13. Friends and enemies

Skylar and I exchanged a quick glance and then we were in action before even a second had passed. I had Jason in my arms while Skylar took the point and he was flanked by Nick, and I hate to say it, but Angel was there ready to fight too. The feet were spread out and there were about 7 pairs of them running towards us, swiftly. Jason was still in shock of what had happened so he didn't know that he was in my arms until I tightened my grip on him. I pushed him behind, tensed like a coil to spring at any moment. A loud growl escaped my lips, but instead of slowing it seemed the feet quickened in pace. The wind changed in direction and then I knew whom it was and why they refused to stop. Skylar and I immediately got out of our stance, while Nick and Angel were confused on why we did.

"We heard an explosion and we caught the scent that you two were back in town. Ah, Claire, it seems you have new coven members. How nice." The female voice said. Then she appeared from the dust and wind they spewed while running. Three other females came in to view a bit shorter than she did. A few seconds later three males walked out into the open desert.

"Sylvia!" Skylar shouted. He walked to her and embraced her with a hug and a small kiss on the cheek. I could almost hear the growl Taylor would have made at this scene.

"Skylar, it has been too long. You haven't changed a bit!" Sylvia exclaimed. She patted her pail white arm on Skylar's shoulder while beginning to walk towards me.

"I was beginning to wonder why you guys didn't slow down. Especially when I growled at you." I laughed. Jason seemed to not understand anything.

Sylvia was dressed in what humans would call hikers clothes. Her auburn hair was put into a tight ponytail and her face was a mask of beauty. I could see a faint hint of that blond highlight she put in her hair over a century ago. Her body was still that perfect figure of muscle while she was fluid, even when she was still. It was true; Sylvia had not changed a bit.

The one standing to her right was Abby. Like me she was blond and slim. She had natural highlights of light brown in her hair that made any woman want to cry over. Her eyes were a dark red while they glowed in the clouded day. She wore a similar outfit to match Sylvia's but it just wasn't as good. I saw her holding hands with the blond male, Keenan.

Hannah was on her other side and she was probably the loudest one there. I could already see her bouncing up and down. Her black curls shook immensely and she would not stop jittering. Like Abby, her eyes were also a red, but more of a crimson color. I could see she was the newborn of the group, for I had only met her months before I ever met Jason. I knew they would have to keep a distance from each other. She wore a silk dress that frilled from the bottom and I hated to admit it, but she was more beautiful than Sylvia was. I bet she absolutely hated that part about Hannah. Her milk chocolate hair was in curls lying on her shoulders. Her eyes were on mine as she brought her face into a breathtaking smile.

I heard Jason gasp at the smile. And for the first time I felt some real jealousy for Hannah. I was not oblivious to the fact that Jason thought she was gorgeous. I could also see Cody gawking at her. Her smile grew even wider. I could feel the anger rising up in me and the red tainted my vision.

Then the last one was my very favorite. Her name was the most wonderful name anyone could ever think of. Her musical name was Claire. Yes it is the same as mine, but how can I miss how wonderfully it matches her perfect pale face? Her hair was blond like mine, but her eyes were a light golden brown.

"Animals." I muttered in disgust of the retched taste of the blood.

Then there were the outrageously three handsome males of the coven. First there was Keenan. He was short and had the smoothest blond hair you could ever imagine. Keenan was also a newborn, but he was past the year mark, just a few months older than Syd. I could not hide the resemblance between Keenan and Hannah. Though Keenan was older in the vampire stage, Hannah was Keenan's older sister. It was probably Keenan's idea in the first place to change her. I heard that they were very close. The way he was looking at Abby I could tell they were mates. And so close they have grown in a short amount of time.

Second was Dylan. Dylan was about 6 feet tall and had one of those smiles that just brought you in like a magnet. A chick magnet I guess you could call it. He was right behind Hannah and he was smiling at me. Dylan and me go way back. He is the second oldest here and he is like my brother. Not as close as Skylar is to me, but a brother non-the less. His olive skin matched nicely with his pitch-black hair. They were a lighter color than Hannah's fine hair. Dylan held hands with Claire while Dylan was still smiling at me.

Last and not at the very least was Shadow. Yes he had a real name, but he refused to tell anyone about his so-called name. He hasn't ever met Syd so I'm sure that if she ever meets him that we will all know his name. He has dark brown hair just like Skylar, spikes it up just like Nick, and he was wearing normal human clothes that Jason would wear. His smile was what made Jason stiffen in my grasp. Shadow was in love with me. He smiled at me like he could walk for the first time. While I glared back at him he winked at me.

Suddenly the wind changed direction and Jason's scent was scent in Sylvia's face. She turned to face me and she saw Jason beside me.

"A snack, Claire?" she purred in her sexy voice that made me want to gag. There was a chorus of growls from all of us, but to my amazement, Skylar's was louder than mine was. Skylar took a step in front of me and Jason getting in a low crouch, his teeth barred. "Calm down I was just kidding. I can see the tie between you and the human. I would never do that to you Claire. I promise. I stood upright and smiled at my friend.

"I know you wouldn't do that, Sylvia. I just have a slight tendency to overreact."

"Slight!" Came the voices in unison of Skylar, Jason, Shadow, Keenan, and Hannah. We all laughed while I started to introduce Jason.

"Sylvia this is Jason," I turned to Jason then, "Me and Sylvia both control these covens that we have. We have known each other for over 300 years. When it was just Skylar and I we both visited. That's why Angel and Nick didn't back down when we did. We know them while they do not."

Sylvia stepped up to shake her hand and while he was not surprised by her cold touch I could see him going back from my eyes to hers.

"Her hunting habits are the same as mine, but I assure you, Jason, that she will not harm you." part of that was a threat to Sylvia and the rest was a promise to Jason.

"The one to the right is Abby, the other one is Hannah, and the last girl in the back is named Claire." Jason raised one eyebrow while looking at me. "Her and I share the same name, but we have different personalities…and gifts." I said proudly.

"Gifts?" Jason mouthed. I nodded.

"Claire has the gift to see the dead." Jason looked at me like I had grown 400 feet larger this time.

At that moment Claire's eyes went out of focus. "A woman," she murmured. Her voice was like a robot, not alive, but not dead either. "She is standing beside him. She has the look of loss. Now she is looking at Claire. Fury and understanding bakes onto her face as she stares at you. She is trying to speak to you.

"Why?" said a voice. The words came from Claire's mouth, but they were not her words. "Why would you take me away from my Jason? How could you fall in love with him? How? Please tell me how!" the voice of Jason's mother started to yell. Then her eyes went back while Jason and I stared at each other for 5 very long minutes.

"MY MOM IS HERE! SHE'S TALKING TO US! WHAT ELSE IS SHE SAYING!" Jason screamed. He ran to Claire and he grabbed her arm, a pleading look in his eyes.

"I-I can't see her anymore. She went away. Sometimes they do that." She lied. I knew she could see her. When our gifts were near each other I could sense the life of his mother that was here. I shot and a thank-you glance towards her, who smiled at me.

Jason sighed and he came back to my welcome arms. His face was in pain and I knew why. His hand went into his pocket and it seemed like he was playing with something. There was a hiss from Skylar and Jason nodded. His hand went out and grabbed my hand, smiling at me. The object in his pocket forgotten.

How many times have I stopped to think that his face is the face of a god? His honey blonde hair lit up in the sun like it was on fire. His dark hazel eyes stared into mine like he could see what I was thinking. He smiled and stared back like there was no one else here. Like it was just he and I. there was a grunt and a few small giggles from Sylvia and Hannah.

"Get a room." Shadow muttered in a low and agonizing voice. He knew I was in love with a human. I couldn't help, but feel bad for him. I walked over to him leaving Jason beside Skylar, for protection. They were right. I overreact too much.

"Shadow," I smiled, "I know how you feel about me. I'm sorry that I don't feel the same way. You will find someone special for you, I promise. She will be perfect for you, but until be happy that I found someone I want to be with forever."

He sighed then returned my smile. His eyes, oh god his eyes, they were wonderful. "You're absolutely right, Claire. I'm happy for you. I always wanted you to be happy so now that you are I'm happy. Not that won't ever stop loving, but I can deal with it now." He walked to Jason. "Take care of her. You have no idea how lucky you are to have won her precious heart. Don't take advantage of her, and know that I'm proud of you." Jason put on his glorious smile. They hugged like only men could and then Shadow came to give me a hug.

"I love you, Shadow, but more like a brother. Like with Skylar and i. Just family." I smiled again and hugged him. I patted his back and went to Sylvia.

"Sylvia." I smiled. "How long it has been since we have seen each other! I almost forgot that you made a permanent home here. I hope were not intruding on anything?"

"Of course not dearest, Claire." She wrapped her arms around me then wrinkled her nose. "What is that horrible smell?"

"I live with a werewolf."

"No I didn't mean that. Though it smells like that, it smells great but awful at the same time." Her face looked around trying to find the source. Skylar shifted his position so he was in front of her view.

"It's the human!?" she gasped in a question. "How can that be?" before I could answer Hannah spoke.

"Sylvia I know that we haven't seen her in a while, but we have some things to do." Hannah said impatiently. I knew what she meant. I could see her eyeing Jason. Scent or no scent Jason was in danger right now, so I got in between the threat. Sylvia then understood and grabbed Hannah's arms.

"Sorry, but we must go. We wouldn't want to put your Jason in danger." She smiled sweetly and ran off into the desert, with her family following her.

I sighed. "Guys go get Angel her new car while me and Jason stay here." Skylar eyes made me want to laugh, as he understood that I wanted to be alone with him. They also took off running leaving us behind.

I sat down on the ground still holding my love in my arms.

"Your friends are very…open." He chuckled. He pushed against my grip on him so I let go. Then he put his hands around me while I looked at his god-like face in confusion.

"The guys are the ones who are supposed to hold the girls." I laughed. He put his hands on my waist and he leaned down toward my face. He kissed me softly and then with more passion. I heard a dark chuckle from a distance. There was only one person who could make me feel so weak and afraid. I felt the hair on my skin stand up and I sensed him. He was here. And so was Jason.

CODY!, my mind screamed at me. "No." I breathed.

"Hmm?" Jason said while I leaned away. Certainly he was having a moment, but so was i.

"No!" I shouted more loudly. Jason sat up straight as I got out of the sitting position.

"Claire?" Jason asked. "Claire, what's wrong?"

"Run." I choked. "Jason run now!" I snapped.

"No I won't leave you!"

"Please, go." I pleaded with him. I knew that if he ran it would make no difference, but I would give him as big of a head start as I could. He looked like he was about to argue, but then he turned and ran as fast as he could.

"Claire." A dark seductive voice called. I turned around to see him. Cody was smiling at me. His perfect white figure came out of the shadows. His glowing blonde hair was tinted with brown and his eyes were a dark red. Thirsty. He was taller than Jason and me while his smile could not be compared to Jason. Cody had not changed in these 4,000 years. "Claire." He said again.

"You." I whispered. I felt so helpless and weak. I knew what he could do and I knew he would kill me today. Now I was so glad that I had told Jason to run. Knowing that he was safe was the best I could ask for.

"You're as beautiful as ever, Claire. You seem to have taken to immorality better than I would have imagined." He purred. I knew that look he gave me. I knew because it was the first thing I saw before he raped me. Lust. I felt my nerve and anger return as the memory came back to me.

"Why are you here?" I growled with a fierce vengeance. I was so loud I was sure that Jason even heard it.

"Temper, temper, Claire." He said in disapproval. "I'm here for you, Claire. I want you back love. I'm sorry that things had turned out like this. I had no intention of turning you into a monster," in his eyes I saw an apology, but the real question was would I accept it? "I can't tell you how much I have tortured myself for what I have done to you." he hung his head in shame and then I knew he was lying. He was never sorry. I could remember it from my muddy human memories. He would never even apologize when he hurt me. I growled and he took a step backward in fear.

He then smiled again and then walked to me. My feet could not move; I was going to die.

I love every one of you guys! My mind screamed hoping that somehow I could be saved, but I knew I was done for.

He was next to me in that instant. He put his hand to my face and he leaned down, just inches from my lips. He put his hand on my waist, dragging me closer-against my will-and touched his lips to mine. He started out soft like before, but also like before he got more urgent. My mind didn't know how to react. In so many ways I had missed Cody, but in others I truly hated this man. His hand still lingered on my waist as I could feel him trying to get my shirt off without tearing it.

Not this time! Then I growled finding my will come back. There was an echo with my growl, but I had no idea where it came from.

"Get off of her!" a familiar female voice screamed. There was no way it could be here. I kicked him off and looked at her.

"Taylor." I breathed. She winked at me then went to stand by my side and I could feel her gift at work protecting us. There was another growl that filled the air. Sam in her wolf form slid into view. Her teeth were bared and she lunged for Cody. That's when I helped.

I projected all the power I had at Cody, not trying to kill him, but to give him the worse pain of all, even worse than the venom that made him.

Skylar came running when he stopped dead to see who was standing by me and then at whom Sam was attacking. Nick, Angel, and Cody came just seconds after. Cody had Jason in his grip and he was growling. Sylvia then came with the rest of her family and then I knew that no one was going to die.

Only a second had passed and Cody was on the ground on torture. Sam backed off as he all watched him burn in my grip. Syd and Ben then came to my aid and then I knew why they were all here. Syd had read my mind. She was close and she knew I was in danger. She was the real reason why I am still alive. I shot a glance of gratitude toward her and she smiled back in return. Could my family be back together after all this time? Has everything changed with their grudges against me now that they knew I was in danger? Was all of this just a big dream? Was my idea of someone mind controlling them just another fantasy? Who knew?

Skylar grabbed Taylor's hand as well as mine and he kept us close. He thought that he lost Taylor and he thought that he was going to lose me too. What a day for him.

There was and explosion and everyone, but both Cody's', Jason, and me. The rest of them were on the ground like they were pinned there by an uncontrollable force. Now I knew that they knew what Cody could do.

"My, My, Claire. I can't say that I'm not shocked that you have a gift. Of course you would do well to remember who gave it to you." he smiled at me. The words were not harsh just painful to think about. Jason's Cody growled.

"And who might you be?" Cody gestured to Cody. This was giving me a headache.

"I'm Cody." His words were flat and on the edge of a hiss. I heard my Cody laugh as he found the irony of it all.

"So you went to find another Cody to satisfy your needs?" he laughed again and then he spotted Jason. Then Jason was out of Cody's arms and in my Cody's arms. I could do nothing about it and that is what scared me the most. Jason was in his arms and I could not take him back. Or could I?

"And your name?" Cody said softly. His voice like feathers. Jason looked back at me franticly, but knowing I could do nothing I hung my head in shame and sunk to the ground like I collapsed.

"Jason Greenfield." Jason said in a strong voice that made me look at him. If Jason was going to be strong about this, why couldn't I? He knew I needed the strength to defeat Cody, but did I really want to? Part of me did, but the other half was hesitant. Why? Was it because no creature deserved my kind of torture? Was it because of the good memories we had? Did I still love him? I cringed at the thought, but I knew that was the answer. Part of me still wanted to love him, to want to believe that he never did me wrong.

Then there was Jason. He loved me from the beginning. He found I killed his mother and he still wanted me. I almost killed him and he never gave up on me. When my family tried to kill him, he loved me through it all. That's true love, not what Cody tried to do. His face, his smiles, his wonder hazel eyes, all filled my vision. There was no way I could let anything happen to him.

Only a second has passed while I thought threw it all.

"So Jason, what is Claire to you? She's just another pretty face. Does she really love you, or is she playing you? I would understand why she did. She loves me still, she just doesn't want to admit it." he smiled at my pain stricken face. I glared back.

"She loves me!" he said, but Cody and I both heard it. It was doubt. There was doubt in our lives our whole relationship. Jason believed him.

Jason believes him. I thought calmly. Jason believes him! I repeated again with more anger than I ever thought I could feel possible.

I growled. And this was no growl. This was a growl that meant no warning just war. I felt power flow through that I never thought it was possible that I could posses it. For once more in his life I knew what Jason saw me as. He saw me as a monster, a vampire. But this time I was on the right team. For the first time since I've seen Cody, I saw fear in his eyes.

Cody grabbed Jason harder and Jason cried in pain. Cody's fear went away as I dropped to my knees once again. He could whatever he wanted with me knowing if it was threatening Jason I would comply.

"What do you want?" I cried to the dirt. He gripped Jason harder and I heard a bone snap, and then Jason screams. "Stop! Please!" I cried out to Cody. Then I heard another bone snap.

"Claire!" Jason whimpered. Cody laughed.

"Poor Jason. No longer will Claire ever love you!" then I felt it. The anger, the fury.

"Put him down!" I growled. My voice was spilt in two. It was like there was a demon inside me now just getting out. Cody staggered back and dropped Jason. He ran to Skylar's arms who were beside me again.

"Remember on my birthday how you hid everyone? How I couldn't sense you and how it was like you all didn't exist anymore?" I said, fury still controlling my tone.

"Yes." He spit.

"Do it! All of us!" I yelled. Then I felt it. We all were invisible and I knew Cody could no longer sense us. Right now we don't exist.

I saw his face look around with more fear than he has ever had. He was outnumbered and he knew that he was in trouble. He thought he could get me all alone, but little did he know that my coven is the most powerful in the world. And little did he know that Sylvia's coven was the second most powerful.

A boulder was thrown at Cody, but I didn't know who threw it. I didn't know anyone who could do that. Then I saw our Cody throwing more stuff with no hands. He was doing it with his mind! Cody had a gift! He was just another gift adding to our family. The other Claire could do no good here, but she was a decent fighter so if it came down to it she could kick his ass. Hannah could control the weather so she could make lightning hit him if she really wanted to. Shadow could make a man blind. Thus came the name Shadow. Keenan was very fast, faster than I was and that was saying something. Abby didn't really have a gift, but her anger gives her the best strength imaginable. Then Dylan could tell the future, but it was the exact future. It is what will happen. It could be soon or forty years from now, but it will happen. He can't see everything he wants to, but he sees important stuff.

"Skylar make me visible again! Angel get Jason out of here and take him to a doctor!" Angel grabbed Jason, who winced in pain, and left. Skylar shook his head. "Skylar do it now! I have a plan!" I knew he hated to do it, but I felt the safeties of his gift go away from me and Cody could see me again.

"Cody," he leaped back in the anger in my voice, "How dare you! How dare that you come here like this! How dare you that you come here to me when you know I hate you! How dare you hurt my family! How dare you injure Jason!" then I jumped at him.

His power was no match for Taylor's. I could feel him trying to attack me, but I also felt Taylor's shield around me. Cody could not touch me. I double kicked him in the chest and I heard the airflow out of him. He tried another punch but he missed and I grabbed his arm and twisted it. I heard three things at once. I heard Cody cursing, I heard his arm crack as I ripped it off, and I heard the deafening shriek that came from him afterward. He was right in some ways though. I didn't want to kill him; I wanted him to suffer.

As I felt the power surge through me again I realized I could make it much worse than I did before. I unleashed everything I had on Cody. His screams were the worst I had ever heard. It was a blood scream that even outdid the best horror movie scream. I felt it get worse on him and I knew my gift was getting more powerful than ever. I growled, loving to hear Cody in such pain. Lightning struck down on him and stayed there as Hannah came beside me grabbing my hand. She must have felt the power emerging off of me and she wanted a piece of it to help her own gift. My power didn't drain as I thought it would since I was sharing it. It only doubled in power. I knew that if Hannah let go Cody would be in so much pain he would kill himself just to stop the torture. Somehow through his agonizing screams he managed to get a few sentences out.

"Please!" he screamed under the pain of my own power. "Please stop! I'm begging you to kill me!" a pause to shriek once more. "I know," a cringe of fear as I got more powerful, "What you can do. You can kill anyone at you own," he screamed again. A scream that made us all jump. "Will." He finished. "Now I want you to kill me please. To end this torture you have brought on me. And the worst part is that I know I deserve worse for what I have done to you." did Cody really mean all of this, or was it just another trick. I looked at Syd who, I could tell, was deciphering his thoughts. Little did Cody know that we had a mind reader.

"Syd?" I asked. My gift still working it's best and I wasn't even breaking a sweat. No pun intended. Her face was a mix full of different emotions.

"He's telling the truth." She said in disbelief. She read my thoughts as soon as I said it. "He's in so much pain he can't hide anything from me now. I'm searching his entire mind and there is no sign of lies from what he has just said. He loves you still, Claire. He hasn't stopped thinking about what he has done to you and how to win your forgiveness." She hissed angrily. "Not that he will ever deserve it! You worthless piece of scum!" I laughed. That was my dear Syd.

I don't want to kill him. I told her. Her face was full of shock. Let me finish please. I want him to suffer knowing that he could never have me. I love Jason and that will never change. I loved him once, but I won't fall for it again. I finished and she smiled at me. I suppose beamed would be the better adjective. But who needed those kinds of words when your dead? Did anyone ever care?

"Claire! Remember all of those wonderful memories we shared," a scream, "all of those good times we had sitting under the sun. I was the one you came to when you needed someone to talk to. You loved me!" his screaming returned. That got me really angry.

"Yes Cody I did love you. But the key word here is loved. It's past tense. Meaning I no longer love you anymore. You will never be the one that I say I love you to. I have Jason and he makes me happier than you have ever made me felt." I growled. Instead of making the pain worse I just stopped it all together.

I heard his ragged breaths come in and out as he stood up.

Everyone moved at once.

I was at the point while Skylar and Shadow had my flanks. Nick, Ben, Sam, Dylan, and Taylor had their flanks. Angel was in the back with Cody. Abby, Keenan-with Hannah in front of him for protection-Sylvia, and Claire stood in front of them to protect our offense as best as possible. Syd was right behind me in-between everyone else. I wanted her near me. No one was in more danger than Syd. She was just a newborn, powerful, but also very easy to take down for a trained adult vampire.

Cody held his hands up to show he had no reason to attack. He was outnumbered and we could take him down very quickly. My hopes were not as high. I knew what he could do. Cody could do anything he wanted to. If he wanted us all dead all he had to do was think about and it would be done.

There was a whisper of wind.

Out of nowhere three more vampires stood in our mists. There were two females and one male. The male was dark skinned. He was tan and pale at the same time. I was sure he was from Hawaii or something. His hair was a light brown with dark brown highlights.

One of the females had beautiful red hair that was part blond too. Her skin was very pale and she had scary red eyes.

The last female had blonde hair with middle dark skin. Not as dark as the male, but not as pale as the female.

The one thing that made me hate them was that they were all with Cody. His awful coven.

Cody saw my reaction to the new vampires in this fight. I had never seen them before, but from the way others talk about them I knew they were powerful on their own.

"This is Summer," he pointed to the red head. "This is Justin," he put his hand on the male, who had his right flank. "And last but not least, this is Ashley." He pointed to the pale blonde who was grinning an evil smile. I didn't even have to get to know her. I knew by the way that she smiled at me that she was the "witch" of the group. I didn't say it in my mind, because last time I did Syd said it right after I did really loud so I was done with the cussing in my head.

"This is my coven." Cody said sweetly. Summer seemed to cringe when he said his coven. Obviously she didn't like that fact of the truth. She hesitated when he said her name too. "Would you introduce me to yours?" his voice was still sugar coated, but I saw right through it, but I would be a fool not to speak.

"This is Skylar, Taylor, Sam, Syd, Angel, Cody, Nick, Ben, and Jason." If Cody was he saw so sign of shock when I added Jason to my family of vampires while he was still human. Summer smiled like she like that. It seemed she thought I was a better leader than Cody was. I smiled back at her.

"This is Abby, Hannah, Keenan, Shadow, Dylan, and Claire." Cody laughed a little when she said the last name. I growled. Ashley growled back, but Summer glared at her and she stopped immediately. It seemed Summer had a bigger rank than Ashley. I laughed and Summer winked at me. I was starting to really like Summer.

"Leave now!" Skylar hissed through his teeth. I have never heard Skylar use that kind of tone with anyone. So it made us all jump, even his coven, all but Summer jumped.

Ashley started to back away with Justin, who was holding her hand. Cody started to retreat too, but Summer held her ground. Shadow growled louder at her, but she just smiled. I looked at Syd and even she was smiling. I didn't realize, but she was looking at Cody, as he was looking back.

I stepped to her and she stepped back a yard. I held out my hand wanting her to take it.

"Summer, you belong with us. Not with those fools. You're better than they are; you can be here and be treated fairly. Come with us and be here with someone you love." She smiled at me then looked back at Cody. My Cody.

"Cody I no longer want to be with you. You're cruel and you don't deserve my gift or me. I'm going with Claire because I choose to. I don't want to ever see you again." Her voice was calm and so much like a lullaby. She took my hand and walked to my side and she went over to our Cody. I was so happy.

Cody nodded and made no attempt to argue. It was a good choice for him. He ran away with Ash and Justin, and they didn't turn back. Not once.