"All Is Fair In Love And War"

Justin was sat at a bar stool and staring at the bowl of cereal in front of him. His eyes were void of emotion and far away, as they always were these days. He was unresponsive unless ordered to do something. Not even Alex's pranks could get to him anymore. Justin ate the cereal, but didn't taste a thing. Nothing tasted good anymore. Not since she left.

Alex came bounding down the stairs, flipping her hair over her shoulder. Justin didn't even bother to look up from his cereal. He knew it was her anyway. She was the only one who would be ready this late. But Justin waited for her like a good big brother should. That, and his mother had told him to.

"Come on, dork, time for school." Alex said. Justin didn't reply. He just got up from his seat and made his way toward the door. Alex frowned at this, shook her head, and began to walk toward the subway. Justin followed like a zombie and didn't speak. When they arrived at the school, Alex was shocked to see a tall boy leaning against her locker. He had dark midnight black, wavy hair that just brushed his shoulders. He was toned, but not muscular. It was like Alex's knight she'd dreamed of as a kid. Except his eyes were black as night, not a sparkling light green or blue.

"Alexandria Russo, I presume?" The boy asked with a light accent Alex couldn't place. Justin walked right passed them without so much as a glance. Alex, once again, rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, what about it?" She asked in a rude tone. The boy smiled at her attitude and- surprisingly- bowed to her. When he straightened up, his eyes were no longer black. They were red. Blood red.

"Xavier Canta, at your service. Vampire prince." The boy said. He smirked, showing his fangs. He most certainly was a vampire. Alex hid her fear of the boy, and frowned.

"Yeah, so? Really flashy, Alexander or whatever your name is." Alex huffed. But she did know his name. She'd memorized it. The boy seemed to know this, causing his to chuckle lightly.

"Xavier, my dear. And I'm not just any vampire prince. I am your cousin. Well, third cousin to be precise." Xavier explained. He said it like it was supposed to put her at ease. Which it didn't.

"Get to the point, leech." Alex growled. Xavier was taken back by her sudden courage, but quickly replied.

"I was sent here to give you this." Xavier held out an ancient, leather bound book.

"A book? Sorry, dude, I don't read." Alex scoffed. Xavier pushed the book into her hands and stood straight, allowing Alex to see just how menacing this guy looked.

"You don't know much about our family, Alexandria. Read the book, and find me. I have a feeling you'll need me soon." Xavier said, walking past Alex and out the front entrance before she could reply.

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Alex opened the book cautiously and peered at the first page. It read: Heritage of The Canta Family. Alex turned to the next page. It looked like a family tree. A large one too. The birth and death dates were printed next to the names. Alex looked up at the first name.

Vladimir Canta- born 1358 and a blank space for death. Okay, that was creepy. There was a line signifying marriage.

Rosaline Canta- born 1362- died 1532 The list kept going, branching off and forming new lines. There was a bold line incasing multiple names. Alex spotted Xavier's name toward the bottom. It was bolded.

Xavier Canta- born February 14, 1985 and a blank spot for death. There was a line leading to the name Evelyn Blackwell. Alex scanned the pages, only spotting three different last names. Ravenwood, Canta, and Blackwell. But Alex's name was there too. And her name was bolded.

Alexandria Ravenwood- Born January 16, 1993. What could that mean? Wasn't her last name Russo? There was also a line linked to Justin's name. But that meant. . . . Marriage. What the hell? But why were names bolded? What did that mean?

Alex threw the book down on the floor. A piece of paper fell out of the book, landing face up on the floor. Alex got up and picked it up. It read:

Dear Alexandria,

I know this must be very confusing and frustrating for you. Meet me at the "Coffee Bean" at 12 o'clock midnight tonight. Bring the book and come alone. Do not inform your father, mother, or brothers of this. Do not tell them you saw me or even have this book. If you do, there will be disastrous consequences. Not just for you and me, but for your family. I am not supposed to be telling you any of this, but my father, Vladimir Canta, thought it time to introduce you to our world.

Immortally and Forever yours,

Xavier Canta (Vampire Prince)

So I went and met a vampire for coffee.