Chapter 5, and this is practically the end of the story, the last chapter will most likely be short and just informational. I don't own anything but Jacqueline. Review if you'd like, hope y'all enjoy.
We arrived at the bluffs in record time, as David wastes no time getting us back to his sanctuary. Normally I would be a bit disappointed with our time together being seemingly short, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I kept looking behind us expecting to see someone or at least something following close behind. But I couldn't spot anything through the fog and darkness of the night.
I tried to shake the feeling, chalking it up to paranoia after reading that stupid horror novel, and reminded myself that I was literally in the presence of a real-life vampire. There was nothing I should have to worry about.
Even so while we descended the stairs I stuck really close to David's side, something I'm sure he thought was only to keep myself from falling. I felt a bit more comfortable once we entered the opening within the rocks and traveled deep inside the darkened cave. After we were fully enveloped in pitch black the feeling of being watched was completely gone.
I let out a soft sigh in relief, being free from that nagging feeling, and was able to clear my mind to fully enjoy the presence of David's brothers, and Mike and Star. We finally entered the main part of their hideout where it revealed the ruins of a hotel lobby.
I let my eyes scan the room, taking in the scene. Paul was currently dancing around the broken fountain, rocking out to some Twisted Sister on his radio. Dwayne was seated on the couch, his legs covering the expanse of the cushions and his boots resting on the arm on the other side.
He looked to be entranced by the novel in his hands, a more thorough inspection revealed that it was the classic "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" by Victor Hugo. I believe that to be one of the books he picked up from our time in the bookshop the previous night.
Marko was standing off to the right of the fountain Paul was on, petting a little white dove with his index finger, cooing at it gently. Finally, I spotted my brother. He didn't look at all different now that he completed his transformation, besides the small look of guilt that seemed to stick among any other expression he bore in his conversation with Star.
He was sitting on a bed that was entirely too full of different colored and patterned fabrics, with only a thin sheer glittery piece of fabric to give a semblance of privacy to the couple. Star was set behind him, draping her body over his back, and wrapping her arms around his shoulders, her face pressed beside his, whispering words into his ear.
I am sure it was her way of trying to comfort him after his first kill tonight. After watching them for a bit I saw Star whisper something inaudible to him once again, resulting in Michael's head to move up slightly, and his eyes shifted from his lap, straight to me.
She then leaned back on her knees, removing her arms from him. Michael stood from the bed and made his way over to David and me; I was worried for a second that he may be coming to try to rip me from David's grasp or scream at me. Instead, he just stopped a few feet in front of us, an unreadable expression on his face.
He stood still with his eyes down casted towards the floor, and his shoulder slumped so far that it almost seemed uncomfortable. After a few more awkward seconds his eyes snapped to David.
"Can I talk to my sister for a bit… alone?"
I wasn't feeling comfortable with that, David was my safety blanket in a way, and I felt exposed without him by my side. I knew that it was important for us to talk though, so I kept my hands to my side instead of reaching out for David, when he pulled away from me. He pressed his mouth to my temple in an attempt to comfort me before walking to the old-fashioned wheelchair.
At first there was only silence between Mike and me; both of us awkwardly shifted our gazes to each other, then to the ground, or to the walls. I was expecting him to tell me we were leaving, or tell me to never come around David again, or maybe even try blaming me for his state of living now. I was expecting many things to come from Michael, but not the course of action he actually took.
He didn't even start with words, he started by closing the gap between us and wrapping his arms around me in a tight embrace. I was shocked, standing there dumbly for a bit before following suit and wrapping my arms around him back.
"I'm sorry."
As soon as I heard it, I felt the tears start to prickle at my eyes. As silly as it was, those two little words completely erased the animosity I have been feeling towards him lately.
"I have been a real ass to you Jac, I treated you like shit, and I did all that to the person I care about the most." I kept switching between patting his back, and running my left hand in soothing circles, trying to comfort him.
"It's okay Mike-"
"No it's not, Jac. I'm your brother! I shouldn't be willing to leave you alone with the creeps in this town. And I definitely shouldn't be hurting you." I shook my head and pulled back to get a good look at his face, I was shocked to truly see his face a little wet with tears. I didn't know vampires could cry.
"Maybe not, but Michael, you weren't even really yourself during most of that." I assured him. He didn't look too convinced, so I pressed on.
"Look Michael, even the best of friends are going to fight. We especially aren't always going to see eye to eye BECAUSE, you're my brother." A puff of a laugh escaped him at that. I smiled, finally getting through to him.
"That also means that we are going to forgive each other, because at the end of the day, you're my brother Michael and I love you, even when you are being a right Douche." I gave him a sly grin. He rolled his eyes halfheartedly, but I can tell that he felt better about everything. As he leaned back and dropped his arms, he stood up straighter, and he did look rather relieved.
"Now that the mushy stuff is over, go back to Star, you need each other." Michael nodded, looking her way with a softened smile. He gave my upper arm one last pat, before making his way back to the little corner she was sitting in, waiting for his return.
As I made my way to where David was sitting, he raised a hand and motioned with his fingers for me to go to him. I complied walking towards him, and letting him pull me to sit in his lap, his arms wrapping around my waist.
"Everything alright?" His voice came low in my ear, his breath tickling the shell of my ear.
I nodded, "Yes, better than alright." I whispered, happy that it was the truth. Shifting to sit sideways in his lap, letting my feet hang over one of the arms of the chair, and my back resting against the other arm. His arms never leaving their place around my waist tightened once I settled in.
"Glad to hear, what did you do today little mouse?" David brushed the hair off my shoulder, exposing my neck.
"Oh, Max came over today!" I spoke excitedly remembering the little impromptu date Mom and he had earlier today.
"Mom is just smitten." I said with a laugh remembering her little dreamy looks as she talked about him before the date. Then I remembered the dinner itself and frowned.
"What's wrong, dove?" I arched an eyebrow at him, for the new pet name, but didn't voice my question.
"Sam invited two goons to dinner. Some kids who called themselves vampire hunters. They had a suspicion that Max was one, and were trying to kill him, with garlic, and I guess holy water." I explained, a little bud of anger finding its way into my heart again. I felt David tense slightly from behind me and I noticed the eyes of the other boys including Mike and Star turn to me.
Paul turned his music down, and Dwayne put his book face down into his lap. The sudden shift had my head spinning and my gut starting to churn.
"Nothing worked?"
"Well, no." I looked back at David a little confused, then back at everyone else. "Was it supposed to?"
Paul and Marko shared a look then came forward to take a seat on the couch Dwayne was on. He moved his feet off the couch to give the other two boys room. Michael and Star moved to the little loveseat, to also be included in the conversation.
"Garlic is just a myth, but Holy water should have burned him." Paul mused, seemingly trying to figure out how Max's identity didn't get exposed.
"Wait Max is a vampire?" Michael questioned; his brows furrowed in confusion. I almost forgot that he wouldn't have known that little fact seeing as he spent the night with Star when he found out about his newfound vampirism.
"Did Lucy invite him in?" Dwayne asked, more as a suggestion, I started shaking my head no, knowing he came into the house without mom and I's knowledge.
"I did." We all looked to Michael, "When I left the house tonight, he was about to knock, he said he wouldn't come in unless I invited him. I thought he was just trying to get on my good side."
The boys all nodded, as if that explained everything. "Wait so that old tale about vampires needing to be invited into a home is true?" It didn't seem right, I didn't outright invite David into my bedroom, and he still has been in there.
"Sort of, we can enter a house without an invitation, just like anyone else, but when you're invited in, you become immune to certain tricks humans can use to identify or harm us. You will be able to see our reflection, and Holy water has no effect." Marko informed, his eyes facing towards the ceiling as he tried to recount their own weaknesses.
I doubt they often come across the need to avoid these things seeing as they don't often get close to humans unless to drink from them. So, it made sense that he really had to think about all their weaknesses or what they avoid, to keep from being caught.
"So, I guess those dweebs did know a little something." I muttered to myself, thankful that Max had the foresight to ask for permission before coming inside our home tonight. Who knows what could have happened if he didn't think to ask.
There was a bit of silence before Marko spoke up again. "What should we do David?" I watched as all the boys looked to their fearless leader for direction. It was a predicament for them for sure. They mentioned they had rules, no killing children or women with children, and these little "hunters" still fell into the child category.
However even though they are young, and clearly not a high-level threat, seeing as they have no experience, they are still onto their little secret. They can't just let little brats grow up to be big brats who will have a better chance at harming them. They got to nip this in the bud now, before it becomes a real problem. My only real worry though was where that left Sam.
"We're just going to have to scare them straight." David said affirmatively, giving his boys a devilish grin. I wasn't sure what they planned to do to get their point across, but I knew it was going to be good. Those boys are going to learn that Vampires in real life are much more terrifying than the comics could ever give them credit for.
The boys planned to take action tomorrow night, seeing as they didn't have near enough time before daylight broke, to really be effective. I was thankful for this, I couldn't do much to help them with whatever plan David could come up with. I also just got here, and it would suck to be quickly dropped right back off at home.
After they all decided to pay the Frog brothers a visit tomorrow night, Michael and Star went back to their little area in Star's "Bedroom" area. Dwayne took a dive back into his book, dead to the world around him, and Paul and Marko currently were playing, starting to do a little dance around the large fountain once again.
I looked around the room, at each and every one of the coven mates, and smiled. This truly did feel like home, just being able to enjoy each other's company in the general vicinity without actually having to interact with each other.
"So the 2nd date went well?" I looked up at David's face again, and instantly got all giddy again.
"Yes! Well I did have to throw the two idiots out, and convince Sam to go upstairs, but after I turned some music on I think it ended well." I started to think aloud to myself, going over what happened for the night. I looked over at David, to spot an odd look on his face.
"What?"
"I think you have seen too many romance movies."
I scoffed in mock offense, before barking a laugh.
"Hey it worked, didn't it!" I defended myself, giving him a playful smack to the shoulder. It may have been cliché, and I maybe do watch too many romantic movies, but the old tricks worked all the same. That makes it a win in my book.
Being the only human in the group means I grew tired fast, and David decided it was time to take me home.
"Can't I stay here for the night?" I asked, as he started guiding me to the entrance. I wasn't sure why but as soon as it came time to leave, a feeling of dread came over, like if I left something terrible would happen.
"Please I'd feel safer if I could sleep here tonight." I begged, turning to face him. He sighed and looked ready to deny my request, but after searching my eyes for a few seconds, he conceded with a groan.
"Alright kitten, you win."
I did a mental victory dance, knowing that my pleading puppy dog eyes were only growing stronger, but I made sure to wipe away my smug expression quickly before David caught it. Otherwise he might take me home out of spite.
David stopped leading me towards the entrance, and instead went to the little nest Star and Michael were resting in earlier, picking up one of the blankets, and a small round pillow and heading towards the sitting area.
Everyone else had abandoned their seats and were all in a circle whispering quietly to one another, as David brought the blanket and pillow to the larger couch. I laid down as was expected of me, and let David lay the blanket over me and tuck me in.
He was trying to make sure I was as comfortable as I can be on an old rickety couch; but being able to sleep in a place, where he wasn't miles away, was all the comfort I needed for tonight. I wished the couch was a little wider so maybe I can convince him to lay with me for a bit, but it wasn't, and I knew there would be other opportunities to cuddle with him.
After he was satisfied with my makeshift bed he left me to join the others in their circle; Their soft whispers lulled me into a fitful sleep.
I heard a muffled voice in my light stage of sleep; something, I at first thought was just a part of a dream. I then heard it again, this time a little louder my eyes fluttered open momentarily, before closing again. It was completely dark in the cave, with all the burn barrels out.
" Are you sure they are in here?" This time I knew that I heard Sam's voice. My eyes snapped open. From my spot on the couch I wasn't able to see much, and I cursed my eyes for taking a while to adjust to the darkness around me. I was able to see a flicker of light run across the back wall, someone was waving a flashlight around.
"Of course we're sure, We watched your sister come riding in here with her creepy boyfriend." That was a frog brother, they were in the cave. The panic started building fast, they came to the cave, during the day, knowing the boys would be asleep and therefore at their most vulnerable.
If I wasn't currently freaking out, I may have given them props for the smart move. I cursed myself for not telling David about my feelings yesterday on the bike, I knew I felt eyes watching us. When I heard the footsteps draw near I shut my eyes again, and stilled my nerves, pretending to still be sleeping.
"Here she is."
I could see the light brighten from behind my eyelids, indicating that one of them was pointing a flashlight directly into my eyes. I refused to flinch or show any indication of my wakefulness, especially the urge to roll my eyes. If these idiots wanted to be stealthy, the last thing they should do is shine a flashlight right into a sleeping person's face. I heard a little bit of shuffling Then Sam's distressed voice.
"What are you doing!"
"What? She's one of them."
"No, she isn't! She's human, you can't just kill her!" Sam practically screeched, it took everything in my power to not flinch or tense my body, and give away my charade. I was terrified to know just how close to death I was at that moment.
I heard more scuffling.
"Fine Emerson, just keep your mouth shut, we don't need the bats to wake up!" I heard Edgar hiss, I pictured he had his hand over Sam's mouth right now.
"Let's keep looking, they have to be here somewhere."
I heard their footsteps push forward going further into the room. I risked opening my eyes just a bit to peek and see what they were doing. They had their backs to me currently, and with my eyes adjusting more to the darkness, along with the help of their flashlights lighting up the place, I was able to see that all three were here.
Sam, Edgar, and his brother Alan. One of the brothers carried a backpack of sorts, and the other wore what looked to be like a makeshift utility belt. The shorter of the two was holding a sharpened piece of wood in his hands. A wooden stake was their choice of weapon for this adventure it would seem.
I watched as they walked about the room, making sure to close my eyes if I felt they would look in my direction. They were searching the walls, clearly trying to find where the boys may be sleeping. I was hoping they would just give up soon, and not find anything, but of course things could never be that simple.
"There's an opening here, I bet it will lead to them."
'shit' I cursed mentally, there goes the easy way out. I watched their backs carefully and slowly looked around the room, my eyes completely adjusted now. I spotted a darkened form behind the sheer veil of Star's bed. She was there, and it seems the boys completely missed her, good. I don't know what Michael would do to Sam if he let his friends kill her, and I need the extra hands.
I looked back at the boys. They have not bothered to check behind them to make sure I was still asleep and were currently entering the inconspicuous hole in the wall. I slowly, quietly lifted myself off the couch, and then padded my way over to the blanket nest.
I pulled the sheer fabric back and grabbed a hold of Star's shoulder, shaking her gently. "Star wake up" I whispered low enough in her ear for no one else to hear. She mumbled and turned over. "Need sleep." Was her tired reply, but I stayed persistent.
"Star, get up now, Mike's in trouble." Her eyes flew open and she turned back towards me, I placed a finger to my lips, gesturing to keep quiet.
Well I am glad the thought of my brother in mortal peril is enough for her to liven right up. I pointed to the hole, that the boys went through. The walls within the tunnel lighting up, with the dim flashlight; the only proof that someone was here that shouldn't be.
She and I moved quickly and quietly to the entrance and looked in. We could see the retreating forms of the boys about 20 feet away, and luckily for us, we also spotted plenty of rocks, or small curves in the wall. This should allow us to hide for a moment while inching closer to them.
Edgar Frog was leading the hunting party, a stake in his grasp. He was clearly the most thrilled about the prospect of killing our boys. Alan the taller and more quiet Frog brother was following close behind, flashlight in hand actually lighting up the tunnel. Sam was timidly at the rear, clearly out of his element, and already showing signs of regret.
"We should go back, this place gives me the creeps." I heard Sam say shakily.
"We're not going back, we are so close to killing these vampire scum!" I was shocked to hear them not even try to be quiet now. I am not sure if they truly are brave and think they can manage this, or if they are just that stupid.
"All we have to do is plunge this into their hearts and we are done, easy."
Just stupid, got it. There were five of them, and three of these idiots, and one of them was Sam! There was no way they could escape this! Even if they could manage to kill one. My heart clenched at the thought, I did not want any of my boys to die, especially in such a pathetic way. Killed in their sleep, with no chance of a fair fight.
We were now only about 10 feet away from them, and Star and I tried to keep our footsteps silent; good thing I have been learning from grandpa that Indian Walk he does. As long as I don't fall, I can be more silent than a mouse. Star had it a little easier keeping quiet as a half vampire. Even during the day when she is at her weakest, she can mostly hover over the ground, to keep from taking a step.
"The blonde one is Sam, you are going to grab him once we get the chance. DON'T kill him." I whispered to Star. Sam being at the back of the line and slowly falling behind the closer to danger they got, made him an easy grab. Star with her inhuman strength could easily snatch him back, keep him quiet, and hold him still; thus, Keeping him safe from any harm.
We were maybe 5 feet away from Sam, they didn't even sense our presence right up on them. No wonder humans were easy prey for vampires and the like, we really are this oblivious. We were getting close to the end of this little tunnel, so Now is the time to start acting. I motioned for Star to take Sam, the brothers were so excited in their little game that they hadn't even noticed that Sam was falling farther and farther behind.
Star was quick, she snatched him right off the ground, and covered his mouth effectively so as not to make enough noise for the Frog brothers to even notice their friend's capture. Now with Star preoccupied with keeping Sam still, quiet, and most importantly Safe, I followed the other two boys further. They were just now entering the opening at the end of the tunnel, and I could hear the gasp of the taller Frog brother as they looked up.
"Sick!" entering the opening myself I saw what they were referring to. Their flashlights were shakily shining up towards the ceiling, illuminating the sleeping forms of our boys. All five were hanging upside down, their hands crossed over their chests. They looked reminiscent of bats when they lay dormant during the day.
It was almost cute, if the circumstances weren't what they were, I'd probably 'aw'. However now was definitely not the time, and I needed to find a way to get these jerks gone. The Frog brothers wasted no time (After they got done acting like petrified little girls that is), and Alan took the large light they had to shine it up at the vampires. Most specifically they were shining it at Marko who was the closest to what looked like a wooden ladder.
Edgar was starting to climb up the ladder, the stake in his hand. I started to panic, I didn't know what to do, they were already enacting their plans, and I wasn't going to be able to run past one of the brothers and get to Edgar in enough time to stop him from hurting Marko.
So I did the only thing I could do, I ran up to Alan who was still holding the light and tried to tackle him down, catching both boys off guard.
"Marko! Watch out!" I managed to scream out while fighting with the slightly taller boy for the light. I heard the sickening sound of the puncturing of flesh followed by an inhuman scream, but didn't see the terrifying scene while fighting over the light. My eyes burned with tears, as I desperately tried to look to see what happened, but in my desperation, Alan was able to throw me off.
I hit the ground roughly with a yelp, while everything was moving fast around me. I can hear the angered yells of the guys who were wide awake now with our screams. I heard the sound of a body smacking against the ground, and my heart clenched again knowing that it was Marko's injured body. I was able to see Alan Frog step closer to me, a stake in his hand ready to take me out, before looking back up at the angered vampires.
He was debating if he had enough time to take me out and get away from the vampires, I was sure.
"You're dead!" I heard the slightly familiar but more inhuman voice of David, thankfully making the choice for Alan. He jumped down, landing right in front of me, blocking my view of the Frog brother. The brothers screamed and booked it to the cave entrance, as David chased after then along with Dwayne and Michael.
My heart was pounding so hard that I swear I could feel it in my ears, and I laid frozen on the ground for a few seconds trying to regain my senses. The thought of Marko's scream is what pulled me back to reality; I scrambled on the ground, looking around the small area and quickly spotting the jumbled heap of a body not too far from me.
I scrambled to my feet and ran over to him, tripping and catching myself the entire way, and landing on my knees right in front of his body. I was scared to touch him, and assess the damage, but I sucked in a breath and grabbed the shoulder of his jacket, and pulled him over. Paul was at my side in a second, deciding to leave the other three boys to catch the frogs while he checked on his friend.
The first thing I noted was just how much, dark glittering red and orange blood was covering Marko's torso. The second thing was the crudely sharpened stake clearly sticking out of him. I released a small cry grabbing the offending object and releasing it from his body. At that moment I thought he was already gone, my efforts futile in trying to wake him and get Edgar to not hit his mark.
I rubbed a hand against his cheek trying to memorize his more peaceful face instead of the bloodied mess of his torso, but as I did so I swear a miracle happened. He started to cough, his eyes growing wide, and him taking in an unneeded breath.
"Oh my God, you're still alive!" I cried, pulling his head to rest in my lap, While Paul moved from behind me looking over my shoulder to crouching at his friend's side.
"He missed." Paul said, the first time I ever heard him talk so serious. I scanned over his bloody torso, clearly he didn't miss, The stake did in fact hit him. Knowing my thoughts though, Paul grabbed the bloodied collar of Marko's now stained white top, and pulled it down just slightly enough for us to inspect the wound.
In my haste to get the offending object out of his body, I didn't take the time to realize that it did not hit his heart, but instead closer to his collarbone. The wound was shallow, not running him completely through as Edgar probably wanted, but instead only managed to dig an inch and a half in.
The wound may have been fatal to a human, once they bled out, but for a full vampire with much faster healing, the wound was already starting to close. Slower than usual for a vampire due to him being in a weakened state, but it was inevitable, The wound would heal and close. And since it narrowly missed his heart, by a good few inches, he would not be dying tonight.
"Oh thank God!" I sobbed, laying my head on his shoulder, the uninjured side so as to not hurt him further.
"You saved me." Marko finally spoke, coughing a bit more. I raised my head and looked into his eyes.
"What?"
"Thanks" Marko breathed out. Paul laughed. A laugh to dispel the worry, and heaviness of the situation, before pulling Marko into a "manly" hug. He was worried for his friend I am sure, but I knew if I pointed it out, he'd deny it later.
"Shit, David!" I just remembered that he went after those two nimrods! With Paul helping Marko up onto his feet, I made a mad dash towards the tunnel, determined to find out what happened to the Frogs before anyone did something they regret.
The tunnel was free of any bodies, which meant the boys did somehow manage to run down the entire length of the tunnel before being caught. Once again, only because they chose to strike at their weakest time, and while they were off guard, otherwise I am sure they wouldn't have made it out of their sleeping quarters.
I could hear yelling not too far ahead so I knew they were all close, and once I finally broke free of the tunnel I was able to see what was going on. Star was still holding onto a reasonably shaking Sam, no longer covering his mouth to keep him quiet, but keeping a good grip on him to keep him from running off and doing something stupid.
Dwayne was currently holding down Alan, pressing his face into dirt none too gently, but he was still alive at least. Edgar was being held down by Michael, his hands on Edgar's shoulders, pushing him down forcefully to his knees on the ground, not allowing him to stand back up. The weapons the boys once held were thrown across the expanse of the lobby, way out of reach of the young teens.
"You kids honestly thought you could succeed?" David's laugh was cruel, but understandably so, his safe haven was infiltrated and one of his brothers injured after all.
"Damn right! We killed one of you, and we would have been out of here, if it wasn't for your bitch getting in the way." I watched David's shoulders raise up, I couldn't see his face, but I knew how angry he was. I couldn't help but wonder how stupid the boy could actually be seeing as he said that while Michael held him. My brother did not take kindly to people talking bad about me in any way.
There was a small pop, and Edgar yelled out in pain, Michael squeezed his shoulder a little too hard, after that comment.
"Actually you didn't even succeed in Killing anyone." I spoke up, Michael and Dwayne looked up for just a second, then back down at the boys they were holding down, not wanting to be distracted long enough for the boys to escape.
I walked up as calmly as I could, steeling myself, and taking a stance by David's side, placing an arm on his back, and looking him in the eye. His face was morphed much like the others, I assumed not fully in it's feeding state, but clearly pissed. His cheekbones were higher, and much more prominent, his eyes were glowing, a dark orange ring on the outside, fading to a bright yellow moving in towards his dilated pupils. His fangs were out as well, peeking out from his lips, long enough now that they couldn't be hidden behind his lips.
"Marko is fine." I spoke honestly, keeping it short and sweet. I didn't want the Frog brother's to know just how close they were to actually hurting him.
"Impossible! I staked him!" Edgar yelled out, struggling in Michael's grip, but to no avail, he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon.
"You missed." I hissed back, no patience for this little brat.
"Well, it looks like you failed on all fronts." David grinned at them, it looked rather menacing with his face the way it was right now, but then again that was to be the point.
"What do you want us to do with them David?" Michael asked, not loosening his grip on Edgar's shoulders even a little. Edgar and his brother seemed to have enough sense to start panicking now, wiggling violently in the grips of Dwayne and Michael, but the attempts did little more than move some dirt.
"Don't kill them!"
I looked over to Sam's distressed face, he was scared I can tell, he was still just a child after all.
"They wouldn't have even found you if I hadn't called them! Don't kill them!" Sam shouted again, pleading with David, and the rest of the vampires. Michael looked a little guilty, he really didn't want to scar his little brother for life. He didn't want Sam to think of him as only a monster.
I looked at the boys that attempted to kill Marko, and even through my anger, and anxiety from this whole ordeal, I still saw the fear in their eyes, the childish minds, they thought they were being heroes for the town, they didn't understand the actual weight of their actions until now, when their lives were on the line.
"They were going to kill us all Sammy, What would you have done, and have told mom if it was me they got?" Michael asked, keeping his eyes on the now crying Frog brother. It seems the fearless hunters were now starting to realize their soon to be discarded lives.
"I don't know! I didn't even think we'd find you this quick! I called them to save you Mike, I didn't know this was going to happen." Sam was blubbering at this point.
"Please just don't kill them Michael."
I sighed, my heart went out for Sam, and I don't want to see the practical kids die, but they DID almost kill Marko, and they are trying to pose a threat to us. We must take it seriously. I looked at David's profile, his face was back to its human form, scowling at the boys on the ground. I am sure every bone on his body was screaming at him to just kill them but killing 14-year-old kids just didn't feel right, no matter what they were attempting to do.
The tough guy façade faded from the boys fast, as they started pleading for their lives. Alan's coming out in muffled sobs, and Edgar's voice cracking, and squeaky, tears just pouring down his reddened dirt smudged face.
I placed a hand on David's upper arm gently, taking his attention off the boys. I didn't have to say a word to him, my face saying all he needs to know, He really can't just kill these kids. David gave out a gruff huff of breath.
"Dwayne, Michael Take them over to the entrance." David Informed, both guys immediately lifted the boys off the ground, as they screamed at the top of their lungs. I assume they were expecting this to be their death. Sam looked at the scene, face pale as a sheet, and flinched harshly when David pointed a demanding finger at him.
"You get over there." If Sam could have paled even more, I am sure he would have. Star helped him up and walked him over Where Michael and Dwayne currently still held the now standing frog brothers off towards the entrance of the hotel lobby.
"You stay right here kitten." His voice was quieter, and soft for me. I wanted to protest and know what was going to happen to the boys, but his expression left no room for arguments, so I only nodded.
I sat on the arm of the couch, looking over at the group clustered near the entrance. Star had made her way back to stand beside me. We both shared a look then focused back on the boys. I couldn't hear what was being said, but the terrified looks, and the unmistakable darkened spot running down the front of one of the boy's legs told me that it wasn't a pleasant conversation for them.
At some point I felt a hand land on my shoulder, giving me a jump before I realized it was just Marko, his shirt changed to another cleaner white top, and where once a bloody disturbing punctured hole was, now laid smooth skin, just the faintest of scars left as a reminder of the incident.
I stood and gave him a hug, "Glad you're okay." I whispered in his ear as to not distract the group near the entrance. Paul made a move to storm after the brothers as soon as he saw them, but Star held him back as best she could trying to stop him.
"Don't Paul, stop. They are deciding what to do, now isn't the time to seek revenge!" Star tried to reason. This caught the attention of the brothers, and Sam who all tried to run off, but Mike, Dwayne and David made sure they couldn't. Their eyes were wide and flickering between Paul who would have ripped into them, quite literally if it was up himself, and then to Marko who looked as if nothing happened to him at all. He was giving the boys a Cheshire grin, knowing that seeing him alive, and well, and no traces of their prior encounter probably scared the living daylights out of them.
Paul let out a guttural feral sound, one that was reminiscent of a growl, but didn't quite match any animal one would find in the animal kingdom. Star was able to convince him to stay back, and let the others hash out the details, however not without some feral pacing, and death glares being shot their way.
"Star!" Michael called out and motioned for her to approach. I was curious why they would need her, for a second, but it made itself clear when Sam, and the frog Brothers started walking out the entryway, heading towards daylight, with Star following close behind. She was going to make sure they in fact leave the cave, though I doubt they would have honestly tried to do otherwise. They slip up once now and they will find themselves in pieces, scattered across the cave walls.
Paul was starting to fume again seeing the boys leave alive. "So we are just going to let them get away with it?" He huffed, motioning to their retreating forms as David, Dwayne and Michael walked back to us.
"We have rules Paul, no kids." Dwayne explained, trying to place a hand on his irate brother's shoulder.
"That's bullshit! They almost killed Marko! Are we just going to sit here and wait for them to do it again?"
"They won't try again. We have an agreement, If they step one foot out of line, We slaughter them like pigs." David replied coolly, taking a seat in his chair, the exhaustion finally getting to him. I took this moment to walk over to him, and as soon as I got within reach he pulled me over to his lap.
I leaned into him, laying my head in the junction between his head and shoulders, nuzzling into his neck. I was finally able to calm down, knowing everyone was fine and well, even though Paul was furious.
"We won't step into their little shop, and they won't even step a foot off the boardwalk towards the bluffs. If we even get a sniff that they may be thinking they will come back here, Then they will have the pleasure of watching us rip into their parents, before we feast on them." I could tell David was grinning without needing to look at his face.
I turned my head to be able to look at everyone once again, most of them taking seats on the couches and chair. Paul still stood, his breathing indicating he wasn't calming down nor convinced about the truce that was made. Marko surprisingly was the one who was able to get him on board.
"We just can't step a toe inside their shop, that doesn't mean we can't stalk around, and make sure they stay in line." He tried to cheer his brother up. "And if they even take a foot out, We eat them!"
It was odd to see such an innocent smile after saying something like that, but that seems to be his nitch. He had a childish demeanor, he was playful, but it mostly just seemed innocent, that was until he was sinking his teeth into your throat.
Paul took a deep breath and nodded, finally calming down. He shared a grin with Marko, something that told me they were going to make those boys suffer if they couldn't kill them.
"I'd feel better if we found you guys a different sleeping area, one more difficult to get to." I pretty much pleaded, moving my head back, trying to look David in the face.
Star nodded in agreement by Michael's side, at some point she made her way back inside after making sure the boys fully left the cave.
"There are many different coves here, we can find another." David spoke firmly, agreeing with the precaution.
"Our little "Family" is growing as it is." David continued, running a hand up and down my arm. I pressed myself a little further into his chest trying to feel as much comfort as I could. I knew he was mostly mocking the word family since Max used it in the most literal sense, wanting Lucy to be their mom, but in reality it was the most fitting definition.
The boys saw each other as brothers, despite decades and centuries possibly between meeting one another. Mike and I were brand new and didn't feel like we were exactly adopted siblings yet, but I feel within time, we would. In the end we are just one big family.
"Alright we all need some sleep, we can continue any conversations on this later." David's word was final, and if the yawns and droopy eyes were saying anything, this group desperately needed sleep. The boys one by one made their way back to their sleeping cove, but I had a hard time actually getting up to let David go.
I was currently laying my head back on his chest looking forward, but not moving even an inch. I knew he was watching me, but I refused to make eye contact. I thought if I looked at him, then I'd have to tell him goodnight, and right now I really wanted to just stay with him, to know he was safe.
"Kitten?"
I sighed, and decided to risk looking right in his eyes.
"Something wrong?"
I kept quiet for a moment, not sure whether I should actually voice my thoughts. I opened my mouth once to speak up, but nothing came out so I had to shut it again. He watched my face intensely, probably trying to read my expression. Something that seemed surprisingly effective for him.
"Do you need me to sleep with you today?"
My lip quivered, and I felt tears prick my eyes, but I refused to cry. I was in a heightened emotional state, and I was touched that he knew what I was thinking or feeling without me having to say it, but It was NOT a reason to cry.
"Can you?"
He didn't answer, instead he moved one of his arms below my knees, and the other braced against my back and stood. He stood, and lifted me right out of the seat as if I weighed nothing at all. Then he took a few steps to get to the couch.
He set me down on my feet once we were right in front of the couch; it gave him time to get laid down. Grabbing my hand and pulling me down, to lay on top of him, my head resting right under his.
"It isn't the most comfortable position, but if it helps you actually sleep, then it's worth a little discomfort." He finally answered, grabbing the blanket I used earlier off from the ground and placing it over the both of us, to keep me warm. I nuzzled my face into him, taking in his scent to send a wave of peace through me. I felt safe with him so close, and now I felt like the worst is over.
I can count on the kids not planning on coming back anytime soon to try and Kill David or the rest of the boys. We will find a safer sleeping area for them all just in case some other little vampire hunters grow ballsy and happen to follow the guys down here. We would have to figure out how to calm down Sam, and put away his fears, but I think with time Sam would turn around and trust us, even as vampires.
I was still going to have to convince mom we were fine, and hope that Maybe she really does belong with Max, so I can get away with not having to lose her. I was not to proud to say I was a little selfish; I wanted to be with David without losing my family, but it was mostly because it seemed plausible with the circumstances. If it came down too it, I was prepared to give mom a note saying I was fine, but had to lead my own life.
However while it was a possibility I liked to hold on to the hope that Mom was made for Max, like I was to David, and Michael was to Star. So that I can still see her often, and never have to watch her grow old and die from a distance.
I was relieved that nothing came of the hunt today, I was just starting to get close to these guys, and the idea of already losing one was heart wrenching. They were suppose to live for centuries, never growing old, and always high on life. It was unnatural to think of a vampire dying so soon after meeting them. I snuggled further into David's form, his arms tightening around me as I did so.
Words couldn't even describe how happy I was to still have David. I wasn't sure exactly what it was that placed him so high above everyone else, but I just wasn't sure what I would do if I didn't have him in my life right now. He was my rock, he kept me sane, safe, and just made me feel like I was truly living. I felt like I knew him for years, yet still can't get enough of him at the same time. If anything were to have happened to him, I don't know what I would have done.
I pushed the thought out of my head, and focused on the truth, and what was good. He was here, alive, without even a scratch on him, and we were together comfortably. Not only that, but we would be together and safe for lifetimes to come. That thought warmed up my entire being and placed a small smile on my sleepy face.
"I Love You." I whispered, as exhaustion started to haze my mind, and sleep took over.
Hope it was decent enough for ya'll I think the next chapter is going to be short and just going to explain the aftermath.