Companions of the Night(c) Vivian Vande Velde


Chapter Eight: Complications


The pricking of the cold became uncomfortable and Kerry stirred in her bed as she tightened her bed covers around her. Her eyes fluttered open from her disturbed sleep and saw Michel.

"Go back to sleep," he whispered. Kerry was suddenly so aware of the dark, panic setting it. She could barely make out Michel's face and that scared her. At least with light she could still get a sense of what he was thinking. In the dark…well, in the dark she was completely cut off from any sense of communication.

"What is it?" She asked, wanting to get out of bed. He hushed her and gripped her tighter. There was a tightening on her chest and her heart slowed. The feeling of heaviness returned and she tried to fight it. "What's happening?" Kerry asked, her speech slowed.

Michel caressed her face and cradled her neck gently, "I'm so very sorry Kerry." He said in a quiet voice. Kerry realized he was crying, what's wrong Michel? She thought, wanting to touch him. But it was too late, his lips touched her neck and she already knew that it was the end.

Fight it! She screamed internally. Deeper and deeper she felt into a state of nothingness. Kerry felt him bite into her, her life force—as Michel had put it—draining from her.

Stop it. Her breathe was shallow.

There was a moment of entwined moments. Let go Kerry. Michel pushed, taking more of her than she knew he had to.

Let go. Firmer this time as he took the very last of her existence.

Kerry felt a smile creep on her face, this isn't so bad.


Kerry woke up to broad daylight, cold sweat beading her forehead. Sighing in relief at the realization it was all a dream. But it didn't stop her from touching her neck, feeling to see if there were any marks.

It was—she decided—frightening, as well as a good reminder. It was dangerous to feel anything more. She had to remember him as he was in Regina's house, and in the swamp. Eventually he'll find her useless, but she would know too much already.

Eventually he'd have to get rid of you too. Kerry told herself firmly. Then a horrible thought presented itself, kill him before he kills you.

And yet…?

And yet she knew she wouldn't be able to when it came to it.

It was already ten when she decided to climb out of bed. She walked to the master bath and almost opened it when she remembered it may be where Michel was taking his slumber. Cautious, she moved to the hallway and turned off all the lights.

"Just in case," she said in a whisper. Gingerly, she opened the hallway bathroom. Kerry blinked several times to get use to the dark, looking for odd shapes. She reached down to feel at the tub felt him there, leaning against it.

"Okay then…" she sighed. "I guess that means the hallway bathroom is not in service." Suddenly, she felt hungry, though a bit nauseous at the thought, especially after that dream. But her stomach was insistent, growling louder at every second she deprives it of food.

There wasn't anything in the kitchen, she knew that. She can't leave the house either, they were going against humans. If they knew where she lived, it was easy to get rid of a sleeping vampire. Instead, she ordered pizza, with garlic bread, hoping to ward off any of her paranoia. Though it was paranoia itself to order the garlic anyway.

Kerry wasn't sure what to do while waiting, so she watched TV, catching up on the shows she missed last night. It was hard to laugh at any of the funny bits as she ran scenarios in her head. What would she do if those vampire hunters burst into her apartment with guns? Would she run? Would she even know how to protect herself? How about Michel? She felt bad about the possibility of breaking her promise that he'd wake up at night.

The knock on her door startled her and she exhaled, shaking her head. "Coming!" she called, at least she could get something in her stomach now.

She grabbed her purse from the floor, fishing out twenty dollars. Kerry swung the front door open and gasped, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Hi!" Ian greeted her with a wide smile, dropping his suitcase to give her a hug.


"Dad said I could stay with you for a bit," Ian explained as he wolfed down a pizza slice. "The job at Dubai is making him travel within the Emirates. He didn't want me staying by myself…"

Kerry sighed, "I get that but why didn't anyone tell me?"

"I thought I'd surprise you." He replied, looking around. "Why? Do you have… company?"

At least he's a bit tactful… Kerry thought, her face reddening a bit. "Maybe," her brother gave her a look that she didn't quite like. "If so, what of it? That doesn't matter; you and dad should have told me!" She was annoyed, and scared. Her thoughts added. If anything, this was the last thing she wanted. Ian didn't need to get mixed into her messy business.

Ian's expression soured, "okay. But it's too late now." He stood up brushed crumbs off his shirt, "should I call dad and tell him you don't want me here?"

Kerry bit her lip, no matter what age Ian was, she couldn't help but spoil him a bit. "Don't do that Ian…you can stay." Then her inside lurched at the thought of Ian getting killed. "But please listen to me, no matter how strange things may get. Please listen to me, okay Ian?" She ruffled his hair and gave him a tight hug. He was almost as tall as she was, but had so much more to live for.

Ian laughed, "of course." He gave a small stretch and walked towards the bathroom.

"Wait!" Kerry called, "use the master bath. That bathroom—it has septic problems."

He nodded in reply, making his way through the hallway. Kerry quickly followed behind him, opening the hallway bathroom to lock it before closing it again.

"I'll put your things in the spare room," she said, turning on the lights. "There are towels in the closet if you need them. When you're done let's talk okay?"

"Okay," Ian nodded, taking two towels from her closet.


A/N: Really sorry for taking such a long time for an update. I know that the last chapter was kinda boring, and this probably might be too. But exciting things will happen soon though! I hope I can update soon!

I'll love to hear your guys thoughts!