Life after Death

Thirteen.

Jack stepped over a fallen tree limb as he traveled through the thick forest. He shoved branches and brush from his path, brows furrowed. Most of the old vampire families lived deep within Seaford's thickest forests. As he maneuvered over dead leaves, his mind wandered toward his visit with Acheron. He clenched his fists and took several deep breaths in and out.

The older vampire had always looked down on his involvement in Life after Death. As an old vampire, Acheron knew everything about Jack's thoughts and could read him like a book. He hated the old creature's experience. Every visit Jack was assaulted with a long list of things he needed to stop behavior wise. He gritted his teeth at the memory as he emerged from the forest, analyzing Seaford's night life.

He strolled underneath the neon lights of a 24-hour diner. He wasn't a huge fan of human delicacies anymore, but he wouldn't mind a carbonated soda. He turned around and headed into the bright and illuminated white tiled-floor diner. A long counter stretched across the small diner. A waitress behind the counter watched him, eyes narrowed as he placed his order. The waitress set a root beer float in front of him and he grinned. He ordered the beverage as a joke, but ended up enjoying the combination of tangy and sweet.

"Surprised your kind has a taste for human stuffs," a man stated.

He eyed the stranger on the nearby stool and scoffed at the bluntness of the trucker. He returned his gaze back to his beverage, lips turned down. The government was nice to the vampires, but Jack didn't believe they had good intentions. He believed the anti-discrimination laws were in place just to appease the old vampire families. Jack wondered if the government knew the old families could care less about their laws. Old vampire families always did what they wanted.

He drank his float, turning his stool as he slurped the last few drops. He pushed the old fashioned glass ahead of him and then grabbed for the tiny slip of paper. He read over the price, wishing he had thought his reckless purchase through. He fished a rarely used card from his wallet, running his finger across his name. He handed over the card and sighed. Acheron presented him with a card, stating it was the newest thing of the century. At the time, Jack told the deranged vampire he didn't want his money, but he couldn't escape the card.

Jack arose from the stool and thanked the waitress who scowled at him. He stuffed one hand in his pocket and then headed out into the night. He ignored the trucker's additional remarks. Jack checked the text messages on his phone and then pocketed the device. Kim was frantic because of his late nights. He understood. The slayers were relentless these days and he guessed after the attack they were on a steady rise. He bit his lip, mind wandering to Jerry. Jerry had been a slayer, but the image of the young vampire crying drifted to the forefront of his mind. He shook the thought away.

Jack arrived ten minutes to midnight, knowing he looked like a hypocrite to the newly turned vampires. He would have enjoyed following his ow rule, but he was the heir to a throne he never wanted. Acheron didn't care about the turmoil the recent attack caused. The old vampire insisted on frequent visitations. Jack used to get away with only three visits awake.

"Jack?"

Kim sat in the lobby, legs crossed, reading their pamphlet. He often read their pamphlets too. The glossed pages always reminded him that a vampire's life could be more than an eternity of pain and suffering. It was a great reminder. He sat beside her, slipping his fingers into her right hand. He shared a soft smile with her as she returned the gesture. They used to have regular dates, nothing glamorous, mostly short outings. He knew he had been distant and it was his fault.

"Jerry is sitting in the cafeteria. I've been texting you frantically, Jack," she shared, voice rushed and excited. "I wanted to get down there before he changes his mind and rushes up. This may be our only chance to break through and – Jack, are you alright?"

Jack rested his head upon Kim's right shoulder.

"I'm wearing a crown I never wanted."

Kim eyed him.

"Acheron is increasing our meetings. No Kim. I can't reject him. He is centuries old and stronger than all of us combined. Rudy may be a match, but still. He wants me to abandon group and his threats aren't subtle anymore."

She wrapped her arm around him, running her left fingers through his brown locks. Jack knew she hadn't enjoyed Jack's relationship with the vampire. Most new vampires never reconnected with the vampire that turned them. Jack was one of the rare cases. He remembered he had been so lost after he had been turned. He had no game plan, so he clung to Acheron. Centuries ago, Acheron was all he had. He would have thought harder about his decision, but he had no idea he would be dubbed Acheron's heir.

"We'll figure it all out," Kim promised.

"You know every time he brushes what we do I aside I get more fired up about what we do," he shared. "And –I know this is where I'm meant to be."

"I'm glad."

He moved his head from her shoulder and followed her to the cafeteria. Just like she stated, there Jerry sat, in a cleared out cafeteria. A few staff cleared the food from the cafeteria tins. The sounds of loud laughter, chatter, and clicking dishes drifted around them. He cared for all their staff, new and old. Kim sat across Jerry as Jack sat next to her. She reached out taking a hold of his hand, drawing it toward the middle of the table. She held onto his hands, eyes focused on the new vampire.

"We've all killed," Kim said.

Jerry took a deep intake of breath and inhaled.

"Yes, some of us haven't harmed a soul," Kim stated. "Some of the new members came here before they ended up in such a ghastly outcome, but some of them – weren't as fortunate. And they don't talk about it much, but they remained strong and they did their best to move forward."

"You've been missing group," Jack added.

Jerry looked at him, brows raised and head tilted. Jack bit his lip while he rubbed the back of his neck. There were a number of things he could have said, but he stated the obvious. He hadn't talked to Jerry in weeks and it seemed liked all his conversation starters had dried up. He remembered a time when they chatted with ease, but that was before Jerry became a suspect in his mind.

"The stake was mine."

Jack gritted his teeth, trying his best to keep any profanities from leaving his mouth.

"I knew they wanted to kill me and I tried to pretend I was still one of them. I was still hanging out with the slayers. The days I felt like a slayer, well I carried a stake around," Jerry remarked. "I had an extension on my life and I knew –."

"You brought a stake into a vampire support group?" Jack asked, muscles tightened.

"Jack," Kim said, grabbing his wrist. "Jack, you are getting out of hand again."

"You brought a stake into a vampire support group? All those new vampires shared their stories about almost being staked. You were there when they shared those stories and you still carried a stake around?" Jack questioned, lips quivering as he spoke. "I'm sorry –I just—I need to go for a bit."

Jack lifted his body from his seat and headed away from the cafeteria. He worried when Kim didn't follow.

Jack laid awake, eyes focused on the ceiling. A silence blanketed the conference room as he rested against three layers of comforters. Jack thought sleeping on the floor was uncomfortable at first, but through the years he became okay with it. He turned onto his side and tried to close his eyes again, but awoke to the sound of footsteps. He arose from his position on the ground and walked out the door.

He decided on a late night trip to his office. The footsteps were all in his head. After the attack, everyone was on their toes. He traveled down the hall, unbothered by the pitch black darkness. Vampire's had great night vision and he could see things almost as clearly as during the morning hours. A figure sat near one of the office rooms and he paused.

"Who is that?" he asked, fists clenched.

"No one important."

Jack sighed at the familiar voice and gestured toward his office door. The figure blinked a couple of times before he arose and followed. Jack opened the door and allowed the individual to walk past and grab a seat across from his desk. Jack flipped the switch, illuminating the once dark room.

"What are you doing up Jerry? Everyone is asleep."

"It is weird," Jerry remarked, eyes on his bare toes. "I never would have thought vampires sleep during the night."

"We don't have to," Jack stated, resting his back to his desk. "We choose to because there is no reason not to. Other take full advantage of their energy and stroll the sidewalks past midnight till their forced to rest during the day. We aren't too different from humans really. Most of the myths are just myths."

"Except for stakes," Jerry shared.

"Yes, those can still hurt us," Jack remarked, eyes narrowed.

"The stake was mine, but I didn't send them. I didn't. I know you don't believe me, but I didn't," Jerry said eyes wide, hands gripping the armrests of his chair.

Jack ran his palm down the side of his face, shoulders relaxed and muscles loose. He imagined many vampires were lethargic like him after Seaford Regional cut their blood supply in half. His attention returned to Jerry and he frowned. A large crease rested between the furrowed brows of the teen. His muscles were tight and his knuckles were white from his tight hold on the arm rest. Jack walked around his desk, pulling the office chair to rest right in front of Jerry.

Jerry froze, eyes back on the ground.

"Is that why you are up?" Jack asked, concern in his voice.

Jerry nodded as he fidgeted in his seat. "I killed a man. I don't know when I'll sleep again."

"You know," Jack stated. "Kim was right. We've all killed, but we also moved forward. Yes, some of us still struggle with our guilt and pain, but eventually we all get there."

Jerry didn't respond and Jack expected the silence. He bit his lip, turning his eyes toward the ceiling. He had gotten so wrapped up in his own fears he had lost sight of what mattered. Life after Death served a purpose in their community. Life after Death reached out to new vampires and told them it was all going to be okay. Jack had done the opposite with Jerry. As soon as suspicion surrounded the vampire he turned his back on him.

An image of a lost and heartbroken Jerry moved toward the forefront of his mind. He remembered the day Jerry killed a man as if it happened yesterday. He remembered Kim's disappointment in him. He was ashamed of his behavior that day, but his own pride got in the way. In the quiet hours of the morning, he thought long and hard about what he had done. Without any immediate distractions he was able to see Jerry, not as an enemy, but as a member of Life after Death. He was able to see Jerry as a member he failed.

"Tomorrow night come to group. It is at seven. Come and talk or don't talk," Jack shared. "Come and listen. Remember like you did a month ago?"

Jerry shook his head, tightening his grip on the chair. "I can't."

"Do you want to be alone and isolated forever?"

Jerry's eyes widened.

"Come to group, tomorrow Jerry. I don't know Milton and I don't like what he does, but he cared. And if he saw you like this –just come to group. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I tried to abandon you."

Jack slumped in his chair and sighed. There he had said it. Despite the warring emotions in his heart and mind, he reached out to the vampire teen. He may have some concerns still suffocating him, but Jerry didn't deserve his wrath.

"I led them to you all," Jerry said, moisture collecting in his eyes.

"You didn't know. No matter how I word it, you didn't know," Jack reassured. "I was raging and you were innocent."

Jerry covered his mouth with his hand, tears streaming down his cheeks. Jack kept his hands by his side before he decided against it. Jack pulled Jerry into a hug and patted the young vampire on the back. He closed his eyes, frowning. He couldn't believe he had turned someone away. He pulled away from the embrace, surveying the tears trailing down the teen's face.

"Jerry, you aren't alone."

Jack looked to the newcomer in the doorway and nodded. Kim crossed the room to stand by Jack where he sat. Jack smiled for the first time in a long time at Jerry. It was important. Who knew how many more Jerry's there would be in the future. Probably none, because slayers don't become vampires. But with how things have turned, he can't say they'd never see another Jerry again.

"Come to group," Kim said. "Come to group and feel free again."

Jerry nodded, lips curling at the sides. He looked at them both before he bid them a goodnight and headed out of the room. Kim wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head to his shoulder.

"Are you two going to be okay?" she asked, eyes still on the doorway.

Jack looked at the ceiling, sighing. "I don't know Kim. I can only hope so."

For a couple of days Jerry appeared at group, sitting three chairs down from Kim and Jack. He said nothing, shared nothing, and made eye contact with the walls. Jack knew Kim was just happy he returned. Group steadily grew back to his original large size and Jack was pleased.

"Well, Eric, it is hard to decide to leave your family behind," Kim shared, voice soft. "I know you felt like a threat to them, but you didn't have to feel that way. I think your family doesn't feel threatened at all. In fact, I know they want you back, don't you agree?"

"Mom was sad to see me pack up and leave," he stated, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I just thought that maybe they would be safe if I left. But I don't want to be alone."

Eric came to them four days ago, a duffel in one hand and a photo of his family in the other. He trudged behind regulars and new members, quiet and uncertain. Jack spotted his forlorn expression right away. He invited the young teen in with a smile and reassurance. He admitted to practicing his paranoid methods. They still had background checks, but his attitude was kinder, he believed.

"You aren't alone," Jack stated. "You have all of us at group and you have your family. If you are worried, then don't be. We will help you control your cravings here. When you are ready, return to your family."

Eric nodded, running fingers through bleach blonde locks. He smiled. Jack eased back into his folding chair, realizing he had been leaning in. A few more participants in the group circle spoke up new and old. Jack glanced at the time and looked to Kim. Group would be over in ten minutes. Jack prepared to make an announcement, then Jerry stood up. Eyes shifted toward the shorter male.

Jerry ran fingers through the tiny hairs at the back of his head. Jack analyzed Jerry's tight muscles and shaking hands. Jack nodded, urging the teen to speak up. Kim squeezed his hand beside him. Jerry looked at the faces and opened his mouth a couple of times. Everyone was patient and Jack was proud. It wasn't to say there were any disruptive voice in their group. They had a polite bunch.

"Yo!"

A few girls giggled and rolled their eyes.

"Well, give me just a second," Jerry remarked. "Alright, I know I'm looking goofy to all of you right now and I know I have a limit on time. Anyway, I'm not really new or really old like you. Uhm –actually it is kind of funny. I was a slayer before I was turned. Or really while I was transitioning."

A collective gasp filled the room. A few of the newer members tensed at his declaration, but Jack gave them a comforting look of assurance. He turned his gaze back to Jerry, gesturing for him to continue. Jerry huffed and then regained momentum.

"I came to group, because my dear old nerdy friend Milton said I needed help," Jerry stated. "I didn't need help and I didn't want to think I was a vampire. Eddie urged me to listen to Milton. I didn't want to go to group or anything, but after a while I did. I had fun, but I was still kind of talking to slayers back at HQ. There are some cool dudes there, like Randy, Eddie, and Milton but see you can't be a slayer and a vampire. I just didn't think that through. Things got bad."

"What do you mean?" Kim asked.

"Well, our leader just talked to me, reminding me of my extension. He told me I used to be something important. I wanted to return to my old ways, but I didn't know how. I wasn't stupid. I knew they wanted me dead, but I still couldn't stay away. After the attack happened, I was shocked. I left and tried to stay with Milton, but everything was painful."

A cough broke through the silence, but soon became quiet again.

Jerry sighed, eyes on the floor. "And I killed man."

Everyone nodded, listening.

"I killed a man, because I couldn't control it. I didn't want blood, but I was a vampire. I killed a man."

Tears blossomed in Jerry's eyes and trailed down his cheeks. He shoved the heel of his hand into his mouth. Kim approached him, whispering words of assurance. Jack watched her, proud and happy. This was the point of group. They were supposed to help vampires like themselves. Jerry took a seat as Kim rubbed comforting circles into his back.

"Well, everyone," Kim stated, walking to the middle of the circle of chairs. "It looks like we'll end group here for tonight. For those staying the night, Judith will bring out the comforters and linen. Anyone heading home, please head straight home. It is just before dark. There is a curfew for a reason. And as usual, we are proud of all of you whether you talked or not. You came and that is all that matters. Remember you may be a vampire, but that doesn't automatically make you a monster."

All the members nodded their heads, exiting the room. A few lingered behind to chat with Kim and or Jack. As soon as the room cleared, one member remained. Jerry sat on a folding chair, holding himself and shaking, whispering 'Oh my Gosh' to himself. Jack looked to Kim who sighed. He knelt beside Jerry's chair, hand on his shoulder.

"You did well, you know?" Jack said.

"Jack is right," Kim remarked. "On your first day here you didn't share anything. Even when you were progressing you said nothing. You came along way. We are proud of you Jerry."

"I'm not proud of myself."

"And that is okay," Kim assured. "Change doesn't happen overnight. We climb the ladder, but it doesn't mean we can't fall down a couple of times before we stay at the top? You understand me?"

"Sounds painful."

Jack raised a brow, amusement in his voice as he spoke. "Was that supposed to be a joke or –"

Kim punched Jack's shoulder. He chuckled in respond and Jerry smiled a small smile.

"What happened?" Jerry asked, voice quiet. "What happened to the man?"

Jack and Kim paused.

"Did he have a family? Are their parentless children out there?" Jerry asked, hurried. "If so – I."

"You can help them," Jack suggested. "From the shadows for now, but when you feel up to it. You can help them in person."

"Rudy wants to start up a foundation for the tragedies that may or may not have been caused directly from anyone in this group," Kim said. "A lot of the members want to give back as a way to apologize. I know it isn't enough."

"I should be in jail."

Jack bit his lip. "Yes, you should. Truthfully, a lot of us should, even me. You situation is complicated Jerry."

"I want to turn myself in, but I'm scared," Jerry confessed.

Jack looked to Kim. Tears fell down her cheeks as Jack slipped his fingers into her hand.

"We are going to walk through this together, okay?" Jack questioned, eyes settled on the hunched over teen. "We are going to figure it all out."

Jerry fidgeted in his chair as if the chill of the room bothered him. Jack knew the cold couldn't be the reason. Vampires were always cold. They couldn't produce their own warmth nor did they need it. Jerry's teeth chattered as he rubbed his hands up and down his thighs.

"Jerry, can I get you something to drink?" Kim asked.

Jerry stiffened, but Kim grabbed the Dixie cup from the refreshment table. She held the cup out to the teen who eyed the red liquid inside. Jack urged him to take a sip and the teen shook his head with tears rolling down his cheeks.

"I killed a man," Jerry remarked, hesitating. "I can't drink that."

Jack looked between Kim and Jerry. "Please, drink."

Jerry nodded, taking his first sip in weeks. Kim's smile grew and Jack was relieved.

"I'm so sorry," Jack said. "The attack worried me, but I should have put the welfare of the new vampires before me. They must have been just as scared. I didn't think about that when it came to you. Forgive me, man."

Jerry took one more sip, barely drinking half. He gave him a firm nod, eyes red. Jack gave the other a pat on the back. He rose to his feet, wrapping an arm around Kim's waist.

"You staying the night?" Jack asked.

Jerry bit his lip. He shook his head.

"I want to pay Milton a visit. He must be worried," Jerry shared. "I would see Eddie, but that would be too dangerous."

Jack smiled, happy to hear the news. He urged Jerry to head out because it would soon be too dark. They traveled behind him, watching him leave through the front door. He bolted, pushing brush and tree branches from his sight. Jack sighed heavily, resting his head on Kim's shoulder.

"I almost gave up."

Kim pulled him toward her, planting a kiss to his lips. He returned the kiss, deepening it for a few seconds. When they broke apart, she smiled. He returned the grin. They took a seat on a lobby couch after locking the door behind them.

"But you came back."

"Sorry the restrictions are still up. I know you don't like them, but I still can't bring myself to let it go, just yet. Acheron is growing more agitated and the slayer sightings are increasing. I need to know who we are inviting in."

"Would you turn away another Jerry?"

Jack rested his head to the cream colored wall behind him. "I don't know, Kim. We know how the slayers work now. There is probably a lot of others like Jerry out there. I thought I figured it all about, but I still don't know. Either way, Jerry still has potential. He just needs to let go."

"He will and so will you," she smiled. "I get scared too, Jack. I also get worried. I get skeptical, but I'm also working on it."

Jack couldn't imagine his sweet girlfriend turning away anyone. She was a spitfire and she could be sharp tongued when she wanted, but at the end of the day she was kind. Kim was right, they would be fine. He stretched his arms over his head and then arose to his feet. He tilted forward at the waist, offering Kim his hand. She eyed him before rolling her eyes. Jack chuckled. She took a hold of his hand, allowing him to bring her to her feet. They walked through the door and down the hall, hand in hand.

Yes, they would be just fine.

Hey Everyone! Here it is! The very final chapter of Life after Death. Hope you all liked it.

Special thanks to TheLifeStruggleIsREAL for leaving a favorite and following.

I would thank everyone for supporting this fiction. I know I'm not the only vampire fiction that has passed through this fandom, so it makes me so happy to see all the positive feedback. Vampires have always been a favorite super natural creature of mine, so I was very excited about this story.

Now, I have some surprising news! There is another story I have in the works. The first chapter will be up fairly soon. So stayed tuned and check my profile for news if you are interested!

Anyway, again thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, followed, and left favorites. You all are so amazing!

Until Next Story,

Bye