Chapter 8

(High School)

Angel's point of View

I couldn't help but feel excited as I got dressed for the first day of school. I was now officially a high school student.

"Ahhhhh!" I looked over to see Raquel run into the room in her second panic for the morning. "Where is it?"

"Where is what?" I asked.

"My purple headband; I can't find it anywhere. I had it earlier and now I don't know where it went!" The curly haired girl replied. I couldn't help it and laughed. "Not funny Fox!" The dark skinned girl said glaring at me. "You're my best friend! You are supposed to be helping me in my state of panic, not laughing at me!"

"Raquel, it's…"

"No! I demand an apology! I mean I know I…"

"It's on your head," I informed her.

"Wha…." Raquel let out an annoyed growl as her hand touched her headband. She looked at me but I only smiled. "I might be a little tense."

"Really?" I said picking up my black and red backpack and swinging it over my right arm. "I hadn't noticed." She wanted to scold me but we both only let out a giggle. The wolf picked up her purple and black backpack and we headed out of our room to catch a ride with Raquel's mother, Whitney.

"Girl's we…good you're ready," Whitney said looking at us both. "let's go."

"By mom," I said as I walked over and quickly hugged her.

"Have fun, but not too much, you two," My mother teased. Raquel's mother only laughed and we headed out the door.

Raquel's mother rolled her eyes more than once at us as we became so excited about school. But hey! We were dying to go to high school. There were a few members of the pack that always excluded us because we weren't in high school. They couldn't say that to us from now on.

Raquel's mom parked in the school parking lot and after saying a quick bye we quickly vacated the staff area. We walked up to the front of the school and quickly headed inside. Luckily we'd come to school with Whitney before school started for the year so we'd already found our classes and lockers. Magically they were next to each other. Raquel's mother acted surprised but I was suspicious about it. I'm not complaining mind you. My best friend in the locker next to mine? Who in their right mind would complain?

"I think it's so cool we have three classes together!" Raquel declared.

"Yeah, we might have had more if you'd paid more attention in math though," I complained. Raquel and I both had advanced English class together as well as having choir and history. Unfortunately she hadn't made high enough scores to get into advanced math and science. My mother had insisted I not slack off; Raquel's mother had agreed. But at least we had three classes and lunch together.

"I know, I know," she pouted. "Let's get to class so we can be sure to get seats together."

"Why? Teachers are only going to move us after ten minutes anyway," I retorted. Raquel frowned at me but when I raised my eyebrows at her she shrugged in defeat. Every year we started out next to each other and every year we were quickly moved apart because we talked too much.

"We'll try harder this time," she suggested.

"So we'll try for 20 minutes?" I suggested. The curly dark haired girl rolled her eyes before grabbing my arm and heading for our first class. I laughed and simply went along with her.

I'm pretty sure I only blinked and it was lunch time. Raquel and I did manage to stay next to each other for longer than expected; thirty minutes. It was a record for us.

"Fox!" I looked over to see Raquel coming towards me. I smiled and waited for her to catch up.

"How was Pre-Algebra?" I teased.

"I didn't have to move seats." We both laughed and headed for the cafeteria.

"Man, is no where safe?" Raquel and I looked over to see a small group of teenage guys; two of which we knew.

"Nope," Raquel replied. "Guess you'll have to live with us being around, Malcolm."

"This is your little sister?" A teenage guy with dark brown hair and hazel eyes said. Looking over at me he added, "Let me guess, Fox."

The tone in his voice made me suddenly irritated. "Angel," I said glaring at him. I didn't know who he was nor did I care. I didn't tolerate someone acting rude to me or Raquel without a good reason. Especially when they didn't even know us. "Only friends call me Fox."

"Easy Fox," said a pack member I'd only met a few times. It took me a moment before I remembered his name was Phoenix. I didn't know him but I did knew he was loyal to Reth and therefore loyal to my father. "Be nice to her Ashton," Phoenix told him.

"Phoenix…"

"Don't be a jerk Malcolm," Phoenix told him. "Until now, you hadn't even seen Raquel today." The blonde wolf looked over at us. "Just ignore him."

I gave a nod and Raquel and I walked away. I didn't know Phoenix very well but I didn't view him as a problem; I knew Malcolm could be. He was still mad I'd laid him out years ago. I took pride in that. I would have to wait and see about Ashton.

Katie's point of view

I couldn't help but be amazed as I watched Angel fight against Memphis and Tyler at nearly the same time. She was so quick I often caught only ever other punch. I couldn't help but smile as I watched the trio. Memphis had done exactly as I had asked. He'd trained Angel over the last few years and she was truly a force to be reckoned with. I had no doubt that come what may my daughter had the ability to defend herself amongst any creature she might come in contact with. I was glad to see her training so hard, but I admit the way she was fighting made me somewhat wonder if someone had upset her at school. She'd come home quite ready to train.

As the thought of Angel being beyond human came to me, so did thoughts of her father. Over the last few years my dreams had become more intense at times. I had dreamed of Dracula many times since the night I'd thought he'd died. They'd been somewhat consistent since Angel spoke of him when she was little. Since we'd seen him a few years ago I never went more than a few days without a dream of her father.

I would like to say they were nightmares but I couldn't. Many times they were of the few pleasant times I'd experienced with him. Many times I dreamed of the breakfast I'd spent with him and the pleased look he'd had on his face. Now I knew it was because he knew I was carrying his unborn child. Many of my dreams revolved around the acts that had caused me to become pregnant with Angel. My dreams were so realistic that I sometimes felt as if they were real.

I wanted to dismiss any thought they could be real but then I remembered Memphis telling me that when Dracula marked me he connected us. I admitted I thought I could hear Angel's father at times. Memphis had told me I could and in truth that Dracula could also hear me. I never tried to speak to Angel's father; I admit the idea scared me. If I didn't try I could deny anything and everything. Yet now with things becoming so….real I felt like perhaps I needed to know. Was I connected as much to Dracula as Memphis suspected?

A sense of fear rose through me but I knew I needed to know. I walked away from the backyard and decided to go for a walk away from everyone. I felt it was best to try and see if I could speak to Angel's father away from everyone.

"Where are you going?" I looked over to see Isaiah watching me.

"For a walk," I replied.

"Not alone," he replied.

"I'm not going far Isaiah. I just need a few minutes alone," I told him.

"No," he replied flatly. "I'll follow at a distance but I am currently responsible for you," The dark skinned man announced. "If anything happened to you…."

"It won't."

"Katie…"

"I need to know if I'm right or going crazy!" I snapped becoming frustrated.

"Crazy? What's going on Katie?" Isaiah asked becoming concerned.

"I hear him. I see him in my dreams I…"

Isaiah sighed before saying. "You're not crazy. You're connected to the count."

"What does that mean?" I asked and crossed my arms. "Memphis said we could hear each other. Is that true?"

"Yes. Or at least you could if you let it happen," Raquel's father replied. "That and a lot more." I just looked at him. "You can talk to him now if you want to. All you have to do is focus and call out to him."

"So what I just say…"

"In your mind Katie," Isaiah said calmly. "Come on." Reluctantly I followed him over to the front porch and we both sat down in a couple of empty chairs.

"Close your eyes," he told me. I wasn't sure I wanted to but I did as he said. I knew Isaiah would never hurt me. He would be demanding and forceful to protect me but I knew he would never harm me. "Focus your thoughts on the count and call to him."

At first all I saw was darkness and then suddenly I saw him within my mind. Dracula? Angel's father looked at me and gave a half smile.

You are the mother of my child. A child I want. I believe it would be acceptable for you to call me Vlad.

Is this really happening? I asked unsure. I couldn't help but think I must be in some elaborate daydream.

The ability has been there since last we met my dear; though you have only allowed yourself to be open during your sleep, he told me. I could have forced this but that was not in either of our best interests.

You've known everything haven't you? I asked as fear began to race over me.

You spoke rather boldly to Reth with regard toward me. Ordering those loyal to me was very bold indeed. Before I could even argue he said Demanding that Memphis be allowed to train our daughter was in fact giving them an order.

I wasn't wrong! I want her as ready as she can be and…

I never said you were wrong Katie. I had not considered the idea but I must admit it was a wise decision on your part.

Does that mean you won't be punishing me for it later? I asked hotly before I could stop myself.

Katie. I heard the unquestionable warning in my head.

I can't help it. I still feel like you enjoyed hurting me. At times it seemed like you were looking for an excuse to hurt me! As the thought of punishment entered my mind so did the thought of Memphis. You aren't going to hurt Memphis are you? Angel adores him and…

What takes place between Memphis and me, is just between Memphis and myself only. He seemed to sense my concern. I will not needlessly kill your friend. I believe we will be able to come to an understanding; however, you are not to interfere. Is that clear?

You hurt Memphis and Angel will interfere long before I can. I warned.

Our daughter has much to learn and so do you. Memphis will decide his own fate but you and Angel belong to me. It will not be much longer before I come for you, Katie. I am pleased that Memphis has been training you both. There are some you will have to show strength toward but believe me when I say you must obey me. I cannot be questioned. My authority cannot be questioned. I do not wish to harm you Katie but I will punish you to prove my authority if need be.

So much for

Katie! I fell instantly silent. I hadn't meant to transmit my thought but unfortunately I had. I instantly felt his irritation and also a flicker of concern. Obey me Katie and I will never harm you again. As he said the words I suddenly felt as if he was there with his hands gently on my shoulders. It was only a moment and it felt as if he had walked around me and was now facing me with his right thumb on my left cheek. I suddenly felt protected and…safe. I feared the count but I also felt safe whenever he put his arms around me; a feeling I just couldn't explain.

What are you going to do with us? I asked. What is to become of Angel and me?

You will take your place at my side as you have been meant to since that night at the theater so many years ago. Angel will learn and become a leader amongst our kind. I have no yearning to wipe out humanity all together. There are some that must be dealt with but not all. There are some of my own kind that must be dealt with. Things are in motion Katie. For now know your place is at my side as my lady. Learn what you can my dear. As I said, it will not be long.

Can you give me some kind of idea when…

Less than a year Katie. I will come on the most powerful night of the year.

Dracula faded from my mind and I opened my eyes to see myself looking at a very calm Isaiah. "Has he always been difficult to understand?"

Isaiah smiled at me. "Some speak in more riddles than others. What did he say?"

"He says he will come for me and Angel on the most powerful night of the year. I guess it will be Christmas." I rose to my feet and looked at the dark skinned man I'd come to know. "Thank you." Isaiah nodded and I walked into the house.

Tyler's point of View

I hated to admit it but I was glad when Angel's training session had ended. The count's daughter had been very aggressive. It wasn't normal for her. She always trained hard before but something was off with her. I quickly decided it was time to have a talk with Malcolm and the others.

Slowly I scanned the driveway for Malcolm's truck. Not seeing it I knew where I would find him. My eyes scanned the yard to see Memphis walking toward me. The look in his eyes told me he was not pleased and I had a feeling in this we might be united.

"Is there something I should know?" he asked flatly. I crossed my arms but didn't respond. I had no intention of admitting I didn't know anything more than he did. "Angel trains hard Tyler but not like this. What happened today?"

"I don't see what business…"

"I don't care how pissed you are at me Tyler! Angel is a hell of a lot more important to me than how mad you are. Besides you don't even know half as much as you think about that either!"

"I know enough!" I snapped at him.

"No, you don't," Memphis replied.

"You broke her heart and left her!" I snarled. "Hope loved you with every fiber of her being and you walked away because she wasn't human!" I shouted at him.

"I walked away so they didn't kill her!" Memphis shouted back. "I didn't want to walk away from Hope! I didn't care she wasn't human! I cared about the fact that the other slayers would have killed her and declared war against your pack! If that makes me an ass then yes Tyler I'm an ass!"

"What?" Memphis and I both turned to see Reth, Whitney, and Isaiah standing there. It was Whitney that had spoken. "Why would they…."

Memphis looked down before finally looking at the dark skinned woman. "There had been more than one run in with an out of control wolf. A decision was made that any wolves had to be killed. That night was when Hope told me she wasn't human. I knew I couldn't protect her from them; not then. They started a hunt…and…I did what I had to. I did what I could to lead them away."

I wanted so much to challenge his honesty but I couldn't. Any of us could smell a lie and Memphis wasn't lying.

"You hurt more than Hope, Memphis," Whitney said calmly.

"I'm sorry Whitney but I had to…"

"You left Hope and your son," Whitney told him. I watched as Memphis' eyes went wide clearly caught off guard. "Hope gave you a son."

"I…" Memphis looked down. "No wonder all of you hate me so much."

"It appears we may have misjudged you," Reth said with a sigh. "We just thought…"

"No. You have no idea how many times I wanted to write to her but… I couldn't. I was afraid they'd find out. I love Hope to much to cost her, her life."

"Loved," Isaiah corrected.

"I never stopped loving Hope. I tried. Hell; Monica tried to make me forget her but she couldn't."

"You told…" I started.

"No. She knew I had lost the woman I'd loved but not anything about her. I never even mentioned Hope's name," Memphis informed us. I watched as he looked at Reth. "Where is she? I need to speak to her."

"You won't like the answer," I warned.

"I realize she's probably with someone but I need…"

"She's with the count," Isaiah informed him.

"What?" he said clearly caught off guard.

"I thought it best to send her there to help get things prepared. Angel is rather attached to you and frankly most of us wanted to kill you," Reth admitted. "You can see her when she returns."

"With the count?" he asked. Reth gave a simple nod. "My son?"

"You better talk to Hope first. It has to be her choice whether or not to reveal him," I told him. I knew it wasn't what Memphis wanted but he gave a single nod.

"Angel?" Memphis asked still concerned about the aggressiveness she'd displayed.

"I'm going to have a chat with…"

"Not necessary Tyler. Apparently Malcolm and Ashton didn't exactly welcome the girl's today," Isaiah said. "I've dealt with them." I looked at Isaiah less than pleased. He knew what I was thinking and gave me a nod. He'd punished them but I had permission to scare the hell out of them and threaten them within an inch of their life. They wouldn't bother my charge or Raquel again when I was done with them.