7

"Absolutely not."

I have to admit; I wasn't exactly surprised that those were the first two words to escape Godric's mouth the moment I told him I was considering going to a vampire bar with my friends.

"Why not?" I frowned, "You and Isabel both said that I could go out as long as I was with a group, and we were in a public place. Well, I'm going with my friends, and the bar is a public place."

"A vampire bar," Godric added, eyes slightly narrowed.

I glanced over at Isabel, who had so far been quiet as she sat down on the couch. When she noticed my gaze on her, she stood up. "Godric is right, Hollie," She smiled apologetically, "It is not safe."

"B-But, I have Godric's blood in me, he'll know if I'm in danger!"

She blinked in surprise, clearly this piece of information was new to her.

"Again, just because I know you're in danger does not mean I'll be able to get to you in time," Godric reminded me.

"Okay, no offense," I sighed as I rubbed my forehead, "But I don't believe that I need your permission to go out."

"It is not about granting you permission," He frowned, "It is about the fact that it would be inconsiderate of us, and yourself, to put you in any situation where there is the slightest possibility of danger, when your father is out there risking his life for your safety."

I winced at the thought of my father. I immediately saw Godric's point; how could I go out, in an area where, let's admit, danger is always possible, when my father was doing everything, including risking his life, just to keep me safe.

To be honest, I had been trying hard these days to not think about my father, because it pained me every time I considered the possibility of him getting hurt.

"Yeah, you're right," I ran a hand through my hair, "I'll tell Gwen that I can't make it."

With that I turned around, making my way upstairs and into my room. I'd have to text Gwen to tell her that I wouldn't be able to make it tonight.

"I did not mean to upset you."

I instantly turned when I heard Godric's voice from behind me. How the hell did he get up here so fast, and without me hearing him? Oh right, vampire.

"You didn't upset me," I told him as I unzipped my jacket and hung it up in my closet.

"You forget, I can feel your emotions."

I pressed my lips together in a thin line. While it was useful for Godric to feel my emotions in case of any danger, it also felt like a sort of violation on my privacy; my thoughts weren't private anymore.

"I'm not upset at you," I told him, "I'm upset at me. You're right, I was being completely selfish."

"I didn't say that."

"But that's what I was being," I sighed, sitting down on my bed, "Because my dad is out there, fighting for me, and I wanted to walk into the lion's den. I was being selfish, and stupid. You know what the worst part is? I didn't even realize that's what I was being, because I've been trying so hard not to think about my dad, because every time I do, I get so freaking worried! But how could I do that? Not think about him when he's risking his life for me, and instead choosing to ignore it. It makes me an ungrateful bitch. I'm a selfish, stupid, ungrateful bitch!"

"Please stop that," Godric frowned, "You are being too hard on yourself. It was not my intention to make you feel this way."

"You didn't make me feel this way," I told him, "I made me feel this way."

It was strange, that we were both putting the blame on ourselves while trying to comfort the other. I grabbed my purse, and searched through it for my phone. "I'll text Gwen, and tell her I'm not going tonight."

I sighed when I finished texting her, and tossed my phone onto my pillow. "Well, I have no idea what to do with the rest of my night."

"I apologize for ruining your night."

"Stop apologizng," I laughed, "I already told you it's not your fault."

My phone vibrated at that moment, and I looked to see that I had received a text from Gwen. It wasn't what I expected though; she told me that her car had broken down on her way to the bar, and asked if I could go pick her up.

"Um," I glanced up at Godric, "I need a favour."

A few minutes later, we were in Godric's car, on our way to pick up Gwen. "I guess it's my turn to apologize now," I smiled sheepishly, "I'm sure this wasn't how you planned to spend your night; you probably have more important things to do as Sheriff..."

"It's no problem, I'm happy to help."

"You're too nice."

"I assure you, I'm not."

I turned my head to look at him. I remembered Godric telling me that he didn't have the greatest past, and clearly he hadn't forgiven himself for whatever he had done. "You're too hard on yourself."

Godric glanced at me from the corner of his eye. "Says the girl who called herself a selfish, stupid and ungrateful teenager," He pointed out, amused.

"Bitch," I corrected.

"I was trying to avoid using that word."

I couldn't help but laugh as I leaned my head back against the head rest of the seat. "God, what is the matter with us? We're constantly bringing ourselves down!"

My smile faded when I finally saw Gwen's car, and I told Godric to pull over. "You can stay here, I'll be right back," I told him before exiting the car. I hurried over to Gwen's vehicle, blinking when I found no one in the driver's seat. There was, however, someone sleeping in the backseat, with a blanket covering them.

"Gwen?" I opened the car door and leaned inside, "Gwen, wake up."

It all happened in a second. The blanket flew off, a hand wrapped around my throat and I was fully pulled into the vehicle. I was forced down onto my back, the grip around my throat tightening and my eyes widened as I stared into the bloodlust-filled eyes of the same vampire that had already attacked me twice.

"You bitch, I'm going to-."

He didn't even have the chance to finish his question before he was ripped off of me. I quickly pushed myself up, only to find Godric pinning the vampire down by his throat against the hood of the car. His fangs were out, and for the first time since I had met him, Godric actually looked dangerous.

I snapped out of my thoughts and got out of the car.

"Who told you we'd be here?" Godric asked, his tone harsher than I had ever heard.

The vampire glared angrily at Godric, struggling against his hold but unable to escape. "Tell me," Godric ordered.

"I will tell you nothing!" He snapped, before his eyes looked over in my direction. "You fucking bitch, I will rip you open-."

Godric's grip around his throat tightened as his eyes narrowed. "You will not speak to her. Answer my question; who told you we'd be here?"

He did not answer but his glare grew more murderous. "Hollie," Godric spoke, "Call Stan, tell him to meet us here."

I nodded my head, making my way back into Godric's car. I grabbed his cell phone, searching through the contacts list for Stan's number before I dialled it. I continued staring at Godric and the other vampire as I waited for Stan to pick up. When he finally did pick up, I was only paying half attention to our conversation; I simply told him where to meet Godric and I.

I was hurrying back towards the two when I suddenly realized something. "Where's Gwen?" I asked the vampire. After all, this was Gwen's car, I recognized it, and he had texted me from Gwen's phone; but where was Gwen?

This question, he had no problem answering. A cruel smirk appeared at his lips as he barked out a laugh. "The redhead? I tore her throat out," He said, and I felt my body go cold, "And that's nothing compared to what I will do to you."

Godric pulled him back only to slam him even harder against the car. I didn't even noticed what happened after that point, I fell to my knees, tears building in my eyes and my hands went over my mouth.

Gwen.

Gwen was dead.

"Hollie."

I felt Godric place his hand on my back as he slowly helped me stand back up. I looked up to find that it was now Stan who was holding down the vampire. When did he even get here?

"Gwen," I whispered, "He killed Gwen."

"No, he didn't," Godric quickly reassured me, "I would have smelled it on him if he had killed recently. He was lying."

A huge wave of relief took over me at that moment, and I actually almost fell to my knees again, but Godric kept his arm firmly around me. "So...Gwen's fine?" I asked, and he nodded.

"Stan," Godric began as he lead me towards the car, "Take care of him."

"There is no doubt anymore," Godric said, "There is a traitor amongst your friends."

I shook my head in disbelief as I sat on the couch, squeezing my hands tightly together without even noticing. Isabel, who was sitting down next to me, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

I had called Bridget in the car, and was relieved when she answered and told me that everyone, including Gwen, having fun at the vampire bar. Now, everyone had met at Bridget's house before going to the vampire bar, Gwen had driven there. However, when they were about to leave, Gwen had noticed that her cell phone was missing from her purse, and that her call was stolen.

"Your friend had both her car and cell phone until she met up with the rest of your friends," Godric explained, "It means that it must have been stolen by, or with the help of, one of them."

"Or," Isabel cut in, "That this Gwen person is the traitor herself."

"This is ridiculous!" I snapped as I suddenly stood up, "None of my friends are traitors!"

I felt so many emotions at once; I was angry, I was sad, I was confused...I could feel the tears of frustrations build in my eyes and I quickly turned away so that nobody would see. Damn it; I've been crying too much lately!

"I know this is upsetting for you," Godric began, "But we cannot ignore this."

I quickly wiped my tears away with my sleeve before running a hand through my hair and letting out a loud sigh. I knew why this was affecting me so much; it was because Godric was right. No matter how much I wanted to deny it, all evidence was pointing towards the fact that one of my friends was betraying me.

"If you had to guess," Isabel said, "Who would you suspect?"

"None of them," I sighed again as I sat back down, "I can't imagine any of them doing this."

At that moment, Stan entered the living room. His outfit was covered in blood, but he was grinning from ear to ear; like a child who had just returned from the candy store. "That was fun," He said as he fell back onto the sofa.

I couldn't take this. Without saying a word I stood up and made my way upstairs, and into my room. I couldn't think properly; just the idea of one of my friends doing this behind my back was too much. Gwen, Adam, Marc, Matthew, Ed, Bridget...I couldn't picture any of them doing this.

"Do you mind if I come in?" I heard Godric speak as soon as I reached my bed.

I turned to find him waiting right outside my door, waiting for my permission to enter. I smiled faintly. "Yeah, come in," I told him before sitting down, "Sorry I left, I just needed to..."

"I understand," He said, "I just need you to be careful, one of your friends is possibly a traitor, until we know which one they are all suspects."

"So what am I suppose to do?"

"Nothing. You act as though nothing is wrong," He told me, "However, you must be careful not to reveal any important information to them, or anything that they could use against you."

"Right..." I nodded my head, "Godric?"

"Yes?"

"When we find out who the traitor is..." I began nervously, "Will you kill him, or her?"

I knew that the traitor was causing a lot of trouble, and could be the reason that the enemy finally got their hands on me. His actions wouldn't go unpunished. Godric didn't respond right away, and his silence worried me. When he finally did speak, I was suprised by his answer.

"No," He finally said, "Especially if you don't wish me to."

"I don't," I replied quickly, before smiling faintly at him. "Thank you."

"Hey!"

I was standing outside the cafe, having just finished work, waiting for my ride to pick me up. I smiled when a car pulled over, and the driver was none other than Hugo. He smiled handsomely as he unlocked the doors. "Hey! Get in!"

I smiled as I got in the car, closing the door behind me and quickly buckling my seatbelt. Whenever I finished work at a time where neither Godric or Isabel could pick me up, due to the sun not yet setting, Hugo was the one to pick me up. I told them it wasn't necessary; I could take the bus, but they insisted. I didn't mind though; Hugo was a nice guy, and I enjoyed spending time with him.

"How was your day?" Hugo asked me.

"Um, it was okay."

It actually wasn't. I knew that Godric told me to act normally around my friends, but that was hard to do when I knew that there was a possibility that one of them was betraying me. So, I was abnormally quiet and jumpy, and I'm pretty sure they had noticed. Although, they may not have, considering that they were all talking about their night at the vampire bar. It seemed to have gone well, except for Marc, who had gotten himself a black eye and bruises all over his face. Apparently, he had gotten into quite the fight.

"So," I cleared my throat, "How about your day?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "It was alright. I slept for most of it as I didn't get the chance to sleep much last night."

"Ah," I nodded, "I guess if you're dating a vampire, you have to stay up all night if you want to spend any time with them."

"Yeah," He let out a quiet sigh.

I turned to look at him. "Is something wrong?" I asked curiously. He was usually more cheerful than this.

"Isabel and I...had another fight," He confessed.

"Oh," I frowned, "About the same thing as last time?"

He nodded his head. I couldn't help but wonder what the subject of their fight was about, but I didn't dare ask. I didn't want him to think I was nosy, and frankly, it wasn't any of my business.

"Your mother was human, right?" Hugo began, "And yet she was with your father, who was a vampire. Do you know what their plans were?"

I tilted my head to the side in confusion. "What do you mean, plans?"

"I mean...He's immortal, and she wasn't. Weren't they worried about what would happen, you know, in the future?"

It took me a few seconds to realize what he was talking about. I finally realized that he meant if my parents ever had discussed my father turning my mother into a vampire. Because otherwise, she would grow old while he would remain the same.

"I don't know," I replied honestly, "I don't think my mother would have wanted to be turned though."

"Why not?"

"Well, because of me," I told him, "Unless she would have planned for me to be turned as well, which I know she didn't."

"Oh," He kept his gaze firmly on the road, and didn't say anything after that.

"Wait, is that what you're fighting with Isabel about?" I asked him curiously, "You want her to change you?"

He sighed in frustration. "Yeah, I do. She won't even consider it though," He answered, his eyes narrowing as his grip on the steering wheel tightened. "I mean, how am I suppose to be with her, if I grow old and she stays the same? How are we suppose to be considered equals?"

I felt a little nervous when I realized he was beginning to drive way over the speed limit. "Okay, I realize you're upset, but I really don't want to die in a car accident," I told him, and relaxed when he instantly began going slower.

"Sorry," He apologized, "I just..."

"It's okay," I smiled at him, "You're upset, that's normal. You and Isabel will work things out though."

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye. "How can you be so sure?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm not, I guess," I admitted, "But, if you really love each other, then things will work out."

"Yeah, well, I hope you're right."

When we finally arrived at Godric's house, the sun still hadn't set, so I knew they were all still asleep. Hugo, at first, wanted to leave, but I convinced him to stay by guilting him into not leaving me alone. And, now, we were playing chess.

"I'm going to beat you this time," He said, eyes narrowed as we put each piece at its place.

"You can try," I grinned at him.

Thirteen minutes later, I laughed as I leaned back into my seat, clapping my hands together once. "Check mate!" I declared, and laughed even more when Hugo sighed in defeat and stuffed his face into his hands. "Victory is sweet."

"Could you be any louder?" Stan asked grumpily as he walked by us. The sun had set just a few minutes ago, so I knew Isabel and Godric would arrive shortly.

"Somebody got out of the wrong side of the coffin," I raised an eyebrow at him.

Stan shot me an annoyed look. "When are you leaving again?"

"Do not be rude, Stan," Isabel was the second to walk in, looking beautiful as usual, "I enjoy Hollie's presence. It is nice to have the sound of laughter in the house."

"I agree," Came Godric's voice right after.

I smiled at the two, while Stan exited the house, muttering some colorful words under his breath. "Sleep well?" I asked them.

"Yes, thank you," Isabel responded, her eyes dancing with amusement as she look at Hugo, me, and the chess board. "How many games have you played?"

"Five," I answered, grinning, "And I won all of them."

Hugo narrowed his eyes at me. "You cheated."

"I would never!"

Isabel laughed as she sat down next to Hugo, placing a hand on his leg, while Godric sat down next to me, eyeing the chess board. "Where did you learn to play?" He asked me.

"Ryan taught me," I said as I rearranged the pieces.

"Who's Ryan?" Hugo asked me, "Is that your ex-boyfriend?"

I laughed. "God, no. Ryan was my father's...I'm not sure what you call them, but my father was his maker."

"So Ryan's a vampire?" Hugo asked again.

No doubt that, being such good friends with my father, Isabel and Godric already knew who Ryan was.

"Yup," I said, popping the 'P', "He lived with me, my dad and my mom until my mom's death. He was like an older brother, though an older brother who annoyed the hell out of me."

"So, let me get this straight," Hugo knitted his eyebrows together in thought, "Your family consisted of a human mother, a vampire father, and a vampire brother?"

"And a human sister," I added, and to this even Isabel and Godric looked surprise, "But I haven't seen her in years, she left the second she turned eighteen."

"Wow..." Hugo blinked at me.

"Mhmm," I nodded, "Want to play another game?"

At this he snorted and stood up. "No thank you. I don't think my ego could stand being beaten for a sixth time," He said, and I laughed. He then walked away, and Isabel shot me a smile before following after him.

I smiled as I watched them leave, and then turned to Godric with a raised eyebrow. "Want to play?"

I had to admit, when the time came that I actually did have to leave; I would miss it here.

A/N Hello everyone! So, I had chapters 1-7 written in advance. I have yet to start writing chapter 8 though, so it might take some time before it comes out. However, reviews often inspire me to update faster -hint hint- ;) In all seriousness though, I truly do appreciate it when you guys message me with your comments and suggestions :)

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!