The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Ch 7

Dominant Males



I had no trouble finding where she was. My new found powers led me straight to her lair. It was a little difficult to get Javier to go along with my plan. I would go in by myself. I didn’t want to chance her hurting any of them. Her house was beautiful. The only turnoff was all of the ghosts surrounding the property. She sure killed a lot of people. She was dressed as I would expect Cleopatra to be. Her beautiful hair had gold plates at the bottom and her earrings looked really heavy. She smiled though there was nothing warm in her smile what so ever. “Welcome to my lovely abode. Please, please come in.” She gestured with her hand to enter. I however was not going to allow her at my back. She smiled at this and led the way. I followed her into her house which seemed as inviting as a dungeon.

I sat in a high backed chair facing her. “Well what would you like to know? I know that you know part of the prophecy already. What have they not informed you of?” She asked her face a mask. “I want to know what will happen to me if I follow through with this prophecy.” I watched her face flicker for a moment. “You would rule the



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World.” She whispered bitterly. “You and the other witches would be the most powerful creatures on the earth. The vampires would be almost as weak as the humans!” She was horribly upset. “Can I not go through with the Prophecy?” I asked quietly. “There is one way, but I would have to kill you. No one would allow it. None of the children I have created would allow it. Tari, Wayne, or Javier.” I gasped. She had made Javier! I was aghast. I thought I hated the thought of her biting Tari, but the thought of her biting Javier was extremely painful.

I could not think straight. “I need some fresh air!” I gasped as I ran for the front door. She followed me like and apparition. I ran somewhat blindly. I could not bear the thought of her breaking Javier’s skin with her teeth. The thought sent me teetering on the edge of madness. “Are you ill?” She asked sounding gleeful. I did not answer merely thought. I sought her mind. When I entered her mind, she was shocked. I could see her smugness that I had had to come to her for answer. I could see her fear that I would dispose of her.

I felt much calmer after being in her mind. I was apparently the one in control, and she knew this. It was know she who was gasping for breath. “Who… did …..you ……..learn..from?” She gasped. I shook my head. “I have not learned from anyone. I never knew what I was until a couple days ago.” She seemed incredibly shocked at this information. “I am what I am, and nothing can change that. I want to know is there





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another way to stop this apocalypse of humans?” “Why do you care so much? They would kill you!” “You killed my mother, yet here I am talking to you.” She gaped at me. “You are Elizabeth’s child? I didn’t know she had a family.” “Yes, and you destroyed it!” I said trying to keep my temper in check. “I had a wonderful family, and you destroyed it.” I held the angry tears at bay.

“I’m sorry. I never would have broken up a family. I myself never had a family. I was just passed around when I was human. I finally came into the hands of a vampire, and he changed me. It was the kindest thing anyone had ever done for me. He had given me power. I loved it, but I still did not have a family.” I searched her mind. It was all true. She was telling me the truth. She was sitting beside me, and it was very awkward. It was like we had come to a mutual agreement. I would not destroy her, and she would leave Javier alone.

I had found out what I had wanted to know, so now I was going to go back to Javier. I walked the way I had come. I could hear people following me. They thought they were being so silent, but I could hear them. They were vampires! They had come to kidnap me. I used to believe in the myth that they couldn’t move around in the day, big lie! They were rapidly closing the distance. I built up my power getting ready to lash out at them and kill them. I saw Wayne in the distance. He was blocking my only escape route. I stared at him. He was deranged! Maybe the prophecy meant for him to be the one who hurts others to spite me!





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I kept right on walking. Others stepped out from behind stuff. I could kill them all if I wanted to, but I wanted to see where this was headed. “You are spawn! You do not deserve to be our leader. Javier will not turn you. He must so a vampire rules even though you are not worthy.” With that they all came at me with their preternatural speed. I engulfed them in flame. You do not fight with a witch if you wanted to live. Wayne however was not among the bodies. He had escaped and was probably headed to Javier. I had to get there before him. I thought of myself in his room, and I was there.

Wayne was in the house already. I could hear him having a heated argument with someone. I ran up the stairs to see Wayne and Kerri arguing. “I will not have you trying to kill my best friend!” She hissed. He glared at her, “She deserves death! Do you want the witches to rule or the vampires? If she is close to death then Javier will turn her. He won’t otherwise. You know that. The fool has fallen in love with her!” “He is not a fool. Love and life being worshipped is not foolish! Why did you change me?” He sighed looking defeated, “I do not know. You looked so young and innocent sleeping, and I couldn’t stop myself. I couldn’t deal with the thought that you would grow old and die eventually.”

He loved her. I could tell from the sound of his voice. It was very touching. However I could not be distracted by them. I needed to find Javier. I searched the house with my senses and found him. He was up in the attic. I willed myself there so as not to be seen by Kerri and Wayne. He was in a different box than the one I had been in. It was a very old trunk. He was pulling out



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pictures. He heard me coming towards him. When our eyes met, I felt an arc of electricity right down to my toes. He motioned me forwards. “My family.” He said quietly looking at the old pictures. I gazed down at one of the oldest pictures I had ever seen. It was black and white. There were seven people in the photo. You could see his parents. There were three little boys and two little girls. One of the boys was taller than the others. It was Javier.

“Tell me.” I said quietly. He looked at me with sad eyes. “Ok. It was 1910. We were a very wealthy family in Spain. I was the oldest child of five. We lived in Barcelona. It was a beautiful city. One night our house was attacked by creatures. One of which was a beautiful lady. She saw that we were a family and ordered the attack to stop. She came back for me when I was about 17. She said I was the reason she had stopped the attack. I was grateful and said I would do anything for her. She ordered me to come forward, and she bit me. She forced me to swallow her tainted blood. I was a vampire before I knew what happened.”

“I never let her come near me again.” He finished. The electricity was in the air. Either it would storm today, or I needed to get out of the attic before I did something I would regret later on. I didn’t move, however. I sat there next to Javier. I scooted closer, so he could envelop me in his arms. He had lost a family by turning. I had lost a mother because LaTefia was jealous. I would not lose him because I was human. He had not fed in a couple days. I could feel





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his hunger at my closeness. “You should leave me.” He said softly pressing his lips to my neck. “I can’t leave you.” I whispered softly realizing the truth in those words. I didn’t want to leave him. He was not the only one who had fallen. I had fallen too.

I kissed his neck when he quit kissing mine. I scraped my teeth over the place his pulse would have been if he had one. He inhaled sharply, “You are very tempting right now, Brandy. We need to stop. I won’t be able to control myself if we go any farther.”

He didn’t push me away, and I didn’t let him go. We were kissing each other like we hadn’t seen each other in months. “I love you!” He whispered right before he sank his teeth into my throat. It was even more beautiful than when Tari had done it. I could feel my life flowing into him. I was almost unconscious by the time he stopped. He slit open a spot near his heart and pressed me to it. His blood was like a spicy elixir as it poured down my throat. He pushed me off and closed his wound. I was so very tired. I had the impression that he was carrying me down the stairs to his room. I was about to slip into sleep when I felt the softness of a bed, his bed. I felt the weight shift so that he was laying down as well. He was holding me in his arms. They no longer felt cold. They felt just as warm as a human’s. I tried to fight the tide of sleep that threatened to drown me, but I lost. The last thing I heard before I fell asleep was Javier whispering, “Oh Brandy, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to. Please forgive me.” With that I lost the battle and fell into a deep sleep.







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I was due home today, but I wasn’t going. I was to stay here and live with Javier. He was being very dominating, but I made him understand I was not one to be dominated. He tried; I could see that he was trying. It was hard for him not to dictate my every movement. I was in the kitchen getting a glass of orange juice when Javier grabbed me from behind. “Hey!” I exclaimed. “You can let me down. I do believe I can walk on my own.” “Yeah, but maybe I can’t. Maybe I need help walking.” He said as he leaned me into the counter. “Oh come on. It seems I can’t do anything without you attacking me.” I claimed laughing at the shocked look on his face. He lowered his head to my ear and growled suggestively. I wriggled out of his grasp and ran out of the kitchen with him chasing me. I was giggling hysterically by the time I got into his room and tried to close the door on him. He got to it first and inserted his foot, so I couldn’t close it on him.



He swiftly moved into the room and let the door slam. I pressed myself against the door trying to make myself as small as possible. He tracked my movements across the wall. I felt like I was being hunted. It was exciting! “Must you make me feel like a trapped animal?” I asked teasingly. He didn’t answer just stared. When he had taken my blood, he had grown far more powerful. He was as powerful as Tari know, and everyone could feel it. He prowled toward me across the room. I hated feeling caged, and he knew it. I could see it in his mind. He was going to grab on to me before I could

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escape like I had when I was only a witch. He was right. I was going to run! He managed to grab me right as I vanished. We both ended up in the field by the forest I had come to before.

I stopped when I realized he had come with me. “Do I not get any privacy, Javier?” I asked more than a little upset. He didn’t even let me feed off of other people! He put his foot down the first time I lured a man home and was about to bite him. He ripped him from me and killed him on the spot. I could still hear him saying, “You will never feed from another!” He was so upset he was trembling. I had simply walked away. That was three days ago. I haven’t fed since because I refuse to let him feed me. I will feed when he isn’t around me. I was thinking about going to see Christian anyway. I felt a presence enter my mind. I immediately made my mind a blank and heard a growl from behind me.

“Why won’t you let me know your mind?” He asked edgy. “Why won’t you leave me alone for five minutes?” I countered. He sighed. “I just can’t! Ok? I would kill any man who ever came towards you. I would kill anyone who tried to harm you.” “You are not my father or a parole officer. You’re supposed to be my boyfriend. I’m supposed to be your girlfriend, but now I see it won’t ever work. You are too dominating!” With that I vanished again. This time I made sure he didn’t follow me, for I was going to see Christian. I showed up at a very run down looking house. When I scanned it, I found that he was on the second floor talking on the phone. I jumped up to the balcony outside



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his window. I knocked on the door. “Hello, please come in, Brandy.” I heard from the other side of the door. I walked gracefully into the room. I saw Christian stand up upon my entry. “Brandy, how have you been?” He stopped when he noticed I was no longer human. “Brandy? What’s wrong? You’re no longer human! Who did this?” He asked, but he knew who it was. “Javier!” He hissed. “Don’t be mad at Javier! It wasn’t his fault. I felt the hunger beating at him. I could have escaped if I had wanted to. You know it too.”

“What do you want from me?” He asked warily sipping from a glass on the side table. I shrugged casually. “Well,” I began, “I need to feed.” I looked intently at his face. He nearly choked on whatever was in the cup. He looked me directly in the eyes and asked, “Why did you come to me? Why didn’t you let Javier feed you?” “I cannot stand an over bearing man. He hasn’t let me out of his sight since he changed me.” I turned around and glared out the window. I could feel him come up behind me. “Brandy, I didn’t mean to question you. You can feed from me if you must.” “Are you sure?” I asked turning around. I couldn’t believe what he was about to sacrifice for me. He nodded. I could see the sincerity on his face. “I might take too much.” I stated scared for him.

He came closer. He pulled me into his arms so that my head was against his neck. He seemed so calm. I bent my head to his neck. I found his pulse and licked his skin once, twice. Then I scraped it with my teeth a couple of times. When I finally pierced



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his skin, I heard him moan. I made it as painless as possible; in fact I think he enjoyed it. He looked bereft once I removed myself. He looked rather sleepy, but he wouldn’t let me leave so he could sleep. “Please, stay with me for a little while. I don’t want to be alone.” I looked at his sad face. How could I deny him? “Ok, but only for a little while. I have to get back soon, or Javier will be even more dominant.” He nodded. I sat down on the couch where he had landed when I released him. He moved closer and clung to me like a child to its mother.

He started to sit up and lean on me. I could read his mind. There was nothing in it that made me think of a mother and her child. He wanted me that much was plain to see. He kissed me while I was thinking. It caught me off guard, but I was ready the next time and held him off. “No.” I stated firmly. “Javier will already know I took your blood. I will not allow you to kiss me. He would want to kill you more than he already does.” He stared at me blankly before groaning. “You are such a tease.” I stared at him. “I am not a tease. Why would you call me such a thing?” I asked rather hurt that he would call me that.

“Well lets see,” he said testily, “you’ve let Javier and Tari make out with you, but you won’t even let me kiss you! I’ve known you far longer than either of them.” “That’s not fair.” I shouted. “I didn’t even remember it was you until recently! How dare you?!” I ran towards the window and jumped out it. He looked out of the window at me. “Say goodbye to our new friendship, you jerk.” I yelled as I disappeared. The tears

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blinded me as they coursed down my cheeks. I ran all the way back to the field I had left Javier in. He wasn’t there of course. I collapsed on the ground sobbing. Why did he have to ruin our friendship with that one question?

I heard someone approach. It was Tari. I stopped crying as I watched him approach. “Ma petite, why are you crying?” “I was crying because I just lost a friend.” “Did you drain him?” he asked instantly interested. “NO!” I snapped. “He called me a tease, and I ran, yelled at him, and told him our friendship was over.” It all seemed so childish now. What had I done? I had thrown away what could have been a very good friendship. He held out a hand to help me to my feet. I grabbed it, and he pulled me up and into his arms. He smoothed back my hair. I was so emotionally exhausted that I didn’t fight him.

He started kissing up my neck. When I pulled away, he looked hurt. “Don’t you want me to kiss you?” He asked puzzled. “You know very well that Javier changed me. You know that he and I are together at the moment. I don’t cheat.” I stated all of this calmly never allowing my expression to change or show any emotion. I turned away and started in the direction of the house. I was going to walk the whole way there. Tari followed after me. “I’m willing to fight for your freedom. I would never treat you the way Javier does.” I stopped in my tracks. How did he know how Javier treats me? “I know because it is written all over him when he’s near you. He would never allow another male near you.”



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I bowed my head. Something had to be done about Javier. If everyone knew, I would have to change things. I would have to break it off from Javier. Maybe Mahsa would let me live with her. Tari chuckled under his breath. “You could stay with me. No one would ever find you there.” He suggested softly. I looked up at him shocked that he would even suggest such a thing. We were nearing the house. I couldn’t believe how little time it had taken to get there. “My offer is always open. All you have to do is think of me, and I’ll send you and image of my home. That way you’ll always have a sanctuary.” He turned to go. I jumped on him and hugged him. He was so sweet sometimes. I let go and returned to walking back to my prison.

Everyone was gone except for the one person I didn’t want to be home. Javier. I walked in, and he was instantly on me. “Where did you go? You’ve fed! From who? Tari was just with you!” he accused me of all of this with one breath. “I went somewhere to be away from you! Yes, I’ve fed. Who I fed from is none of your business. Yes, Tari was just with me, but I didn’t feed from him!” I screamed at him. I headed to the room that they had given me. It seemed like I was never in there. I was always with Javier.

He stalked me into my room. “Get out.” I hissed between clenched teeth without turning around. He didn’t leave, so I threw the closest thing at him which happened to be a stiletto. I didn’t turn to see if it had hit him. All I wanted was to be alone. I felt his warm breath on the back of my neck. “Get out!” I ordered again. “Brandy, I’m trying. I won’t go after the one who fed you where I had failed. I won’t go after Tari because I saw the whole thing. I won’t condemn you for being honest. I’ll try to give you space, but I’ve been alone since 1917 when I was changed. Ninety years is a long time. Please, be patient with me.” I turned around to see repentance in his eyes. He was truly sorry. “That is a lot for you to do.” I stated. “I might have to leave.” I looked up into his face and saw the pain that it would cause him if I left him.

“I must do what is best for me, Javier. I know that sounds selfish, but you know it too. If I’m to be the ruler of the night, I must not take mierda from anyone.” I looked away when I said all this. I didn’t want to leave him, but if he didn’t change his overbearing ways, I would have no choice. He staggered back as if I had slapped him. He had been in my head. I should have been angrier than I was, but I couldn’t make myself mad at him. “I’m sorry, but I cannot be caged.” He grabbed my wrists as I tried to pass him. “I won’t cage you I promise.”

Ch 6

The Prophecy



Instead of going back to the hotel, he took me to the house I’d been to before. Before I could open my door, he was there doing it for me. I took his hand as he led me towards the sprawling mansion. I wondered where his room was. As we entered the house, he turned to the right and went towards a door half-hidden in shadows. He opened it and led me down a winding staircase and into complete darkness. I clutched his hand to me as I stumbled in the dark. When Javier opened the next door, he let go of me, and I thrashed desperately trying to find where he went.

I stepped through the door and jumped back; the spot I had stood on had lit up. I heard a chuckle from inside the dark room. “Javier,” I whined, “this is not funny!” From inside the room I saw a square light up upon the floor. I went quickly towards the light. Javier was standing as still as a statue on the square of light. When he didn’t move, I decided to look around the room. He had a black and red four poster canopy bed with





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what felt like Egyptian cotton sheets and a black goosed down blanket. He also had a black leather settee and a mahogany coffee table. I veered right to find another door that led to a bathroom. I looked around and couldn’t see Javier any more. “It is beautiful.” I whispered to the trail of light that was disappearing. “It is not as beautiful as you in this light.” I heard right next to my ear.

I exhaled sharply and turned to see Javier’s eyes smoldering down at me. I held my breath; he looked so…..excited about something. He put his arm around my waist and drug me towards him. I blushed knowing that even in the pitch black he could see it. He chuckled at the site of my blush and started kissing my cheeks making them burn even more. I waited for him to stop kissing me. I felt far too lightheaded to move on my own. His hand slid from the nape of my neck to my collarbone. His eyes lingered on my neck, but then he shook his head as if saying he could never do that to me.

I exposed my neck a little more, and Javier threw me from him. When I landed on his bed, I sat up and stared at him. I apologized softly knowing he heard me. I heard him sigh. He came and sat beside me on his bed. He looked at me. I could barely make out his features, but I could feel his eyes drinking me in. “Did I do something wrong?” I asked knowing exactly what I had done.

“It was my fault. I know it is wrong to be with you like this. I, honestly, don’t know how to be close to you. At any moment my blood lust could conquer me. I’ve been alone so long, and now I have you……” He stopped. “I-I could never lose or hurt you.



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When you die, I’ll probably follow you shortly.” I looked up into his eyes, and they seemed clouded as if lost in thought. I waited for his eyes to refocus before I said, “Would you like me to go?” He sighed. “It is too late for that. Every vampire in that club saw you. It is kind of a game to steal another’s prey.” So I could never leave him! “I have to go back to California in a few days.” He thought a moment before saying what I feared, “You can never leave me.” I sat there on the edge of his bed in his room too stunned to speak.

When I bowed my head, tears began coursing down my cheeks. I couldn’t believe it. I could never go home, again. No. I could not allow myself to think like that. I will go home in two days with or without Javier. As if reading my mind, he wrapped his arms around me. “Like I said, you can never leave me.” The possessiveness in his voice scared me. In the dark, I could just barely make out the outline of the door to his room. I felt like a trapped animal as I thought of an escape route. My mother had always told me that trying to hold me down was like trying to capture the wind. Useless and disappointing.

I thought of running through a field. It would feel so much better than being in this house. I looked at Javier and said, “I will see you later.” He was about to protest when I disappeared right out of his arms. Before I knew it, I was running through a field beside a forest. As I ran, I forgot my troubles. I had always wondered why people ran. Now I knew why. It was exhilarating and help them let go.





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As I slowed down, I realized I was not alone. As I stared at the forest, Christian stepped out of the trees. For a second, it looked as if he was glowing, but I realized after a minute that it was a flashlight. I started backing away slowly. Something about his presence was not human, but it wasn’t vampric either. When he saw me about to run again, he stopped advancing. “Wait.” He called as if talking to a scared animal. “I just want to talk to you.”

When I found my voice, all I could say was, “You lied! You said you were going to California.” He did not look pleased at all. “Things came up.” He shrugged his shoulders. I realized just how muscular he was. He was slender but very muscular. He approached me as one would a scared child. “I am not human.” He started. “I am like you. We are both a type of witch.” I looked at him funny, and he said, “Yes, boys can be witches too.” I contemplated running again, but instead I said, “You knew who I was when you met me at the airport, didn’t you?” He nodded solemnly. “I wasn’t certain until I saw you with Javier. A vampire. It is part of the prophecy, of course.”

I gave him a confused look, and he looked at me incredulously. “Has your mother not taught you anything?” I glared at him. “My mother is dead!” He advanced until he was close enough to hug me. He murmured in my ear, “One was a friend before turned, three wish to be her lover, one who’d hurt others to spite her, and one who’d steal her from the others!” I pulled out of the embrace. I knew exactly who he was talking about: Kerri, Javier, Tari, himself, LaTefia, and Tari again. “Now you know of whom I speak,





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don’t you?” He said excited. “What is the prophecy about?” I asked meekly.

He thought for a moment and then responded, “It is about all of us coming out of hiding! We will no longer mask our existence.” “What will happen to the humans?” I asked cautiously. He avoided my question by stepping forward and embracing me again. As we stood there in an awkward silence, I remembered Kerri’s warning to never be alone with Christian. I backed away from him and said, “This is wrong, Christian. We should not be alone together like this.” “But I am part of the prophecy, too. I am the one who would steal you. I am the slayer.” He said trying to pull me closer again.

“Christian!” Came a stern female voice from the trees, “you’re scaring the poor girl.” I looked up and saw a beautiful girl not much older than me coming out of the forest. She had an accent that sounded Middle Eastern. As she cam forward, she introduced herself, “My name is Mahsa, and you already now Christian.” She had a good, warm face and I trusted her immediately. “What is going on?” I asked exasperated. “I’ve only known what I am for a couple of days. I am not who you are looking for. I can’t be.” Mahsa smiled at me and said, “My dear we’ve known you all your life. Christian has known you all his life. He lived next door to you for the longest time.” I looked closely at Christian and saw the little boy who used to be my partner in crime.

“Christian Kelly? Is it really you? When I was eleven, we moved, and I never saw you again. Is your mom still…..?” I started, but the sad look on Christian’s face cut me



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off. “Shed died. She saw that I grew up. She taught me everything I know about myself. She was a good woman.” He finished sadly. I ran into his arms. Poor, poor Christian. Now I know my destiny. I looked over at Mahsa. “Are we to be friends?” I asked her. She nodded. “You must trust us. We must trust other.” I thought again about Kerri’s warning.

It seemed silly now. I had known Christian before I had ever met Kerri. “I need to get back.” I said quietly, yet firmly. As I disappeared, I heard Christian ask, “How is it she can do that?” Mahsa replied, “She is very powerful. She is the one we have been waiting for.”



I was back at Javier’s in the blink of an eye. He, however, was gone, so was everyone else. The house felt haunted, and I felt like it was accusing me for its emptiness. I took this opportunity to look around. I went up several flights of stairs and came to a dead end. I looked up and saw the entrance to the attic. I pulled the ladder down and climbed up into a world of dust and secrets. I sat next to a box labeled. Javier. It was full of notebooks. Some of which were very old. They were his journals. I opened the one on top. The last couple entries were about me.

July 2nd

Today I met her. I know it is her. When we were left all alone…. I had very indecent thoughts.





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July 3rd

She sleeps so fitfully. She must be having horrible nightmares. I am glad I cannot sleep, for I would probably have horrible nightmares too. Tari had been with her today, as had Christian.



July 4th

Kerri had been to see her today. She told her of Maria. I should have known that she would. There seems to be almost no secrets between them.



July 5th

We spent the afternoon at the beach today. We explored her powers and she begged me to go back to California with her. I took her to Killers which was a big mistake. It appears that Tari is the owner of that club.



July 5th later

She left me! She disappeared right out of my arms. I suppose it is my fault. Wayne seems happy that she is gone. I must find her. I have come to realize that she is nothing but a siren and a temptress.



This journal had just been put up here tonight. Today was July 5th. I was no longer



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alone. I stood up and whirled around. Wayne was standing by the ladder half-hidden in shadows. “Find anything interesting?” He asked casually as he stalked towards me. I had dropped the journal on the floor when I had stood up. Wayne picked it up. “Hmm. I see. Very interesting.” I moved towards the ladder. He didn’t move simply shifted his position, so my route was cut off. Several tense minutes passed before he spoke again, “He is looking for you. He deserves a lot better. If you ask me, you should leave and never come back.” “Well I didn’t ask you, did I?” He glared at me, for smarting off to him no doubt. “Move!” I said. I lashed out at him with my power and made him move.

They were close. I heard Wayne hollering down the stairs, “You tramp! I know about Tari and Christian! I just can’t bring myself to tell Javier!” I kept running, but it was too late. They were already at the door. Mierda, I thought absently. Javier rushed through the front door. I just stood there. The others entered the hall and stared at us. “Why did you run?” He asked trying to contain his emotions. “I felt like a prisoner. Cages and I do not mix. I’m sorry, but you made me feel as if I was in a cage.” “Leave us!” He whispered forcefully to the other vampires. They seemed to melt into the woodwork as they disappeared. “Brandy, come with me!” He commanded softly. He knew of course that if I didn’t want to go there would be no forcing me. I followed him to his room. He closed the door firmly behind me. He led me over to his settee and indicated for me to sit next to him.

“What do you know of The Prophecy?” Javier asked suddenly. I told him, “One was



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a friend before turned, three wish to be her lover, one would hurt others to spite her, and one who’d steal her from the others.” When I finished, he paused before asking, “Is that all?” I nodded. “Did you know it would turn the world forever into internal darkness?” I shook my head. They had failed to mention that. He continued, “It would be the time of the spirit, demon, witch, and vampire. Humans would cower before us!” “I don’t want this!” I cried aloud. Javier pulled me into an embrace. We just sat there for the longest time. Him holding me, me crying into his chest. He tilted my chin up and began kissing away my tears. When they were all gone, he stopped kissing me.

He turned his attention towards the door. Wayne entered the room carrying Javier’s box of journals. We separated immediately. He glared at me as he walked forward. “A rat,” he glared in my direction, “got into your journals and found some tasty information.” Javier seemed to get the point. “She is not a rat!” He said sitting but shaking with fury. “I hate to do this to you, Javier, but you have to find out some how. She is playing you like a harp! She has another vampire and Christian, the slayer. She doesn’t even love you!” The force of his words to Javier were like a slap in the face. I jumped up. “How do you know I do know I do not love him? I do not have anyone except him! I don’t want the other two.” I swear if looks could kill, he would be dead right now.

Javier was staring at me like Wayne was no longer in the room. “Do you mean that?” He whispered his heart in his voice. I nodded. At the moment, I was too pissed at



49

Wayne to trust myself to try and speak compassionately to Javier. Wayne seemed like he was about to burst. “Can’t you see what she is doing to you? She is bewitching you my friend. We have to get you away from her.” He strode towards Javier as if to pick him up and carry him away. Javier however would not let him touch him. “You have changed, Wayne. What happened to you?” He looked like he was dazed and confused. On an instinct I reached out and grabbed Wayne’s arm. I could see his thoughts! They were clouded by a presence that I knew immediately. LaTefia! I could feel her moving around in there. I saw a memory. It was of him meeting LaTefia at Killers. She had put something in a drink she had given him. It had altered his mind and had given him one thing to think about. Destroying Javier’s and my relationship. She hated me that much. But no, I could see something else besides the hatred and jealousy. She was afraid. There was something these people were not telling me about this prophecy. Something important. I guess the only way I would find out was to ask LaTefia.

Ch 5

Killers

On the outside it looked like a normal club. Sure it was on the outskirts of town, but it looked normal enough. When Javier and I pulled up ten minutes later, I knew that I was the only human there. When I walked in the first thing I realized was that the door and walls had mirrors on them. The floor was gleaming black marble. We went up five stairs to a group of glass tables and leather chairs. On the tables was red crystal bowls filled with black rose petals. “Would you like a Vampire’s kiss?” Javier asked innocently. I had to think about that for like a second. “Sure.” I said smiling. “You do know that that is a drink, right?” Javier questioned raising an eyebrow. I blushed.

He left to get our drink, and I was left sitting all alone. Everyone else was dancing and having a great time. I got stares, but I guess you would be the only human in a vampire club. When I stared at one of the ‘people’ staring at me, he walked over and sat down. He smiled at me. “What are you doing here all by yourself?” He asked smoothly. “I am not all by myself!” I said braver than I felt.

I looked into his eyes and saw hunger in them. It wasn’t for my company or companionship, but it was for my blood. As he leaned across the table, I reached for the



32

crystal bowl full of rose petals. He was so close now that I could smell his putrid breath. It smelled like death. When it was almost too late, I smashed the bowl over his head. I had taken the stilettos off earlier because they were a little tight. I jumped up from the table and dashed out on to the dance floor. I was hoping to lose him in the crowd. I looked behind me and ran straight into a statue. Before I hit the floor the statue’s arms encircled me. I looked up to see a wickedly amused smile on Tari’s face. “Well, this is interesting.” He mused. “Who were you running from?” “I don’t know who he was! He was just another blood sucker.” I gasped after I said this. I had said it in a room full of vampires. Tari laughed it off and said, “Let’s find out. Shall we?” Knowing I’d be safer if I did, I followed him.

Tari moved gracefully towards the back of the club and pushed a button on the wall. As the wall opened, he said, “I am the owner of this establishment.” We were in a light open room. There was a light blue couch, two, yellow, overstuffed comfortable looking armchairs, and a dark mahogany table. One wall had seven TV screens on it. I had no idea the club would be monitored. He set to work rewinding a tape. “Is that him?” He asked watching me on the TV smash a crystal bowl over the guy’s head. I nodded solemnly. I looked over at Tari, and I heard a voice in my head. It sounded like Tari. No need to worry. It is only my cousin, Elison. He is easily taken care of. Nice shirt by the way. He laughed aloud. He came to my side and smiled. He took my hand and led me out onto the dance floor. We danced to a very slow song. When it ended, I tried to move





33

away, but he wouldn’t relinquish his hold on me.

We floated across the dance floor. I looked into his eyes and got sucked into the fathomless, bottomless orbs. The feeling was broken when a breeze slapped me, and I realized that we were outside. His lips brushed my ear as he whispered, “Would you let me….?” He left it unfinished, but I knew what he meant. As I tilted my head back, I countered, “Will you be able to stop?” His lips pressed softly against my neck, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I waited for the bite. When his fangs slid out and pierced my skin, I gasped. I’d never felt anything like it. It was pure ecstasy. It was exciting but oh so dangerous. After a while we heard a voice. “Ahem!” It came from behind a tree. Tari tilted his head to see who had spoken. When he saw LaTefia, he withdrew his fangs and growled, “What do you want?” “Oh my pet,” she purred, “I just wanted to see whose attention you’ve captured this time.” Her gaze fell on me. “Why, Brandy?” She exclaimed with mock surprise. “Aren’t you feeling special? Two vampires and a slayer gunning for your attention.”

“Go away, LaTefia.” He growled darkly. He turned his attention back to me. This did not sit well with her. She grabbed his shoulder and said, “Tari, pet, you know how I feel when you put another girl before me.” Her sweet tone barely concealed the under current of menace. “There are plenty of girls out there that are more special than you, LaTefia.” He said still looking at me.



34

This was too much for her to handle. She was about to explode when a coy smile transformed her features. She looked directly at me as she said, “I can get any man, any time. No matter there age, race, or even if they fancy themselves in love.” I looked at LaTefia. She knew that I knew that she was talking about Javier. Her smile grew until it was almost too big for her face and not really a smile at all, merely a contortion of teeth. She laughed in triumph. “I thought you would understand.” She exclaimed gleefully.

Brandy. Tari’s voice sounded in my head. Brandy, you know you’ll have to choose sooner or later. I looked into his eyes and knew from my reflection that heartbreak and anguish were all over my face. Just the thought of letting either one of them go tugged at my heart. LaTefia turned to go but stopped when she saw my expression. “Don’t worry!” She said. “By the time I’m done with both of them, they won’t give you a second thought.” With that she disappeared into the night.

I looked at Tari. He looked beautiful even in the dark. It was pitch black, but it hadn’t been this dark when we had left the club. “Tari?” I asked not wanting to break the silence. “What time is it?” “It is 10:22. Why?” He asked lazily. I didn’t want to leave him, but I knew that if I didn’t get back to the club soon Javier would panic. I thought back to the club and what had happened earlier. It made me shiver.

“Are you cold?” Tari asked worriedly. I shook my head. Tari. I thought. “Yes?” He answered aloud. “I need to get back to the club.” I said softly. He sighed heavily. He



35

held me close. It felt like we were floating. Me trapped in his gaze, and him holding me close and breathing in my scent. The silence was so beautiful and emotional that I thought it was a pity when Tari’s soft voice broke it.

“Brandy?” He whispered. “Have you chosen, yet?” The tears I had held in earlier burst from beneath my eyelids. Tari proceeded to kiss them away one by one. I looked to see where he had taken us. We were at a dark beach not the club. “Tari,” I murmured softly, “I don’t want to be here!” “Why?” He asked. I started walking away from him. Brandy? Came his voice inside my head. It didn’t feel like it had earlier. I didn’t want him inside my head.

I started running. It seemed I couldn’t get far enough away. I looked back, and it was like in the dream I had had of my mom. In the dream Tari had been chasing my mom, now he was chasing me. Brandy? Came his beautiful intruding voice. Why are you afraid? His voice rippled through my mind. At that moment, all I wanted was to be with Javier.

I looked behind me only to run headfirst into Tari again, but this time he let me fall. I realized as I stared up at him that I was actually afraid of him. He reached for me with his iron grip and pulled me to my feet. Once I was standing, I struggled against what might as well have been an iron manacle. The phrase “Resistance is Futile!” came to mind.

“Brandy, I can give you freedom, life, love….” He trailed off. I was still struggling as



36

he bent closer to my neck and said, “Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?” I shuddered. He was right. I had always wanted to be a vampire, but now I wasn’t so sure. I panicked and began shaking uncontrollably. Suddenly Tari’s hand lit on fire, and he cried out in surprise. He managed to douse it immediately with his mind. I pulled away again, and this time he let me. “I-I didn’t mean to.” I stammered afraid of his reaction. He stared at me closer. “You are Maria’s descendant. Aren’t you? I mean the eyes threw me off a little. She had green eyes, and you have blue.” He said still amazed that his hand had actually caught fire. I nodded, and he smiled at me. In my mind I heard, Maria became mine in body and soul. I wish I could have stopped.

“Stopped? What do you mean?” I asked dreading the answer. His reply was a longing glance down at my throat. “Tari, do you know what happened to my mother?” I asked quietly. For once he had seemed at a loss for words. When he finally spoke, he said, “I only put her out of her misery. She would never want to be one of us. When I mentioned your mother around LaTefia, she sought her out and tried to turn her. I was the first vampire she met when she was one herself. She asked me to put an end to her suffering, so I did. She also told me of you and asked me to look after you.”

When he finished his long speech, I had to mull things over. It seemed like he was telling the truth, but if I believed it then it meant that she was gone forever. Did all of this happen or is he just pulling my leg? It was a lot to think over. “Well, I am a club owner, and I should be getting back. Would you like to accompany me or can I drop you



37

off somewhere?” He asked smoothly. I looked into his eyes and fell. He caught me before I hit the ground. “I’ll take that as an ‘I’ll come with you’.” He said as he carried me away. He stared down at me and caught my lips in a kiss that seemed to last forever. “Have you ever toyed with my emotions?” I asked remembering what Javier had said. “No.” he whispered and that was all.



As easily as we had left, we entered it again. I saw Kerri talking with Elison. Javier was sitting at our table fuming over two Vampire’s Kisses. I took one last glance at Tari before I ran to where Javier sat. “Hey!” I said as I grabbed a Vampire’s Kiss. It was delicious. I had not realized how thirsty I was. “Hey.” He returned glumly. I stared at him. “Are you okay?” I asked worriedly. “I don’t know what I am?” He said looking down at his hands. I sighed, “I know what you are!” I exclaimed trying to look and sound as seductive as possible. I took his face in my hands and began saying, “You are my date. A hot, sexy, tall, Mexican vampire.”

I pressed my lips to his and kissed him. I led him out onto the dance floor, and we literally danced all night long. I only left him once, and it ended up being the last thing we did at the club that night. As I left the bathroom, I bumped into the last person I wanted to see, Elison! He looked at me and knew who I was immediately. As I looked for a way out, Kerri joined us. She took one look at the situation and stepped between us. “Elison?” She questioned looking intently at me.



38

“This is that dirty little vixen that smashed the bowl over my head.” He growled remembering how I had eluded him. “Elison, this is my friend, Brandy.” She said trying to distract him from his memories. He stared at her as if she had said the most disgusting thing. “She’s human!” was all he managed before Kerri kicked his legs out from under him. She dove for his neck with her claw-like hands. She tore open his throat, and at the sight of his blood went into a feeding frenzy.





I didn’t want to watch, so I turned away. The scent of his blood attracted all of them. I couldn’t move fast enough before they were all over us, and I screamed. Next thing I knew both Javier and Tari were beside me. They saw each other, and I was afraid they would fight each other, but instead they worked together to get me out of there. As we hastily exited the club, I heard Tari in my head, You really should be more careful. He laughed aloud.

I glared at him. It wasn’t like I had torn open some guy’s throat. I looked at Javier. He seemed extremely uncomfortable around Tari. I tiny giggle escaped my throat. They both looked at me and I just smiled. “Well, I guess we’ll be going. Good-bye Tari.” I said as to the point as possible. He looked at me, and I could see the mourning in his eyes. I knew what he wanted, so I kissed him on the cheek, even though he wanted more.







39

He kissed me on my forehead and made me feel like a little girl.

When Javier got into the car, he had a disgruntled look on hi face. He turned to speak to me, but before he could utter a word, I captured his lips in a kiss. He was stunned at first. Then he was eager and demanding. I had to with draw to breathe. “Are you okay, now?” I asked. He looked at me, started the car, and drove off into the night.



Ch 5

Killers

On the outside it looked like a normal club. Sure it was on the outskirts of town, but it looked normal enough. When Javier and I pulled up ten minutes later, I knew that I was the only human there. When I walked in the first thing I realized was that the door and walls had mirrors on them. The floor was gleaming black marble. We went up five stairs to a group of glass tables and leather chairs. On the tables was red crystal bowls filled with black rose petals. “Would you like a Vampire’s kiss?” Javier asked innocently. I had to think about that for like a second. “Sure.” I said smiling. “You do know that that is a drink, right?” Javier questioned raising an eyebrow. I blushed.

He left to get our drink, and I was left sitting all alone. Everyone else was dancing and having a great time. I got stares, but I guess you would be the only human in a vampire club. When I stared at one of the ‘people’ staring at me, he walked over and sat down. He smiled at me. “What are you doing here all by yourself?” He asked smoothly. “I am not all by myself!” I said braver than I felt.

I looked into his eyes and saw hunger in them. It wasn’t for my company or companionship, but it was for my blood. As he leaned across the table, I reached for the



32

crystal bowl full of rose petals. He was so close now that I could smell his putrid breath. It smelled like death. When it was almost too late, I smashed the bowl over his head. I had taken the stilettos off earlier because they were a little tight. I jumped up from the table and dashed out on to the dance floor. I was hoping to lose him in the crowd. I looked behind me and ran straight into a statue. Before I hit the floor the statue’s arms encircled me. I looked up to see a wickedly amused smile on Tari’s face. “Well, this is interesting.” He mused. “Who were you running from?” “I don’t know who he was! He was just another blood sucker.” I gasped after I said this. I had said it in a room full of vampires. Tari laughed it off and said, “Let’s find out. Shall we?” Knowing I’d be safer if I did, I followed him.

Tari moved gracefully towards the back of the club and pushed a button on the wall. As the wall opened, he said, “I am the owner of this establishment.” We were in a light open room. There was a light blue couch, two, yellow, overstuffed comfortable looking armchairs, and a dark mahogany table. One wall had seven TV screens on it. I had no idea the club would be monitored. He set to work rewinding a tape. “Is that him?” He asked watching me on the TV smash a crystal bowl over the guy’s head. I nodded solemnly. I looked over at Tari, and I heard a voice in my head. It sounded like Tari. No need to worry. It is only my cousin, Elison. He is easily taken care of. Nice shirt by the way. He laughed aloud. He came to my side and smiled. He took my hand and led me out onto the dance floor. We danced to a very slow song. When it ended, I tried to move





33

away, but he wouldn’t relinquish his hold on me.

We floated across the dance floor. I looked into his eyes and got sucked into the fathomless, bottomless orbs. The feeling was broken when a breeze slapped me, and I realized that we were outside. His lips brushed my ear as he whispered, “Would you let me….?” He left it unfinished, but I knew what he meant. As I tilted my head back, I countered, “Will you be able to stop?” His lips pressed softly against my neck, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I waited for the bite. When his fangs slid out and pierced my skin, I gasped. I’d never felt anything like it. It was pure ecstasy. It was exciting but oh so dangerous. After a while we heard a voice. “Ahem!” It came from behind a tree. Tari tilted his head to see who had spoken. When he saw LaTefia, he withdrew his fangs and growled, “What do you want?” “Oh my pet,” she purred, “I just wanted to see whose attention you’ve captured this time.” Her gaze fell on me. “Why, Brandy?” She exclaimed with mock surprise. “Aren’t you feeling special? Two vampires and a slayer gunning for your attention.”

“Go away, LaTefia.” He growled darkly. He turned his attention back to me. This did not sit well with her. She grabbed his shoulder and said, “Tari, pet, you know how I feel when you put another girl before me.” Her sweet tone barely concealed the under current of menace. “There are plenty of girls out there that are more special than you, LaTefia.” He said still looking at me.



34

This was too much for her to handle. She was about to explode when a coy smile transformed her features. She looked directly at me as she said, “I can get any man, any time. No matter there age, race, or even if they fancy themselves in love.” I looked at LaTefia. She knew that I knew that she was talking about Javier. Her smile grew until it was almost too big for her face and not really a smile at all, merely a contortion of teeth. She laughed in triumph. “I thought you would understand.” She exclaimed gleefully.

Brandy. Tari’s voice sounded in my head. Brandy, you know you’ll have to choose sooner or later. I looked into his eyes and knew from my reflection that heartbreak and anguish were all over my face. Just the thought of letting either one of them go tugged at my heart. LaTefia turned to go but stopped when she saw my expression. “Don’t worry!” She said. “By the time I’m done with both of them, they won’t give you a second thought.” With that she disappeared into the night.

I looked at Tari. He looked beautiful even in the dark. It was pitch black, but it hadn’t been this dark when we had left the club. “Tari?” I asked not wanting to break the silence. “What time is it?” “It is 10:22. Why?” He asked lazily. I didn’t want to leave him, but I knew that if I didn’t get back to the club soon Javier would panic. I thought back to the club and what had happened earlier. It made me shiver.

“Are you cold?” Tari asked worriedly. I shook my head. Tari. I thought. “Yes?” He answered aloud. “I need to get back to the club.” I said softly. He sighed heavily. He



35

held me close. It felt like we were floating. Me trapped in his gaze, and him holding me close and breathing in my scent. The silence was so beautiful and emotional that I thought it was a pity when Tari’s soft voice broke it.

“Brandy?” He whispered. “Have you chosen, yet?” The tears I had held in earlier burst from beneath my eyelids. Tari proceeded to kiss them away one by one. I looked to see where he had taken us. We were at a dark beach not the club. “Tari,” I murmured softly, “I don’t want to be here!” “Why?” He asked. I started walking away from him. Brandy? Came his voice inside my head. It didn’t feel like it had earlier. I didn’t want him inside my head.

I started running. It seemed I couldn’t get far enough away. I looked back, and it was like in the dream I had had of my mom. In the dream Tari had been chasing my mom, now he was chasing me. Brandy? Came his beautiful intruding voice. Why are you afraid? His voice rippled through my mind. At that moment, all I wanted was to be with Javier.

I looked behind me only to run headfirst into Tari again, but this time he let me fall. I realized as I stared up at him that I was actually afraid of him. He reached for me with his iron grip and pulled me to my feet. Once I was standing, I struggled against what might as well have been an iron manacle. The phrase “Resistance is Futile!” came to mind.

“Brandy, I can give you freedom, life, love….” He trailed off. I was still struggling as



36

he bent closer to my neck and said, “Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?” I shuddered. He was right. I had always wanted to be a vampire, but now I wasn’t so sure. I panicked and began shaking uncontrollably. Suddenly Tari’s hand lit on fire, and he cried out in surprise. He managed to douse it immediately with his mind. I pulled away again, and this time he let me. “I-I didn’t mean to.” I stammered afraid of his reaction. He stared at me closer. “You are Maria’s descendant. Aren’t you? I mean the eyes threw me off a little. She had green eyes, and you have blue.” He said still amazed that his hand had actually caught fire. I nodded, and he smiled at me. In my mind I heard, Maria became mine in body and soul. I wish I could have stopped.

“Stopped? What do you mean?” I asked dreading the answer. His reply was a longing glance down at my throat. “Tari, do you know what happened to my mother?” I asked quietly. For once he had seemed at a loss for words. When he finally spoke, he said, “I only put her out of her misery. She would never want to be one of us. When I mentioned your mother around LaTefia, she sought her out and tried to turn her. I was the first vampire she met when she was one herself. She asked me to put an end to her suffering, so I did. She also told me of you and asked me to look after you.”

When he finished his long speech, I had to mull things over. It seemed like he was telling the truth, but if I believed it then it meant that she was gone forever. Did all of this happen or is he just pulling my leg? It was a lot to think over. “Well, I am a club owner, and I should be getting back. Would you like to accompany me or can I drop you



37

off somewhere?” He asked smoothly. I looked into his eyes and fell. He caught me before I hit the ground. “I’ll take that as an ‘I’ll come with you’.” He said as he carried me away. He stared down at me and caught my lips in a kiss that seemed to last forever. “Have you ever toyed with my emotions?” I asked remembering what Javier had said. “No.” he whispered and that was all.



As easily as we had left, we entered it again. I saw Kerri talking with Elison. Javier was sitting at our table fuming over two Vampire’s Kisses. I took one last glance at Tari before I ran to where Javier sat. “Hey!” I said as I grabbed a Vampire’s Kiss. It was delicious. I had not realized how thirsty I was. “Hey.” He returned glumly. I stared at him. “Are you okay?” I asked worriedly. “I don’t know what I am?” He said looking down at his hands. I sighed, “I know what you are!” I exclaimed trying to look and sound as seductive as possible. I took his face in my hands and began saying, “You are my date. A hot, sexy, tall, Mexican vampire.”

I pressed my lips to his and kissed him. I led him out onto the dance floor, and we literally danced all night long. I only left him once, and it ended up being the last thing we did at the club that night. As I left the bathroom, I bumped into the last person I wanted to see, Elison! He looked at me and knew who I was immediately. As I looked for a way out, Kerri joined us. She took one look at the situation and stepped between us. “Elison?” She questioned looking intently at me.



38

“This is that dirty little vixen that smashed the bowl over my head.” He growled remembering how I had eluded him. “Elison, this is my friend, Brandy.” She said trying to distract him from his memories. He stared at her as if she had said the most disgusting thing. “She’s human!” was all he managed before Kerri kicked his legs out from under him. She dove for his neck with her claw-like hands. She tore open his throat, and at the sight of his blood went into a feeding frenzy.





I didn’t want to watch, so I turned away. The scent of his blood attracted all of them. I couldn’t move fast enough before they were all over us, and I screamed. Next thing I knew both Javier and Tari were beside me. They saw each other, and I was afraid they would fight each other, but instead they worked together to get me out of there. As we hastily exited the club, I heard Tari in my head, You really should be more careful. He laughed aloud.

I glared at him. It wasn’t like I had torn open some guy’s throat. I looked at Javier. He seemed extremely uncomfortable around Tari. I tiny giggle escaped my throat. They both looked at me and I just smiled. “Well, I guess we’ll be going. Good-bye Tari.” I said as to the point as possible. He looked at me, and I could see the mourning in his eyes. I knew what he wanted, so I kissed him on the cheek, even though he wanted more.







39

He kissed me on my forehead and made me feel like a little girl.

When Javier got into the car, he had a disgruntled look on hi face. He turned to speak to me, but before he could utter a word, I captured his lips in a kiss. He was stunned at first. Then he was eager and demanding. I had to with draw to breathe. “Are you okay, now?” I asked. He looked at me, started the car, and drove off into the night.



Ch 5

Killers

On the outside it looked like a normal club. Sure it was on the outskirts of town, but it looked normal enough. When Javier and I pulled up ten minutes later, I knew that I was the only human there. When I walked in the first thing I realized was that the door and walls had mirrors on them. The floor was gleaming black marble. We went up five stairs to a group of glass tables and leather chairs. On the tables was red crystal bowls filled with black rose petals. “Would you like a Vampire’s kiss?” Javier asked innocently. I had to think about that for like a second. “Sure.” I said smiling. “You do know that that is a drink, right?” Javier questioned raising an eyebrow. I blushed.

He left to get our drink, and I was left sitting all alone. Everyone else was dancing and having a great time. I got stares, but I guess you would be the only human in a vampire club. When I stared at one of the ‘people’ staring at me, he walked over and sat down. He smiled at me. “What are you doing here all by yourself?” He asked smoothly. “I am not all by myself!” I said braver than I felt.

I looked into his eyes and saw hunger in them. It wasn’t for my company or companionship, but it was for my blood. As he leaned across the table, I reached for the



32

crystal bowl full of rose petals. He was so close now that I could smell his putrid breath. It smelled like death. When it was almost too late, I smashed the bowl over his head. I had taken the stilettos off earlier because they were a little tight. I jumped up from the table and dashed out on to the dance floor. I was hoping to lose him in the crowd. I looked behind me and ran straight into a statue. Before I hit the floor the statue’s arms encircled me. I looked up to see a wickedly amused smile on Tari’s face. “Well, this is interesting.” He mused. “Who were you running from?” “I don’t know who he was! He was just another blood sucker.” I gasped after I said this. I had said it in a room full of vampires. Tari laughed it off and said, “Let’s find out. Shall we?” Knowing I’d be safer if I did, I followed him.

Tari moved gracefully towards the back of the club and pushed a button on the wall. As the wall opened, he said, “I am the owner of this establishment.” We were in a light open room. There was a light blue couch, two, yellow, overstuffed comfortable looking armchairs, and a dark mahogany table. One wall had seven TV screens on it. I had no idea the club would be monitored. He set to work rewinding a tape. “Is that him?” He asked watching me on the TV smash a crystal bowl over the guy’s head. I nodded solemnly. I looked over at Tari, and I heard a voice in my head. It sounded like Tari. No need to worry. It is only my cousin, Elison. He is easily taken care of. Nice shirt by the way. He laughed aloud. He came to my side and smiled. He took my hand and led me out onto the dance floor. We danced to a very slow song. When it ended, I tried to move





33

away, but he wouldn’t relinquish his hold on me.

We floated across the dance floor. I looked into his eyes and got sucked into the fathomless, bottomless orbs. The feeling was broken when a breeze slapped me, and I realized that we were outside. His lips brushed my ear as he whispered, “Would you let me….?” He left it unfinished, but I knew what he meant. As I tilted my head back, I countered, “Will you be able to stop?” His lips pressed softly against my neck, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I waited for the bite. When his fangs slid out and pierced my skin, I gasped. I’d never felt anything like it. It was pure ecstasy. It was exciting but oh so dangerous. After a while we heard a voice. “Ahem!” It came from behind a tree. Tari tilted his head to see who had spoken. When he saw LaTefia, he withdrew his fangs and growled, “What do you want?” “Oh my pet,” she purred, “I just wanted to see whose attention you’ve captured this time.” Her gaze fell on me. “Why, Brandy?” She exclaimed with mock surprise. “Aren’t you feeling special? Two vampires and a slayer gunning for your attention.”

“Go away, LaTefia.” He growled darkly. He turned his attention back to me. This did not sit well with her. She grabbed his shoulder and said, “Tari, pet, you know how I feel when you put another girl before me.” Her sweet tone barely concealed the under current of menace. “There are plenty of girls out there that are more special than you, LaTefia.” He said still looking at me.



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This was too much for her to handle. She was about to explode when a coy smile transformed her features. She looked directly at me as she said, “I can get any man, any time. No matter there age, race, or even if they fancy themselves in love.” I looked at LaTefia. She knew that I knew that she was talking about Javier. Her smile grew until it was almost too big for her face and not really a smile at all, merely a contortion of teeth. She laughed in triumph. “I thought you would understand.” She exclaimed gleefully.

Brandy. Tari’s voice sounded in my head. Brandy, you know you’ll have to choose sooner or later. I looked into his eyes and knew from my reflection that heartbreak and anguish were all over my face. Just the thought of letting either one of them go tugged at my heart. LaTefia turned to go but stopped when she saw my expression. “Don’t worry!” She said. “By the time I’m done with both of them, they won’t give you a second thought.” With that she disappeared into the night.

I looked at Tari. He looked beautiful even in the dark. It was pitch black, but it hadn’t been this dark when we had left the club. “Tari?” I asked not wanting to break the silence. “What time is it?” “It is 10:22. Why?” He asked lazily. I didn’t want to leave him, but I knew that if I didn’t get back to the club soon Javier would panic. I thought back to the club and what had happened earlier. It made me shiver.

“Are you cold?” Tari asked worriedly. I shook my head. Tari. I thought. “Yes?” He answered aloud. “I need to get back to the club.” I said softly. He sighed heavily. He



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held me close. It felt like we were floating. Me trapped in his gaze, and him holding me close and breathing in my scent. The silence was so beautiful and emotional that I thought it was a pity when Tari’s soft voice broke it.

“Brandy?” He whispered. “Have you chosen, yet?” The tears I had held in earlier burst from beneath my eyelids. Tari proceeded to kiss them away one by one. I looked to see where he had taken us. We were at a dark beach not the club. “Tari,” I murmured softly, “I don’t want to be here!” “Why?” He asked. I started walking away from him. Brandy? Came his voice inside my head. It didn’t feel like it had earlier. I didn’t want him inside my head.

I started running. It seemed I couldn’t get far enough away. I looked back, and it was like in the dream I had had of my mom. In the dream Tari had been chasing my mom, now he was chasing me. Brandy? Came his beautiful intruding voice. Why are you afraid? His voice rippled through my mind. At that moment, all I wanted was to be with Javier.

I looked behind me only to run headfirst into Tari again, but this time he let me fall. I realized as I stared up at him that I was actually afraid of him. He reached for me with his iron grip and pulled me to my feet. Once I was standing, I struggled against what might as well have been an iron manacle. The phrase “Resistance is Futile!” came to mind.

“Brandy, I can give you freedom, life, love….” He trailed off. I was still struggling as



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he bent closer to my neck and said, “Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?” I shuddered. He was right. I had always wanted to be a vampire, but now I wasn’t so sure. I panicked and began shaking uncontrollably. Suddenly Tari’s hand lit on fire, and he cried out in surprise. He managed to douse it immediately with his mind. I pulled away again, and this time he let me. “I-I didn’t mean to.” I stammered afraid of his reaction. He stared at me closer. “You are Maria’s descendant. Aren’t you? I mean the eyes threw me off a little. She had green eyes, and you have blue.” He said still amazed that his hand had actually caught fire. I nodded, and he smiled at me. In my mind I heard, Maria became mine in body and soul. I wish I could have stopped.

“Stopped? What do you mean?” I asked dreading the answer. His reply was a longing glance down at my throat. “Tari, do you know what happened to my mother?” I asked quietly. For once he had seemed at a loss for words. When he finally spoke, he said, “I only put her out of her misery. She would never want to be one of us. When I mentioned your mother around LaTefia, she sought her out and tried to turn her. I was the first vampire she met when she was one herself. She asked me to put an end to her suffering, so I did. She also told me of you and asked me to look after you.”

When he finished his long speech, I had to mull things over. It seemed like he was telling the truth, but if I believed it then it meant that she was gone forever. Did all of this happen or is he just pulling my leg? It was a lot to think over. “Well, I am a club owner, and I should be getting back. Would you like to accompany me or can I drop you



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off somewhere?” He asked smoothly. I looked into his eyes and fell. He caught me before I hit the ground. “I’ll take that as an ‘I’ll come with you’.” He said as he carried me away. He stared down at me and caught my lips in a kiss that seemed to last forever. “Have you ever toyed with my emotions?” I asked remembering what Javier had said. “No.” he whispered and that was all.



As easily as we had left, we entered it again. I saw Kerri talking with Elison. Javier was sitting at our table fuming over two Vampire’s Kisses. I took one last glance at Tari before I ran to where Javier sat. “Hey!” I said as I grabbed a Vampire’s Kiss. It was delicious. I had not realized how thirsty I was. “Hey.” He returned glumly. I stared at him. “Are you okay?” I asked worriedly. “I don’t know what I am?” He said looking down at his hands. I sighed, “I know what you are!” I exclaimed trying to look and sound as seductive as possible. I took his face in my hands and began saying, “You are my date. A hot, sexy, tall, Mexican vampire.”

I pressed my lips to his and kissed him. I led him out onto the dance floor, and we literally danced all night long. I only left him once, and it ended up being the last thing we did at the club that night. As I left the bathroom, I bumped into the last person I wanted to see, Elison! He looked at me and knew who I was immediately. As I looked for a way out, Kerri joined us. She took one look at the situation and stepped between us. “Elison?” She questioned looking intently at me.



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“This is that dirty little vixen that smashed the bowl over my head.” He growled remembering how I had eluded him. “Elison, this is my friend, Brandy.” She said trying to distract him from his memories. He stared at her as if she had said the most disgusting thing. “She’s human!” was all he managed before Kerri kicked his legs out from under him. She dove for his neck with her claw-like hands. She tore open his throat, and at the sight of his blood went into a feeding frenzy.





I didn’t want to watch, so I turned away. The scent of his blood attracted all of them. I couldn’t move fast enough before they were all over us, and I screamed. Next thing I knew both Javier and Tari were beside me. They saw each other, and I was afraid they would fight each other, but instead they worked together to get me out of there. As we hastily exited the club, I heard Tari in my head, You really should be more careful. He laughed aloud.

I glared at him. It wasn’t like I had torn open some guy’s throat. I looked at Javier. He seemed extremely uncomfortable around Tari. I tiny giggle escaped my throat. They both looked at me and I just smiled. “Well, I guess we’ll be going. Good-bye Tari.” I said as to the point as possible. He looked at me, and I could see the mourning in his eyes. I knew what he wanted, so I kissed him on the cheek, even though he wanted more.







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He kissed me on my forehead and made me feel like a little girl.

When Javier got into the car, he had a disgruntled look on hi face. He turned to speak to me, but before he could utter a word, I captured his lips in a kiss. He was stunned at first. Then he was eager and demanding. I had to with draw to breathe. “Are you okay, now?” I asked. He looked at me, started the car, and drove off into the night.

Ch 4

Afternoons Like This



When I woke up the next morning, Javier still hadn’t shown up. I thought if I could really be a……witch. Well, part witch anyway. I went to brush my teeth and hair after contemplating how I’d find out if I had powers. I looked through my toiletries for my hairbrush. It wasn’t in there. I looked everywhere and still couldn’t find it. I was getting frustrated when something hit me in the back of the head and clattered to the floor. I turned to see my hairbrush on the ground near my feet.

I looked wearily at it. I thought about the brush coming and brushing out my hair. I felt a presence outside the door. It was Javier. Before he could get to the door, I opened it. He noticed the change immediately. My senses were screaming at me to run, but I ignored them which made me incredibly dizzy. Javier stared at me warily. As I advanced, he stepped back. “What?” I asked. He looked at me for a minute before answering with a question of his own, “How come I couldn’t tell before?” I shrugged. “Perhaps it was because I didn’t know about it until yesterday evening.” I said. He didn’t seem convinced. I wiggled my eyebrows and got a laugh out of him.



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“Finally!” I cried. “You’d think I’ve been hanging out with the dead.” The look he gave me said, “ha, ha very funny.” “No,” he claimed, “the dead would be much safer for you.” “Not this again!” I cried in frustration. “I am leaving in less than three days, and all you can say is it is not safe to be around you!” “Well it is true even if you do not wish to hear it.” He said coolly.

“Will I see you in California?” I asked trying to hide the hope in my voice. “Not unless you have to.” Was his response. “Wouldn’t you want me to know you were there?” I asked puzzled. “No,” he claimed, “I want you to live a normal life, and I am not normal.” I fumed thinking of my powers. Wait! Javier is a vampire. Could he have powers too? “Hey, Javier?” I asked. “Do you have other powers besides strength and speed?” I asked curiously. “Like what?” He questioned in return. “Oh you know Telepathy, and that sort of thing.” “No.” He replied wistfully. “The older ones do. Like LaTefia and Tari.” He growled as he said their names.

“Why don’t you like them?” I asked cautiously. “What’s to like?! They’re evil and like to toy with people’s emotions!” I walked toward him slowly. “Do you think they’re toying with your emotions now?” I asked seductively. I got closer. He didn’t know what I was up to. “How about now?” I asked quietly. “Maybe you’re feeling those emotions because you want to feel them.” I said before I kissed him on the cheek. I had to back up because I had cornered him. He saw this too and a wicked smile played across his lips. “A vampire is dangerous when cornered.” He whispered. Before I realized



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what was happening, Javier crouched and sprang at me. We rolled around on the floor giggling hysterically. “You’re about as dangerous as a kitten.” I claimed. At that he rolled over and pinned me to the floor. “You were saying?” He growled playfully. “Oh don’t hurt me Mr. scary vampire!” I cried my voice dripping with sarcasm. He started nibbling on my neck. “Careful there,” I whispered, “I might like that too much.” He rolled off of me as I smiled up at him. “I have an idea.” I chirped. He cocked an eyebrow. “Let’s go to the beach. I can take pictures with my camera. You do show up in pictures, right?” I asked only half teasing him. He shrugged his shoulders as if saying it didn’t matter to him.

“Brandy?” Javier asked curiously. “What can you do with your powers?” “Well,” I responded, “I can brush my hair and sense vampires.” I looked at him waiting for him to pester me about it, but he let it drop. The beach we went to was not the one I had met Javier at. It was rocky, and I nearly fell four times. I used my new found powers to steady me. Javier felt the power emanating from my body and backed away. “You are more powerful than I thought.” He whispered fearfully. I can’t show it when some one hurts me, so I covered my pain with sarcasm. “Do I scare you?” I asked only half playing.

He didn’t answer just stared. I turned so he wouldn’t see the annoyance on my face. Why wouldn’t he say something? It made me so angry. I glared out at the ocean, and it





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began to boil. “Brandy, stop it!” Javier said instantly. The sound of his voice halted the boiling. As I turned to look at him, I grabbed my camera and took a snapshot of him. We had a very interesting time at the beach. The water could get so clear. I took some pictures of the ocean, landscape, and Javier. He never seemed too surprised when I took snapshots of him. He ended up snatching my camera and taking several pictures of me.

After a while, I felt another presence there with us. It was ancient, powerful, and evil. LaTefia. ‘Just when I am starting to have fun, she has to come along and ruin it’ I thought sourly. She was just watching me. I could feel her stare boring into my back. I whipped around and glared in her direction. I am not sure, but I could have sworn I saw a mix of hate, jealousy, and contempt in her eyes. “Javier,” I murmured as I turned towards him. He looked like a Greek God in the waning light of the afternoon. “Why won’t you come to California with me? It’d be great. We could have hundreds of afternoons just like this….” I was cut off by him putting a soft finger to my lips. He had a small smile dancing across his lips. He removed his finger from my mouth.

I took this opportunity to try and start again. I took a deep breath, but before I could start again Javier said, “I cannot come with you.” The confusion in my eyes made him continue. “Not that I don’t want to,” he smiled thoughtfully, “but I am a part of a coven. I won’t back out on them. Not for a girl, another vampire, not even for you.” I turned away, so he couldn’t see the tears in my eyes. My mom always told me that a person’s eyes tell you many things, like what they’re thinking. As I stared out at the ocean, I





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thought of my mother. Young, beautiful, kind, and outgoing.

My train of thought was broken when Javier asked, “Would you rather go somewhere besides your hotel?” I had been there all morning. “Sure. Where else could we go?” I asked curiously. I saw a flicker of mischief in his eyes. A small smile played across his flawless lips. “I do know about this one place.” He mused. “Will I be safe there?” I asked curiously. “No.” He admitted sheepishly. “What are we waiting for then? What’s it called?” I asked.

“It is called……Killer’s” He said calmly. “Let me guess,” I said sarcastically, “It is a place for vampires.” “And their prey.” He smiled ruefully at me. “How do we get there?” I asked not irked at all by the fact that he had referred to me as his prey. “Well,” He mused, “it is too far to walk. I could run us there, but where is the fun in that? I suppose I will drive us.” “In what?” I asked skeptically. I’d never seen him in a car before. “You’ve known me less than a week. You don’t know everything about me.” He teased playfully.

We ended up walking back to town slowly. When we were in a warehouse district, he picked me up bridal style and ran. When he finally stopped we were in the country in front of a mansion. There were six fancy cars in the driveway. There was a silver Volvo, a red Mercedes Benz, a black BMW convertible, a chrome hummer, a pink Lamborghini, and a silver and black Porsche. I was staring at the cars and wondering which was whose







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when Kerri came dancing out of the front door. She was followed by Wayne, Drew, Anthony, and Maverick. Wayne went towards the hummer, Drew went towards the BMW, Anthony went towards the Mercedes, and Maverick went towards the Volvo.

Kerri came over to Javier and me. “Which one is yours?” I asked knowing it had to be the Lamborghini. “The pink one! Isn’t it so sexy?!” She squealed with excitement. “I really don’t like pink, but it looks like a great car.” I said adding that last part. She smiled at me because she knows how I detest pink.

“Are you going to Killer’s too?” I asked Kerri. “Yeah.” She said excitedly. “Do you have anything I could wear? We’ve been at the beach, and I’m kind of salty and sandy.” “I have just the thing.” She replied enthusiastically. She pulled me by the arm and ran towards the house. “Wait,” I cried, “you’re hurting my arm!” She smiled apologetically. We walked through the door, and I had to stop and stare at my surroundings. “Ok, you can stare later. Right now we have to get you dressed.” She said noticing my expression as I stared at the luxurious hall.

She marched me up two flights of stairs, down a long hall, and into the third door on the right. She ran straight for the closet and pulled out an outfit. I pulled on the black miniskirt, but I hesitated as I saw the shirt. It was a black tank top with red letters that spelled out “Bite Me”. “This is the perfect shirt to wear to a vampire club where I’ll probably be one of the only humans.” I replied sarcastically to the huge grin on her face. “Are you going to wear it?” She asked hopefully. I nodded reluctantly. She went back to the closet and produced a pair of black stiletto heels. I glared at the shoes as I pulled them on. I would have to be extra careful tonight.

Ch 3

What do you want?

My room which had had my clothes thrown all over the floor was now spotless. I could sense him. I didn’t know where he was, but he was here somewhere. “What do you want?” I whispered. He chuckled; he had a very dark laugh. Someone was knocking insistently on the door. I tried to get to it, but he held me in place. “Brandy?” Christian asked. “Christian, open the door. Help Me!” I cried. The door swung open and immediately Tari was gone. Christian rushed to my side. “Brandy, are you okay? Did Javier hurt you?” He asked glancing down at my neck. “No.” I snapped.

“Brandy,” Christian said suddenly. “You’re going to need me. You don’t know it yet, but you will. I need you too.” “Christian, what are you talking about.” I asked slowly backing away from him. Christian rushed at me and grabbed me so hard I knew I’d have bruises. He crushed his mouth to mine, and I had to use all of my strength to push him away. “I like you Christian, but…” I started. “But nothing. You need me, Chant!” “How do you know my last name?” I trembled. He grabbed my wrist. “Stop! Leave me alone!” I screamed. Tari was back, and he ripped Christian away from me. He got thrown against the wall so hard that it knocked me unconscious.







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I turned my gaze to look at my savior. I was confronted by his smoldering bottomless eyes. “Tari.” I breathed. He nodded; he was so gorgeous. He was about 6’3” with beautiful brown eyes and hair. I stared into his eyes and collapsed even further onto the floor. He kneeled next to me and kissed my temple. Christian groaned in the corner while I tried to stay as still as possible. “You are a beautiful creature.” He told me petting my head. “What do you want?” I asked shakily. “You know very well what I want.” He responded as he gently kissed my neck. If he was mortal, I’d know what he meant, but he was immortal. “No, I don’t.” I said worried about his response.

He laughed, “I was a mortal man before I was changed.” He whispered seductively in my ear. “I want you and you alone.” “Why?” I asked. “Because you are beautiful.” He answered bluntly. I felt his hand slide down my back. “Leave me alone.” I implored. “Christian will be waking soon.” Tari whispered as he kissed up my neck. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t remember any of this. And I will be watching you, Brandy.” He turned me to face him and kissed me full on the lips. I couldn’t fight this kiss, and soon I was backed against a wall kissing him so fiercely that I was gasping for air. He pushed me away and looked at me. I stared into his expression full eyes and found confusion in them. “I must be going. Goodbye Beautiful.” With that Tari jumped out of one of the windows.

I saw Christian stirring in the corner, so I went over and knelt down next to him. I put my hand on his surprisingly muscled chest, and he grasped it firmer than I thought





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him capable. “Christian?” I whispered. “Yes?” He said finally opening his eyes. “What are you doing here?” I asked him. “I came to tell you I’m leaving for California, tomorrow. And I’d like you to come with me.” He added. I stared at him dumbfounded at this guy I had just met yesterday. For a moment I was at a loss for words. “I am staying here for another five days.” I replied.

At that moment Javier came storming through the door. I looked at the clock it was 4:00 in the afternoon. I hadn’t expected to smell Tari on me, but he did. “Christian you should probably leave.” I whispered. Christian stood up unsteadily, looked at Javier, then me, shrugged his shoulders, and left without a word. After thirty minutes of silence, I spoke. “Say something.” I pleaded. “What do you want me to say?” He growled. “Anything.” I answered meekly.

“Would you like me to say the weather is nice?” He asked sarcastically. “It is not like I went looking for him. Besides he’s a vampire, and I am not.” I practically shouted. He stared at me for a couple seconds before cooling down and asking quietly, “Did you like it? His kiss, I mean?” I blushed a deep scarlet and turned away from Javier before I said, “It was unnatural.” I could just imagine him frowning. It was unusual, but I loved it. Tari’s kiss had held me so tightly. It gave me the shivers just thinking about it. Javier placed his hands on my shoulders and turned me towards him. “I love you, Brandy.” He whispered. “Me too.” I returned. “Then why are you crying?” He asked puzzled. I swiped at my cheeks and sure enough tears were coursing down them.





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I had just been thinking that I would be leaving in five days, and I didn’t know when I’d see him again. I burrowed my head into his chest. He kissed my head and neck. “I want to see Kerri.” I said through my tears. “You’ll see her tomorrow and not a moment sooner.” He replied tightly. “Why?” I asked a little rebelliously. “Because Wayne thought our little group could use a female touch.” He growled. “Oh.” Then reality hit me. “She’s a vampire!” I shrieked. He nodded solemnly.

Great. I thought. Now I’d she’ll win all of our arguments. Will she remember me? Can we still be friends? The questions must have shown in my eyes because he tried to comfort me. “Are you hungry?” he asked. I thought about it for a minute. I actually was hungry. He ordered me a personally pizza. When it got up to the room, I offered him some, but he politely declined. I fell asleep about 10, leaning against Javier in the bed.



When I woke up the next morning, I was staring into two beautiful green orbs. I sighed. He wrapped his arms around me and buried his head in my hair. “I need to take a shower.” I said trying to push him away. He wasn’t going to let me go. “Come on I really need to shower.” I whined. Finally after he kissed me a few times, he let me go. I ran off to take my shower. I pulled on a turquoise shirt and blue capris, ran a brush through my hair, and brushed my teeth before bounding out of the bathroom. Javier hadn’t moved from his place on the bed. His lips curved up into a smile as he “came to life” when he saw me. I stared up into his eyes and leaned against his solid chest.





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He wrapped his arms around me and softly pressed his lips to mine. As the minutes passed the kiss intensified. “Stop.” Javier said breathlessly. He pushed me away gently. “I need to go. I’ll be back soon. I’ll send Maverick over to keep an eye on you.” “But why can’t I go?” I whined. “I must feed and that you must never see.” He said disgustedly. “Why?” I asked persistently. He stared at me for a minute seemingly choosing his next words. “Because,” he started, “if you were anywhere near me, I’d probably attack you.” I hugged him. “I keep forgetting you’re a vampire.” I smiled wickedly up at him. “Am I tempting?” I giggled. He didn’t laugh or seem to find it funny at all. “Yes, you are. You don’t know how that first night when I kissed your neck…” He shuddered. “I could barely stop myself from sinking my teeth into your neck right then and there.”

Now it was my turn to shudder. He smiled, “Finally! I was beginning to think nothing scared you. Hanging out with me, meeting Tari, finding out Kerri was a vampire, and all that mierda.” I personally hadn’t thought about it. That had to be why it never bothered me. He was gone. Exactly five minutes later, Maverick showed up. I went into my bathroom and shut the door. I didn’t feel like talking. After what seemed like hours, I walked out of the bathroom. Maverick was nowhere to be seen. “How reliable!” I thought bitterly. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something dart into the bathroom. I turned in time to see the bathroom door close. “Maverick, this is not funny. Come out here.” I said shakily. I walked over to the door and jiggled the knob. It was locked.





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“Come on! Don’t make me call security.” I threatened.

“Brandy, who are you talking to?” A voice asked form behind me. I turned half-way around to see Maverick staring at the door like he already knew who was behind it. “Who is it?” I asked curiously. “Kerri,” Maverick whispered tiredly, “get out here.” When the door opened, I stifled a gasp. I mean Kerri had been pretty when she was human. Now she was beautifully transformed. It was her, but it wasn’t her. “Brandy!” She squealed. It hurt my ears. “My god. How clear you are! Everything looks so different in my eyes. I love it. Wayne changed me. It’s okay, but there are so many rules. Like you can’t fall in love with a human. You can’t let them know about you unless you want to kill them.”

“This just isn’t fair!” I whined. “Ever since I was five, I was branded a weirdo because I wanted to be a vampire so badly, and now you get to be one.” I pouted. “Is it all that I thought it would be?” “Yes and no.” She replied. “How so?” I asked still pouting. “You’re definitely freer, but you’re also more restricted.”

“Are you coming back to California with me?” I asked changing the subject. “I can’t.” She whispered sullenly. “Why not?” She looked at me with sad tired eyes. “I know too many people there. I love so many of them, and I couldn’t kill them or change them into……this.” She whispered sadly. “Would you change me?” I asked hopefully. “No.” She answered immediately. “I couldn’t if I tried anyway. I’d probably end up sucking you dry.” She laughed at the thought of this. She turned to face Maverick.



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“Could you leave, so we can have some girl time?” She asked sweetly. Maverick looked skeptically at Kerri. When she did the puppy face, I knew he lost by the look in his eyes. He nodded and walked out the door. When he left, Kerri and I chatted for hours. We were talking about guys when Kerri asked me about Tari. “What happened between you and Tari?” she asked coyly trying to hide the true extent of her curiosity. “What do you know about Tari?” I countered just as coyly. “Tell me and I’ll tell you.” She declared stubbornly. I told her what happened after Javier went to see Wayne. I left out the kissing. When I was finished, she looked at me skeptically. “Is that all?” She asked raising an eyebrow. “No,” I muttered softly, “he….he kissed me.” I looked away. I didn’t want to see the expression on her face. It’s hard to get Kerri shocked and grim at the same time.

“Tari is dangerous.” She whispered putting her hand on my shoulder. “So I’ve heard.” I replied sarcastically shaking her had off my shoulder. She was worried! That made me so mad, I snapped. “Have you even met him?” She shook her head. “That is what I thought. Kerri,” I sighed, “aren’t you the one who told me to never judge someone until you know them?” I walked around the room trying to cool off. I still had an edge to my voice as I asked, “What do you know about him anyway?” “If you promise not to interrupt, I will tell you the story of,” she paused dramatically, “Tari. He was born over five thousand years ago. He was born on the main island of the Marshall Islands. His family was the wealthiest on the island. By the time he was fifteen every woman wanted



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him. When his parents died, he bought a bigger house. Tari, like most people had an addiction. He liked to collect women. One day when he was twenty-two, he bought a very exotic ‘girl’ named LaTefia. She was born three hundred years before him. She just like every other woman was drawn to him. After living with him for only two months she changed him.”

I cringed at the thought of him being bitten by LaTefia. “What happened after that is mostly myth, but there is one thing for certain: Three hundred years ago, he found a witch and seduced her. The girl had glittering green eyes. They had a child that was half-witch half-vampire.” The vision of green eyes flashed through my mind. I thought of my mom. She was good at everything. She was a doctor. She seemed to sense people’s pain. She used to brag that she could cure anything with in an hour. “Kerri,” I whispered, “do you think that I could be a descendant of hers?” I asked thinking it impossible. “It is possible. You do bear resemblance to Maria.” She answered sounding a little bored. “Maria.” I whispered.

We spent the rest of the day talking about absolutely nothing. I told her about Christian. When I said his name, she wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Are you okay?” I asked. She thought a moment before saying, “His name gives me the creeps. I just have this feeling. Don’t you ever be alone with him.” Kerri warned. After I promised not to go off with Christian alone, ever, she stood up.





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“I need to………go.” She said after a moments hesitation. She walked out of the door, and I felt like I just lost a friend. When I looked outside I realized how much time had passed. It was twilight. I ordered some Chinese food. I laid on the bed thinking I







could fall asleep. A breeze blew through the curtains. I went over to the window and froze when I got there. He was here. As if on cue, Tari appeared on the bed. I stared at him warily, and he chuckled. “What don’t you trust me?” He asked teasing me. I shook my head. “Perhaps another time then.” Tari said and was gone. He wasn’t actually gone. I could still feel his presence watching me.

I ate my Chinese food, and I tried hard to fall asleep. I was praying Javier would come back soon. As I slowly sank into a nightmare filled sleep, Tari was back and lying next to me on the bed. The last thing I saw was a smile on his face.

Chapter Two

Introductions

“So your name is Brandy?” he stated. He had the most musical voice I had ever heard. It had only a hint of a Spanish accent. “Well….” he said a little annoyed. “Yeah my name is Brandy. How long have you lived here?” I asked trying to break the ice. “Not long. I never stay in one place for too long.” He stared at me taking in my outfit and smiled. “What?” I asked little consciously. “Why are you smiling at me like that?”





6

“You look very beautiful. You could very well be cast as a vampyress.”

“Really?! That is what I was going for. I love vampyres.” I sighed. “What?” he asked curiously. “I only wish they were real. I would get along with them so well!” “You would? They fascinate you don’t they?” he said stating again not asking. “Yes, they do. I grew up with them in my room, my notebooks, my books, and in my head.” “That sounds so romantic. What do you picture them as?” he asked half-heartedly. “Well, don’t laugh, but I sort of picture them like you.” I said my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Why was I telling him all this? “Really” he said all of a sudden serious. “What if I were to tell you that they’re real, and that you’re alone with one right now.” He glanced sideways at me. “I would have to say, “Prove It!”” I cried. “Very well.” he whispered in his rich musical voice. All of a sudden he scooped me up in his alarmingly cold arms and started running.

When he stopped a few seconds later, we were far away from any other people. “Are you nervous?” he asked pulling me closer to him. “No.” I muttered nervously trying to wriggle free of his iron hold. He laughed as he dropped me to the sand. “A whole world knew of us once, and now only a handful knows we exist.” His musical voice was so poignant; it made me want to cry. He came closer. I’ll admit I was scared, but I held my ground defiantly. “Are you frightened?” he whispered menacingly. He was still moving closer. There were only a few feet between us now. Suddenly I remembered the dream I had had about my mom. I now knew the presence that haunted that dream. It was the presence of a vampyre. It was a vampyre who’d chased us, and it was a vampyre



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I now stood alone with.

I looked to where he had been standing a minute ago, and he was gone! I looked about frantically. How could he leave me alone on the beach? How was I going to get back to the hotel? My thoughts were interrupted when I was grabbed from behind. I yelped with surprise. “Javier er let me go, Javier. Javier?” I twisted around to see Christian smiling down at me. “Christian, where in the hell did you come from?” I cried angrily as he let me go. He looked down before saying, “I thought you’d like some company since you’re all alone.” “That is very thoughtful of you. It’s just you startled me. Someone else was here and never mind.” I sighed. “Where did you come from anyway?” I asked curiously. “I followed you” he admitted nonchalantly.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything” a voice whispered next to my ear. I knew who it was, but I jumped anyway. I turned around to see a pair of blazing green eyes looking back at me. I almost forgot how to breath and had to inhale before I fell. “Who is this?” Christian asked resentfully. “This is Javier. Javier this is Christian.” “Oh is this who you were with?” Christian asked placidly. I nodded. He turned to Javier and practically screamed. “How could you leave a girl like her alone on the beach?” Javier stared him down and replied coolly, “I knew she’d be safe, and besides I could still see her from where I was.” When he finished saying this, he started kissing up my neck. I admit it startled me, but Christian went ballistic.

“Look, you don’t need to kiss on her like that. Leave her alone.” I felt Javier’s muscles tense behind me. I had to do something. He could kill Christian so easily. “Stop it!” I



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shouted interrupting the glaring contest. “Christian, I think you should go now. I’ll be okay!” He gave me an incredulous look before slumping off. Poor Christian, I thought. I glared at Javier, who by the way had an amused smirk on his face. “How could you?” I asked. “Easily,” he answered, “he insulted me, and I really wanted to kiss you!” He laughed at the shocked look on my face. “Where did you meet him anyway?” he asked curiously. I fixed him with a stare that said, “None of your business” and replied, “He was the first person I met in Greece. I met him at the airport.” He laughed. I wonder what he was thinking.

I’d never had two boys fight over me before. It was very exciting and very dangerous. Javier could have killed Christian if I hadn’t done something. Javier was staring at me again. “What?” I yelled more than a little annoyed. “Am I really so interesting that you have to stare?” He smirked, “Yes, actually. You fascinate me like no other human ever has before.” Now I knew he was making fun. How could I fascinate him? I know I fascinate mortal boys, but he’s immortal.

“Does it scare you to be alone with me?” He asked quietly dreading the answer. I answered back truthfully, “It does a little, but it is also rather comforting.” I stared up into his bottomless eyes which had softened considerably. He closed the distance between us and took me in his arms. My heart was beating so loud that I know he heard it. He slowly kissed my neck. “I’m drawn to you, but you know as well as I that it is far too dangerous. Wayne won’t be happy about this.” He said all of this against my neck.

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“About what?” I breathed trying not to stare into his eyes, for they would render me speechless. “About me being in love with a human. It is forbidden of course, but we’ll make it work somehow.”

We stood there for a minutes embracing when he whispered, “What do you think your friend will think of my love for you?” “She’ll be pissed!” I said happily. I thought about all the other guys Javier had been hanging out with on the beach. Then I shouted, “Oh my God, Kerri!” “What?” Javier asked alarmed. “Will they harm Kerri? Will they?” “I honestly do not know.” He answered truthfully.

“Take me back!” I demanded turning away from Javier. “Please, she’s one of my only true friends that I have. Please, Javier.” I said turning around. “Javier?” “Pleasant evening for a stroll, isn’t it?” I froze instinctively. I wasn’t all alone after all. The voice called again, “Turn around child.” When I did, I was facing the most exotic person I’d ever seen. “Hello.” She said in response to my gawking. “My name is LaTefia, and you must be Brandy. I see you’ve already met Javier and Wayne.” I nodded curtly. She continued, “You were right to worry about your friend. She is in grave danger with Wayne. Javier is by far the most gentle with humans. I’ve come to warn you. Stay away from the other four. They wouldn’t think twice before killing you!” I heard a noise and turned away from her. When I turned back, she was gone.

I heard a snarl behind me and spun around to be face-to-face with Wayne! “She was







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here. Wasn’t she? You talked to her! Didn’t you?” Wayne snarled viciously. “Leaver her alone, Wayne.” Javier said as he appeared by my side. The other three vampires were behind Wayne growling and snarling behind me as they realized who had been here. I was so scared. I ran even though I knew it was useless. All five vampires took off after me. Thank god Javier was the fastest. He grabbed me and spun on the others.

“Stop!” he commanded. They abruptly came to a stand still. “Brandy,” he whispered in my ear. “who was here, and what did she say?” As I told them what happened, I examined their faces to see if they were angry, but when they finished, they laughed as if to say “Us dangerous, never!” “What is so funny?” I asked irritated. Wayne looked at me and said, “She says we are dangerous when she is probably one of the most dangerous vampires. She is the oldest vampire in the world.” He stopped smiling abruptly. “Did she see you two together?” I nodded. She had mentioned how I had met them all.

A thought struck me, “Do you think she saw Christian? Could he get hurt?” I whispered fearfully. My thoughts returned to why Wayne and the other three were there, “Where is Kerri?” I asked suspiciously. “She’s at home sleeping. She passed out after getting drunk.” Anthony said smiling ruefully. “That sounds like Kerri.” I muttered remembering all those wasted summers. They all cracked up laughing at my response. “How long have you known her anyway?” Maverick asked. “It seems like I’ve known her forever. She needs to grow up, but she is my best friend.”





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“So” Wayne interrupted, “Javier, what do you propose we do?” “I will not leave her unprotected, but I will have to feed soon.” I tried so very hard to fight the urge to yawn, but it slipped out. They all broke out into fits of laughter. “Would the human like to go to sleep?” Javier asked playfully. “Yes,” I replied, “the human would like that very much.” He picked me up in his arms and ran back to the festival. Then, he carried me towards the little row of cars still at the beach. My last coherent thought before I fell asleep was ‘How are we going to get back to the hotel?’

I woke up in the middle of the night with extremely cold arms wrapped tightly around me. “Are you okay?” his musical voice whispered tickling my ear. “Yes. I didn’t think you would stay. You startled me.” I claimed. “Would you like me to leave?” He asked his tone puzzled. “No.” I practically shouted, “I want you to stay with me.” He laughed at this. “That is the last thing you should ever want. You don’t know how much danger you are in, and….. it’s all my fault.” He whispered his voice full of self-loathing.

“I don’t care. You would never hurt me on purpose.” I explained calmly. He looked at me sadly and smiled. “I wouldn’t leave you anyway. I need you too much.” He confided. I snuggled closer to him and laid there hoping it was okay. He didn’t mind. In fact he kissed me. First on my forehead, then on my nose, and finally on my lips. The kiss was soft at first, but it grew intense as the passion rose. I looked over his shoulder into the mirror. What I saw made me break away with a strangled gasp. I hadn’t seen







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myself. I had seen my mom, and she was the one making out with Javier.

“What did I do?” Javier asked mortified. “It wasn’t you. I thought…. I thought I saw, never mind. It is far too complicated.” “Try me.” He pressed insistently. I sighed, “Okay. Ever since I was a little girl my mom would tell me stories about Greece. I have wanted to come here ever since. My mom and I look almost exactly alike, but with one small difference, our eyes. Hers are green, and mine are blue. After my mom died, I kept having this one dream. It is about my mom and me. In it we are being chased by a vampire. At first I thought it was you, but it had a different “aura”. The vampire reminded me of Wayne but taller.”

I looked up at him. He had a disgusted look on his face. “What did I say?” I asked hoping that I hadn’t offended him. “Tari.” He growled. “Who?” I asked confounded. “Tari, he is almost as old as LaTefia, but he is much stronger. I think he was after your mother. Do you think he knows about you?” I shrugged my shoulders as if it couldn’t bother me less. “I won’t let him get you.” He said jumping to his feet.

I put mock hurt in my eyes as I patted the cold spot where he had lain. He understood, and when I blinked, he was laying down again. I looked down at my clothes and realized that I was in the same clothes I had been in last night. How embarrassing. I blushed, and, of course, Javier saw it and smiled. “What?” He asked me amused. “I’m still wearing the same clothes from last night.” I said. “Is that all?” He teased. “Let me see your clothes. I’ll pick something out for you.”





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He looked through my clothes and chose a black and gold sundress. I walked into the bathroom. I put on the dress and began to meticulously brush my hair. I brushed my teeth quickly yet thoroughly. When I waked out, he was waiting for me. He stared at me as he strode forward. I had the feeling he would have kissed me had my stomach not growled. We both laughed in surprise.

“I suppose we should get the human some breakfast.” He said playfully. “The human would be grateful.” I replied only half joking. We stepped out into the hall and ran right into Christian! “I knew it!” He cried incredulously. “When I saw you guys leave together, I knew she wouldn’t be spending the night alone.” He turned a glare on Javier. “I knew you would be with her.” I tried very hard to keep my cool when I finally spoke, “Listen, Christian I don’t even know you that well. Besides what I do in my spare time is none of your business. You are a nice guy, but that is not what I’m looking for right now. Plus, we didn’t even do anything.” The look on his face was skeptical. “We were just on our way to breakfast.” I said changing the subject. “I would love to come.” He said inviting himself.

Javier stiffened. I squeezed his hand in reassurance. He smiled. I absolutely love his smile. I had almost forgotten Christian was there. I was about to kiss Javier, but I saw Christian out of the corner of my eye. Instead of kissing Javier, I pecked Christian on the cheek which surprised both of them. I grabbed each one by the hand and pulled them







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towards the door. I was really hungry!

After the most awkward elevator ride ever, we made our way through the lobby. Javier and I were silently following Christian, and we had no idea where we were going. “Hey, Christian, where are we going?” I asked curiously. “We’re going to a little restaurant that I saw yesterday. I think it is called Mom’s.” He called back cheerfully. When we got there, it looked just how I had expected. It was a cozy little restaurant. He got us a table and immediately started a conversation.

“Why did you come to Greece?” He asked. Below the surface I saw more that just innocent curiosity. “I wanted to come here because this is where my parents had their honeymoon.” I said glancing up at Javier. “Also, I am going to college in the fall and wanted to get away.” “Oh, where are you going?” He asked casually too interested again. “I am going to Cal Tech. Why?” I asked suspiciously. “I am going there too.” Christian exclaimed happily. “I am one of the new foreign exchange students.” “Great” I muttered under my breath. Christian threw a quizzical look at me. Javier threw his head back and laughed flashing his eye teeth.

Christian looked startled for a moment before pushing his seat back and claiming, “Brandy, I must dash. I will be seeing you very soon.” Javier jumped out of his chair as if it had burned him. “Let’s go!” He growled. “What’s wrong?” I asked confused. He didn’t answer. Instead, he paid the bill and stalked out of the restaurant. I had to run to



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catch up with him. When I got up to him, he picked me up and ran back to the hotel. When we got to my room, I saw that my clothes were strewn everywhere. I found my picture of my mom and me. Someone had torn the side with my mom on.

“Javier” I whimpered. I threw myself into his arms and sobbed. Javier started humming softly, and I sang what I knew. “Goodnight sweet heart. Well, it’s time to go. Goodnight sweet heart. Well, it’s time to go. I hate to leave you, but I really must say…” “Goodnight sweet heart goodnight.” Javier finished. “You should take up singing.” I said hugging him tightly.

“I need to go check in with Wayne.” He said reluctantly. “Can I come?” I asked. “No,” he said, “I’ll see you later.” “I love you!” I called slamming the door. I missed him already. I walked into the bathroom and began brushing little tangles out of my hair. I heard the hotel door close softly. That’s funny. I had never heard it open. I walked out of the bathroom and froze like a deer in headlights.

Chapter One

And You Are?



I woke up to a normal foggy morning. Most people hate the fog, but I love it. It makes me feel hidden, secure, and safe. Dad was already gone. He wanted to get me a few things before I left. I hated leaving him by himself, but I had to leave the nest before it suffocated me.

I got out of bed and took my shower. My bathroom looked empty and alien without its normal clutter. The hot water reminded me why I had woken up. I had been dreaming of Elizabeth, my mom, when all of a sudden we were being chased. I couldn’t see who he was, but he was tall with dark hair and was saying something in a different language. My mom disappeared, and I screamed for her. That is when I woke up. It gave me the chills even though I was in the shower.

I went to my room and put on the only outfit I hadn’t packed. It was a red and black plaid skirt with a red short-sleeved shirt. I put on my knee-length black boots and picked up one of my many brushes to attack my hair.

I didn’t see dad pull in, but I heard him enter the house. “Brandy” he yelled up the stairs. “What?” I called back. I saw the relief on his face as he realized I was still here. “Oh, good you’re still here.” I looked at him and said, “Where else would I be, Dad?” I glanced at the packages under his arm and quirked and eyebrow. “Are all of those for me?” I asked like a child at Christmas time. He smiled, “Yeah, I thought you could use a



2

few things for the trip.” “What all did you get me?” I wondered aloud. “Open ‘em” was



his only response. I opened the first to find a black digital camera, the second held a

blood red laptop, and the third hid a little printer to hook up the camera to. “Oh Daddy, I love them. Thank-you! I’m going to miss you so much, but I have to go.” I sighed. I have tried to explain this to him so many times. We stood there in an awkward silence for a couple of minutes. Edward was close to tears when he said, “That is where your mother and I had our honeymoon. She always told me she’d go back there some day, but she never will.”

I changed the subject by picking up my luggage and announcing that it was time for me to go, or I would miss my plane. “Bye, Bye. Be safe. Take care of yourself. Have fun.” He proceeded to call after me as I walked towards the taxi.



The airplane ride took forever! When we finally landed, my butt was sore from sitting for so long. I went in the direction of the baggage carousel staring at people all the way. When I caught someone staring at me, I smiled then looked away. He was tall with light brown hair and green eyes. He was also really skinny. He smiled and walked over to me. “Hello” he said warmly. “Excuse me” I said caught off guard by someone who looked so familiar but was probably a stranger. “I said hello. I am Christian by the way. And you are…..” he asked politely. “Oh my name is Brandy. Nice to meet you. Maybe I’ll see you around some time.” “I would like that very much.” he said sounding quite



3

sincere. I looked at the baggage carousel and saw my bag pass by. “Oh shoot there went





my bag. I have to go.” With that I scampered off after my bags.

I had a hotel room waiting for me, so I gathered my things and hailed a cab. The driver took one look at me and commented, “You’re going to the vampire festival aren’t you?” “No” I had never heard of such a thing. “Is it exciting” I pondered aloud. “I guess. I’ve never felt the urge to go there. I think it is normally at the beach though.” he grumbled. I thought it sounded interesting, so I decided to go to this vampire festival. When I got to the hotel, I went through my bags to find the perfect outfit. I settled on my knee-length black dress with a deep V-neck. I also decided to wear my black flip-flops because we would be at the beach, right. I’ve read about these people being weird and superstitious. They sound like my kind of people.

I got to the beach and there were literally hundreds of people there. I got out and couldn’t help but feel people’s eyes on me as I passed. I danced to the music whenever the mood struck me. I was thinking of going home when I saw a familiar face in the crowd. I ran over to her and jumped on her. She screamed as we both hit the sand. When she saw me, she laughed. “Oh my god, Kerri what are you doing here. I’m so glad you’re here.” She got up and helped me to my feet and said, “Come with me, I want you to meet some guys.” We walked over to a group of very hot guys. I mean they were



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unbelievably gorgeous. One had olive toned skin with black hair and deep blue eyes. Another one was extremely pale with white-blond hair and light blue eyes that twinkled as he stared at me appreciatively. The one on her right was pale with auburn hair and golden eyes. The one on her left was dark complexioned with dark hair and eyes. But the one who owned my attention was the Hispanic one with blazing green eyes.

Kerri introduced them to me the one with deep blue eyes was Anthony, Maverick was the blond, the one on her right was Drew, the one on her let was Wayne, and the one who had captured my attention was Javier. Kerri whispered something in Wayne’s ear, and he laughed. I hope they hadn’t seen the way I had been staring at Javier. Wayne motioned for Maverick, Drew, Anthony, and Kerri to follow him. Kerri smiled wickedly at me and innocently called back, “Have fun!” With that I was left standing next to the most gorgeous man I’d ever met.

Table of Contents





Prologue-------------------------------------------------------pg 1

And you are? -------------------------------------------------Pg 2

Introductions---------------------------------------------------Pg 6

What do you want? --------------------------------------------Pg 17

Afternoons like this------------------------------------------------Pg 26

Killers-------------------------------------------------------------------Pg 32

The Prophecy---------------------------------------------------------Pg 41

Heart to Heart with LaTefia------------------------------------Pg 51































Prologue



Hi! My name is Brandy Chant. I live with my dad in Ventura, CA. We have a two story house just on the edge of town. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a basement, and an attic, so I have my own bathroom, thank God.

My dad’s name is Edward. He’s balding and forty-eight, but other than that he’s nice. It is hard to believe that my gorgeous mom had ever married him. She died last summer. It is still somewhat a mystery-how she died. I was seventeen at the time.

My mom was so beautiful. She had long dark brown hair with blazing green eyes that sparkled whenever she had mischief planned. I miss her so much! The people she worked with miss her, too, even though most were often jealous of her.

On a lighter note I’ll be going to college soon. I’m thinking of this exclusive college in California. But I’m going to Greece first. I’ve always dreamed about going there since I was a child. Edward doesn’t understand why I want to go there before college. How would he understand? It is like that place has been calling to me ever since I heard a story about it. I want to see new places and meet new people.



I need to tell you something else too……. I am an eighteen year old girl who is obsessed with Vampyres.