~Chapter two and a half~

~Canine~

Darrenin opens the back door for me, like the gentlemen he is. Out of all of Dex's progeny, he's my favorite. Mostly cause he's the nicest, and doesn't harass me in any way. I Look in the car and see a boy I've never seen before and Samson. He nods to me as I climb in, then notices that I'm staring at the human. I release the breath I hadn't realized I was holding when his chest moves up and down as he breathes.

"He's a donor. Can't let him see the kids who go here." Dex tells me from the front seat. I nod then frown.

"Don't you have like, a blood bank in your fridge?" I ask, gently touching the human boy's arm to make sure he is sleeping deeply before lifting it to put my seat belt in it's buckle.

"We have a lot of blood in storage yeah. But you should know, my dear Canine. Fresh is better." My friend leans over to smile at me. The she hits a button and turns on the radio.

"I wanna be yours forever-" Justin Biter croons from the speakers before Dex practically slams him off.

"Gah, my ears started bleeding! Darrenin, put something in?" She says, rubbing her head for effect. Obediently he slips a CD in the slot and presses play. A band I've never heard starts singing, and for seemingly no reason, Dex slaps his shoulder.

"Nice choice." She teases, and I can almost feel Samson's body stiffening beside me. I turn to ask him what's wrong but a sudden blast of incredibly loud music(coming from someone with very good hearing) cuts me off. Dex starts dancing in her seat to the song while I cover my ears.

"Make his fight on the hill in the early day.

Constant chill deep inside!"The song roars as she plays an invisible guitar and Darrenin actually taps his hands on the steering wheel to the beat.

"For whom the bell tolls! Time marches on!" My friend bellows, after turning the music down to a more manageable volume.

"Wow...Why did you turn it up so loud? Do you want him to wake up?" I frown, rubbing my throbbing ears.

"He won't wake up. Not til we get 'ome." Sam assures me. I sigh then change the topic.

"So, what was with you in Gym today? One woulda thought that ball was a stake..." I become interested in my wrestling hands while I ask. For a few minutes, the car is quiet, even with the music.

"Miss is very protective of those close to her." Darrenin explains, looking at me via the rear-view mirrors. I mean, I think he was looking at me, I just saw the sunglasses he's wearing.

"I woulda done the same for you." She says, her voice soft. I don't respond, preferring the silence to hearing her speak so sadly.

Not soon enough, we arrive at the house. I climb out and am surprised to see it isn't any thing like the large castle home of Dex's uncle. Instead we've arrived at a quaint house...in the middle of nowhere.

"Is this where you guys live?" I blurt, feeling stupid as the words leave my lips.

"Yehup! Home sweet home!" Mikael grins at me in that intimidating way. I shrink back, then run to catch up to Dexter who's already halfway though the door.

"And if anything grows-hehe-While you pose, I'll oil you up and rub you down..." A female and male voice sing. Some random movie is playing on the semi-large tv in front of the couch, where I notice Johnathan lounging. I lean towards the TV to get a better look.

"What the hell..." I begin when it dawns on me just as a hand is slapped over my eyes. I repress a squeal of surprise as Dex berates Johnathan.

"Turn that off, will ya? That's not something a virgin should see." She snarls, dragging me out of the living room where the song continues. She allows me to see just as we get to the stairs. "Ok. sorry to abandon you,but i'm gonna go eat, kay? Darrenin'll keep you company, alright?" She looks at me like she's my mom leaving me at kindergarten. I smile uncomfortably and nod. Then the human from the car walks past me, not even looking my way. He only sees Dex, I guess. She leads him away as I get tugged toward a large room.

"This is like a second living room. For all of us." The vampire beside me explains, before stalking over to a large stereo and hitting play. The song that bursts forth is easily recognizable.

"Hey, I know this song! I showed it to Dexter. She thought it was stupid, and that it was sung by a robot." I grin, dancing in place to the catchy lyrics.

"It isn't? Are you sure?" Brandon's voice comes from behind me, nearly sending me through the roof. Not simply because he appeared out of nowhere, but because he loves to flirt with me even though I'm told he isn't serious.

"Y-yeah...It's some human. The robot effect was added afterwards. I saw the video on YouTube." I explain, inching away from the grinning guy. I fall on the plush sofa just as a different song comes on. I smile to myself and dance in my seat.

"Awww, don't do that to us. c'mon, get up and dance." A voice coos in my ear. I look at Radcliffe for help and he shrugs.

"I-uh-I should rest and save it for practice. Mrs. Widow would be so pissed if I take a break, not to mention my parents will be mad too..." I mutter, looking at my feet. I would need to get ready before I leave, and though it should be the opposite, I always have the urge to relax my feet before any extended bout of ballet dancing.

"d'awww...You're no fun, Canine." Brandon whines, getting up.

"You're not allowed to call me that." I growl before I can realize it. He stares at me for a second or two then shakes his head.

"Right. Forgot. Don't tell on me to mummy, kay?" He mutters beore walking out of the room. I don't watch him go, only rub my hand over my mouth, frowning. Did-did I really just say that? No...Did I really just growl at him?

"Dah yah wannah wach teevee, 'rissah?" Darrenin asks, making me confused for a minute. Then I nod, going to turn off the stereo just as a song starts. I pause, listening to it with a stupid grin on my face.

"What song is this? I so want it!" I turn to him, catching too late his frown.

"Laundry day, see you there. Underthings, tumbling...

Wanna say love your ha-" The singer is abruptly cut off by Dex, who's expression is unreadable but a little scary.

"You wanna see my room, Cane?" She asks, struggling to smile. I nod, staring at the smashed in stop button. I want to ask what is upsetting her, but find myself unable to as she yanks me by the arm behind her.

"Ow. Can you let go of my arm?" I whimper, trying to wrench it from her grip. She releases it, frowning deeply.

"Sorry...Didn't mean too I swear." She mutters, pushing open the door, transporting us from a large house to an ancient castle. Well, if the walls weren't obviously not stone at least. She sits on the queen-sized bed, as I take stock of every thing that is red. Is so blood won't be shown. I shiver at this thought, but only a little. My dad used to be the kind to rip people to shreds, even though he wasn't in his right mind. Who am I to look down on my vampire friend when I myself like raw cow meat? "I hate this room...It makes me so...thristy..." She whispers, my ears barely able to capture the faint sound. I shiver again, But can not understand why.

"It's c-cold in here." I remark, hugging myself.

"Must be for you to notice. I'll be right back." She says urgently, standing up so quick, my eyes don't catch it. I don't bother protesting, she's out the door by the time my mouth opens. I notice the room's warmth when she comes back in, and grin appreciatively.

"Y'know..." I admit, "'laura actually woke up pretty quick. I think she faked...But when you were gone and Lukas had left to get stuff to clean up, she yanked me close and told me she thinks you have a crush on him. Lukas I mean." My friend stays standing then paces as I talk. For a few minutes she doesn't respond then smiles at me.

"Good to know she isn't slow." She laughs and I nod.

"I know. It was rather obvious, the way you kept trying to hint at it." I say, plopping down on the surprisingly cushy bed, "Course she also thought you like Deuce." This cause another minute of silence. She stares at me for a few more seconds then bursts out laughing.

"She has lost her mind!" She giggles, holding her mid-section. I can't help but join her, and feel glad that she's no longer upset. "I only asked about him for you!"

"I...Y-you didn't have to that." I can feel myself blush. Her smile fades a touch.

"Still..." She says, ruffling her hair, "I'd feel bad if you started dating him and he was a jerk..."

"I don't think I'll be dating him any time soon, but thanks anyway." I smile sheepishly.

"Je t'en prie. It's nothing," She hugs me to her chest, making me smell the remnants of the human along with her own scent. "I always look out for mes amis...Hey, wanna hear a song I think you can dance too?"

When I arrive at dance class, most of the other ballerinas are already there, practicing their separate solo dances. I frown and bite my lip. I only practiced my routine once, at the coven's house earlier. If I don't impress Mrs. Widow, she'll either make me do a pre-made routine or not let me dance at all. The latter could make my parents take me out of the class permanently, so I need to do my best. I set down my bag with the others and take out my favorite slippers. I do the ribbons that go up past my knees. Dad would freak if her new I was using my best flats for practice, but I try not to think about that. What he doesn't know won't hurt him...right?

"Ah, Clawrissa. Good of you to join us," My instructor teases, her eight eyes fixed on me, her face half-serious, "Why don't you show us your routine for the recital first? Since you appear to have places to be." I nod, secretly cursing her for punishing my lateness. After all,there are other girls who make a habit of being late, but have not arrived yet. Why do I get punished for them?

"As you wish, Mrs. Widow." I say, getting up and placing a CD that Dex had made me in the boom-box we practice by. I press play then move to the center of the room. A blank track plays nothing as everyone turns to give me their attention, but I don't see them. In my mind I am on a stage, dancing for an empty stadium. When the music starts, I begin to dance, spinning at points where the bass goes fast, sweeping slightly gracefully through my little space when it goes slow. At the end, I do as was recommended and crumple to the floor like a broken toy. Everyone claps, even Mrs. Widow.

"Wonderful, Miss Wolf. I will have to work with you and some parts, but it is perfect," She smiles at me awkwardly, her mouth not made for it. "At least it will be. Allow me to say though, it would look best as a duet. Would you be okay with me pairing one of the male students with you?" My eyes grow until they practically pop out.

"I'm s-sorry, what did you say?" I stumble to say, but she's already turned to the few boys in our class.

"Anyone want to volunteer?" She asks them, and I can hear the evil smile in her voice. "No!" I want to shout. "Don't make me dance with one of them! I can't! I just, I can't!" Even if I had said them aloud, they would have fallen o dear ears. I have never danced a duet, and of course, professionally, Mrs. Widow has to make me. Regardless, I feel my pulse quicken as she chooses one of the cutest to dance with me, and only manage to squeak "no..." before fainting.

I don't want to speak in the car when Clawd and Clawdeen pick me up, but of course my sister won't leave me alone.

"Are you okay, lil sis? Oh, I hope you are! Mom and Dad are so worried! They wanted to come get you but me and Clawd insisted! Are you okay, Clawrissa? Please say something." She spouts, making me think of Draculaura. Which leads me to the message I was supposed to deliver.

"Draculaura wanted me to tell you you have to be at lunch with her tomorrow. Says it's mega important." I say, thankful for the subject change.

"Oh? Well, alright thanks...Can you please tell me what happened? I'm worried too." She says, frown not budging at all.

"I'm fine, okay? just tired. Everything's fine..." I say loudly and with enough force that it convinces her. As we drive home, I think of a good story so Dad won't "attack" my creature and get me kicked out of the class.