Ch. 1

It's been three days since they left. I was drumming my fingernails on the table when Raquel looked up from her art project and gave me an exasperated look.

"For the love of peace Bianca! Would you stop worrying for at least five seconds?" She asked. "Lucas and the others are fine!" She said in a matter-of-factly tone. I sighed and looked out the window. It was a cool autumn day and the trees were painted with orange and gold. "I just hope he doesn't do anything stupid," I told her with a faint smile.

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"You idiot, Lucas!" Dana roared. Both of us were running like hell, dodging trees and trying to keep ahead of the vampires behind us.

"Why would you do that? Where did you even get rolls of toilet paper?" She asked angrily. I chuckled under my breath and looked at her pretending like I didn't know what she was talking about.

"Hey, I didn't know they were gonna see us," she glared, "I mean me- doing it." I said hastily.

"Whatever just fix it." Dana retorted as she suddenly stopped. I turned around to face what was coming. Dana pulled out a wooden stake and handed it to me. I gave her a confused look and asked, "Where's your weapon?"

She pulled a crossbow from the strap on her back and aimed at where the vampires were coming. I let out a low whistle and got ready as well. It was a crisp day, a perfect one to spend with Bianca. But no, here I am getting chased by a bunch of creatures who are about to most likely kill me and Dana. Great.

It was silent except for the snapping of twigs and the rustling of leaves. My heart was hammering inside my chest and my breathing had started to speed up. Dana gripped the crossbow more tightly and narrowed her eyes.

"Kate and Eduardo will start looking for us you know," She spat through clenched teeth.

"We'd better finish up quickly then," I replied. A loud growl forced me to whip my head around. Before I knew it the wind was knocked out of me and the ground rushed up to meet me. Strong hands pulled my arms behind my back and I was yanked up, off the ground. My vision came back slowly and I saw Dana being held down by a girl I vaguely remembered. I knew I could fight them off, but I wouldn't take the chance of getting Dana and myself killed.

"Black Cross was pretty dim-witted to let you in," a familiar voice said. I craned my neck and squinted as the sun hit my eyes. I let in a sharp breath as I finally recognized the known stranger.

"Balthazar?"

Balthazar's jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed. "Lucas" was all he murmured in a disgusting tone.

"Thanks for the warm welcoming." I added sarcastically.

"I take it Bianca's with you?" He asked, although it seemed as if he already knew the answer.

"Of course, so is Raquel." I answered. Someone coughed and I fixed my gaze on the girl who was holding Dana. She had soft brown skin and curls of hair that fell wildly around her face.

"Ah, Patrice," I said. "Haven't seen you in a long time."

"Shut up, Lucas!" She sniped. "Balthazar why in the world are we waiting?"

I looked at him and wondered out loud, "Waiting for what?"

"Don't mind me, with my cramping arm y'know," Dana spoke finally.

I ignored her poor attempt at a jibe and asked again, "What are you waiting for!" I could feel my muscles tense and heart beat faster. I heard Dana gasp and turned my head do look at her. Her eyes were fixed on something behind me. The approaching footsteps stopped beside me and the stranger spoke.

"I'm here," an icy voice said.

It was Mrs. Bethany.