I stepped out of the theater smiling; my mood improving more and more. It was a cute movie, in my opinion. I wished I could be like the people in movies, when they talk to each other about how good or how terrible or how scary the movie was—but no; I don't have anyone to discuss this movie with. The thought dented my mood slightly, but not enough to wipe away my smile.

I unlocked the Benz and got in. I glanced at the clock—it was just a little after five. I slammed my door shut and started the car. As I drove down the street, I wondered where I could get dressed and dolled up without being too noticeable.

My eyes settled on a McDonald's across the street. I groaned, but it would be the best place to go. I turned into the parking lot and easily parked the car near the building. I grabbed the stuff from the back seat and a few dollars in case they tell me I need to buy something in order to use the restroom.

I went in unnoticed and sneaked to the bathroom in the back of the restaurant. There was only one person in there, but she was thankfully not in the larger one. I locked myself in and began to change. After slipping on the dark brown, strapless dress and feeling the sensual vibe that it gave off, I almost decided to go back on my plans. But I was too far in to get out now.

I slipped on the matching boots I recently bought and listened as the woman washed her hands and left the restroom. I packed all my clothes back into the shopping bag and cautiously opened the door—no one in sight.

Hurriedly, I got my make-up out and reapplied cover up, blush, added a darker coat of shiny eye shadow and topped it all off with some soft lip gloss. I glanced myself over in the mirror: the dress fit me extremely well and showed off the curves I thought didn't exist. It was somewhat loose around my ass and thighs, but around my waist—tighter than a clam. The matching deep brown boots I just bought at the mall matched perfectly, like I expected. I smiled at myself, proud of my work. I looked slightly badass, but sexy at the same time: mission accomplished.

As I walked out of the restaurant, I saw eyes wandering over to me, lingering before returning to the menu, then sneaking one last peek before I exited the fast-food restaurant. Definitely a success.

I returned to the car and threw all my stuff in the back seat before closing the door and settling in the driver's seat.

I buckled in and turned on the engine. It was time to go have fun.

. . . .

Drake started at the last place she used the credit card: the mall. And for the life of him, he didn't understand why people enjoyed such a scene. Teenagers were scattered in different groups and all seemed indecent in clothing and horribly taught in manners. They bumped and pushed and outright cussed at passersby. Drake nearly snapped at the kids when they rudely bumped his shoulder, but thought better of it—he needed to find Zoey.

But instinct told him that she was not at the mall any more. Asher said she was at the food court when she last used the card, so Drake went in search of her there, letting his eyes roam the crowded dining area. He sniffed the air, testing for her scent. There! He followed it to a small empty table with a newspaper laying carelessly over it, opened to the local life pages. Her scent still lingered on its pages. There, stained with mustard, was a list of the hottest clubs and their hours.

Folding the paper hastily, Drake slid it into his pocket and returned to the front of the mall where his band of familiars waited in the twilight with three black, tinted Escalades. He handed the paper to his driver and the driver nodded, opening the door for Drake before climbing inside the car himself, ready to go down the list of clubs to find this silly human.

Drake's inner monologue distantly scolded him. You idiot! She probably doesn't want to be found.

But she needs to be found. The Events are starting in just a couple days' time and she is not even close to ready.

Then stop distracting her.

Not that simple.

Sure it is. Get Lee to teach her again.

He'll go too easy on her.

What and you'll lay down the iron fist? Try iron dick, asshole.

Drake sighed and rubbed his temple with both hands. The driver stopped in front of club number one. Drake got out and entered the club alone. She better be in here, or else Drake might lose his mind completely.

As if it's not already lost.

. . . .

I turned the corner and onto the street the club was located on feeling slightly nervous. What if they didn't let me in? I've seen on movies that the hot chicks always got in, no questions asked. Am I one of those hot chicks? Do I want to be one of those hot chicks? Like in Sleepover, the hot chick was a slut and bitch. Am I a slut and bitch?

Oh, jeez. I'm blabbering because I'm so nervous. I'm a tough bitch, that's what I am. So, maybe I could tough bitch it out in order to get in. Or I could sneak in, but then again, I don't want to seem lame.

I saw the club entrance a mere thirty yards ahead. People were crowded at its entrance, few getting in, none coming out. I tried to find parking and slowed down a bit. I realized that once I did, a man dressed in a fancy black suit stepped forward, hands behind his back, smiling at me. I decided to play cool and just go with it.

I stopped the car gently in front of him. He leaned over to talk to me through the passenger window. "Good evening, miss."

"Good evening," I responded.

"Shall I park your car for you while you head on inside?"

I swallowed, not believing what I just heard. I put on my cool demeanor and nodded. "Yes, please."

I put the car in park and left the keys in the ignition. I stepped out of the Benz and left the door open for the man. I've seen in movies that you're to tip the valet, so I handed him three bucks, which he took and thanked me graciously for. I nodded again and went around the car to enter the club.

I noticed the hundreds of people standing in line, watching me intently and nearly silently. As I approached the rope, I heard a guy ask, "Who's that girl?"

Another answered, "I dunno, dude, but I sure as hell want to find out."

I almost laughed aloud. When the bouncer lifted the rope and let me pass, my heart almost failed. I let my eyes fall to the two males' direction. They were a little older than twenty one and average in looks and body. I smiled and headed into the club.

Inside was amazing. I was greeted by a case of stairs and began to descend carefully, but purposefully, like I actually belonged there. Ahead of me, on the other side of the room was a large stage where a man stood, working a big machine. Around him were speakers blaring music. The bar circled the other three walls, including the wall where the stairs protruded from. The dance floor stood in the middle of the room, filled with people moving to the beats pouring from the speakers.

I felt few pairs of eyes on me and tried not to let the gazes effect my concentration on making it down these stairs alive. Sure, I trained in hands on combat and staking and guns and any other weapon one could think of, but I sure as hell wasn't trained to walk sensually in heels.

I managed wonderfully, though. I approached the bar and sat on a stool. The bartender was a man that looked about thirty and handsome. "I'll have a Shirley Temple."

The guy smirked. "You scared to use your fake ID or something?"

I smiled. "I'm taking it easy tonight; I want to actually make it home safely tonight."

The bartender chuckled. "That sounds better."

He made my drink and added an extra cherry. He gave me a wink as he slid the glass toward me then returned to his waiting customers. I shook my head in disbelief and sipped my drink. Just as I remembered when she made it so long ago, I thought. I sighed and let the memory go. I wanted to dance, but was embarrassed to do so—I could just manage to walk in these heels, who knows if I could dance in them!

I was people watching when I felt a presence next to me. "Would you like to dance?"

I glanced at the man standing next to me. I didn't know him and didn't think I wanted to get to know him. He was in his mid-thirties with a full grown beard and a black shirt that screamed eighties. I swallowed my laughter. "No, thank you. I'll pass."

He walked away, disappointment on his face. I continued people watching when I felt another presence that felt somewhat familiar to me. I thought it was the old man again, so I turned ready to reject again when I was met with a pair of purple eyes.

I gasped, recognizing the eyes immediately. "Phillip?"

"I must admit, I lied to you," he said, a smirk on his face.

I smiled. "So you did forget your name."

"No, I merely didn't want to tell you it."

"Well why not?" I asked, silently wondering what his really name is and why the hell he's at this club.

"It was a masquerade after all."

I outright laughed and he chuckled along with me. "So what is your name?"

"Caden," he said with absolutely no hesitation.

"Why did you tell me your name was Phillip?" I asked, curiously.

"It's my middle name, actually," he waved for the bartender and asked for a club soda.

"What's your last name?" I wondered aloud.

"A secret," he smirked briefly.

"That's an odd last name. Is it Italian?" I joked.

"No. It's German actually."

I began to smile then I realized something. "Why are you here?"

"Well. . ." he hesitated.

"Oh my God!" I panicked, yet anger flushed over my cheeks. "Did Drake send you?"

"No, actually I was already here and I spotted you alone on this stool. I thought I'd make myself friendly and come say hi."

"Hi," I said.

"Hi, back." He chuckled.

"What now?"

He glanced to the crowd of people in the middle of the room. "We dance . . . again."

I accepted his hand and he took me to the dance floor, in the middle of all the people. We danced for several songs. I started really getting into the latest one, by a guy who kept saying, "Who dat girl?"

I laughed so much, my stomach nearly hurt and my breathing became hard. I felt my body move on its own accord to the music. People crowded around us two and joined us in dancing. I was grinding with Caden when I suddenly felt intense eyes on me. I look up and met a cold red glare over Caden's shoulder. I froze instantly and watched as Drake moved down the stairs toward the dance floor—toward me. His gaze never left mine.

I stood straight and told Caden I had to use the bathroom. He nodded and continued dancing with our new found friends. I began to make my way toward the emergency exit. He just reached the end of the steps and moved into the masses of people. He was immediately flocked by girls and I had an instant image of him breaking out in disco, but then erased the amusing image from my head.

I noticed that he didn't use his super speed to come grab me. Then I noticed that he was surrounded by too many people and couldn't move to avoid all of them while go high speed. The thought eased my mind an inch. I watched as he pushed every girl away—even the pretty ones, who were obviously extremely offended. I had some self satisfaction until I realized he was getting closer.

I pushed the door handle bar and instantly the fire alarm went off, along with the sprinklers.

Oops.

People began yelling and screaming, making their way out the front door while I went out the back. I found myself in a parking lot; extremely nice cars were parked neatly next to each other, the Benz among them. I noticed an office that sat off to the side of the lot. The frantic humans might delay Drake for the few precious seconds I needed. I headed toward the office and found it—graciously—empty.

I swung open the unlocked door and scanned the room, looking for a cabinet where the keys should be held. My eyes spotted a safe with a key still in its lock. I mumbled something about stupid people and unlocked the safe. Inside was what I was looking for. I grabbed the keys I needed and hauled ass back outside and to the Benz—in heels, might I add.

I unlocked the door swiftly and closed it behind me as I settled into the driver's seat. Being smart, I locked the doors before turning on the engine. I pulled out easily from the parking stall and followed the path that lead to the front of the building. I noticed three black Escalades sitting on the sidewalk opposite to the entrance of the club. Stupid familiars didn't even notice as I crept out of the alley.

As I drove away, however, I saw Drake's form appear from the alley that I just emerged from. He jetted to the Escalade, threw out the human familiar driver and climbed in the car himself.

Ooh, I thought. A game.

I pressed harder on the gas pedal and listened as the car gave a soft purr. I moved in and out of traffic, easily avoiding cars. King was right this time—I was a natural driver.

My speed climbed on the accelerator. 60 . . . 75 . . . 94 . . . 107 . . . 110 . . . Who let me drive? Jesus. I slowed my speed when I noticed no Escalades behind me. It was when I came to a deserted stop light that I saw the familiar bright headlights rapidly approach. I ignored the red light and pressed on the accelerator again, immediately speeding off.

I glanced in my review mirror. He was a tiny spec of light in the mirror, but I knew that wouldn't last too long since the spec began to grow. I paid attention to the road once again. I slammed on the breaks, bringing the car to a complete and painful stop. I put the car in park and climbed out of it.

Ahead of me were another, larger mass of people. Cars were parked all over the place. I noticed that the majority of people were teenagers my age, some older; a few younger, to my surprise.

I glanced at a sign posted on the lamppost: Katrina's Sweet Sixteen Birthday Block Party!

I giggled. My first party and I just so happened to tumble onto it while trying to get away from my crazed vampire lover. How quaint.

I approached an older man—my assumption was Katrina's father. He had a tired smile on and kindly said, "Welcome, hon. I hope you have a good time." He helped me buckle a plastic wristband on. The same words from the sign were on the bracelet, except there was a mini picture of the birthday girl after the exclamation point.

"Thank you." I entered the party.

I pushed my way through all the people, all the while continually glancing back. I noticed headlights and then sudden sounds of tire screeching to a stop.

He arrived.

I got lost into the crowd. Boys stared at me with interest, girls stared with disgust. They were dressed in jeans and shorts whereas I was dressed in club attire. I gave small smiles and polite nods to each person I passed. A man that resembled the position of the man on stage at the club was in the middle of the crowd of people. Speakers that stood next to him blared more music. This time, a girl was practically ordering someone to make her feel like the only girl in the world . . . what the hell?

I got even further into the crowd and found a mass number of people dancing. I somehow ended up with two guys on either side of me, both trying to get me to turn around so they could press up on me. I turned around and caught a full on eye lock with blood red angry eyes. Smiling, I put the two guys into use.

I'll be the first to admit it; I'm acting childish, but when this is your first time out alone in ten years, and it's ruined by the one who keeps you locked up, you're bound to do something stupid. And I was doing just that in this moment—stupidity. I grinded my ass against one of the boys and the other stood in front of me, one of my legs between his and vice versa. I was sandwich between these foolish teenage boys, while my enraged lover watched from the distance, fury boiling over his features.

The song continued and I danced with the boys like the night would never end. That's when I realized two things: one—I connected to the song; I wanted Drake to make me feel like I was the only girl in the world. Instead he bought me clothes and fucked me. Sounds more like a paid lay than anything else. I wonder how many lays he'd get out of all the clothes he bought me. I also realized something else—more dangerous. I noticed that there are at least two hundred people here at this 'block party' and all of them could be dead within half a minute if this particular vampire lost control.

I finished out the song and gave each boy a kiss on the cheek and thanked them for the dance. They watched me go and I added a little sashay of my hips for them. Why not just let them get excited? Who cares? I'll never see them again.

I stopped at the corner of a building, allowing Drake full sight of me. I needed him to get away from the innocents. It would be a very bad thing if they all suddenly died because I decided to royally piss the King of Vampires off.

I waited until I saw him move toward me then walked down the alley in between the two buildings. I sensed no other humans around so I knew it'd be safe to calm him down then get the hell out. Although I don't really know how to calm down an infuriated vampire—I only know how to piss them off more. Oh, well. Fake it until you make it—at least I think that's what King said.

I had just reached the end of the alley when I looked behind me and saw Drake standing at the other end, watching me. I smirked and rounded the corner.

Hands suddenly grabbed me and I was pushed against the wall of the building. It hurt. My eyes saw spots. Before I could recover, a hard body pressed against me and lips came crushing down onto mine. A tongue forced its way inside of my mouth and firm hands invaded the skirt of my dress and into my panties, which were—regretfully—slowly becoming wet. His fingers found the heat of my womanhood and immediately, he dug in two fingers. I moaned submissively at his touch.

He broke the kiss. His eyes looked into mine, desire practically flooding his pupils. Yet, anger swam in those waters of black. He was angry at me, but wanted me all the same. Put it all together and it equals two words—angry sex.

The hand up my skirt ripped my panties and then grabbed one of my wrists. He pushed it against the wall above my head. His other hand followed suit with my free wrist. I gave a little struggle, but he pressed his groin against me. I hissed at him.

His mouth came down onto mine again. He moved so fast, I wasn't able to calculate his movement until it was too late. He entered me and I couldn't hold in the gasp or the moan that followed. I struggled harder against his hands, but, of course, they did not budge. I only made him more aroused by my feistiness. He suddenly released my bruising wrists and put a hand behind each knee, which caused him to slip from my slippery folds. Without delay, he lifted up my knees and I instinctively wrapped them around his waist. He pushed my back against the wall again and reentered me, pushing harder and deeper until my breath was soon panting and my nails dug into his back.

I felt my climax coming, so close. So. Close.

And he stopped. While I was on the brink, he stopped.

I pulled him to me, making suggestive movements to keep him going. But nothing worked. I tried to kiss him; sure he kissed back, but still didn't move his hips. I loosen my legs, letting him slip out of me again.

"Fine. Be that way, but know you didn't find relief either. Enjoy being blue," I murmured angrily.

I pulled down the skirt of my dress and fiddled with my hair—Drake's eyes continually watching me with interest.

I gave him a look then started out of the alley. Before I made it too far, Drake caught up to me and pulled me back to his chest. "That was your punishment, Zoey. Don't ever run from me again."

I wanted to say something back—a snarky remark only I could make—but something about his tone stopped my tongue. I hate to admit it, but Drake sounded hurt when he said those last words to me. I shook it off mentally and wriggle out of his grasp physically.

I started for the party again and made my way around the people. I could feel Drake right behind me the entire time. I finally reached the spot where I parked the Benz. I opened the door and was about to get in when it was slammed shut by Drake.

"I promise I'll go straight back to the manor," I said.

Drake shook his head. "No, you'll be riding back with me."

He motioned to the Escalade and I groaned. I started toward the SUV, but was stopped but a familiar that came out of nowhere. He held his hand out expectantly. I looked over at Drake. "Can I please drive myself home?" I knew I would never drive the car again after tonight and I wanted at least one more go. But Drake shook his head and I reluctantly handed the keys to the human. "Take care of her," I murmured.

I noticed two other familiars in the front seat of the Escalade. Both were pointedly watching me as if I were a threat. Oh, for the love of Pete. Stupid boys tried to get me to play strip poker with them at one point in my life time at the manor. Jeez, drop the disguise.

I climbed into the backseat of the car and was about to buckle in when Drake slid in on the other side. I was just about to click into the seatbelt when Drake's hand hooked around my thigh and pulled me close to him. I scoffed and slid back to the other side of the car. Again, his hand found my thigh and pulled me back to him. I struggled again, but failed this time. I cried out my frustration and crossed my arms, like a child.

"This is ridiculous," I mumbled.

"This is punishment."

"This is completely idiotic."

"This is justice."

"Fuck you," I said, mimicking King's tone and voice. Then I realized what I said and I looked over at Drake. He was smirking. I told him, "Shut up."

The drive was long and quiet after that. It wasn't until I was getting out of the car and heading up to my room that Drake spoke to me again.

"Zoey, you're training resumes early tomorrow," he said.

I turned to him. "What for? I don't need it."

"Well, if you were here when you were supposed to be here, you would have known by now."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Spit it out."

"The Events start the day after next."

. . . .

A|N: It's long‼‼‼ Hahaha. Reviews are welcomed. :D