Michael stood back stage, staring intently at the opening band. His body shook with the usual adrenaline of a show, the sheer joy it brought him and his band, and the thousands of kids screaming their names who's lives they'd changed. And that was all Michael needed to be happy, really. To change lives by doing what he loved. He would even trade his immortality if that's what it took.
Behind him, JJ was also watching the other band. Michael could sense his gaze going to the lead singer, a girl with pale skin and black hair. She was beautiful, and just the kind of snack that JJ liked. Michael rolled his eyes and gave him a dark look, warning him to leave the girl alone. JJ half-glared at him, then turned away.
The band cleared the stage, and Aaron pushed Kuza on stage. He stumbled forward, mouth duct taped closed and arms tied behind his back. Their stagehand, Miranda walked forward and hung a sign that read 'hellbound' around his neck, and grabbed his leash. He dropped to his knees and Michael smiled.
He knew that it was a game, and that Kuza could easily break out of the binds and kill Miranda quickly, if he wanted. But he had taken a liking to the girl, and made the ruse of her being his dominant. It was a big joke with the rest of the guys, but they all respected and adored Miranda in their own ways, so she was in no danger. At least, most of the time.
"Are you motherfuckers ready for some seriously evil shit?" she asked into the mic, earning screams and cheers from the fans.
"That wasn't fucking good enough! You want these guys to play for you give them some fucking love, huh?"
More screams pervaded the air, causing a small smile to break on Aaron's face, who was suddenly next to Michael. Michael grinned and nodded his head toward the stage. A quick confirm and Kuza broke out of his bonds as fire spit up from the stage. He got to his feet, pulled the tape off hos arms and mouth, then kissed Miranda. Costume blood poured down her chin and he "threw her" back stage, then followed. She landed on the safety mat and the rest of them filed onto the stage.
First, Aaron and DJ to their guitars, then Adam to his Bass, followed by JJ to his Drums. Finally, as the crowd cheered for him. Michael followed suit, claiming his place at the mic with a loud scream and more fire. The crowd screamed and applauded and cheered for them. Michael spat on the stage and began to sing.
. . .
After the show, a group of six kids came in for autographs and pictures with the band. Michael posed and smiled, signing things and otherwise being a good person, but inside his blood-lust was slowly starting to rise. His throat felt dry and leathery, and no amount of water or cigarettes could make the feeling go away. JJ immediately knew, and stood close by to make sure he didn't do anything he'd regret. Michael silently thanked him and returned to visiting with the kids.
The stage manager for the venue came with a pissed off expression on his face.
"Where the hell is she Michael?"
Michael gave him a confused look, raising his eyebrow.
"Who?"
"All of the kids except for a girl named Sloan Isabele are here and accounted for."
"Why do I feel a 'but' in there?" Aaron asked, giving him an annoyed face.
"This Sloan girl checked in an hour ago for coming back here, and now we can't find her. If she's not back in half an hour, we're being held accountable for her."
"No, YOU are being held accountable for her. We haven't even seen this girl toni-" Michael stopped short as a girl with a shaved head and fringe bangs hiding her face walked slowly toward them.
"Um, have I missed the signing? I got lost on the way here. Sorry about that." she said in a cute British accent.
Michael's blood-lust flared the second her scent hit his nose. He had never smelled a sweeter person in his life. He sucked in a breath of it, and had to turn away, saying a hesitant sorry as he pushed by JJ and ran anywhere but right there where that girl was. He didn't want to attack her. He didn't want to hurt her. She was just a fan and he... he was a vampire out to change the world. Unfortunately, the girl ran after him.
"Michael, wait!" She called, chasing him. He turned, and had to bite his lip to stop himself from hurting her. She caught up with him quickly and slowed to a walk.
"Michael... I need to talk to you. I know what you are."