AN: Thanks so much to all the people that reviewed again! Especially BuriedNox and Vampiress-06, who keep giving me encouragement. Oh, yeah, sorry about using the quote from the book when Riker was changed. It's the only thing I could think of. Sorry this chappie is really short; been really busy. As always, reviews and/or suggestions are aprrechiated. Thanks always,

Maddy

Chapter 5: Jealously and Concerts

The next morning found Riker crawling up the ivy vines that lead to his second floor bedroom. Riker had stayed out all night, and he was exhausted from exploring the hidden forest paths and play hunting the rabbits that scurried across the grasslands. It was time for a nap, he'd decided. After, of course, he had taken a bath.

Quickly and quietly, Riker made his way into his room then grabbed his robe before making his way down to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, the now clean Riker went back into his room and curled up on his bed. He closed his eyes, and let his breath come in slower pants. He smiled in his semi-sleep and slowed his breathing down, like a person dreaming. Riker's thoughts drifted again back to Khloe, the girl that had so captivated him.

'I wonder what she thinks of me?' Riker couldn't help but wonder as he buried himself even further under the covers. 'Can she see me for what I truly am? The ripple of my pelt, or the sharpness of my fangs? Or does Khloe see me as any ordinary human, a meat-boy, unfit and unable to make the wonderful change?'

As if to answer his questions, a knock sounded at his door and Lark's voice rang through the room.

"Hey bro, someone's on the phone for you. Says her name's Khloe Rickwell." Instantly, Riker was awake and out of bed as he scrambled to the door. He yanked it open and snatched the phone out of his sister's hands before slamming his door in her surprised face.

"Hello," Riker said into the receiver. He hoped Khloe hadn't already hung up yet. She hadn't.

"Um, hi Riker. This is Khloe."

"Hey, how are you? And how did you get my number?" Riker grimaced as the words left his mouth. I can't believe that I just asked that stupid question. Khloe sounded amused when she answered him, and Riker couldn't help but blush.

"I have my connections. But anyways, I was just calling to see what you were doing tonight, because I've got an extra ticket to that Reliant K concert.. Do you wanna go?"

Riker's heart skipped a beat. Go to a concert with Khloe? Already? He grinned.

"'Course I do. What time should I pick you up?"
"How 'bout seven thirty? The concert starts at eight fifteen, so it should give us plenty of time.. together."
Khloe's voice sounded wispy as she said the last part. He puffed up like a strutting rooster at the thought of Khloe and himself alone together, and he answered huskily.
"Sounds perfect. What's your address?"
"Um, just pick me up at Kimbly's. My dad, erm, isn't too keen about me inviting you."

'Which is some of the truth.' Khloe thought on the other side of the line. Riker's grin was wiped off his face instantly, and he deflated. Uh oh. If a dad doesn't approve, then a guy didn't have a chance.

"Oh, okay then. Pick you up at Kimbly's at seven thirty."

"Cool. See you tonight then, Riker. Bye."

As he hung up, Riker jumped on his head and stifled a whoop of joy. 'I'm going on a date with KHLOE'

"I can't believe she wants to go with me." He whispered excited to himself "Who wants to go out with you?"

Riker turned to the doorway, a snarl forming on his face. But he held it back as soon as he saw who it was.Sorcha was leaning against his doorframe, hands crossed across her chest. Riker smoothed his hair back, and stood up.
"Err, hi Sorcha." He said. Riker hated it when she caught him unprepared to talk to her. He made his voice sound silky and oily, trying to sound cool and ready for anything.
"That was my new…friend." Riker didn't know why he didn't want to call Khloe his girlfriend. They were kind of going out- weren't they?
A smile played on Sorcha's lips. "Don't you mean your girlfriend? Don't look shocked; Lark told me a meat-girl called you and I just wanted to check it out."

Blast Lark; why can't she keep her mouth shut?

But an inspiration hit Riker; maybe he could play the jealousy card. He put a slick smile on, and came closer to Sorcha, his body still a little damp and cool from his shower. He saw Sorcha's face flicker with desire. It passed quickly "Well, yeah, you could say she's my girlfriend. What's it to you Sorcha? Not jealous are you?" Riker leaned against his wall, and watched Sorcha's gray eyes flash angrily.
"Why should I be jealous of some meat-gal? And why should you go after her, when you could have me?"
Riker smiled wickedly.
"Because she's better looking then you."
Sorcha bristled and let out a growl. "Oh yeah, wise guy? We'll just see about that." Then Sorcha stalked off into the dim hallway. Riker could practically see her fuming. He grinned and closed the door, before beginning to dig through his closet for something to wear for that night.