The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

When Ashley awoke, she got out of her pink satin sheets and walked to her full-length mirror. She brushed her chestnut brown hair and put it up. She put her rings on her French manicured hands. She also put on her silver link bracelet. Ashley then went inside her walk-in closet and found her worn jeans and a black tank top. After she got dressed, she left in her black mustang. When she got to school, she found Mercy and Sam.

Mercy was her best friend. They had been friends since first grade. Ashley was the only one of their friends that stayed by Mercy’s side when she came out. Ashley was the one who introduced Sam to Mercy. They had been together for six months and Ashley was helping Mercy set up a surprise for her and Sam’s seven-month anniversary.

Ashley’s first class was to be an office aid. As she sat there, waiting for something to do, the office door opened. A new guy walked in with his mother. He had white blond hair and pale blue eyes. He had on a black t-shirt that said “Bite Me” in red and dark black jeans. He looked to be more muscular than any guy at school. Ashley sat staring at him, as his mom talked to Miss Knell, the Office Assistant. They both walked into Principal Reel’s office.

About fifteen minutes in, Ashley was summoned into the office.

“Miss Syrian, would you please show Mr. Night around?” Mr. Reel asked her.

“I would be happy to.” Ashley said exposing her sparkling white smile.

“Thank you.” Mr. Reel replied. Ashley started out of the office but then stopped, “My name is Ashley, what’s yours?” She asked holding out her hand. He looked at her with his pale grey eyes and gave her a small smile.

“My name is Sean.” He replied as he took her hand and shook it firmly. His voice was almost mesmerizing. Ashley showed him where all of his senior classes were and where the cafeteria was. While Ashley was walking and talking; Sean looked at the way she moved. She looked good to him.

They started walking down the long windowed hallway from the cafeteria to his first class.

“Thank you for showing me around, if it is possible may I call you?” Sean asked smiling.

“Alright, if you would like I could drive you home today.” She replied noticing that his reactions weren’t as cold.

“That would be good. Which car is yours?” Sean asked as he stopped and looked out into the parking lot.

“It is the black Mustang.” Ashley said with a smile. She handed him her number and he walked into his first period.

When Ashley got to the cafeteria she sat with Mercy and Sam. Ashley saw Sean sitting at a table with her ex Brian. She smiled nervously, hoping Brian wouldn’t say anything to make her look bad.

“What has gotten into you?” Mercy asked putting her arms around Sam. Sam smiled back at her. Ashley told then about Sean. They both smiled and laughed.

“You sound like you’re in love.” Sam laughed. Sean walked up behind Ashley, while she was laughing.

“Well speak of the devil.” Mercy whispered. Sean looked alarmed as Ashley quickly looked up.

“Can I join you?” Sean asked.

“Yes, you can.” Ashley said as she smiled.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you something earlier.” Sean started. Ashley’s heart slightly fell; she thought he was going to say something bad. “You have the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.”

“Thank you.” Ashley said as she blushed. Her heart now felt fuller than ever.

At the end of the day, Ashley ran to her car so Sean wouldn’t be waiting. Sean walked out and Ashley pulled up to the door. Sean opened the passenger side door and got in.

“Nice car for an eleventh grader.” Sean said.

“My father is a State Senator. He goes by his mother’s maiden name, political thing I guess.” She replied.

“Who’s your father?” he asked.

“Senator Matthews.” Ashley said Sean nodded as his gaze fell over a piece of jewelry hanging from her mirror. It looked to be a necklace with a bottle on the end of the chain. The bottle also seemed to be filled with something.

“Well, I only live with my mother. My father was killed in a fire. He was the leader of our people; he sent my mother and me out to look for a new place to live when it happened. When we got back it was too late.” Sean said staring out the window. Ashley looked at him, sorrow filling her heart.

“I’m sorry. Where do I go?” Ashley asked. Sean looked up at her and nodded and then told her where to go. Ashley drove down many country roads and found his house. Sean started to get out but stopped.

“What is that?” he asked pointing to the necklace.

Ashley blushed then answered, “It is a necklace I made for Brian, my ex. It is a bottle of my own blood. I am obsessed with vampires and I told him that was how they claimed each other. I gave his back, a long time ago.”

“I like it. Can I wear it?” Sean asked. Ashley pulled it off the mirror and handed it to him. Sean leaned in and kissed her.

“This means your mine now. You will have yours tomorrow. Will you pick me up tomorrow?” Sean asked. Ashley nodded and Sean walked into his house. As she pulled away she felt her heart fill with love.

When she awoke the next morning Ashley put on a pink skirt and a white polo shirt. She left her hair down. She went down to the garage, got in her car and drove to Sean’s. When she noticed he wasn’t outside, she walked up to the door and knocked. His mother answered the door.

“He is almost ready. Would you like to come in?” his mother asked.

“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Night.” Ashley said with a smile.

“Sean was right; you do have a beautiful smile and call me Elsa.” She replied. Ashley blushed. Sean came down the stairs in a grey t-shirt and jeans. He smiled at her.

“Good morning, beautiful.” Sean said. She noticed her necklace around his neck.

“Good morning, are you ready to go?” Ashley asked.

“Almost, you have to get your present first.” Sean said. He pulled out a box and handed it to Ashley. Ashley opened it and saw a black chocker in it. The centerpiece of the chocker was a crescent moon and it was a beautiful shade of red.

“Thank you. Where did you find this? The color of the moon is so beautiful.” Ashley said in awe.

“The moon is filled with my blood. I told you I would make you one. Can I put it on you?” Sean asked. Ashley lifted her hair and Sean fastened the chocker for her. He lingered at the touch of her neck. She looked beautiful. Ashley and Sean got in her car and drove to school. Everyone liked her choker but she was the only one who knew what was in the moon. They walked around together all day. The whole school was in a flutter about their relationship. When school was over, they got in her car. “I hope you don’t need to be home soon. I have to go home and change.” Ashley said. “I can be home whenever I want.” Sean said. She pulled into her garage and showed him around her house.

“Where is everybody? It is like your whole house is dead.” Sean asked.

“Daddy is never here. It is usually only me.” Ashley replied. She walked to her room and looked for her work uniform. Sean appeared in her doorway. “Is this your room?” He asked. “Yes of course.” Ashley laughed. She found her work shirt and looked for her black pants.

“This room is pretty big, for just you”. Sean laughed. Ashley found her pants and tried to walk past Sean. “Excuse me handsome.” Ashley said. “So, where do you work?” Sean asked not moving. “I work at Valley’s the gothic store. I make really good money.” Ashley said. She tried pushing past him again.

“Did you feel a connection when we first met?” Sean asked. “Yes?” She said smiling. “I did too. I felt as if my searching for all eternity was finally over.” Sean said. He kissed her. “What a line.” Ashley smiled. He smiled at her. “Can I accompany you to work?” he asked his voice smooth as silk. “Sure, why not.” Ashley said as she finally got through. After she got dressed, they walked to the garage. She decided to drive her red mustang instead of the black one. “Why red?” Sean asked as he got in. “I always drive red to work.” Ashley said smiling she drove for about ten minutes and Sean never took his eyes off her. She pulled in front of a black building. It had wings on the entrance and had a very dark look. “We are here.” Ashley said smiling. Sean looked at her and touched her chin. He pulled her to him and kissed her.

“I have to get inside or I’ll be late.” Ashley said reluctantly as she got out of the car. Sean followed her in the store. “There you are. I was wondering where you were.” Her boss said. “Sorry, Peter I was a little sidetracked. This is Sean.” Ashley said pointing to Sean. Sean looked at Peter and got angry. He didn’t want his beautiful girl to take orders from any man except himself.

“Hello,” Sean said sternly. “Are you looking for job?” Peter asked Sean. “We just had an opening.”

“Yes, I am looking for a job.” Sean said. Ashley looked at the two guys astonished. How did that happen?

“Come with me and we will fill out all the paperwork.” Peter said showing Sean to the back room.

Ashley walked to the counter and waited for the day to be over. No one in the small town really came into the store, but somehow they stayed in business.

Soon Ashley was off the clock and Sean had all his forms filled out so he could work the same shift with her.

Ashley and Sean got in her car and she started to drive him home. “Honey,” Sean started.

“Yes.” She said not taking her eyes off the road.

“You do not have to take me home.” Sean replied, “Besides I don’t like the fact that you stay at home by yourself so much.”

“Are you sure your mom won’t mind?” Ashley asked hoping that there wasn’t a lot of joy in her voice.

“No, she won’t mind, as long as I am safe.” Sean replied reaching for Ashley’s hand.

“Do I need to stop by your house to get you some clothes?” She asked.

“I’m sure there will be something at your house I can wear. Drive home baby.” Sean said as he squeezed her hand.

They arrived at the house a little after ten. Ashley went straight to her father’s closet and found Sean a pair of blue plaid pajamas. She then went to her room and found her matching pajamas bottoms and a white top.

“So, do you want to watch a movie and snuggle on the couch?” Ashley had pulled out the bed that was in the couch. She made it up for him while he was changing. Ashley looked at Sean as he walked out in only the pajama bottoms.

“What movie would you like to watch?” Sean asked as he walked to her. She patted the bed and replied. “The movie Nikoles, based on the novel.”

“What is that about?” Sean asked.

“A vampire of course.” Ashley said. Sean crawled under the blankets with her and pulled her to his body.

“Sean, you have to let me go so I can put in the movie.” Ashley said smiling at him. She got up and put in the movie and got back into bed with Sean. As the movie started, Sean realized that she had compassion for vampires, but would she truly except a vampire in her life?

“Ashley, do you really believe in all this vampire stuff?” Sean asked cautiously.

“The truth is I wish they were real. I find them incredibly fascinating.” Ashley said moving closer to him.

“If I told you a secret, would you keep it?” Sean asked leaning close to her.

“Sean, I would keep anything you wanted me to.” Ashley said kissing his chest. She felt a chill as Sean drew a breath.

“Vampires are real; I know this, because I am.” Sean said hoping Ashley would not think he was making fun of her. She looked at him and smiled.

“I don’t care if you are the devil himself, I love you.” Ashley said kissing him again. “Now that I know your secret you are mine forever.” She bit him playfully and Sean bit her back lightly.

“I am not supper.” Ashley said after he bit her.

“I’m sorry; I don’t know what came over me.” Sean said giving her a dazzling smile. They both turned back to the film and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

“Excuse me, Ms. Syrian you are going to be late to school.” Ashley’s maid said as she awoke. Where was Sean? Did he leave in the middle of the night or was what happened only a dream. Ashley hurried and got dressed and ran to her car. There he was sitting in the car waiting for her.

“Where did you go?” Ashley asked him.

“I heard the maid coming in; I didn’t want her to tell your father.” Sean said as he kissed her wrist.

“I can’t believe that I thought he was only a dream.” Ashley whispered to herself.

“I heard that, I have excellent hearing, which is how I knew your maid was coming.” Sean said smiling wide. Ashley couldn’t help but smiling back. She threw the car in gear and drove fast all the way to school.

As they arrived Ashley saw something, she hoped she would never see, Mercy and Sam fighting. Ashley ran to see what was wrong as Mercy and Sam were swinging at each other.

“Mercy, what is wrong?” Ashley yelled as she tried to step in-between the hits.

“What’s wrong, what’s wrong? She cheated on me on the night of our seven month anniversary.” Mercy screamed as tears fell. Ashley ran and pulled her into her arms.

“Sam why would you do that to her?” Ashley yelled at her.

“You were supposed to help me plan everything; you didn’t show up so I had to ask someone else for help. Things ended up happening and now I can’t take them back and it is your entire fault!” Sam shouted at Ashley as she tried to hit her. Ashley moved away from the blow and shouted, “My fault, who was the one who opened their legs, you need to take responsibility for your own actions.” Ashley said as she pulled Mercy inside.

“Mercy, honey I am so sorry. I didn’t know she would turn out like that.” Ashley said as her best friend cried on her shoulder.

“Were you really going to help her set me up a surprise?” Mercy said threw sobs.

“I was going too, but I had to work. I am so sorry Mercy. I should have helped her before I went and after I left.” Ashley said as she started to cry. She had hurt her best friend because of Sean. He walked right up at that moment.

“Mercy, would you like me to find you another girlfriend?” Sean asked in his mesmerizing voice. Ashley and Mercy both looked up at him.

“What?” She asked with tears in her voice.

“My sister is moving here in a week. She is gay and looking to start a relationship with a local girl.” Sean said very quietly.

“It wouldn’t hurt to meet her.” Mercy said smiling a little bit. Ashley couldn’t believe Sean. He was so perfect.

“Ashley, just so you know, I don’t blame you. She was already cheating on me, I saw all the signs, and I just wanted to catch her.” Mercy said pulling her best friend into a hug. Ashley and Sean walked with Mercy to her first period. Afterwards, Sean walked Ashley to hers.

“Do you really have a sister?” Ashley asked feeling weary.

“Yes I do, her name is Isabella. So do you not wish for me to hook them up?” Sean asked cautiously.

“You can, I just didn’t want her to be someone from your past. I am a very jealous person you know,” Ashley said hoping not to offend him.

“I did make her but she was never for me.” Sean said as he pulled her into a kiss. “I already said you are mine forever. Don’t you trust me?” Ashley looked deep into his eyes and realized that she had nothing to worry about.

“I trust you whole heartedly.” Ashley said kissing him and walking into the office. Sean walked to his first period class feeling a feeling that he hadn’t felt in a hundred years, love.

Sean met back up with Ashley in the cafeteria.

“Where is Mercy?” Sean asked loving that he would get to be alone with her.

“She went home.” Ashley said quietly.

“Is something wrong?” Sean asked pulling her to him.

“Not really, I just have had a bad morning.” Ashley said.

“Please tell me about it.” Sean said moving closer to her.

“Brian, my ex called me nasty names because I told him I am with you now. He thinks if I’m not with him, I should be miserable. I failed a test I studied a week for. I never wanted Mercy to be miserable because of a person I picked out for her. It just seems that since I am happy, everyone else is either mad at me or miserable. Maybe I am not supposed to be happy.” Ashley said lying on his shoulder.

“Are you saying you want me to leave?” Sean asked.

“No, I want you no matter what. You are mine because with you I am happy.” Ashley said kissing him.

“Good, because you make me happy, may I take care of another one of your problems?” Sean asked pointing at Brian and getting up.

“If you want to, please don’t get kicked out of school.” Ashley called after him.

“Hi, Brian remember me, my name is Sean. May I speak to you alone please?” Sean asked smiling. Brian laughed and pointed at Sean. His friends laughed too.

“Sure, you can speak to me.” Brian said laughing still. Sean showed him out into the hallway.

“You see we have a problem. You are saying nasty things to my girlfriend and that makes her unhappy. And when she’s unhappy that makes me very unhappy. Are you going to stop or am I going to make you.” Sean said showing Brian his vampire teeth. Brian looked at him with fear in his eyes.

“Does she know you are a vampire?” Brian asked in shock.

“Of course she does not, she wouldn’t be dating me would she?” Sean asked.

‘I think she would, she tried to get me in to all that vampire stuff, which is why we broke up.” Brian replied.

“It doesn’t matter, if anyone else finds out, I will know you told them. Keep your mouth shut about her and I will make sure nothing bad happens to you.” Sean said as he started back into the cafeteria.

Sean walked back in and kissed her.

“Everything will be okay from now on, I promise.” Sean said as they walked out of the cafeteria.

The rest of the day went great and Ashley couldn’t have been happier. As the final bell rang Ashley’s heart felt as if it was going to explode from the joy she was feeling. She ran to her car to see that Sean was not there. She looked in his seventh hour and he wasn’t there either. Ashley stood by her car very confused.

“Looking for Sean?” asked a familiar voice, Brian.

“Yes, have you seen him?” Ashley asked starting to get worried.

“He left after lunch and told me to give this to you.” Brian said as he handed her an envelope.

“Thank you.” Ashley said as she got in her car. She opened the envelope and inside was a note:

Ashley, I’m sorry. I had to go hunting. My mother picked me up don’t worry. I will be safe. I will see you tonight.

Love always, Sean.

Ashley held the letter close to her heart. He truly cared and this letter showed it. Ashley drove home and got the house ready for her guest. She had the maid cook dinner while she cleaned up the house.

“Ms. Syrian why are you cleaning, that is my job?” The maid said.

“If I were to have a guest, would you tell my father?” Ashley said.

“What kind of guest?” she asked.

“A friend of mine needs a ride to and from school every day. He lives to far out to go every day and the bus doesn’t go out that far. He would only stay here two or three days.” Ashley said hoping the maid would believe her.

“Well, your father thinks you can take care of your self so whatever you do when he is not here is your business. I will not say anything.” She replied. Ashley ran and hugged her.

They finished preparing the house when Sean arrived.

“Good evening sir, may I help you?” the maid asked.

“I am the guest who will be staying here for two or three days.” Sean said. The maid moved aside and let the handsome man in.

“Sean, I am glad you are here.” Ashley squealed as soon as she seen him.

“Ms. Syrian, I am off duty now.” The maid said as she left.

“Good bye Sylvia.” Ashley replied as she closed the door behind her.

Sean pulled Ashley into a hug.

“How did your hunting trip go?” Ashley asked as she pulled him into the kitchen.

“Do you really want to know or are you just making small talk?” Sean asked a little stiff.

“Is something wrong?” Ashley asked separating herself from him. Sean started to pace the kitchen.

“Is something wrong? Of course, there is, I am a vampire and you to me are dinner. There is no possible way that we can continue.” Sean said as he walked towards the door.

“What? Now listen here, you asked me today if I wanted you to leave, I said no. You said you didn’t want to leave either. Now did something happen or did I do something to make you not want to see me.” She replied after him.

“No nothing happened and you could never do anything to make me not want to see you. This is something I have to do for my people and me.” Sean replied as he reached the door.

“Then why did you even say anything to begin with. Why didn’t you just leave this afternoon and stay away. Why did you leave a note? You must have wanted me then why not now?” Ashley cried.

“I wanted you then and I want you now. I do not trust myself to be alone with you anymore.” Sean replied.

“Then leave and never come back. When you leave this house know this, Ashley Moon Syrian would have changed for you. Know a mortal woman would have given up everything for the love of a vampire whom she didn’t know. I waited my whole life to be with a vampire and this is how he turned out to be. You walk out now and there will be no turning back. You leave me now and I will not wait. I knew you were to good to be true. I’m sorry for whatever inconvenience I caused you. Get OUT!” Ashley screamed as the tears started to flow. Sean looked at her bewildered. He didn’t want to leave; he wanted her to fight for him.

“What are you waiting for?” Ashley asked as she threw open the door and fell to the ground.

“Do you love me?” Sean asked as he went to pick her up. She looked up at him with tears still flowing.

“You know I do.” She replied.

“Then, I will stay but you have to work with me. I can’t do this alone.” Sean said as he kissed her.

“Tell me, so I can help you.” Ashley said as she shut the door.

“Today, when Brian and Sam attacked you I wanted to kill them. I have the ability to kill a human with one blow to the head. I didn’t like seeing you in pain. After I got Brian on the same page with you, I noticed that taking care of you made me hungry. I can’t let myself get alone with you when I get like that.” Sean replied kissing her again.

“Okay, just leave a note and I will wait for you. What would happen if you bit me?” Ashley asked.

“If I am in a mood, I would probably take your life but if I am as I am now I would be gentle and stop when you told me.” He replied looking deep into her eyes.

“Is there anything else I need to know?” Ashley asked.

“No, but when I need my space somehow I will let you know.” Sean said as he sat on the couch. Ashley sat down next to him. She leaned over and kissed him.

“I will give you any space you need but promise me that you will never leave me. I love you.” Ashley replied pulling him into a hug.

“I love you too.” Sean said as he kissed her deeply. Ashley got up and moved Sean’s arms.

“Baby what are you doing?” Sean asked.

“I want you to bite me; I want you to know its okay. I want to know what it is feels like to be one of you.” Ashley said as she sat on his lap.

“If I bite you, you might change.” Sean said as he kissed her.

“Well then maybe we should watch a movie.” Ashley replied as she started to get up.

“Well I can bite you on one condition, you must remain calm.” Sean replied. Ashley sat perfectly still as Sean tilted her head. He placed his lips to her neck and sunk his teeth into her throat. He heard her moan slightly but she still remained still. Sean very slowly drank from her. When he knew he couldn’t take anymore he stopped. Ashley sighed with satisfaction.

“You know, now you are really mine.” Sean said as he kissed her lips.

“I want to be yours forever.” Ashley said quietly. Sean carried Ashley to the pull-out couch and laid her next to where he would be sleeping.

“I love you, good night.” Sean whispered in her ear. Ashley groaned at his comment. Sean lay awake most of the night. He could still taste her blood in his mouth. He wanted to drain her to the point of death. Sean now knew for sure he couldn’t be with her. He was to close to killing for her. He would either have to leave her forever or change her.

The next morning Ashley awoke and Sean was gone. She could still feel the pain in her neck. She ran to the bathroom to look at it and nothing was there. There was no blood around her collar or any signs of what she remembered happening.

She walked up the stairs to her room and found a hoodie and some jeans. She didn’t feel very well so it didn’t matter to her how she was dressed.

She drove to school checking her phone every few minutes. She didn’t understand where he went or why he didn’t leave her a message. She parked her car and walked inside straight to his 1st period class. She waited outside the door until the final bell rang. She still hadn’t seen him yet.

She walked slowly to the office and sat on the benches in front of the doors. She saw the secretary go to the meeting with the principal. She quickly ran to her desk and looked the student directory. She typed in his name for a quick search. It started to flash red, No Student Found.

Ashley starred at the computer with horror. How was he not there? She felt a pain in her neck again where he had bit her the night before. She rubbed her neck trying to figure what was going on.

She went thru the day in a haze until lunch. She saw Mercy at the table with Sam.

“Mercy is there a reason you’re sitting here with her?” Ashley asked her with disgust.

“Is everything ok Ash, you know Sam and I are together. You did hook us up.” Mercy said with care.

“No its not, you found out yesterday that Sam cheated on you and Sean was going to have you meet his sister.” Ashley whispered to her.

“Umm ok Ash. Sam isn’t cheating on me and I’m not sure who this Sean guy is.” Mercy replied back.

“What do you mean you don’t know who Sean is? He is the guy I’ve been dating for the past few days. He gave me my necklace.” Ashley said as she reached around her neck. Her chocker wasn’t there. She started to feel really dizzy. “I need to sit down.”

Mercy helped Ashley sit back down. “Now explain this to me again.”

Ashley started to tell Mercy the story starting from when she met Sean all the way up to the fight between Mercy and Sam. She left out the important part that he was her vampire.

“Ash your really scaring me. I think you need to go home.” Mercy walked her to the office.

“Mrs. Kneel Ashley needs to go home; I think she got food poisoning.” Mercy told the secretary.

“Okay Mercy and Ashley feel better.” She said as she signed the form releasing her for the day.

“I am going to drive you home and make sure you get into bed.” Mercy said softly. Ashley just nodded as she looked out the window; she felt the tears welling up.

“I don’t understand…” Ashley began.

“Just lay your head back, your almost home.” Mercy replied softly. She pulled into Ashley’s garage and helped her out of the car. She walked her upstairs to her room and helped her into bed.

“Now stay in bed until you start feeling better. I will call you after school.” Mercy told her. Ashley just nodded.

She laid there feeling restless. Soon she gave herself into sleep and she had a dream about him.

“Why did you leave me?” she asked him.

“I had to, I would end up killing you.” He said sternly.

“I told you I didn’t care what you did to me.” She started throwing out excuses. Sean walked right up to her, stared deep into her eyes.

“I tried to make you forget me; I took out my existence to everyone around you. The only thing I can do now to make you forget me.” He stated.

“No! I don’t want to forget you.” She cried. He looked at her the hard look on his face started melting away. She saw his face grow sad. He leaned in and kissed her lips and whispered very softly in her ear, “I will always remember you.”

Ashley woke up startled. She felt her face she had been crying in her sleep. She understood now why he had left.

It started to get easier day after day. Eventually life started to get back normal.

As Heather Connor got ready for school, the phone rang. Her sister Rayne answered the phone.

“Hi, Alex. You want to talk to Heather?” Rayne said into the phone. “Heather phone!” Rayne yelled up the stairs. Heather grabbed the phone upstairs.

“I got it!” she shouted back. “Alex, what could you possibly want now….? I’m trying to get ready for school…okay see you in thirty minutes.”

Heather looked into the mirror and brushed her copper colored hair. She then applied her eyeliner to her hazel eyes. She walked to her room and found her jean skirt and pink tank top.

Rayne walked into the room as Heather was finishing up.

“You look great.” Rayne replied as Heather walked past her. Rayne was eighteen, two years older than her sister. Rayne had short blond hair and green eyes.

As Heather was waiting by the door, she saw Rayne walk down the stairs. Rayne had on her jeans and baby blue t-shirt.

“You look really nice today.” Heather told her sister. They both walked out as Alex pulled up.

“You guys look nice.” Alex replied with his award-winning smile.

“Thank you, so do you.” Heather replied smiling back. Alex was eighteen, and had brown hair with frosted tips. His blue eyes matched his skin tone perfectly.

“Who do you want to pick up first, Zack or Andon and Amy?” Alex asked.

“Can we pick up Zack first?” Rayne asked hopefully. Zack was Rayne’s boyfriend.

“Your wish is my command.” Alex replied jokingly. They drove down a deserted country road to pick up Zack. When Zack got in, he sat in back with Rayne. Heather thought he was cute in that “friend” sort of way. He had black hair and brown eyes. He was the same age as Rayne.

After they picked up Zack, they had to pick up Andon and Amy. Amy was sixteen, the same age as Heather and had dazzling emerald eyes. She had brown hair with golden highlights in it. Andon was the complete opposite. He was eighteen. He had charcoal black hair and dark eyes. While Amy was very friendly, Andon kept mostly to himself.

When they arrived at school, Alex paused before he pulled into his parking place; he admired his interpretation of a wolf howling at a blood-red moon. After he pulled in, they all got out and went to their first period classes.

Alex and Heather had the same first period, so they walked to it together. Soon after class was in progress, the lights started to flicker and went out. The girls screamed and the guys laughed at them. Heather started to have an anxiety attack and slid under her desk.

“Now students calm down, it was just a power surge, everything will be alright in just a minute.” Mr. Sanderson called out. Alex saw Heather going into an anxiety attack and went over to calm her down.

“Remember your breathing.” Alex said calmly to her.

“Mr. Danielson please take your seat.” Mr. Sanderson replied calmly. Alex walked slowly back to his seat smiling. After first period ended, Heather and Alex walked to their second period class, Biology. Not ten minutes into the class, both Alex and Heather got passes to go to the office.

As they walked to the office, Alex slipped his arm around her. Heather couldn’t help but smile. When she walked in, she noticed Andon was also in the office.

“Well, here we are again, for the second time this month, just us three.” Andon replied as he looked at Heather.

“What did you do this time? Let me rephrase that, what did you tell them we did?” Heather replied as she sat down next to him.

“Relax, my mom called the school and she wants to know if you guys knew I got a tattoo.” Andon replied as he showed her his muscular arm. His tattoo was of a black heart wrapped in a sliver banner. Around the heart were black vines with black roses.

“That’s pretty awesome, but isn’t it missing something?” Heather asked.

“I am going to get my woman’s name in it. Well that is after I find the right one.” Andon replied still smiling at Heather.

Andon was shortly called into the office and then Heather followed. Alex was the last to be questioned.

“Do you want to come eat lunch with me today?” Andon asked.

“How do you drive somewhere else?” Heather asked.

“Alex lets me borrow his car every day.” Andon replied.

“Where are you going for lunch?” she asked him.

“I am not really sure yet, but I would love it if you went with me.” Andon replied reaching for her hand. Heather looked at him with shock on her face but smiled.

“I have World History fifth period meet me there.” Heather replied as she walked out of the office.

The rest of the morning passed quickly for Heather. While in World History, all she could think about was Andon. Why had he wanted to take her to lunch? In all reality it didn’t matter to Heather, she would just enjoy their time together, they were friends after all.

“So, where are we going?” Heather asked as she got in Alex’s car.

“Well, we have an hour and a half, where do you want to go?” Andon asked pulling out of the parking lot.

“I don’t really care; I just want to spend time with you.” Heather replied not realizing what she had just said.

“So as long as we are together, you do not care where we go?” Andon asked smiling. Heather smirked at him and then replied, “No I do not.”

“Good, we are going to my house then.” Andon replied as he sped up. Heather grew excited at the speed he was driving.

“Why are we going to your house?” Heather asked.

“Just because.” Andon replied still smiling.

As they arrived at his house, Heather noticed no vehicles were there. Andon jumped out of the car and headed towards the door.

“There is nobody here, Andon!” Heather shouted after him.

“I know that!” Andon shouted back. Heather ran to catch up to him. He was opening the front door when she reached him.

“Welcome to my wonderful house.” Andon stated as he showed her the inside. Heather was astonished by the inside of their house. It had many family portraits on the walls. The furniture looked to be of the Victorian era.

“I had a hidden agenda for inviting you here. Tonight, is the Halloween dance as I am sure you are aware? I wanted to know if you would not only be my date but my girlfriend as well.” Andon asked as he took her hands. Heather looked at him then smiled.

“I would love to be your girlfriend. I just hope Alex will still pick me up in the morning.” Heather replied half jokingly.

“If he has a problem, I will pick you up.” Andon replied as he pulled her into a kiss.

“Just because I am your girlfriend now doesn’t mean you can have your way with me.” Heather replied after he was done kissing her.

“Well, I guess you should have said no then, because I want to have my way with you.” Andon replied back as he playfully pulled her to him. Heather spent the rest of the lunch period kissing her new boyfriend.

Heather heard the clock chime and she knew it was time for them to head back.

“We need to get back.” Heather said as she readjusted herself. Andon pulled her into another kiss; he then sucked her neck until it left a perfect bruise.

“I guess we do need to get back.” Andon replied taking her in his arms.

“What are you dressing up as tonight?” Heather asked as they drove back to the school.

“I guess when I pick you up tonight, you will find out.” Andon replied. Heather leaned over and kissed his neck. Andon moaned with enjoyment, so Heather moved slowly down his body.

“Honey, we are almost at school.” Andon replied.

“I’m sorry baby.” Heather replied as she kissed his lips.

“I didn’t say stop, I just thought I would warn you.” Andon replied as he kissed her back.

“Well, I guess if I started anything I would have to finish.” Heather replied kissing him again.

“Yes, you would. So I guess it’s a good thing I stopped you then.” Andon replied kissing her deeper.

“You need to watch the road.” Heather replied as she sat back in her seat. Andon tried exceptionally hard to concentrate on the road but with someone as beautiful as Heather sitting next to him it was extremely hard.

Heather couldn’t help but smile the rest of the day. Some of her friends noticed her hickey but some didn’t.

When school was over Heather walked out to Alex’s car, she met up with Andon.

“Hey baby, how was the rest of your day?” Andon asked as he pulled her into a kiss. That was the first thing Alex saw when he walked out of the school. It was at that moment he realized he waited to long to ask Heather out.

Soon everyone was in the car and wanted to know when Heather and Andon got together.

“Well Andon asked me today at lunch.” Heather replied as Andon pulled her into another kiss.

Everyone just kind of sat there astonished, not knowing what to say. Heather and Rayne were the last to be dropped off. When they walked into the house Rayne stared at Heather.

“Sis, I know you have longed for Alex for a long time, but now isn’t the time to give up on him.” Rayne told her.

“He had a month to ask me to the Halloween dance. If he had wanted to go with me, even as friends, he should have asked.” Heather told her as she made her way upstairs.

“Maybe he is a little shy around you.” Rayne suggested.

“He wasn’t shy when he asked you out; he wasn’t shy when he told me he slept with Debby, my best friend.” Heather replied almost in tears.

“Well, I’m sorry he hurt you but now you are hurting him.” Rayne replied as she walked into the bedroom.

“I just want you to be happy for me. I can always date Alex after Andon.” Heather replied.

“Once you date Andon, there is no going back.” Rayne replied.

“How do you know?” Heather asked.

“Amy and I are best friends. She said he never dates girls in our school, so I don’t know why he suddenly wants to date you.” Rayne said coldly as she left the room.

Heather looked at herself in the mirror. She liked the way she looked. She wanted to look extra good tonight so she took her time in getting ready.

For her costume she was wearing a black top, black mini skirt and black knee high boots. She had a long black flowing robe that went over the outfit. She smiled in the mirror and then put caps on her teeth to make them look like fangs. She left her hair flowing down. Before she left the room she grabbed her black chocker to put on. She went down stairs and waited on the love seat for Andon.

She heard a car pull up and got excited she ran to the door and there he was. She thought he had never looked better. Black dress pants and a white dress shirt that had the sleeves cut off and trimmed up to look nice around his muscular arms.

“Good evening my lady.” Andon said as he approached her.

“Good evening yourself. Who are you supposed to be?” Heather asked as she looked at him.

“I am a vampire. What are you?” Andon replied as he kissed her hand.

“We must have been reading each others mind because I too am a vampire.” Heather replied walking to his car. Andon couldn’t help but smile at her attempts to look authentic.

“You look very nice.” Andon told her with a grin.

“Thank you so much, you look great too.” Heather replied breathlessly. Andon took her hand as they drove towards the school.

“We will win best dressed tonight.” Andon told her.

“Oh I don’t really care about that much.” Heather replied. Andon took his hand out of hers and placed it on her legs. Heather took a breath in. Andon smiled into the night. He moved up her leg and felt her warmness at his fingertips. He moved her silk underwear aside and started to feel her warmness.

“Andon stop we are at the school.” Heather replied as he pulled into the parking lot.

“I know we are.” Andon replied not stopping.

“If you don’t stop we won’t be able to go in.” Heather replied pulling away from him.

“I guess you are right.” Andon replied in a not so happy manner. Heather sighed and walked up to the school after adjusting herself.

“Baby, wait for me.” Andon shouted as he ran to catch up with her. Heather stopped and turned to face him.

“Do you really want to go to the dance?” Heather asked, as she looked into his eyes.

“No not really, what should we do instead?” Andon laughed as he looked at her. Heather walked back to his car and got in. Andon was shortly in the driver’s seat. Andon didn’t ask again, what she wanted to do all he did was drive to a hotel. Heather only looked at him and waited until he had a room booked.

“Our room awaits my lovely lady.” Andon said as he opened her door. Heather got out and followed Andon up to their room. Andon opened the door and let Heather in before him.

“Well, what do you think about the room?” Andon asked her. Andon walked over to her and pulled her into a kiss. Heather kissed him back. She sat down on the edge of the bed and took off her knee high boots. She then took off her robe and laid it on the floor.

“What’s wrong, I thought you wanted me.” Heather asked as Andon stared at her.

“I do want you, very much so.” Andon replied back to her as he smiled. Heather walked to him and pulled him back to the bed with her. She helped him take off his shoes. She kissed him and he started to kiss her back. She pulled away from him to lie down. Right when Andon was about to kiss her again Heather’s cell phone rang.

“Hello. What do you want? Yes, we will be there. Andon took me out to dinner. I will see you in thirty minutes.” Heather replied into the phone and hung up. “I’m sorry baby. I guess we have to go to the dance after all. My sister always wants to know where I am and what I am doing.” Heather told him as she started to gather her stuff.

“Look honey, if you want to stay here a little longer we can. I will drive back fast, I promise.” Andon replied as he kissed her. Heather couldn’t resist him. She jumped on him and knocked him onto the bed. Heather soon stripped off her shirt and so did Andon. She couldn’t keep her hands off of him. Soon Andon got on top of her and lifted her skirt. He wanted to make love to this woman. He was looking at her neck; her main artery was throbbing as the adrenaline flowed through her veins. He couldn’t resist it; Andon pulled her up to him and bit. Heather startled, started to cry. Andon stopped shocked and looked at her.

“Baby, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to! I love you.” Andon replied kissing her lips. Heather pulled him into a hug. Andon and Heather kissed several more times before heading back to the car.

Andon got behind the wheel and Heather put herself back together so no one would know. Andon drove to the school as fast as he could. Heather held on tight to her new love and kissed him most of the way there.

After they arrived at the school, Rayne came over to her.

“Heather it took longer than thirty minutes.” Rayne complained to her.

“I’m sorry; we had to finish eating and pay.” Heather replied. Heather’s neck hurt, as she went to feel her neck she realized she left her chocker at the hotel. Amy saw Heather from afar and noticed something that only a few others there might. She had a bite mark on her neck, not just any bite mark but a vampire bite mark. How could Andon be so stupid as to bite her?

“Andon, may I speak to you?” Amy asked as she approached him.

“Sure, little sister.” Andon replied very smugly.

“What were you really doing tonight?” Amy accused.

“Why?” Andon snapped.

“You left your mark on her.” Amy snapped back.

“Little sister you are not of my kind, how do you know?” Andon asked.

“I have been through this enough times to notice. Alex loves her and now she can only be yours.” Amy shot back.

“Have you ever thought that maybe I want to be with her forever?” Andon shouted back. People started to look in their direction.

“You always say you want them, but you never stay with them. They always have to find other vampires, because once you sleep with an immortal you can only sleep with an immortal!” Amy shouted a little bit louder.

“Look, I really want to be with her but I haven’t slept with her. Please don’t blow my cover, yet.” Andon pleaded. Amy nodded, she knew that look from him; he would kill her no sooner than show compassion for her.

Soon after the dance was over Andon took Heather home.

“Is something wrong? You haven’t really talked to me since we got back.” Heather asked as she reached for his hand.

“Will you come somewhere with me tomorrow?” Andon asked as he took her hand.

“Where would we be going?” Heather asked.

“It is going to be a surprise.” Andon replied as he smiled.

“Sure, I will go anywhere with you.” Heather replied as she kissed his cheek and walked into the house. Rayne kept staring at her suspiciously until Heather went to bed.

Heather was walking down the stairs in her bathrobe when the phone rang.

“Hello, this is her. Hi, baby. What time? Around five that’s great I love you too. Bye.” Heather responded as she hung up the phone. Heather ran upstairs and looked for the perfect outfit. She found her black pants and a white tank top. She brushed her hair out and put it up in a pony tail. She put on some make-up. Soon after she was ready she heard his car.

She ran out to his car and hugged him.

“I have two things planned so we need to hurry.” Andon replied as they took off. The first place they went to was Dark Haven. They went inside and Heather realized it was a tattoo parlor. Andon walked up to the counter and asked for Louie.

When Louie came out Andon and Heather followed him to a room.

“So, we are finishing the tattoo once and for all?” Louie asked.

“Yes, I want to put Heather’s name in my heart.” Andon replied as he took her hand. Heather blushed as she saw her love go through pain just so he could have her name in his heart. Heather looked at it when it was done and she loved seeing her name on his arm.

“Baby, do you want a tattoo?” Andon asked.

“What would I get?” Heather asked.

“How about a bat on your wrist or lower back, honey?” Andon suggested.

“I would like a bat on my hip.” Heather told Louie. Louie had her slip her pants off the hip she wanted done. After about an hour, her tattoo was complete. It was remarkably beautiful, for a bat.

They left the shop and they were all smiles.

“We still have one more place to go.” Andon replied still smiling. Andon drove until they were in the heart of a big city. He parked in front of a store called Nights. Heather didn’t know what type of store it was but she was excited to see inside of it.

When they walked into the store, they were greeted by Vince.

“Hello Andon. What can I do for you?” Vince asked him in an undertone.

“I want my girl to pick out any ring she wants.” Andon replied looking at Heather. Heather looked around the store and saw a couple she liked, but the one she liked the most was one with a silver band and it have three hearts in a row on the band.

“I like this one.” Heather replied pointing to it.

“Then that is the ring you shall have.” Andon replied kissing her.

“The ring I have is a size eight, can you wear that?” Vince asked her.

“Eight is the size of my ring finger.” Heather replied. Andon smiled and gave Vince thumbs up.

“I can delay no longer. Heather even though you are only sixteen and I am a senior in high school I need to ask you something. Will you marry me?” Andon asked as he kneeled to the floor in front of her and slid the ring on her finger. Heather looked a little shocked. They had been friends for so long.

“I will marry you.” Heather cried. Andon pulled her into a hug. They drove to Andon’s house and told his parents; his father was ecstatic but his mother was nervous about it.

“Andon, are you sure?” his mother asked cautiously.

“She has my mark, she is mine.” Andon replied fiercely.

Andon and Heather headed towards her house.

“Honey, do you mind if I tell my mom alone, it would be more special to her that way.” Heather replied as she looked at her ring.

“Anything for you my love.” Andon replied as he kissed her hand. He dropped her off at the doorway and drove home. Rayne was asleep so Heather was able to talk to her mom alone.

“Mom, can I talk to you?” Heather asked timidly.

“You can talk to me about anything Heather.” Her mother told her as she sat next to her on the couch. Heather held out her hand and her mother took her hand. As Heather pulled her hand away, she left the ring in her mother’s hand.

“What is this supposed to mean?” her mother asked not wanting to get her hopes up.

“Andon asked me to marry him tonight. I hope its okay that I said yes.” Heather replied as she smiled.

“My baby is getting married! I am going to help you every step of the way. This ring is beautiful. Are these real diamonds?” her mother replied very quickly.

“Good night mother and yes they are. Andon will be here at 7:00.” Heather replied as she kissed her mother good night. Heather floated to her room and fell into a deep sleep.

Her alarm went off at 5:30. She took a shower first and got dressed. Then she put on her make-up and French braided her hair. She walked down to meet her mother at the bottom of the stairs. Her mother had on Rayne’s black dress pants and blue dress shirt.

“How do I look honey?” her mother asked. Heather smiled at her mother.

“You look great mom” Heather replied as she looked down at her clothes. She had on a pink skirt and a white long sleeve shirt.

“You should get up your sister, so she is not late for school.” Her mother added. Heather quickly ran upstairs and woke her and ran back down.

“Morning beautiful.” Andon’s voice echoed through the house.

“Good morning yourself.” Heather replied pulling him into a kiss.

“When are you two planning on getting married?” her mom asked.

“Oh sorry mom, Andon this is my mother.” Heather replied as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Lovely to meet you” Andon replied “and I was hoping sometime during the winter.”

“Next year?” She asked.

“No, this year; I want to be married to her as soon as possible, I don’t want to be away from her; she intoxicates me.” Andon replied looking deep in her mother’s eyes.

“This winter is good for me too.” Heather’s mom replied.

“I’m sorry but we really should be going.” Andon replied as he waved good-bye to Heather’s mom.

Heather walked silently to the car and got in.

“Is something wrong?” Andon asked taking her hand as he got in the car.

“I don’t really want to go to school today; I just want to be with you.” Heather replied depressingly.

“Then we will go back to my house and watch movies all day, and I will hold you.” Andon replied squeezing her hand. Heather laid her head back and inhaled. Something about Andon was getting to her. She felt as if she needed to be with him, always. They pulled into his driveway and saw Alex picking up Amy. Alex pulled up next to them and Amy leaned out the window.

“What do you think you are doing?” Amy asked.

“I forgot my biology book.” Andon answered. Rayne looked at her sister with sadness.

“Amy will you be my maid of honor?” Heather asked.

“Really? I would love to.” Amy replied.

“Wait a minute, what are you talking about?” Rayne yelled through the window. Heather told her the story and showed her the ring.

“Would you like to be a bride’s maid?” Heather asked her sister.

“That would be nice. See you at school.” Rayne replied as Alex took off towards the school.

Heather looked at Andon and sighed.

“Just so you know I have all your classes now.” Andon told her.

“Really, then to school we go.” Heather replied kissing Andon’s neck.

“I thought that would make you feel better.” He replied pulling back onto the road.

“I love you.” Heather said quietly.

After they arrived at school, Heather’s head swarmed. She wanted to be closer to Andon than two rows back.

“Mr. Sanderson, I can’t see the board.” Heather said as Andon turned back and looked at her. The girl sitting next to Andon kept trying to get his attention.

“Okay Miss Connor, Britney switch Heather seats,” Mr. Sanderson replied and turned back to the board. Britney glared at Heather as they passed each other. Heather grabbed Britney’s arm slightly.

“You flirt with my fiancé again I’ll kill you.” She told her quietly. Britney looked at her horrified and nodded quickly. Heather sat by Andon the rest of the day in every class.

As they were leaving school, Heather suggested they go pick out a dress.

“Honey, its bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding.” Andon replied.

“Alright, then you can take me home.” Heather sighed and looked towards the window.

“I have to stop at home first.” Andon replied almost in a panic. Heather looked at him and nodded.

He drove very quickly to his house. Heather started to fall asleep as Andon went inside.

“Dad!” Andon shouted upstairs. His dad came running downstairs.

“What is it, what’s the matter?” his father asked in a panic.

“I think Heather is depressed. She never wants to be with out me and its starting to get annoying.” Andon explained. His father looked at him and shook his head.

“You bit her. It is a side effect from the bite.” His dad explained.

“But she wasn’t like this during the dance.” Andon started.

“It takes less than forty eight hours to take effect. If you still want to marry her put up with it for two days and the effects will leave her system. If not skip school for two days and give her some time away from you and she should forget about you.” His dad continued.

“So I know what I have to do, I must stay with her. I love her.” Andon replied as he walked out the door.

“Heather, do you really want to go look at dresses?” Andon said quietly as he woke her up.

“No it is alright; I’m a little tired.” Heather replied sleepily.

“Are you sure, I want to go look at a tux.” He replied back. Heather smiled at him and nodded her head.

“I guess I could pick out stuff for my half of the wedding.” Heather replied hopefully. Andon held her hand until they were at a place called Final Affairs.

“What is this place?” Heather asked excited at the new place.

“This is a dress and tuxedo shop.” Andon replied taking her hand as they walked inside. Andon walked up to the person behind the desk and asked them something.

“Andon, I do not believe it. Are you already marring age?” said the man who came out of the back area.

“Leonardo my friend, yes I am of marring age. This is my wife to be, Heather.” Andon replied pointing to Heather.

“Hello, lovely to meet you.” Heather replied strongly.

Leonardo showed them many forbiddens of dresses and tuxedos. Andon picked a white pinstripe suit for himself and for his best man, his father; he picked a black pinstriped suit.

For Amy, Heather picked out pale purple and for the bride’s maids she picked pale pink for the color of the dresses. For her mother she picked out a light pink dress.

While Andon was busy being sized, Heather saw the perfect wedding gown. It was a v-neck in the front and was open in the back. Every stitch had a bead on it. It had a pattern of a cross on the train. It also included a veil that was attached by a tiara. It was the most beautiful thing Heather had ever seen. She had the clerk distract Andon longer so she could try it on. It fit her perfectly, so she also put the dress on order.

When Andon walked out of being fitted, Heather had a full smile.

“Why so happy?” Andon asked as he took her in his arms.

“I found the perfect dress while you were being fitted.” Heather replied smiling bigger.

“I’m glad you found what you were looking for.” Andon replied as they walked back to his car. Andon started to drive back to their houses, when Heather noticed he started to twitch. She didn’t take much notice to it until his eyes started to flutter.

“Andon, honey is something wrong?” Heather started.

“I need you to take the wheel and drive me to the hospital.” He replied calmly. Heather climbed across until she was behind the wheel and drove him to the hospital.

When they arrived at the hospital, Andon was in full a seizure.

“Miss what happened?” a doctor asked as she pulled up.

“I don’t know! His father is Doctor Ashton, call him!” Heather shouted. The doctor ran inside and out came Doctor Ashton.

“Heather how long has he been down?” Andon’s Father asked.

“Ten maybe fifteen minutes.” Heather cried.

“Doctor Reeves, I need you to set up a blood bypass unit and it needs to be warm.” Dr. Ashton called orders as they walked in.

“What is wrong with him?” Heather asked as she cried.

“I’ll explain later, let me get him stabilized.” Dr. Ashton told her.

Heather paced the hallway as they stabilized him. She pleaded to God for his life.

She waited twenty minutes and Doctor Ashton came to her side.

“Heather would you like to come see him now.” He asked her. She only nodded as the tears started to come. She walked into the room where her fiancé was waiting for her.

“Sorry I scared you baby.” Andon replied as he reached for her hand, she pulled it away from him.

“I want to know what happened, please tell me. If you want me to be your wife then you have to tell me.” Heather cried as she picked up his hand. Doctor Ashton walked in and shut the door behind him.

“He is a vampire. Not a killer like in all the books and movies. He is a normal person, if he gets blood transfusions every thirty days then he can survive with out killing, but if he waits to long as he did this month he goes into a starvation shock. He should have told you this, but he was afraid you would either tell people or be afraid and not love him.” Dr. Ashton explained. Heather had a look of horror on her face. She still loved him though and didn’t want to leave him now or ever.

“I still love you.” She whispered in his ear so only he could hear her.

“I love you and I wanted to protect you.” Andon said quietly.

“I only have one question, are you adopted” Heather asked timidly.

“Well, yes I was. There a few others like me in our school but none know where I come from. Ashley, I mean dad found me wondering the hospital halls.” Andon replied as he gave his dad a smile. “I’m sorry I waited so long.”

“You gave me quite a scare young man, I love you son.” Ashley replied as he gave his son a hug. “I will see you at home later.”

“I’m not going to come home tonight; I want to stay with Heather tonight. Is that okay?” Andon asked them both.

“I guess it is okay with me. Be safe.” His dad replied Heather looked at him and smiled.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Heather replied as she kissed his lips.

Heather waited till he was discharged and drove him to her house.

“Mom!” Heather shouted through out the house. Her mom came running.

“What is it honey?” her mother asked worried. Heather told her mother most of the story, she left the part about him being a vampire out.

“I would love to have him stay, but he can’t sleep in your room. You can sleep on the couch with him though.” Her mother replied.

“Thank you mom, I love you.” Heather replied hugging and kissing her.

“Yes thank you mom.” Andon spoke suddenly, smiling. Her mom let out a laugh and smiled.

Heather pulled out the couch for Andon. She made up the bed and walked upstairs.

“Where are you going?” he asked nervous.

“I am going to get you a pair of pajamas while I change into mine.” Heather replied smiling. She walked into her room and pulled out a box from under her bed. The box had her dad’s old clothes in it. Her dad had died while he was over seas. She quickly changed her clothes and ran down stairs with her father’s pajamas.

“Thank you honey, but I can’t accept these. I know the story behind them; I can see it in your eyes.” Andon explained to her. Heather looked away from him as the tears came.

“I want you to have them; they are only collecting dust in that box up there. Please take them.” Heather pleaded with her eyes as she walked towards him. Andon took them reluctantly and smiled at her.

“I want you to stay in your room tonight. We have a test tomorrow.” Andon replied kissing her lightly on the lips. Heather couldn’t deny a wish from him.

“Okay honey, I will see you in the morning. I love you.” Heather told him as she walked back to her room.

Andon lay on the coach awake most of the night thinking that maybe the only reason why Heather accepted him was the reaction from the bite. He had to remind himself that the bites affect would be over tomorrow and he would have her true reaction. He loved her, he always had.

When six a.m. rolled around Andon had slept for four hours, yet he was rested. He got up and found their bathroom, and started to take a shower. Andon didn’t know Heather was an early riser, and didn’t think her coming in on him. That was exactly what happened.

“I am so sorry Andon; I didn’t know you were in here.” Heather stated as she started to walk out of the bathroom; Andon grabbed her arm.

“You don’t have to leave, stay and talk to me.” Andon said as he got back in the shower. Heather sat there timidly, watching her husband to be shower. That was when she saw him for what he truly was; he had light and thin skin and his veins protruded more than a normal person. He was beautiful though. She wanted to experience what it felt like to be bitten by him. Not like before but gentler. As she was thinking about his fangs, Andon peeked through the curtain.

“Honey, do you have an outfit I can wear to school, or do I have to drive home naked.” Andon joked with her.

“I washed your jeans last night, and I have a shirt you can wear.” Heather replied as she went to get his clothes. The shirt she had was one she had bought Alex, for his birthday. It was his favorite pro-wrestler.

“Here Andon.” She told him as she handed him the clothes. She waited in the living room while he got dressed. When he walked into the living room Heather giggled. He looked hot in the wrestling shirt.

“Baby, we should go.” Heather told him. They walked to the car as Alex pulled up. He saw Andon had on a pro-wrestling shirt and it was his favorite wrestler.

“Nice shirt, where did you get it?” Alex asked looking at Heather.

“Heather gave it to me, because I spent the night. Come on my love. Good bye Alex.” Andon replied as he got in his car. Heather smiled at Alex then got in too.

“Did she tell you she bought that for me?” Alex asked hoping to start a fight.

“Why would she give this to you? He is my favorite wrestler.” Andon replied as he shot Heather a dirty look.

“Oh I didn’t know you like wrestling.” Alex said grinning even more.

“We both like wrestling, now good bye Alex.” Andon shouted.

Andon and Heather had a heated discussion on the way to school, but they made up as they pulled into the parking lot.

“You do know I love you, right?” Andon asked.

“Yes of course I do. You know I love you.” Heather replied kissing him and biting his neck.

“Baby you can’t bite my neck.” Andon replied pulling away from her.

“I’m sorry I am just so curious about those.” Heather replied as she kissed him and rubbed her tongue on his fangs. He pulled away from her again.

“Do you not understand? I may love you but every time you do something like that I want to kill you!” Andon shouted at her. Heather looked at him with shock and tears started rolling down her cheeks. She got out of the car and walked into school. She ignored him the rest of the day.

As she walked out of school, she saw Alex.

“May I have a ride home?” Heather asked. Alex was going to tell her no but he saw hurt in her eyes.

“Sure, Rayne is riding home with Zack and Amy is riding home with her brother.” Alex replied to her.

“Thank you Alex.” Heather replied as she hugged him. Andon was watching and listening from his car. He held the steering wheel so tight his knuckles were pure white.

“Why isn’t Heather riding with us?” Amy asked. Andon looked at her with anger.

“Do not mention that name to me, at least not right now.” Andon slightly shouted at her.

“Why what happened?” Amy asked concerned for Heather. Andon explained the story.

“Well, I am sure she will come around.” Amy replied. Andon and Amy left before Heather and Alex even got out of the parking lot.

As Alex was driving Heather home, she started crying. Alex put his arm around her. He walked her to the door.

“Oh I forgot, I was supposed to stay with Andon tonight because everyone else would be gone.” Heather cried even harder after she said that.

“Honey it is okay you can stay at my house tonight.” Alex replied as he took her in his arms.

Heather went with to his house and fell asleep on his bed.

“Heather, I made up the couch for you.” Alex whispered.

“What time is it?” Heather said quietly.

“It is ten o’clock.” Alex told her. Heather slowly got up and looked at Alex.

“Thank you for being so kind to me after what happened.” Heather told him.

“You know, I was going to ask you out that afternoon, when Andon did. He just worked up the courage first.” Alex told her.

“I would have said yes but I wouldn’t have forgiven you for sleeping with Debby.” Heather replied as she walked out of the room. Alex didn’t follow her. He didn’t want to tell her the truth. He never slept with Debby; he just wanted to make Heather jealous enough to ask him out. Heather walked back into the room.

“Do you have a t-shirt I can wear to bed?” Heather asked walking to him.

“Yeah I do.” Alex said throwing her one. Heather forgetting she wasn’t with Andon started to change in front of Alex.

“Umm….do you have to do that here?” Alex asked hoping she would stay. Heather noticed Alex and continued to change.

“Thank you for letting me wear your t-shirt and goodnight.” Heather replied as she started to leave.

“I never slept with Debby.” Alex said loudly to her without thinking.

“What?” She asked.

“I never slept with Debby. I only said I did so that maybe you would ask me out and I wouldn’t have to work up the nerve to ask you.” Alex stated.

“I don’t understand, you asked my sister out.” Heather responded.

“Look at you; you are a goddess compared to a lot of girls. Your body is perfect; your attitude is perfect. Rayne is far from being anything like you. Any man would be shy around you. That is why I don’t understand about Andon, he was so confident around you. What happened between you guys?” Alex asked as sincerely as possible. Heather looked at him; she wanted to tell him but she knew that the secret was important to Andon.

“We just had a silly fight, that’s all.” Heather said as she walked out of the room and went to the couch. Heather laid there awake for a while. She fell asleep around midnight.

When she awoke, she found an outfit next to the couch. It was black dress pants with a red long sleeve shirt. She found Alex after she put on the outfit.

“Thank you for the outfit, it is very pretty.” Heather told him as she hugged him.

“You’re welcome. Let’s go if we are going to pick up everybody.” Alex said as she walked to his car. They picked up Rayne and Zack. Amy as the last to be picked up.

“Good morning Heather.” Amy said when she saw her sitting next to Alex.

“Good morning Amy.” Heather replied back to her. Amy looked at her oddly then climbed in the backseat with Rayne and Zack.

“Rayne are you going home today?” Heather asked.

“No Zack has a family thing he invited me to.” Rayne replied snuggling up next to him.

“That’s cool I’ll be at Alex’s if mom asks.” Heather replied.

“Is that where you were last night?” Rayne asked looking at Heather.

“Yes, because I forgot nobody would be home.” Heather replied quietly.

When they got to school, Heather lingered in the car to see is she could see Andon. When she did see him, her heart leaped. He was carrying a bouquet of white roses and what looked like a present. As he approached her, Heather felt faint. She knew she belonged with Andon.

“Andon, I am so sorry about yesterday.” Heather said as she started to cry.

“Yesterday was not your fault, it was mine. I lost control of my senses. And if you will still be mine I will marry you tonight.” Andon replied.

“I’ll be yours.” Heather replied as he pulled her into a kiss. “But we can wait till winter to be wed.”

“Why have I done something wrong?” Andon asked.

“No baby, I just think there is more we need to discover right yet and winter is in a month. I love you.” Heather said as she kissed him. Andon kissed her back and picked her up and carried her inside to go to class. She snuggled up next to his body.

Mr. Sanderson stared at them with bewildered.

“Mr. Ashton is it necessary to be carrying Miss Connor around.” Mr. Sanderson asked.

“Well, yes sir it seems so. She felt faint in the parking lot so I carried her on in here.” Andon replied with a smirk.

“Well then put her down.” Mr. Sanderson responded. Andon carried her over to her desk and sat her down. He whispered he loved her and he too sat down.

Heather sat there amazed thru first period. This man truly cared for her. She never wanted to do anything to harm him.

After school was over Heather said good-bye to her sister for the night.

“I hope you have fun tonight.” Heather told Rayne.

“I’m sure I will.” Rayne told her almost giddy. “Promise me, you will be careful.”

“I promise.” Heather told her as she got in Andon’s car.

“Baby, my family and I have something planned tonight.” Andon told her suddenly.

“Well do you just want me to stay at your house then while you guys go do whatever it is you have to do?” Heather asked.

“No I want you to come with us. Is that okay?” Andon asked as he grabbed her hand.

“That’s okay with me as long as it’s okay with everybody else.” Heather replied. Andon squeezed her hand.

“Everyone will be fine with it.” Andon told her.

When they arrived at his house the house was in full movement. Heather saw Andon’s mother running around upstairs and his dad running around down stairs. It startled Heather when she heard the front door slam behind her.

“If you’re going, you need to get ready Andon.” Amy said from behind.

“I know little sister.” Andon replied without looking at her. “Do have a dress Heather could wear?”

“Yes, Heather come with me.” Amy told her as she took her hand. Heather let Amy lead her upstairs into her room. Her room was very light like her.

“You need to look in my closet for a dress.” Amy told her as she pulled out a dark blue Victorian era dress.

“Why am I looking for a dress?” Heather asked her cautiously.

“Didn’t Andon tell you? We are going to the ball tonight.” Amy told her. Heather just stared at her.

“You see, every year there is what’s called a Vampire Ball. People from all over the world come to see this.” Amy explained.

“Oh okay, so are there other real vampires there.” Heather asked.

“Well sometimes and sometimes not. It all depends.” She answered. “But if we are going to get there in time you need to pick out a dress.” Heather looked in her closet at the beautifully made dresses. She saw a burgundy one with a scoop neck. She tried it on and it fit her perfectly.

“Do you want me to fix your hair?” Amy asked when she saw her. Heather nodded. Amy quickly pulled it up in a French twist for her.

“Thanks Amy it’s beautiful.” Heather told her.

“Your welcome. Here’s a pair of shoes that would go perfect. Ready to go now?” Amy said very quickly and handed Heather the shoes and walked out of the room. Heather put on the shoes and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked good. She followed Amy down stairs and that’s when she saw Andon. He had on a black suit with a flowing over coat. His dress shirt was blood red. He looked handsome. He turned around and looked at her.

“You look beautiful.” Andon mustered out.

“Thank you. You are very handsome.” Heather replied smiling wide. She walked down the stairs towards him and gave him a small kiss. He pulled her into a hug and didn’t let go until his mother and father came downstairs.

“You two look lovely.” His mother said.

“Thank you, you look very beautiful too Claudia.” Heather told her stunned. She looked like a woman from that time era with the dress she had on. Heather had noticed that while she and Claudia talked; she saw Andon’s dad trying to get his attention. Andon walked towards him and they both walked into the kitchen.

“Do you think it is wise to bring her?” His father asked him.

“I think she will be fine as long as I am by her side.” Andon replied.

“This year is supposed to be the biggest turn out of vampires in fifty years.” His dad told him. “If you show her too much favor and she is not of their kind they will kill her.”

“I know dad. She still has my mark she should be fine.” Andon told him.

“Yes, she has the mark but does she have the scent?” His dad asked him.

“No but I can help that a little. I will be on my guard tonight. I promise.” Andon told him.

“Be sure you do. I don’t want nothing to happen to either of you.” His dad pulled him into a hug when the women walked in.

“Are you ready to go Ashley?” His wife asked him.

“Yes my darling Claudia.” Ashley replied to his wife.

“Well than we must be on our way.” She announced. “Andon you drive Amy and Heather and your father and I will meet you there.”

“Alright mom.” Andon told her. “Mom, we’ll see who wins this year.”

“Okay son, but be careful.” Claudia told him. She and his father got in her car and started it. Andon ran to his car and Heather and Amy were right behind him. Amy climbed in the back seat and started buckling herself in. Heather sat in the front confused.

“Honey, you need to strap yourself in.” Andon told her quickly.

“Why?” Heather asked.

“Because we are going to be going very fast and I don’t want you hurt. Here I will do it for you.” Andon told her as he buckled the belts around her chest and waist.

“Thanks.” Heather said breathlessly. Andon bent and kissed her lips.

“Hang on.” Andon said playfully. He flashed his lights at Claudia. She flashed hers back and they were off. Heather didn’t know where they were going, but she knew they were going fast. She felt the curves of the road. She couldn’t make out the scenery it just looked like a blur of colors. She knew that at any moment something could make them wreck but she felt completely safe with Andon driving.

When they came to the first stop Heather was amazed to see that they weren’t in their state anymore.

“Honey, where are we?” She asked.

“We are just outside of Kentucky.” He told her. “You want anything?”

“No baby. Where are we going?” She asked as he walked inside. She looked at Amy who was looking out the back window. Claudia and Ashley had just pulled up. Ashley got out of the car and walked up to them.

“Are you having a good trip Heather?” He asked.

“It’s fast.” Is all she could reply. He looked at her oddly than moved on.

“So do you think you are going to have fun tonight?” He asked her another question; he seemed to be a little anxious.

“I hope so. Where exactly are we going?” She asked.

“Oh we are going to a private mansion in Athens. That’s where the ball is.” He told her. She nodded her head. She grew slightly excited. What would it be like to be in a mansion and dancing with her beloved? Ashley saw Andon coming and met him at the door to help him carry stuff back. Andon handed Amy a sandwich and a pop.

“I know you said you didn’t want anything, but I got you a pop and a sandwich.” Andon said as he handed it to her.

“Thanks honey.” Heather replied. Andon leaned down and kissed her deeply. When he pulled away from her, she smiled. He was so perfect. He had perfect kisses and perfect features.

“Are you almost ready?” Heather heard Claudia yell from her car.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” He shouted back and within seconds he was in the driver’s seat. He grabbed Heather’s hand and held it until the second stop.

“Heather, can you get out so I can use the bathroom?” Amy asked from the back.

“Yeah, hang on.” Heather replied as she tried to undo her buckles. She tried to undo them for five minutes before Andon intervened; he had them undone within seconds. She got out and Amy hurried inside. Heather stared at Andon pumping the gas. She thought about the interesting situation she was in. She was going to a Vampire Ball with a real vampire, and nobody would know the difference.

“Andon, I’m going to ride with mom and dad until the next stop.” Amy told him with a wink. He nodded and climbed back inside the car.

“Why is she riding with them?” Heather asked him. Andon chuckled.

“She doesn’t want to be on a losing team.” Andon replied. Heather looked confused.

“Huh?” She asked.

“If you thought I was going fast, you should see Claudia drive. She will want to make an entrance at the Ball. She will probably fly so fast in there that she will end up doing a three-sixty turn.” Andon told her. He slid sunglasses on and started up the car. He leaned over and started to buckle her in. He first lingered at her hips then when her buckled her in he lingered at her chest.

“I need to tell you something.” Andon started.

“Yes honey.” She almost whispered.

“There are going to be other vampires there tonight.” Andon stated as he pulled out onto the road.

“Okay. Is there something else?” Heather asked hesitantly.

“Actually there is, I’m going to need you to stay close to me through out the night. I don’t want anything to happen.” Andon started.

“Why does something usually happen at the Ball.” Heather asked.

“Well you see not all vampires are as good natured as me. Some of them are down right evil. They hunt people for their clans. Some have extreme powers of persuasion. Some can get in your head and torment you. Make you think things that aren’t true. I just want you to stay close to me and you will be protected.” Andon finished.

“Okay I’ll stay by your side.” Heather said as she took his hand. She felt him grow stiffer. “What baby, tell me whatever it is you need to.”

“Okay, you have my mark.” He stated. She stared at him wanting him to continue. “Most vampires do not believe in what I am doing.” He squeezed her hand. “They do not think mortal people deserve to be with the immortal. If they do, they usually only use them to destroy them from the inside. Once mortal people sleep with an immortal person, they cannot sleep with a mortal person. Well they can but a mortal person will never satisfy them. We are made to be perfect; we are perfect at everything we do.” He stopped talking for a second.

“Is that why you wanted me to sleep with you?” Heather asked heartbroken.

“No. You see I used to be like them. I would just sleep with anyone that showed me interest. I never told anyone else my secret. That’s why I hesitated with you at first. Then I saw what I had been missing. You filled up the only empty space I had. And the day I knew I couldn’t live without you is the day we had the fight and I saw the fear and hurt in your eyes. I never want to hurt you. I want to protect you always. And I wanted to sleep with you and still do because you are perfection to me. I am so in love with you it drives me crazy. When I told your mother that you intoxicate me, it’s true. Your scent drives me crazy. And I just hope after all I’m going to show you, you will still want to be my bride.” Andon finished. Heather stared up at him with tears in her eyes.

“You think I’m perfection?” she asked with a sniffle.

“Yes I do.” Andon said as he kissed her.

“I will always want to be your bride.” She whispered. She kissed him back. Andon started to slow down the car.

“What are you doing” Heather asked.

“I need to ask one more favor from you.” Andon told her as he pulled off to the side.

“Okay ask away.” She said passionately. He smiled at her.

“It’s one thing to have the mark of a vampire and completely different thing to be theirs. I need to make you mine.” Andon said quietly.

“What does that mean?” She asked.

“It means I’m going to have to bite you again and take just a little blood; so that our scents are mixed together.” Andon replied. She nodded then stopped him.

“If you’ve never done this before than how do you know all of this?” Heather asked accusingly.

“It’s nothing like that baby. Claudia told me.” Andon answered.

“Claudia?” Heather stammered out.

“Yeah, she is older than I am. That’s why Ashley brought me home. He came home from work one day and described my symptoms to Claudia and asked her if she had changed me. She told him no and asked him if he would bring me home, so that she could have a child. He brought me to her and I’ve been their child ever since.” Andon finished. Heather looked beyond shocked.

“Is your dad? Amy?” She asked.

“My dad changed for Claudia awhile ago, after they had Amy. Amy isn’t like us. Dad says she has border line traits but she isn’t. It’s not in her blood.” Andon told her pleased with himself. “She’s asked me several times to turn her, but I’ve always refused. I told her if she wants to be one than the right vampire will come along for her. Who knows she may belong with a mortal.”

“I’m glad I belong with you.” Heather said suddenly.

“Are you ready? It may hurt.” He said with pain in his eyes.

“Yes baby.” She said strongly. “I was wondering about it. It did hurt the night of the dance but maybe it won’t be so bad this time.”

“Okay. I love you.” Andon said as she placed his hands on her face. He slowly tilted her head and felt her neck. He ran his hand down her neck till he found her pulse. He lowered his head to her neck. He kissed it. Then he bit into her. He noticed she didn’t whimper or move. He slowly took some blood and then stopped. He looked at the wound and blew on it so that some of his scent would be in the wound. He saw it start to close up and he let her go.

“Is it over?” She asked quietly.

“Yes baby. You need to lay back and relax for the rest of the drive. We’ll be there in about 2 hours.” Andon told her.

“Are we going to lose?” Heather asked jokingly.

“Maybe not. Try to get some sleep. I love you.” He kissed her lips and heard her say I love you too in a whisper as she fell asleep.

Heather awoke feeling the car rumble.

“Huh where are we?” She asked startled.

“We’re in Athens.” Is all Andon replied.

“Is something going on?” She asked again.

“No baby, I’m just having a little fun with an old rival.” Andon said as he chuckled.

“Oh.” She said as she situated herself. She saw a red sports car outside her window. They were still in the main part of town.

“Who is this old rival?” She asked slightly worried.

“Just some guy. We’re drag racing to the Ball.” Andon said quickly. Heather saw the red light go green and Andon took off. She didn’t know who was winning she couldn’t see anything. She did feel the car come to an abrupt stop.

“Did we win?” She asked.

“Yeah, I defiantly won.” Andon said proud. Heather stared at him with disbelief.

“Are you going to explain to me who this guy is?” she asked slightly irritated.

“You see when I was in that stage a told you about, me and him used to fight to see who could get a particular girl. It’s like sibling rivalry over the years we’ve constantly fought over something. This evidently is who had the fastest car.” Andon said amused. Heather sighed with relief and looked out her window. The mansion was lit up in orange, purple and white lights. She saw hundreds of people heading inside of the building.

“Andon, I’m kind of nervous.” She said quietly.

“Baby, are you alright?” Andon asked truly concerned. She stared from him to the house and back again. He touched her face. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” She nodded and kissed him.

“Are you ready?” he asked her. She nodded and unbuckled herself. She got out of his car and no sooner than she stood up he was by her side. He put his arm around her back and glided her towards the door.

They walked inside and saw Andon’s family.

“Where have you been?” Claudia asked. “We have been worried sick.”

“I was racing Jonathan.” Andon said smugly.

“Oh, well that’s okay than.” She said slightly relieved. Amy looked at Heather and show shock on her face.

“Heather can I talk to you for a minute?” Amy asked. Heather nodded and started towards Amy. Andon grabbed her arm.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

”I’m going with Amy to the ladies room.” She replied.

“Amy keep her safe.” Andon hissed.

“I will don’t you trust me?” Amy replied as she took Heather’s arm. She showed her the way to the ladies room. They went inside and locked the door.

“Are you alright?” Amy asked.

“Yeah, I mean I was.” Heather started.

“What do you mean was?” Amy asked.

“Andon explained everything to me and I was fine until I saw the house. Something is just giving me an ominous feeling.” Heather told her. Amy looked at her reluctantly. “I think you need to tell Andon how you feel.”

“Why?” Heather asked slightly frightened.

“He will be able to ease that. It was slightly scary my first time coming here too. But I grew up with vampires.” Amy rambled on.

“I’ll make you a deal. If after thirty minutes I don’t feel better I’ll tell him.” Heather suggested.

“Okay, but if you show it to much on your face all vampires here will see it.” Amy warned as they walked out of the bathroom. “By the way did you know you smell like Andon?” Heather nodded and laughed. They walked back to where Andon was. Andon pulled Heather into his arms.

“I told you I will protect you, please try not to worry.” Andon said as he hugged her.

“I’m trying not to worry.” She whispered in his ear. He held her close. He pulled her away from him.

“I want you to come out to the dance floor with me.” Andon said as he pulled her into the ball room.

The waltz started and Andon lead the way. They moved all around the floor. Andon only concentrated on Heathers face. Heather stared at all the other women there; they were far more beautiful than she. Andon noted sadness came to her face.

“What’s wrong?” Andon asked her.

“I just don’t know how you could have chosen me. Look at all the other women here; they are so beautiful even I am breathless to look at them.” Heather said quietly. Andon pulled her closer to his body as they continued dancing.

“I choose you. That’s all that matters. You have the only part of my heart that still beats.” He said softly. “I love you more than you could possibly know.”

“Thank you so much for that.” Heather replied. They continued to dance around the room until the song ended. Heather forgot about being worried. The ominous feeling had left her.

When the next song started Andon and Heather started dancing until Andon was tapped on the shoulder.

“May I cut in?” asked a handsome blonde man. He stood taller than Heather by a few inches. Andon stared at her with sorrow.

“Yes you may.” Andon replied he handed Heathers hands to the blonde gentleman.

He took her hands and led her to the middle of the dance floor. He put her in the appropriate position for the dance. Heather did rather well following his lead.

“I haven’t properly introduced myself.” The man stated. Heather nodded. “My name is Jonathan. You may have recognized me from earlier.” He said with a sly smile coming to his face.

“I know of the name yes, but I didn’t see you. Sorry.” She said swiftly.

“It’s quite alright. So how is it that you know my dear friend Andon?” He asked pleasantly. Heather started to panic. She didn’t now how to answer his questions.

“I went to school with him.” Heather replied. Jonathan stared at her.

“How does your small town of Salem handle two vampires in one school?” He asked smugly. Heather stared at him bewildered. What happened next was unexpected. He pulled her close; he placed his head on her neck and breathed in. He suddenly jerked back and stared at her with repulsion.

“You are not a vampire are you?” He said staring into her eyes. Before she could answer Andon was at her side.

“What are you doing Jonathan?” Andon yelled.

“I was just asking your fresh meat here, how your school can have so many vampires in it. And when she didn’t answer me I knew she is not of our kind.” Jonathan announced.

“Just because she isn’t a vampire doesn’t mean anything.” Andon yelled. “There are plenty of mortal people here. Go have your pick of them.”

“I don’t want a mere mortal, I am not that low.” He sneered.

“I am not low. I just know what I want.” He stated. He looked at Heather and spoke quietly. “Heather go to my father please.” Heather obediently started towards Ashley. Jonathan grabbed her arm.

“I want you all to look at what this vampire did to this poor woman.” He shouted. The music stopped and everyone stared towards him as he grabbed her head and showed her neck around. “He put her through a very harsh thing to hide what a selfish person he is. He didn’t want any of us to know she is a mortal, so he could have her all to his self. He wanted us to be proud of his catch.” He let her relax for a second until he noticed something else. He grabbed her hand and as he pulled off the ring, Heather started to cry. He had broken her ring finger. She starred at Andon painfully with tears streaming. “Do you see this?”

The house was quiet while they watched. A few muttered and the rest stayed mostly quiet.

“What is it that you have?” asked a mysterious voice from the back.

“It is a ring, what looks to me to be an engagement ring.” He laughed. “Were you going to marry this, this delicious woman? From the moment I smelled her blood I wanted to take her life. Tell us why you haven’t taken her yet.”

“Because I love her and I am not afraid of what anyone else has to say. I am taking her as my bride mortal or not.” Andon said loudly and very proud. He walked to her and picked her up off the floor and walked with her towards the door.

“Wait.” Said a voice unfamiliar to Heather. The whole room quieted down and looked towards where the voice came from. Andon slowly turned around and put Heather down.

“Yes.” Andon said loudly.

“Why, if you love this woman and are not afraid of anyone knowing it, did you choose to hide what she is?” The voice questioned.

“I felt danger; I thought it would be best to have her be a vampire other than a human.” Andon replied.

“What form of danger?” the voice bellowed.

“I felt danger coming for her life.” Andon replied silently.

“And yet you brought her here any way.” He questioned. Andon starred into the darkness in silence. Heather saw movement and before she realized what had happened he was standing in front of them.

He stood 6 foot. He had blazing blue eyes and bright blonde hair. He stood with authority. Everyone was quiet. Nobody moved.

“Does that hurt my dear?” He asked softly to Heather.

“Just a little bit now.” She replied holding back tears.

“Can I see it?” he asked. Heather nodded and gave him her hand. He held it lightly and brought it up to his mouth. He kissed the top of her hand and then Heather couldn’t believe what she had seen. I bright light came out around her finger. She felt the pain move away and she could bend her finger. “Does that feel better?”

“Yes, sir thank you very much.” Heather said politely.

“You’re very welcome.” He replied. “Now, back to you Andon why haven’t you answered my question?”

“I brought her here because I knew I could protect her.” Andon replied.

“Jonathan. Give this young lady her ring back.” He commanded. Jonathan threw it at the head vampire who caught it.

“Come here again my darling. Please.” He said to Heather. Heather walked slowly back to him. She stopped right in front of him.

“Yes sir.” She said quietly.

“I want you to have your ring back.” He said very softly.

“Thank you kind sir. May I ask your name.” she asked slightly frightened. She heard the room gasp.

“Now, now my children, calm thy selves.” He stated. “She doesn’t know yet of our ways or who I am. Heather my dear, my name is Azreal. I am the strongest and oldest known vampire in the world.”

“Thank you again, Azreal.” She stated as she walked back to Andon’s side. “Can we go now please?”

“Hold on a second baby.” Andon replied. “I need to say something. I brought her here tonight to show how civilized we could be. I am marrying her on December 6 and wanted her to get to know my kind. If she chooses to change for me I would be the happiest vampire in the world; if not then I will still be happy. I love her. I love her more than my existence on this earth. I would give up a life of immortality to be by her side. I just wanted to bring here her and meet all the wonderful people I have meet in the past. And I wanted her to know all by the people who really know what the world has been like. I have no secrets from her.”

The crowd stared at him and then some started clapping and before he knew it the whole room was full of applause.

“That was wonderful sentiment.” Azreal said. He bowed slightly to Andon. Andon and Heather turned to leave.

“You will invite me to the wedding, will you not?” Azreal asked.

“Yes my lord I will.” Andon told him. They had finally reached outside when Heather turned to him.

“I love you. I really do and if you want me to change I will.” Heather started to cry. “I don’t ever want to be with out you.”

“I’m not going to ask you too.” Andon stated.

“But I thought you said that would make you happiest.” Heather started to cry more.

“It would make me so happy, but I want to see you happy and I don’t think changing just yet for me will make you happy. Let’s see where life takes us. And the day that I know you want it for you; I will change you.” Andon said as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the car. He placed her in the passenger side and buckled her in. He walked to the driver’s side and got in.

“Now, do you want to go straight home tonight or would you rather go stay in a hotel and drive out first thing in the morning?” he asked. Heather looked at the deep dark sky and smiled.

“We can leave in the morning.” She said softly. Andon nodded.

“I have to go inside and tell mom and dad. I’ll be right back.” Andon told her. He shut the door behind him and locked it. Heather assumed this was for her safety. She sat there playing with the radio when she heard something. ”It’s all a game, just a cruel game he’s playing with you.” Heather shut off the radio and looked around. She couldn’t see where the voice had come from.

“What are you talking about?” she said aloud to no one. “He wants you to think you’ve been the only one.”

“Whoever is talking, show yourself.” Heather replied growing more frightened. “I don’t need to just listen to what I have to say. There are secrets you don’t know yet. Run now before you get hurt.” Heather sat perfectly still. She listened for any outside noise. The car door opened and she screamed.

“What, what happened?” Andon shouted.

“Nothing, I was hearing this voice and then u opened the door it scared me.” Heather stated.

“You heard a voice?” Andon asked cautiously.

“Yes. It said you were playing a game and I haven’t been the only one, there are secrets I should know and I should run.” Heather rambled. Andon stared at her with tension in his face.

“Do you believe these voices?” he asked quietly. “Honestly.”

“No baby, I don’t why.” Heather asked more freighted.

“We need to go see Azreal, now.” Andon said as he unbuckled her and carried her back inside. He went straight to the main room on the top floor. He beat on the door. A girl answered.

“I need to talk to Azreal, now.” Andon shouted. The girl just kind of moved out of the way and let Andon in. He followed to where she pointed.

“Azreal.” Andon stated. He turned to look at him.

“I thought you two were leaving?” he said softly.

“I need your help; I think someone is trying to get into her mind.” Andon said wearily. Azreal looked slightly taken aback.

“Tell me what happened.” He stated. Heather told him the whole story.

“And you don’t believe any of it?” Azreal asked.

“No but why is that so important?” Heather asked.

“Because if you don’t believe it’s a lot easier for them to make you go mad.” He explained as he poured Andon some wine. Andon took it and paced the room.

“What is the best course of action?” Andon asked.

“Do we know who the vampire is who is doing it?” Azreal asked.

“I think the answer is obvious.” Andon replied getting angrier. Heather stared at the two bewildered.

“Olive, please go get the Ashton family please.” Azreal told the girl. She left almost instantly. Maybe five minutes later they were all up there.

“Andon I thought you said you were leaving.” Claudia said.

“He’s getting in her mind.” Andon said through clenched teeth. Azreal gathered them all out of the room and talked to them privately.

“The only way to break the hold and know for sure; is to get them alone.” Azreal said.

“I can’t do that to her, he will surely kill her.” Andon replied.

“You have to trust me.” Azreal said calmly. “We get them alone and I’ll know for sure if it’s him. Then Heather has to play her part and then you will be able to take him down.” Andon nodded he walked out of the room to Heather.

“Baby,” Andon started. “I need to talk to you.” Heather looked up at him and smiled.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t be gone long.” She said as she ran to his arms. He held her close to his body. He drew her chin up to him and kissed her lips.

“I’m never going anywhere. We want you to go for a walk with Jonathan.” Andon started. Heather shook her head. “We need you to get him alone so that we can make sure it is him. I know you are afraid but I’ll be watching he won’t hurt you again. I just need you to play the part. I need you to act like you don’t love me. For the time being cast me out your heart, let him see hatred and then I’ll take care of it.”

“I have to hate you.” She asked starting to cry.

“Yes you have to make him believe it.” Andon told her sternly. She nodded and dried her tears. She slowly pulled away from him and walked to the door.

“I can’t believe you would do this to me.” She shouted as she flew down the stairs. “I gave you everything I had and now you go and tell me this.” Andon looked at her bewildered.

“I didn’t mean to.” He replied as he followed her.

“I don’t care if you didn’t mean to. You still did it. What did you think I wouldn’t find out? Did you think I was stupid?” She had reached the bottom of the stairs.

“I don’t think you’re stupid. I love you so much. Baby please, listen to me.” He told her as he took her hand. She ripped her hand away from him and threw the ring at him as well.

“I don’t have to listen to you. I hate you. Just leave me and never talk to me again. I’ve been hurt way too many times and for you of all people to do it to me again.” She screamed as tears rolled down her face. She turned and stormed out of the house. Andon watched closely as Jonathan followed her out the door. Andon stormed upstairs and looked at Azreal.

“Where did she go?” Azreal asked.

“She led him outside. You guys watch from up here, Azreal give me a signal I will do what I have to, to get it done.” Andon said as he snuck outside.

Heather was halfway running across the yard when Jonathan caught up with her.

“Heather, what’s wrong?” Jonathan asked. She turned and looked at him with fury in her eyes.

“Oh nothing just everything you said in there about me not being worthy just got to him, so thanks. If you wanted him to leave me you succeeded.” Heather shouted. Jonathan grabbed her arm.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“I’m going home to Salem.” She said through tears.

“You can’t walk all the way to Salem. Especially in that dress someone might try to take advantage of you.” He said with a smirk.

“What’s it matter, I’m probably already marked for death because of that jerk in there.” Heather shouted as she jerked her hands towards the house. Jonathan pulled her close to him to try and calm her down.

“Why do you insist on touching me? I’m to low for you remember.” She shouted.

“I only said that so that Andon would leave you. You are mortal perfection. Any vampire would give his fangs for a taste of your blood.” he explained. Heather started to calm down; she had to play the part.

“Really, what would you give me?” She said very flirty.

“I would give you Andon’s head on a platter, if it would please you.” He told her.

While Andon listened to the flirty banter back and forth which made him want to kill Jonathan even more, he saw the signal.

“Give me a chance; I will be the vampire you deserve.” Jonathan pleaded at her feet. Heather had seen a flash and wasn’t really sure what happened until she saw Andon on top of Jonathan. She saw them throwing punches at each other.

“She said she you didn’t want her anymore.” Jonathan shouted.

“I changed my mind. She has my mark and my heart. And I’m not going to let you get in her head.” Andon shouted back. They continued to fight. Heather wasn’t paying attention to what was going on she was just worried about Andon being safe. Soon Heather felt something hard hit her head. She fell to the ground. She didn’t know which one knocked into her but she did feel blood on her face. Andon went to her side.

“Are you alright?” He asked. Heather felt woozy. She couldn’t quite concentrate on what was going on. She fell into unconsciousness. Jonathan tried to attack Heather because of the blood. That’s when Andon broke his neck. Azreal came flying down the side of the building to aid Andon. He helped him finish putting Jonathan down.

They both ran to Heathers side. She had a massive head injury.

“Dad!” Andon shouted. Ashley was soon to his side. “What do I do?” He looked her over and felt her pulse. Her pulse was fading.

“It doesn’t look good. We can try the hospital here. I’m not sure what they can do for her or what questions they would ask.” He said. Andon looked at his dad with horror. He pulled her close to his body.

“Is there nothing I can do?” Andon asked through tears.

“You can change her.” His father simply stated. Andon shook his head.

“I don’t want to make her be like us, she has a choice to live.” Andon sobbed. He held her body closer to him trying to keep her with him.

“Son, the hospital might be able to help.” He tried again.

“No your right, there is no way to explain and I don’t want her to be alone stuck in her head.” Andon said. His dad and Azreal slightly backed off to give them some space.

“Heather if you can hear me try and give me a sign.” Andon pleaded.

“Andon.” She whispered.

“Oh baby, I am so sorry. What do you want me to do? Dad says the hospital really can’t do anything for you the only one who can is me. Should I change you? I don’t want to lose you.” Andon cried into her hair. He didn’t get a response. He heard her breath slowing down.

“Andon change her now or all hope is lost.” Azreal shouted.

“He has to make this decision on his own.” He heard his father say. Andon looked within himself to find the answer. She said she would but could he honestly do that to the only person who had his heart. He went to lay her down when she grabbed his arm.

“Don’t let me go. I love you.” She whispered in tears. Andon looked at Azreal.

“Join us in our eternal bond.” Andon shouted. “As I take her, you join us.” Andon waited for Azreal to come to his side. When he heard him start the proceeding he bit into her neck. He took what he could. He then cut his own wrist and put it up to her mouth. He let the blood fill her mouth. He saw she start to swallow it. Soon the convulsions started. Andon held on to her tightly. Letting her know she wasn’t going through it alone. He felt her heart stop. Azreal said the last binding words for the ceremony as Andon pulled her into a kiss.

When Heather awoke she had a pounding headache. She couldn’t tell where she was all she knew is she felt horrible. She didn’t know if what happened had been a dream or if it was real.

“Andon.” She called out. She heard the door open and Andon came in with a bag of blood.

“Oh good your awake.” He said softly.

“What happened?” she asked. Andon looked at her with sadness. He told her the story. After he finished to his surprise she was smiling.

“I’m already Mrs. Ashton?” she asked.

“Well yes, I thought it would have been better to bind you to myself not just by our blood but marriage as well.” Andon said smiling at his wife.

“What’s that for?” Heather asked eyeing the bag.

“You need a lot of transfusions the first 48 hours.” Andon said as he pulled the empty bag off the IV stand and replaced it.

“Where am I?” she asked.

“You’re in Azreal’s lair. It’s the only place I felt safe for you.” He said slightly nervous.

“Why what’s wrong?” she asked trying to go to him.

“Lay down baby,” he said as he walked to her. “Nothing is wrong just new vampires in the world have to ease them selves. They can’t just go straight back into society. They need to know how to fight the urges.” Andon explained. Heather nodded as she felt the new blood flood her system.

“Oh, my mom and Rayne do they know?” Heather asked.

“I told them I took you on a small vacation. They are not worried.” Andon replied still staring at her.

“What’s wrong baby?” she asked.

“I’m just worried about you.” He stated.

“I’m fine, come lay with me babe.” She said. She saw he hesitated then walked slowly towards her. “Have I done something? You act like you don’t want to be around me.”

“You haven’t done anything. I just hope that I haven’t angered you for turning you into a vampire.” He said softly as he looked away from her.

“I’m not mad or angry I’m just happy we can still be together.” She replied as she hugged his back. He turned and hugged her, then pulled her into a kiss.

“Once you get better. I have a surprise for you.” He said.

“Oh what is it?” she asked.

“You’ll have to wait and find out along with everyone else.” He replied smiling. She nodded and fell asleep.

When she awoke again she was in a different room and the IV had been removed.

“Andon.” She whispered. He didn’t appear. She started to get panicked. She saw she had a pink nightgown. She got up and started towards the door. The room was huge. She thought that it was part of Azreal’s lair. She opened the door to find a winding staircase going down stairs to what seemed to be a fire glowing. She slowly walked the stairs. She paused outside of the room with the glow. She heard people talking, then she heard his voice.

“Yes it is going to be the most difficult thing I have had to do.” She heard Andon say.

“But it’s the best thing for her.” She heard a female voice say.

“I’m not sure if it is.” Andon replied back.

“You have to be free. You can’t take responsibility for what she does. You did what you had to. It’s time to let her go.” The female voice continued. She heard Andon sigh. What had she done? And who was that woman talking. Heather so badly wanted to go in the room and see her but she decided to go back upstairs. She made her way back to the bedroom and lay on the bed. She so badly wanted to cry but tears wouldn’t come. She already knew what was going to happen. He was going to leave her because she turned into something worse than what he was. He couldn’t control what she had done. She didn’t even know she had done anything or even where she was. She grew sadder and knew what she had to do. She had to end it so when he came to her; if he did she would strike first.

She turned on a few lights in the bedroom and started to look around. She found a cabinet and all her clothes were in it. They must live here. She continued to look around. She noticed nothing contained any of his stuff. She felt heartbroken. If he didn’t want her he should have let her die. She climbed back into the big bed and made up her mind. The moment he walked in the room she would end it. She waited for a few hours and then fell back asleep.

“Heather.” Andon said her name in her dream.

“I don’t want you.” She said back in her sleep.

“What are you talking about I’m your husband.” He said firmly.

“You don’t want me here. So I don’t want to be here.” She said still asleep. Andon rolled her over and saw she was asleep.

“Heather!” he shouted. She jerked awake.

“What!” she shouted back by accident.

“I was waking you up. You were talking in your sleep.” Andon replied.

“Oh I was, what did I say?” she asked.

“You said you didn’t want me and you didn’t want to be here.” Andon replied.

“Oh well that’s probably because the last time I woke up I went downstairs and heard you talking. You are going to leave me because I am a monster.” She said as she felt an increase of sadness.

“I am not going to anywhere.” He stated.

“Please don’t lie to me. Just tell me the truth.” Heather pleaded him. He stared at her. He went to speak then stopped. He shook his head and got up.

“I never said you were a monster.” He explained.

“The woman said you can’t take responsibility for what I do. What have I done Andon?” heather pleaded.

“You haven’t done anything. It’s what you might do.” He stated.

“Then go. I’ll take care of myself. You should have just let me die.” She cried. She saw hurt wash over Andon’s face.

“I never said I was going anywhere.” He replied.

“You don’t have to. I can read it off you. Please just go don’t make it any harder than what it has to be.” Heather replied as she got up and walked to the cabinet. “As I matter of fact I’ll go. I’m not sure where we are but I’ll go.” She grabbed a bag and started filing it up. She noted Andon wasn’t trying to stop her.

“No matter where you go, you’ll always think of me.” Andon purely stated. “That’s why I told her I wasn’t going to leave you. Our hearts are bonded together.” She turned and looked at him. “That’s how I had Azreal marry us. I’m sorry.” This time he got up and walked towards the door. Heather stood there puzzled.

“Where are we?” she asked. He turned and looked at her.

“This is the surprise. This is our house.” He stated.

“Our house? Then why isn’t any of your stuff in this room?” she asked.

“I haven’t finished moving it all yet. I told your mother you were going to live with me. I moved all your stuff first.” He told her. She felt like crying he had bought them a house.

“I don’t want to go.” She cried. Andon was soon by her side holding her.

“I was never going to leave you. Why would you think I would.” He asked.

“I don’t know, I just heard what I heard and I didn’t want to be hurt in front of you.” She cried harder now. He held her tighter and carried her to the bed.

“I know everything has been hard for you. You are dealing with something I don’t really remember. You are trying to be mortal in an immortal world. I want you to know that I am always going to be by your side. You have my heart Heather. And nothing is going to change that.” He continued as he lay her down.

“I honestly truly love you Andon.” Heather said as she lay on his chest.

“I know you do baby and tomorrow is a new world for two vampires in love.” He said as her stroked her hair and fell asleep.