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Chapter 1

Choices

It was nearly dark and the sun just barely lingered above the horizon. Any other time I would've been inside my home by now, but tonight I felt rebellious and stayed camped in a lawn chair on my front lawn a little longer. I knew it was a risk, but it had been months since I'd last seen the nighttime sky. Ever since the great vampire revelation, I never went outside after sundown. I wasn't afraid of vampires, by any means. I knew of supernatural beings my whole life.

I might even be one.

I was first introduced to the vampire world when my twin brother, Cade, was turned 5 years ago. From what most vampires have said, it is very rare for a vampire to return to their family after their mortal life has ended, and even rarer for a vampire to still have any human emotions toward their family. Cade is most definitely an exception. I think our connection remains because of the bond we have had over the span of our 23 years. Although, he still looks 18 (and he will forever), where as I can pass as 21 on a good day (and look 30 on a bad one). Even when he was alive, there were no physical comparisons between my brother and I. He attracted everyone. And I do mean everyone. Men and women of all ages found his short blond hair, large green eyes, and tall, muscular physique irresistible. I've never even had a boyfriend. I've never been told I'm ugly, but when standing next to him, I feel like a wart covered troll (I assume he makes many people feel that way… He really is that good looking).

As for me, my body is naturally shapely, which is good since I refuse to exercise or eat healthy. And I can tell men appreciate my large chest ("curves in all the right places" as they say) because I feel a wave of lust coming from them when they see me. It's not like that happens often, but it's kind of a self esteem booster when it does. My hair is long, wavy, and a very dark shade of brown, which is a pleasant contrast with my sapphire-esque eyes. Height wise, I'm 5'8"… my brother is 6'3". So seeing us standing side by side, no one would think that we are related, let alone twins.

But there is more than physicality when it comes to my brother and I. There's personality and emotion; we are very much the opposite in that respect as well. My brother is beyond outgoing and social. I don't think there is even a word to describe how outgoing he is. During his human life, he was a celebrity. Not just any celebrity, THE celebrity. He was offered countless movie roles, he sold out concert arenas, and had millions of fan pages dedicated to him (even one for his big toe!). Luckily, nothing has changed since he announced the whole "being undead" thing. He actually may be even more famous now, if that's even possible.

My personality developed based off of being known as "Cade's sister." I don't think more than a handful of students in school called be by my name. Teachers even called me "Cade's sister" when I raised my hand. And the real shame is, I like my name. Iliese. It's relatively uncommon and it's a name that can be traced far up into my family tree. Anyway, I became shy at a very early age, which is understandable considering the large size of the shadow my brother cast over me. My mama always used to say "Cade took all the looks and I took all the brains." He's not dumb, necessarily. He claims he had more important things to do than learn and read. I, on the other hand, had nothing else to do. I may not be much, but I am smart. Sometimes I just know things, without having read about it, or people telling me. Cade always found it eerie, he understands me more know though. He says that he knows I'm different? I'm not sure what that means, but I think it's why he won't let me go outside after dark…

Being a twin is like being emotionally and mentally handcuffed to someone. Not that I would ever attempt to escape my brother, but I couldn't even if I tried. He can always find me. Which I find reassuring because I know that I am safe should a human ever try to harm me. He is just a baby in the vampire world though. So should I ever be in danger from a vampire even just a year older than him, I know he'd fight but we'd probably both die… not really something I want to think about…

I hadn't realized how long I had been sitting outside once the sun had completely set. From where the moon rested, it must have been near 30 minutes. 50 minutes after I usually went inside, as ordered by my very protective vampire twin. Any other night he would have come over to keep me company, but it was new years and he had been hired to perform at a vampire bar, Fangtasia, a little ways down the street. I took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp night air. It was chilly, but bearable with a jacket on.

I should go see Cade perform tonight…

I don't know why I had this feeling of rebellion, tonight of all nights. Cade said after the revelation that I would no longer be safe at night. He didn't say why, but I trusted him. And I knew he was telling the truth, because I sometimes just know or can sense such things. I'm not sure how it works, or what it is…

Maybe an older vampire will know what I am!

That's a horrible idea, Iliese! Yeah, just walk into Fangtasia and tell the oldest vampire you have weird powers, I'm sure that'll turn out great…

Thank you sarcastic inner monologue.

I knew it was a bad idea… and it wasn't because of my "sixth sense" or whatever. It was common sense. A human walking into a vampire bar is dangerous enough, but on one of the wildest of nights for both humans and vampires, it's bordering suicidal.

I'm going!

I didn't have a death wish. But fuck! I was tired of being alone and bored and good. Starring up at the infinite stars, it seemed as if they blinked on and off and I felt a wave of calm and then a rush of excitement! It was as if they were winking at me, giving me permission to have fun, for once in my life.

I ran inside, dashing to my closet to find something to wear. Shit…

All my clothes were either boring jeans and t-shirts or pajamas. Suddenly, I remembered Cade's ex-girlfriend had left some clothes in his old room! As quickly as humanly possible, I reached his closet. She had better taste than I remembered. There were two possible outfits, both of which smelled of dust because they had been hanging in there for over 5 years. But luckily, they weren't too fashionably behind the times. One option was a 1950's inspired dress. It was beautiful. It was a slate grey halter top that cinched at the waist with a tiffany blue ribbon and then flared out to just above the knee. Not exactly my style, but hell, disobeying my brother was certainly out of the ordinary for me too. The other was a purple pant suit… Okay, really no decision needed to be made. The dress was the only option.

Once I zipped up the dress, I looked in the mirror. The shock was overwhelming. I couldn't remember the last time I wore a dress, but I really couldn't remember the last time I felt beautiful! I truly felt beautiful. I was astonished how well the dress fit! It showed just enough cleavage and leg to be sexy, but not be seen as a slut. I paired the dress with dark blue, round toe 2" heels that Cade's ex also left behind. Fortunately for me since I only own flip flops and converse. As for makeup, I am not an expert, but I often get bored so I have had my fair share of nights filled with applying my makeup for entertainment. Tonight I wanted to match the beauty of the dress so I went all out; Red lipstick, dark grey eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner… the works. I decided to wear my hair down, mainly because I didn't have any idea what else to do with it. On the way out the door, I quickly grabbed my pearl earrings that my mother passed down to me (her grandmother passed down to her, and her grandmother before her, and so on). I also found my grandmother's jeweled, pale green star like brooch, which I attached to the tiffany blue ribbon just above my hip. I took one last look in the mirror.

Damn, not bad at all!

I may be a little over dressed, but fuck it. After this night, I'm sure Cade will be so angry, I wouldn't be surprised if he locked me up.

I arrived at Fangtasia within 5 minutes of leaving my house. It was packed! There was a line of fang bangers and vampires outside that went on for I'm sure a mile down the road! Being Cade's sister was finally going to work in my favor. I found a parking spot directly in front of the bar, good parking karma as I call it. My nerves were off the chart. Anxiety and excitement took turns tag teaming my mind. But confidence was the name of the game tonight. I stepped out of my car and headed straight for the front door. All the while planning to use my brother's celebrity status as a golden ticket inside. I reached the bouncer and flashed him a confident smile and just as I was about to speak, he opened the door and said "Have a good time, sexy. Hope to see more of you inside." My confusion must have been apparent because he laughed at me and then grabbed my hand to help me up the few steps leading into the bar.

I thought this place would've been hard to get into…

Once inside I realized why there were so many people waiting in line. One, the place was very cool and seemed to be worth the wait. The design and atmosphere was a perfect balance of relaxed and "watch out: we can kill you." Two, all those people were outside because the fucking place hadn't opened yet! I was standing in a room of a dozen vampires (plus a dozen humans playing the role of vampire cocktail). All at once everyone turned to me. Panic overtook me, but I managed to maintain my composure… just barely. I flashed a smile blankly at the room, avoiding making eye contact. They couldn't glamour me. I know this because, well I just know things; also, Cade had tried and failed. As calmly, but as quickly as possible, I made my way to the nearest open booth; acting as if I belonged there the entire way. Eyes began to shift away once I sat down. All except one pair. They were very blue, I noted. I caught myself starring back, and looked away. His stare, however, remained unwavering. I glanced back, he was very attractive, to say the least.

Sexy would apply… actually, every synonym for sexy would apply!

He was very tall, blond (which usually isn't my type), blue eyes, dead (really not usually my type), and a body that could burn fire it was so hot!

Hellllo handsome! You're invited to the pants party!

I never thought about anyone that way. I am normally so innocent. But tonight, something changed in me. This new year is different…

The whole time I had been thinking, I hadn't realized I was still gawking at the good looking vampire man across the bar. I really wasn't trying to be flirtatious or suggest anything by my looking at him for so long, I honestly just got lost in thought. I'm not sure what he thought, though. When my eyes caught his again, I only sensed curiosity, and some hint of attraction (I knew for sure those feelings were his and not my own because I was HIGHLY attracted to him).

Pity… No lusty feelings from him

Sitting alone, I began to feel mildly uncomfortable. I wasn't making the best impression, and I was catching the other vampires looking at me hungrily and, yep, there's the lusty feelings (all of which were very unwelcome unless from the dead blue eyed blond). While scanning the room, feeling wave after wave of disgusting emotions, I again lost myself, only to come back and see sexy vampire sitting directly across from me.

Obviously caught by surprise, who knows how long he had been sitting there before I noticed.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you before. I'm Eric Northman" He said wearing an award winning smile.

"Hi? (long pause) I'm (another pause) Iliese?"

Not the most becoming of introductions.

"Welcome to Fangtasia." He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips, gently kissing the back of it and inhaled deeply. He sighed and his fangs peeked a little.

"What is that enchanting perfume you're wearing?" he asked still holding onto my hand.

Perfume? I knew I forgot something…

"I'm not wearing any, It's just me, I guess" smiling at his compliment.

"Interesting…" His smile turned into one that could cause to be worrisome.

I wasn't the slightest bit afraid though, because I knew he wouldn't hurt me.

His eyes fixated on mine and I could tell he was trying to glamour me. I felt his power filled stare and a pressure on my mind, but it was easily blocked. I began to feel annoyed. Not my own annoyance, it must have been radiating off of him because it was intense. But I smiled, a sincere smile, and chuckled a little at his failed attempt.

"No use in trying to glamour me, It doesn't work" I said with a shrug.

"Interesting…" he said again, "How could you tell I was trying to glamour you?"

Luckily, his annoyance was replaced with curiosity again, and a dash of confusion.

"Other vampires have tried before, and it work for them either" I explained to him.

The other vampires being Cade and his entourage. It was all done as an experiment after one night Cade's manager, Ollie Kris, wanted me to stay in my room while he and all of Cade's buddies used my house as an orgy buffet. Needless to say I rescinded their invitation on the spot. After that my brother had all of them try to glamour me just to see if I was really immune to it. It kind of turned into a party trick.

I decided not to elaborate on which vampires. I wanted Mr. Eric Northman to see me as Iliese and not Cade's sister.

He sat still, staring to the side, as if he were thinking, and again said "Interesting…"

I could tell his interest in me was rising, especially because "interesting" was becoming his new catch phrase.

"You don't seem like the kind of girl to hang around vampires, if your dress is any indication" he laughed at his observation and waved his hand towards my rather wholesome dress. I glanced down to my dress and pouted a little.

He laughed at me, just as the bouncer had.

Maybe I didn't look as good as I thought. Not that I was looking for anything in particular tonight.

Denial… you know you want him!

We both turned to watch as the patrons began to file in through the front door.

"Just in time, perfect examples!" he exclaimed, drawing my attention back to him "All of these women, if you can really call them that, are barely clothed and leave very little to the imagination. Where as you look stunning, have me wanting to see more, and I have a very active imagination."

His devious smile sent shivers throughout my body, and I couldn't help but shyly smile back.

Suddenly, I felt a weird connection to him. Like déjà vu. No, not déjà vu exactly, more like we were destined to be living this exact moment. As if everything that had ever happened, happened so I could be right there, with him. The feeling was so abrupt, and I couldn't decipher what it was. I narrowed my eyes and looked into his. I didn't know what I was looking for, but I couldn't look away; His powder blue eyes pierced mine and a long moment of silence passed between us. The whole bar seemed to go mute. That is until a waitress interrupted our strange exchange to take our order. Beyond surprised, I let out a little scream and nearly jumped out of my skin! I noticed everyone in the bar had turned to see where the sound came from, and were staring at me.

I was sure I my face matched the too small of a red halter top the waitress was wearing.

As I was trying to regulate myself, I ordered a vodka and cranberry. I was embarrassed, I probably just made a total fool of myself as I so often do. Feeling a hint of fear from the waitress as she walked away, I looked back at Eric. His fangs had dropped and he was glaring at my neck. My pulse sky rocketing must have caught his attention and now he only saw me as a nice snack and maybe a fuck, I wasn't the best looking or easiest lay here in his mind, but there was something about me…

Ugh, I wish I didn't know that… At least he doesn't think I'm a slut.

"Have you been in Shreveport long?" I asked in an attempt to distract him.

Breathe, calm down.

He didn't reply, and kept full attention on my jugular.

I kept my breathing fluid, and I felt my heart slowing to a normal pace.

"Not very long, compared to how long I've lived" he said, lifting his eyes back to meet mine.

His perfect smile was back, and I couldn't help but feel a little grateful for being on the receiving end of it.

"How old are you?" I asked, letting my curiosity outweigh my manners "If you don't mind me asking?"

"It's hard to keep track after so long, but I would say a little of 1,000" He had said it as if it was not an astonishing amount of time.

"Interesting…" I responded, mocking the way he had said it previously. I tried to stifle a laugh but it was no use, and wound up giggling like a school girl. He was amused too which I found relaxing and was happily surprised to find a 1,000 year vampire with a sense of humor.

"Do you know what I am?"

I don't know why I asked it! I hadn't planned it! My stupid fucking mouth!

A little too comfortable with the deadly dead man, Iliese!

I began to worry. Vampires are deadly, political, and all of them are capable of being the most vicious creatures on earth. Who knows what would happen to me if knowledge of my "powers" came out.

Eric leaned forward and inhaled the air around me. He was concentrating with such an intensity, I daren't move.

He doesn't know!

"You don't know?…"

He seemed a little shocked, because, of course, I said it right before he was going to. His smile disappeared and I was overwhelmed with his suspicion. He thought I had read his mind. I couldn't, but if I said that, it would only just seem like I could even more so. I decided to sit quietly, but I wore my disappointment openly. Even though it was stupid to ask, at least I may have died knowing what I am. If he kills me now, it would suck… no better way to put it.