A little over a month has passed since we met our new vampire friends.
Not much has changed with our friendship with the vampires, but a lot of my plans and ideas to facilitate their 'living' have been successfully implemented. This is mostly due to Maney's wonderful inventions. He's still on probation with the clan, but nobody is outright glaring at him anymore. In fact, the day my father and Maney left with the majority of the male vampires of the clan to retrieve their belongings and their coffins, was the day the clan looked at him in a higher regard. A lot of the vampires even included him in group events after they returned from their successful trip.
He's told me in confidence that this is the happiest he's ever been in his entire life.
It made me delighted to hear him say that. Especially, after mom had Archibald do a background check on his life. My family and I brought it to his attention once we learned of his past, so he is aware that we looked into him.
He was more embarrassed than angry.
Maney was a creative boy, like Tony, and believed in vampires with all his heart. He had no father in his life and his mother was an extremely religious woman that thought her son was possessed. After the last exorcism had 'failed' she shipped him off to an asylum.
Maney was such a small and fragile boy at the age of 13 so his psyche convinced him that it was a lovely boarding school that he was sent to. The reason, he had told himself, that his mother never visited and why he wasn't allowed to return home was because she knew that he would be too busy with his 'studies' and kept him there.
God, it just made your heart ache when you think of it.
Anyway, Maney met Rookery in there at the age of 16 and gained, what he thought was a father figure. Maney was released from the asylum at the age of 18 and got a job at Transylvania Techworks soon after. Rookery had somehow been released as well about two years later and tracked down Maney.
He had convinced Maney that vampires were responsible for all of his misfortunes. Rookery tricked him into believing that he was the only one that could understand him and the only one who would ever put up with an idiot such as Maney.
Rookery's words, not mine.
Maney never had anyone in his corner before and believed every lie that Rookery filled his head with. Soon enough he began planning and building weapons to hunt and track vampires. Maney had been free from the asylum for only two years before he was placed under Rookery's manipulative control for two hellish years.
At least he was until the day Rudolph met Tony. It was then that Maney was finally able to break free of Rookery's abusive hold and found a home here with us.
The poor man has had to go through 22 years on his own feeling like an outcast and a misfit. With no family or loved ones to support him…it's a wonder he managed to stay alive this long. And he still held onto his hope for a better day. It was kind of inspiring once you thought about it.
After we heard his version of things, Tony was the first in the group to accept him with open arms. Which was nice for Maney since both Rudolph and Tony had been pranking the unsuspecting red-head non-stop since he got here.
Tony had also crawled into my bed that night, latching onto me with tears in his eyes. 'That could have been me, Lulu' he had told me. He carried on by saying that if it weren't for having such an amazing and supportive family, then that could have been him helping a hunter.
Tony was so scared of how easily a person could get tricked into such a relationship and how he may have made Maney's same mistakes if it wasn't for us giving him strength.
I didn't know what to say to that, so I just silently held him through the night as he cried into my chest.
The next day, he thanked me for being there and said that he was going to make Maney part of the family.
I smiled at that and nodded my head in agreement.
Tony convinced Maney to tell the clan about his past.
Maney was extremely hesitant at first, but Tony reassured him that the clan knowing how his past had shaped him could help his future of being part of the group.
He gave his consent and Tony led him to the group of five Sackville-Baggs who were sitting in the den. Maney relayed his story to them, with Tony's help when it got too hard for him to speak.
By the end of the tale, Freda had embraced him and told him that he was a good boy with a selfish mother. Frederick simply clapped him on his shoulder and stoically told him that he was proud of him for being honest. The rest either gave him a reassuring hug or handshake to let him know there was no ill will.
News traveled fast in the clan and the vampires were extremely understanding of the abuse Maney suffered through. Some were more understanding than others, but everybody has their own past and it's going to take them a bit longer to trust the former hunter.
That's okay.
As long as we continue to make steps in the right direction, they can take all the time they need.
That's how Maney earned the right to stay and I gave him permission to call me Lucy.
The majority of the clan is treating him as though he's part of the family. Some have even started calling him Uncle Maney.
My parents surprised him with a design of a workshop for him with a cozy apartment on top of it. They are zoning it a few miles from the castle, that way he won't disturb anyone with his welding when he's working on a project. My parents also zoned a place for a nice family house to be built in the opposite direction of Maney's workshop and closer to the castle. It would take about 6 months for both homes to be finished and Maney was extremely excited to have a place to call home.
Tony was happy for Maney, but not happy that we would be moving out of the castle.
Rudolph and Tony keep begging my parents to reconsider since they didn't want to be separated. Their argument was that we had put so much work into the castle already and it'd be a shame to miss out on enjoying it since we'd be 'so far away'.
Which was partly true, we had updated the castle into a more modern living space for our friends. For starters, I had Maney create and install strong- metal shutters in the dining hall to cover the windows during the daytime. Next, we renovated the library in the castle so it could hold every book and magazine that you would find in a public library. This way, we could start helping educate our vampire brethren on the local times. We even installed a computer room in one of the larger castle rooms.
Tony would use his special effects makeup to make the interested vampires more human looking and we had a night school computer professor come by to teach the group.
The first group that decided to learn was Gregory, Anna, and Rudolph. Soon their excited chatter amongst the clan gained a few more curious minds, so we had the professor return two nights every week to teach a new group each time. That was up until last week, when the majority of the clan had learned the basics of using a computer and we no longer needed his services.
We, of course, paid him handsomely and thanked him for his time. The professor was more than pleased to help saying that it was the first time in a long time that he had such a captivated audience.
The clan was elated with their newfound connection to the outside world and continuously thanked us for our generosity.
I kind of wished they would stop thanking me…
It made me blush whenever a vampire would stop me in the hall to shake my hand, and it made Gregory laugh at my obvious discomfort.
But, I'm getting distracted again.
As I mentioned before, we are currently building a modern looking house with big spacious windows in a clearing not too far from the castle. The clan didn't want to see us leave, even if it was just a couple of yards from the castle, and wanted us to stay with them.
Freda and Frederick were the only ones who understood my parents' need for their own space. My mom and dad graduated college living with roommates and didn't want to repeat that experience again. Even if it was with wonderful friends such as the clan.
Gregory and Anna reluctantly understood why we needed our own space. The only two mature children of the group. But Rudolph and Tony were adamant on staying in the same room with each other.
So, both set of parents agreed that once moving day came, Tony's old room would be Rudolph's new room and, as such, the bed would remain there with Rudolph's coffin. In return, we would put a new coffin in Tony's room for when Rudolph slept over at our house. That way both children can visit the other anytime they wanted.
Well...during the night of course, we don't want sun fried vampire on our hands.
Which brought me to the current plan that I'm trying to persuade my parents to endorse.
I was trying to convince them to dig a secret tunnel from the castle to our soon-to-be-built house, for emergency purposes.
Hell, I was trying to convince them to build multiple emergency escape tunnels from the castle's cellar to the various edges of the property.
No one was biting.
Pun intended.
But, all joking aside, it was extremely frustrating when they didn't see my vision for the future and the potential dangers that I was trying to avoid.
For instance, I was right about building the stone wall along the outer perimeter of the castle where the edge of the forest meets the road. Especially since we had a couple of lost tourists end up at our castle's doorstep. Thankfully it was during the day and my parents were able to handle it, but after the incident they immediately called a contractor to take care of the stone wall as soon as possible.
While the contractor set up the wall, we also had Maney set up the motion detecting cameras alongside the wall.
Fortunately, Frederick had attended the computer basics classes and also learned how to operate a smart phone. So, it was best to set up the alerts on his and my father's phones so that they could alternate watching the cameras and keeping the perimeter secure.
That was also part of our 'vampire reconnection' program. My family decided to buy the clan cellphones to help them further connect with the outside world. Gregory, Rudolph, and Anna were excited upon receiving their own mobiles. Freda had gracefully declined the offer and said that she would use Frederick's phone if needed.
The rest of clan acted in a similar fashion. Some of the clan members were excited about the cellular technology and were given smart phones. Others were okay without the mobile devices and declined the offer.
But, back to the matter at hand, many people thought that my extra security measures were pointless until some incident occurred that opened their eyes. It made me want to rip my hair out in frustration.
We were playing with fire with all these close calls.
Gregory would take me up to the rooftop to listen to music and vent. I would return the favor whenever him and his father got into an argument and ask him if he wanted to go 'topside'. It was a nice balance that stopped me from sending myself into a panicked frenzy and stopped him from blindly lashing out at his family.
He has confided in me that he still blames himself for the night that his clan got trapped by Rookery. Gregory eventually told me about how he had gone flying to cool his head and spotted a human walking his dog. He was so enraged at the moment that he decided to drain the human to spite his father.
Gregory hasn't told anyone else this, but he was happy that Maney's light stopped him from making the biggest mistake of his life.
'The hunters would have hunted my entire family down until there was nothing left if I had drained a human for fun. No matter how upset I was at the time, I'm disgusted by what my actions could have led to in that moment.'
He seemed so…broken when he told me this.
I didn't know what to say…Gregory had never felt so far away from me before and it broke my heart.
I had tried closing the distance physically, hoping that would bring him back to me.
He had eventually roused himself from his haze of guilt and wrapped his arms tightly around me.
We stayed like that through the night and never talked about it again.
I still worry about what goes on in his mind in regard to that night, but I make sure to tell him that I am always here for him in case he needed to talk, vent, or just needed a hug.
This declaration made him smile and he promised to remember that vow when he needs me.
And, truth be told, I needed him right now to calm me down about my rejected tunnel plan…
I mean in all seriousness; we need those tunnels for emergency purposes! What if an angry mob attacks the castle? Or hunters scale the gates and storm the castle walls? There are just too many scenarios of what could go wrong that I didn't want to just wait for something bad to happen!
"Okay, what are you scowling for now?" A familiar deep voice asked me from behind the couch I was currently lounging on.
I had tried to take sanctuary in the castle's library to stop my racing thoughts, but my panicked mind was currently winning at the moment.
"Gregory…" I whined out, "They said 'no' again!"
"Still trying to get your tunnels built?" He asked me with a chuckle.
"Hey, you said it was a good idea too!" I complained while tilting my head to look at him upside down.
He leaned his body over mine to gently touch our foreheads together, "Yes, but that's because I've realized it's easier to agree with you than argue."
"Gregory…" I groaned while pushing him away.
If he's going to be a jerk then I'm not going to talk to him.
"I'm kidding—oh, come here—you, big baby," Gregory laughed before pulling me into his lap before sprawling his body lazily over the couch.
"I'm not a baby…" I grumbled, "I'm just right. I was right about the stone wall, the cameras, and the daytime guard! And I'm right about this."
I reminded him of each of my correct predictions as I listed my former security plans.
"Yes, and you are right about the tunnels," Gregory appeased, "However, if our parents aren't going to listen to reason at the moment then you need to wait. Quit beating a dead horse and wait for the opportunity to win your battle arises. We have plenty of time and enough safeguards set up until then. Besides...you'll get wrinkles if you keep frowning like that."
Gregory poked the middle of my forehead between my eyes to prove his point.
I swatted his hand away before letting out a sigh and laying my head on his shoulder.
"You're right…"
"Of course, I'm right," Gregory boasted, "Now, come on, let's go flying for a little bit."
"Mmmmm…"
"Come on, I haven't dropped you once and you've made great progress with your fear—I mean concern, I said concern now stop glaring at me," Gregory quickly amended while putting his hands up in defense.
I thought for a moment about his logic.
He was right…again.
I was doing better with the whole flying thing and can even keep my eyes open. But that's mainly because Gregory doesn't fly too high or too fast with me. Plus, he still carries me bridal style to make me feel safer…
"…Alright," I reluctantly agreed, "Let's go flying."
"Excellent," Gregory smiled before carrying me in his arms.
I don't know why, but…I never wanted him to let go.
We had been flying and listening to music for quite some time before Gregory's head immediately snapped in the direction towards the castle.
"Gregory?" I asked him in alarm at his sudden movement.
"My father is calling a clan meeting," he told me to allay my concern.
"Oh, then we better go down and make sure everything is alright," I said before pulling myself closer to him in preparation for our speedy departure.
Gregory didn't respond with words but pulled tightened his hold on me as he sped off towards home. We soon landed outside the doors of the main dining hall where we held the clan meetings. It's the biggest room in the castle that easily holds the large number of clan members. Gregory grabbed my hand before opening the door and pulling me along to our usual table with our combined families.
Everyone was seated except Frederick who was flying above the room, doing a mental head count of who we were still waiting for.
My eyes turned towards my parents and Maney who looked like they just tumbled out of bed.
Rudolph must have also been flying with Tony because his hair was sticking up every which way.
I was about to reprimand them for flying so fast when I felt Gregory pinch my hand.
"Pick your battles," he murmured to me with a knowing smile on his face.
I angrily rubbed my injured hand before sticking my tongue out at him and turning my attention towards Anna.
"What have you been up to this evening?" I asked the little girl who seemed amused by Gregory's and my interaction.
"I was listening to that musical that you recommended before," she politely responded.
"Oh, you mean Hamilton?" I questioned, easily carrying on the conversation.
"Yes, that is the one," she eagerly informed me, "I'm currently on the song called Helpless, and I must say that I am enjoying the musical format and range of the actors!"
"That's wonderful!" I commented happily, "Now if only I could get your brother to trust me and listen—"
"I am not watching nor listening to any musicals," Gregory declared while crossing his arms.
"Will you quit being stubborn and listen to me?" I scowled at the obstinate teenager, "I really feel like you would like—"
"No, means no, Lucy," Gregory simply replied while turning away from me.
"You are such a brat!"
"I'm sorry who was it again that was pouting in the library when I found her?" Gregory questioned me while putting a hand to his ear, waiting for my response.
"Five words—garlic to the face, jerk!" I snipped back while swatting his hand away from his ear.
My temper tantrum just caused him to laugh even louder at my pouting predicament.
Stupid jerk.
"Gregory, quit picking on Lucy," Freda chided her eldest son, "You would think that after all these years you would have grown out of the phase of bullying your friends."
"Sorry mother," Gregory apologized with a smirk on his face.
That side smile was evidence that he wasn't 'sorry' in the last bit.
I opened my mouth to tell him that when Frederick's voice hushed the talkative crowd.
"My family, I have urgent news to share with you," he began addressing the large crowd, "I have received word from our fellow comrades and brethren, Clan Genovese. They are in dire need and seek refuge from a group of hunters that have destroyed their lair. Their clan leader, Cornelius, has assured me that their stay would be temporary as they mend their wounds and tend to their fallen."
"We must help them!" One of the vampires, I believe her name is Hildegard, shouted from the masses.
"It's only fair," cried out another vampire, "Remember when those beastly cannons trapped us in our crypt for months? We would have died if they hadn't come to our aid!"
"Yes, we've always come to each other's aid whenever needed," agreed Uncle Gernot.
"These thoughts of our past alliance have also crossed my mind as well," Frederick called out, trying to calm the clan's enthusiasm, "However, there is something none of you have yet to take into consideration."
Frederick flew down from his spot and landed behind my mom and dad, placing his hands on both their shoulders.
Silence rang out through the hall.
Realization appeared upon the face of each vampire.
"We can't house them!" Hildegard cried out, "They'll, they'll—oh, it's too horrible!"
She couldn't even finish her sentence before covering her mouth and taking her seat.
"I agree!" another vampire called.
"They wouldn't think twice before—"
"Oh, don't even finish that thought! It's too awful! No, they can't come here," Auntie Greta, who was sitting next to Hildegard, shrieked while trying to comfort the weeping vampire.
"Uh…what's going on?" Tony voiced in confusion, "You guys were just saying how they are great friends that you owe your lives too, but now…?"
"Tony, it's more than that," Rudolph began explaining, "The Genovese and the Sackville-Baggs used to be great friends, until both leaders disagreed on matter of critical importance."
"Which is…?" Tony prompted his friend.
"How to handle mortals," Rudolph curtly replied, clearly not wanting to expound on the subject.
"…Uh…how, how did they want to handle 'mortals'?" my dad hesitantly stammered out in question, already having a good idea where the conversation was heading.
"Cornelius believed that we are the stronger species and shouldn't run nor hide away from mortals. Which is probably how his lair got discovered in the first place," Frederick grumbled the last part to himself.
"Frederick didn't agree with his…methods of dealing with humans and they had a great falling out on the matter. They eventually agreed to disagree for the sake of each clan's wellbeing, but it's still a sore subject to this day," Freda supplied, adding onto her husband's explanation.
"When you say 'methods', do you mean—" I began asking, not sure if I wanted to know the answer.
"He has slaughtered hundreds of humans in cold blood without a moment's hesitation," Frederick bluntly explained, wanting to lay all the facts bare before us, "Most of those humans were not hunters and just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
The silence was suffocating in the dining hall.
Frederick awkwardly cleared his throat before starting again, "Please understand that he hasn't always been like this. His clan has faced unfortunate loss and hardships due to mortals, and, as such, has made him hateful towards humans."
"Are there other vampire clans out there besides you two?" I curiously asked.
"…Yes, there are," Frederick replied in a quick, brief manner.
Why do I get the feeling that he isn't going to tell us about the other clans?
I wonder if Gregory will tell me.
I turned my head slightly to look at the silent teenager who hasn't said one thing during this whole meeting.
Why is he so tense?
"Will you regret it?" Tony finally piped up from his seat.
"I beg your pardon?" Frederick questioned my little brother.
"If you don't help your friends and something happens to them, will you regret it?" Tony asked, further explaining his question.
"…It would haunt me until the end of my days," Frederick answered honestly.
"Then that settles it," Tony said in an obvious manner, "Tell them that we'll help them."
"TONY!" Rudolph and my parents shouted at my little brother.
I just silently watched, waiting to hear the reasoning of his statement.
"Look, I get that you are all scared of what might happen once they get here, but we need to focus on what will happen if we don't help them," Tony addressed the vampires, "Can any of you honestly say that you won't regret turning your back on a centuries-old alliance?"
"He does have a point…"
"We shouldn't judge them too harshly when we were also scared of mortals before the Thompsons…"
"Maybe we should give them a—"
Gregory pounded his fists on the table before rising from his spot.
"Have you all lost your minds?!" He shouted at his clan, "You want to focus on what will happen, Tony? Fine. Let's focus on that matter. First, they will break the necks of your parents and Maney since they are the bigger threats. Then, they will suck your blood dry and set your body on fire so you can't turn into a vampire. BUT, before that, they will rip your sister's throat out with their fangs and make you watch her choke on her own blood because it amuses them. That is what will happen if we let them step one foot onto this property!"
"GREGORY!" Frederick screamed at his son in outrage.
Poor Anna clutched both her ears in an attempt to block out his words and buried herself into her mother's comforting embrace. She was trying to stop herself from imagining such a gruesome bloodbath.
Tony was shocked at such a bloody description from Gregory. Both my parents and Maney looked like they were going to be sick.
I could feel my stomach tie itself in knots.
But, I was more concerned about Gregory.
He's already lost so much…he needs to know that I'm here beside him.
My fingers grasped his arm, almost pleadingly, to sit back down…to stay with me.
He didn't sit down, but he didn't ignore my small hand on his arm. Gregory gently placed his cold hand on my warm one.
It felt like he was reassuring me.
I'm not leaving you.
"…Gregory, isn't there a vampire code about clans and their members?" Tony finally asked the still steaming vampire.
"That has nothing to do wi—"
"Answer me," Tony demanded, impressing me with his confident attitude.
Perhaps our debate lessons paid off after all.
"Yes, there is a code," Gregory seethed.
"That code states that a vampire clan seeking refuge from another clan must adhere and abide to the housing clan's rules," Tony reminded the vampires in a cool voice, "This also means that each clan cannot harm any member during their hosted stay. If these rules are broken, for any reason, then the perpetrator faces the penalties of banishment or death."
Gregory froze as Tony recited clan laws perfectly.
Oh, boy…this isn't going to end well.
"You told him our laws?!" Gregory snarled at his younger brother.
"Actually, I told him," Anna voiced from her mother's side.
Gregory tried to reign in his anger and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Look, the three of you have never witnessed the way they attack," Gregory began, "You don't know what they are capable of—"
"But, that doesn't matter," Tony interrupted Gregory, "Your father made all of us honorary clan members—that automatically gives us a bite-proof guarantee!"
"What if they don't honor the laws of the clan?" Gregory persisted with his questions, "We haven't seen them in over 200 years—who knows how much they've changed since then?"
"Then we'll protect them," Frederick finally declared.
"Father, you can't be—"
"Serious? Oh, but I am, Gregory," Frederick informed his son, "You have made excellent points in this meeting and made the entire clan recognize the ruthless nature of our fellow brethren. But, the laws of the clan are absolute and, as Tony has eloquently put it, our friends have a 'bite-proof guarantee'."
Frederick had flown on the other side of the table and gently set an arm on Gregory's shoulder. Silently asking him to have a seat.
Gregory begrudgingly obliged and I quickly took his hand into my own under the table.
Squeezing it in reassurance.
It'll be alright.
He squeezed back as we watched his father finish his speech.
"However, there are only two clan's members who have the final say in what our next move shall be," Frederick gazed at my parents, "Bob and Dottie…the decision is yours."
My parents looked at each other before looking at the rest of us.
Worry evident in their eyes, but trust outweighing the fear.
"You will protect us?" My mom asked Frederick for reassurance.
"With our dying breath," Frederick vowed.
Mom looked back at dad, silently asking what he thought.
"We've always taught our children to help your friends, no matter how difficult the situation may seem…" my dad trailed off looking at mom.
She nodded her head in understanding.
"Tell your friends that they have a safe place to stay," mom told Frederick, "We'll help in any way we can."
"Thank you, my friends," Frederick sincerely whispered.
The heavy weight of uncertainty finally being lifted from his shoulders.
The entire room erupted in cheers.
Everyone was happy that the complicated meeting finally came to an end, and the burden of guilt wouldn't lay on their conscience.
Everyone was happy except one.
Gregory stayed silent throughout the cheering and celebration.
He only tightened his hand on my own.
Almost as though if he let go, I would disappear.
I tightened my hand in return, trying to convey my feelings to him.
I'm not leaving you.
Frederick discussed the upcoming arrival of Clan Genovese with my parents. The clan would arrive here in one week and they wanted to take all necessary precautions to assure that we would remain safe.
First they wanted to give us a way to contact one of them in case we are in danger. Frederick explained that they can imbue their essence into a piece of jewelry that would be a communication link to said vampire if anything happened. He said it was called anima resonare and a lot of vampire parents gifted such an item to their young when they left on their first hunt.
My parents agreed that such an item would be best and so the vampires were divvied between the five of us. Frederick was going to protect my dad, Freda was with my mom, Anna had Maney, Rudolph got Tony, and Gregory had me.
Frederick and Freda gave both my parents a ring from their own hand. Frederick's ring was, thankfully, a simple silver band and my mom was given a giant emerald ring from Freda.
Mom was terrified of something happening to the ring and kept asking Freda if she was sure that she trusted her with such a gorgeous gem. Freda kindly smiled and told my mom that she was worth much more than some measly stone.
My mom choked up a bit at that endearing sentiment and hugged the sweet woman in thanks.
Anna gave Maney her skull necklace and showed him how to call her if anything were to happen. She swore to him that she wouldn't allow harm to come to the former hunter.
"You are part of the family now, so do not hesitate to call me—even if you think it is your imagination, call me. Nothing will happen to my new uncle," Anna had fondly told him which, of course, made him cry happy tears.
The big goofball.
Rudolph had to get creative since he didn't own any jewelry and for the anima resonare to work, it had to come from something the vampire wore. So, he fashioned a necklace from one of the vampire fangs that decorated his clothes. Tony was so excited after receiving the gift, saying it was the coolest thing he'd ever seen.
Which left me in my current conundrum.
An angry vampire demanding that I pierce my ears.
"I am not piercing my ears, Gregory," I told him in annoyance.
"Yes, you are," He informed me while setting up his supplies, "What if you forget or lose this piece of jewelry? What would happen then if you are attacked and can't contact me with an anima resonare?"
"What would happen if my ear was to get infected?" I shot back.
Gregory halted his movements.
"…Infected?" He questioned, clearly not thinking of this scenario.
"It is a possibility if done in an unsanitary manner or by an amateur," I informed him, happy to save my ears from an unnecessary puncture wound.
"…Dammit…" Gregory cursed under his breath.
"Gregory, I swear to you, whatever necklace, bracelet, or ring you fashion for me, I will not take it off," I vowed to him, "Not even if I am showering, changing clothes, or sleeping, I will never remove it. I promise."
He didn't move from his position for a few minutes. I noticed him clenching and unclenching his fists in anger. Mentally debating with himself what he should do.
"…You swear to me?" He finally croaked out.
My arms slipped around him, hugging from behind.
"I swear this to you, Gregory," I whispered comfortingly to him.
He held onto my hands for a moment before saying alright and grabbed his supplies before leaving my bedroom.
I decided to wait for him in my room.
He was completely on edge since his father sent word back to Clan Genovese. Not to mention that him trying to decide on an adequate anima resonare was starting to really send him into a stressful frenzy.
I sat down at my desk and decided to check my emails while waiting for him. Maney had helped set up and wire two computer desktops that currently sat on my desk. Now I won't have to squint at my small tablet's screen while trying to work on emails or research.
Just in time too, if you ask me.
The school term would be starting in a few weeks and I already received my uniform for the year. I just had to wait for my syllabus for all my classes to be sent out so that I can obtain my books for the semester.
The sound of my door opening caught my attention as I answered my last email in my inbox. I turned my head and saw Gregory awkwardly standing in the doorway.
"Did you figure something out?" I asked him, taking a mental note that one of his earrings was missing from his ear.
"…Yeah, just…don't laugh," he requested before flying behind me.
I felt him drape a thin rope material around my neck before pulling it up to my neck as a choker. He then twisted the long necklace in a double loop before gently fixing it in the front. When I looked in my mirror, I saw one of his red feathers affixed to the first loop of the black necklace that acted like a choker, while the second loop of the necklace dangled in the front and had his earring attached to its end. Upon closer inspection, I saw that he had welded the earring shut.
Maney more than likely helped him with that part.
Of course, he would put two pieces on the anima resonare just in case something happened to one of them.
We are two peas in a pod when it comes to worrying.
My lips pulled back into a huge smile, "I love it!"
"Really?" He asked in shock.
"Yes really! You made it just for me," I told him matter-of-factly, gently running my fingers along the earring, "How could I not love such a gift?"
His fingers brushed my hair out of my face, pulling my attention back to him, before having me place the earring in my palm.
"If you are in trouble, hold it in your palm like this and scream my name," Gregory solemnly told me, "I don't care if you are in public or in a library, you scream my name so loud that it bursts everyone's eardrums. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Gregory," I acknowledged with affirmation, understanding the seriousness of the situation.
"Good," he said before pulling me in a hug, "Remember what you promised me a month ago…"
"I remember…I'll stay safe, Gregory," I reassured him, "I told you before, I never want to see that sad look on your face again."
He didn't say anything in response, just gripped me tighter.
It's okay, everything will be okay.
We'll get through this.
We only had two more days to go before Clan Genovese arrived at the castle.
The fear and tension in the air increased with each passing day that we came closer to their appearance.
Gregory didn't stray from my side for a moment. From the time that I woke up to the time I went to sleep, he was by my side.
I was constantly suggesting we hang out on our rooftop in order to try to get his mind off of everything. He seemed grateful for each chance he got away from his duties and the preparations his father made him participate in.
"I don't think that I can help them with the arrangements anymore," Gregory had confided in me one day, "They are a constant reminder that my nightmares will soon come to life."
I tried to reassure him that it would be alright, but my words couldn't seem to reach him.
It felt as though he was constantly trying to lock away a terrible secret in the dark recesses of his mind.
I was not going to allow what was eating him away, to take my only friend from me.
My arms clutched tighter to his frame.
Please don't leave me.
Gregory held onto me just as tightly.
We should talk about what is scaring him so much, but I can't force him to tell me what's wrong. He has to come to me on his own time.
I may not understand emotions as well as Tony, but I do understand boundaries.
At the present moment, I was taking a walk through the newly lit nature path that my mom had put in. She had it put in so that both set of parents could have a lovely evening stroll with their respective spouses whenever us children were distracted by movie night. Which was more often than not.
I was trying to clear my head while Gregory and his father had a private meeting about clan business. My headphones were plugged into my ears and I was sitting on one of the trail's benches as I happily hummed to myself. The night air felt great and it was really refreshing to just relax. No thinking, plotting, planning, worrying…just blank thoughts.
At least it was until my eyes landed on a small, blonde-haired girl.
What is a child doing in the middle of the woods?
Wait…how did she get over the wall?
I pulled the headphones out of my ears and immediately stood up to approach her. My sudden movements must have frightened her because she pulled back with a whimper.
"Oh, oh no, it's okay," I cooed at her soothingly while putting my hands up to show her I meant her no harm, "Hi, there, sweetie—how'd you get here?"
She still didn't trust me and stepped back further from me.
"O-okay, it's alright," I reassured her, sitting back down on the bench, "I won't come any closer, promise. My name's Lucy. What's your name?"
I asked her from my seated position, trying to look down both sides of the pathway without taking my eyes completely off of her. Usually there are tons of clan members on the trail, but it looks like they were all busy at the castle…
Just great.
"Hey, sweetie, are you…do you understand me?" I asked the little girl patiently, trying my best to not scare her any more than she is.
She reluctantly nodded her head towards me.
"Oh, good," I sighed in relief, knowing my German was horrendous, "Where are your mommy and daddy?"
"Right behind you," a menacing voice sneered behind me.
My whole body tensed with fear.
Only one thing went through my mind.
Run.
I made it two steps away from the bench before I felt a pair of arms wrap around my torso and hold me against their chest.
"Where do you think you're going, precious?" My attacker mocked me, "Don't tell me that I'm too old for you? What is it, precious, you only attack small children?"
"What the hell are you talking about?" I angrily asked trying to break free of his hold.
"Why were you talking to my child, mortal," A woman with strawberry-blonde hair sneered at me.
"Mortal…what are yo—wait…oh, you've got to be kidding me," I said in disbelief while shaking my head in denial. They weren't supposed to be here for another two days!
"I'm never going to hear the end of this," I muttered to myself as I saw more people approaching the two vampires. Four if you count the little girl and the man holding me hostage.
"Speak up, you mortal worm," the blonde-haired man commanded, "Your words could be your last."
The group laughed at this jeering comment.
Okay, clearly, that has to be Cornelius…
"Mommy, she was nice to me," the little girl informed her mother while tugging on her dress to get the older woman's attention.
"Of course, she was nice to you, my sweet," the mother chided her daughter, "She thought you were human."
I contemplated speaking up that I knew that they were vampires and of Clan Genovese, but my instincts told me that, that would be a bad idea.
They would probably state that I was a hunter or a spy…
That would get me killed on the spot and start an all-out war between the clans.
No, I needed to figure a way out of this…and fast!
I kept squirming, trying to get ahold of my necklace to call for Gregory, but the man had such a strong, bruising grip on me that I couldn't reach it.
"Quit squirming, dinner," the man mocked, "It won't do you any good."
Wait…he's a man—I quickly bent my knee up and hurriedly aimed for my target before he could notice.
My foot connected with his groin and caused the brute to drop me before he fell to his knees in pain. I grasped the necklace in my palm as Gregory had instructed and screamed his name while running away.
"GREGORY!"
My legs carried me four feet before I was tackled onto the dirt path. I desperately grasped for some type of weapon to defend myself. My fingers found purchase on a rock before my body was wrenched around to face my attacker and I was slammed back into the dirt.
I struck out blindly, hitting my attacker in the face before my wrist was seized in a bruising hold. The rock was ripped from my hand and I heard it land somewhere in the forest to my side. I continued to struggle in his grip.
No.
No.
NO!
I promised Gregory. I promised him…
Tears streamed down my face as the man held my hands above my head with one hand. He gave me a depraved smile before leaning down towards my ear.
"You are going to pay for that, precious," He menacingly whispered, licking his lips in anticipation.
A cold sweat broke out on my skin.
I flinched as he cruelly grabbed my throat with his free hand.
"Hmm…rip your throat out with my claws or with my fangs…decisions, decisions," He sinisterly purred.
My eyes closed in fear, not wanting to watch my own death.
Gregory…I'm so sorry.
A loud snap echoed above my head and the weight of the man was suddenly ripped off my small figure. I heard something snarl and hiss above me before I felt familiar arms wrap around my body.
I couldn't stop the sob that escaped my throat.
Oh, thank God.
"Gregory," I managed to croak through my tears, looking up at the still snarling vampire with relief in my eyes.
My arms instinctively tightened around his neck.
He paused momentarily to reassure me that everything was going to be okay, "Lucy, it's okay I'm here—Lucy, shush, I have you."
"G-Greg-gory, I…I'm so sorry…I tri-tried to keep my promise, I swear," I continued to gasp out between sobs.
"Hey, I know you did. It's okay, Lucy. You did everything right. I'm so proud of yo—"
Gregory was cut off by the vampire that attacked me earlier.
"What's this?" He mocked, "Did Gruesome Gregory get a little pet? Come on, Gruesome, we used to share all our pets with each other."
Gregory hissed at the man in response.
I'm not sure what he was talking about, but the way he talked about the past with Gregory made my stomach tie up in knots.
"That's enough, Marcus," Gregory snarled at the man.
"Honestly, Gregory, what is this?" The woman snidely commented, holding the little girl in her arms, "I know your father would not approve of you playing with your food like this."
Oh, God, I am seriously going to be sick.
My hands clutched tighter onto Gregory's arm.
He gently placed his hand over mine, trying to control the rage flowing through his veins.
"Lucy isn't food, she's a friend," Gregory growled at the woman.
Their entire clan laughed at his face, causing the prideful teenager to take a step forward to defend his honor.
"Gregory, don't!" I harshly whispered, trying to pull him back. My actions caused the clan to hiss out in disapproval.
"What happened to Gruesome Gregory?" Marcus sneered, "The vampire whose mere appearance would cause these foolish mortals' blood to run cold? Has he been domesticated by his pet…or become the pet instead?"
Hearing him ridicule Gregory like that caused me to snap and forget my fear for the moment.
"Strong words coming from the clan that seeks help from the ones they disparage!" I furiously shouted at them.
Marcus lunged at me but was sent flying back.
"Cornelius, I would expect better manners from your son," Frederick admonished after swooping down to stop Marcus' oncoming attack.
"What is this Frederick?" Cornelius demanded of his friend, "Since when did you allow your meals to rule over your friendships?"
"You and I both know that my clan and I have never considered the mortals to be meals," Frederick began correcting the other clan leader, "Plus, in my letter I informed you that we had five new members added to our clan and that you were to fly directly to the castle to meet them."
Cornelius looked at Frederick in confusion before the dots connected in his mind.
"You…you can't be serious!" He exclaimed in shock.
"As the plague…which you will remember that Freda and I did not have a fun time during that dark period," Frederick bluntly replied.
"You expect us to live with mortals?" The wife's cutting voice questioned as she set her daughter down to confront Frederick.
"I expect you to take my offered help and abide by the laws of the clan," Frederick informed her in a warning tone, "If you cannot perform the simple task of being decent to our new clan members, then I wish you the best of luck. Oh, and if you fly in that direction you may be able to reach a cramped cemetery before sun rise. The choice is yours."
The woman looked like she was about to give Frederick another biting remark before her husband silenced her with a wave of his hand.
"We will accept your hospitality, as we previously discussed, then move on to find a new lair," Cornelius decided looking back at his clan to see if anyone dared to challenge his authority.
No one was courageous enough to confront him.
"Very well, but first, Gregory, take Lucy back to the castle and clean her wounds. Also inform your mother about Clan Genovese's early arrival," Frederick ordered his son.
Gregory nodded his head in understanding before lifting me up in his arms.
I had just wrapped my arms around his neck when the little girl halted our exit.
"Wait! You forgot this!" She quickly walked to the front of the group with my iPod and headphones in her hands.
Gregory put me down and stepped up to grab it from her, but I silently pushed him back and stepped forward myself.
The woman did not like my approaching her daughter, but Cornelius held her back as I met the small child in the middle.
"Thank you," I managed to hoarsely whisper, grateful for the return of my favorite devices.
"You're welcome!" She beamed at me before skipping back to her mother.
I gave a small smile at her before placing my iPod in my back pocket along with my headphones. Gregory picked me up once more before flying off to the castle as his father had instructed him.
My body felt so numb from the entire experience.
I was going to take a hot shower and shut down my brain for a little bit.
I just…needed time to process what happened before facing the clans again.
Just a little bit of time is what I needed.
Then everything would go back to normal…
It just had to go back to normal.
AN: Hi everyone! I just wanted to say that I hope everyone is enjoying my story so far, and I also wanted to give a shout out to Kaanae. You are the first one to comment on my story and I wanted to let you know that your kind words really mean a lot to me! It helps encourage me as a writer when people tell me that they are happy with my work.
Thank you again, I truly appreciate all of you, and I hope you enjoy the rest of my story!