All characters go to Julie Kagawa, unless otherwise, which I will inform you on.

Sorry for mistakes, yada yada, not beta'd, yada yada, not a one-shot, yada yada

Alright, let us get on with the show!


I woke up whispering Zeke's name. I had dreamt about him again. I do not normally call him as I awake, but this dream was different. It was not Sarren that killed him, it was me. I couldn't control my hunger and I went for him. Draining him dryer than a bone.

But that's what you are, Allie. A monster.

The voice in my head sounded similar to Stick's. He called me a monster and a killer, even when I saved his fricking life. Oh well, who cares? He is gone. Dead. Along with-

"Allison." A voice brought me away from my thoughts and I looked up, towards the door, to see who it was. Kanin was leaning against the doorway with his arms folded, watching me closely, "Are you ready?"

I nodded, standing from the corner I was sat in.

"Good, 'cause we are leaving shortly." I never replied, just walked right past him and kept on walking through the house 'till I was outside.

"Sleeping beauty awakes" Jackal announced, as he appeared from the trees, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"Shut up..."

"Wow, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. What? Aww, do you miss him? Do you miss your little bloodbag?" I clenched my fists, staring daggers at him. But when i went to say something back, Kanin beat me to it,

"James. Shut up and go get the car started before I live up to that promise I held the last time we met." His tone was holding no room for argument.

"Whatever, Old Man." The former Raider king stomped to the vehicle like an immature kid and turned on the engine.

"Allison." Kanin's voice wasn't angry, yet it wasn't sweet. I shivered. This normally means I've done something wrong.

"Yeah?" I looked up into his black eyes and waited.

"There is not a lot of time from now 'till we find Sarren. When we find him you need to be stronger. The death of Zeke has been holding you back from your true self. You are too soft to face him. You even went soft on James, Allison.

"At the start I asked you what kind of vampire you wanted to be. You were the first one to choose the way you are. But right now, you need to pull yourself together and help us find Sarren. You need to be ready."

I looked over at Jackal, who was leaning against the vehicle, waiting. Have I really been getting soft these past days?

Without realising, I held up a hand to Zeke's necklace and held it tight. The metal was cold against my skin and I shivered inwardly. I was still watching Jackal and his golden eyes were watching me right back. I turned my gaze back to Kanin and gave a short nod.

I love you, Zeke, but I have to let you go for now.

I released my grip on Zeke's cross and sighed. Kanin still had his gaze on me as we headed towards Jackal and the car. I couldn't see him but I could feel his gaze, burning holes in my body.

"I am driving"

Jackal threw the keys to our former sire and he caught them without even looking.

I opened the back door and climbed in slamming the door behind me. Jackal got in the front seat, next to Kanin, closing the door lighter than me. "Drive, Old Man, we've got a long journey ahead."

Jackal was right. We did have a long journey ahead. The closer we get to Sarren, the further he gets away. He is close to unstoppable.

But when you have got three pissed off vampires coming your way, no one is invincible.