Chapter 4 – Club Night

Later, when I'd rested a while and was feeling a lot better I decided to go for a swim outside. At home Sam wasn't following me around like at school. I had put on a bikini my mom had bought me. It was black with bright orange trimmings. It showed off my belly ring nicely. Just a shame it was dark, and no guys around. This sucks… at least it was warm outside. I jumped in and swam several laps before plunging down on my towel, spread out on the grass nearby. I stretched myself out on my stomach, listening to the wind blow through the trees, the crickets and other night sounds. Millions of stars twinkled above me. I wondered what my mom was doing right now. Well, duh…she'd be sleeping, it's only 1 am in the morning after all… I wanted to talk to someone, anyone. I grabbed my cell phone and started typing a message to Jess, but then cancelled the message. She'd be sleeping now too so I wouldn't get a reply from her right now…

"I'm scared…," I typed into the message box and looked at it for a while. So much had happened and things were so uncertain now. I didn't know what to expect from the future. Tears welled up in my eyes. The cell phone accidently slipped from my hand and fell onto the towel, but I decided not to pick it up. There was no-one I could send that message to anyway without making them worried and mothering me. I didn't want that. I sighed and laid my head down on the towel and eventually slumbered in.

I dreamt of Jayden. He was smiling gently at me, but there was something different about it…something very dark and sinister. "Jayden," I had whispered. He reached his hand to my cheek…

It was already five hours later when I finally woke. I was covered in something soft and warm…I opened my eyes and realized I was lying in my bed. I sat up quickly. How did I get here? Last I remembered I was lying on a towel outside by the swimming pool in the middle of the night like some weirdo. My cheek was feeling warm. Was it from the dream? Goodness! Somehow I felt uneasy. I noticed that my window was slightly open; the wind was blowing the curtain. As expected there was no-one outside. Who carried me here and why didn't I wake up?

To my surprise my dad sat with me while I ate that morning. He was very interested in what had happened the previous night. I told him about Bio and the blood. He confirmed my suspicion that my heritage were already starting to show and that I didn't have to be too concerned about the 'side effects' of crossing over. My dad didn't say anything about my falling asleep next to the pool and I was too embarrassed to ask. Whoever carried me to my room saw me in a bikini. Could it have been Sam? Eww… I didn't want to think about it and forced the thoughts out of my head.

I couldn't fall asleep again after breakfast, so I ended up taking a walk in the gardens and later reading some magazines on the verandah. I was happy to find that I could still go out in the daylight, although it had been overcast. Vampires can't expose themselves to daylight, it would instantly kill them. Some half-bloods could tolerate the sun for a bit while others not. It was different for each individual. I felt sad thinking that perhaps soon I'd never be able to look at the sun again. Oddly I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I was being watched.

That night I had to endure a lot of ridicule at school because of my spectacular run to the toilets. Many made getting sick noises or held their hands in front of their mouths for me to see. I wasn't very impressed when I found a bag hung on my locker saying 'puke-bag' on it. I tried ignoring everyone and Lily seemed oblivious to my torments. She chatted cheerfully about the upcoming summer dance. It was still two months away. I couldn't imagine a dance consisting out of werewolves and vampires…it just seemed so odd… There seemed to be a summer and winter dance every year. While this was most likely in the spirit of encouraging peaceful relations between the species, I for one didn't look forward to it. I couldn't dance to save my life.

Lili was sure that John would ask her to the dance. She had been making eyes at him for weeks. They then started writing each other 'secret' notes, leaving it in each other's lockers. It had been going on for three months before they got to the first kiss stage, she one time told me.

"When are you going to let him know?" she suddenly asked.

"What are you talking about?"

"Jayden. It's obvious that you like him…"

Gosh, is it that obvious?

"How I feel is unimportant. Besides, he's way above my league."

She rolled her eyes at me.

"Nonsense. You two are perfect for each other."

"Lily, I know you mean well, but I'm not ready to get hurt…again."

I should have left the last part out. Too late now…

"Again? Who was this guy? A human? Of course it wouldn't last."

"I am part human, you know."

"No offense meant. What happened?"

"It was my last year in middle school. His friends dared him to date me and then ditch me a day before exams."

"That's cruel!" she said furiously, her eyes darkening.

"Anyway. That has taught me to be careful. I do like Jayden, but I won't rush into things, okay?"

"Okay, but I still think you two are meant for each other…"

Jayden and I had become good lab partners and worked together well. Luna still glared at me every day, but I've learnt to live with it in a way. Sam wasn't so much on my case anymore. He would from time to time disappear somewhere. Perhaps it was to test me?

"What are you doing after school?" Lily asked as we were packing up.

"Go home, find my dad is still at some meeting or another, do my homework, then sit and bore myself to death, if I'm not writing to Jessica."

She laughed at me. "Well, do you want to perhaps do something?"

"Like what?" I asked. I don't know what a vamp liked to do with their spare time.

"We can go to Club Night."

"A club….I don't think that's a good idea."

"Come on! Club Night is where everybody hang out. Tomorrow's Saturday so no need to worry about school."

"What about John?"

"He can't hang with us. He has something going on with the boys."

"I'll have to get permission from my dad."

"He'll probably not be there anyway, and besides, you have a bodyguard."

I sighed.

"Week-ends are his off-time. Besides, I don't want someone following me around 24-7."

"Then sneak out."

"What?"

"Sneak out. What's the worst that can happen?"

"My dad can send me to live in Siberia."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Everyone knows of Club Night. It's a very respected place by our kind. You can really just chill and be yourself."

It sounded like fun. She gave me the puppy-eye look. How could I resist?

"Okay."

"Great! I'll pick you up at three. I'll park around the corner so Sam won't get suspicious."

The club would be difficult to find. It wasn't exactly on the main road. Outside it didn't look like there was much going on. If it wasn't for people heading there and loud music flowing out the door every time it opened it would have looked just like an abandoned ally. A creepy looking bouncer looked us up and down at the door.

"Hi, Hugo!"

Lily greeted him with a peck on the cheek and a hug.

"Oh, it's you. I was just wondering who this newcomer is."

"My friend, Holly. She's new around here. I'm going to show her the real life," she said winking.

Hugo grinned and opened the door for us.

"Enjoy yourselves."

"Why was he looking at me like that?"

"He probably feared you're human. You still have their smell. Sometimes silly human girls come here in the hope of hooking up with a vamp, perhaps get a free bite. He has to keep those out. Humans can go to the other side of the club. There's what we call a blood bank. Those who want to, can get bitten at a price."

"Bitten?! You mean they actually pay to have a vampire chew on their neck?!"

Lily laughed at me. "It's actually not as bad as it sounds. The vamp gets their ratio of blood and the humans enjoy the bite."

"Enjoy it, seriously?" I asked with disgust. What can be so nice about having fangs in your throat?

"You've obviously never been bitten before…"Lily said with a dreamy look,"it's something out of this world…"

"Didn't the police ever try to shut this place down?" I asked.

Surely rumors would have spread of a vampire and werewolf club? Sucking on peoples necks, I added in my mind. I had almost shouted my last comment and some people nearby were looking at me funnily.

"Yeah, well they tend to turn their ears and eyes away. The owner of the club pays them well. Besides, most humans think it's way too cool."

I was surprised that Lily brought me here and that she seemed so relaxed. I doubted that her mom knew anything about his…she'd get grounded for a year.

It was a busy night at the club. It took a while for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Lights flickered and some band I didn't know almost rocked the ceiling off. Many were dancing, others sat at tables, drinking. The smell…I breathed through my mouth.

Lily led me to an empty table in one corner, then left to get us something to drink. I was very self-conscious. No one stared at me, but I could sense that they were aware that I'm a newcomer. I tried not to look anyone in the eyes.

After a long while Lily still hadn't come back and I wondered where she was. A very scary looking dude was eyeing me, as if he wanted to come over and talk. I got up quickly, and went in search of Lily. I made my way through the dancing crowd, the only way to get to the bar and avoid the scary dude. He had pink and blue spiky hair and his left ear was pierced with several rings. I wasn't sure if he was vamp or wolf. At the bar I asked about Lily. The barman said she went to the 'rooms'.

"What rooms?" I asked. He pointed me at a door, then shooed me away. I knocked and went in. Was this the restroom? I found myself in some kind of corridor. What on earth would she do here? She didn't go to the…bloodbank, did she? I was about to head back when I got pushed into one of the rooms with such force that I ran into the wall, bumping my head.

"Ouch, what the hell do you think…!" I yelled, but then saw it was the scary dude and the rest of the sentence died off.

He had followed me! My heart rate picked up significantly.

"I'm not here to be bitten. I'm looking for my friend, Lily," I said in what I hoped was a calm voice, trying to disguise the fact that I recognized him from the club. Maybe he works for the blood bank or something?

"Why would you want Lily when you can have me?" he asked in a low voice and narrowed eyes. I didn't like him at all. He smiled, revealing his fangs. Vampire. At least now I know...

"Sorry, but as much as I would like to stay and chat, I have to find my friend," I said as nonchalantly as possible, trying to push past him. He grabbed my wrist.

"Not so fast," he grinned, "I first want a sip, then you can go."

"Forget it, freak!" I yelled, yanking my arm, but he held on like an iron chain.

"Let go!" I yelled and then bit his arm. He cursed and let go of my wrist. I ran for the door, but he had me by my hair before I could get out. I screamed. I didn't think it would help much though, with the loud music booming through the whole building.

He threw me back against the wall. My head was spinning. I think he actually pulled some of my hair out! Before I could clear my head he jumped at me. I instinctively blocked with my arm. His eyes were frantic, animal-like. His fangs were all bared and ready to get me. There was no way he was wanting 'just a sip'.

"Get off me!" I yelled and tried to kick him. He was too heavy for me.

"Help!" I yelled, hoping someone would hear me by some miracle. My arm was starting to give in.

Then suddenly something crashed into him, flinging him off me. I sat up, out of breath from the struggle. The scary dude got up quickly to face the newcomer. I couldn't make him out in the dim light. When he spoke I recognized his voice.

"Jayden!"

I felt relieved and confused at the same time. What was he doing here?

Scary guy tried to scare Jayden with threats. Then they ran into each other, hissing and biting. I was so worried about Jayden, that I didn't even think of getting out of here. The fighting suddenly stopped.

"Okay, okay, you win. Take her, she didn't look like she was going to be much fun, anyway," he said and left the room. He was bleeding quite badly. I just stared at the door, then at Jayden as he came to me, wiping his mouth.

"Are you all right?" he asked. I couldn't talk, so I just nodded. He helped me up, but I couldn't stand. My hip was hurting terribly. I groaned. He let me down on the bed.

"My hip, I think it is cracked or something."

He knelt and felt my side. I instantly felt a blush spread on my face.

"No, not broken, just dislocated. I'll push it back. Hold on to me."

I did as he asked. My hip 'clicked' back as he janked it. I couldn't stifle another cry.

"Sorry," he said, taking my hands in his.

"It's not your fault..." I started off angrily but then in a calmer tone,"…you saved my life. Thank you."

"What were you doing here?" he asked sounding a bit irritated.

"I came with Lily. The barman said she was here. I didn't realize that creep was going to try to get hold of my throat." We heard some commotion in the corridor. Jayden's hearing was better than mine. He looked worried. He suddenly got onto the bed next to me, wrapping me in his arms.

"Follow my example!" he hissed in my ear, then started kissing me. I was so surprised that I froze. Someone opened the door and peaked in. I caught a glimpse of two vampires dressed in long black cloaks. They looked quite scary… Jayden was kissing me like mad, as if the world was going to end. His back was turned to the door.

He nudged me in the side. Oh, we're supposed to pretend… I got out of my stupor and kissed him back on his cheek. I heard the vampires mumbled something and the door closed again. He let go of me.

"That was close…", then he glared at me.

"You know you could have at least tried to look more convincing, you are a terrible kisser!"

I felt insulted.

"Of course I would suck as a kisser, I've never kissed anyone before!" I defended myself, then regretted for letting the cat out of the bag. Yes, I never kissed the guy I dated in my old school – I'm such a loser… I turned beetroot red and stared at my feet. Jayden was struck speechless.

"Let's just get out of here," I said quickly and got up. He followed me as we made our way back to the club. We found Lily on the dance floor. She didn't even look too worried.

"Oh, there you are! I thought you would go and do some exploring! And Jayden! Good to see you!"

Jayden left soon after. I was still lightheaded. My cheeks and neck were still burning where he had showered me with kisses. He didn't kiss my mouth, though. I wish he had…The memory of his arms around me… I sat down and drunk my fruit juice as Lily cut it out on the dance floor. It was dawn when we finally went home.

"Did you enjoy it at Club Night?" My dad asked when I walked into the living room.

I knew there was no way around it and let my head hang in shame.

"Er….yes…I'm sorry, I would have asked, but you were out," I tried to lamely excuse myself.

To my surprise he didn't look angry.

"You were with Lily, were you not?"

"Yes."

"Then it's fine. As long as you're not alone."

He put the paper down that he was reading and got up.

"I'm off to bed, now. It was a long night. I suggest you do the same if you don't want to embarrass yourself at school."

"Are you not going to ground me or something for sneaking out?" I asked, stuck dumb by my dad's behavior.

"The only way you will learn to be responsible is for you to make your own choices and bear whatever the consequences are. I will advice that you just leave a note or something in future, just so that I have an idea where to find you if need be."

"Okay."

My hip was still stiff when I went to school. I felt confused. Why had Jayden pretended to be a biter? Why was he there in the first place? Was it a regular hang-out of his? Did he enjoy biting human girls? What would have happened if we were caught? I still blushed whenever I thought of his kisses.

O gosh, I think I'm in love.