Isabelle POV

After escaping the fairy realm I carried Simon back to his apartment. I sat beside him and tried to get him to eat, but he just wouldn't have it. I went into the other room when my phone began to ring, "Hello?"

"Isabelle." Said a familiar voice

"Clary? Is that you?" I asked

"It's me. The apartment teleported right before the explosion. Jonathan kept Carly and I captive in Paris. But I'm back now." Said, Clary, as I smiled for the first time in days.

"What about Carly? Is she okay?" I asked

"She stabbed herself to save me." Said Clary

"How did that save you?" I asked

Clary cleared her throat and explained. "When my mom resurrected Jonathan she connected Carly and I to him. If he gets hurt, we do. So when Jonathan had me in a chokehold, she stabbed herself in the leg so Jonathan would let me go. Carly went back with him so I could be saved and because…"

"Because what?" I asked

"Because she believes if she can save him she can save herself. If Carly had been left and Jonathan taken by my mother then she would be just like him. She believes that she might be the only one capable to bring him out of the darkness." Explained Clary

"Is that even possible?" I questioned

"I don't know. I am just worried he will bring her father into the dark instead of the other way around. I want Carly to be happy and this whole thing makes everything complicated." Said Clary

"Why did Jonathan keep you two captive? After everything that has happened wouldn't he want to get as far from you as possible?" I asked

"We are connected by the runes that brought him back to life. If we die, he dies. I don't know what his motive is, but he was looking for a sword when he was in Paris. The Morning Star sword. If we can find it first, maybe we can track down Jonathan."

"Another magic sword?" I asked with annoyance.

"He said it was some sort of family heirloom." Said Clary

"I'll reach out to all the weapons masters to get intel. Maybe, we figure out what he wants it for and how to stop him." I said

"Thank you. I honestly don't know what I would do without you." Said, Clary, as she remembered something. "I heard you helped Simon remove the Mark of Cain. Is he okay?"

"No, he is far from okay." I said looking back at his room. "He's not eating. Simon blames himself for "killing" you and Carly. He said he deserves the pain he is suffering through."

"I will be right over." Said, Clary, as he hung up on me.

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door and Clary came rushing in. I showed her to his room and let them be alone for awhile. I was hoping he would eat, but when Clary came out sad I knew he hadn't.

"He still won't eat?" I asked

"No, because Carly is still missing. He his happy we're alive, but he believes it's his fault Carly and I got in that situation in the first place. The only way he might eat is if Carly was here, but she is still stuck with Jonathan."

"We could send a fire message to her." I said taking out my steele.

"Are you sure she'll get it?" Asked Clary

"Jonathan, might try to intercept, but the least we can do is try. Simon is not eating because he believes this is all his fault. Carly needs to remind him it isn't. We just have to hope she gets it in time." I said as I began writing the message before me.

I wrote the words in fire letters above me as it went up in smoke. Hopefully, Carly would get the message in time and would find a way back to Simon. If she didn't, he might die and as his friend I couldn't let that happen. I just couldn't.

Jordan POV

I met with a few other Praetors down in the tunnels under the city. We followed her scent to this point and we had to catch her. I couldn't let her get away, not with all she had done.

"Heidi cannot run forever. Even vampires tire." I said as the others looked to me for guidance. "Okay, you four, cover the exits. Nick and I will flush her out. Stay sharp, stay smart. Stay in control. Let's go."

The others headed to the exits as Nick and I went further into the tunnels. We kept our stakes at the ready in case she attacked. As we walked, Nick began to whine. "Capture, not kill? Come on, Jordan."

"You are not winning this one, so save your energy." I said

"I'm just saying. We had her in custody once. How'd that work out?" Asked, Nick, stepping in front of me so I had to pay attention to him.

"Praetor Scott put me in charge, so follow my orders. We're on two feet, not four. We are going to catch her in human form and that is period." I said as Nick decided to continue to pry.

"That's your thing. Look, I get it. I was there when you first came in. You scratched your girlfriend." Said, Nick, as he saw the anger in my stare. "Damn it, Jordan. If we were in wolf form we could catch her so much faster. Get over your past and use your strength to find her."

"Nick, we are staying on two feet." I said as I saw a rush of blonde hair about twenty feet in front of us. I looked at Nick and saw his cool fading.

"That's it. Enough is enough. I'm taking her down." Said, Nick, as his bones began to crack.

I tried to get him to calm down, but he wasn't listening any longer. Fur began to grow on his skin as his bones transitioned. When Nick fully transformed, he ran after Heidi.

I followed after him in human form. I caught up just as Heidi pulled a blade from Nick's back. He transformed back into himself as I got closer, raising my stake.

"You can't blame a girl for defending herself." Said, Heidi, as I moved closer to her. She noticed my weapon and held up hers. "Pure sterling silver. Drop the stake, or I finish him off."

"You have to stop this." I said dropping the stake and kicking away from me.

"It's not my fault that bad things keep happening to me." Said Heidi

"It is your fault, Heidi." I said as I looked at her with disgust. "Nick, the mundanes you killed, Simon."

"I was trying to help Simon." Said, Heidi, who truly believed she was right.

"That is not how help works." I said gritting my teeth.

"Says the wolf who drugged me and locked me away in Long Island." Said Heidi

The other wolves came to surround her and she looked around at us all. I got closer and picked up the stake I had thrown. "Surrender yourself."

"I don't think so." Said, Heidi, as she flew up into the vent above us. The other wolves went after her and I knelt beside Nick

"Hey! Nick. Nick. Nick!" I yelled shaking him.

I knew he was gone. If I had been fast enough or a better friend he wouldn't have run on ahead by himself. I closed his eyes and placed two fingers on his forehead. "Beati Bellicosi."

When the wolves returned with the news that Heidi had escaped I felt like a failure. I ordered them to carry Nick's body back so we could have a proper funeral for him. As we walked back to our base of operations, I just knew that this was my fault. If I hadn't been such a crappy leader, we would all still be alive.

Carly POV

I was standing on the balcony when a fire message appeared before me. I grabbed the paper from the sky and read the message, my stomach falling to the floor. The message read, "Carly, if you get this we need you to come back. Simon isn't eating and he is at the brink of death. He needs you. Please hurry."

The message vanished and I knew what I had to do. I walked back into the apartment just as Jonathan was returning from a witch he knew. He saw the look on my face and became worried. "What's wrong?"

"It's Simon. He isn't eating and if I don't go to him, he'll die. I need to save him." I said as Jonathan became angry.

"You said you wouldn't abandon me!" Yelled Jonathan

"I'm not, I promise." I said in a calm tone. "I just need to help him. I can't let him die. Please let me go to him and I will come right back. Please, Jonathan."

"How do I know you will come back?" Asked Jonathan

I looked down and saw the blade in his hand. "If I am not back in twenty minutes, stab yourself with the blade. Then I know I am running late and I will return. I promise you, Jonathan. Now please open a portal."

Jonathan looked at me for a long moment before giving in. He used what magic he had learned and opened a portal. I thanked him and jumped through. I landed in the kitchen of Simon's apartment with a clatter.

When I came around the corner I saw Clary, Isabelle, and Ethan pointing weapons in my direction. Once they realized it was me they lowered their weapons and smiled. Each came up to me and gave me a hug, Clary squeezing the hardest.

"Why isn't he eating?" I asked as I pulled away from Clary's hug.

"He and I went to the Seelie Court to get that Mark of Cain removed from his forehead. The ceremony almost killed him and he needed to feed. I gave him some of my blood, but it wasn't enough. I tried to give him more, but he refused. He said that he didn't want to feel better.

"When he found out Clary was alive, he was more cheerful, but then when he realized you were stuck with Jonathan he has gotten worse. He blames himself for your capture and thinks letting himself suffer will make up for it. He needs you." Explained Isabelle

"Where is he?" I asked looking around the room not seeing him.

"He's in the bedroom." Said, Clary, pointing at the room we shared for a night. The night before everything went wrong.

I nodded and headed for the door. I walked in and closed the door behind me, finding Simon resting on the bed. He looked awful and it was all my fault. His skin had lost its color, his eyes sunken in, and lips blue. If he were human he would be seen as a corpse.

I sat beside him and placed my hand on his face. "Simon. Simon, wake up. I'm here. I'm here, Simon."

Simon weakly opened his eyes and looked up at me with a small smile. "Carly...is it really you?"

"It's me and I am here to help you." I said as I moved the sleeve up on my sweater so my wrist was exposed. "I know my blood can be overpowering, but you need to eat. Just don't take too much, alright?"

"Carly, I can't. I have already hurt you too much, I can't do that." Said, Simon, pushing my wrist away.

"Simon, you need to eat. Causing the apartment to explode was not your fault, okay? Clary getting rescued and me being captured is not your doing either. I don't want you to make yourself suffer because of me. Now bite me before I force feed you." I said offering my wrist to him once again.

"I can't." Said, Simon, pushing it away a second time.

I knew he didn't want to hurt me, but he needed to eat. I didn't have much time and I needed him to heal. I took a blade from my back pocket and sliced into my wrist. The second my blood hit air Simon used his speed to get as far from me as possible. I walked up to him and placed my wrist near him.

He looked down at it with wide eyes. Then his fangs extended and he pushed me up against the wall. "Stop, Carly. What if I lose control? What if I kill you?"

"I am willing to take the chance." I said lifting my wrist near his mouth.

Simon couldn't hold back any longer and he grabbed ahold of my wrist. He stared at it for a long moment before his fangs sunk deep into my arm.

His hands shot up to my arm as he clung to it like a raft in the ocean. I moved over to bed as he continued drinking so he was more comfortable. Pleasurable shivers consumed my body as if I could feel nothing else. Getting bitten was better than sex, I could understand Isabelle's addiction to it completely.

I felt myself weakening so I pushed Simon away. He wiped the blood from his lips as I noticed how well he looked. The color had returned to his skin and he looked like a brand new man. "Now, was that so hard?"

"Thank you, Carly." Said Simon

I noticed my wound was not healing so I hid my wrist behind my back and scooted closer to him. I placed my other hand on his cheek and smiled. "I will always be there for you, Simon. You have never given up on me and I don't plan to give up on you. You are the one thing I thought about in the last few days that has kept me sane. I love you, Simon."

"I love you." Said, Simon, leading forward and placing his lips on mine.

The electricity I had missed so much returned with that kiss. Our lips danced upon one another like a couple at a ball. His hands found their way to cupping my face as we continued fighting for control. It would have gone on forever if I didn't start feeling pain in my shoulder.

I backed away and gritted my teeth as I felt Jonathan stabbing himself. The room was too dark for Simon to notice the blood pooling on my sweater, so I quickly got up from the bed. "I have to go."

"Where are you going?" Asked, Simon, getting up from the bed.

"Back to Jonathan." I said as I grabbed ahold of my shoulder, blood staining my hand.

"Why are you going back to him? You escaped his evil, don't go back. I just found you again, please stay here with me." Begged Simon

"I can't, Simon. Ahh." I said as my legs were beginning to give up on me.

"Carly, what's wrong?" Asked Simon

He got closer to me as I backed toward the door. He was confused at my sudden reaction and tried to get me to stay, but I couldn't. I ran out the door into the dining room. I looked over and saw Clary gasping in pain as I collapsed onto my knees, covered in blood.

Simon followed after me and noticed my condition, running to my side only for me to scoot away. I could feel Jonathan twisting the blade and I was trying so hard not to scream. The others got closer to me with worry on their faces.

"What happened?" Asked Isabelle

"I made a deal with Jonathan to come here." I said as I bit my lip to the point of bleeding.

"What deal?" Asked, Clary, as Isabelle was helping her keep pressure on her shoulder. Clary was in just as much pain as I was and I knew it was my doing. What else could I have done?

"I had twenty minutes to come and heal Simon. After that he would stab himself so I knew to come back." I said as a portal appeared behind me. "Looks like my time is up."

"Carly, don't go back to him. He will only hurt you. Please, stay here and we can figure something out. Please." Begged Simon

"It's not worth it. Stay here and we can figure out how to get rid of this rune." Gasped, Clary, as blood cascaded down her sweater.

"I can't. I promised I wouldn't abandon him and I need to keep my promise. I might be the only one to save him and I plan to do so. I'm sorry." I said as I jumped through the portal, falling into the apartment on the other side.

Clary POV

After Isabelle healed my wound, she helped me back to the Institute. Ethan would stay with Simon so he wouldn't be alone. When we arrived I went straight to my room. I sat there staring into the flames of my fireplace when I heard a knock at the door.

I turned toward the door when Jace appeared in the doorway. He let himself in and sat down beside me. "Is Simon okay?"

"The fire message reached Carly in time. She came and healed him, but then she had to return to Jonathan. It was the only way she could save Simon." I said looking down at my feet.

"I'm sorry that you were so close to having her back, but I think I found something helpful. I've seen your mark before." Said Jace

"Where?" I asked

Jace motioned me to follow and I walked with him to the library. He looked through the books until he pulled a special copy of Paradise Lost. "This copy was written by the Silent Brothers a long time ago. Valentine made me read it cover to cover as a kid and your rune jogged my memory. I had seen it before and it was in here."

Jace opened the book to a drawing of two angels fighting one another. "These marks are quite old. As the archangel Michael and his brother Lucifer had the same ones. They were connected in life and death."

"Like me and Jonathan." I said as I studied the drawing and then flipped a few pages to find Lucifer being cast to hell, missing the rune. "It's gone. The mark isn't on him any longer."

"Michael must have found a way to rid himself of the mark." Said, Jace, as he looked closer at the picture.

"That means there's a way." I said

"Yes, but it's dangerous. We have no idea how to get rid of the rune. If we do something wrong it could hurt you, maybe even kill you." Said Jace

"The more pain I am in the more Jonathan is in. I need this mark gone, now. I can't live knowing he has control over me and that he is invincible to us. This needs to end now." I said

I could see the way he was looking at me and so I reacted. "No, Jace. We need to figure out how to get rid of this mark so I can save Carly as well. I left her there with him and I know he will find a way to taint her. I need this off so I can save Carly. I have been a terrible sister my entire life and I will not continue being one. I will help her."

"Fine, but it's going to hurt." Said, Jace, as we went into the infirmary and found a rune removal tool.

I sat in the chair and Jace stood beside me. He made sure I was certain and then he began to try and burn the rune off. Pain shot through every muscle as if I was being stabbed by millions of tiny needles. I tried not to scream, but I just couldn't take it.

Two minutes in I couldn't take it any longer and shot forward, taking shaky breaths. Jace put the tool down and pulled my head to his chest. "I'm fine. I'll be just fine."

When I had calmed down enough to walk I went back to my room alone. Jace appeared shortly after as I sat in the corner of my room with my hands on my head. Jace saw this and sat down beside me, taking my hands in his. "We will find a way to remove the rune, Clary. But it is going to take some time."

I looked up with tears in my eyes. "The longer we are connected to him the longer Carly feels the need to try and save him. I know she won't be able to change him without tainting herself. I just know this will end badly. It's all my fault."

"Carly went with him to save you. This was her decision and she does not blame you. None of this is your fault. We will try our best to get those runes off as fast as we can, but until then you will just have to wait." Explained Jace

I sat there for a moment and realized he was right. I couldn't sit around and wallow in trying to fix something I had no control over. "Jace, you're right. I can't just fight to fix something I have no idea how to fix. I need to enjoy my life while we figure this out together.

"We will get Carly back, but don't let that stop you from living." Said, Jace, as he helped me up so we standing looking at one another. "I almost lost you, Clary. Now that I have you back I want to make every moment count. I love you."

"I love you too." I said as I leaned up and kissed him. He kissed me back and soon we were on the ground enjoying each other. There wasn't much I could do and I knew Carly wouldn't want me to be wallowing. I had to make each moment count before things got worse.

Simon POV

Once Clary and Isabelle headed back to the Institute, Ethan was tasked with staying with me. Now that I knew Carly was alive, I didn't want to die, I wanted to save her. She had risked her life to heal me and I will do anything to return the favor.

Carly's blood healed all my wounds from the ceremony and I felt back to my normal self. Ethan and I began playing video games when I heard a knock at the door. I sped up to it and found Jordan on the other side. Ever since Heidi had gotten away Jordan had focused on catching her, I hadn't seen him in weeks.

He strode past me and stopped when he noticed Ethan. His look made me realize they had never met. "Jordan, this is Ethan. He is Isabelle's boyfriend and he's half fairy half warlock."

"Nice to meet you, Jordan." Said, Ethan, getting up and extending out his hand. Jordan shook it back and then took a seat at the table with defeat. Ethan realized we needed to be alone so he headed out to see how Isabelle was doing.

I sat down across from him and asked what was wrong. "Are you okay?"

"The hunt for Heidi has gone wrong." Said, Jordan, as he squeezed his hands together. "We trapped her in the tunnels and she killed a fellow Praetor, Nick. He was a good friend of mine, really good actually. We grew up together, trained together, and became Praetors together."

"I am so sorry, Jordan." I said

Jordan perked up and looked over at me with hopeful eyes. "We could really use your help, Simon. Your mark could be used as protection for us as we corner her. Please help us."

"I...can't." I stuttered as Jordan's smile faltered. "I got the mark removed. It almost killed me in the process, but it's gone. I am back to my normal self."

"That means you don't need a Praetor anymore." Said, Jordan, quickly standing up. "After I find Heidi, I will come to get my things."

"I might not be able to blast her away with my mark, but I know her better than anyone else. Let me help you find her. Please, Jordan." I said coming stand beside him.

"Simon, you don't have your mark for protection. If she gets the best of you, you could die." Said Jordan

I looked straight in the eyes. "Heidi made me feed on my sister and her act caused me to fake my death so my mother could live normally. She needs to be punished and I will do anything to make sure that happens. Let me help you."

Jordan hesitant for a moment, but then he gave in. "Fine, but you will follow my lead. Do everything I say or you will be left out of the hunt. Got it?"

"Yeah, crystal clear." I said

Jordan shook his head and then we walked out of the apartment. We met up with the other Praetors to let them in on my involvement. We followed Heidi's scent and found one of her victims. She was conscious and willing to talk.

Since I was the friendliest face, I kneeled beside her and asked, "Do you know where Heidi went?"

"I heard her on the phone about laying low at some hotel." Said the shivering girl

"Hotel Dumort?" Questioned Jordan

"Yes, Hotel Dumort. She was heading there." Said the girl

Jordan walked off and I followed after him. "Let me help you get her. I am technically a member, so I could get the information you need. Let me help you.

"If you want to help, get this girl to the hospital. The Praetors and I will handle the rest." Said Jordan

"Maybe, we should call in the shadowhunters. They could really help us out." I said

"This is Praetor jurisdiction. We will handle it. Now get going before she bleeds out." Said, Jordan, as he and the Praetors left me and the girl.

I compelled her so she wouldn't know a vampire had attacked her and then I carried her to the hospital. A nurse took her from me and I went back to the apartment. I waited almost three hours with no word on what had happened. I tried calling Jordan, but it went straight to voicemail.

Being my anxious self I went looking for him. I followed his scent to the Jade Wolf. I knew I wasn't really welcome in there, but I had to make sure he was okay. I put up my hood, slid on some sunglasses, and hoped nobody would cause trouble.

I came in and sat across from Jordan. He looked up from his drink and his muscles tensed up. "What are you doing here? You know it's dangerous."

"I had to make sure you were okay. After you left me and Heidi's victim you seemed down in the dumps. I wanted to know how things went. Did you find Heidi?"

"No, but I pissed off a whole lot of vampires." Said, Jordan, as he crumpled a napkin. "Heidi compelled her victim to make us believe she was at the Hotel Dumort. I lost control and pissed off the vampire leader. I made a mistake and I think the best thing for me to do is leave."

"Are you going to go back to the Praetor then?" I asked

"No, I don't deserve that title. I lost a friend and pissed off the Brooklyn coven of vampires. I don't deserve any right to be in this city. I think it would be best if I just disappeared." Explained Jordan

"Jordan, you wanted to avenge your friend and you snapped. No one is going to blame you for reacting." I said as a wave of wind hit my back.

"But they do." Said, Jordan, as I turned around to see 10 vampires standing at the front of the restaurant.

The wolves surrounding Jordan and I noticed the vampires and got ready to attack. The leader of the coven came forward with his hands behind his back. He looked around the restaurant and caught eyes with Jordan. "Give us the Praetor and we will leave peacefully."

"You come in here and expect us to listen to you? Screw off, bloodsuckers." Said, Russell, the new leader of the pack.

"It's gonna have to be the hard way then." Said, Griffin, as he snapped his fingers.

The vampires jumped forward and began fighting the wolves. I noticed the threat and pulled Jordan out of the booth. I tried to get him out the back when a vampire appeared behind me. I turned around prepared to fight him off when Jordan jumped in front of me, taking a clawed hand to the stomach.

I killed the vampire that had hurt him and then put his arm over my shoulder. I helped him into the kitchen and we both looked back to see Rusell get stabbed in the back. He looked at us as he collapsed onto the floor. I shook the stare off and carried Jordan into the supply room.

With one swift motion I set him on the floor, ripped a metal pole from the wall, and shoved it through the door handles. The vampires had heard us and began trying to break through the door. I used my daylighter strength to hold them back, but it wouldn't last forever. If we didn't get help soon, we were screwed.

Carly POV

The portal closed as Jonathan pulled the blade out, causing me to finally let out the scream I had been holding. He came over to me and helped me to the couch. For a second, I thought he might have been worried. "I am so sorry about the stab wound, but you were late and I didn't know if you would know to come back."

"I know, Jonathan, but I keep my promises. You could've at least not twisted the blade within your shoulder, that was unnecessary." I said clinging to my shoulder.

"I didn't know if you got the message or not. I had to make sure." Said, Jonathan, as he noticed the bite mark on my wrist. "Did you save him?"

"I did. Simon is going to be fine and hopefully stay that way." I said trying to get up, but the pain was too much.

"When was the last time you ate?" Asked, Jonathan, as he noticed neither of my wounds were healing.

"The night of the explosion." I said

"Carly, that was days ago. You need to eat. Especially, now that you were drained. So, I guess I can do something to help you." Said, Jonathan, as he got to his feet.

I looked at him with shock and then disapproval. "I am not feeding on you, Jonathan. The last time I drank someone's blood tainted with dark energy, I was in so much pain it was too much to bare. I can't do it again."

"I don't mean me. If you were to bite me it would appear on you and Clary as well. No, I will bring someone for you." Said, Jonathan, as he vanished out of the room before I could tell him no.

Since Simon broke me out of the trance I was back to my regular self with the stronger abilities. I was more like Jonathan then I wanted to believe. Even if I could control these urges that doesn't mean I could always stay good. I hadn't fed on an actual human since Ethan and his raspy screams still haunt my dreams. I almost killed him and I liked the thought.

Even if I had the strength to hold back doesn't mean I would always be able to. I was half vampire half demon, which brought an onslaught of dark urges I had to contend with. Each day would be a battle and I just don't know how long I can fight back the darkness.

Suddenly Jonathan reappeared with a scared boy, not even sixteen. Jonathan threw the teen onto the floor and gestured to him. "I found him walking home alone down a dark alleyway. I hope he is to your liking."

"I don't want to feed on people. I would rather starve then take another's life energy again." I said

"You need to feed, Carly. I am not an option and there are no hospitals in the near vicinity. This boy is all you have and I can't watch you die. So either you feed on him." Said, Jonathan, as he grabbed the boy by his hair so his neck was revealed. "Or I will make you feed on him. Your choice."

The boy was crying, almost sobbing. He looked over at me with pleading eyes. He blurted out in stuttering french. "S'il vous plaît ne me faites pas mal. Sauve-moi, Mademoiselle. Sauve-moi!"

I couldn't understand french, but I knew from the way he was acting that he was begging for me to save him. I didn't want to hurt this boy as he was only a year or two younger than I. He had a family waiting for him to return home and I didn't want to be the one to take their son.

"I won't hurt him." I said

"Then I will just have to help you." Said, Jonathan, as he took his blade and made a small incision on the side of the boy's throat.

My eyes went wide at the sight of his blood and my fangs extended. When the boy saw my face, he began to cry even louder. "S'il vous plaît ne me faites pas mal. Je veux juste rentrer à la maison. S'il vous plaît laissez-moi rentrer à la maison."

"Just give in, Carly. Give in to the bloodlust and heal your wounds." Said, Jonathan, as he let the boy go and stood off to the side.

I could hear his heartbeat and nothing else. I slide off the couch and grabbed the boys arms. He tried to struggle away, but I wouldn't let him. I made him look into my eyes as he went limp. "Do not try to run. This will only hurt for a moment and then you will be in complete bliss. You will be tired, but you will be okay."

I couldn't tell if he understood me, but since he stopped fighting I am guessing the compulsion worked. The boy tilted his head to the side and closed his eyes. I stared at his neck for a long moment before sinking my fangs deep into his jugular.

The boy gasped at the sudden pain and then his muscles relaxed. I had one hand clutching the side of his neck and the other clinging to the back of his sweater. The blood was like fireworks in my mouth as if nothing else mattered. I could feel his heartbeat beat alongside mine like drums at a Native American campfire.

His blood was sweet and tangy, almost orange tasting. As I drank his legs gave out on him and I was the only thing keeping him up. Each sip meant he was closer to death and I wouldn't kill him, I just couldn't. When I felt him begin to slip I pulled away and let him collapse onto the floor.

I got to my feet and wiped the blood from my mouth. Jonathan had watched the entire thing from the side of the room with a sadistic smile across his face. He loved seeing others in pain and seeing me in action made it even sweeter. He came to stand beside me as we looked down at the boy. "What should we do with him?"

"We should take him to the hospital. They can give him a blood transfusion and he'll be fine in the few days." I said as I noticed a look of doubt on Jonathan's face.

"Are you sure he won't start telling his friends about vampires? If he mentions you around the wrong people we will have an issue. Why don't we just kill him and hide the body?" Suggested, Jonathan, as I shook my head.

"We are not killing him. It's bad enough I did this to him. I will not be responsible for killing him. I will compel the kid and then leave him on the hospital steps. You can either help me or stay here, your choice." I said

"I still think killing him would be the best option." Said Jonathan

"You can't kill everyone who pisses you off or sees the wrong thing. He is only 15, Jonathan. He has a life to live and we are not going to take that from him. Killing is not always the only option." I said

"Fine, but if this backfires that is on you." Said Jonathan

"Then it's on me." I said as I leaned down beside the boy and helped him to stand up. He was wobbly, but he had the strength to stay on two feet. I got the boy to look at me as he went limp. "You will remember nothing of what happened tonight. You were walking home and tripped, cutting your neck on the way. We found you and helped you to the hospital."

The boy tiredly nodded as Jonathan and I carried him out of the apartment. We found an abandoned car and Jonathan hot wired it. About ten minutes later, I helped the kid out of the car and took him through the front doors. A nurse saw us and I explained the situation. The nurse helped the kid onto a gurney and I watched as he was carried away.