Authors Note: I was going through and editing some of my previous stories (what can I say? The editor in me can't let little mistakes fly! I honestly beat myself up for the littlest things. I turn into Mushu from Mulan, "You have brought shame! Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow!"), and anyway...long story short I realized I have not posted anything on fanfiction in years. And going through my stories I remembered how much of an impact my fanfiction followers made on my life and my writing. Sadly, I don't have any more Twilight mockery for you guys, however...I did want to share an excerpt from my novel "From Loss to Love". It's part of my series "The Barking Mad Tale of a Teenage Werewolf". It centers on two characters from the series and goes into great detail of how they met. It may be your thing, it may not be your thing. If you like it, it is for sale on Amazon. If not, I'll still love you.
While it has nothing to do with Twilight (unless you count the fact that it too has supernatural creatures), I wanted to share it with my story followers who might not see it otherwise. Plus, I still look at these fanfics as the stepping stone that gave me the courage to share my writing in the first place. Also, I really didn't have the motivation to navigate fanfiction's conformative rules and shit to see how to categorize my novels.
Stay awesome, internet friends!
Summary: Katriana Evans and Robert Kinning were destined to meet. When fate puts them together they fall in love and their lives change forever. This prequel to "An American Werewolf in Idaho" follows the lives of the two lovers long before they found a home with the Lupo pack.
Kat's childhood was anything but normal. Her atypical upbringing was a rocky trail filled with turbulence and loss. She learns the nature of sacrifice at a very young age when she sees the dark side of the world she lives in. After escaping persecution with her family she loses her innocence and is forced to grow up faster than any child should have learns the true meaning of strength when she has no other choice but to be strong after a tragedy rocks her family. After she discovers that she has inherited her father's ability to shift into a wolf her patience and endurance are tested. She is thrown into a world filled with supernatural beings and has to fight to survive. She sees the painful true colors of the society she lives in, and because of her hardships she becomes angry and bitter.
Rob's experiences with the world were much different than Kat's. He was fascinated by life when he was a child. Because of his nose for adventure, his charming personality, and his lack of fear he got into trouble on a daily basis. When he finds out he belongs to a family of werewolves he accepts his destiny with hopes to change the world.
Before Kat met Rob she didn't believe in coincidences…or love. She thought her heart was beyond repair. What she didn't realize was that fate had a plan for her. Their lives clash in the most unusual of circumstances, and they experience a passion that can't be denied. They are polar opposites in every way, yet despite having nothing in common they are drawn to one another.
Kat is used to the dark, but the minute Rob enters her life he brightens her world. He captivates her heart and changes her life. He is the only thing in her painful life that makes sense to her. He slowly teaches her to trust again and opens her heart to a world of happiness she didn't believe was possible. They embark on a beautiful journey filled with sacrifice and heartbreak. Together, they take the broken bits and pieces of their lives and waver through a path of loss and love.
And no all you cool cats in love with Robert Pattinson (I'm looking at you, my sister from another mister), Rob was not named for the RPatz. Rob was named 15 years ago when I cooked up my series when I was a mere toddler dreaming up fantasies in high school.
Though, if you want to pretend it's him...have at it.
A DESTINY IN THE MAKING
Year: 1764
X
A Chance Encounter
The bar was dank with a strong odor of must. It was filled with drunken men and scantily clad women. It was hardly the place Rob wanted to be. He felt as though he was going to catch a disease just by breathing the air. It unnerved him that his brother felt so at home in such a vile place. They took a seat at a table near the corner of the room, almost secluded in darkness. Alexander ordered them a round of ale and then relaxed into his chair. Rob watched as the women around them rubbed their breasts against the drunken patriots.
"See anything you like?" Alexander questioned curiously.
"If you're trying to buy me a whore for my birthday you're about ten years too late. Father already tried that. He bought a pretty little blonde and asked her to show me a good time. I paid her twice as much not to demean herself. Dad never knew. He just slapped me on the back when I got home and asked me if I had a good time."
"You acted more as a man than I did, I'm afraid." Alexander didn't give Rob the details, but Rob could tell by his tone of voice that he'd taken his whore for all her worth. "The crazy thing is that I thought I loved her, but dad told me that loving a slut wasn't possible. He said they were good to bed, but not to marry. He was very adamant that I marry a woman of a better class."
"Like we're from such high society?" Rob snorted out a laugh. "Look at the slums we're hanging out in."
"Yeah." Alexander nodded. "But you've got to admit, seeing the goods hanging out next to your face is quite a treat."
"I don't know about that."
While Rob definitely appreciated boobs, he didn't quite share the same sentiment as his brother. He looked around the room full of displaced women. He pitied them. They all looked the same. Sad. Run down. Desperate. Broken. Despite their inner turmoil they hid their pain well. Rob felt bad for them. He wanted to know why they had ended up in this dump. He thought about the fact that all the girls walking around were once someone's sweet babies. What had transpired in their lives to bring them here? How desperate did someone have to be to sell the most intimate parts of their body?
A hefty scantily clad waitress walked over to their table and put their beer down.
"Your ale, sirs." The frizzy haired bar wench slid the glasses on to the table.
"Thank you, beautiful." Alexander paid her a compliment.
The girl's lips twisted into a shy smile.
"Would you like something to eat while you're here?" she asked.
"I'd much rather have the company of a fine lady such as yourself. Why don't you join us?"
"Sir, I wish I could, but I've got more tables to serve." She turned him down.
"I understand." Alexander reached up and pulled a wad of money from his pocket. He had the girl walk over to him and then he slid half of the money into her cleavage. He leaned forward with a whisper, "If you change your mind about our company I can assure you that I'm offering a generous sum."
The woman walked away.
"Why do you have to be like that?" Rob questioned.
"Like what? A man?" Alexander sipped his beer. "I paid her a compliment." He shrugged. "You flirt with girls all the time. That's what they're here for. Relax, man. It's all in good fun."
Rob picked up his beer and tipped his glass forward. He took his brother's advice and slowly got acclimated with his surroundings. Once he got some alcohol in him he was able to relax. While they were waiting on Alexander's friend the two brothers caught up with one another.
Rob explained exactly how the bucket had become lodged on his head the night he'd nearly destroyed their neighbors' crop of hay with three words,
"Henry dared me."
Alexander laughed and regaled his younger brother on what life was like outside their little town. Rob had always been eager to explore it. They were in the middle of a conversation about inequality when their words were cut short by a stunning woman who walked over to their table to refill their ales.
The woman was beautiful by all standards. She didn't look like she belonged in a joint like this. Rob took notice of her thick dirty blonde hair flowing over her shoulders. Her beautifully toned body had a bronze glow to it, something she would not have likely picked up without traveling to certain sunny destinations. It was obvious that there was something different about this woman. For a brief second her hazel eyes pierced his, but she quickly turned away and walked to another table.
Oh, shot down. Alexander shook his head. A grin washed across his face.
She's just busy. Rob shrugged. He took a sip of his freshly topped of alcohol. He tried not to stare at the woman. He didn't want to come off as a pervert.
Too busy for a little play time? Alexander grabbed another waitress's butt. She let out a surprised yelp, but when she turned to look at Alexander she had a sweet seductive look on her face.
"What can I help you with, sir?" she asked. She pushed herself on to Alexander's lap.
He smiled in satisfaction. Rob rolled his eyes.
Don't judge me, Alexander said.
I'm not. Rob's face twisted into a grin. The only thing I'm judging is how many other men's groins this woman has come into close contact with.
Alexander thought about Rob's point and scowled at him. Rob chuckled under his breath.
That was a low one, little brother. Alexander shook his head. Lighten up and have a good time, would you?
I am having a good time… He held his glass up …with my ale. Ale doesn't sleep with other men. He grinned. Cheers. He took a sip. Enjoy your raunchy dick infested women.
"That's enough, my dear." Alexander pulled away from the woman. He popped the woman on the rear and slipped some cash into her cleavage. "How about you spread the wealth? Send some of your friends my way. And pick a really nice one for my prude of a brother here."
"Alexander, no." Rob frowned.
"You'll thank me later." He faced the woman and handed her more money.
"As you wish, sir." The woman walked away.
"You're kind of a jerk, you know that?"
"It's what they live for. These ladies are trying to earn a keep. Go on, give it a go." Alexander pointed towards a firm round rump that was within Rob's grasp. Rob stared at the backside of the woman he had never met before. Part of him wondered what her name was, what her story was, how she had come to be here. The other part of him, the untamed energy he had inside urged him to grab on and never let go. He could barely fight his inner beast.
Stop thinking so much. Just go for it. Alexander nodded.
Rob timidly reached out to the closest stripper near to him. He found the courage to put his hand on her butt. She spun around, and he almost fell out of his chair when he saw the blonde beauty that had refilled their drinks staring back at him. The last thing he wanted to do was offend her. He could see that he was in over his head, so he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.
"Um, you have very nice bosoms. They're very…" He choked on his words, "…proportionate."
Alexander smacked his hand against the table and howled out a laugh that echoed throughout the entire club.
Shut up. Rob scowled at him.
The woman started trembling in anger.
"I have killed men for less," she seethed through her teeth.
Oh, you picked one with claws. Nice. Alexander shoved his brother roughly, nearly sending him out of his chair.
"What makes you think you can just take advantage of someone you don't even know?"
"Huh?" Rob asked in confusion. He looked at Alexander. This is a brothel, right?
Alexander nodded.
"Look, I meant no disrespect…"
"You grabbed my ass," she growled. She tried to restrain her rage. Her tantrum had gained the attention of a tall bearded man from across the bar. He walked over towards them.
"We're in a brothel." Rob pointed out. He was trying very hard to maintain eye contact, but his eyes were fixed on something much lower. She barely had anything covering her chest.
"My eyes are up here, sir." She snapped.
"Maybe if you were wearing more clothes I could take you seriously." Rob lost his temper. "But until you cover yourself I will address your breasts when I'm speaking with you. After all, they are calling for attention."
He glanced at her boobs,
"It's a lovely night, wouldn't you say? Little bit nippley…I mean nippy…"
He realized immediately that his actions were a mistake, but he couldn't take them back.
The woman growled under her breath. She slammed the beers she was carrying down on the table, sending froth and foam everywhere. She reared back and took a deep breath, ready to give the cocky young kid a piece of her mind. Before she had the chance a man grabbed her from behind. He reeked of alcohol.
"What's got your knickers in a twist?" The large drunken oaf tightened his grip.
"If you are wise you will walk away, sir." She refrained from slamming her fist into his testicles.
"I'll give you a penny for a pinch."
"Sorry sweetie, you can't afford me." She pulled away and tried to push past him, but he blocked her path.
"Such fire in you. I like that." He grinned. He reached up to stroke her cheek, but the woman slapped his hand away.
"Don't touch me again." She curled her lip back in disgust.
Well, this just got interesting. Alexander stated.
Why do I get the feeling that drunk is going to end up eating his own tongue? Rob asked.
"If you aren't here for the company then why are you here?" The drunk questioned.
"I don't have to tell you that." She hissed.
The man didn't seem offended. He just continued his assault.
"You'll give me what I came for tonight or you'll regret it…" The man put his gruff hand on her butt. The woman's face turned a shade of red that Rob had never seen before.
"Let go of me!"
"I believe the lady asked you to unhand her." Rob stood up to defend the blonde.
"I don't need your help. Thanks." She sounded irritated.
The man persisted. She tried her best to ignore his come-ons. He drunkenly grabbed her shoulder and tried to pull her in for a kiss.
"I told you to back off." She snapped angrily. She grabbed his wrist and flipped him over on to his back.
Rob took a step back.
Holy shit. Alexander leaped to his feet.
"Freak!" The drunk yelled. He stumbled to his feet and knocked over the table where Rob and Alexander had been sitting.
By now the entire crowd had their eyes on the scene that was unfolding. The drunk raced towards the woman. Rob sped between them, but before he had a chance to stop the man something whizzed by his ear and caught the man on the cheek. Rob focused on the reflective object. It was a knife. Seconds later, the knife punctured the wall, leaving everyone speechless. The drunk rubbed the fresh blood on his cheek and slowly backed away from the woman. Rob felt a trickle of blood trailing down his jaw. He reached up and felt a small nick in his ear where the knife had grazed him. He spun around to face the woman.
"I told you I didn't need your help." She shrugged.
Seconds later an older gentleman in a suit walked over to them.
"Great, the cavalry is here," she muttered.
He glared angrily at the woman and then faced Rob with a nervous smile.
"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience, lad." He spoke with a thick accent. "She's new." He grabbed the woman and pulled her aside. "May I speak with you in private?"
Rob watched the man lead her away. The woman turned around and locked eyes with him, and something occurred to him. He tried to hone in on her thoughts, but he couldn't get a read on her.
"You okay?" Alexander asked.
"Yeah." He faced his brother, who was wearing a wide smile.
"That was entertaining."
"I just had a knife thrown at my head."
"It missed." Alexander put his hand on the handle of the knife. "Damn, she threw it with a lot of force." He had trouble getting it loose.
She's not human. Rob explained. I couldn't hear her thoughts.
Nice call. Alexander nodded in approval.
Rob was too lost in his own thoughts to make out his brother's. He looked towards where the mystery man and the blonde had disappeared. The woman intrigued him. She sparked something in him that he couldn't quite put his finger on. He felt the urge to follow her, especially if his poor judgment had gotten her into trouble. He wanted to find her and apologize so he could rectify the situation. He wanted to learn more about her. He faced Alexander.
"I'm going to run to the outhouse." He lied. He didn't want his brother tagging along. He wanted to speak to the woman on his own.
Alexander grinned.
"Going to flog the log, are you?"
"As always, you are a pervert." Rob laughed as he walked away.
He followed the woman's scent down a secluded hallway. His nose led him to a hidden room in the back where he heard two people having a conversation. He tiptoed over to the closed door. There was a large crack in the door where he could see the middle aged man and the young woman discussing what had just happened.
"What have I always taught you?" The man questioned.
The woman remained silent, so the man continued to scold her,
"This is what you consider laying low? You're not supposed to draw any attention to yourself." He didn't seem angry. His tone conveyed that he was disappointed.
"I hate this." The woman broke her silence. "This is so demeaning." She threw a cup across the room. It shattered the moment it hit the wall.
"Do you have something against kitchen utensils?" The man asked.
"This isn't funny, Dom." The woman shook her head.
"Alright." He tried not to laugh. "Calm down."
The woman heaved out a heavy breath and turned to face the man. She had tears in her eyes.
"Dry your eyes. There's no need for the waterworks, lass. It's not that bad."
"Don't patronize me. I'm practically half naked in a strip club!" She sighed and glanced at her exposed body. She rubbed a scar on her shoulder. "This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever done to chase a lead. How in the hell did I let you talk me into this?"
"I didn't talk you into anything. This was your idea. You came to me, remember?" The man named Dom responded.
"Because I thought we would find them here. You said your sources told you that they were camped out in some underground experiment. You said we could go after them. You didn't tell me I was going to have to whore myself out. This was not part of the deal."
"The gent who owns the place is a girl short. I knew we could use it for your cover," he said. "Besides, it's not like you're actually selling yourself. As far as the patrons can see you just work here."
"I'm nothing more than a giant pair of bosoms to them," she grumbled.
"And that's exactly what we want. That's what a cover is," Dom explained.
The blonde pushed aside some items blocking a small mirror propped up on a desk. Her anger was subsiding and giving way to a deep grief that she was holding inside.
"Look at what I've become." She glanced at her reflection. "I've been after them for so long." She shook her head and put her face into the palms of her hands. "What am I doing?"
The man put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Surprisingly, the woman didn't react with violence like she had in the middle of the bar. The man was obviously someone the woman trusted and respected.
"I told you when we were first starting out that this life would eat away at you. I warned you…" He struggled to find the words to comfort her. He rubbed his right temple with his fingers, "…I don't like seeing you like this."
"You might be the only man in this Godforsaken hellhole who feels that way." The woman finally cracked a smile.
"Put on some clothes. You look like a whore." Dom snickered and handed her a robe to cover up.
"Oh? I thought that was the point…"
They shared a laugh. Dom cleared his throat. His smile faded.
"How long has it been since you've gotten some rest?"
"I'll rest when they're dead."
"I know I told you I would help you find them, and my sources have tracked them here, but if by chance they aren't then maybe it's time that we consider…"
"No." The woman quickly cut him off.
"We may have to face the fact that we might never be able to draw them out of hiding. I understand the desire you have to make them pay for what they did, but we've been at it for almost six decades."
"Time has moved forward, but I have not...I can not forget." She fought to hold back her tears. "If I stop…if I give in, I'll never be able to come back from my despair." She choked on her sobs. Rob's heart broke for her, and he didn't even know her. "Despite the time that has passed I feel as though it was just yesterday that they…that she…" She swallowed a knot in her throat. "I just…I can't stop fighting."
"Alright." Dom nodded. "In that case I suggest that you remember who you're doing this for."
The woman's gaze glazed over for a moment. She had a perplexed look on her face.
"Do you think they're still alive?" She looked up at Dom.
"It's been nearly sixty years…" his voice was soft.
"I know," she sighed. "It was a stupid question." She reached into her cleavage and pulled out a diamond necklace.
"You ought to keep that hidden from sight in these parts." Dom suggested. "It's worth more than anything we've got."
"It's one of the only things I have left of her…of them…" The woman rubbed her fingers delicately over the necklace. Rob could hear her heart thumping wildly in her chest. It was almost as if she was in pain, but there wasn't a trace of an injury on her. The pain that she bore was emotional. Her breathing intensified. "I can't catch my breath." Her voice was shaky.
"Take it easy." Dom remained calm.
"I feel like I'm suffocating." She clutched the necklace tightly. She glanced at a door on the opposite side of the room. In one stride she was next to the door, flinging it open and exposing the room to the thick night air.
"Better?" Dom questioned. He walked over to where she was standing.
"Much." She nodded. "If you'll excuse me, I need a moment alone." She walked outside, letting the door close behind her. Rob felt a draft underneath the door. He made the mistake of shuffling his feet, and the floor creaked underneath his weight.
He saw the man's gaze snap towards the door. Before he had a chance to turn and run away, the door flew open and he was face to face with Dom. His polite manner and kind eyes from earlier had completely vanished.
"Um…which way to the outhouse?" Rob tried to stay calm.
"Don't play me for a fool, boy." Dom's lips turned into a snarl. "How much did you hear?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Rob lied.
"I don't fancy being lied to." Dom grabbed Rob by his shirt collar.
He shoved Rob against the wall roughly. Rob realized right away that like the blonde, Dom was not human. He didn't fight back. He didn't want to be seen as a threat.
"I know what you are – what you're after. Don't think I can't smell the pheromones surrounding you…" Dom's nostrils flared.
"Are you sure that's not the other dozen men in the next room getting off on cheap floozies?" Rob questioned. He regretted it immediately. He just couldn't keep from sticking his foot in his mouth tonight.
"Don't be a smart arse. I know you followed her. What do you want with her?" He put his bulging arm against Rob's trachea.
"Nothing. I swear." Rob squeaked out through his crushed windpipe. "I just…I was worried about her. I thought I got her into trouble. I came to apologize."
Dom's eyes narrowed and he mashed his lips together in thought.
"You were worried about her?" Dom asked with intrigue.
Rob nodded. He felt Dom ease up the slightest bit.
"A drunk scoundrel worried about a whore?"
"I'm not drunk." Rob frowned. "And she's not a whore. I knew that at first glance."
"Yet you still assaulted her?"
"That was an accident. I didn't realize it was her."
"So you meant to assault a stranger instead?" Dom curiously lifted an eyebrow.
"No!" Rob exclaimed. "You're just determined to find a reason to hit me, aren't you?"
"And you're determined to give me one," he replied coolly. "I've looked after that girl for a number of years. Her life has been a bloody mess and she doesn't need any more grief. I'll be damned if I'm going to let any harm come to her, so you can be sure that if you so much as breathe a word of this to anyone…if you pull any stupid stunts…if you do anything that results in her getting hurt…hell, if you so much as look at her with an expression I don't like you will answer to me. Do we have an understanding?"
"You have my word." Rob nodded his head.
"Good." Dom released his grip on Rob.
Rob rubbed his palm over his throat and coughed.
"I would have asked you if that's all you've got, but I get the feeling you would have thrown me through the wall."
"I still might." Dom shrugged. "I'm not exactly known for my patience."
"Really? I was just getting ready compliment you on your fine people skills." Rob snorted sarcastically.
The man's rigid face twisted into a grin for a split second.
"Arrogant and smart-mouthed. You must still be a fairly young pup."
"Crotchety and untrusting, you must be ancient." Rob gave Dom's attitude right back to him.
"Watch it, lad. I've got a lot better aim than she does." He picked up a knife that was laying on the counter.
"Her aim is spot on." Rob rubbed the healing cut on his ear.
"That was just a warning," Dom stated. "If it had meant to kill anyone she wouldn't have missed." He rubbed the handle of the blade.
"Comforting." Rob nodded. He watched as Dom observed the weapon in his hand. Rob started to feel uncomfortable in the enclosed room with the unstable wolf. "When she comes back will you tell her I'm sorry for the trouble?" He edged towards the door.
"What's the matter? Scared of an old dog?" Dom was the one laughing now.
"Not at all." Rob maintained his cool façade. "I have things to do. You aren't the only one that's here on business."
He thought of his ailing mother and Alexander's reason for coming here. He couldn't afford to get distracted.
"Is that so?" Dom was intrigued. He put the knife down and held his hands up submissively. He wanted to talk. "That explains why I don't recognize you. I know most wolves in this area. Where are you from, boy?"
Rob cringed at being called a boy again.
"I have a name, you know. It's Rob."
"Don't care." Dom shrugged. "What business do you have in town?"
"You going to throw something at me if I don't answer?"
"Perhaps. But feel free to take your chances." Dom challenged Rob.
"My brother and I came from up north to meet one of his friends," Rob answered honestly. He didn't know all the details of Alexander's plan, so he didn't see the harm in telling the truth. "My mom is sick." He glanced at the floor to hide his sorrow, and then looked back up at Dom. "This might be her last hope."
The room was silent as Dom processed the information. He saw the pain in the young man's eyes, and he knew he was telling the truth.
"I'm sorry to hear of your mother's illness," Dom said sincerely.
"Thanks."
"Is she a wolf?"
"Human." Rob shook his head.
"And your father?"
"When my mom got sick he started to age again."
"That's a noble thing to do." Dom nodded in approval. "Is he here tonight as well?"
"No, sir."
"They obviously taught you some manners." Dom drew back when he heard Rob call him 'sir'.
"I may have a smart mouth, but this puppy learned to respect his elders years ago."
"Fair enough." Dom chuckled. After a moment, he extended his hand. "The name is Dominic, but everyone calls me Dom."
"Nice to make your acquaintance, Dom." Rob shook his hand. "I offer my sincerest apologies if I blew your cover earlier."
"That was all her." Dom looked outside. "She has always had trouble with her temper."
"Clearly." Rob pointed to the gash in his ear. "If I may be so bold as to ask, what are you two in town for?"
"Nothing you want to get mixed up in," Dom replied. He cleared his throat. "You should get back to the bar." He motioned towards the door. Rob nodded. He had worn out his welcome. "I do wish you the best of luck with your mother…" He paused and then dipped his head politely, "…Rob."
Rob walked out of the room. It didn't dawn on him until he got halfway back to the bar that he had forgotten to get the girl's name. He mentally kicked himself. He looked around the crowded room for his brother, but didn't see him anywhere.
Where did you run off to? Rob questioned Alexander in thought.
I could ask you the same question, because I know you're not at the outhouse.
And how do you know that?
Because I just watched a drunk man stumble out of the outhouse without pants, and he looked nothing like you.
That's a pretty solid argument. Rob couldn't debate the truth. I'll be there in a minute.
He made his way out of the brothel and out towards the outhouse. He picked up on a cold rancid stench, and his heart started pounding in his chest. There was a vampire in the vicinity. He looked around to make sure no one was watching and then he sped towards the odor. He tackled the unsuspecting creature, but before he had a chance to rip his head off someone pulled him off of the vampire.
"Whoa, ease up." He heard Alexander's voice. "He's with me."
"Are you kidding me?" Rob grumbled. "You're working with vampires now? Dad is going to kill you."
"Times are desperate…"
"So desperate that you're willing to accept an alliance with a creature who kills innocent people?" Rob felt his entire body trembling. It was taking every ounce of self control that he had to keep from transforming.
The vampire stood up and dusted himself off. When he turned around he saw that the creature was wearing a patch over his left eye.
"Was I not once an innocent person?" His voice was deep and smooth.
"You ever killed anyone?" Rob asked with a snarl.
"I am a vampire." He didn't deny the accusation.
"Then you're not innocent," Rob argued.
"Neither are you, dog. Your hands have blood on them, too. You can't tell me you've never sank your fangs into my kind. We're just different beasts."
"I am nothing like you." Rob pushed his face into the vampire's face.
"Both of you get a grip." Alexander stepped between the heated argument.
"I don't have to answer to you!" Rob felt his anger surging to the surface. "Move aside, Alexander."
It was a command, not a request. Alexander drew back in surprise. Rob had never used his command on him. The older boy was taken right back to the day their father had used it on him for the first time. Rob caught a glimpse of the frightened child hiding behind his brother's eyes and he took a breath to calm himself down.
"Please, stand down," Rob said. This time it wasn't a command.
"You going to let your baby brother boss you around?" The vampire laughed.
"Shut up." Both boys growled at the same time.
"Excuse us." Rob grabbed Alexander and started leading him away from the vampire. "I need to have a word with my brother in private." When they got several yards away from the creature Rob let him go and shoved him angrily. "Have you lost your mind?"
"You do realize that I can still hear you, right?" The vampire questioned.
"You shut up, eye patch." Rob rolled his eyes. He faced Alexander again. "No more screwing around. I want you to tell me exactly what's going on. No more secrets."
"Just listen to what he has to offer…"
"Alexander, answer me, damn it!" Another command. It seemed to be the only thing that got across to Alexander.
Alexander cringed.
"What in the hell was that?" Alexander was furious. "When you took over for dad you said you would never…"
"I know what I said, but you are acting a fool, gallivanting with lowlife vampires…"
"Can still hear you, and I'm offended…" The vampire frowned.
"Butt out."
"I'm just saying, if you two little bar wenches are done with your slap fight maybe we can get this show on the road. I'm not getting any younger over here." He paused and then laughed. "Oh, wait. I'm immortal." He leaned against the side of the outhouse. "Take your time, ladies."
"I really want to kill him." Rob shook his head.
"You do that and you kill mom's last chance." Alexander finally got the nerve to answer his brother.
That struck a nerve in Rob.
"Alright, I'm listening." Rob lightened up on Alexander.
"Oh, Lord above, he's seen the light." The vampire sped over to them. Rob spun around to meet him, but the vampire stopped a few yards short of where they were standing and threw his arms into the air in submission. He looked at Alexander. "Is he always like this?"
"To be fair, you are a bit of a dick," Alexander said.
"Okay, I'll give you that one," the vampire said with a nod.
"Talk, vampire." Rob growled.
"Ask me nicely and maybe I will. Your brother may be your little bitch, but I'm hardly…"
"Talk or die."
"It's not something you can really explain. It might be best for you to see it. There's an abandoned factory fifteen miles from here in a secluded area that holds the answers to your questions."
"And let me guess. You're here because you think we're too incompetent to find it on our own?"
"No, I'm here because you wouldn't get through security alive without my help."
"Why should we trust you?"
"Because I'm trying to change my ways." The tone in his voice suggested that he was being sarcastic, but Rob couldn't tell. "I've been on a long journey, and I've seen the error of my ways. Besides…self loathing is what being a vampire is all about." He paused and considered something. "Well, that…and blood."
"How do we know it's not a trap?"
"You don't." The vampire smirked. "But I'm willing to bet that your mother's life is worth the risk."
Rob considered the offer. If he didn't exhaust all options to give his mother comfort then he would regret it for the rest of his life. Alexander gave him an encouraging nod.
"Fine," Rob said. "But I have one condition."
"Name your price, high roller."
"You are to stay within our sight at all times. If you so much as step a foot out of line I will rip off all of your limbs and feed them to you."
"So hostile. Who is the violent one now?" He chuckled. "I'll be a good boy. I promise."
"Good." Rob nodded.
"Think you can keep up?" The vampire asked.
Rob rolled his eyes.
"Just lead the way."
The vampire dashed into the trees. Rob and Alexander followed him, not knowing what they were getting themselves in to.
Thanks for reading! If it seems like something you might be interested in check out my stuff on Amazon under the name Katella Stegmann.
