"Hey. Where is the girl?" Dwayne looked at David when he came back to them alone.

"Left her with her cousin. She might need a few days before we see her again. It's a lot to process." The eldest of the vampires explained and sat down on the bench next to Marko, pulling out a lighter and a cigarette.

"What is there to process? She knows what we are and what she will be. Piece of cake." Paul earned himself another smack to the back of his head. Dwayne shook his head and gave his brother a look of discontent.

"You don't remember anymore what it was like to get thrown into this?" The dark-haired vampire asked his snickering brother.

"Nope. Been high all the way through transition." He grinned sheepishly and pulled out another joint.

"Yeah. And selling your ass for said weed." Marko added dryly.

"Oh come on pretty boy. You love my ass." Dwayne pinched the bridge of his nose as the bickering between the two blondes continued.

"Is it too much to ask of you to be quiet for just one evening?", he growled and looked at his brothers.

"You're a grumpy one today…" Paul muttered at the tall vampire.

"So? And what are you not telling us?" He looked at David with a scowl. He could feel something eating away at his brother.

"Michael was at her apartment. Tried to persuade her cousin that we had drugged her and were doing what so ever to her. Of course Shelly freaked. I wanted to tear him from limb to limb…" Davids' voice was a dark growl. Before any of them could respond, a familiar mass of brown hair came running towards them.

Dwayne pushed off the railing and caught the boy mid-air.

"What are doing here, buddy? Where is Star?" The boy looked at his favourite brother and made a face.

"She left me at the arcade and went away with this strange boy who made Amy upset." Laddie stated with a sour expression.

"She did what?!" Dwayne was furious. When it came to the kid he didn't have much tolerance for anything. Especially not for Star abandoning Laddie.

"One day I will snap that bitchs' neck… I had about enough of that shit." Dwayne growled, this time really considering to go through with his threat to get rid of Star for good.

"Calm down, big guy. We still need her to pull Michael through. Not that I like the idea of having him around Amy… But it's a necessity. After that do whatever you like." Davids' harsh reply had him snap out of it. With a sigh he let the boy down.

"You got something to eat already?" The boy shook his head which resulted in a frustrated growl by all four vampires.

"Okay. Let's grab a bite, buddy. Can't have you going to bed hungry. I know you still have that candy hidden under the mattress. But that doesn't count as dinner." The boy looked up to the tall man and gave him a sheepish smile. Of course Dwayne knew of his secret candy stash.

Happily he grabbed the large hand and pulled his brother towards the food trucks while the three others made to get some dinner for themselves.


It had been two days since David dropped me off at Shellys' apartment and I was still processing everything. Sure I somehow missed the boys but I was glad that they respected me needing some space.

Shelly had headed out with some friends and to my discomfort one Surf Nazi she had been seeing quite regular these days. I was one to talk about keeping away from danger, but I didn't trust him and I didn't like the way he treated my cousin. Overly possessive and demanding. Why she couldn't see that was a riddle to me.

So instead of going out with her I decided to pay a visit to Maria at 'VideoMax'. I hadn't seen her in a few days and Shelly forgot to give back some videos.

When I pushed open the door I stopped for a second. I almost ran straight into Max who looked at me with surprise.

"Well, hello Amy. How have you been, dear?" His heart-warming smile had me relax instantly. I really liked Max but something was different about him today. I just couldn't say what it was. When he pulled me into one of his usual hugs I noticed his scent was a little different. There was a slight coppery undertone that I hadn't noticed before.

"The normal everyday dramas…" I smiled sarcastically hoping he got the message. He nodded with his smile fading just a little.

"Yes. I noticed Mrs. Emerson being here and talking to you about her son got you quite worked up. If there is anything I can do for you just let me know. You girls might as well be my daughters, so don't hesitate." I gave him another thankful smile.

"Thank you. I appreciate the offer. I think I worked through it by myself. Her son and I have some history so… Mind if I sit behind the counter for a while, help out Maria?"

He let out a short laugh, which had some customers turning our way.

"You do that, my dear. You two try to actually get some work done until I come back later. You're up for some pizza? I'm paying for you girls." Maria and I looked at each other and started nodding wildly. He waved goodbye and I slipped behind the counter next to my friend.

"What's up, girl? I love the dress." She hugged me and gave me a quick kiss on the check as she always did. I looked down. I was wearing one of my old dresses, plain white with some flowers on it. Something I had worn three years ago and much too modest for me now.

I hopped onto the lower counter leaning my back against the one the customers used and looked at my friend.

"Not so much these days. Got a little bit side tracked by some boys. My ex from back in Phoenix tries to get back into my pants and I am a bit worried about Shelly." Maria shook her head.

"You mean the guy you broke up with after you were released from the hospital?" I nodded and she let out a sigh.

"Some boys just don't get it. But what is he doing here in Santa Carla?" Before she could answer the shops' door opened.

"I am so sorry Maria. The car broke down and I needed to take the bus down here." I cringed at the sound of Lucy Emersons' voice. I shot Maria a warning glare before she could say anything. If I kept silent I might as well stay unnoticed.

Instead the woman made her way around and behind the counter and stopped right in her tracks when she spotted me sitting there. For an awkward moment of staring at each other I ran through a variety of possibilities on how to get out of here as quick as possible.

"Oh, good to see you Amy. I wanted to talk to you before you disappear on me again." I flinched inwardly. So much for getting away. I gave her a small nod trying not to let my discomfort show on my face.

"Amy, I just wanted you to know something. I know the way things ended between you and my son weren't on the best of terms. And I know he can be quite a handful sometimes. I just hoped maybe you and I could still talk like we used to. I still have a lot of love for you and it pained me to hear you needed to leave Phoenix so you could deal with all you lost. I know I have no right to ask this of you and I don't expect you and Michael to talk any time soon. But if there is just anything you need help with or the need to talk about something to a woman with more experience, know I am here for you." I looked down on the hand that had taken a hold of mine and gave her a small squeeze.

"I didn't mean to bail on you Ms…. Lucy. It was just some kind of shock to run into you. I wasn't feeling too good that day and seeing you brought back to many memories. And I appreciate the offer. Since you seem to work here we might see each other from time to time." She smiled at me and told Maria she would be in the back, doing some paperwork Max had left for her to take care of.

"So it was her son you ditched? Girl, you got some serious explaining to do." I stuck my tongue out at Maria and she started laughing. I was really glad to have her in my life. She had been through so much and was the best example that you could make it through.

"Care to help me restock while you are here?" She shoved a box full of new videos my way and with a roll of my eyes I jumped down from the counter. I picked up the box and went between the shelves to put the videos up.

o-0-o

I jumped out of my skin when suddenly a hand grabbed my wrist, keeping me from bringing the videos back in order. I looked up into a pair of blue-green eyes and instantly recognized the mischievous smile playing along his lips.

"What are you doing here Marko?" I straightened up and tried to pull my hand from him.

"Could ask you the same, babe. Thought David said you needed time to think, so what are you doing in here?" His fingers were tracing patterns on my skin and I couldn't deny the tingle they left behind.

"I still need time. And it doesn't help much that you are here now. I still haven't really sorted things out, as much as I might miss you boys. And I am here visiting a friend and helping her out a little." I finally managed to pull my hand from him, but I was sure it was only because he let me go.

"Okay. And why were you talking to that idiots' mother?" I furrowed my brows and looked at him confused.

"I have known Lucy for years prior to losing my family. So what is it to you if I talk to her?" I was getting a bit annoyed by his questions and I could feel Maria keeping an eye on the both of us. I knew Max didn't like the boys hanging around the shop.

"Since her son constantly tries to get back into those cute little panties of yours it is my concern if you talk to the wrench." I felt the heat creep up in my face. What was that about my panties?

Before I could ask him I leaned forward in pain and clung to his arm in shock. There was a hot searing pain in my intestines. I could feel tears in my eyes and clenched my teeth to keep from whining.

"Hey what's wrong, babe?" Concerned Marko crouched down next to me.

"It hurts. Why does my stomach hurt so much?" I tried to blink away the tears and reminded myself that it was three weeks prior to my period.

"Shit. David said we had more time. You need to tell me how long you have been having those cramps." I flinched again.

"Not up until now. What is happening to me, Marko?"

"It's the vampire blood. Your body is slowly dying. Those cramps are the hunger for blood. Let's get you out of here, baby-doll." Without further notice he picked me up bridal style and I curled into him.

"Whoa! Stop right there. What do you think you are doing? Amy what is wrong?" Maria had jumped up from behind the counter and was coming our way. Apparently not willing to let Marko just take me away.

"Getting her to see a doctor. She just started to have stomach cramps." He explained briefly with an annoyed looked on his angelic face.

"And you think I am just letting you walk out with her?"

"It's okay Maria… I trust him. I'll call you when I feel better." She nodded, not entirely convinced and let Marko pass.

The cool air outside the shop helped a bit with my mind getting foggy. Before I knew it I realized Marko had taken me down to a secluded area of the beach.

"Why… beach…?" I never got to finish the sentence because of another spasm burning through my insides.

"Hey, look at me sweetheart." Davids' cool hands were on my face and his now soft voice calmed down my nerves a little bit.

"There are two options we have right now, now that the thirst is sinking in. Either you make your first kill…" I violently shook my head. I wasn't ready to make that decision even if my body told me that it needed that red essence of live.

"Okay. I won't promise that you will like the second option to delay your need to feed. You will have to drink blood from us. It will subdue the thirst for human blood but it won't turn you fully. You will remain a half-vampire for the time being." I looked at him with pained eyes. I just wanted it to stop hurting.

"Please…" I whined through gritted teeth. David looked up and nodded at the others. There was some shifting of bodies around me as they arranged themselves and me. A strong arm snaked around my waist and I was pulled back.

"We will take care of you, princess." Dwayne purred in my ear as he pulled me into his lap and I let myself fall against his chest. Too weak to keep my body upright.

"Shit babe, you're burning up." Markos' voice was a soft whisper as he crouched down to my left and pulled my slightly damp hair out of my face and into a makeshift bun. Paul simply took my hand in his while settling down to my right.

David got down in front of me, his eyes never leaving mine.

"You're sure you want that, sweetheart? We can always find someone to feed from for you." I let out another whimper and groaned.

"No… human… blood…" I sobbed and David nodded at Dwayne while pushing himself gingerly between my legs. I saw Dwayne push up the sleeve on his right hand. David took a hold of his brothers' wrist and I flinched for a second when his face shifted into something that resembled a mask. His eyes changed to a warm gold and his canines elongated. With a low grown he gently bit down on Dwaynes' wrist until the first drops of blood hit the sand.

When he let go his face changed back and Dwayne gently held his bleeding wrist against my lips.

It was an odd feeling at first and I had to force myself to swallow the heavy liquid down. But as soon as the first drops entered my stomach I felt pure instinct take over. I grabbed the wrist and greedily sucked on the wound leaning slightly forward and shifting in the tall vampires' lap in the process. The taste was unique. It was as if I swallowed his scent paired with the coppery tinge of blood.

"Fuck, princess! Keep still or…" Dwaynes' voice was hoarse and somewhat restrained as his free hand pressed me further down in his lap to keep me still. I couldn't supress a low moan when I felt something hard press against the curve of my ass while his blood was flooding my senses.

"Shush… That's enough, Amy. You need to let go of him now!" I instantly let go with a frustrated growl, but Davids' voice resonated in my head even if he had spoken out loud. His voice held some sort of force over me even if I wanted to keep drinking. My body still ached although the pain was now a bit numbed.

"More…" I whispered pleadingly.

"Don't worry. You will get more in a second. But we can't let you drain one of us completely." Davids' voice was still soft as he pulled me back to my feet and turned me around. I was now facing Marko and Paul, Dwayne still sitting and awkwardly rearranging something in his pants.

"And you keep calling me animal…" Paul grinned down at his brother and had I been there with all my senses I would have flushed a deep red.

Marko caught my attention by stepping in front of me and pulling my face in for a bloody kiss. When he pulled back he licked the drying fluid from his lips with a wink before turning towards Paul. He got up behind him and helped his brother out of his jacket. His ocean like eyes kept mine as he bit down on his brothers' neck and I purred when I saw the red drops run down Pauls' chest.

Marko pulled back his fangs and held out his hand to me. Paul smiled at me as both vampires pulled me close. Before I thought too much about it I put my mouth against his neck and moaned when the flavour hit my tongue.

"Oh shit. I get Dwaynes' problem now…" Paul growled as I sucked on his neck and tightened his grip on me. Even through my dazed state I knew exactly what he was pressing into my lower abdomen.

"You're sure you get it, boy?" David hat taken Markos' place behind Paul and pulled his head back by gripping his hair tight, exposing his throat even more to me. Whatever David was doing, it had Paul whimper and press more into me.

A light pull against my chin had me retreating from the blond and face Dwayne, who gently licked some blood off my chin before capturing my lips with his.

"How are you feeling now?" I tried to focus on Davids' icy eyes, which was kind of hard.

"Better. I'm feeling… kind of high…" I giggled which made Paul and Marko laugh.

Dwayne let out a low growl and David gave me an amused smile.

"That's because you took just a little too much, sweetheart. But your body should settle down for now. Vampire blood is much stronger than human blood so the thirst and the pain coming along with it should be no problem for at least three more days." I nodded and tried to stay focused. Now that the pain vanished I felt exhausted.

"I will take you to the cave." Dwayne whispered while picking me up. I shook my head. I couldn't be at the cave right now.

"No… Take me to the apartment. I am still not done thinking." Dark eyes examined my face and finally he let out a sigh.

"Fine, princess. Can one of you take my bike home?" I didn't pay much attention to the short conversation following. I buried my face in Dwaynes' neck and must have dozed off for a few seconds, because we were suddenly outside the apartment.

"Okay. I can't take you any further. Will you be fine on your own?" I looked up and made a face.

"Will you please come in and stay with me for a while?" I whispered back and looked at him with pleading eyes. A few seconds later he put me down on my bed and pulled the blanket over me. When he took a step back to pull over the chair at my desk I reached for his hand.

"Do you mind… I mean…" I didn't know how to ask him to get into the bed with me.

"You want to cuddle?" Dwayne gave me a smirk and shrugged off his leather jacket. When I shyly nodded he slid under the cover next to me and pulled me into his side.

"Try to sleep, princess. If you let me, I will still be here when you wake up." His words didn't make much sense to me. But the idea of him staying here with me was something I would love.

"Please stay." He kissed me again, cleaning my face of all the remaining blood in the process before I buried my face against his neck and drifted off with his arms tight around me.