Chapter I: The Party

I awoke rudely to a blaring alarm. Covered in a thin layer of sweat from the nightmare. I swatted wildly at my ringing clock - knocking it off my bedside desk and onto the floor. It kept ringing. The red letters shone out of the display: it was eight AM, September the thirteenth. I groaned and rolled back over – pulling the pillow over my head as I attempted to shut out the obnoxious wailing. For most people, an eighteenth birthday would be great; the world went from seeing you as a child to accepting you as a man. You could vote, you could marry, and you didn't need your parent's permission for anything anymore.

Through the summer, I'd been dreading this day: I was already a year older than Edythe would ever be. Whilst a small part of my brain knew that it wasn't a big deal – most people couldn't even tell the difference of one year. That small, rational part was overruled by irrational panic? What would happen when I became old and withered, whilst Edythe retained her glorious features? I mean, I knew I'd never look like I belonged with Edythe but, I didn't want people thinking I was her grandfather.

I dragged my body out of the bed and picked my alarm clock off the floor. Stepping into the bathroom I raked a comb through my tangled hair, my reflection in the mirror was still the same, I don't know what I'd expected – to bulk out overnight? I ran down the stairs, late from lying in bed and scoffed a granola bar down. Charlie had already left by the time I had gotten up, thankfully he wasn't there to wish me a happy birthday. My presents lay on the table though, along with a small stack of cards. I ignored both; even if I had wanted to open them - there wasn't time.

Rushing out of the door I was face-to-face with Edythe, her appearance dazzled me – as usual. She dimpled as she took in my dishevelled appearance. "So, as discussed – I am not to wish you a happy birthday?" She said, almost formally.

"Correct," I tried to imitate the cadence in her tone. Unsuccessfully. I guess you could only speak like that if you were from another century.

"I just thought I'd check, I was under the impression that most people actually like to celebrate on their birthday."

I grumbled incoherently in response as I walked round to the driver's side of my truck; pretending not to notice Edythe's confused expression. Realisation dawned on her. "We can't go to school in that," she said with distaste.

I arched an eyebrow at her. "Well, it is my Birthday".

She grumbled something about the ancient Chevy's suspension and I scowled.

"If it's not good enough for you, you can walk to school." She looked surprised for a second, before bursting into laughter.

"Someone's irritable today," she said, the amusement present in her voice "Beau, I could walk to school faster than you could drive this thing."

I ignored her, opening the door of my truck and climbing in. Edythe gave me a martyred look before easily springing into the passenger seat in a movement that wasn't entirely natural.

"Archie wanted to come with me this morning you know, they're all very excited."

"Oh," I looked at her, surprised - but stayed silent. "It still doesn't change anything though," I turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared into life – startling me, it had been a while since I'd drove my truck, I was too used to Edythe's Volvo. As I drove Edythe fiddled with the knobs on the stereo and complained about the poor audio. I pulled into the school parking lot and manoeuvred my truck into a vacant spot. I killed the engine and climbed out.

A beaming Archie was there, standing next to the car carrying a suspicious bundle of what looked like presents.

My mood soured further.

I turned to Edythe, she smiled slightly at my expression, but then became abruptly serious. "Remember what I said earlier," she said, "please try and enjoy yourself." She began leaning towards me, her eyes burning liquid gold, and I realized that I was leaning towards her. Her lips pressed softly against mine as she gently held my face in her cold, ivory hands. Archie rapped on the window, grinning and I jumped backwards in surprise. Edythe scowled at him as she slid away from me and opened the door.

"Happy birthday man," he said – before I'd even fully got out of my car. "What are you going to do first, Join the army or go skydiving?" He bounced on the balls of his feet, handing me the package I'd seen him holding.

"I don't know if the military is a good career choice for you, Beau." She said concern in her voice. I shot Archie an angry glare.

"I know, don't worry – Archie's just being stupid. I'm not a total moron, besides I'm terrible at any kind of physical activity - remember?"

She laughed softly, in her high trilling way, and I felt my mood lift fractionally.

"Yeah," Archie cut in, "actually, the reason he's in such a bad mood is because he's a year older than you."

I stared at the floor and felt the ugly red marks climb up my neck. So much for the man code, friends weren't supposed to rat each other out like that. Edythe squeezed my hand with her cold fingers and scowled at Archie. "It's only a year Beau," she soothed, "no one will be able to tell the difference anyway."

I nodded mutely as Archie shifted under Edythe's glare.

"Anyway, we don't want to be late for class – Beau can't get a detention on his own birthday."

I could hear the smile in her voice as she attempted to lighten the mood.

"Aww, but what about these," Archie held up the bundle of presents.

"You can give them to him after school," Edythe said firmly. Archie gave a disappointed pout - but said nothing.

We waited outside class together, these days we had almost all our lessons together; Edythe had somehow used her powers of persuasion to wangle a new timetable out of the admin department, and I wasn't going to complain. We sat at the back of the room, next to each other. No one gave us funny looks anymore, they were used to it. When we'd first started dating we'd been the gossip of the school: mainly because Edythe was incredibly beautiful; I was way out of my league (and I knew it). But also, because she'd always acted cool and stand-offish towards most guys that had tried to approach her in the past. I guess being able to see their thoughts must've had something to do with it. The Cullen's were also incredibly wealthy, they drove a Volvo and I knew – if I would let her – Edythe would have me driving a red Ferrari, decked out with all the latest designer gear, eating out at restaurants every night.

By contrast, I'd been raised frugally from kindergarten – Renee had never earned much money, being a single mom and raising a child. She also didn't have the best financial sense - or sense period. I was paid pittance as pocket money and quickly realised that I'd need to save big if I was going to be able to pay for anything. At the start of high school, I'd began hoarding money away for college. Things improved marginally when I moved to Forks and started living with Charlie; as a Chief of Police, he earned more than my mom. But the idea of being spoiled just wasn't natural to me, and I didn't think that it had anything to do with a "male-related desire for self-sufficiency" – as Edythe often called it – or even my made-up man code. Even if I was the girl and Edythe a man, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to allow money to be spent on me - it just wasn't who I was. Besides, Edythe had already saved my life twice, the idea of her doing more for me whilst I couldn't even last a gym class without falling flat on my face made me cringe.

The morning was over quickly and before I knew it, I was in the cafeteria. We sat at our usual table, near the back of the hall, maintaining a small distance from the majority of the students. It felt more natural to be closer to them now that the older Cullen's: Jessamine, Royal, and Eleanor, had all graduated. Archie had recovered his excitement from earlier. "Hey Beau man," he said, as soon as I'd sat down "how about you come over to ours tonight for a little, celebration? It'll be wicked dude, we'll have a disco, plenty of cake and -"

"Sorry I can't I've got English homework - for tomorrow," I interrupted him.

Archie appeared mystified, he glanced at Edythe. "English homework?" he said, surprised.

"Yep, the class has to watch Romeo and Juliet for tomorrow," Edythe supplied.

Archie laughed, "and how many guys does she think are actually going to do that! Edythe, as Beau's girlfriend – you can't let him torture himself like that! Just tell him what happens, or write him an answer."

"As immoral as that may be," Edythe laughed – the sound like the tinkling of bells. "I see your point," she turned to me, her amber eyes sparkling.

I was not pleased with the direction the conversation was headed, "It's ok, I don't mind watching the play, I'll probably enjoy it anyway."

Archie stared, shocked and then folded his arms – starting to look a little annoyed. "Look, dude, we can do this with, or without your cooperation – either way, you will be the house or – "

"Relax," Edythe said, her face bright with mischief. "It's Beau's birthday, he can watch the movie if he wants to."

I beamed up at her – hoping my relief wasn't too obvious. Archie however, looked livid.

"Traitor," he growled. Edythe held up her hand; stopping him.

"And then," she continued, "after the film - I'll bring him round at, let's say seven-thirty, that'll give you plenty of time to get everything ready."

Archie's smile was instantly back in place as I trained my best glare on Edythe. She merely smiled back at me, feigning ignorance. Her arm snaked around my waist; smooth and icy, even through the material of my shirt.

The afternoon went quickly after lunch, slipping by before I'd even noticed. It started to rain as we walked towards the parking lot, the water drizzling out of the sky in an unrelenting hail. Archie handed Edythe the presents he'd been dying to give me with a triumphant grin – he probably didn't trust my coordination – not that I could blame him. She made sure the wrapping wasn't wet before placing them on the dashboard of my truck. She walked round to the driver side, Archie had gone home to 'set-up' for the party. Somehow, I knew it would be more like a royal ball than a birthday party.

"You're really going to willingly drive my truck?" I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm, "I didn't think I'd ever see the day."

She smiled in response. "Well, someone's got to make sure you go to this party they're planning,"

"It is my birthday you know."

"Ah, but I thought we were pretending that it wasn't your birthday," she said with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah well, I want to drive. Unless you want to help me get out of Archie's 'celebration'?"

Edythe's smile was slightly apologetic as she walked round to the passenger door. "Not a chance; Archie would never forgive me."

Well so much for that plan.

I shook my head before ducking down into the driver's seat. "Seatbelts," I said sternly. She looked at me like I was mad, "Beau, if there was a crash I can assure you –" she started.

"Seatbelts," I repeated. She huffed, and rolled her eyes but strapped herself in.

Edythe fiddled with my radio again as I drove. "I don't think I've ever seen reception this bad," she mused. I wasn't in a particularly great mood: I had presents to open from Charlie when I got back and, I was annoyed about Archie's over-the-top plans.

"Well, if you wanted to listen to music, maybe you should have gone home with Archie,"

Edythe looked up at me and I could tell she was trying not to laugh.

It was still raining when we arrived in my drive. "Well, don't you want to take your present's inside and open them there?" Edythe prompted.

"Not really," I muttered eyeing the gifts from Archie on the dashboard.

"Beau," she sighed frustrated. "You should be in a good mood, this is supposed to be one of the best days of your life,"

"Not that you'd know, you haven't had a birthday since 1918." I retorted, not in the mood for another lecture. Edythe just ignored me, picking up the presents and put them on her lap.

"Stay still Beau," she said suddenly. I obliged as she slowly leaned in and – being careful not to hurt me – cupped my face in her marble hands and softly pressed her lips to mine. My surroundings disappeared as I melted into her, the kiss driving all thoughts from my head. "So, how about we go open some presents?" she murmured softly. I mumbled incoherently in response, not paying attention to what she was saying. I focused my efforts on deepening the kiss – pushing myself closer against her – inhaling deep lungfuls of her scent. Then it was over. Gently but firmly, Edythe began to pull away. Her eyes were wild and her jaw clenched with restraint – I couldn't tell if she was breathing. Then, unexpectedly, she laughed and reached to brush a stray lock of hair from my forehead, leaving behind a lingering icy mark.

Edythe opened the passenger door and picked the gifts up from off her lap. She was at the door and inside the house in a blur, despite the fact that she didn't even have a key. I didn't spend much time thinking about it: I'd got used to the impossible with Edythe long ago. I followed her into my kitchen where she sat. On the table, Edythe had set the presents from Archie alongside the ones Charlie had left out before he'd gone out to work in the morning. She sat back in her chair, looking at me expectantly. I sat down opposite her and grabbed the nearest present, tearing the wrapper off. It was a camera. I couldn't really complain – it wasn't a bad gift – at least it had an actual use. I pulled it up and quickly snapped a picture of Edythe before I lost my nerve. "See, you're enjoying yourself already, birthdays really aren't as bad as you make them out to be Beau," she said, her voice a mixture of amusement and frustration.

"Yeah, it's pretty cool I guess – at least it has an actual use."

Edythe looked perfect in the picture – too perfect; out of place in my average home, even now, I couldn't help but think she would disappear. Her radiant face beamed out of the screen, lightening the boring backdrop. She handed me the next present, a leather-bound photo book from my mom – obviously meant for putting my photos in.

By now I was impatient to start the film, Charlie would probably be back quite soon and I wanted some time alone with Edythe. She saw me looking towards the door of the sitting room and guessed what I wanted. Her mouth flickered into a smile, as she set my present's aside. "Come on then, let's go watch an overrated romance."

I tore the wrapping from the box and slotted the disk into the player where it whirred into life, the colours dancing across the screen of the TV. Edythe sat on the sofa, remote in hand. She turned, draping her legs across mine, I could feel the ice where her body touched mine – easily seeping through my thin trousers. I pressed play and tried to focus on the film as it began; we were studying Romeo and Juliet at school. I tried to line-up the events of the play in my head as Romeo appeared on-screen.

"I never did care for Romeo," said Edythe – interrupting my train of thought. "In fact, I always found him to be a rather pathetic individual,"

I glanced over at her, feeling my eyes narrow slightly. Romeo had never been my favourite character but as a guy, I felt like I had to defend him; wasn't he supposed to be the ultimate knight in shining armour, the one all the girls swooned over? "What's wrong with him?" I asked, curious despite myself.

"Well, first of all there's that other girl, Rosaline – surprisingly quick to change the identity of his true love, isn't he? And then there's his obvious lack of common sense: killing the cousin of his new wife – you would've thought he'd have seen the trouble that would cause. Not to mention that he was a cradle robber. Juliet was only thirteen."

By now things were starting to heat up, the Capulets and the Montagues were having some confrontations and I found myself getting annoyed at Edythe's constant criticism. "It's just a film, you're not meant to take it seriously you know." I glanced at Edythe out of the corner of my eye, her gaze was focussed entirely on me. "Aren't you even going to watch the movie?" I asked, exasperated. Edythe's eyes sparkled with mirth, amused at the obvious annoyance in my tone.

"No," she said, not embarrassed in the slightest, "I'm going to watch you."

I felt the familiar, embarrassing red splotches crawl up my neck and I turned back to the screen – unsure how to respond. A cool arm slid around my waist. Automatically, my arm wrapped around her slender shoulders. I wondered if Archie was right when he'd said none of the guys would watch the film. If so, I felt bad for them – it was a good date movie.

Edythe was silent from then on, and I found myself getting sucked back into the film. I got a little emotional when Romeo heard of his lover's death; entering the crypt where she lay with a vial of poison. "Romeo's idiocy on display once again," Edythe said; her voice managing to startle me out of my thoughts – even though I should probably have been used to it by now.

"He should have made absolutely certain she was dead first."

"Well, he did try," I pointed out, playing devil's advocate. "She was still, and not breathing, what was he meant to think?"

Edythe's arm was still wrapped around my waist, unnaturally still as she thought. She shifted to face me, her face suddenly serious. "Well, I don't know – I suppose his conclusion was reasonable." Her eyes darted quickly to the window, and then back to me. "I must admit though, I envy them a bit here."

I stared at her intense expression, confused. "Why, because they both died tragic deaths due to an entirely avoidable misunderstanding?" I joked, attempting to dispel the now dark mood. She laughed at that, the soft sound oddly like music.

"No, I mean how easily they could die when they chose to. All Romeo needed was a little vial of liquid, and Juliet, a small dagger."

I scrutinized her face, not really understanding what she meant. "Yeah, what of it?" I asked, trying to sound casual. Edythe was still smiling, but it looked forced – like her teeth were clamped together.

"I had to think about it once," she said softly. "Dying, or whatever it is vampires do, isn't so easy. You remember the extremities Carine went to when she tried to kill herself?"

I nodded mutely, the film forgotten. My brain felt numb as I struggled to consider her words. Slowly, I recovered: "Wait what do you mean, you had to think about it once?" I spoke slowly, my voice sounded to me as though it was underwater.

"Well," she said matter-of-factly "after you were captured by Joss -" she spat the name, "obviously we were all determined to save you but, in the back of my mind, I was preparing for the worst. If you died, I knew – for certain – that I'd follow." She broke off from her revelry then, glancing at me; gauging my reaction to her words.

I wasn't really paying much attention to what my face was doing though; my mind was in Phoenix. The ballet room where a sadistic vampire stood over me with crimson eyes, the gash of teeth in her mouth dripping with blood – my blood. She'd grinned as she snapped my leg and broken my ribs, and then – when I was already writhing in agony – she'd tried to turn me. I glanced down at the crescent-shaped scar at the tip of my finger, the only visible mark from that day, though it would be forever etched into my brain. Impossible to forget.

I blinked, returning my concentration to what Edythe was saying … "The only problem was, I wasn't really sure of how to do it - I knew none of my family would help me. I thought maybe I could go to the Volturi. Do something to provoke them."

"The Volturi," I echoed hoarsely, "who are they?"

"The Volturi are, an old powerful family, almost like vampiric royalty, I suppose. They make and enforce the laws that vampires live by, they ensure that Vampires remain undetected by humans. Anyone who breaks their laws is executed. Swiftly and decisively. Carine lived with them briefly in Italy in her early years, before she settled in America – you remember the story?" I nodded mutely.

I would never forget, the first time I'd visited the Cullens' house, a huge white mansion. Hidden in the woods, built next to a small stream – or the room where Carine kept a wall of paintings, illustrating her life. The most vivid painting of all, wildly colourful, depicted Carine's time in Italy. Four beautiful women on a balcony. Feature's chiselled out of marble, their alabaster skin refracting the sunlight. Though the painting was hundreds of years old, Carine remained unchanged. I vaguely remembered the other three figures, Sulpicia, Marcus (the man), Athenodora and Mele, the thief.

Maybe I should have found it cute, or romantic or something, but instead, I snapped.

"Look, this isn't some romance movie Edythe. You can't just go and kill yourself, think of how devastated Carine and Earnest would be."

She met my gaze steadily.

"I have carefully considered. Without you, the world would lose all meaning to me." She replied, her eyes burning with intensity, her face tortured. "You are the most important thing in my life. Ever. You can't imagine the pain I would feel if you ceased to exist." My anger abruptly vanished to be replaced with fear. Fear that someday – even after I was gone – Edythe might not exist. "Yeah, well what if something happened to you? Would you want me to go and pull a Romeo?"

Her expression became pained, "well, no." She admitted, "but you're wasting your time thinking about that because nothing will happen to you." Her face hardened. "I won't let it."

I didn't really know what to say to that, I was still trying to wrap my head around the convosation.

She grinned, showing her dimples. "Good news. Charlie's home, with pizza."

I snorted, "Ha, you don't even eat food."

She smiled primly. "Well, as it's your Birthday, I think I might make an exception,"

I arched my eyebrows in surprise: I'd only seen Edythe eat food once, when I'd first seen her, in the school cafeteria.

"Hey kids." Charlie bumbled in then, staggering through the door as he struggled to hold the pizza boxes and fit through the narrow hallway. Then Edythe was there, easily taking all three boxes and gliding into the kitchen. Charlie smiled at her appreciatively.

"Cheers Edythe, those boxes sure are awkward to carry."

She dimpled at him and I tried not to laugh as his went blank. He looked away from her – to me – and gestured to the pizza "I figured you could do with a break from cooking on your Birthday."

"Thanks dad. You really didn't have to you know."

Charlie looked embarrassed, "Of course I did, you're eighteen now," then he added, almost as an afterthought, "and this is your first birthday with me." He quickly rushed to change the subject. "Anyway, I got three boxes – Edythe, I know you don't normally eat with us but I wondered if you might today? It is Beau's birthday after all."

Edythe laughed, glancing at me. "Don't worry Charlie, we've already had this discussion. I will most definitely be eating tonight." Edythe fixed her gaze on me. "Beau will only be eighteen once."

Charlie smiled and reclined into his chair as we all ate. I watched Edythe eat; it was a rarity. She ate the whole pizza without comment.

"Do you mind if I snatch Beau for the evening?" Edythe asked once we were done eating. I felt a small spark of hope; perhaps Charlie saw birthdays as stay-at-home family affairs.

"Well, the Mariners are playing Sox tonight, so I won't really be much company."

My optimism disappeared, I tried to hide my disappointment.

"Anway," Charlie said. "If you guys are doing something fun take your camera. You know Renee, she'll be wanting your pictures quicker than you can take 'em." He reached down and tossed me the camera, a bad move to try with me. It flew towards me and bounced off my arm, heading for the floor where it would break into a thousand pieces. Luckily, Edythe quickly reached down and grabbed it before it hit the linoleum.

"Nice save," Charlie nodded appreciatively, "say hi to Archie for me will you."

"Sure," I replied. Charlie loved Archie, after my accident last spring Archie had been really supportive – stepping in to help with all the tasks Charlie couldn't do, like helping me shower.

"The game starts in a minute I better get moving. So you kids have fun tonight, go wild – I don't care – it's a special occasion." He stood up and walked into the living room. Edythe gave me a triumphant smile and pulled me down the hall towards the door.

Edythe let me drive to her house, offering no comments about my speed. "So, where're the complaints?" I asked.

She smiled in response. "Well, I appreciate that you're not moaning about Archie's plans, so I thought I'd return the favour. But, on the subject of cars." She suddenly became more animated. "You know what'd suit you, Beau? A nice little Audi Coupe, very quiet, lots of power …"

"My truck is perfectly fine," I interrupted.

"Ha, this old thing barely does fifty," she said smiling teasingly. Her face became serious, "can you do me a favour?"

I was immediately guarded, "What?"

"Well, the last real birthday any of us celebrated was Eleanor's in 1935, so if you could just pretend to enjoy it – let Archie and the others have their fun." She paused. "I'll make sure they don't go overboard."

When she put it like that, coupled with her scorching gaze, as usual – I couldn't deny her.

"I guess," I allowed. "But … "

She smiled brilliantly at me, her teeth flashing like pearls and I had to look away to stop myself driving off the road. " … In return –" I paused for a second well, it's not really a favour, more a clarification."

She focused on me, curious. "Go on,"

It came out in an angry rush. "You'd better not have spent any money on my Birthday present, or I'll take it back," I warned.

She laughed, "I'd say that's more of a threat than a clarification." She paused to catch her breath "But don't worry, I haven't spent a dime," she promised sincerely.

I blinked in surprise. "Oh right. I wasn't expecting that, " I admitted.

"I should probably clarify: when I say all of them, I mean all of them."

I frowned, "But I thought Royal and Eleanor were on holiday?"

She sighed, "well they were but Eleanor really wanted to be here, even Royal couldn't persuade her."

I shuddered slightly at the thought of Royal; if it was up to me he definitely wouldn't be invited to my birthday. But then again, if it was up to me, we wouldn't be celebrating my birthday. Royal was, well, Royal: built like a football star, thickly muscled with perfect hair. He was a thousand times more attractive than I would ever be. And, for some reason, unknown to me, he absolutely loathed me. Edythe seemed to pick up on my anxiety, her cold arm wound its way around my hip reassuringly. "Don't worry," she murmured "he'll be on his best behaviour."

"And if he's not?" I whispered – I couldn't help myself.

She grinned, "you don't need to worry, he won't try anything with me around, I don't fight fair, remember?" Her tone lightened, "If I were you I'd be more worried about Archie,"

I found the turning easily for once, it was illuminated by a bright neon glow which I presumed, originated from the house. Dread coiled in my stomach, I hoped Archie hadn't gone too wild. Of course, he had. Huge spotlights had been attached to the front of the house, beaming down on my truck, lanterns and lights hung off the house, a happy glow emanated from all windows, burning out into the night. A black and red carpet had been laid out, leading up to the porch of the house. It reminded me of those carpets you see the President walk down on TV. I parked the truck and sighed audibly. "Please, kill me now."

Edythe looked amused "Beau, do try to cheer up, this is supposed to be a celebration you know." Her expression became a little more sympathetic "Admittedly, I didn't expect them to go quite as far as this but, you know Archie."

"Sure," I muttered, "easy for you to say, you don't have an obstinate party thrown in your honour."

She reached across and pressed her ear to my heart, inhaling deeply, then her hands gently cupped my face and her lips locked against mine. Then she tore away from me, blurring back into her seat, a contented smile on her face. "Come on Beau," she coaxed, opening the door. "Nothing will happen, no-one, neither Royal or Jessamine, will attack you on your birthday: Archie would kill them just for ruining his plans." I nodded dazedly, my mind still spinning from her kiss. I stepped out of the truck and Edythe slowly lead me up the stairs. I darted ahead, trying to open the door for her, but – of course – she got there first. The Cullen's stood in the hall, just inside the door, waiting for me.

I jumped back in surprise, right into Edythe. "Happy Birthday, Beau!" they chorused and my neck felt hot, the red splotches betraying my nerves. The living room had been overhauled, gone was the piano – and in its place stood a large mahogany table, and placed upon it, a beautifully styled, almost ornate, chocolate cake. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, projecting light around the room. Scented candles were fixed to the walls – permeating the room with a fresh, nice-smelling odour.

It was even worse than I'd thought it would be.

Edythe sensed my reaction, squeezing my hand encouragingly. Her parents stood closest to the entrance, Earnest and Carine, as impossibly youthful as ever. To my surprise, Carine slowly approached, and carefully hugged me, mindful not to crush me with her enhanced strength. When she'd released me, Earnest came over and shook my hand, his face slightly embarrassed, "Sorry Beau," Earnest said, "Archie just wouldn't stop."

Eleanor and Royal stood slightly behind them, Eleanor cracked a big grin when I looked at her.

"Hey kid," she exclaimed, slapping me a little too hard on the back, I wheezed. "I don't know what I was expecting now you're eighteen an' all but don't worry, you're just the same as ever."

"Gee, thanks. I guess," I grumbled. But honestly, I was happy to see her – Eleanor was like an older sister to me, obnoxious and annoying at times, but we got on. Royal stood next to her and although he didn't look pleased to see me, at least he wasn't glaring. He nodded to me in respect, "Happy Birthday kid," he said, his rich, deep voice easily carrying to my ears.

"Err, thanks," I stuttered awkwardly. The room was filled with a brief, almost stunned silence before Eleanor exchanged a glance with Archie and winked.

"I'll be back in a minute, I've just got something to take care of … " With that, she walked down past me towards my truck.

Archie darted forward then, his eyes sparkling with excitement, teeth glinting in the low light. "Hey, I think it's time for presents man," he said, a little forcefully – as if worried I'd object – not that I could of course. Without waiting for a response, he shoved a stack of presents into my arms. I set them down carefully and picked up the first one. I was surprised. It was so light, it actually felt empty. There was a small silver bow tied to the top. The name tag said it was a joint present, from Eleanor, Jessamine and Royal. Finding my self inexplicably nervous for some reason, I hesitantly tore off the paper and opened the white box … to find nothing, thin air. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, maybe this was Royal's idea of a joke …

"It's a stereo for your truck," Jessamine supplied helpfully on seeing my confused face.

Royal offered me a small smile and I heard a loud laugh, that sounded suspiciously like Eleanor's, ring out from somewhere behind me "Eleanor's installing it for you now."

"Thanks guys," I said, "that's great," and I was surprised to find myself being genuine; my truck's radio wasn't amazing.

Archie was grinning like a madman now, barely able to control himself. "The next one's from Edy and me," he said the words coming in a rush, "you'd better like it," he warned. "Edythe forced me to listen to your stupid rule." He sniffed and I looked at Edythe for confirmation – she nodded encouragingly.

"We didn't spend a dime," she said, her expression oddly tender. Then, I was unexpectedly filled with nervous anticipation, I didn't quite know why – I was only opening a present. Then again, Archie would kill me if I didn't like it.

At that moment Eleanor returned, moving from my truck to stand next to Royal in a movement so quick it didn't exist. "Just finished," she said by way of explanation, "No way was I gonna miss this."

I carefully peeled the wrapping off the present, feeling a little uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny, it was small in size, and very thin. I wondered briefly how it was possible that they hadn't spent any money. I slipped my finger beneath a slit in the paper and pulled back, my hand slipped slightly and the tip of my finger caught the edge, cutting the skin.

"Oops," I mumbled, eyeing the finger warily as blood beaded out of the small gap. I really was an idiot.

It happened so fast I missed it. I stood still; examining my hand, dimly aware that I was still holding the present limply in one hand. Then Edythe shouted, "No!" the sound jerked me out of my daze, my mind felt like it had been electrocuted. My head snapped up and I saw a pale blur slam into my chest, a millisecond later I felt the impact. The air was driven from my lungs and I was hurled back into the table, crushing the cake and sending the elaborate glasses and fancy plates hurling onto the floor.

Stunned, I lay spread-eagled on the table amidst the remnants of the cake and amongst the shattered crockery. My vision took a second to focus, Jessamine – quiet, careful, afraid-of-hurting-me – Jessamine, crouched above me, her face contorted into an animal snarl of primitive hunger, her eyes wide with hunger. A set of small arms were wrapped around her waist, Edythe's arms, corded with muscle, straining as they struggled in vain to hold Jessamine in place.

She broke free.

Lunging forward with an outstretched hand, her nails raked across my chest, tearing through my thin shirt and lightly digging into my skin before she was suddenly jerked back by Eleanor, like a dog on a leash, and pulled from the room. Even so, I could still feel those ravenous, demonic eyes locked on me.

I stared ahead dumbly in shock, not really knowing what else to do. Then the pain hit me and I looked down at the mix of cake, chocolate and glass sharps that I'd landed in, and saw countless little cuts oozing blood. A ragged gash had been torn in my shirt and there were three distinct scratch marks on the skin of my chest where Jessamine had clawed me.

So it was, lying in a pool of cake and blood, that I raised my eyes dimly to find them peering at the beautiful, surreal faces of six starved vampires …

Author's Note: Let me know what you thought of the chapter, if you have any criticism, especially about the characters not being in-character, please let me know in a review or PM (I'll be much more likely to reply to a PM) – I think it's important that I nail the feel of the main characters. I can't guarantee that I'll always reply, but I'll try.

I cut out all the "introductory repeats" – the term I give to old pieces of information in a novel (or series) that are re-told to the reader. Usually, this is done so that new readers of the series, who did not read the books chronologically, can understand what is going on. I think that Introductory repeats are clunky and weigh the writing down so I skipped them. Besides if you're reading Fanfiction I don't think it's unreasonable for me to expect you to know most of the information anyway.

Feel free to use this website: Ficsave to download my (and anyone else's) fan fiction, it will be downloaded in the specified format for your e-reader. Please don't ask me for help in using it, as I don't really know myself.

-Thanks

-Have a Nice Day

-V

-Posted 14/09/17

-Updated 17/09/17

I changed a few errors that were (rightly) pointed out to me by a guest reviewer:

- Archie has a bald head

- You can't drink in America until you're 21 (duh, dunno how I missed that)

- Some terminology I thought was American was actually British. E.g: Lounge, canteen.

-Updated 31/10/17

I have updated the chapter (again), after more valid feedback, from another reviewer.

- Removed Archie changing his plans due to the rain, as a reviewer pointed out, he could predict the rain so he wouldn't be annoyed with it.

- Changed all cases of 'mum' to 'mom' (don't know how I missed that :\).

- Tweaked the text grammatically her and there, adding and changing a few words and punctuation – nothing serious.