Chapter 10

Marko's Pov

The fear and worry was easily detected from Michael when we came to 'dinner'. If it is Max's wish, we must make him part of the family, and soon. Paul was trying to hold back his excitement, his laughter…but it was failing. Soon everything became red and we took to the bonfire. The screaming, the agony; it was adrenaline in my veins. This was more addicting than anything Paul has ever bought.

The only thing I could think of was the sorry guy that would soon face the same punishment. Ripping out a heart out I thought of Sam. He will never hurt her again, and if he tries, his demise will be even more painful than it already is. Sam is mine, and no one is going to harm her…better find out who the brother is then. Tomorrow, that's when. She will drink from the bottle and that sorry ass will pay. Max…he approves, this is good. Never has he spoken of having a daughter, though even he may not be prepared. Sam is strong, and will be even more beautiful when she is turned. Imagine her first kill, sweet and innocent, but turning ruthless and wild. Sighing at the thought of my Sam, a ruby stream running down her chin, Paul scoffed.

"Hey man, we haven't even met her yet, so get your head out of the clouds!" I laughed at this, grabbing another helpless victim. Michael wasn't listening the thirst, the pain. He knows this will stop it, but he is unaware of what will happen. Stupid Star, influencing him with her thoughts of freedom. She doesn't know the beauty of the night like us. Turning I saw Michael losing his balance, and fell into the sand below. Dwayne rushed and turned the music off, and we ascended the hill.

He started sobbing into the sand. There was nothing more pathetic than a half-vamp…or ANY guy for that matter, to be such a baby. He's a softy and doesn't belong here, he doesn't belong with us. We only laughed and left, leaving poor Michael with the night. The thirst will win, it always wins.

Sam's Pov

Marko let me go back. I can't be the cause of his death, never. Michael won't touch him, I won't let that happen. The walk home was painful, but I eventually came to the house. Grandpa was out, and so was mom. Mike was gone, like normal. Groggily I walked up the stairs, and entered the quiet bedroom. Opening the window, I looked out to see the stars brightly shining along with the moon. Sighing I turned to the closet to pick out some pj's. There was a sudden rush of cold air, and I stumbled back. Michael was rigid, his breath haggard. Something was wrong. Before I had the chance to run out, he spoke.

"I know what I am now Sam."

"Stay back! Don't kill me Michael!" he scoffed.

"Sam, I would never-"

"Michael!" who was that?

Mike went to the window. I quietly followed and saw a girl, that girl. Star. She was dressed in a flowy skirt and a fancy blouse. Such a girl…mother would love her.

"Michael, I need to talk to you, can I come up?" she asked. No, don't let her in here.

"No."

"Mike…is she one of them?" I whispered. He changed his gaze and walked to the bathroom door.

"Go there and lock the door." He demanded. I barely gave a questioning glance before there was another gust of wind. She was in my room!

"She is one of them! And don't tell me that doesn't make her a bad person!" I ran to the bed and hid under the covers. Smart Sammy, real smart. Two bloodsuckers in my room and I run to the bed! The both turned to me.

"We're not like them until we make a kill." The Star spat out. What was her problem? What did I do? This is still her fault.

She snapped around and slapped me. "What have I done to deserve this myself? Answer that!" Her eyes were red and angry. Mike gasped and took her hand, pulling her away. How did she know what I said? She smirked.

"You are not the best with keeping your thoughts to yourself." She nonchalantly said. What! Mind reading! The boys didn't tell me about this! She turned to look at Mike, and the red fogging up in her eyes went away.

Instead of comforting her he asked "Why are you here Star? You know where David took me tonight."

"Yes…Oh, if you never met me, if I never liked you this never would have happened. But we can stop this. We have to kill the head…"she drifted off.

"Why didn't you kill me before?" Mike asked dryly.

"I couldn't…I care too much for you Michael. But the only way to get out of this is to help me out." She whispered. She backed up to the window, leaving a chaste kiss on Mike's cheek. "Help me?" she asked.

"Always." He answered, and she left.

He turned and looked at me as if he were hit in the face with a brick. Then he looked at me, daring me to turn away.

"Sammy…please help me out here." I was dumbfounded. He wanted my help. Without realizing it, I picked up the 'Vampires Everywhere' comic and flipped it over.

"I've got connections." I said, and picked up the phone. Michael smiled, no; he smirked, and walked to the door. Anything to get him over this phase, maybe even the bitchy girl…

He turned and growled. Wait, he growled?

"Don't say that about Star, I know where you sleep." And he left.

My mouth was agape…this is still not my brother…and he never again will be. Picking up the phone, I called the Frog brothers.

~ The next morning ~

The house smelled sweet, maybe pancakes or a pie? Walking downstairs I saw mom in the kitchen, slaving over the oven. She didn't notice me walk in, and continued on her way. Then I saw…Mike? He was standing in the corner, and made his way to mom.

"Oh, hey there Michael! Thank you for helping with Sam's birthday surprise for today!" mom cheered. Mike smiled and went to get things off of the table.

"Not a problem. She is even getting out of the house for a couple hours to see some…friends, so your plan will work out." He said. Mom opened the fridge and looked around.

"Oh darn, I'm all out of milk and butter. Mind if I go to the store?" mom asked, looking onwards to her list of 'Surprises'.

"Not a problem. I may get Sam out of here before you come back."

"Great, I'm just still worried about her being alone here." There was a long pause… she still thinks that I'm not old enough to be by myself! "See you later!" she smiled, and headed out the front door. Thanks mom…

Mike went upstairs and I went into the kitchen. There were decorations everywhere, a couple presents, and in the oven, a cake. Yum!

Edgar and Alan said that they would be here at one and now…it's just before 12:30. I hopped in the bath and washed up, then threw on a pair of old jeans, a navy and white striped top, and converse. No makeup, no nothing. Nothing special about going to kill the eternally damned…so no need to get dressed up for it. Before heading back downstairs I looked at my sketchbook. It was flipped open to the page with all of the patches. Marko, after today you will be free from the dangers that are out there.

Alan was the first to the door. He seemed pretty excited, but also nervous. Edgar was dead serious.

"What's the smell?" Alan asked.

"Nothing important." I smiled.

"Let's go…"Michael said, holding car keys in hand.

Edgar and Alan backed up, but then Edgar, being the stupidly brave one, stood up.

"If you vamp out in any way, you're dead. Ill steak you without even thinking twice about it."

Everyone grew silent…"Sam, if anything happens, take this." Alan said, holding out a small black pocket knife. A knife! I'm going to end up cutting myself! Cautiously I took it and put it into the back of my pants pocket.

The car ride was long and awkward. The sun was beating down on us; no vampire would be awake now. We came up to a cliff. It seemed deserted. Who would live here? Stepping out of the car, I saw stairs leading down to who knows where. There were 'danger' and 'caution' signs everywhere.

Mike led the way, followed closely by Edgar. Alan held my hand helping me through to any type of clearing. Inside was amazing…That is all I can say. There was a fountain, an elevator, rooms visible. There were also couches and belongings scattered around.

"This used to be a resort." Alan said. I nodded and continued along with him. There was a bed on the other side of the room. Mike rushed over saying 'Star' over and over trying to wake her. "Come on, this way Sammy." Alan led me to a separate cavern, Edgar standing there impatiently.

"Let's kill some beasts." Edgar enthused. He handed us flashlights. I tensed up, and Alan tried to help with saying nothing would happen. The decent was difficult, having its ups and downs. The smell grew awful, and I grimaced looking ahead.

"What is that smell?"

"Vampires my friend." Edgar said, continuing on.

We came to a dead end. There was nowhere to go except for back. Looking around I saw nothing…at first. There was a pole on the roof of the cave. Following it with the light from the flashlight, I came across a pair of…feet? Looking down I saw a body, and practically shrieked, dropping the flashlight. Edgar and Alan yelled as well.

"Aren't they supposed to be in coffins?" I choked out. This isn't real, this can't be real!

"I guess this is what the cave is. One giant coffin!" Edgar said.

Looking over the sleeping figures I saw the three guys from that one night at the boardwalk...then I saw the one person that I could never expect to see…Marko.

Dun Dun Dun… Reviews? Love –Crimsonsky132