Okay I changed Chapter 8 and I changed the way Spike enters. He isn't coming from the amulet anymore – sorry about that! Hopefully you'll still like it

Chapter 8

The night air was relatively warm compared to the coolness I felt inside. I knew it wasn't wise to wonder the streets alone and with no weapon, but I needed to get out of that hotel.

I knew Angel was a vampire, but I never thought he would act like one.

I still can't get his words out of my head.

Thinking about it sent chills down my spin and I picked up the pace. Looking down on the sidewalk I focused on the little grooves between the cement blocks; trying to distract myself from Angel. I did plan on returning to the hotel sometime before midnight but I wasn't ready yet. When I passed an alleyway, my body suddenly stopped.

Turning my head slowly, I glanced into it. It was mostly shadow with a large green dumpster in the back.

"So this is where it all started"

I thought, thinking about that time I followed Angel to the alley.

"So it seems no matter what... my thoughts always come back to Angel"

I muttered to myself angrily as I began walking again.

I lifted my head as I heard some commotion from the street over as it sounded like there was a fight. When I glanced back down at the sidewalk, I picked up the pace; not wanting to disturb what was going on and involuntarily get involved. The last thing I needed was some bullies threatening me. Though I did have my self-defense classes, it was too late and I was way too tired. Letting out a big sigh of relief as I crossed the street, I headed in the opposite direction of the scuffle.

Still aware of the noises behind me, I heard one of the men yell out in a British accent "hey! Where do you think you're going?"

Praying that it wasn't anywhere near me, I began to jog slightly. "I need to get into shape" I breathed to myself as I turned the corner and stopped. Leaning up against the brick wall, I clenched my chest. My throat burned as I gasped for air. "I am so stupid..." I muttered, "Out of breath from running away from nothing..."

My breathing slowed as I heard footsteps from around the corner coming towards me. "It's probably no one" I thought to myself, "no one dangerous that is... but who am I kidding, this is L.A"

Bravely I stuck my head around the corner. Nothing. Taking a deep breath, I started walking.

No cars drove past me. In fact the streets were dead quiet; the perfect setting for taking a midnight stroll. I sarcastically laughed. "What time is it" I wondered, and decided to check my watch. The glowing numbers read 12:13. Hmm, I guess I should head back soon.

Just as I began walking at my normal pace again, I heard subtle footsteps that sounded like they were coming from behind me. God am I really paranoid. Though in L.A, it can be costly if you're not. The footsteps became louder and faster and definitely did not sound friendly. So I decided now was a good time to start jogging again.

When I turned a corner, there was a large gate blocking my escape.

"Damn it, dead end"

I thought to myself. Nervously I ran up to the gate and looked for an opening. The metal wires were thick and there was no way I'd be able to break through.

I sensed the person was still chasing me so I quickly looked around, searching for a place to hide.

Noticing a large green garbage can beside the gate, I crawled behind it. I tried to calm down, silencing my heavy breathing so I wouldn't be heard. The person was indeed still following me as the footsteps were getting louder, as they approached the gate.

My knees were pressed against my chest as my arms were rapped around them. Nervously, I waited.

I listened carefully, as I didn't hear the footsteps anymore.

"Could they have left?"

I asked myself. Even so, I didn't dare move from behind the garbage can just yet.

I quietly sighed in relief as I thought it was over.

The garbage can suddenly flew out in front of me and proved me otherwise. I screamed in shock and jumped up. They had returned and wanted to make me their next meal. He snarled at me as I stared in disgust at his bumpy face.

I thought I'd attempt to escape. Using all my strength I tried to run past him. He lunged sideways and caught me. He roughly flung me backwards into the gate, causing the gate to rattle. I let out another small scream as he began approaching me.

His mouth was wide open and drool dripped from his pointed teeth. I fell backwards, leaning against the gate; moving as far away from him as I could.

He put his hands on my shoulders and restrained me. He hissed as he leaned his head forward towards my neck.

I felt a slight prick from his teeth when I raised my knee.

Crouching over in pain, I pushed him off of me; his hands covering his lower region as he growled and hissed in anger.

This was my moment to escape.

Feeling a little weak in the knees, I tried to run.

I didn't get very far when the vampire quickly regained his strength. I was barely a few feet from the gate when he jumped me from behind.

He grabbed a hold of my hands and pinned them behind my back. I was unable to use them when I fell towards the ground. I felt like my body had crumbled when it smashed against the pavement, reminding me of the night with Angel.

I laid there motionless as he sat on top of me.

"I'll teach you to fight back, bitch"

He growled, pushing my body harder against the ground. I winced at his pressure before he suddenly decided to turn me over.

"I like to see my victim's faces when I kill them"

He hissed, as his face moved closer. When my body regained some feeling, I lifted my hands up and attempted to push him off of me.

He was strong, and I was no match for him, but I wasn't about to go down without a fight.

Letting out small screams as I struggled under him and punching him in the abdomen. He growled in frustration and seized my arms.

As he lowered in for the kill, his body pressed against mine. He was crushing my chest, making it impossible to breathe.

When I attempted to scream, his hand firmly covered my mouth as he pressed down into my neck. I closed my eyes tightly, praying I would wake up from this bad dream.

Suddenly, I was able to breathe again.