ramose there?"

    "I saw Vance, but no Ramose. I thought you hated them?"

    "I do. It''s just they weren''t at school today and rumours are going around they both got suspended for one to two weeks."

    "Oh I don''t know about that. Your going to have to ask them yourself when they get back. So what else is new?"

    "Lauren''s moving to Seattle."

    "When?"

    "Originally, she told me Spring Break. But tonight she told me that her parents are going to fly down to Seattle to look at the homes for sale. And if their house sells fast enough, they''ll buy the house they want and move. She now said between Christmas break and Spring Break. So I don''t know when. She hopes spring break so she can be with us longer."

    "That''s sad. At least you still have the other three."

    "Yes which I''m grateful for, but it just wouldn''t be the same without her."

    "I get that. It''ll be hard but you''ll get over it."

    "I hope," I mumble to myself.

    -

    After dinner, I got ready for bed. Since it''s been a long day today, I need the rest. After my shower, I got ready for bed. I slipped in with a book until I fell asleep.

 Chapter nineteen

    Keir''s POV

    I heard Sapphire running my way toe y with her. Since de''s been sick, she''s beening to me since I''m close to de. Amber or Dawn has been filling in for me when I don''t want to y with her.

    Don''t get me wrong, I love ying with her, not everyday. It gets annoying. I don''t know how de does it.

    On cue, Amberes in sitting across from me. "How''s de doing?"

    "He''s still burning up. He says his stomach still hurts and he''s definitely has weaken."

    "Poor boy."

    "I know. I had to keep Sapphire from going in. She really wants to see him."

    "I''m here," she says as she hops on the couch beside Amber.

    "Dawn is doing the best she can to heal him, but I doubt it''s working. I say he just needs to rest."

    "Why can''t I see de?" Sapphire squeaks.

    "Because he''s sick, and if you go visit him, it''ll pass down to you. Then you''ll be sick. It''s already bad enough we have two people checking on him. Even one''s too much," Nevada exins sitting beside me.

    "What is he sick with?"Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hep D," I jump in.

    "What''s that?"

    "It''s a sickness that only vampires can get. It weakens their powers and a higher chance of getting killed from anything."

    "Aww, poor de."

    "Yeah. And vamps can also catch it so it''s best that if no one goes in there to visit, just check up on him. We don''t need everyone to get it again," I say.

    "Again?"

    "Yeah, many years ago we all got it. It wasn''t fun. Nevada and Corbin weren''t even born yet," Amber replied.

    "Wow."

    "Yeah," we said in unison.

    Dawn walked into the room and sat beside me, leaning her little head in my shoulders. "Hey, Babe."

    "Hey, darling."

    I hooped her nose then kiss her on the forehead. She moved her head so we lock lips.

    "Ugh, go to a room. There''s children here."

    "Are you sure it''s not you?" I ask raising my eyebrow. Amber can get envious at times.

    "What? No!"

    "Cause you seem like your envious you don''t have a boyfriend," Dawn cut in.

    "I''m not envious," she defends.

    "Uh-huh, right," Nevada says getting up from her spot. "I''m off to talk to a friend.

    "Is it a boy?" I ask smirking.

    "No! It''s just a friend."

    "Uh- huh, right," I mocked her. She gave me the death re and left.

    "You know who she should end up with?" Amber asks.

    "Who?" We ask in unison.

    "Corbin."

    I snicker at that. Honestly, now that I think of it, they would be a good couple. "That could actually work. They fight like they''re a couple. Plus I think Corbin is very jealous of her talking to guys. I mean, he always goes protective mode on her." Dawn have a point.

    "You do have a point there sweetie."

    "I know."

    Dawn curled up in me forfort. I wrap my arm around her.

    It''s been azy day since I''m suspended from school for the week. Raul gave me a lecture of how I''m supposed to just walk away, but still understood that it''s a Vt and we all hate them. So he did understand why I fought them. de did interfere to help me.

    de.

    The poor guy.

    Hope he gets better in the meantime.

 Chapter twenty

    Sabe''s POV

    I figured out one thing in my life and I figured it out just now.

    I''m gay.

    And I''m proud of it.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    And guess who I have a crush on?

    Lennix.

    Lennix Rivera.

    Our friend.

    Yeah, I know. Woohoo for me. I''m scared of telling the others since I don''t know who they''ll think of me. Especially my parents. They aren''t known for gay people. They are old fashioned when ites to rtionships, which means they prefer opposite genders getting together and none of this same gender rtionships.

    It''s awful. They are disgusted and won''t approve, so I''m definitely terrified of telling them and they won''t support me through it. I also know they won''t ept me for I am.

    So when I found out I''m gay, I started panicking. I know what they''ll say. ''You are a disgrace to the family,'' or, ''you are no son of mine," or, ''no son of mine will be gay."

    It''s very upsetting.

    So I have a little faith for my friends for epting me. I know Sarah might ept me. She''ll ept me for anything.

    I drove to pick them up. I stopped with Sarah. I honked the horn once I pulled up and within seconds, she came bursting through the door like a murder will spring out of the home chasing her.

    "Morning Sabe."

    "Morning. Hey . . . I''ve got something I need to tell you."

    "What is it?"

    I drove out onto the road. "This isn''t easy to say, but . . . I''m gay."

    "Really?"

    I nce at her for a split second and in the second, her face beamed with happiness. "I''m so happy for you. So who''s the lucky guy you like?"

    "W-what?"

    "You must like a guy to be gay, right?

    "Umm . . . Not necessarily."

    "Oh." I can hear the disappointment in her voice. "But I''m so happy you like guys. I''m sure you''lle around to liking a guy."

    "Hope so. But please don''t tell the others yet, I''m not ready to tell them."

    "Sure thing Sabe."

    If only she knew.

    -

    We got to school and we went our separate ways. I head off to my PE ss.

    This ss will be ying small teams of basketball. I change into my gym wear, which is a dark blue sports t-shirt and ck basketball shorts.

    I jog out to grab a basketball and start dribbling and shooting around. The final bell rang and the announcements came on.

    We quit and listened until our national anthem came on.

    "Alright everyone, huddle in."

    We gathered around our teacher.

    "We are going into groups of three, then find another group to y at a hoop, of all hoops are full, line up in the centre and wait until a court is empty. Games up to one."

    I found my usual group that consists of Kyle and Alec. We found another group and an empty hoop.

    One of their team members and I passed back and forth three times until I had the ball. The game begins. I pass over to Alec which he dribbles. One of the members blocked Alec, which dly Kyle was open since I''m blocked. He dribbled the ball making it around the boys.

    Kyle then took this to shoot at the hoop as one of the guys came running to him. The ball made it in and we got the point. We raised our hands to signal the next group in line.

    One of the girls noticed us and she signifies her group beforeing over to us. I passed it to her and she passed it back. I passed it to her and the game begins. She dribbled and risking to to take the shot.

    She missed.

    Alec ran over to get it, racing another girl for the ball. She ended up getting dribbling over a bit. I blocked the girl I yed at the beginning. Kyle got the other girl. I nce over my shoulder to know where she is quickly moving to block her. She ran around me waving her hands like she''s waving down a car, running away from a psychopath.

    Her friend passed it which I ran around her and caught it in mid air. I cleared it by going out of court, passing to Kyle who made the shot.

    He missed. One of the other girls caught it clearing the shot. Risking it, she made the shot and got into the hoop.

    We walked to the back of the line breathing heavily as sweat rolled down our faces which are red. Since the games took a bit, we''ve got to rest and catch our breath before moving into another game.

    One thing you''ve got to know about me is I love Basketball. My goal is to get on the team. That''s my dream.

    I have tried out before but never made the team since others are way better. But my friends believe in me so I have faith I''ll make the team this year.

    Hopefully.

    It''s our turn to y against two boys and a girl. This should be fun. The girl passed to me, I passed back, passed to me and the game begins. One of the guys came at me but I spun around with ball, dribbling away.

    Alec waves his hands and I pass. I make my way around the court as Kyle is in the other side. Alec dribbled then shoots making it in the hoop.

    -

    After gym I make my way to math. I hate math even though I do a pretty good job at it.

    The teacher walked in ready to start the lesson.

    -

    "I''m trying out for the basketball team," I say with confidence.

    Everyone cheered me on and have high hopes for me. "You''ll do good," Lennix said.

    My crush.

    If only he knew.

    Luckily, I can control my blush so it doesn''t look too obvious. I just hope one day we''ll be together. I''m still notfortable to say that I''m gay to the others.

    I guess not ready.

    But one day, I will be ready.

 Chapter twenty one

    Sarah''s POV

    Only three more weeks until Christmas Break. Which means only three more weeks until I see my mom. It''s the end of November and the snow sprinkled around the town.

    I''m with my dad at the warehouse practicing. He''s been teaching me new tactics on how to use a weapon, or weapons. I did, however been getting better throwing a stake at a dummy in its chest.

    My father says I don''t have to impale in the heart, just anywhere.

    They do rmend the heart and head to kill but anywhere is fine. As long as I stab them and they die, it''s all good.

    All this matters is if I live.

    "Okay, that''s enough for today."

    We left the warehouse. "When I get home I''ll order pizza tonight."

    "Okay."

    "What kind?"

    "I don''t care, I like any kind."

    "Okay." Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    We got home as I went to grab myptop. Dad went on his phone immediately to order us a pizza. "How about a Brooklyn?"

    "Sounds good."

    "Okay, that''s perfect. I''ll get it."

    He mumbled something which I couldn''t hear. I logged into my emails to see if anyone emailed me while I was away.

    One email does catch my eye.

    An email from the de Ramose.

    I open since my curiosity got the better of me. It''s a very short email.

    Hey, what''s happening? I''m bored and need someone to talk to and your the one I have on my emails.

    Just got back from training. Don''t you have Keir or your vamp members at your home to entertain you?

    I sent my message waiting for his reply. I refreshed it and he answered right away. I swear he just sits on hisputer waiting for me to reply.

    Yes but they can''t entertain me. I''m sick and they can''te near me without getting it. So I''m bored as fuck and need someone to talk to.

    He''s sick? Never new vamps can get sick.

    Your sick? What are you sick with?

    I went to the fridge to grab some Ice Tea for my dry throat. I sat at the table bringing myptop.

    Hepatitis.

    Speak English.

    I am speaking English. It''s just a sickness for vampires. I''ll be fine soon.

    I never knew this existed. Luckily I don''t get it.

    I don''t usually say this but, aww poor you. Is that why you only showed up to school once to get your work and never came back?

    Yes.

    Well that exins a lot.

    People at school are saying you and Keir got suspended for two weeks until he came back this week. But he didn''t say anything about you. So we just assumed you''ve got a longer suspension.

    No, he only got the rest of the week off the went back. I only got two detentions but haven''t been there to go to them now have I?

    I actuallyughed at thest part. Never knew he was so funny. "Hey, I''m going out to pick up the pizza."

    "Ok dad."

    I heard the door shut.

    So what are you doing now?

    Laying in bed.

    You have a bed?

    Well yeah. In those myths where we sleep in coffins you hear aren''t true. We like toy down and rx, but we don''t sleep in them.

    I know you don''t sleep.

    What''s happening with you?

    I took a sec to drink my Ice Tea before typing away.

    Emailing you while waiting for my dad to get the pizza.

    Cool.

    Cool. That''s all he put. No other answer but ''great.''

    Tell me something. I''m bored, that''s why I emailed you.

    Tell him something? What would I tell him? I wrote down something, the first thing that came into my head.

    Marie''s a bitch!

    I chuckled. I''m curious what he''ll have to say.

    I know, she gets on everyone''s nerves. I was waiting for the principle outside the office after the fight and she came up to me and said, and I quote, ''I hope they expel you and your vamp friends.''

    I legit could hear her annoying squeaky voice. Honesty, that''s something she would say.

    Really? I could hear her squeaky voice while reading it. Plus it''s something she would say.

    I know right. She did say that to me and right then and there, I wanted to murder her.

    For once I agree with you. I''d pick you guys over her.

    I know, everyone does. Even her friends came up to us one day and said they''d rather be around us then with her. Of course they did that when she''s gone.

    Really? If her friends say that, then that says a lot.

    My Dad finally walked in with the pizza. "Thanks dad."

    He set it on the table and I got out two tes. I got my slices then went back to emailing Ramose. The pizza that I have is a double pepperoni with green peppers and mushrooms. It''s very tasty.

    "Your wee honey. You deserve it after the hard work in training."

    He left into the living and room and switched on the tv. I closed myptop, ce the te on top with my drink in the other hand and waltzed to my room. Closing the door. I sat on the window bench and opened up myptop. I set my drink on the window sill and started reading the email.

    It does. So tell me, how''s your training going?

    It''s going okay I guess. I still suck at it and if I go out now to fight, I''d probably die, both literally and figuratively.

    I took a bite of my pizza.

    Hahaha! You must be that awful then.

    I am, as a matter of fact. But I''m still a beginner so it only makes sense.

    True. It''s like first developing into a vampire. You''ll have to get used to the fangs, the thirst and the powers. With a lot of practice, you''ll get better.

    Yeah. And that''s what I''m hoping. Soon though I''ll get better.

    Are you doing this on your own free will or forced?

    Well . . . Both. I am forced to be a hunter and soon when I''m a professional, he''ll retire and I take over. I only want to do it for protection. In case if I''m ever in the same situation as in the Chase.

    I get ya. You were lucky that someone else was there to save yeah or you would''ve been dinner.

    Ya. I just don''t want it to happen again, but also not hurt the vamps unless if they attack me. Although I''m terrified something might happen and they''ll bite me, I still think of them as people too.

    That''s good. It''s hard for us since people don''t ept us. Ipletely get it but it does hurt that we don''t get epted. So we kept moving ces until we found Cooperstown. Although people do fear us, we still feel like we kind of belong as long as we have our essories on. It''s dangerous for us and you guys if we live in the town, so we built the house we live in now.

    Wow, that''s interesting. I just learnt some vampire history.

    Kind of. To keep us safe, our old ancestor, not rted, made these essories so we can be around people without harming them. From what I heard, there''s this machine that keeps these activated at all times, except on our property.

    Is that why once human step on your property we''re not safe?

    Yeah, basically.

    My eyes widen at this. So when they''re essories aren''t activated on their property, it means we''re in mortal danger.

    What happens if something happens to the machine?

    I don''t know. I wasn''t even a vamp then. I was still human. I do believe the essories get deactivated and we go haywire. Which means we''re our selves and crave human blood all we want without getting shocked. But I''m not positive.

    You were only human then? How long ago was it?

    Well, I''m 102 and this was six years before I became one. So I would''ve been 11 at the time, since I was turn when I was seventeen. Raul was one at the time, actually, he''s almost 200 and still looks good.

    I cracked at that.

    Interesting.

    Yeah, we never mention it ''cause no one really asks us. They''re too busy being scared to really ask. So we never tell anyone.

    Is it supposed to be a secret?

    No. We can tell anyone just no one really bothers so we don''t say anything. But Raul found it when I was eleven. It''s been there longer than that. Probably way before I was born.

    Wow, that''s long.

    Yeah.

    Now I know the history behind those things.

    It''s really interesting if you think about it. But that''s all I know.

    It does sound interesting. Though this will be only a rare time I''ll be nice and not scared. I still don''t trust you enough. It''s not like in the movies where people talk nicely once and they be friends.

    That''s okay, Ipletely get it. I''m not expecting you to like me after this. I''m just so damn bored that I don''t know what to do.

    At this point, I''m done both my slices and drink.

    Anyways, I better go and get my rest.

    Hope you feel better. Even a vampire shouldn''t go through that.

    Thanks.

 Chapter twenty two

    Sarah''s POV

    The past three weeks have been stressful. I''ve had assignments due, some tests from my first semester, which meant heavy studying. And since tomorrow is the Christmas Break, I couldn''t wait to escape the town for a week and see my mom.

    It felt forever since I''ve seen her. I''ve told my friends that I''ll be away for the week but I''ll still be able to talk to them over the phone.

    I''ve been so excited that for the past week, I couldn''t sleep, and not just because of the tests.

    Tonight my mom is picking me and I''m scurrying around my room packing everything I might need. My clothes, toiletries and some extra, like my brush, a book for night. My charger for my phone.

    Anything that''ll entertain me while I''m there I case I''m alone or something.

    After packing, I bring my things downstairs and set them by the door. I''m all ready to go.

    "Already kiddo?"

    "Yep."

    "I''m gonna miss you. Remember to have fun."

    "I will dad."

    "Okay good. Your mother should be here soon."

    I sat in the living room waiting for the knock or sound of the doorbell. It felt like an eternity until I heard that doorbell go. I bolt from my seat and scurried to the door.

    "Mom!"

    "Hey sweetie."

    She pulled me into an embrace. Her pointy nose pushing against my head in the side and her fluffy curly golden locks tickled my face.

    "How have you been?"

    "I''m doing great, just have been busy with school and all."

    "That''s good. Hey I hope you haven''t eaten, have you?"

    "Nope." I popped the ''p.''

    "Okay good. I''m going to take you out for dinner, your choice."

    "Really?" My face blew up in excitement. My dad walks in. "Ready to go?"

    "Yes."

    "Have fun."

    He waved goodbye not even acknowledging mom. Strange.

    I grab my suitcase and leave with mom our to dinner.

    "So hun, where do you want to go?"

    "Spice symphony."

    I haven''t been to New York City but have been doing some online researching of restaurants I would like to try when I''m old enough. Spice Symphony looks to have delicious food.

    From pictures online, I''d love to try their food. Now that I''m actually doing this, my dream ising true. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Alright, so this is the n. We''ll go to dinner, take our time and catch up. Then we''ll make our way back to my apartment and you can get settled in while meeting my roommate. We have an extra room where you''ll be sleeping in, but you''ll be sharing since Jill''s cousin ising for the holidays as well."

    "Oh, so I won''t be alone then."

    "Nope, she''s also your age too."

    Wow, I''m going to have a great break.

    We made it to the restaurant.

    "Hello, wee to Spice Symphony, how many for a table?" Her shiny, soft blood red hair tied tightly in a mid ponytail with little curls at the bottom. Her long sleeve white blouse tucked in her her knee high ck skirt.

    "Two."

    The woman lead us to a table. She handed us our menus as we thank her. I nce over the menus.

    Our waitress came.

    "Hello, I''m Mia and I''ll be your waiter. What can I start you off for drinks?"

    "I''ll just have a water, please." I say.

    "I''ll have a Diet Coke, please."

    "Okay, are you ready to take your orders or would you like a little more?"

    "Uh. . ." Mom nces at me and I shook my head needing for more time.

    "We''ll have a little more time."

    "Okay."

    She left getting our drinks. I finally found something I''ll like.

    Mia came back with our drinks then we order. Once she disappeared from view, my mom started talking.

    "So what''s new with you?"

    "Ehh, nothing much other then I''m already training."

    "Really, hows that going for you?"

    "I mean . . . I''m not bad at it yet I''m not great. I''ve just been practicing throwing stakes in the dummy and practicing some skills."

    "What kind of skills?"

    "Running from a vamp, hiding my scent."

    "How long have you been practicing for?"

    "The day you left was my first one."

    "Oh, so you''ve been at it for a while."

    "Yeah."

    I took a sip of my water. "How''s your friends doing?"

    "Doing great, but Lauren might be leaving soon. She''s moving away to Seattle."

    "Aww, that''s too bad. When''s she moving?"

    I told her the full story of when she was supposed to move and now who knows when. We talked all evening when our food came. Let me tell you it''s delicious. My dream is finallying true.

    We spent the whole evening catching up when it''s time to go.

    Mom payed for the check and we sat off to her apartment. It took around half an hour to get to her apartment and by the time we got there, it''s almost ten.

    She parked in her parking spot as I gazed up to the building. It''s tall with what looks to be with fifteen floors. The building is made out of stone. We enter the building as I pull my suitcase. The lobby has flourished spruce wood flooring with light brown walls to go with it.

    The desk is also made out of the same wood but smoother. The doorman sat behind the counter clicking away at hisputer. The dim lights also have that rich eerie affect. The little ss chandelier in the middle of the room hung up giving away light.

    My mom pressed the elevator to go up. The ding sound came and the doors open. Fainted elevator music yed as we got in. A whole elevator to our selves. Noticing my mom pressing the number twelve. So she''s got the twelfth floor. It was silent on the way up. I notice for the first time all night that she''s checking her phone.

    The elevator doors open once we made it. The long hallway of doors with their numbers on the door. The walls painted a creamy brown and the dark grey carpet. As we pass the each door, I admire the dark oak colour.

    We stopped at a door which read the 1209.

    "You ready?"

    I nod and she unlocked the door opening it. I couldn''t exin how beautiful the room looks. The design is amazing.

    The kitchen to the right sat with it''s white design. As soon as we enter, its like your walking into it.

    "We''re back!" Mom called. A woman, looks to be in her early thirtieste twenties, peeked over the couch she''s sitting on. Her shoulder length brte hair draped over her shoulders a bit.

    Her twinkle green eyes sparkled in the light that illuminated in the room.

    "Hello. You must be Sarah. I''ve heard so much about you. I''m Jill."

    "Hey Jill. Nice to meet you."

    "Nice to meet you too." We shook hands. "Hey imma get my cousin, she''s just setting up her area in the room, if you like toe with me I''ll show you where you''ll be sleeping."

    I followed Jill through the apartment. There are four doors, one for moms room, the other for Jill, the guest room I''m assuming, and the bathroom.

    Jill knocked then opened the door a smidge, just to poke her head in. "She''s here."

    Jill moves out of the way and allow me to walk in. I mumbled a thanks and when I went inside the room. I couldn''t believe who my little roomie is.

 Chapter twenty three

    Sarah''s POV

    "Marie ire?"

    "Your my roomie?" She points at me with disgust.

    "Oh so you two already know each other. That''s perfect! I''ll let you guys get settle in. Carol and I will be in the living room if you need anything."

    Jill closed the door leaving both of us alone. There''s no way I''m going to live with her in the one week.

    "I have some rules to set. One don''t ever bother me. Two don''t ever talk to me unless if necessary. I mean don''t talk to me unless we are around the adults. Three don''t stare at me, and four, respect my things."

    Great.

    This will be a lot of fun with this bitch around.

    -

    I finally finish setting up my section of the room. Apparently, she gets the bed and I get the mattress, which is fine by me. The thing is is she didn''t even ask me what I want. She took the bed with no hesitation.

    It''s around midnight and I can''t seem to sleep. Marie is sleeping with her purple sleep mask on, sleeping soundlessly. I tossed and turned still can''t find the right spot.

    Since I''m wide awake, I grabbed my phone, went into emails and email Ramose.

    <b>Hey I know it''ste at night but please HELP ME!</b>

    Iid back hoping he''ll respond. I''m so bored and wide awake. I''ve got nothing else to do.

    Refreshing it, a fresh email came from him! I smiled a little one. It''s so little that if you blink you''ll miss it.

    <b>Whatcha need?</b>

    For one thing I''m up and bored, I can''t fall asleep. Second, so I''m at my mom''s for the first part of the break and she''s got a roomie. So of course her cousin will being along and guess who it is?

    <b>Have fun at your moms and who?</b>

    <b>Marie ire.</b>

    <b>The Marie ir? As in the bitch at school?</b>

    <b>Ding, ding, ding! You earn five hundred points! </b>

    I bit my bottoms lip to stifle augh that''s building up.

    <b>Damn! Good luck to you. What did she do?</b>

    <b>Okay so there''s a bed and a mattress. Guess who has the bed and mattress, is your thinking me you are colorectal again. I don''t mind it really as long as I''m on somethingfy. She decides to take the bed without asking me what I want, then she sets these stupid rules!</b>

    I rant to Ramose.

    <b>Well that''s the bitch we know. So I''m not surprised.</b>

    <b>Yeah. Anyways, how are you feeling?</b>

    <b>I''m better. I''m starting to drink little sips of blood at a time. Once the break is over, I''ll be going back to school and have everyone be scared of me again, which is quite entertaining and amusing. </b>

    <b>Huh, to you I bet it does.</b>

    <b>Yep.</b>

    My eyes stared getting droopy.

    <b>Hey thanks for the entertainment. I''m getting tired and pray this will end well.</b>

    <b>Goodnight and I do. I have so many prayers. </b>

    I turned off my phone and fall right asleep. Which is past one in the morning.

    -

    I woke up to a smell of bacon and eggs. I pry my eyes open forcefully. It took me a while as I stretched out and yawned. Slowly getting up, I took my brush, tooth brush and paste with me to the bathroom.

    After doing my business, I came into the main room where they''re eating at the table.

    "Morning Sarah," my mom weed.

    "Morning."

    I sat next to my mom. "There''s some for you on the stove," Jill offered.

    "Thanks."

    I grabbed a te off the counter and dishes myself some breakfast.

    "So what''s the n today?" Marie asks.

    God I can''t stand her.

    "Oh yeah. So we are nning to go ice skating today at the rink," mom said.

    Yes! I love skating.

    "Awesome, I reply.

    Just hope Marie won''t ruin it. I nce over at her and her face looks disappointed but she acted happy. She always says she''s better at everything than everyone. So this will definitely beat her.

    I''m excellent at skating that I''ve entered figure skating a few years ago. My outstanding performance got me to the finals one year. During the performance, I fell badly and rolled my ankle.

    Since then, I haven''t been able to figure skate. Only a few times after I''ve skated but haven''t in a while.

    "Sarah loves skating. She used topete until she hurt her foot."

    "Aww, that''s too bad," Jill said, almost pouting.

    "It is but I''ve skated a few times afterwards, but because of school and such, I haven''t skated in a while."

    "Well, here''s your chance."

    Once we cleaned up our dishes, we got ready to go and left. We got in Jill''s car. Mom and her sat in the front while we girls sat in the back. The traffic is very busy.

    It took almost two hours to get to the rink. While in the car waiting for the traffic to go, Marie and I sat in silence. We wouldn''t dare speed a word to each other, let alone nce each other''s ways.

    The adults are chatting away in the front as they wouldn''t acknowledge us. In the meanwhile, I texted on our group chat of the terror of how I''m with Marie. They all pray for me as well, which I appreciate.

    When we got there, we went to the rental stand. The adults paid for themselves and each of us. We took our skates and went to the bench that we im.

    Setting our things down, I put the skates on ready to skate after a few years of a break. It took a bit for the three to get their skates on.

    "Alright, let''s get skating!" Jill excitingly said.

    We carefully walked to the rink stepping on. A lot of them circled around counter-clockwise. I started going with the flow as it came naturally for me. I nce around to see parents holding their children''s hands, couples holding while skating together, and the rest just doing their own thing. ncing behind me, the three are slowly catching up. T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "You go on ahead darling." I nod as I pass a couple people. This felt rxing. My thoughts being pushed away and it''s just me and my nk mind.

    I smiled to myself as I glide with freedom. They''re at the first corner when I''m almost done my firstp.

 Chapter twenty four

    des POV

    I felt way better than I did before. My stomach doesn''t hurt anymore, I don''t feel weak either. I''d stayed in my room the whole time, quarantine myself from the others.

    I finally make myself get out with Dawn I didn''t of me. I still have it but not as bad and won''t be able to spread. As soon as I came to the living room, Sapphire came running to me.

    I crouch to her level to embrace her in a bear hug.

    "How''re you feeling, de?" Raul asks.

    "Better."

    "That''s good," Victoria said with a smile painted on her face.

    I sit down with Sapphire on myp. "He is better, although he does still have it, it''s not serious so none of us should get it," Dawn eximed.

    "Anything I miss?"

    "Not really, other than Vts came over to see what we did with their buddy," Corbin replied.

    "What''d you say?"

    "Raul said he sent him off the hunters. They put the puzzle together and they''re we''re ticked off."

    "I bet."

    "So now we have a feeling that there''s going to be war but don''t know really who''s fighting," Amber replies.

    "Do you know when?"

    They shook their heads. Of course not. That''s just great. "So how''ll we know when it''s time?"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Amber, Dawn, Keir, and Nevada shrugged. This so not what I was hoping when I got out. Not only do I have to worry about school, I now have to worry about the Vts and war. We also have to be on guard at all times.

    Sapphire noticed me tense so she gave me a good Ol'' hug. It helps me keep calm. I hug her back giving me an assuring smile. It always help me keep cool.

    -

    School came around as fast as lightning. Everyone gave me strange looks of how I''m back. It doesn''t bother me since I get these looks all the time.

    I minded my own business as usual. Making my way to Social, I bump into someone. Or rather that bitch Marie.

    "Oh your back." She shot a disgusted look towards me. I didn''t give a damn and kept going.

    "Don''t walk away from me de!"

    I stopped in my tracks. Since when did she started using first name basis for me. Everyone, and I mean everyone calls me Ramose except for my friends and at the house.

    Everyone stopped and stared at us. What a great way to start the first day back.

    "What do you want Marie?" I made sure venom entered my tone.

    "Why are you back here?"

    "Because I go here."

    "You were gone for a month, and then you decided to show up like nothing happened? Nu-uh. You should have been expelled along with your friends."

    "Well, I don''t really give a damn right now."

    I''m in no mood to deal with her. I just want to get to ss and mind my own business. Not create drama. Where are the teachers when you need them?

    "Well you should. I''m going to make sure you get expelled along with your friends. There should be no ce for you disgusting monsters in this town!"

    Did she just say that?!

    Did she say what I think she said?!

    Feeling my fangs appear and my eyes turn red as I changed. I felt furious that she called my species disgusting monsters. Before I leapt at her, I felt strong arms wrap around my own holding me back.

    I nce over to see Keir holding me back. "Don''t." He mumbled so quietly only I could hear. "We have other things to worry about."

    I take one look at Marie before turning and heading to ss. Everyone then left to ss as well. He''s right, though. We have a lot to worry about and Marie isn''t one of them.

    The four of us, Talon, Frey, Keir and I, sat at the back where we usually sit. As normal, everyone tries to scoot away from us as possible.

    Only seat left is beside me and the one and only Sarah Harper walks in. Scanning the room for the empty seats, she sighed and came to sit by me. I didn''t want to bother her but my stupid self did.

    "So Harper, how''s your break from you know who?"

    She took one nce at me before answering, "awful. Not only did she have to boss me around like she owns the ce, she even insulted my mother!"

    "Really?"

    "Yeah. Of course she''s all sweet when she''s around but the second my moms gone, her act disappears and starts insulting her."

    "That''s got to be hard."

    "It is!"

    I chuckled lightly. Mr. Brotherton walked in and gave us our study sheets. He went over the sheet while exining what''ll be on the mid term tests.

    I dread these terms.

    Keir and I are quizzing each other when the bell rings. We pack our things and leave. I head to my English ss.

    Apart from this morning, my day is going well. I sit at the back of the ss getting ready to start an essay that Keir has mentioned, even though he''s not in my ss. He went to my teacher and ask of what we will be doing and what I could have done during the break.

    He told me I didn''t have to do anything during the break but have to be prepare for the essay.

    I got my pen and a piece of paper. As soon as she walked in, she got right to it.

    "Okay, settle down, thank you. We are starting a new essay today and you''ll have three days to do it. Your topic is, why should vamps be aloud to stay in town, or why they should leave."

    Of course, single me out. I clench my jaw a bit but went straight to it.

    My reason is to stay in this town. I have many reasons to stay in this town. First off, we don''t harm since we''ve got the essories and we will get them if theye on ournd, that''s their problem not ours. Second, we are still humans too whether we''re living or the living dead.

    Lastly, we have every right to be here as they are. Why single us out even though we feast on blood? Yes we take the people''s blood but theye on ournd. That''s literally saying a ck person can''t go somewhere, or they have no right to be there.

    Why they got to be so racist?

    As the vampire race, we control ourselves on don''t harm others unless if theye to our territory which we can''t me. If they decide to risk it, that''s their problem. They know what could happen once they step on ournd.

    Although I do find it unfair, this is reality so there''s nothing much I can do about it.

    If only people wouldn''t be so scared of us and actually take the time to get to know us.

    If only.

 Chapter twenty five

    Sarah''s POV

    "Your moving tomorrow?" Kathrine asked shockingly.

    "Yes. The house is sold and my parents found a perfect little house down in Seattle," Lauren eximed.

    Tears prickled my eyes. I can''t believe she''s moving tomorrow.

    "It hasn''t even been a week since the break and your already moving ?" I ask.

    "Yeah, sadly."

    "That''s too bad, never thought this day woulde," Lennix replies with a emotionless expression.

    True.

    "When are you leaving tomorrow?" Sabe asks, gloomy ncing at her.

    "First thing in the morning, which means I won''t be able to see you guys."

    "I''m gonna miss you," I say hugging her. She''s leaving right after this little goodbye meeting to pack up thest things.

    "I''m gonna miss you too. All of you." Her voice cracked as tears rolled down her beautiful face. Running her hands through her red hair, she hugged each and every one of them saying her goodbyes and how she''ll miss them.

    I myself have tears free falling down my face. Before we knew it, she left for home.

    Sabe drove us home as we talked of how we will miss Lauren. A sweet, quiet girl we all love. You know, that one friend who''s shy and quiet yet still sweet and caring to others.

    Now that friend is gone.

    When I got home, I went straight to my room and started bawling my eyes out since I''ll never see my friend again. Luckily my dad''s out so I''m all alone for a while.

    Of course we could still chat on the group chat that we created over the break, but it just wouldn''t be the same.

    After my little meltdown I cleaned myself up. Sshing cold water on my face to wash away the salty tears. I then use a face cloth to wipe my face to make sure the salty tears are gone.

    Heading out, I stop into the kitchen to make myself some spaghetti, making some extra in the process for dad.

    Turning on my music in the background for some noise so it''s notplete silence.

    Heating some sauce in the microwave. Getting my dinner ready, the doorbell rings. Setting it aside, I speed walk to the door. Opening it revealing someone I don''t know.

    His light brown hair pulled back into a small man bun in the back, ck khakis and a white dress shirt tucked in the khakis.

    "Hey, can I help you?"

    He looks very pale. My hunch says he''s a vampire. On the wall behind the door is garlic spray, I open the door wider as I reach for the bottle slightly to not let him know what I''m doing.

    "Are you Sarah Harper?"

    "Yes?"

    "I heard that you are bing a vampire hunter. Is that true?"

    "No, that''s not true. I don''t know where you''re getting that information from," I lied. I didn''t trust this guy enough to tell him I am indeed, a vampire hunter. Since this town is small, he probably knows I''m lying. Word can get around pretty fast.

    "I''m pretty sure you are."

    I catch a glimpse at his fangs as he smiled a sly one. Before I could react, he grasped me arm and threw me against the wall. I hit my head hard enough, a bit of blood leaked out.

    He mmed the door and ce his hands beside my head so I''m trapped between him. Spotting the blood, he pressed two fingers against the bleeding spot.

    Admiring his work he licked his fingers.

    "You have delicious blood. It would taste better in my stomach."

    His mouthes inches from my neck when I grasp the spray and defended myself. Spraying his eyes I book it out of the house down the street. I screamed for help. I almost slipped on the ice on the street.

    I nce back.

    He''s not behind me. I stopped when a neighbour came out.

    "What''s wrong honey?"

    "A . . . Vampire tried . . . To bite me." I took breaths as I exin my situation. I''m training to be a vampire hunter but still not a professional yet. So I''m still not sure what to do weaponless.

    My neighbour nced behind me for a second and screamed. I nce back and there he is. His eyes sealed shut but can still sense us.

    He ran to the woman and bit her. I ran as fast as I could into the forest.

    Couldn''t this day get any worse!

    Trying my best to get away, I turn left I got he forest and ran as fast as I could. I got myself lost but I''d rather get lost in the forest than have that vamp around me.

    As soon as I''m deep enough in the forest, I stop to take my breath, leaning against a tree.

    I couldn''t believe that a vampire whom I don''t know, would bite someone in front of me, and in the town in public where people could see.

    Once my breath caught up to me, I started walking deeper into the forest. I didn''t have my phone on me since I left it back at the house. Not only am I lost, but I don''t have a phone. So there''s no way for me to contact anyone.

    My shoes crunched in the snow as I stroke my arms for warmth. I only have my sweater and jeans on, plus it''s the evening so it''s dark and freezing.

    "Hey there, I was looking for you."

    I twirl around to see that same vamp from earlier.

    "What d-do you want f-from m-me?" My teeth chattered from the coldness. A gust of wind blew our way.

    "Your blood."

    He leapt at me and soon he''s on top of me. I screamed.

    This is it, this is how I was going to die. In the forest I''m scared of and from a vampire.

    "Step away from my daughter!"

    "Yo Vt, step away from her!"

    Two familiars voices echoed through the forest. One of them I recognize them as my dad. The other voice sounded familiar but I can''t put my tongue on it.

    The Vt guy looked up from me. I could tell he hated them. "What are you doing on ournd?" A woman''s voice spoke. I couldn''t move from the shock.

    One minute, this guys onto of me, the next he''s on the with a bullet whole through his leg. His eerie, raspyugh filled the forest as I scramble to my feet. I back towards my father and the rest.

    I felt strong arms wrap around me making sure I''m secure and safe. I look up to my father and curl into the unzipped jacket. I never notice how numb I was in the ears and hands until the warmth pped me.

    "What the hell are you doing on our territory Vt?" Another guy asks the question again, this time more sternly.

    "You know what happens when you trespass on ournd."

    Heughed again.

    "You think I''m stupid? I''m being prepared for when the timees."

    "What do you mean, ''when the timees''?" My father asks.

    "Oh, you''ll see."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    At that he ran off. "Take Sarah back to your ce, we''re catching him."

    My father handed me over. "de, take her back. Make sure she''sfortable and warm. Victoria and I are off to catch him with the hunters."

    I pulled my hood over my head as de held out his arm for me to walk into. He wrap his arm around my shoulder and guided me to their home.

    It''s silent between us. The wind howled in the night sky, the snow crunched beneath us. At some point, my legs gave out since I''m so cold, and who knows what time it is at night. I fell but he caught me. Somehow, he positioned me then lifted me up.

    de''s now carrying me bridal style. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I nuzzled my face into his neck. I''m shivering and my teeth are chattering.

    "Are . . . Are w-we a-almost there?"

    "Almost."

    Ramose somehow managed to pull me in closer to him. On normal circumstances, I would hate it, threaten him. But I''m letting this slide since I''m cold and wet fromying in the snow.

    It didn''t take long to get back. I felt a gust of hot air cover me and I appreciate it.

    "Nevada, grab a nket, Corbin start a fire in the living room," de ordered. I heard shuffling in the room but too cold to look up, let alone open my eyes.

    "What can I do de?" I hear Keir ask.

    "Grab a sweater from my room."

    I don''t know what''s happening but the next thing I felt was a warm, leather couch. I hear a small crackling sound in the background.

    "Here," I heard a soft, sweet voice.

    I felt a warm nket wrap around me.

    "Thanks." I barely made out.

    I snuggle in the nket trying to get warm. With the nket and the fire, I felt a bit better. Praying my eyes open, de, Keir, and two others who look like kids stood surrounding me. I recognize the two from thest time I was here.

    "Hey, I''m Nevada. We haven''t properly metst time since it was busy with a Vt." Her jet ck hair with the tips dyed red tied into a ponytail, her young face. She wore nk leggings, a purple tank top with a ck leather jacket, in the winter. She must be crazy.

    I''m cold just looking at her.

    "Hi," I mutter.

    "I''m Corbin." His round chubby face spoke, his light golden hair shine in the light. He wore an army green shirt and dark blue jeans. I nodded.

    Keir, who gave me a sweater, stood beside de who''s standing beside Nevada, who''s standing beside Corbin.

    "So tell us, what happened?" de''s the first to break the silence that lingered.

    "I was at home making my dinner when the bell rang. I opened it up and there he was. He questioned me who I was and if I''m bing a hunter." I took a minute to calm myself and warm my face before continuing.

    "I didn''t trust the guy so I lied and said no. Of course he didn''t believe me so I slowly grabbed the garlic spray that sat on the wall behind the door. I didn''t want him to notice so I open the door wider to get to it. He then came in and mmed the door. I got stuck between him and that''s when I sprayed him. I ran out of the house down the street, almost dying in the process from slipping on ice."

    I took another pause.

    "He then chased after me and bit on the neighbours who came out to see what''s happening. He bit her in public and I ran for my life. I guess instead of going back to my home, since he knew where I live. I came into the forest, which I don''t why cause I''m scared without protection. I thought I lost him when he came. He was on top of me, and I guess you know the rest."

    I finish my exnation.

    "Alright, put the sweater on. It''ll warm you up," de ordered. I did as I was told. I took off mine and put his on.

    I stayed on the couch until the adults got back, and when they did, I told them the whole story again. This time, without pausing.

 Chapter twenty six

    Sarah''s POV

    "Do you have any reason why the Vts are targeting you?" Raul, who introduced himself to me when he came back, questioned.

    I shook my head. "I don''t know why."

    "Did this just happen now, or . . ."

    "It''s all started at the Chase." He gave me a look of saying continue, so I did. I exined the situation again. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    The looks that I got from the hunters and my dad.

    They were all shocked that happened. de can even confirm it.

    "Well, we can''t do anything but keep and eye on the Vts. It''s weird since they only stay in their territory and neveres out," Raul said.

    "It''s strange how they decided toe out of hiding and target you dear," the woman said.

    "The name''s Victoria."

    "Hi. Sarah."

    We shook hands. I''m still cuddling in the couch in the warmth. I can finally feel myself again.

    Keir sat at the window sill, gazing out the snow falling and hearing the faint wind outside.

    "I don''t think you''ll be able to go through the snow storm, unless if you have a car."

    "We don''t, we walked in the forest with our gear finding strays. It was nice earlier and hoping we would get back in time," my father said.

    "Keir''s right. You''ll never get back safely," Nevada replies the first time since she''s introduced me. Two other woman came into the room. One had jet ck hair with short bangs, and a streak of neon purple.

    She wore a ck cardigan with a grey shirt and tight blue ripped jeans.

    The other woman has a light golden brown hair that''s curly. She wore a ck knee high skirt with a grey blouse.

    They both came into to living room. The curly hair girl waltzed over to Keir.

    "Keir''s right though, until the storm passed, you are dly to stay. Even for the night," Raul offered.

    My father agreed.

    In the meantime, the hunters and the adults went into the kitchen area to talk. It''s just us kids in the living room.

    "Well, Dawn and I are heading upstairs." Keir stood up with Dawn, I guess that''s her name.

    "Don''t stir up trouble," de said.

    Keir flipped him the finger as he smirk, walking away with Dawn.

    I snickered while the restughed.

    "So Sarah, what''s it like being the daughter of a hunter leader?" Nevada asks.

    "Well . . . It''s quite an experience. Living with a hunter means I know how to use the weapons, but using them is difficult."

    "Oh so it''s nice to kill a vamp, then?"

    "I''ve never killed any vamp before. I''m not experienced or ready."

    "Okay, so no harm done."

    I shook my head. "Alright, imma talk to some friends."

    "What kind of friends?" Corbin asks as he follows Nevada out.

    "Friends you don''t even know. And don''t need to know."

    "C''mon Nevada."

    Their voices fainted in the distance as they disappeared into the home.

    "Well, it''s just you and me, Harper."

    "I guess so."

    Silence lingered us. Since I''m all warmed up,

    I fold the nket and set it aside.

    "Aren''t you still cold?"

    I shook my head leaning on the couch. After today''s events, my eyes drooped a bit. I forced my eyes open seeing de smirking.

    "You''re tired."

    "No I''m not."

    "Yes. You. Are. I can tell."

    I gave up. "Okay, fine. You caught me. I am tired."

    He chuckled. I moved around trying to getfortable. I couldn''t getfortable for the dear life of me. Ramose chuckled again. He sat down beside me.

    I curl into a ball hurling into the corner of the couch.

    He spun himself so he''s facing me, crossing his left leg and hanging the other leg hanging off the couch.

    I stare into his cold, lifeless eyes. "What''s up?" I ask breaking the silence.

    "Nothing."

    Sleep lingered me. Just as my eyes were about to close, thest thing I saw was Ramose standing up. He took me into his arms.

    That''s thest thing I saw before darkness took over.

 Chapter twenty seven

    de''s POV

    Her eyes flickered shut, as I stood up and grabbed her. Carrying her to the kitchen the adults turned my way.

    "I''m taking her to my room to sleep. Just to let you know."

    "Alright, no funny business with my daughter. I''m keeping both eyes on you."

    "Don''t worry, I won''t do anything, I swear."

    He nodded when I left. Heading upstairs, I felt her arms circle my neck. I felt her nuzzle closer to my neck.

    I blushed for the first time in years. I kind of enjoyed this.

    I would be lying if I say I didn''t have a little, tiny, itty bitty crush on her.

    Okay fine, I have a massive crush on her and I can''t help it. I''ve had it for a while now but no one knows. I''m a great actor.

    I''ve always dreamed of having her in my arms and a few hours prior, my dream came true. Now I''m holding her for the second time.

    Sarah slept soundlessly in my cold, hard arms. I didn''t want this moment to end so I went slower. Corbin came out of His room gazing at me.

    "What?"

    "You got yourself a girlfriend." He wiggles his eye brows.

    "Shut up."

    "C''mon. I know you like her. I''m no idiot."

    "I''m no idiot either, I don''t like her."

    "Then why are you carrying her? You could have left her on the couch?"

    "You''re smart for your age."

    "So tell me, do you or do you not like her?"

    "You caught me, I do. But you can''t tell anyone, not even her. We''re suppose to be enemies."

    "You''ve got my word."

    "Thank you. I mean it. You tell anyone about it, imma kill you."

    "Okay, okay. I promise I won''t say a word. Just so I don''t die."

    "Thank you. Now if you excuse me, I''ve got to take her to bed."

    I left without him saying anything. I really don''t want her to know I like her in a way. I just don''t know if she likes me the same way.

    I made it to my room. Sadly, this has to end. Sighing, I open my door as quietly and careful as I can. Stepping into my room, Iy her on the bed, carefully bringing the nket up and over to her shoulders.

    I watch her curl into the nket bringing it closer to her. I know, I''m a creep. But she''s so peaceful when she sleeps. So calm.

    Gently cing my hand on her forehead, I rub my thumb in circles at her temple. Sarah curls further at my touch.

    A smile crept on my face.

    Sarah looks so adorable sleeping. I never thought I''d say that.

    Leaving her in my warm,fy bed, I head downstairs where the rest of them are.

    "How''s Sarah?" Her father asks.

    "Sleeping peacefully only bed."

    "Good."

    I grab a bottle from the fridge, lean against the counter and listen to what''s going on.

    "So if there''s war, we need to be prepared." One of the hunters said. An older looking guy that looks to be no older than mid fifties. His greying dry hair and his over weight.

    "If there''s war, no matter what happens, we will team up and stop it," Raul announces.

    I''m not surprised.

    A hunch is building up that the Vts will start it. I don''t know why. They''re always targeting Sarah for some odd reason. Of all people, Sarah. I wouldn''t mind if they go after Marie. I would be so happy.

    Everyone would be if she just left, even without a trace.

    I''m so cruel.

    I listened to the conversation being held in this kitchen not caring to answer. I listen intently with my mind going else where.

    Soon though, I couldn''t think. I couldn''t listen. So I told Amber who''s beside me that I''m going to get fresh air. She nodded and I left.

    I needed time to think. At this point I don''t care if it''s snowing. A blizzard won''t affect me.

    I pull my hood over my head and started walking down a path that I created. Blocking my eyes from the blowing snow, I kept walking.

    For some reason I can''t get Sarah out of my mind. I want her in my arms again cuddling me. Nuzzling her little, fragile head into my neck.

    Next, I want her to kiss me. Her sweet, soft lips against mine giving into a passionate kiss. Then I make my way down her fragile, delicious neck, trailing kisses.

    Hearing her moan aloud makes me go crazy. Trailing my hands down to her- BLADE, QUIT IT!

    She hates you and you''re supposed to hate her, snap out of it!

    I need to get the better of myself before my fantasies are take over. She doesn''t like me so I have to get over myself.

    She''ll never like me in that way, let alone like me as a friend.

    I sigh.

    A deep, long sigh.

    The snow smashed into my face as I continue to walk. Sarah deserves someone better who won''t put her life at risk. Someone who will treat her right, not that I don''t treat her well.

    Someone''s who''s not me.

    Once I figured the wind started picking up harder than before, I turned around and went back the way I came.

    The wind picked up so I pulled my hood further to cover my eyes from the rushing snow, blinding me as I picked up my pace.

    It took me a while to get back to the home. As the kes melted on my skin, I begin to burn. By the time I get home, my whole face and hands are covered in rashes. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    I went to the fire and warmed myself up. Before I knew it, the rashes disappear in seconds.

    "They''re asleep, all of them."

    I nce behind me seeing Victoria standing by the stairs.

    I nod my head and turn back to the fire. I must have been gone for awhile.

    "Something wrong, de?"

    I shook my head. Hearing her footstepse towards me, I stayed still moving an inch, whatsoever.

    "Somethings wrong, I can sense it."

    I take a side nce towards her before my eyes trail back to the crackling, dancing fire.

    "Is it love?"

    "What? N-no."

    "It is. I saw the way you looked at her."

    This caught me off guard. Burning my eyes into her she knows what I''m trying to imply.

    "You do. You love Sarah Harper, the daughter of the vampire hunter. Let me tell you something. Love . . . Love is something not everyone can understand. Love is crazy and can have many emotions. When people are in love, they do, say things that . . . That can trigger a part of the brain into believing that thing. When you find love, you''ll do anything to protect them."

    "If it''s true, then I am in love with Sarah, and I believe that it won''t happen. And that she deserves someone else, someone better, than me."

    "If that''s what you believe then go ahead. ine I fell in love with Raul, I couldn''t believe it. So I hid my feelings from him and never believed that we''d get together. But it did happen. So I''m saying is, is love can be so many things that you want it to be. If you believe in love, then you''ll know it''ll happen."

    And then, she left me to think of what she said. Sitting down on the couch, I stare into the fire like dear in headlights.

    She''s right though. I do love her. My feelings are starting to take over. If I believe it won''t happen, then it wont ever.

    All at once, the fire crackled in the night. I can hear fainted footsteps in the distance, thinking it''s one of the kids or others.

    Little did I know, it wasn''t.

    "de?"

    I hear a soft, familiar voice.

    "Yeah?"

    I don''t turn around since I know who it is. She didn''t answer but descended to me. I feel the seat dip beside me when I finally decide to look at her.

    Sarah''s eyes are tired looking, she looked half asleep. I can sense her shivering on coldness.

    "Why are the Vts after me?"

 Chapter twenty eight

    J. Vts POV

    He walked in the Winter blizzard. Of course it didn''t bother him since he''s vampire. The only thing that did is the snow smashing into his face.

    Vt walked along the path that is being buried in the snow. Luckily, he knew their side of the forest off by heart since he always chases strays into then Tandler Territory.

    He doesn''t understand how no one calls them their group name, only their given names.

    It bothers him how they''re so special and they don''t have to hide from anyone. The Vts have to.

    All because of their mistake.

    Long before Cooperstown even became a town, even a building was built, the forest was the Vtnd. The whole forest. Even before the Tandlers came.

    It was theirnd and they could hunt and go out whenever they want. No one says they couldn''t.

    They lived happily ever after.

    Until the Tandlers came. It was just Raul and one other one, Victoria.

    Of course they greeted them and weed them, but things took a dark turn real fast. A couple months after their arrival, one of the Vts went after them.

    When Raul and Victoria were out scouting for a ce to live, one of his members went after them and tried to kill them. It started as war.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    Some of the Vts hated them so they nearly tore them dead. Luckily, they got other vamps for somewhere and caught them.

    A lot of vamps died that night but Raul and Victoria survived and built their home where they live today.

    On the sidewalk, they split the forest so they each have a side. Not only did they be enemies then, when Cooperstown was being built and people started living there, the Vts got an advantage.

    At night they''d sneak into houses and feast. When people started noticing, they med the Tandlers. Their ancestors made this contraption thing where it''ll shock them when they crave human blood. It''s a genius idea and it''s still is.

    J. Vt''s d the towns folks believed that it''s the Tandlers. No one knew that the Vts existed.

    He smiled that all the me has been on them. So they got these essories so they could go into town. Since then, the Vts have stayed hidden until this particr girl came into view when she stood outside with a Tandler.

    It was a perfect opportunity to feast on her when another unknown vampire, even to the Tandlers, and interrupted his meal.

    Ever since, they''ve been watching this girl and she''s involved with them. It''s a perfect opportunity to break them down. It''s a genius n until those hunters had to show up.

    Still, him and the Vts want what they deserve. That is recognition.

    They want to be put into town, like he was earlier, and explore to get food. Since that war, all Vts are starving. Unlike the Tandlers, they don''t have stock of blood.

    He wants something that can affect their identity. Something that can almost scar them.

    As J walks through the snowy forest, he stumbled across an old shack in the middle of the forest.

    What''s a shack doing in the middle of the forest?

    Not thinking of it, he went inside. His rashes on his face and hands are sore so starting up a fire in the old firece will help him cool down before going again.

    In the inside, it''s old, the wood is rotting away having some holes in the walls and ceiling, which led the cold wind seek through.

    Entering a small kitchen area the rusty steel of the sink, cupboard doors rotting off. One swing open and there goes the door. The windows are boarded up with wood nks. The floor creaked with each step, big or small. No dining table but ripped up and moldy couches.

    J. Vt walked into the small living room gazing at the old, broken that''s missing some brick pieces fire ce. His rashes are getting sore by the minute. Wandering around the rickety shack, he found a door leading to the basement. As he opens the door, on the left side of the wall is matches hanging on a nail.

    Taking the matches, he went downstairs into the basement, finding stacks of news paper sitting out on a table.

    Taking a few pieces, J went upstairs to start a fire.

    Warming with the crackling sound in the background, his rashes almost went away immediately. Of course being a vampire, he can heal fast.

    Taking an adventure in the shack with a bit of light keep, he ventured downstairs. It seems off that a basement is in a shack. It seems pretty big. Taking a stick and lighting the tip with fire, he ventured around the whole basement. It extended to the far end and it seems to go ok for a while.

    Observing the old furniture and other useless stuff, he came across another door. As he open it the door creaked like in the movies.

    In the small room is a little machine type. It''s shaped like a wooden crate with buttons and levers on the little t table in front. Aputer screen sat on the front of the crate like thing. All the colour faded away into silver rust.

    It looks to be here for decades. Maybe even centuries. Getting a better look at it, J realizes it''s not just an ordinary machine, but something else that he can''t put his tongue on.

    Scanning the buttons and levers, he presses the ''on'' button. The ck screen lights up illuminating the room.

    "Password." It says.

    "Great. Just fucking great," he says under his breath.

    Here he goes.

    -

    Trying all the passwords he can think of, it must have taken him over two hours trying to unlock it. J won''t stop until this thing unlocks and he gets in.

    One word came to mind and he tried it. ''Tandler.''

    "ess granted," theputer speaks.

    "Perfect," he speaks.

    Snooping through although there wasn''t much. J found a page for deactivation. Smiling to himself, he pressed on it hoping something usefules up.

    "Deactivate essories."

    This is perfect. Chuckling to himself, he pressed the deactivate button. This is the machine for the essories. "Deactivation in twenty eight days," theputer spoke.

    "Watch out Tandlers. You''ll never know what hits ya."

 Chapter twenty nine

    de''s POV

    "Why are the Vts targeting me?" She asked again when I didn''t answer the first time.

    To be honest, I don''t know. I don''t know why they''re targeting her and only her. I shrugged my shoulders for her answer.

    "I don''t know why."

    She sighs dripping her head so she''s looking at her legs.

    "I feel targeted. Like . . . Almost everything bad has to happen to me."

    I don''t know how to respond. These are questions I want answers to too. "I''m with you, I want answers too. Just as much as you want them."

    Sarah brought her knees into a hug. Silence roams the living room. The fire cackled.

    Raul came into the room looking depressed.

    "What''s with the depressed face?"

    "Nothing. I just can''t get why the Vts are after us again."

    "What do you mean ''again''?"

    He shook his head. "Never mind."

    "No, Raul. Tell me, us. Harper''s wondering why she''s being targeted."

    He simply nces at Sarah before slowly moving his gaze over to me. I can sense Sarah''s fear of him. "Fine. I think it''s time you know why the Vts are always after us."

    He digs before answering. I told him to wait a sec.

    "Want anything, Harper?"

    "No thanks."

    I left to the kitchen for blood then hurrying back.

    Once I sat down, he began his story.

    "Two hundred years ago, before I was a vampire, there''s these guys. I was still human at the time so you''ve got to think, I had no idea what to do. Now, these guys . . . They''re your typical druggies and such. Little did I know they''re vampires disguising as druggies.

    "So they''ll sell weed, marijuana, heroin, fentanyl and such. At that time, I was a drug addict. I went through a difficult divorce and a loss of my parents. So doing drugs got me away from reality.

    "So one night, I was out of drugs. So I went to a dark alley to get my usual weed. I had money to get a couple bags. I met some drug sellers in a dark alley. Imagine a very dark alley in an almost abandoned ce, and no one can hear you. It''s very deep inside so it''s hard for anyone to find them. "

    I took a sip of blood as Sarah listen intently to the story.

    "So I got my usual weed ready to pay when a woman came. Now at the time, I didn''t know who it was, so I thought it''s just another druggie, so I didn''t think of it at the time."

    " ''Hey mister, if you want more weed, we''ve got some more in the back. You can have it for free.'' One of them said. Not thinking at the time, I agreed to go with them. They lead to into an abandon part of the building.

    " ''It''s over here.'' He said. I followed him to a wall behind some crates. ''It''s not here," I said."

    He chuckled while shaking his head.

    "I''ve been so naive. I can remember it like it was yesterday. He led me into the corner to attack me. He pounced at me and hit me right int he neck, so cliche to bite someone.

    "At the time, no one believed in vampires so if you say you saw one, or got bitten by one, they''d think your crazy. Especially where I came from. There was a lot of druggies and drug dealers. If anyone said something like that, they''d automatically think you''d be having a lot of drugs.

    "After I got bitten, I hid in my home for a few years and never came out. How I survived was at the off time of night, I''d go feast on the strays of druggies. One night I went out for my nightly dinner when I met Victoria. She was walking with a guy that I knew he''s a vampire. How I could sense that . . . I don''t know. I followed them still keeping my distance.

    "When they turned into an alley way, I followed them around until I heard a piercing screaming. He''d bitten her. Now this alley way, it''s not deep or anything. People can hear her scream so I ran to her, but the vamp left. He''s gone. No sign of him.

    "While Victoria is changing into her vamp form, I picked her up and took her to my home. Once she changed and woke up, I exined the situation she''s in. I took care of her until the people figured out that vampires are a thing. They figured out quickly and the police started to hunt us down.

    "Victoria and I fled and searched all over the world for a ce to stay. But everywhere we go, they tried to kill us. Finally, we settled here, before the town came to be. Before it was discovered. Mind you, we spent around thirty years trying to find a ce to settle down.

    "We came across the Vts, and at the time, this whole forest was theirs until we came. At first, they weed us. It was nice. We stayed in their home until we found a ce, or so they said. We thought we got to stay, but soon enough, one of them hated us.

    "I don''t know the reason why, but one of them did. It''s not like we did anything wrong, or so we thought. That Vt trieding after us, getting rid of us for good."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    At this point, I''m almost out of blood. I take a nce over to Sarah who looks to be half asleep, yet invested in this story.

    "Victoria and I went for a midnight walk and little did we know, that Vt was following us and attacked us. We fled, but came back with an army. I contacted my drug dealers, who hit me, they came. Everyone that we both could get our hands on came to fight.

    "The big show down where a lot of vamps died that night. We became enemies since. The only reason I can think of is that we told them we wanted to move here to live, and that we wanted to have a cult of vampires just like them so we wouldn''t be bored.

    "They thought we might be starting war to get thisnd. So they made the first move. In the end, we got our half of the forest and they stayed on theirs. Not long after, I''d say a year, one of our ancestors, Reneal F. Jester. He made the essories and hidden the machine to deactivate it. I don''t know where he''s hidden it.

    "When the town has finally been built, people finally came and so did the vampire hunters. In the years I''ve lived here, so many vampire hunters have died from doing their job, or other reasons. Then, I''m assuming, the Vts went hay wire and feasted on the people. Of course they only knew about us so they med us. We tried to tell them that it wasn''t us, but they didn''t listen.

    "The hunters got involved and that''s when people got scared. We use our essories whenever we''re in town. The hunters kept an eye on us and killed us if we misbehave. Now Sarah, I don''t know why the Vts are targeting you. I don''t have the answers you''re looking for. I''m just going to say is be careful of your surroundings. Be careful who you open the door to when your alone.

    "I hear your a new hunter who''s in training. Be careful. Thest thing we need is for you to get hurt, or anyone else. Especially with this ''war'' thing happening."

    In the corner of my eye, I saw her nod.

    "That''s quite interesting," I reply after his long story.

    "Sure is. There''s still somethings that doesn''t make sense. What did we do to make the Vts despise us? Why are they after Mrs. Harper?"

    Those are really good questions.

    "Very interesting, but I''m going to head back up."

    We said our good nights and she left.

    It''s just us. The fire cackled until something the unexpected happen.

    Raul and I both haunch over when pain raced through us. It wasn''t the good pain.

    "What the hell just happened?" I ask when the pain stopped.

    "I don''t know."

 Chapter thirty

    Sarah''s POV

    ss is so boring. Instead of paying attention like I should have, I thought about what Raul said a couple days ago.

    The next day, we thanked the vamps and went home but I haven''t thought of what he said until now. How the Vts were nice to let them stay. How vampires are disguising themselves as drug dealers to lure druggies in to bite them.

    How a machine can control all the essories.

    How there was war between them and a lot of vamps lost their dead lives. I just wish that Raul has the answers I need. What can I do?

    I can''t keep asking and poof, he has the answer I''m looking for wishing that''s possible.

    Before I know it, the bell rings and we get up and left. I stuff my things in my locker, bringing my lunch to the cafeteria where I met my friends. I told the others yesterday of what happened to me the day before.

    Of course Sabe freaked out and started panicking, thinking that imma die and get bitten. Lennix was shocked but still worried, and Kathrine, she was shocked and asked questions.

    Today, it felt like any other normal, boring day at school.

    I sat down with the three still chatting about their morning. It still feels weird without Lauren here.

    "Yo, you''re just in time. I''m thinking of getting my hair done, like dyed," Kathrine replies.

    "But I like your red hair," I said.

    "I know, I just wants some colour so I''ll dye so I have streaks. What colours should I do? And not pink."

    "I think blue would work," Sabe suggested.

    "Purple," Lennix said.

    "Okay I will do that." She gasps. "Sarah, you shoulde with me and dye your hair!"

    "Umm, no."

    "Why not? You would look great with colours."

    "Do I? Okay fine, what colours then?"

    "Would your dad be okay with it?" Save asks.

    "True, but it''s my hair not his. As long as I don''t dye it ck or grey, I should be fine."

    "You would look great with brown. Just dye your lips or something, not your whole hair," Lennix replies.

    "Why?"

    "I don''t know, you just do."

    "I''ll think about it."

    "Actually, having brown for your hair wouldn''t be a bad idea. If your bing a hunter, it wouldn''t make you stand out. Unlike the blonde locks you have now, you''ll be able to hide better, especially in the dark," Sabe exims.

    "He''s not wrong," Lennix said.

    "Again, I''ll think about it."

    "If you say yes, we''ll go tomorrow since it''s the weekend."

    The four vamps walked our way. "Don''t look now but the vamps areing." Of course, they didn''t listen to me. All three looked over as the vamps walked closer.

    "What do they want," Lennix asks.

    "Who knows," Sabe answers.

    Just then, both Keir and de stopped and haunches over for what looks or be in pain. Frey and Talon stopped and tried to help their friends. For some reason it didn''t affect them.T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    I''m a bit suspicious. Sabe and Lennix got up to help them. I''m surprised by this. They usually hate them and won''t care what happens. Kathrine and I stare at each other before helping the boys out.

    "What happened?"

    "We were walking and then they fell into pain," Talon replies.

    "Pain!" Keir replies.

    It''s hard to tell as he''s hunched over but the little glimpse I got was him trying to take off the watch he''s wearing.

    He gasps to catch his breath from the pain. Frey helped him up steadying him. Ramose on the other hand is still in the gnawing pain.

    People gathered around in the cafeteria watching intently at the scene before them.

    "Someone needs to get the belt off."

    Sabe moved forward crouching to his level. Talon lift de so he''sying on top of him. Sabe reaches for the belt and scurried to get the belt off. de clinched a bit which made Sabe jump back a bit.

    Finally undoing his belt, he pulled it off and de finally stopped wincing. He''s panting from the sore pain. Taking helped have up but almost fell down.

    His legs must feel numb after that. "Were you craving blood that bad that you almost got paralyzed?" I ask.

    "We weren''t craving human blood," Keir replied.

    "You weren''t?" Someone from the audience asks.

    "No. We were just walking when the pain started up. It felt like thousands of drakes piercing through me," Keir said. de couldn''t even speak it must have pained him that bad.

    Finally, a couple teachers came in to see the ruckus.

    "What happened in here?" Mr. Brotherton asks.

    A student exined it to the teachers. Both boys went to the school nurse for a checkup bringing their essories cautiously. I could see the fear in their eyes when touching the watch and belt.

    "Alright everybody, shows over!" One of the teachers yelled at us, signalling to get back to eating.

    "That was strange, hope they''re okay."

    "I agree with Kathrine. It''s not like them to act like that," Sabe said.

    "There''s got to be something wrong," I say. They agreed with me.

    "What the hell happened?" Marie stalked over to us.

    "They''re only in pain because of you," I reply.

    She gasps while cing a hand on her heart acting offended. "What did I do?"

    "Everything," the four of us chorused.

    She stormed off with her two friends behind her.

    Today''s lunch was pretty weird.

    -

    On our way to ss, Kathrine and I stopped by the school nurse to see how the boys are. From the looks of it they took hardcore pain.

    Knocking on the door we walked in.

    "Hellodies." The nurse replied. She wore her typical uniform.

    "We are here to visit Keir Vance and de Ramose," Kathrine said.

    "Of course, right this way."

    We followed her a few beds down in a corner. On the third and fourth bed on the rightid de and Keir. I can''t even say de''sst name anymore.

    "Here you godies."

    She left us alone and both boys turned our way. "So, tell us what the hell happened if you didn''t crave our blood," I urge.

    "I don''t know, we were walking then all of a sudden sharp pain shot through us. It hurt so bad we got burns." Keir showed us his burn on his left wrist. de couldn''t since it was around his waist.

    "Isn''t that supposed to help you not crave our blood? As in you have to wear it in town no matter what?" I ask.

    "Yes, but because of the painful experience, we''re scared to put them back on."

    "We''ve never had to deal with this kind of pain before," de added on.

    "Describe the pain," Katherine asking like she''s a sadistic.

    "Worse than having thousands of stakes from what I said earlier."

    "Just imagine giving birth and the pain, but times that by a thousand. That''s what it felt like for me."

    I scrunched up my nose as I can imagine the pain.

    "Are you okay now?"

    "Oh yeah. It''s like it never happened."

    I take a nce at the clock.

    "We''ve got to get going to ss, but get better soon."

    We left them in bed to heal from their painful experience.

 Chapter thirty one

    Sarah''s POV

    It''s been a week since Ramose and Vance have been "injured" from their essories. I''d say it has happened every second or third day. At random times in public they''d get stung by it.

    We''ve asked them about it and they said that every chance they get, they''ll take it off until a mortales into view.

    They also told us that it hurt so bad, that they can''t move an inch. It''s bad enough that they scurry to take off the belt and watch.

    Somethings got to be wrong. It''s not like the essories to go ballistic after all of these years, right?

    It maybe after all of these years they''re old and breaking down. Who knows what the problem is.

    Not only that, but on the weekend, I got my hair dyed brown. Just at the tips thought. I think it''s best if I do have my hair dyed a darker colour so I can almost camouge. Into the night or forest.

    My dad didn''t like it at first, but I think he''s starting to.

    My training is kind of getting better. I feel I''ve got some strength and the weapons are getting easier to use, yet I''m still not a professional. I still have a lot to practice before calling myself a vampire hunter.

    I''ve been practicing as much as I could in my spare time.

    On the past week, the Vts hasn''t targeted me which is good, but I''m being prepared in case they do.

    Schools been very busy, especially with the Valentines Danceing up. It''s a dance for all those lovers to get together. For the people who don''t have a date and/or single, just have a free time and hang around the dance. Of course we can go with friends, but it''s way more fun to go with boyfriends or dates.

    Last year, I did go but my date stood me up. I got all dolled up and he never showed. No warning or heads up or anything. I was pretty upset and went with my friends instead. The I found out he went out on a date with another girl. The next day he begged for my forgiveness but I didn''t give it to him.

    This year I''m nning on going with my friends and promised myself no matter who asks, I''m turning them down. I don''t want it to end up likest year, even though not all boys areplete assholes, I just don''t feel like going with someone.

    Especially what happened this year.

    I guess I haven''t had the greatest year.

    I walk down the hallway to my next ss when Marie Bitch irees out of nowhere.

    "So Harper," she put extra venom when she said myst name, "are you going to the dance alone likest year, or are you getting a date that will stay?

    "I may not go this year, and if so, I''m going with my friends. You know, people who are always there for one another and don''t boss each other around like someone people," I did the cough, Marie, cough thing.

    "I have friends. I also have a little date for the dance." She smiled and twirled her dark chestnut hair. "I''ve got a handsome date, unlike you."

    Her face scrunched up in disgust on thest part.

    "Well, I don''t need one as I can have a good time with my friends. At least I know they won''t bail on me."

    "He won''t bail on me."

    "That''s what I thought for my date, but it can happen. So don''te crawling to me if and when he does."

    Her face blew up in shock and her mouth gaped open. I smiled and wave goodbye and left a stunned Marie in the hall.

    Bingo!

    I smiled in my victory. For once I''ve won from her. I feel so happy.

    More than happy.

    Entering my Math ss, I sit at the back window gazing out in the Winter weather. The sun is shining and the snow sparkles in the light, almost blinding me.

    Tracks from earlier making pathways from all sorts of direction.

    A few clouds floated by going to wherever clouds go. My reflection in the window showed that I''m bored as hell.

    I turn to face the ss to fill notes in. This is the first week of the second semester. I wore down some notes of Exponents and Surds: revision.

    Then I wrote down some practice questions.

    I got onto the questions assigned to us. It took me the whole ss to almost finish my questions. Since I love math, it came so easy for me. I knew what I''m doing.

    The bell rang and I packed up to go to home. It''s been a long day for me and I need some rest.

    I waited for the others as I lean against Sabe''s car. As I waited, my phone dinged.

    Checking my phone, a message from an unknown number which I don''t recognize, filled my screen.

    I read the message.

    We present you like no other. All of your questions will be answered in a nick of time. Be prepare for what wille. In the meantime, be careful whom you believe.

    What the hell does that mean?

    -

    Entering the quiet house, I set my things aside ready to go for a nap. "Dad, I''m home!"

    "Honey, I''m down here!"

    I walk down to the basement to his little office where he does his work if he''s not out hunting.

    "Hey dad." I lean against the door frame as he clicks away on hisputer.

    "Hey, how''s school?"

    "Good."

    "That''s good."

    It''s silent. The only noise is the clicking of the keyboard. I left him to do his thing while I go up to do my homework in the living room. Watching Lucifer on Netflix, I do my homework.

    Once I finished, I pack my homework away and watch Lucifer for the rest of the night. My dad came up to cook us dinner, but took it down to his office afterwards.

    I only started the series yesterday. In the middle of watching the show, my phone rang. Answering my phone I pause the show.

    "Hello."

    "Hey Sarah, is it okay if Ie over for the night. I just had a big argument with my parents and they''re so pissed off."

    "Sure Sabe, let me tell my dad."

    "Okay, thanks. See you in a few."

    "Bye."

    I hung up going down to the basement.

    "Yo dad, Sabor ising over to spend the night."

    "Howe?"

    "Family issues."

    "That''s fine, but he sleep in a different room."

    "Got that."

    I run back upstairs waiting for his arrival. Twenty minutester, the doorbell rings. I open to reveal Sabe with his suitcase.

    "C''mon in."

    "Thanks for letting me stay here for the night."

    "Anything for a friend. So tell me, what happened?"

    "Well," he ces his suitcase by the door, "I had the courage to tell my parents over dinner since they''re wondering why I''m so quiet. So I build up some courage and told them I''m gay. I told you that I didn''t want them to find out since they''re so against it. So they told me that I''m a disgrace to the family and that I have no ce."

    "Aww, don''t worry Sabe. I''m here for ya and will encourage you all the way."

    "Thanks Sarah. I can always count on you to be there."

    Just then, my dad came up.

    "Evening Sabor."

    "Evening Mr. Harper."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "How''s it going?"

    "Good and you?

    "Good. So I hear your staying the night."

    "If it''s okay with you."

    "Of course, just you''ll be sleeping in a different room for the night."

    "Fine by me."

    "You kids have fun, not too much fun. I''ll be downstairs if you need anything."

    "Okay dad."

    He left and it''s just the two of us. "So Sabe, buddy, lets go to my room and hang around. Get us time."

    "Sounds great."

    "Want anything?"

    "No thanks."

    We head upstairs to my room. Since it''s just us two, I told him about my text message from earlier. He read it and gave me a confused face.

    "What does this mean?"

    "I don''t know. I literally thought the same thing."

    "Have you told anyone else about this?"

    I shook my head.

    "If you do, who else?"

    "I don''t know. I''m just as confused as you are."

    "I bet. Well from what you''ve went through, I think the Vts set that."

    "How''d they get my number?"

    "I don''t know."

    Bed time came and I helped Sabe get the bedroom all sorted out. I then head off to bed.

 Chapter thirty two

    Sarah''s POV

    There are two types of people in this world. People who don''t understand the meaning of stories, poems, messages, and riddles, and people who do.

    I hate to admit it, but I''m one of these people who don''t understand them. Hidden meanings in any kind of message can be happy and joy, or sad and depressing. It can only have one of the two emotions.

    The happy and joy can result in feelings of pure joy. It can give someone a good day or feelings that they feel wanted. Over excited about something orugh it off at a joke it made.

    The sad and depressing can result to crying, soreness or numbness. It''ll make people feel awful about themselves. Bring back old or past memories of something tragic stories that happened in their life. It can also bring fear of what the meaning actually means.

    For me, when I found out what the message I received really meant, it fell in the category of sad and depressing, more like fear.

    I didn''t find this out untilter in the day after receiving it three days ago. I''ve told the rest of my friends about it at lunch and they were just as shocked as I was. T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Like I said, I didn''t find out about the meaning untilter that day. And let me tell you, it''s shocking.

    Let''s start from the beginning, shall we?

    -

    Getting out of Sabe''s car, the four of us head into the school. It felt like any other day here in Cooperstown New York.

    Walking to my locker, I get ready for my first ss. Out all the days this year, I''ve got very few days where it''s normal and no interruptions of some sort. As in no one chasing me, someone getting injured.

    Grabbing my books for the first couple sses, I head over to my English ss.

    This morning, I feel tired or my energy has been drained and I don''t know why.

    Maybe from the hardworking at school and at training. All I feel is just sleeping in my cozy bed. All weekend I trained even though Friday''s and Saturday''s I''m supposed to work.

    I guess for the uing "war."

    My dad''s been on me to train harder and won''t give me a break untilte at night. We train from noon till eight. Only a five minute break. Now that my not seem like a lot ''cause it isn''t. I only get one of those so it really seems like I''ve got no break.

    And then at school with all of the homework and tests and stuff. It just tires me out. The only reason I wanted to train is for protection. Not actually kill, but dad doesn''t think so.

    Which sucks for me.

    I seat where I like to seat since I''m one of the few students who are here on time. Getting my things organize for the ss I almost fall asleep while doing so.

    My energy is so drained that I can''t even ce my things properly. All I want is sleep.

    ss started and I tried listen to what he''s saying, but I can''t.

    Once ss ended, I headed to my next one until lunch.

    When lunch came around I didn''t bother going to get my lunch, I grabbed the books for after and head to the cafeteria. I find an empty table and sit.

    It''s not long before my eyes closed and I''m asleep.

    "Sarah, get up!"

    I jumped awake from someone waking me. "What?"

    "Your asleep, during lunch," Kathrine points out the obvious.

    "Congrattions Sherlock, you''ve solved another case," I sarcastically say.

    "Howe your tired, didn''t you get enough sleep?" Lennix asks.

    "Yes, but my dad''s been working me up for training."

    "That''s got to be hard," Sabe says.

    "It is."

    In the corner of my eye, I saw Kathrine doing something, a crossword. That hogs my memory and I immediately ask her about my message.

    "Hey, Kathrine. Your good at solving riddles. Mind solving this one for me?"

    She looks at me weird before nodding. I hand her my phone with the text and she reads it.

    "Oh my fucking god! What the hell is this?"

    Lennix sees what she''s saying and reads it as well. Of course his face is shocked as well.

    "To answer your questions, I don''t know who sent it, how they got my number, and I''ve received this on Friday. I don''t know what it means."

    "Okay, send this message to me and I''ll figure it out."

    I took my phone back and sent it to her. Within a second, we hear a ding which means she got it once she checked.

    "I''ll hopefully have it done by the end of this week, hopefully. I always wanted a little challenge."

    Kathrine''s food with puzzles and riddles like that and always knew what the answer is. So hopefully this will keep her busy.

    The rest of the day dragged like a snail. By the end of the day, I''m tuckered out. I got my usual ride home from Sabe.

    Thanking him, I left inside. I did a little bit of homework before making my way upstairs to my bed. Since my dad''s our once again, I have the whole house to myself. In case he came home early, I left a little note on the counter for him.

    As soon as my head hit the pillow, I''m out like a light.

    -

    I woke up to the sound of my phone going off. Reaching outzily for my phone, I identally smacked it to the ground.

    "Dammit," I mumble.

    Reaching to the ground, I pick up my phone not caring who I answer to.

    "Hello," my voice is rasping from just getting up.

    "Sarah, you wouldn''t believe what this message could mean."

    I jolt up in bed thinking how Kathrine was to solve the message I got.

    "What does it mean?"

    "All I could get was a bit of it, not the whole thing. The line that says, ''be prepare for what wille,'' it means that something terrible will happen. How I know that is I was watching the Lion King while figuring this out and the song, "Be Prepared," came on. So it means something dangerous will happen."

    "The war," I mumble.

    Why didn''t I figure it out before. It means the war!

    "The what?"

    "The war. I ran into a vampire at the Chase and he said there''s war."

    "Yeah, I remember that. I forgot about it, though."

    "Anyways, you said you figured out more?"

    "Yes, but only the part that says, ''In the meantime, be careful whom you believe.'' I think, and I''m not positive, that it could mean that someone you trust or know could be . . . Lying or such."

    "So your saying is do not trust people now?"

    "Yes. But I could be wrong."

    "What about the other two?"

    "I could not figure it out. This is harder than I thought."

    I got up from my bed and went downstairs to get a ss of milk. My throat is so dry that I had to clear my throat.

    "Well thanks for trying. At least you''ve got half of it."

    "Yeah, well I''ve got to go. Just phoned to tell you."

    "Okay, bye."

    I hung up thinking of what she said. I don''t know how I didn''t see this before. Be prepare for the war, don''t always believe in people which could result to lying.

    For the rest of the night, I finished up my homework and tried to think of possible hidden messages in the text.

    I feel like it''s trying to warn me about something. Why am I the only one who got this text and not from anyone else?

    I have so many questions that I want answers too and this thing says that they''ll be answered in a nick of time.

    The only thing is, is that I don''t want them answered in a nick of time, I want them answered now.

    I also tried to brainstorm who''d sent me this and how they got my number.

    The only people who have my number is my friends and my parents, plus my aunt and uncle. No one else has it and I''m pretty sure they they won''t or have give anyone else my number.

    de Ramose only has my email and who knows how he got that.

    In this town, it''s not easy getting someone''s number like any other town.

    This really is a mystery to be solved.

 Chapter thirty three

    Sarah''s POV

    The outside world could be an amazing ce if there wasn''t a lot bad people, then again, we can''t just live in harmony and peace. What the world hase now a days is just awful.

    The snow is beginning to melt and only two weeks left before the Valentine''s Day dance.

    People are so excited for it, the girls are going out to the mall in the city to pick out a dress and deciding what to do with their hair, makeup and nails.

    It''s quite crazy that women would go to the extent to look nice for a one night event. It''s not like they''re getting married.

    But I do know what it''s like to go to these kind of things. It only may happen once or a couple times a year so no shame. I was once that girl.

    So no shame to them.

    I only stopped doing that after what happenedst year, and it was my first one!

    I''ll still get dolled up but not as much, probably party clothes where kids wear to parties. I also might hang around with my friends. It''s just a dance for couples anyways.

    I can''t wait since it''s a night where I don''t have to worry about anything. It''s also on a Saturday which is good. We have all day to get ready.

    That''s only a couple weeks away, so we still have a lot of time left.

    As I waltzed through the hallway as the posters of the dance are hanging on the walls as some students admire what it''ll be like, especially the grade tens.

    "Yo, Harper. Are you going to the dance with the dream guy?"

    "What do you want Ramose?"

    "So you don''t have a guy of your dreams. Get all dolled up for a one night dance that youdies love so much."

    "No I don''t have the guy of my dreams, also I''m not getting dolled up for one night. I''m going with my friends and wearing your casual high school party clothes."

    "Oh so your not going then?"

    "That''s not what I said Ramose."

    "Well that''s what I heard, Harper."

    "You, my guy, are soplicated."

    "Thanks, I''ll take that as apliment."

    "Are you going?" My curiosity got the best of me.

    "No, I''ve got better things to do?"

    "Like what?"

    "Like, spending time at home drinking blood all night."

    "Gross." I scrunch up nose in disgust.

    "Blood is delicious."

    "To you."

    "Oh you''re so right."

    He smirked and I rolled my eyes. "Now if you''ll excuse me, I''ve got to get to ss."

    I left him alone smirking like an idiot. Rounding a corner, I bumped into some random dude.

    "Sorry," I mumbled before moving away.

    "Wait."

    I stopped and turned around. The guy I ran into is kind cute. He''s slicked back blonde hair shined in the light. His id shirt And ripped blue jeans looks fabulous on him.

    "Hey, aren''t you Sarah Harper?"

    "Yes?"

    "You are an amazing person. I''m Jason Vanlee."

    "Hi. Umm not to be rude but how do you know me?"

    "Everyone knows you. Your the vampire hunter leaders daughter."

    "Oh," I chuckle, "that''s me."

    "Hey, I was wondering, are you going to the dance?"

    "Umm, kind of."

    "Well, I was wondering if you''d like to go to the dance with me?"

    "Umm . . ." I didn''t know how to respond to this. What the hell should I say.

    "I''ll . . . I''ll think about it."

    "Okay." He took out a piece of paper with a pencil and wrote something on the wall.

    "Here''s my number. Call me for the answer."

    I took it and nodded and blushed in the process. He smiled and wave goodbye as he turned on his heel and left. I waved even though he couldn''t see me. Tucking the paper in my jean pocket, I left for ss.

    I still can''t believe that guy asked me out to the dance. What do I say?

    After what happenedst year, should I trust him and say yes? I mean, not all guys are like that. I just don''t want the same thing to happen likest year.

    Like I said, I''ll think about, even talk it out with my friends to see what they say. Of course, knowing them, they would probably say "oh go for it Sarah," or, "yes, say yes to him."

    Getting into ss, I sit in for math getting my homework out.

    -

    The end of ss rolled around and I sat down at the cafeteria. My friends piled in and I start immediately with my encounter.

    "So a guy asked me to the dance?"

    "Who?" They said in unison.

    "Jason Vanlee."

    "And what did you say?" Sabe asks leaning forward.

    "I said I''ll think about it, and he gave me his number for me to respond."

    "Oh my god you have to go," Lennix replies.

    "That''s the thing, I don''t know if I should go. I don''t want him to stand me up like thest guy."

    "If he does, we''re here for you and I will beat him up," Save threatened.

    "I guess."

    "C''mon. This will be a good chance for you. Get away from everything that happened this year. We''ll be there if something happens," Kathrineforted.

    "Okay, I''ll do it. But I''ll call him tonight."

    "So you got asked to the dance, huh?"

    de Ramose and Keir Vance invites themselves to sit down at our table.

    "Are you eaves dropping?" I ask. "Plus, where are the other two?"

    "First off, no we''re not eaves dropping. We just so happen to pass by when you mention that you got asked out. Second, they''re off for a while," Keir eximed.

    "So eaves dropping," I smirk.

    "We''re not!"

    Then, they both go into shock of pain. Scurrying as best as they can to get rid of the belt and watch. Sabe and Lennix steps in to help them.

    After getting them off, both boys pant.

    "It''s getting worse huh? More and more painful."

    de nods.

    "Do you guys have pain killers?"

    "No, once we take it off, the stinging goes away. So it doesn''t hurt afterwards."

    "That''s good," Lennix said.

    "So, what do you guys want?" Kathrine asks sounding irritated.

    "Well, nothing. We''re just bored and don''t know what to do. You guys are interesting so we decided toe to you," de replies.

    "That''s great. Well I hope you enjoyed your stay," I say smiling and waving them goodbye.

    "You''re rude," Keir stated.

    "I know."

    "Do tell us about this guy who asked you to the dance."

    "Why would I tell you?"

    "Because we want to know."

    "Fine. I was walking down the hallway when I turn the corner and bam, walked straight into him. I said sorry and walked away when he stopped me. He knew who I was and asked me to the dance."

    "Do you know this guy?"

    "de, your telling her when you tell Nevada off."

    "No I don''t know him. That''s why I don''t know if I should or not."

    "Who''s the guy''s name?"

    "Jason Vanlee."

    "Hmm. Are you sure you don''t know him?"

    "Yes, dad. I don''t know him."

    de shook his head.

    "What?"

    "Nothing. I just want to say, have fun with your date." He got up and left and Keir trailed behind him confused.

    "What the hell was that about?" Sabe asks.

    "I don''t know."

    -

    Setting my bag on the couch, my dades from downstairs.

    "Hey kiddo, how''s school?"

    "Boring."

    "How was it boring?"

    "It''s school, dad. It''s always boring. But I got asked to the dance."

    "That''s sweet, by who?"

    "Jason Vanlee."

    "Do you know this guy?"

    "Yes dad. I know him."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Okay."

    I went up to do my homework, but before I could, I pulled out the number he gave me. Dialling his number, he picked up on the second ring.

    "Hello?"

    "Hey, Jason. It''s Sarah."

    "Hey Sarah. How are you?"

    "I''m good and you?"

    "Good."

    "So I have my answer."

    "Really, that was fast."

    "Yeah. So my answer is yes, I''ll go with you to the dance."

    "I''m happy to hear. I''ll meet you at the entrance of the school."

    "Okay. See you then."

    "See you."

    Ending the call I worked on my homework.

 Chapter thirty four

    de''s POV

    I stormed away from the table, in rage. I couldn''t believe she got asked by someone unknown. I really do hope she says no.

    "de!"

    Keir leave me alone, I think. I don''t have time for this.

    "de!"

    I pull my hood over my face and enter the outside world. I just want to be alone.

    "de rk Ramose!"

    I stopped dead in my tracks. That''s the first time in decades that''s someone has used my middle name. I turn around furious.

    "What did you say?"

    "Look, I know you don''t like being called by your middle name, but I need to talk to you."

    "You know I hated when you call me by my full name!"

    "I know that but you need to listen."

    "Why?"

    "Because what can you do? Huh? What can you do about Sarah being asked out by a stranger whom she doesn''t know."

    I''m silent.

    "What can we do about it. If you wanted to ask her to the dance then you would have."

    "I never wanted to ask her Keir. It''s just some stranger bumps into her and randomly asks her out. Don''t you think that''s odd?"

    "Yes I think that''s odd, but what can we do? If she says yes then we keep an eye on her or something without her knowing."

    "So stalking her."

    "Sure, but the thing is, whatever she says to this Vanlee guy, we ept it and move on. I''m sorry that the love of your life isn''t interested in you."

    "H-how . . . How did you know?"

    "Please, I''m your best and closest friend. I know that you like her. From your drastic change in the way you talk to her, look at her. The way you want to protect her from the Vts. Also I over heated you and Corbin about it."

    I sigh. He''s right.

    "I just want her to be safe. That doesn''t mean that I want her to be mine, that means I don''t want her going off with guys she doesn''t know or trust without fully knowing them."

    "I get that."

    "So why can''t I ept it?"

    "Because your jealous. Jealous of this guy who got to ask her and you didn''t. Jealous because he could have a chance and you don''t. Jealous that . . . She doesn''t want you the way you want her. You keep putting on this act and it''ll only affect you if you don''te clean soon. It''ll eat you inside out for all eternity because you''re too scared toe clean about your feelings towards her."

    I felt defeated.

    "You''re right."

    "I am. Also, you feel like it''s your job to protect her from any harm. That day at the Chase, you stayed with her, when you told me that she was bored and needed help at her moms, you were there. When they stayed over at our ce, you offered your room for her to sleep in. You told her about the Vts."

    "Even before she was born."

    "Yes."

    The wind howled as it blew right passed us.

    "You may be a vampire who kills people to live, but you''ll never hurt her."

    "Never say never. I could hurt her at some point in time and that''s what I''m scared about. Even as she was scared of me, I never let that bothered me, actually, everyone was and still is."

    "But not as bad as before, de."

    "I guess so."

    "Lunch is almost over so we better get ready to head to our afternoon ss. The bell rang as I made my way to my English.

    The whole ss is boring. Learning Shakespeare is pretty boring.

    -

    I get home with Keir in the car then Sapphire, the little blonde devil,es barreling towards the car. I stop and roll down my window.

    "Can I drive? Please?"

    "Sure." I park the car and open the door. Keir nces at me like I''m weird.

    "Your letting an eight year old to drive a car?"

    "Yes, don''t worry, I drive and keep my foot on the pedal. We go slow anyways."

    Sapphire jumps into myp to getfortable. mming the door and putting the car in drive. She takes over the wheel and I go to twenty.

    "Yo de, we''re going too fast!"

    "Yo Keir, we''re only going twenty."

    "That''s twenty too fast."

    "Oh my god." I chuckle as he holds the handle up above the window. "If this was dangerous, I wouldn''t let her drive, now would I?"

    He rolled his eyes.

    She drove us up to the garage where I took over. Since the roads are a bit icy, I had kept a firm grip on the wheel.

    We got out of the car and rushed it slipping on a patch of ice.

    "Are you okay?" I ask.

    "Yeah." She looks down at her hands. "I''m fine." She runs into the house.

    We follow behind her stepping into the warmth. Although we can''t get cold, since we already are, we vamps can still feel the temperature change.

    "They''re home!" Sapphire screams. Raul came in the entrance first. "I see you have your essories off."

    "They did it again. Stinging out."

    "Okay, something must be wrong cause this never happened. It''s almost been two centuries and not once did this happen."

    "You said a machine connects these so they work. Do you think something happened to the machine?" I ask.

    "I don''t know. I don''t know where the machine is stored. But for now, just keep the essories on you. I''m sure it''ll pass over."

    I''m sure.

    Entering my room, I sit at my desk taking out my homework. An uing test in Math is in the morning so I study all night. Literally. I only took a few breaks getting blood from the fridge. I stopped studying at some point I stop to do my homework.

    My brain is on fire from so many questions I practiced. By morning, I was mentally drained.

    Luckily I''m smart enough to know what to do. Driving to school with Keir in the car, I felt nauseated.

    "Hey, Keir, do you feel nauseous by any chance?"

    "No. Why, do you?"

    "Kind of."

    "Nerves for the test. You''ll get over it."

    "Okay."

    I drove into the parking lot. We got out and headed to our lockers to get our things. I head to my math ss. Kids poured in the ss as I sat in my usual back seat.

    Our math teacher came in and started our ss. "Alright, you''ll do great, you have the whole block."

    He handed out the tests and we started.

    Once I finished I handed it in and sat back down. I took out my book and started reading, hoping that the belt won''t go off. It seems to happen every couple of days or so but who knows. I''d rather any ss just not when people are taking the test.

    -

    I got pretty lucky in ss when my belt didn''t go off. I walked out of ss and head off to my next one. I just pray that my belt won''t go off today. I really do.

    It''s too painful to cope and I''m trying to learn here, not experience with a belt that''s painfully to wear. I can''t concentrate on anything else but getting the belt off.

    I also don''t like the attention I get from people when my belt goes off. It''s like the worse possible time it goes off.

    ''Oh he''s going to ss, let''s ruin this whole man''s career.''

    People stare at me and won''t help me get the damn belt off when I''m struggling against the pain. Of course they''re scared of me if theye close.

    It''s too bad they won''t help, unlike Sabor and Lennix. I think they''ve associated with us a lot that they won''t care. Which is good.

    As I walk down the hallway, I spot a girl jumping into a guys squealing in excitement, assuming he asked her to the dance.

    The dance.

    The only ce where we won''t be able to go because no one wants to go with us vamps. Of course we''re aloud but no one would go with us.

    When lunch came, Keir and I stood outside drinking blood in our usual spot. Today Frey and Talon aren''t here again. They haven''t been here all week. I wonder what''s going on.

    "Keir. Do you know where the other two are?"

    "Not a clue."

    "I''m getting worried. They haven''t been here all week without saying a word."

    "I know. It''s not like them to vanish without saying something."

    "Maybe something came up and they couldn''t tell us."

    "Hopefully, de."

    -

    Two weeks have passed and Frey and Talon haven''t been at school. Not once in the past three weeks it''s just been Keir and I and the odd time joining Sarah and her friends at lunch.

    The pain has been getting worse and worse. It''s been happening everyday. It''s so bad to the point where Keir and I can''t wear them at all. We''d go long amounts of time not wearing them, then cautiously put them back on. T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    It''s Saturday which means tonight''s the dance. Keir and I are going in normal clothes just to scout, and since everyone''s going to be there. Although we didn''t ask anyone out, we still get to go, just by ourselves.

    It''s still hours away, so Keir and I have plenty of time to spare.

    "Ready for tonight?" Keir asks me as he came into my room as I scroll through my home page on Instagram.

    "Yeah I''m ready."

    I shut off my phone and stuff it into my pocket. We walk out the room and out of the house.

    What we''ll be doing is helping set up for the dance.

    When we got to twin, I felt something off. I don''t know what but I do. "Do you feel something off?" I ask.

    "Yes I do, but don''t know what."

    "Same."

    We got out of the car and into the school. Apparently, students are aloud toe in the school to help set up for the dance tonight.

    "Hey Mr. Ramose and Mr. Vance. There''s some tables in the storage room you can get and set up along the perimeter," one of the teachers instructed.

    We did just that.

    By the time we''re done. Only one hour left until the dance begins.

 Chapter thirty five

    Sarah''s POV

    "So what do you think?"

    "I think you are beautiful, Sarah. I''m sure this guy wont bail on you."

    I''m on the phone with Lauren while I''m getting ready for tonight. A few days ago I went shopping for a dress for the dance and now I''m wearing it.

    It��s a simple red strapless dress that��s only knee length. The delicate diamonds rest on the waist as belt. It��s very beautiful.

    "You look absolutely gorgeous."

    "Thanks."

    Kathrinees into the room after take a quick bathroom break. "Alright missy, lets do your hair."

    I sit down in my desk chair and starts.

    After what seems like a couple of hours, she finally finishes my hair.

    "There you go, take a look."

    I got up to view my hair. Kathrine''s really good at doing hair.

    My hair is braided on one side then wrapped around my head, as the extra pieces are tucked underneath

    "Thanks Kathrine."

    "You''re wee."

    "Have fun you guys."

    "We will."

    Lauren ended the call and we are off. Walking downstairs my dad caught us.

    "Hey let me get my camera."

    We waited in the living room until my dad came back. When he did, we stood side by side smiling. "There, my daughter is all grown up."

    "Dad."

    He smiled .

    "Have fun you two."

    "We will."

    Kathrine and I got into her car and drove off to the school.

    "I can''t wait for this."

    "Neither can I."

    She parked the closest to the entrance. Once we go out, we saw a lot of kids dressed up and heading in with their dates. I saw Jason in a tux waiting at the entrance. I walk up to him smiling.

    He took one nce at me and man was he shocked. "Woah, you look beautiful."

    "Thanks, you look handsome."

    "Thanks."

    "Ready to go?" He held out his elbow for me to take.

    "Why yes I''m ready to go."

    I looped my arm around his and we descended into the school.

    In the gym, most of the space in the centre is the dance floor with the music sting from the giant speakers that sat on either side of the DJ booth. Lights of all colours, blue, pink, red, purple, shine down on us.

    On the perimeter of the gym are tables to sit down at and on our side of the gym is a table for the snacks and drinks.

    "Woah, this is amazing!" I exim.

    "Sure is."

    We walked over to a table and sat down. I scan the gym for my friends to know where they''re at. "Punch?" He asks.

    "Sure please."

    He left the table to get us a drink. While I waited, de came and sat in the spot Jason was in.

    "Hello, Ramose."

    "Harper, enjoying your evening?"

    "Yes. What do you what?"

    "What I want is got you to be careful about tonight. That Vanlee kid."

    "Why?"

    "Because yoI don''t know who this kid is, you just ran into him and bam, he asks you to the dance."

    "Why do you care?"

    "I don''t. I''m just saying. Some people came that I don''t even recognize. Keep alert."

    Just then he got up and left just as Jason came around.

    "What''s that all about?"

    "I don''t know."

    He passed me my drink and I thanked him. Taking a sip of my punch as it filled my thirst.

    "This is delicious."

    "It is."

    A slow dance song came on. "I will always love you," by Whitney Huston.

    "May I take this dance?" He offered his hand. I took his hand and smiled. "You may."

    He guided me to the dance floor. I wrap my arms around his neck as he did with my waist. We swayed to the music as did the other couples.

    "You look very beautiful tonight."

    "Thanks."

    The song ended and we head back to our table. "That was a great dance," he says.

    "It was, and I''ll dly do it again."

    For the time being, we go for know one another better. We had two more dances after the first one. It was a good night. I spotted Kathrine and Lennix and Sabe. I haven''t seen Keir and de for the night either, not after the encounter earlier.

    "Hey, I would like to show you something. Follow me."

    I did just that. He lead me out of the gym and down the hallway. He nced back to make sure I''m following him. I smile and he returns it.

    Stopping at a ssroom, he scanned the area like he''s making sure no ones stalking us.

    Gesturing inside, he closed the door behind me. "What are we doing here?"

    I hear a click which I''m pretty sure he locks it. He smiles at me and stalks over. I walk back out of instinct.

    "What are you backing away?"

    "I. . . I. . ."

    He held out his arms to rest his hands on my shoulders. He pulled me into a hug as his head dropped to my neck. Pecking my neck I couldn''t help but moan. "You know, you''re gorgeous in red, you should where it more often."

    Jason continues to kiss my neck almost sucking it. My moans escape as I couldn''t help myself. He forcefully grabbed my wrists, pinned them to his chest. I tried prying out but no use.

    He must work out a lot cause he''s strong.

    "Please . . . Let me go. Stop."

    "No."

    His grip tightened where my wrists felt numb. "Stop!"

    "She said stop!"

    Jason stopped and smiled against my neck. "Just in time, Tandler."

    Who?

    "What are you doing here?" I recognize that voice.

    Jason whipped around to face de. He must have forcefully made it in since the door is chipped on the side.

    "All your questions will be answered in a nick of time."

    I''ve heard that sentence before. D��j�� vu.

    "There''s no ''nick of time.'' I want to know why your here ready to attack, and why your after Sarah."

    Did he just call me by my first name?

    "You want to know? I''ll tell you. But first of all, I''ll tell you about this little one and then she''s going to sleep."

    "What d-do you mean asleep?"

    "Oh you''ll find out. Ask away."

    "Why are you after her?"

    "Because of her ancestors. I''ll take you back years ago, to your great, great grandparents."

    He threw me towards Ramose. He grasped my arm and yanked me towards him. I wrap my arms around his waist d that I''m in his grasp. He stroke my back forfort. Moving so I''m facing Jason.

    "It begins when your great, great grandfather came onto ournd. He was the leader and he kept killing off our vamps. Tandler, you won''t know this."

    "Now you decide to call me Tandler."

    "I always have, the others haven''t. Anyways, one day, we had enough. We caught him and his team snooping through ournd and captured them. We brought them into our home and each gave them karma. We snapped every neck until it was your great, great grandfather. He begged and begged to not kill him. After killing our group he doesn''t want to die?"

    Jason chuckles.

    "Karma really is a bitch. He begged for hours and we toyed with him. Until we made a deal. The deal is that four generationster, the kid is to be ours and we can do what we want. Of course without thinking, he said yes just to live.

    He agreed and we let him live . . . Until he broke the deal. He somehow recruited people and came back to attack us. Of course we still wanted the girl but we had to kill him off. He attacked us and wanted us dead, on our territory!"

    I jumped into de''s arms when he shouted. Jason has paved the room but when he saw me jump, he stared at me andughed a crackling one.

    "We still wanted you, Sarah Harper. It was just a matter of time before all hell breaks loose."

    "I''m still confused," I say.

    "I''ll break it down, your great, great grandfather used to kill us on ournd. We caught them and killed every single one them by snapping their neck. Your grandfather watched until he was thest one. He begged and begged to live. So we made a deal by giving us the first child of the fourth generation, which is you, to you know, to eat. Of course he agreed as a selfish one. He couldn''t kill anyone on ournd.

    "Of course he broke and recruited people to hunt. So he came back on ournd and killed almost everyone. We, Vts, have recruited more and a big war set out. Just like the one with the Tandlers. Everyone in that team died that night. Of course we still wanted the child. We''ve been careful not to be spotted. Once you came along we knew we had our target. At the time we found you, you were still too young.

    "You were being protected by not only your family, but Tandler here."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    I take a nce at de and his jaw gritted. ncing at the ground to soak everything he told us. Finally travelling my eyes back to Jason.

    "He would get the opportunity he could to protect you. He stopped every Vt from getting you. And of course when you escaped from one of my guys when he bit your neighbour, that was a set up from him. It''s like he could predict the future. Even when you were a tike and we were trying to get to you."

    "No, no. That''s not possible. We always end up fighting."

    "You end up fighting him. He just puts on an act, which really he should get an award for."

    I turn to him. "Is this true?"

    Finally locking eyes, his face soften and he sighed. "Yes, yes this is true."

    "Not only do we get our deal, but we can also get our revenge on the Tandlers. We knew how much he loves you and won''t let any dangere your way. So going after you, even as the fourth generation child we''ve been waiting for, is the perfect n."

    "All of this because of my great, great, grandfathers'' doing?"

    "Yes. And now it''s time for both of them to pay the price."

    Jason lounged at me but in a split second, de nudged me gently to the side and grabbed onto Jason. Of course he didn''t want it.

    Jason grabbed onto de''s arms and shoved him into the desks where he fell. I saw him wince in pain where he''s quickly taking off the belt.

    "Almost forgot, the essories that you Tandlers got on, it''s deactivated so anytime now you''ll be free to drink as much blood you want. Your wee."

    He turned to me.

    "Now let''s get this show on the road."

    Prisoning me against the wall and between his arms, I knew this was it. Lowering to my neck, I sneakily grab a small wooden stake that''s hidden in my dress.

    What?

    You think I''ll be going out without some sort of protection? If that''s what you thought then you thought wrong.

    I could feel his fangs making a puncture in my neck. Stabbing him in the side just above his waist, he shot back and looked down at what I''ve done.

    He shot daggers through his eyes.

    "You bitch!"

    "I''m the daughter of the vampire hunter. You think I wouldn''t be carrying a weapon?"

    "You will pay for this. Wait until this war breaks out. Yes the war. It''s happening tonight where everyone will be in danger. You can''t save anyone."

    Grabbing onto my wrist, I try to pry myself out but he twisted it toward me and stabbed me just above the belly button. Laughing with a mixture of coughing, he smiled then left the room.

    In shock, I bend down to cover my wound.

    "Sarah!"

    de runs to me. When I look into his eyes, I can see hunger rising as his golden eyes turn blood red.

    "Sarah, it''s going to be okay."

    "Your eyes," I gasp. "Your hungry, aren''t you?" I barely made out.

    "Don''t worry about me, I''m getting you an ambnce. He ces his phone between his ear and shoulder as he takes off his sweater, rips it in half to ce it gently around my waist.

    He then proceeds to pick me up and take me outside.

    "It''s okay, your going to be okay."

    That was thest thing I heard before the world around me went ck.

 Chapter thirty six

    de''s POV

    My hunger is building up with all of Sarah''s blood pouring out from her stomach. I force myself to not drink it. I want her to be okay. My thirst for her blood is getting to me.

    I still have the belt on since the pain onlysted two seconds. Vt was right. I have it on and I''m craving blood with her blood all over me. "Its okay, your going to be okay."

    That was thest thing I said before her eyes closed.

    "No, no, no. Stay with me Sarah. Your not dying today. Not on my watch." I''m already on the phone and they say an ambnce is on the way, I can''t hear any sirens. Someone''s life is is on the line with a vampire and they''re not hurrying.

    They''re depending on a vampire who can drink blood, for her to survive. I battle the thirst. I can''t let it take over as I rush to the entrance.

    I can''t drink right now even though my throat is itching to take a sip. ncing down, her skin is as pale as as mine. Which is very pale. Almost white as a sheet of paper. I pray, for once in my whole life, that she doesn''t die.

    I can hear screams echoing through the gym. It begins.

    I rush past the gym where the war is. I pause by the bathrooms gently setting Sarah on the groundying on her back. Gently pushing pressure on her wound as I dial Rauls number.

    "Yes?"

    "Raul, gather everyone and grab the hunters! Vts are here and something is going on! War! Screams can be heard in the gym!"

    "Okay, protect as many people. We''ll be there as soon as possible."

    He hung up and I''m left with a dying Sarah. I can hear fainted sirens into he distance.

    Perfect.

    Then, something I didn''t want to do. I couldn''t stop myself. Lifting up the sweater. I cupped my hand and left some blood pour in. Lifting my hand to my mouth, I gulp each drop down.

    I regret it instantly.

    "I''m sorry."

    Wiping my mouth with the back of hand, I gently pick up Sarah and continue.

    As soon as I step outside into the cool air of this fine Wintery night in February, the ambnce pulls up. They pull out a stretcher as I gentlyy her on it.

    "She got stabbed from her own stake, and she''s lost a lot of blood."

    They took her in the emergency van and away they sped. I went back inside after watching them vanish. Keir came racing at me.

    "de we need you now!" We ran to the gym where mountain of bodies have been spread with blood everywhere.

    "What the hell happened here?"

    "The Vts. That''s not all. It''s a chase on the school. The teachers just locked it down. No ones allowed to leave."

    "Which means the doors automatically which means I got in here just in time."

    "Yes. We need to search for survivors. And take out the Vts once and for all."

    "You search this floor-"

    "Already have."

    "Okay, check the second and I''ll check the third."

    He nodded and were off. Racing up to the third floor, I can hear a scream. Running in the direction of the scream I find a Vt feasting on a girl. I jumped on her back pulling her away from the poor girl, but it''s toote. She''s already transforming.

    Knowing her to the ground she swiftly got up with her fists ready to fight.

    Swinging her her right fist at me, I caught it mid air twisting it so it broke off. "Ahh!"

    While she''s distracted, Ie up to her and grasped her arm and ripped the other one off.

    "Ahh! You idiot!"

    "Am I now?"

    I grabbed onto her head and in seconds, I twist it off. Dropping the head, I run out to find hiders.

    The whole time, I found a few survivors and killed a few Vts.

    "Come out with your hands in the air!" I hear the police say through the blow horn.

    "We can if there wasn''t the Vts running around feasting," I mumble.

    Walking into a deserted ssroom, I nce out the window to see the school surrounded with police tape and officers around. Parents surround the school with worried looks. In the corner of my eye, I spot a couple of people going out, but quickly realize that it''s the Vts after they snack on a couple officers. Gunshots go off and people scream.

    Rushing downstairs into the cold night, a couple kids made it out.

    They were crying from the harsh scare. I don''t me them. Apparently, the doors didn''t stay locked for long.

    "Hey kid!"

    I turn to see an officering towards me. "Are you okay?"

    "Yeah I''m fine."

    "You''re injured." He gestured towards the blood on my shirt.

    "No I''m not injured. This was my friends blood but she''s in the hospital now,"

    "So that''s not your blood?"

    "No."

    "Just making sure."

    He left and I''m alone. Victoria found me and followed her to the others. At the back of the school is where Keir and the other vamps and the vampire hunters are.

    "This is the n to stop the Vts from feasting on everyone. Hunters, you have the right to kill us if we start feasting on humans. Our essories got deactivated and there''s no way to activated."

    Mr. Harper nodded. Does he know that his daughter is in the hospital right now? God, I don''t want to tell him but if I have to, then I will.

    "Has anyone seen my daughter?"

    Like he could read my mind.

    "Your daughter," I step forward, "is in the hospital."

    "What?"

    "Okay, let me exin. She went off with a Vt but I didn''t know, neither did she. So for her safety, I followed them into an empty ssroom. I believe he was getting ready to bite her. He was kissing her neck when she told him to stop. He didn''t until I stepped in. Then he exined all about how they''re after her. He knocked me to the ground then he cornered her. She stabbed him in the waist, I saw when I was getting up. I couldn''t see very well but he managed to stab her back. I got her to an ambnce and she''s at the hospital."

    "How much blood did she lose?"

    "A lot. It was socking through the hoodie I ced around her."

    "Thanks."

    I nodded and stepped back a bit.

    "Okay this is the n," Raul spoke up.

    -

    Keir and I walk around the school to the front where the police are calming down the distraught parents.

    Walking along the forest line away from the school I found someone hiding in the trees. Sneaking up, I found Kathrine, Sabor, and Lennix hiding in the bushes.

    "What the hell are you guys doing here?"

    "We''re hiding from the vamps."

    "Okay, stay hidden and don''t get-"

    I caught myself off when I saw three Vts creeping up to them. "Guys,e out slowly."

    "No, we''re not getting bitten! We''re staying here," Sabor replies.

    "No, guys. Come with me slowly or you''ll eat bitten."

    "No," Lennix replies.

    "You don''t understand, there are vampires right behind you and you will get bitten."

    "Haha, very funny Ramose. We may have helped you but we''re not going with you," Kathrine snapped.

    I stepped into the forest and walked a couple feet scanning the forest. There was no one.

    I turn around and found all three held hostage by each Vt as they sucked the mortality out of them.

    "No!"

    Dropping the limp bodies, they rush away. I catch up to one of them jumping on one of them. Snapping his neck, the other two came back and attacked me. I got held by one struggling to get free. The other one held my head ready to snap, but heard a puncture of skin sound.

    The guy fell down dead and Mr. Harper stood in front.

    I felt my arms free. I spun around and ran as fast as I could to catch up and ripped her head off. Mr. Harper came up to me.

    "Thanks," I say.

    "Your wee. It only suits that you helped my daughter. Don''t count on it. I still don''t like you and your race."

    "I get it, sir."

    "No need to be formal, kid."

    I nodded then continued into the forest. Walking along with the dark forest with the snow crunching under my feet, I''m almost at the spot where I''ll meet the other vamps. Even some that we recruited beforehand.

    I thought back to the three friends of Sarah Harper getting bitten before my eyes. The scene shes before my eyes.

    From what I''ve seen tonight, a lot of people, out of school, have gotten bitten. This is war.

    I finally met them at the "entrance" of the forest of their side. We line up ready to take our grounds and end this.

    "Ready?" Raul asks searching down the line making sure we''re all here.

    Sapphire stayed back home since it''s too dangerous for her. She''s fine alone.

    We all nodded and before we know it.T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Let''s take our ground."

    We stepped it the forest ready for fight.

 Chapter thirty seven

    Sabe''s POV

    Pain shot through my veins. It felt like a blizzard flowing through my veins. The venom shot through me like a bullet being shot.

    I wanted to scream but I couldn''t. My mouth stayed shut. My body felt limp like thousands of weights piling down on me.

    In my head, I screamed in pain. I wanted help. At this, I wanted to die. Not caring to keep on living as a vampire. I want to get out of my misery.

    I''ve should have listened to de. All three of us would still be human if we just came out. He warned us and we didn''t listen.

    As soon as he stepped into the forest a couple feet, they snuck up to us and grasped us from our hiding spot to feast on our blood. de turned around and watched us die.

    -

    When my eyes pries open to have the light ring in my eyes. My body felt ponderous and cial.

    Tossing my head side to side to take in the new scenery. The bedroom has white walls and a bed with beige sheets. Chocte brown dresser sits on the right of me against the wall, the drawers facing me.

    On the left of me is an open door wide leading to a bathroom. I''m vampire, why do I need a bathroom?

    Finally taking the courage to get up, I slowly raise myself on my elbows, but failed immediately when I sit up too fast. My head begins to spin, but finally got it straight. What I noticed at first is my sight is getting sharper, which means I can see the knitted detail in the rug, and the slivers of wood in the dresser.

    The next thing I noticed is my scent of smell has gotten stronger. I can smell fish in the river a few miles away.

    Hearing car honks in the distance makes my mind so crazy.

    Walking around the room, I finally stepped to the door ready to emerge into a new scenery. I walked into the long hallway that filled with paintings of sunsets andndscapes. The walls are brown cream walls with oak nks for the floor. Venturing to the stairs, they spiral down to the main floor, where the whole living room is white with white leather couches.

    I wanted to go down slow but not used to being in vampire form, I speed down the stairs feeling the aftermath of dizziness.

    Holding onto the banister, I crush it from my strong touch.

    "Shit," I mumble.

    I hear footstepsing from the right of me. Swirling around, this guy, looking no older than forty, came into the living room. His auburn hair shined in the light.

    Dress shirt and dress pants almost stood out with his white skin.

    "Thought I heard something. The names Charles. Charles Minken. I''m part of the Tandler group here."

    "Tandler?"

    "That''s what we call our group of vamps. See, there''s the Tandlers, Bein, Minn, Jones, Len, andst the Vts. Now the ones that bit you were the Vts. They live on the other side of the forest. That''s who we''re having war with. I was summoned toe fetch you and your two friends."

    "What group will we go in?"

    "I don''t know. I think you''ll be with the Tandlers but not sure."

    "Oh."

    "Charles!"

    "Yes?"

    "I''m bored."

    A little girl with blonde hair with a dark purple streak came into the room. She wore ck pants and a ck shirt. She takes a nce at me before her eyes grew wide.

    "Hey! You''re Sarah''s friend."

    "Yeah I am."

    She seems familiar but can''t remember where I''ve seen her.

    "You were at the forest when I first saw you and Sarah."

    That''s where I''ve seen her.

    "Yeah, what''s your name?"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I crouch down to her level. "Sapphire."

    "I''m Sabor, but Sarah calls me Sabe."

    "Hello Sabe."

    "Hi Sapphire."

    "Since you got bitten, are you going to be staying with us?"

    "I don''t know yet. Hope so."

    I want to keep living near or in town since this is where I grew up. Now I just need to somehow tell my parents that I''m a vampire. I spot her holding a bottle of blood. I just realize then that my throat is so dry.

    "I can see your craving blood. I''ll get you a bottle, just don''t attack Sapphire. I''m responsible for her and I don''t want to die." He whispers thest part.

    I nod and he leaves us alone.

    "So, have the others woken up yet?" I ask the little girl even though she probably doesn''t know. As if reading my mind, she shakes her and continues to drink the blood.

    When will he get back? I''m dying of thirst right now.

    "Here''s your drink."

    He came back handing it to me. I take a drink gulping it down only to have most of it gone. Once I''m satisfied with my hunger I finally ask him, "are the others up yet?"

    "Not that I know of. So far, you are the first on up from your transformation."

    "So tell me more about what''s going on?"

    "Well, it''s very hard to exin but here''s what you need to know. The Vts are getting their revenge on the Tandlers, and Sarah for what her ancestors have done."

    "What''d they do?"

    "Her great, great grandfather was a mass serial killer to them. They''d came onto the Vtsnd and kill them. Finally they had enough and killed every one of them. I don''t know the whole story about what happened, but that''s all I know why they''re after Sarah. Now they''re after us is because Raul and Victoria came onto theirnd after getting chased out of other ces. They wanted to build a home in the forest by they disagree. A war started up and a lot of vamps died that night. Of course both teams called truce and each took a side. The Vas stayed hidden from the people until then, and now."

    "Woah."

    "Yeah."

    "Do you live here?"

    "No actually. I came down to fight, but it''s not my thing so instead I''m watching Sapphire since she''s too young and it''s dangerous for her to go out."

    "Oh."

    He nodded. "Well, since it''s just us three, wanna do something?"

    "Sure, but what?"

    He grinned. "Follow me."

    We headed down to the basement with Sapphire trailing behind me.

    The basement sure is massive. I can''t even see the other side.

    Waking down into a corridor of doors, he opens one revealing a room with a dart board. A counter from a bar, just without the alcohol. Seats boarders the room walls with a coffee table in the centre with a basket of darts.

    "Can you y?" Charles asks lifting a dart.

    "Hell yeah."

    In the corner of my eye, Sapphire sits down on the couch and watches. "I''m going to observe you guys."

    How does a little girl like her know "observe"?

    I picked a dart and throw it gently from my strength. I got ten points.

 Chapter thirty eight

    de''s POV

    As soon as we stepped onto theirnd, there''s no turning back now. We want to stab four ground and end this once and for all.

    Stepping on theirnd for the first time made me feel disgusted. Knowing that Sarah has been on thisnd when she got attacked at the Chase, sends chills down my spine. She''s lucky someone was there to save her.

    I felt a tinge of rage racing through me as I know the Vts are to me. Whatever happened that was almost two centuries ago.

    Even with Sarah''s ancestors, that was ages ago. Is she dies tonight, I''m putting my full me on them, especially that Jason guy.

    I will definitely kill him.

    Twenty minutes into the forest, we found their home.

    It''s a small mansion that''s a cabin like home. Stopping to admire the home, Raul took a nce at us all before nodding and descending.

    We followed behind. Butterflies filled my stomach as each step filled with anxiety.

    I feel anxious to get this over with. It''s a fifty fifty chance I may die tonight or not. I really do hope I don''t but if I do, at least I''ll die fighting, or in some events, honour.

    "We''ve been expecting you." A voice speaks. They emerged from behind the house and man they have a lot of vampires.

    "We''re here to take our ground!" Raul speaks.

    "That''s nice, but it''s not happening." One of the Vts said. I spot Jason at the end of the line. His wicked smile spread like a virus on his face. I wanted to rip that smile off his smug face. He has a white bandage that wraps around his torso where Sarah stabbed him. I smiled at her aplish, sort of.

    "We want you to be gone, Crane!"

    "Well you''re not going to get away with what you did!" Raul shouts back.

    All the Vts startedughing hysterically. Once they calm down, they went back to fighting mode.

    "We want you gone Tandlers!" Jason screamed.

    "You went after my daughter!" Mr. Harper yelled back. "My daughter could die because of you!"

    "That''s what she gets for her great, great grandfather''s doing."

    One of them chuckles. I can never tell who they are apart from Jason. I don''t know their names so it''s hard who''s talking.

    "She deserves what she got. It was all part of the deal that her great, great grandfather did! You all will receive the same!"

    A gunshot went off and we all nce down to see a vampire dead, and a hunter standing with the gun stretched out.

    That set them off.

    Their eyes turned bloody red ready to attack.

    "Game on!"

    In a blink of an eye, we all ran attacking each other. This is the final showdown.

    Who ever wins this, wins this for all.

    I managed to take down two Vts and now hunting Jason down. I want to be the one to kill him for what he did.

    "Come out,e out where ever you are," I sing. He needs to feel the pain that he out on Sarah.

    "I promise I won''t hurt you."

    I walk deeper into the forest but hearing something faint behind me. Instead of looking suspicious, I keep walking. The footsteps kept getting closer and closer to me but I''m prepared for what''s about to happen.

    Once I know they''re close enough, I stop and punched the guy.

    He fell to the ground. Dabbing at his bloody nose heughs. "Great punch."

    Jason stood up admiring the damage I did. "Is that all you can do?"

    "No, but thanks for asking."

    I scrunched my hand into a fist and punched him where Sarah stabbed him. He hunched to the ground holding his wound. Grasping my ankle, he yanked it towards him. I fall on my back with a thump.

    He crawled on top of me pinning my legs with his. He ces his hands on the side of my head ready to twist.

    I wrap my hands around his throat squeezing as much as I could. Jason''s ready to snap my neck when I yank it forward as hard as I can.

    The tight grip that affected me before has loosen. I take my chance to flip us over until I''m on top of him. Feeling him tinge of limp underneath, I grasp onto his head and snapped it.

    Someone from behind me grabbed onto my shoulders. Arms wrapped around me to hold me down. Another Vt came with gloves on with a stake in hand.

    "This is the end Ramose."

    "I highly doubt it."

    As soon as he gets close enough to stab me, I kick him in the private then kicked behind me. I flipped her over and sat on top of her.

    I gripped her neck ripping it off.

    Scanning the area I leave back towards the others. I finally got my revenge on Jason. T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    He deserves what he did to Sarah.

    -

    We fought all night. We did lose a lot of our vampire and hunter team but luckily Raul, Victoria, Keir, Nevada, Corbin, Amber, and Dawn lived, a couple others from the vamps on our team, and a few from the hunters. Sadly, Sarah''s father did parish in the fight so I don''t know how to tell her.

    We won the battle with only one Vt left. We circled him.

    As soon as we kill him, that will be thest of the Vt team on earth. This will be thest of the Vt blood.

    "Alright, you win. Just don''t hurt me. We can be friends."

    "Not on our watch. This is what happens when you go against us and hurt people!" Raul yelled. "And now it''s your turn to feel that pain!"

    Raul, Keir, a couple vampire hunters and I gather around him, caging him in.

    "Please, please, please. I''ll do anything!"

    "Toote."

    Before I knew it, it was the end to everything.

 Epilogue

    Sarah''s POV

    The sound of beeping filled my ears. It really did sound annoying and I wanted it to stop. Prying my mouth open to talk or make a sound, but my mouth felt dry like sand.

    Moving my hand a centimetre it failed. I feel paralyzed.

    Pain shoots up from my waist, hissing. Once the pain settled down I finally opened my eyes, which are adjusting to the bright light.

    The beeping continued.

    My eyes soaks in the room. The white cream walls, a ck chair with a dark, dark green cushion, a window to my right. My eyesnded on the source of beeping. A machine beside my bedside is attached to me. ncing down at the IV bag, I realize that I''m in a hospital.

    I try sitting up but once again, pain shot through my belly where I was stabbed. Lifting up the nket, the greyish blue gown covered my body. Carefully lifting up the gown, a massive white bandage across my stomach where I was stabbed by Jason. My skin is red around the bandage.

    I hear the door open and I''m instantly looking in the direction. Sabe walks in along with Lennix and Kathrine.

    A smile creeps on my face. I''m happy to see them. The one thing that didn''t bring me happiness is when I can sense something is different.

    "You''re up! Let me grab a doctor," Lennix says as he steps outside.

    "It''s great you''re up," Kathrine replies.

    In walks in de, Keir, Raul and Victoria. "How''re you feeling?" Raul asks.

    "Sore." My voice is hoarse from the dryness. Keir somehow has water and give it to me. I take a drink feeling the warm liquid rub down my dry throat.

    Clearing my throat I thanked him. I set the water on the table beside my bed.

    "I called your mother. She should be here soon."

    "Thanks."

    Everyone is here, except for my father. "Where''s dad?"

    They nce at each other with nervous looks. It''s like they''re telling each other, with eye contact, who should tell me.

    I give them, "someone tell me what''s going on," look.

    After sharing nces, they all turn their heads towards de.

    "Really? I have to tell her? Why am I always giving bad news."

    When he mentioned bad news, I knew something happened. Deep down something I don''t want to hear.

    He sighs and steps forward. "Look, Sarah. Before I tell you, I just want to say that we lost a lot of good people, both vamps and hunters. We won but it''s not the same. I''m sorry to say, but . . . I''m so, very sorry for your loss. He died along with other great hunters."

    "Like bitten died?"

    "I wish that was the case."

    Tears welled up. I couldn''t hold them back as they streamed down my face.

    My father gone. T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    All he wanted for me to do was be one of them. I loved him, more than ever.

    I felt strong arms wrap around me, curling me into a hug. I didn''t bother looking at who it is. I just needed a hug right then and there.

    "I''m sorry Sarah," Kathrine spoke.

    I feel her close to me. I feel everyone so close to me, yet so, far, away.

    -

    I couldn''t sleep that night. Thinking how I lost my father. Even though he was always busy, I still loved him. He cared for me all my life.

    After my little meltdown, I finally calmed down and that''s when my mom came. She asked the regr questions, like, "are you okay darling," or, "are you hurt?"

    I also found out that there''s no more Vt blood on earth.

    Another shocking thing I found is all three of my friends are vampires and are living with the others. ording to them, and what Jason said while exining the whole thing, that they are joining the Tandler group.

    Which is great for them but now I''m truly alone. At first I thought they could visit me or vice versa, but no. After what happened here, the Tandlers will be moving away for a while to "recover". So they''ll be gone.

    Some good news is is that I convinced my mom to move back in the house. She did talk to me about moving with her in New York, but I declined.

    My n is now is to fulfill my fathers'' dream for me to be a hunter. After everything he did, I will continue on in his name.

    I''ll do just about everything I can to continue the family line of hunters.

    -

    For the rest of the year after the war against the vampires and hunters, and the Vts, everything felt the same once again. A couple weeks afterwards, my fathers funeral took ce, along with all the people and vamps who partaken.

    A lot of people showed, basically the whole town, along with other family members who don''t live in Cooperstown. Everyone got along, even with the vamps.

    Not long after the funeral, the Tandlers and my friends left somewhere in the world. They wouldn''t tell me where they''ll be going but away from here. They also said they wouldn''t keep in touch so at that very moment, it was thest time I''ve seen them all.

    I graduated a yearter to train to be a hunter like my father did. The only thing is that I''m not the leader.

    I don''t know who it is but we''ll find out soon. In the meantime, I''ve got my fathers'' hunters who did survive teach me all the ways.

    Also, I got my hair dyed all brown. So now I''m a brte and not an inch of blonde in me. Lauren also visited a few times for the holidays to visit. It''s good to see her again.

    I feel happy now that everything''s has passed.

    Now what the future holds, no one knows.

 Book 2

    Book two of Deadly Storm is out, it��s called Fading sins. It��s about the vampire ganging back after nine years reuniting with Sarah. They go on a chase to hunt down the vampire who��s been on a killing spree. Killing innocent humans.

    It has coursenguage and sexual scenes and some scenes may be graphic for some viewers as there��s fighting scenes.

    The description on the book is better than this but it��s just a quick description on what it��s about. T��xt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!