Chapter 1

"Oh my gosh, hurry up." Michaela muttered to herself, impatiently tapping her fingers on the desk.

She glanced at the clock, silently willing it to move faster. For a moment, she fancied she could control time, quickly speeding it up so she could finally get the hell out of cl-

"Ms. Rodriguez, am I boring you?" Her professor exclaimed loudly, throwing Michaela out of her thoughts and back into the classroom.

She wasn't one to be caught off guard and wasted no time in flashing her teacher a smirk.

"Of course not Professor Martinez." She replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Her teacher narrowed her eyes briefly before resuming the lesson as fast as she could, although she didn't realize how useless her efforts were. It was the last Saturday the students would need to attend classes, for their summer break was almost upon them. Everyone was eager to get out into the warm air and hang out with friends, and were finding it almost impossible to pay attention to the lesson. Someone lightly tapped the back of Michaelas' desk with their foot and she turned around, flashing her friend a wide smile. She raised an eyebrow, eyes glinting in amusement.

"You excited yet?"

"Damn right I am! We finally get the summer to ourselves!" Paige replied, smiling back at her friend. "And tonight you, Justine, and I get to go to the American Grill and have a girls' night out!"

They both turned and looked at their friend Justine, who was several rows in front of them, earnestly copying down the teachers' notes before the bell rang. Michaela rolled her eyes, earning a slight punch on her arm from Paige.

"Whats the face for?" she questioned.

"Justine, she needs to let go and forget school work for a bit! I'll be damned if she doesn't get drunk tonight and-

"Ms. Rodriguez, two times already?" Her teacher interrupted. Paige stifled a laugh as Michaela sighed and turned around in her seat, facing the front of the room. She sneered.

"Professor, at this point I would usually have had three or four warnings already, if not a detention. I think it's pretty nice of me to only "interrupt" you two times." Michaela retorted, causing her teacher to take of her glasses and place them on her desk.

"Oh shit." She thought to herself. Her teacher only took her glasses off like that when she was about to rant on a student. Her eyes quickly flicked a couple rows ahead of her to Justine, who was actually already looking at her, along with the rest of the class. Her arms were crossed as she gave her friend a "you-asked-for-it" look. Michaela silently vowed to talk to Justine about the look later as she focused on her teacher, who was standing in front of her. She began to come up with a smart-ass response for her teacher when the bell rung. All the students gathered up their books, pencils, and folders, carelessly shoving them into backpacks and rushing towards the exit. Paige rose from her seat, pausing to pull down her black skater skirt before throwing her books into her bag and stood by her friends' side. Michaela picked up her bag and hoisted it over her shoulder as she stepped around her teacher, totally ignoring her. Paige followed suit, muttering a small "excuse me" as she passed their teacher. Justine was waiting for the two girls near the door, shaking her head but smiling. All three exited the room, eager to start their break. They got a couple feet from the classroom before their teacher popped her head out of the room and called Michaela back over.

"What the fuck." She muttered to herself, glancing behind and seeing the source of the voice. She looked at her friends, seething. They were snickering next to her.

"Ohhhhhhhh you're in trouble!" Paige whispered.

Michaela gave her a dark look as she turned around and stomped her way to the classroom.

"Meet us at my house when you're done, we can get all chill there until six!" Justine stage whispered. In reply, Michaela put her hand behind her back and flipped off her friend.

"Wha-Did you just see what she did!" Justine exclaimed, voice rising in pitch. Paige waved a hand at her dismissing her comment.

"Oh stop, you know she was kidding. Let's start heading back to your place, I want waffles." She replied, already walking down the hall. Justine followed her, and the two walked outside. Their campus was bustling with activity, students were walking in groups, eagerly discussing weekend plans, dates, and vacations. Some were sitting in the grass on blankets and reading, while others played frisbee on the open field. The girls cut across the field, ducking to avoid a frisbee, until they reached one of the many busy sidewalks the bordered their New York campus. They immediately linked their arms and merged into the sea of people, walking a half a block down 27th and West street until they reached a row of student apartments. They paused at an intersection as the light turned red, and Justine quickly fished through her bag with her free hand, retrieving a set of keys. Both friends crossed the street as soon as the light turned green, snaking their way between people before reaching the apartments and entering the main complex. Justine fanned herself with her hand as they waited for the elevator to open.

"I hate this weather, it looks really nice out until you actually go outside and it's hot as balls." Paige said, glaring outside. Justine busted out laughing then stopped as she noticed a man staring in their direction. She nudged Paige.

"Don't look now, but I think that guy likes you." She whispered. Paige quickly glanced in the mans' direction and made a noise of approval. He was in his early thirties, with messy brown hair, an angled face and striking cheekbones, topped off with startling green eyes. Despite the warm weather, he was sporting a very professional looking suit and tie. He seemed to be questioning the younger man behind the front desk.

"So nothing odd has happened within the past week? Nothing? Like any weird sightings, smells, or-", he began to say, but the receptionist interrupted him.

"Weird smells…..? Dude we're in the middle of New York City, there are weird smells everywhere." He replied, running a nervous hand through his own hair, shaking his head. "Man, I'm a bit freaked out. I mean, we're used to people getting killed around here, but with their bodies drained of blood?" The man questioning the receptionist nodded and pulled out a card from his pocket, placing it on the counter.

"Okay, well thank you for your time, if you think of anything or hear something, call this bottom number." He said, smiling. The receptionist nodded and took the card, squinting to read it.

"Of course agent…..Sully. If you'd excuse me I need to go grab some lunch." Then excused himself and walked around the desk and out into the busy sidewalk. The agent sighed and leaned back on the counter, looking mildly annoyed. Paige looked at Justine,

"Holy shit, he's gorgeous! Did you see his eyes?" She whispered quickly, sneaking another look at the agent. Justine nodded in agreement and gawked at the man. They watched as he straightened up as another man walked around the corner, dressed as he was in a black suit. The girls watched as they conversed for a moment, then looked in their direction. Justine made a low squealing noise and elbowed Paige.

"Oh god, they're looking over here-wait, why are they coming over here, oh no." She whispered, quickly fixing her jean shorts and adjusting her gray t-shirt, nervously tucking a stray piece of red hair behind her ear. Paige crossed her arms over her chest and watched as the two men made their way over to them. The taller one had long brown hair and easily had a couple inches over the other agent. He pulled out a small notepad from his pocket and nodded at the girls.

"Good Afternoon, I'm agent Stark, and this is my partner Sully. Mind if we ask you a few questions?"

Justine stared at him as he spoke, immediately taking fancy to him. Paige narrowed her eyes at him.

"Stark? Like Iron Man Tony Stark?" She said, eyeing him up suspiciously. He nodded,

"Yes, uh it's a family name. My father owns a piping business up in Vermont." He said quickly, flashing her a dazzling smile. Justine cleared her throat and nodded at him.

"Uhm so the questions…?" She gave the agent a look.

"Yes: Have you seen anything out of the ordinary? Any weird smells?" He asked, staring at her.

Justine made a face at him.

"Uhm no….what do you mean weird smells? If you haven't noticed we're in New York…." she trailed off purposely. The other agent stepped forward and laughed.

"We know that, but how about any weird behavior? Have you guys seen anyone acting weird?"

Paige scrunched up her face as she thought.

" Define weird? Uhm I mean, there's this weird hobo that hangs out front of these apartments sometimes, but I have a feeling that's not what you mean."

Both agents exchanged looks, and the shorter one spoke.

"Have you seen anyone attacking people, possibly biting their necks?"

Paige busted out laughing at his response.

"Biting necks? Uhm nope, but you may wanna check back in with us on Halloween." She replied, in between laughs, but stopped as she noticed both agents had straight faces. "Oh, um wow, you guys are serious." She looked at Justine, who was staring at agent Stark. "Justine, have you seen anything like that?" Her friend jumped.

"Wh-What? Oh um, no. I haven't seen any neck biting people." She blushed, realizing her response was stupid. Both agents nodded. The shorter one was about to say something else when the entrance doors busted open, slamming loudly against the sides. Michaela stormed in, looking furious and wielding a piece of paper.

"Do you see this shit!? Ms. fucking Martinez thought it would be appropriate to give me a god damned pa-Oh." She began to rant but stopped as both agents turned around to face her. Agent Sully cleared his throat and stuck out his hand.

"Hi, Im agent Sully and this is my partner agent Stark."

Michaela stared at him, taking in his green eyes that were piercing, and messy but cute hair. She shook his hand.

"Hey I'm Michaela. Nice to meet you." She said, still staring at him. He smirked at her.

"The pleasure is mine."

She continued to stare at him as he handed Justine and Paige small cards.

"If you guys think of something, call us. Thank you for your time." Agent Sully said, giving them both a nod. Agent Stark nodded at Justine.

"Thank you for your time." He turned around, heading towards the exit. Agent Sully followed him, once again thanking the girls for their time and bidding them a farewell. He paused in front of Michaela.

"See you around," he said with a wink, then exited through the doors. As soona s he left, Michaela stared at her friends.

" Did you see him? Agent Sully? Oh my god, his eyes and hair- he smelled so good." She said, speaking quickly. Justine sighed dreamily, still thinking of agent Stark.

"The taller one was so cute….." She said, trailing off as she thought about him. Paige nudged her.

"He was so checking you out, holy shit! And Michaela, you and agent Sully looked like you were about to tear each others clothes off." Her friend smiled at her.

"His smirk, sweet jesus I can't…..he was so cute!" Michaela replied, smiling. They all stood there for a couple seconds in the lobby, thinking about the agents. Justine looked at the time on her phone and gasped.

"Oh crap! Guys it's already one fourty, we need to start getting ready for tonight! We gotta shower and get dressed, and do our hair and-"

" Slow it down there, we got plenty of time! Let's eat first, I'm starving." Michaela said, giving her friends a pout. Paige scoffed.

"Michaela, it's been an hour since you ate." She commented. Her friend stuck her tongue out at her.

"I'm a growing girl, I need sustenance!" She declared loudly, walking over to the elevator and pressing the up arrow. Her friends followed and they all waited for the elevator to reach their floor.

"Oh!" Justine suddenly exclaimed, " I have pizza we can make! And some leftover mac-and-cheese from Panera." Michaela made a weird noise of approval and smiled happily at the thought of eating. The elevator doors opened, and they side stepped to let the people out before they stepped inside. Justine hit the button for her floor and it rose steadily. All three were quiet, all eager for six to come around. When they reached the right floor, Michaela and Paige flanked Justine down the hallway, passing a number of rooms before reaching hers. She opened the door and walked inside, throwing her bag on the couch and making her way to the small kitchen. Paige sat on the couch, relishing its coolness, while Michaela retrieved a beer from Justines' fridge.

"There should be a pizza in the freezer, the mac-and-cheese is in the fridge, bottom shelf," Justine stated. Michaela grabbed the desired food and shut both doors, placing both on the counter and opening the beer, gulping it down. She made a face and shook her head at the taste.

" Ugh, I hate this kind," she commented, glaring at the Miller Lite can in her hand. Justine ignored her and pre-heated the oven.

"Hey, my house, my rules. Lite beer only, it's better for you." She chastised as she unwrapped the pizza, then stood up and crossed her arms. "And it's not like you're far away, you live down the hall from me anyway, why don't you get your own stuff?"

"It's because she's laaaaaazzzzyyyy," Paige sang from the couch.

" YUUUUUP," Michaela burped in reply. "Oh that was a good one!"

Justine shook her head, " Someone can hop in the shower while the food is getting ready." Paige jumped up from the couch and ran to the bathroom.

"I call shower!" She exclaimed loudly, slamming the door behind her. Michaela made a face.

"Dammit, I wasn't ready that wasn't fair!" She complained, throwing her arms in the air. The stove beeped, signaling that it was preheated and ready to cook. Justine took the pizza and placed it in the oven, putting the timer on for a half hour. She walked over to her couch and plopped onto it. Michaela jumped over the back and landed a couple inches from her friend. She righted herself and poked Justines' side.

"So you excited for tonight!"

Her friend smiled and nodded.

"Of course! It's break finally and we get to all hang out!"

Michaela got a mischievous look on her face.

"PARTAY! Promise me you'll try a drink or two tonight! You have too!" She insisted, jumping in her seat excitedly. Justine groaned in protest.

"One drink. ONE. That's all, you know I'm not a big drinker." She said, giving Michaela a look, who huffed but agreed.

"Fine. One, but I get to pick it! Oooooh what if the agents are there," she wriggled her eyebrows suggestively. Justine blushed as she thought of agent Stark. Michaela busted out laughing and pointed at her,

"OOOOhhhh you like that taller agent don't cha?" she teased. Justine smiled and nodded sheepishly.

"He was pretty cute…..how about agent Sully? You couldn't stop staring at him. You like him." Justine replied, winking. Michaela shrugged.

"He was definitely hot. Like really hot, did you see how green his eyes were? Ughhh he was so cute!" She exclaimed. The beeper went off for the pizza. Justine popped up and ran to the stove, throwing it open and grabbing a towel to retrieve the food.

"Ow, ow, ow-" She yelled, throwing the pizza on the counter and shutting the stove door.

A muffled voice came from the bathroom and a moment later, Paige came out with her hair wrapped up, wearing a tank top and shorts. She walked to the counter and leaned on it.

"I heard the beeper go off and wanted to get a piece of pizza before Michaela ate it all."

Michaela nodded in agreement,

"I'm not sure if I should be offended by that but I'll take it," She replied snatching a piece of pizza and devouring it.

"Wait don't you want a pl-oh nevermind." Justine said, placing plates on the countertop. Michaela waved a hand at her and got up, heading to the bathroom.

"I'm gonna take a shower real quick, leave some pizza for me." She said between mouthfuls of pizza, grabbing her ipod from her bag before walking into the bathroom.

The girls said they would and began eating, conversing very little as they chewed their food quietly, content within their own thoughts.