Thanks to those who have reviewed and read! Things are going to start to get interesting in the next couple of chapters…hehe

Chapter 9

Marko's Pov

Strange home. No one there from what I could see. It was the middle of the night and the moon shone down brightly. Soon there were laughs, the laughs of a killer. The guys were nowhere to be seen, so who could it be? Making the way over to the door, I saw three people. Max was there…why was he here? Next was Michael…wait, something's wrong. There was someone pinned against a wall. Who?…Sam. No, not Sam, anyone but her. "Now become part of the family Michael." Max beamed. No, don't! Don't hurt her. "No Michael!" I screamed. His eyes were red and he wouldn't listen. Soon everything went black.

"Nooooo!" I screamed. The cavern was empty; I was the only one still asleep. "Not this again, no more dreams…"

David was the only one in the cave, lounging in his wheelchair. Nonchalantly he looked up. "Marko, I went to see Max. It's about that girl."

Sam's Pov

The days dragged on and the bruises weren't going away too well. Spending every day at the Frogs' shop became a habit. Edgar didn't say much to this but Alan didn't complain. Mike left me alone, but the couple times that I saw him he only glared my way. Mom was abnormally nice, letting me go out to see my two friends in town. She spent almost every night on a date with the guy named Max, so seeing her was rare. Gramps was always cheerful though, and seemed to use more Windex when he saw the Widow Johnson. Marko…I haven't seen Marko in days. Hope he isn't 'missing'.

The ride down to the Frogs' store was longer than normal; I really need to add air to the tires. Once I got there the boardwalk was crowded. Instead of having the bike stolen I walked into the shop with it. The boys were lounging around like always.

"Hey Sam" Alan smiled. Edgar only grunted.

"What's wrong with him?" I asked slightly pointing in Edgar's direction.

"He got dumped…" Alan faded off. Edgar… girlfriend? What the heck!

"Thought I was crazy for saying vampires exist." Edgar mumbled. Sounds like a pretty logical reason, but hey, there are other reasons I would break up with a guy like Edgar. Sam, be nice! It was probably his first girlfriend, be a little sympathetic!

"Sorry about that." I said, patting him on the back. He grunted again. To get his mind off of it I went over to the front door and flipped the 'Open' sign to 'Closed'.

"What the heck is that for?" Edgar asked, looking up. I only smiled.

"Guys, when was the last time you enjoyed the boardwalk?" neither answered. "Well, there are better things to do than stay in here all day." I said, opening the door. Edgar grunted and stood up while Alan stood shocked.

We walked around for a while, stopping to get burgers at this older place from the 50's. The place was pretty run down, but the food was good. Before we knew it we rode every ride on the boardwalk, and now it was dark. Finally realizing what time it was we ran back to the shop, scared of being out this late. Mike will be up by now…this is bad.

Catching our breath, I made sure my bike was there. The tires were too flat to get back home. Shit, now I have to walk, risking life or death, all thanks to having a blast at the boardwalk.

"Sam, you don't have to go." Alan said. "If your brother finds you it will be bad." I stood quiet for a minute, what am I supposed to do now?

"I have to go…" I murmured, and turned away from them. Alan sighed, and I walked out the door to my possible doom.

The boardwalk was not the place of joy that it had been hours ago. Now it was a place of secrecy, danger, and worry. Everyone else was oblivious, but to me, the bright lights and noises were mockery. If they only had a clue of what is out there. People pushed and shoved around me, cursing to go faster than my cautious pace. I was elbowed in the rib that Michael struck at and let out a cry of pain and fell to the ground. Some people stopped, others just stared. This is so embarrassing; I wish I could just be swallowed up by the darkness. Then I heard a voice that I never expected to come across.

"Sam!" looking up I saw Marko pushing through the crowd. Everyone else just backed away, and continued down the boardwalk. Kneeling down, I stared at him wide-eyed. He's ok, nothing got him. I inwardly sighed at this. "Are you alright?" he asked, a worried look in his eyes.

"…Um, yeah. I'm fine…" I looked away. Don't cry Sam, push the pain away. He caught my chin in his hand and made me look at him.

"Sam, don't lie to me. What's wrong?" Tears were springing from my eyes. Wiping the tears from my face, I pulled away the hair that was on my cheek. Marko tensed up. "Who the hell did that?" I was scared by his tone; this wasn't the Marko I knew, right? Before I had the opportunity to answer, he continued. "Whoever did this will pay. I'll tear them to shreds." Promise in his voice.

"Marko, no. I can fight my own battles."…hopefully.

"NO Sam. Who did this?" His expression was calm, but his eyes were fierce.

"…Marko, leave it be."

"No I won't. Tell me who." I didn't know what to say…should I even bring up Mike? No, I can't, he would tear Marko to shreds. What I didn't expect was for him to close me into a hug. My voice was caught in my throat. "Sam, please tell me." He whispered into my ear. It was calm and meaningful. What now! "Sam please, who hurt you."

Before I knew it I whispered. "My brother…" His embrace grew tighter and he tensed up again. "Marko….can't breathe…." He let go and drew back.

"He's not going to hurt you again."

"No Marko!" I whispered. "I have to get home." I said turning away. He had different ideas. Grabbing my hand he started to walk the other way. "Marko!"

Marko's Pov

She can't leave now. She won't go back to that. He is dead meat. He is never going to hurt her again.

"Marko!" I stopped and turned to my broken girl, worry in her eyes. "I need to get home." She said, jerking out of my embrace.

"Sam, I can't –"

"Please Marko…" she said, despair etched into her face.

"Let me walk give you a ride."

"No." She said without delay.

"Well let me walk you at least!" Sam, you will be safe, don't you get that!

"No, please Marko."

"Marko, Michael's right on time, his bike's pulling up. Get over here now!" Paul rejoiced.

"I'm busy."

"Marko, get over here now." David demanded.

"Fine, fine. I'm on my way."

"Whoohoo!" Paul cheered.

Turning back to Sam, I let out a sigh and said "Alright, be safe." She lightly smiled and went off in the other direction.

Making it right in time to the guys, Michael stormed over. Perfect timing, this is going to be a fun night.

Please review; that will make me feel the determination to finish the next chapter even faster! Much love, Crimsonsky132.