Hola everyone I just decided to update again, mainly because I wanna get things done. For once I did my homework first which is sort of a shocker considering I update first. Haha. Well I hope you all enjoy this next chapter and don't murder me for causing such a long wait.

MethodTOmadnesS

Chapter Fifteen: The Game Is On

I reached into the fridge for a beer and the packet of ham with a smile on my face for once. I don't exactly know why I was so smiley…well I do I just couldn't understand how I could feel so happy in one sitting without anything happening yet. Freddie had promised to take me out today but he failed to mention where, claiming it would be a surprise. He also mentioned that he wanted to officially meet Dan as my boyfriend…and this worried me to some extent.

"Here ya go general. One beer to settle the nerves." I sighed as I set the bottle on the table across from my father who was loading his gun carelessly. I slid it towards his hand and he smiled at me as he snatched it up. I took a seat across from him and opened my packet of ham.

"You seem happy today. What's got you on the bright side?" He questioned as he took a swig of his beer. I shrugged as I stuffed another piece of ham into my mouth. It would be better just to tell him than to have Freddie randomly pop up claiming to be with me.

"I'm going out…on a date with Freddie Shay." I explained with a sigh. His eyes snapped up to me and I avoided them at all costs. He set his beer on the table and tilted his head in mock curiosity as he folded his hands on the table.

"Really…isn't he a bit too old for you?" Dan questioned. He did not understand just how right he was, but in technical speaking Freddie was just frozen at the age of sixteen so he was my age…eh I make no sense.

"We're both sophomores…" I countered back with a forced smile. Dan nodded and shrugged his shoulders before shooting out another question.

"But didn't you say that all of the boys in town annoyed you to no extent?" He tried. I had to give him credit for remembering that detail.

"Freddie lives out of town on a private estate." I retorted smartly. As my father and I exchanged challenging looks there was a knock on the door. I let out a sigh and stood to my feet. "He wants to officially meet you so be nice or your discovery card will go missing again and before you realize where it went I'll be in Africa." I threatened. Dan laughed and nodded.

"Bring him in." He said as he snapped his gun shut. I rolled my eyes and went to answer the door. Once I opened the door there was no one there and this annoyed and confused me.

"Behind you." I whipped around to see Freddie grinning at me. I gave him a blank stare before slamming the door shut behind me.

"My father is waiting on you." I deadpanned. Freddie nodded as he glanced over his shoulder and towards the kitchen where my father was still sitting at the table inconspicuously inspecting his gun. Like that would even hurt Freddie…

"Yea I know but he's got a lot of question buzzing around in his head. It's actually getting on my nerves…" Freddie muttered as he brought his hands up to rub his temples. I couldn't help but chuckle at the way he made his gift into a joke.

With that said I gestured for him to follow me. I led him into the kitchen where Dan was lounging, still admiring his gun. He glanced up at Freddie and forced a smile. I smiled lightly as well, however mine was also forced. Freddie's, however, was as charming as ever. It was impossible to tell if he was simple faking it or it was a genuine smile.

"Hello Mr. Puckett. It's a pleasure to officially meet you." Freddie said in that sweet tone I had seen him use to get out of bad situations. I had to stifle a laugh as my father's smile softened and they shook hands. I wasn't stupid enough to fall for the Shay charm…well not anymore.

"Likewise…so Sam tells me you guys are going on a date?" he automatically jumped into non-obvious questions and I snorted. Freddie chuckled lightly and nodded.

"Yes, but nothing too fancy. I'm just taking her to a family baseball game. I understand that Sam isn't the type of girl to be swayed by sappy music or fancy food she can't pronounce." Freddie said innocently. I scoffed and nudged him on the back. He paid no mind to me as he continued to smile ay my father who was now laughing and nodding in agreement.

"Very true…but I thought it was going to rain today. You're all going to play in the rain?" Dan tried again. Freddie nodded.

"Well when it comes to that issue will deal with it accordingly." He said smartly. Dan's brow furrowed and I nearly slapped my forehead in pure exasperation.

"Well have fun…I guess." Dan muttered.

"We'll be sure to." Freddie said as he took my hand and turned towards the door. As he dragged me along I whipped my head around to see my father mouthing "pepper spray". I rolled my eyes.

"Bye Dan." I called over my shoulder before Freddie pulled me out the house. Before I could comprehend what was going on I was buckled into the passenger side of a car I did not recognize, then again Freddie had a new care every week so I should not be surprised.

The car ride towards his home was quiet but comfortable. We actually had to take a dirt path that seemed to curve too many times for me to understand. We came to a skidding stop right next to a black Mercedes Benz that I guessed was Spencer's. Next to his was another very expensive car that must have been Jake's by the design. It took me a minute to recognize it as the rare Pagani Zonda. The entire family was spread out around the field; all of the adorning similar black and red baseball uniforms to the one Freddie was in.

"I didn't know vampires played baseball." I mused as my head tilted to the side. Freddie laughed as he placed a red and black fitted on my head that was way too big for my head. I was guessing it was Jakes because it was too big for his head too.

"Why do you humans have to discriminate against undead blood suckers, huh? We like to enjoy life too ya know!" he countered dramatically. I laughed lightly and rolled my eyes at his stupidity. The stupid part was that it actually looked and sounded like he was serious. "Besides a thunder storm is coming and that is the only time we can play." He added as he exited the car. I followed his example with a confused look on my face.

"Huh?" I said lowly as I followed him out onto the field. Before we could even meet with the family Chloe was in front of me with one of those happy, dazzling smile etched across her face. She took my hands and gave them a friendly squeeze that made me cringe in pain.

"Sam, we're so glad that you made it! We needed an empire." She laughed as she dragged me to home plate where Shane, Valerie and Freddie were. "Freddie go out into the field with Spencer and Jake! She'll be fine with me." Chloe reassured as she pushed Freddie out towards the field. I noticed Carly was at the pitcher's mound rolling the ball in her hand.

Shane took a step away from me but still offered me a weak smile which I returned but mine was more friendly and reassuring. I hope that Shane would get used to me sooner or later. I understood that my blood had a different smell but he was around humans all day at school.

"Oh C'mon Chloe we don't cheat!" Jake laughed from outfield. Chloe shot him a look from home plate that caused an unpleasant tremor to travel up my spine. Her glare surpassed mine drastically and that was saying something.

"Oh, I know you cheat." Chloe muttered as she handed a bat to Valerie. Valerie took the bat and shot me a glare that I eagerly returned. I knew she was getting ideas with that bat in hand. A roll of thunder echoed in the distance and a flash of lightning cut through the sky. Carly looked up at the gray sky and smirked.

"It's time!" She called out as she bent forward and rolled the ball behind her back. Valeria went up to home plate and got into the proper stance to hit the ball. I stood behind her partly crouched down and Chloe stood by my side with Shane still inching away.

Carly smiled and did the proper movements to pitch the ball. They were precise and quick and I believe she added in a little twirl just for fun. I didn't even see the ball leave her hand. All I heard was a thundering crash and Valerie was gone. Out the corner of my eye I could see the ball flying farther than any ball could with a simple hit.

"T-That has to be a home run, right?" I said as I glanced over at Chloe. The blonde smiled and shook her head as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Freddie is a fast runner." She said simply as she pointed into outfield. I followed her finger to see Freddie running into the forest in the direction of the ball and half a second later he reappeared and tagged Valerie before she could reach third plate.

"You're out!" I called out jerking a thumb back. Valerie sneered as she took her place next to Chloe.

"Wooh! Good job Fredward!" Chloe called out giving Freddie a thumbs up before handing Shane the bat next. He stepped up to bat and just like before Carly did her movements swift and quick enough for me to miss the pitch all together. Shane hit the ball with a much larger bang than Valerie and then he was off. Freddie and Jake both ran after it only to crash together. I laughed lightly before Jake jumped into a tree and climbed to the top.

"That's my animal." Valerie muttered with a small smile on her face. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her. Instead I glanced over at Carly whose eyes were wide and her mouth was pressed into a hard line.

"Stop!" She called out as she glanced over at Freddie. Carly ran towards me and Chloe and the others came in as well. Spencer's brow furrowed as Carly's face became hard with focus. "They're coming…they were leaving until they heard us playing."

"Wait…huh?" I said quirking an eyebrow. Valerie scoffed as she crossed her arms over her chest and Jake's brow furrowed as he wrapped an arm around her. Shane and Carly remained close together. Spencer wrapped an arm around Chloe's waist and Freddie remained close to me, practically hovering over me. He was glaring in a specific direction…so I followed his gaze.

"Put your hair down." Carly commanded me. I quickly pulled the hair tie that was holding my blonde hair in a ponytail, letting it fall around my shoulders and some of it was even in my face. This was why I usually wore it half up and half down.

"Yea, like that'll help. I could smell her from across the field." Valerie muttered rolling her yellow eyes. Spencer shot her a look and she avoided eye contact.

"I'm sorry Sam. I shouldn't have brought you." Freddie mumbled as he placed his hands on my shoulders. I glanced up at him and he looked worried and angry at the same time, while still managing to look rather blank.

"What!?" I snapped clenching my hands into fists. A hallow growled rolled in his throat as his eyes locked on something. I followed his gaze to see a short dirty blonde boy who looked to be just about ten or eleven. With him was a taller dark haired boy, he could probably match Freddie's height. He had his arm draped over the shoulders of a girl with mid back length auburn hair that was layer accordingly to look perfect.

As they got closer Freddie moved so that he was standing in front of me. I had to lean to get a better look and by the pale look of their skin, I automatically knew why he was being so protective and careful.

"More vampires…" I muttered to myself as the trio stopped before us. The young one stepped forwards with a coy smile on his face. It annoyed me extremely to see him smiling like that. He was dressed like an annoying little prep too; button down shirt tucked in some khaki pants and a pair of loafers.

He outstretched a hand and Spencer took a step forward as the midget offered him the ball that Shane had effortlessly hit nearly two miles away.

"I believe you lost this." He said quirking an eyebrow. Spencer nodded and took the ball with a kind smile. This little guy's voice was just as annoying as he looked

"Yes, thank you." He responded simply.

"Oh where are my manners! I'm Nevel; this is my good friend Jonah and his significant other, Alexis." The kid known as Nevel introduced bowing his head respectfully.

"Oh well I'm Spencer, this is my wife Chloe and this is our family." Spencer responded gesturing from Chloe to the rest of us. I smiled inwardly when he referred to me as family. "You have caused quite a bit of trouble for us lately."

"Oh…sincerest apologies. We had no idea this territory was already claimed." Nevel laughed nonchalantly. Spencer let out a forced chuckle.

"Well yes, we have a permanent residence here." He explained further. Nevel nodded and beamed.

"We were simply passing through so we ensure you there will be no more issues." Nevel said sweetly. I was tempted to roll my eyes but considering the situation I thought otherwise.

"The humans were tracking us but we led them east so you'll be safe." Alexis said finally speaking up. Her voice was so soft and soothing that it actually gave me an unpleasant feeling.

"Thank you." Chloe inserted with that dazzling smile that had me star struck the first time we met. I was still getting used to it.

"Do you think you'll have room for three more players?" Nevel offered. Freddie glanced at Spencer and they seemed to exchange a silent conversation before Spencer turned back to the new vampires and nodded.

"That would be fine. Some of us were about to leave anyways." Spencer said as he moved away from Chloe and tossed the ball to Nevel. Freddie nudged me and I glanced at him before looking back to the other vampires.

"I'm the one with the wicked curve ball." Alexis laughed cockily. Her voice was still soft though to match her soft expression. She looked calm and collected like she had no care in the world. Her skin was milky and pure while her eyes popped as a dazzling ruby red. I also noticed that Nevel had an identical eye color to hers. My eyes moved to Jonah who had his crimson eyes narrowed and locked on me. I narrowed mine right back and Freddie nudged me again.

Right at that moment by some twist of fate the wind picked up blowing the loose fitted off my head and whipping my blonde hair in all directions. I growled as my hands swiftly moved up to fix my hair. Once it was out of my eyes I noticed that Jonah was inhaling. His eyes flash evilly and he clenched and unclenched his hands.

"Oh, you brought a snack…" he commented lowly. My eyes widened and before I could make any kind of movement I was surrounded by the entire Shay family, all crouched into a pouncing position. Alexis narrowed her eyes and Nevel's head tilted to the side as Freddie and Nevel had a stare down.

"The girl is with us." Spencer said. His tone was anything but clam and kind anymore. He was all too serious which was something I never heard in his tone. "I think it would be best if you left."

"Very well…the game is apparently over anyway." Nevel said as he dropped the ball to the ground. He turned and gestured for the other two to follow. Jonah glared at Freddie who growled in return, before he draped an arm around Alexis's shoulder and followed Nevel who was briskly walking away.

"Freddie, get Sam out of here, now." Spencer ordered. Freddie nodded and swiftly hoisted me over his shoulder making a brisk walk towards the cars. Along the way Jake threw him the keys to his car which meant I would be riding in the Zonda. It would be more exciting if I didn't feel like something was terribly wrong.

Freddie practically threw me into the seat and began to fumble with the multiple seat belts. His face was hard and his eyes held such fear that it wasn't understandable on my part. His hands were so frantic and twitchy that I got annoyed with his efforts to buckle me in.

"Okay! I got it ya big dork!" I exclaimed as I took the buckle from his hand and effortlessly strapped me in. he said nothing and went around the front of the car to get into the driver's side.

Yes…he is a dork…a big AV club tech dork…

I shook my head as that stupid little voice in the back of my head spoke up again. Freddie quickly got the car started and rammed on the gas pedal like he wanted to kill it. The car went off and I was thrown back into my seat a bit as he went along the dirt path that leads to the road.

"What's wrong Freddie!? Talk to me! Is something wrong!?" I exclaimed. He kept his narrowed eyes locked on the road as he swerved straight off the dirt path. The speed increased way past 100 miles per hour and I began to panic….but I trusted him.

"He's after you…that Jonah guy he's a tracker. Hunting his prey is like a game to him and when he saw my reaction he knew that he was dealing with claimed goods…" he began. I snorted and crossed my arms over my chest.

"I'm not goods to be claimed." I inserted.

"I get that Sam!" He yelled back. I jumped and decided to calm down. He was really distressed about it; he should be considering I'm being hunted. "It's all and exciting game to him. Once he starts he won't stop till the game is done."

"S-So what do we do?" I asked. He took in a breath of air he didn't need and glanced at me.

"We kill him; rip him apart and burn the pieces…otherwise he'll just put himself back together again." Freddie explained. His tone was dead of all emotion at that point and that was when I began to worry.

"Where are we going?" I asked again. There were a lot of questions in need of answering. I'm a girl that liked her mysteries, but when it comes to my life being in jeopardy I'd like to know all the facts.

"Far away…small town in New Jersey; Montclair. From there we will fly you out of the country where you'll be safe." Freddie explained. His tone was still dead. I remember staying in Montclair for a bit with my mom when she tried to get me to learn how to act. Twice a week we would take a bus from Montclair to New York before she found a better job offer waiting in Seattle. I nodded before one thought crossed my mind. What about Dan?

"We have to go back! And I never mentioned my mother being in New Jersey!" I yelled turning slightly to face him.

"You're mother told you over a phone call. You weren't paying attention, but I was outside and NO, we are not going back!" He barked as we approached some traffic. Freddie eased his way around cars earning a few honks and fingers. "Jonah will only track your scent there! That's the first place he would look."

"But Dan! He's still back there!" I retorted just as sharply. Freddie shot me a glare that I was not hesitant to return.

"Forget it. It doesn't matter." He said in that dead tone that told me he really wasn't human. It actually scared me a bit.

"Yes it does. My father could die because of us. We need to do something. We'll figure out how to shake the tracker off later…just let me save Dan." I practically begged. Usually I wouldn't give a snot but this was life or death we were talking about. Dan may not have always been there but he's my father and letting him die just so I can escape was inhuman.

Freddie growled as he did a very illegal turn and swerved back around in the direction of Lewiston. I let out a breath of relief and in no time we were in front of that old house I have been calling home. I glanced at Freddie who looked freaked out and scared. I reached over and took his hand and he turned his eyes on me.

"Follow my lead…" I ordered. He nodded and I got out the car and slammed the door. I stomped up the steps into the house and pushed the door open with enough force for it to hit the wall. Freddie followed me close behind and Dan was in the front hall to witness it all. I had to put those acting classes to work now…" Leave me alone Freddork! I want nothing to do with you anymore!"

"Sam…please don't do this…" Freddie begged. He was a pretty good actor himself. He sure had the looks…but I don't think this kind of story could be made into a movie.

"Too late. Who knew I'd even consider a loser like you. Now leave me alone!" I screamed before slamming the door in his face. I muttered a sorry before turning to Dan who looked shocked out of his mind.

"Hey…what happened with you and Shay?" he questioned softly. I pushed past him and headed towards the door.

"I gotta get outta here! I'm leaving Lewiston!" I yelled over my shoulder as I ran up the stair, stomping a few times for good measure. I didn't look back either. This was going to be hard.

Okay I'll just leave it at that. Sam is in trouble and now she's gotta ditch daddy dearest. Oh you read the book, you should know. I hope you all liked this chapter. I'll be sure to update really soon. You can count on that one.

MethodTOmadnesS