Karolina Life as a Vampire Chapter 15

Karolina Life as a Vampire Chapter 15

FIFTEEN

I killed the engine in front of the house not even bothering to park it in the back with the rest. The rain came down like a monsoon. I slammed the door shut, surprised the glass didn’t shatter. The sound of the door alerted everyone in the house that I was back. The first vampires to emerge were Vance and Alex, followed by Evol and Colken and finally Erik. I chucked the keys at him, aiming for his head.

“If you gave me the car to kill myself why bring me back?!” I screamed. The water dripped off my nose and hair.

“Lina, please come inside, you’re getting soaked.” Alex begged. Erik lowered his eyes as he placed the keys in his pocket giving no response.

“It’s not like I’m going to catch the flu!” I waved my arms around, standing in the down pour.

“Even a vampire knows when to come in when it rains.” Evol said in her motherly tone.

“That kind of thinking takes higher learning.” I pointed at Erik. “Not going to name names, but he, took that away from me as well.”

“Very mature Karolina, get in the house!” Colken barked.

“Oh now you care about me! What happened to hating my guts, secretly wanting to kill me.” I kicked at the rocks. “Come back after sunset and I’ll be a pile of ash.” Colken wasn’t phased by my assault.

“This is not like you Lina, come in and lets talk about this.” Alex came to the edge of the stairs, the draining rain created mini waterfalls, Alex dared not to venture out.

“What do you think this is? Silence?.” I snapped.

“You’re screaming at us!” Alex snapped back.

“If he had let me go into the sun yester-night this,” I gestured with my hands in a circle. “Wouldn’t be happening right now. The sun will be up in four hours, just forget about me.”

“Tell me what happens to something that’s wet when you try to light it on fire.” Colken pushed his way through the crowd and stood next to Alex. “Nothing.”

“Then stake me through Colken! It’s what you want!” I opened my arms exposing my chest in invitation.

“I have no desire to.”

“Do you need persuasion?” Nothing from Colken. “What if I just so happened to know the truth about the night Ryan died.” Now Colken’s eyes widened. Erik’s head turned to Colken’s back. It was an unreadable expression. Colken composed himself, turned to look over his shoulder at Evol. She adverted her eyes.

“Apparently they weren’t forgotten.” I stated to Evol. Colken took the steps one at a time, sapphire eyes bearing into mine. The rain drenched his shirt making the fabric stick to his flesh. He invaded my person bubble but I stood my ground. This was it. He was going to go through with it. My arms still outstretched, waiting.

“You know nothing of the events that went on that night.” His voice was low and audible to only the two of us. “I request you give me back the journal before I do something rash.” Colken spoke loud enough so everyone could hear him now. “I suggest you collect and march yourself inside before I use force.”

“Coward.” I spat. Before I blinked I was hauled off my feet, slung over Colken’s shoulder staring at his behind. I flailed about like a fish out of water, screaming and clawing. Colken carried me inside and dropped me, not so gentle, in the entrance hall. Everyone came back inside. I scrambled to my feet about to verbally attack when Colken beat me to it.

“Now get upstairs and dry off!” Colken roared, before I could protest, “I have no problem dragging you upstairs!” Colken pointed up the stairs. I rose to my feet and stomped, like a immature teenager, up the stairs. I slammed the door. A slight rap came at the other side before opening ajar. Alex poked his head in.

“Go away.” I opened my closet and took out dry cloths, a pair of sweat pants and a baggy shirt. I didn’t even bother to look towards his direction.

“I’ll get you a towel.” Alex disappeared to return with a bath towel. I mumbled a thanks as I toweled my hair. He closed the door silently, opting to stand by the door in case of an emergency exit. When my hair wasn’t dripping anymore I peeled off my soaking pants and shirt, I didn’t care that Alex was blushing by the door. Wrapping the towel around my body I replace the soaked undergarments with dry ones. After dressing myself I crawled under the covers and proceeded to make a wet mark on my pillow.

“Lina.” Alex asked timidly.

“I don’t want to talk, I don’t want to hear what you or anyone has to say, I just want to be left alone to wallow for the rest of eternity until I shrivel up like a raisin.”

“Alright, I just wanted you to know that I love you.” Alex backed out of the room. “Don’t do something rash.” The door closed. I screamed into my damp pillow and rolled onto the floor, dragging the covers with me. I crawled into the corner I designated to the grave desires and covered my fetal position with the chocolate darkness.

I did not emerge from my room for a few weeks. Once and a while Vance or Alex made sure I was feeding myself and replenished my stores. I alternated from the corner to the middle of the floor. Never on the bed. I didn’t have the energy, nor the drive, to crawl into the comfy goodness. I wanted to dig a hole in the ground and bury myself in it, I felt that could have made me feel better. My skin turned a ashy color and my eyes dulled over. Silence was my only companion. We had a very intimate relationship I guess you could say.

My mind was empty. I didn’t think or feel for the rest of my V.D. The nights seemed to drag on and on until the sleep took over only for the cycle to begin the next night. I stared at the ceiling one night and the room spun.

The door burst open, the door knob hitting the wall and created a small crater. I was preoccupied by the ceiling that I failed to see who my visitor was. His fingers curled around my wrists yanking my body up off the floor into a sitting position. My head fell forwards to stare at the space in between my legs. My visitor pulled my body into a standing position and lifted my face to look up at him.

“You’ve locked yourself in here for too long, now put on some clean clothes, feed so your skin clears up and splash water in your face. Come downstairs when you’re ready.” Erik turned away and left. He looked fine but his voice made it crystal clear that he was still angry with me. I let my body sag and wobble before my knees gave out.

“Karolina! Don’t make me come up there again!” Erik yelled.

Truthfully I felt better after feeding like a tick. My skin no longer looked like a zombie but my eyes still had a dull look to them. I still felt lazy and limp but I carefully made my way downstairs. They were all sitting in the parlor awaiting my entrance. The shock was written all over my face when I first gazed upon the scene in front of me. Colken had on a black button down shirt, tight enough to show off his figure, and dark denim jeans and his hair was hanging around his face. Vance was dress similarly but he had on a blue button down that was being held shut by the middle button and black jeans. Erik had on his favorite pair of black leather pants and a sleeveless fish net top. I was shocked. More so at what Colken and Vance were wearing , never had I seen them out of their period clothes. I heard footfalls behind me, I turned around to meet the gaze of Alex.

“Are you going like that?” He asked looking me over. He was fixing his belt. Alex was wearing his favorite pair of jeans and a white button down shirt with a blue fame pattern going across the middle.

“Huh?” I asked confused by the whole situation. I was wearing a fresh pair of sweats and a pajama shirt.

“You didn’t tell her?” Erik shook his head.

“Go put something else on we’re going to a club.”

“Say what?” I made a face.

“You have to get out of the house and I found a great club that will knock the V.D. out of you.” Alex hook his arm with mine and lead me back upstairs. Once in my room I reverted back to my corner position. “Get up, you’re going whether you like it or not.”

“Clubs are happy, I’m not happy.” I buried deeper into my pile of covers and pillows. I heard Alex sigh and open the closet door. The screeching of the hangers made my teeth hurt as he shopped around for something for me to wear. Something light hit me but I didn’t budge. Then something heavier came crashing down on me. I poked my head out. Alex had thrown my clothes on me.

“There, I picked out you’re favorite 30 Seconds to Mars shirt and a pair of nice jeans, accessorize until you’re hearts content.” Alex laid back on my bed.

“Can’t you just leave me alone.” I pulled the cover over my head.

“I suffered for three weeks Lina, the least you could do is get dressed and experience the night life.”

“Oh I’m experiencing it alright.” My voice was muffled by the thick duvet. “I’m having a blast.” I did a mini happy dance, making the covers bobble. Alex gave a chuckle.

“If you hate the club I promise to leave you alone.”

“Fine.” I got dressed and put eye liner on.

The entire car ride I was wishing Erik would swerve and hit a tree. Vance and Alex wanted to ask me questions but were holding back, the inner struggle was loud enough to make a dog yelp in China. Colken kept looking back at me like a worried mother. I wanted to slap him upside the head and Erik ignored me and the situation.

“Who’s bright idea was this?” I broke the silence.

“Mine.” Alex raised his hand.

“Remind me to give you a medal.” I thudded my head against the window.

“I’m sure that wasn’t a complement.” Vance informed.

“Thank you Professor.” Alex slouched.

“What are we, five?” Colken snapped.

“Shut up!” Erik jerked the car for emphasis. This is how the car ride continued. The four of us bickered back and forth while Erik contemplated driving head first into a tree. Alex deserves a statue erected in his honor for the worst idea ever.

At last we made it to the city, I had never been so happy to see the polluted streets of downtown until this car ride. Erik pulled into a parking garage and parked the Jag at the top. We all took the elevator to ground level. This part of town was different from what I usually saw. The buildings were the same but the people crowding them were different. No thugs or hookers. The homeless were no where to be found. Vampires were on every street corner. There were humans too, both species mixing like it was an everyday occurrence.

This part of the city was the home of the vampire empire. All the clubs, shops and other facilities were owned and run by vampire covens. The humans that migrated here every night were the social outcasts. Those who own The Vampire Masquerade and meet with their coven’s to interact with others in the hopes they’d find a real vampire. Of course even a real vampire wouldn’t reveal their true identity but humans don’t know the difference.

Vampires smell of the night, a scent no mortal can detect and mortals smell of blood and life. Another big difference is that our fangs are real and we have, for most cases, two sets. A top set and a bottom, either it’s prominent or subtle but it’s there.

We walked down the street and a group of mortals recognized Alex. The leader of this masquerade was Lector. His eyebrows were waxed to pencil thin and his complexion was bleached by lemon juice. He was wearing the latest fashion from Hot Topic, baggy pants with chains and hang cuffs and a tight shirt with a fish net underneath.

“Haven’t seen you around The Coffin for eternity, where have you been?” Lector and Alex clasped hands and brought each other into one another in the manly way.

“Been busy, where are you headed?” Alex asked.

“The new club opened up last week, we’re going to check it out before the fledglings take over.” His group yeah-ed behind him. “You?”

“Vamp Pyre.”

“How’d you get a membership?” Lector was obviously jealous.

“Secret. I’m being rude,” Alex put his arm around me. “This is my girlfriend, Karolina. Erik, Colken and Vance.” He pointed behind him to the others. Lector noticed my eyes.

“Nice contacts, they look incredible…almost real.” Lector inched closer to me. I back up.

“We’ll see you later.” Alex pushed me ahead while he said his goodbyes. Erik and the others followed me.

Vamp Pyre was an exclusive club for vampires and humans. Humans had to be invited in order to gain access. All vampires were VIP’s(Vampire’s In Public) and entered through a special entrance. At the door a huge guard was standing with arms crossed and sunglasses in an attire of all black. The music was so loud the bricks were vibrating. Alex smiled flashing his fangs. He nodded and made sure we were all vampires as well before opening the door.

Chains were hung from the ceiling to dangle about a foot above the dancers. The lights were red and strobe lights were flashing from each corner. Laser lights caressed the top of the tallest dancers heads creating a illusion of a cage between them and the D.J. The music was dark. The music seemed to flow right through me and I was itching to get on the dance floor. Vance and Erik excused themselves to the upper levels leaving Alex and Colken to myself. We found a table by the bar but close enough to the dance floor so I could be close by. I was literally jumping up and down, begging Alex to dance with me. Colken ordered a drink and opted out of dancing. Alex lead me to the dance floor.

The music took over my body, it was different from when I was a human and I went dancing. I was caught in a trance, like all the other vampire’s in the club, the music was controlling us. Alex fell into the trance too. Alex brought me close to him molding our bodies together. There were no human’s on the dance floor, they were all at the bar or on the couches on the other side of the main floor.

The upper levels were for VIP’s only. The rooms were filled with blood bars and the coven who owned the establishment held secret meetings on the top floor. They shared each other’s blood and had human pets. This was the world of vampires that I didn’t want to be apart of. The club was fine but what went on above I wanted no part in. Erik and Vance had gone up to feed and mingle with high class vampire’s.

When I had my fill of the dance floor I left Alex to check out the bar. I sat down on an open stool at the end of the bar, the bar tender was a human.

“What will it be?”

“Bloody Mary.” I looked him in the eyes to make sure he got it and turned away to watch Alex. When the drink arrived it wasn’t what I ordered. “Excuse me!” I waved at him. He came back.

“Something wrong?”

“This isn’t a Bloody Mary.” He looked at me as if I had a lazy eye. The other bartender came over and took the drink. He directed him to a guy at the other end who wanted a drink.

“He’s new here, I’ll fix this for you.” He winked. This one was a vampire. “This one’s on me.” He said as I tried to pay him. As I raised the glass to my lips a girl wearing a black corset and red shirt with black Tripp pants came up and invaded my personal bubble. She had brown hair with the underneath dyed red, her eyes were brilliantly hazel. She slammed her hand on the bar and glared daggers at me.

“Get out of my seat before I kick your ass out of it!” She growled, fangs flared.

“Excuse me? I don’t see you’re name on it, bitch.” I took a sip of my drink. When the glass was out of my hands she shoved me off the stool and turned it over. Written in thick black marker was Raven Winters.

“Sit somewhere else.” She righted the chair and dusted it off.

“Who do you think you are?” I shoved her.

“Don’t push me, Newbie!” She pushed me against the wall.

“HEY!” Erik yelled. “Rae leave her alone.” Raven turned her attention to Erik.

“I knew I smelled a rat. She wreaks of you, disgusting.”

“I do not smell!” I pushed her away. Erik came between us before Raven could slug me.

“It’s nice to see that you’re both getting along.” Erik stood aside after Raven calmed down. “Raven, Karolina. Karolina I see you’ve met Rae already.” Alex had snapped out of the trance and made his way over.

“Raven you’re here.”

“You know this bitch?” I pointed.

“What did I miss?” Alex asked looking confused.

“She sat her fat ass in my seat!” Rae pointed back at me.

“Doesn’t exactly justify the current mood.” Erik was confused as well. So was I. Pure hatred was coming off this vampire and I just accidentally sat in her seat.

“At least I have an ass!” I yelled back around Erik.

“Don’t let it happen again.” Rae seated herself at the bar in her seat. I took my drink and followed them back to the table where Colken was laughing.

“I suppose you think all that was funny do you?” I snarled.

“Nothing could have been funnier.” Colken pounded the table as he was racked with laughter.

“Okay what is he smoking.” I pointed to the giggle bag. Alex shrugged. “Clear things up for me, who was that?”

“Raven Winters, a.k.a. Rae. She’s one of the vampires that doesn’t live at the plantation.” Erik explained.

“I can see why she doesn’t live in the house.”

“Why?” Alex asked.

“Because we already have one Colken.” Erik was laughing now. Colken’s laughs died down but he was giggling on the inside.

“She’s the vampire that gave us both a real scare that time at the playground.”

“Oh.” I drained the rest of my drink. “Maybe I should repay her for that night.” I went to attack but was caught around the waist. “Come on just one good scratch! I’ll make it count-on her face!” Alex pulled me back.

“Don’t tempt her, she’s stronger than you.”

“You guys are no fun at all.” Alex sat down next to Colken. Erik looked at me.

“Do you remember Graham?” Erik asked.

“Safe House Graham?” He nodded. “Why?”

“He’s on the second level with Vance.” Erik pulled my arm. “He wants to see how you are doing.”

“Why?”

“Don’t be hard-headed, come up and say hello.” I followed Erik through the mass of dancing bodies to the spiral stair case.

The second level was so much different. There were no lights. The walls were covered in red velvet, plush leather couches were situated around for vampires to sit and chat. The bar was polished and high class, granite top and free standing. The bartender was a beautiful vamp with deep violet hair. In the sitting area stood a fountain that flowed blood rather than water. There were pool tables in the back, all were occupied by vampires I didn’t know.

“Erik!” He turned to the side, Graham was holding a crystal flute with the deepest blood I ever saw kissing it’s edges.

“I brought her.” He put his hand on my lower back guiding me a bit.

“Lina, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m glad to see you have decided to stay with us.” Graham shook my hand.

“Forced not decided. How have you been?” I asked.

“Well, a few vampires stopped by since you were there but business has been slow.” Erik excused himself to the bar and to see were Vance had gotten to.

“How are things going between the two of you?” Graham gestured to an empty couch.

“I still hate him. I think we’re just tolerating each other, after we get back to the house I’m back to my corner.”

“You look a lot better, I can tell that you faded a bit but you bounced back nicely.” He made himself comfortable, taking a sip from his flute.

“I bounced back rapidly just a few hours ago, against my will mind you.” I was eyeing his drink.

“If you let V.D. control your life you end up wasting away. Getting you to come here will change the course of the disease.” He offered his crystal to me.

“What is it?” I asked sniffing it. It smelled fruity.

“A mixture of human and vampire blood.” I gave the flute back without taking a sip.

“Acquired taste.” I mumbled. “Change of subject. How long does this usually last?”

“V.D.? As long as the vampire makes it. You have the power to stop it.” Graham finished his mixture. “I can tell you’re in the ending phase, you say you’ll go back to your corner but you’ll find no comfort there.”

“We will see about that.” Erik came back with the same mix that Graham had just inhaled.

“Want some?” He asked as he came over. I shook my head. “You told her what it was didn’t you.” Erik sat himself on the other side of me.

“I don’t know how you can drink that stuff.”

“It’s far sweeter than human blood. You’ve had vampire blood before.” Erik brought the liquid to his lips. “Just give it a try.” He handed me the glass. I just stared at it.

“Where did the vampire blood come from?”

“The Vamp Pyre’s coven leader, he’s the donor for tonight. It’s a common practice among covens so don’t look at me like that.” Apparently I was making a face.

“Why would they do such a thing?”

“To share powers, to help heal wounds faster, any number of reasons.” Erik informed me.

“I don’t want anymore powers thank you.” I held the glass out for Erik to take back.

“The human blood is a diluting substance, all you really get is a sweet taste and a high.”

“Like an alcoholic beverage for vampires.” I joked.

“Exactly.” I threw caution to the wind and sipped it. The taste was amazingly sweet, like fruit smoothie without the texture and brain freeze. I took another sip this time it was more like a gulp.

“That’s really good.” I licked my lips. I could get addicted to this. Immediately I felt the effects of the high, my vision blurred for a minute before focusing again. My head spun when I looked back at Erik to return his glass.

“You’ll get use to it.” Erik chuckled.

“Tolerating, huh?” Graham raised an eyebrow. Erik didn’t know what he was talking about. I mouthed the words trust me towards Graham.

“Vance has been challenged to a game of billiards, he won’t be joining us anytime soon.” Erik informed us. Graham excused himself to get another one of those drinks. I started to wonder if I could have one. I didn’t think there was an age limit anymore. Erik and I were left alone. I decided to study the coffee table that separated the two couches that faced each other. There were books stored underneath the table with a few magazines. The table legs looked sturdy enough but I doubted they would hold a vampire falling on it. I let my eyes follow the edge of the table up this vampire’s legs to glance up into his eyes. I quickly adverted them. They were pure black, no whites around the eyes, just black.

“We should go.” Erik’s voice tensed.

“But Graham…” I looked over at the bar.

“He knows.” Erik lifted himself off the couch and pulled me with him towards the stairs. The thudding of the music rose as we descended.

“What’s going on?”

“There’s an Ancient in this club.”

“The one with the black eyes?”

“Yes, he’s trouble. He’s on the Council of Elders in England.” When he reached the bottom he pulled me aside in a dark corner. “His name is Verlok, he’s one of the last Ancients to support an old tradition.”

“And what is this tradition exactly?”

“That all fledglings sired by vampires 100 years and older must be destroyed.” I was at a lost for words. “I doubt he would try anything but as a precaution you should stay with me.”

“H-How did they destroy these fledglings?” I was afraid of the answer.

“Dismemberment.” My eyes widened. Erik still had that wonderful tasting concoction in his hand. I drained it. I handed the empty glass to a human.

“Be a dear and return this to the bar.” I tried to be seductive, it worked. He could have melted into a puddle had he not been a living being. He got right on his job.

The mix of the music and the sweet drink made me do something I would later regret. I took Erik’s hand and pulled him into the dance floor. The group seemed to part like the red sea for us.

Whatever had happened between us was forgotten. He held onto my waist pulling us flush, his hips started to rock with mine. I draped my arms loosely around his neck. Erik caressed my sides and left feather light touches up my back. His lips trailed down my neck making the tiny hairs on my neck stand up leaving goose bumps in their wake. My head swam with the overwhelming high the mixed drink gave me. It made the room spin and moved my body in beat with the music. When our dance maneuvers separated us Erik’s hands would grasp my hips and force us back together again. He rocked his hips against mine causing my fingers to claw and hook themselves in his fishnet top. His scent made my eyes flutter shut. I craved, more than anything, to latch my fangs into the junction of his neck and shoulder and taste him. Metallic and honey, I remembered.

We hadn’t noticed that the dancing bodies around us had spilt making our mating ritual visible to the others at the table. Emerald met scarlet for the first time during the dance. In fact, for the first time since that night with Graham. All we saw was each other’s eyes, the windows to the soul. The emerald orbs sparkled, aglow from within, even in the strobe lights and lasers they held their eeriness. I could feel them pulling me in, reeled in like a fish. Our lips met and sparks exploded from behind my eyelids. My finger nails dug ditches into his shoulders, his arms wove themselves around my form so tightly I winced. I didn’t mind. Deep into the kiss our minds touched for a second, I heard his voice in my head, felt his emotions wash into me. I felt my knees weaken and a fainting spell edged the back of my consciousness.

Unbeknown to us, Raven had mingled her way over to the table were Colken and Alex sat finishing the same concoction I had inhaled. She had been watching us from over at the bar and decided to wait for the opportune moment to cause havoc. Without looking at either one of the vampires she spoke five words that made their attention turn to us.

“Someone is mowing your lawn.” A venomous grin plaster on her face as she looked our way and winked. I heard her laugh manically and I broke the kiss, I turned to glance over at the table. Colken’s expression was unreadable while Alex stared daggers at Erik before switching his gaze to mine. His eyes, the color of honey, were not as sweet. Betrayal was etched into his face. I forced myself out of Erik’s embrace and chased after Alex as he bolted out of the club. What have I done? I asked in my head. The question, so cliché. Yet so was this. Pathetic. I kicked open the door, it slammed against the brick wall, making the guard jump in surprise.

“Alex!” I yelled. He was almost at the end of the alley. “ALEX!” I ran half way before he abruptly turn around. His expression caused me to skid to a halt.

“I don’t want to hear it, so just go back inside and finish what you started with Erik!” Alex growled, cutting the air with his hand as he yelled at me.

“It’s not what you think, please, just let me explain!” I rushed as he scoffed and walked around. I’ve been demoted to a classic affair film. How low can I go?

“So Erik was sucking your brains out of your mouth I take it?” Alex made hand gestures to go along with his words. I couldn’t deny that we were locked in a battle of lips just a moment ago but I needed to try to convince him, somehow, that it meant nothing.

“Erik gave me that human vampire blood drink, it made me feel and act weird.” I blurted out as the thought entered my mind.

“Even you are not that much of a light weight.” Alex shook his head at me, frustrated. “Just go back inside and enjoy the rest of your night.” And with that he turned and left me standing in the polluted ally.

I slid down the brick wall, sitting down on the filth encrusted ground. The sharp grain from the bricks snagged up my shirt, my half bear back scraped against it’s surface. I rested my forehead against my enfolded arms set on top of my knees. A single tear broke free from my grasp and splattered on cement I was staring at. The heavy metal door screeched on it’s hinges as it was opened slowly. Footsteps made their way over to me and stopped right in front of me. I looked up and I met those brilliant hazel eyes of Raven.

She crouched down and smiled. For having appendages she was very snake like.

“Poor Karolina.” She spat my name. “Single and miserable.” Her chuckle oozed with viciousness. I blacked out for a second but when I came back I was standing over her with my right hand clenched into a tight fist, snorting like a crazed bull. Rae was on her back nursing a split lip.

“You’re going to pay for that, BITCH!” She got to her feet, in an instant, I was pinned against the wall with her hands around my neck. I don’t need to breath to live, but without my head…that’s a different story. Her eyes were crazy, flared with a eerie glow, fangs glistening in the street lights.

“HEY!” The guard yelled. “Take it somewhere else Vamps!” He pointed a long metal rod at us. Her grip loosened from around my neck as the guard advanced on us. I shoved her away from me.

“What is wrong with you!” I shouted as I ran to the street and looked around frantically. I saw Lector and his posse under a street lamp cat-calling to a group of girls imitating vampires. I ran to the car, passing Lector, I looked through the windows. Alex wasn’t there. I righted myself and looked around again. Where could he have gone?

If I wanted Erik to run the car into a tree earlier this evening, now I wanted the car to self explode. Everyone changed their positions in the car. Alex took the passenger side while Colken drove us home. Vance sat in the middle with Erik positioned behind Colken and I behind Alex. I opted to ride in the trunk but Vance shooed me into the car before Colken could pop the trunk.

Trying to keep my mind off the heavy atmosphere I picked at my nails or played with the hem of my shirt. I braved a glance at the reflection of Alex in the side mirror, but only once. He was worrying his bottom lip between his teeth, the continued abuse lead to his lip to bleed and he cursed silently. Licking away the blood I could see that the cut had healed up quickly. His eyes were dark, clouded and glazed over, the that pain emanated from him made the pit of my stomach summersault. I was disgusted with myself but a feeling crept in. I felt as if I should be experiencing more guilt than I currently was. I was guilty for cheating on my boyfriend, however, I failed to feel terrible about it.

Before the car came to a complete stop Alex jumped out and took the step two at a time before throwing open the door and leaving it wide open. Vance parked the car so we could exit the vehicle and afterwards drove the Jag into the barn with the rest out back. Evol was gracefully descending the stairs when we arrived through the door. She was confused about what had happened to cause Alex such pain, I looked over at Erik when our eyes met I adverted them quickly to the floor. Evol nodded her head and advised that communication would make everything right as rain. Colken forcefully pushed past me, almost knocking me over in the process, as he ascended the stairs Evol jumped out of the way. His bedroom door slammed shut. I thought to myself, how mature. But in this situation I believe he had every right. Vance escorted Evol into the parlor to fill her in leaving Erik and I standing in the hall side by side. This was more awkward than the pope in a sex club. At least he would be laughing. I ran up to my room, silently closing my door.

Graham, though I hate to admit it, was indeed right. My corner appeared to be the most welcoming thing I ever gazed on, but when I curled up into my ball the corner seemed to have shrunk three sizes. My legs hit the wall several times while I tried to get comfortable, at last I stretched them out on the wall. After a while the blood in my legs drained into the rest of my body and their temperature went below freezing, didn‘t help that my PJ bottoms fell down my legs as well. I changed positions with my head in the corner and my feet out in front. Still nothing. The bed was no help either. I laid sideways, upside down, on an angle, I even tired under the bed. Nothing. Frustrated I forgot where I was and tried to get up I banged my head on the metal bar. I cursed and plopped my head onto the floor breathing in years of dust. I blew harshly out my nose when my skin started to prickle. I will never get use to that feeling.

I crawled out from under my bed and walked out into the hallway, everyone’s door was closed. I heard the clinking of cups down in the kitchen Evol and Vance would be coming up soon. Tiptoeing past Colken’s room making sure not to breath to hard. I could only imagine that he was preparing a fire on his floor with a spit and an apple in hand, waiting to pounce on his unsuspecting prey. Me.

My arm raised to knock on Alex’s door, my fist made a silent knock, I let it rest there. A force possessed my body, moved my legs so now that I was standing in front of Erik’s door. I didn’t even knock. His room was a dull grey color with all the bedroom furnishings. His closet door was open and I was surprised to see more than leather pants in there. He was already in bed, his bare pale back to me and his hair gentle kissed the cream pillow. I found myself staring and quickly came back to earth. Losing my nerve I started to back out when his voice rang out.

“What’s wrong?” Gentle velvet. He looked over his shoulder at me. I stood like an idiot in his doorframe.

“I-I don’t know.” I stumbled. I put a hand to my forehead swiping my hair out of my face. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have disturbed you.” I turned around and bolted. Erik caught my retreating hand, his speed astounded me.

“Come in.” He gave a little pull even though I went willingly. I watched as every muscle in his back glided underneath his skin. He sat me down on his bed, closed the door before returning to me. He stopped just in front of me, he towered over me, I had no choice but to look up. Scarlet met emerald. He looked so young yet manly. “You can sleep here if you want.” He caressed my cheek as he tucked a loose strand behind my ear. His back faced me again and I stared as it retreated. Fighting with myself. At last I latched onto his back, wrapping my arms around his waist, resting my cheek against his smooth skin.

“I don’t want to be alone.” I whispered. Even though my skin was crawling, my body felt at peace. I slowly released my grip and took a few steps back. He only nodded and lead me back over to the edge of the bed I was just sitting on. I crawled in between the sheets and turned onto my side facing the door. I felt the other side lean as he got back into bed, he pulled the covers up around us both. My eyes closed as I felt his arm wind around my waist. I fell deep into sleep.