Chapter 7)
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lost Boys or any of the great music or real places referenced in this story.
Warning? This chapter does get pretty steamy near the end, but I'm positive its still within rated T limits. Enjoy
.
Kelsey had stopped by once I got home.
"What's up? How was the barbecue?"
"It was fun" she affirmed, regaling me about the food, music and everyone who went before a peculiar concern appeared behind her eyes. I felt a 'but' coming on…
"But you know, I actually ran into some people there who were still asking for any news on Molly..." I sighed, as we both walked inside. Lights flickering on, we set our things on the flower table "Did you fill them in on the disappearance?"
"Yeah… And then they also asked about you, being her roommate of course"
"Me?" I called from the kitchen.
"They said they knew about you. I just thought I should give you a heads up and…"
Coming back out after having grabbed us some tea, I almost gave a dry laugh "Molly has befriended so many different people all over the place. There is no way I'll even remember half, let alone meet..."
We both sat down at the kitchen counter stools "Who were they?"
Before she could go on, I noticed Kelsey looked hesitant like giving it a second thought. She waved it off, "Nobody, just some douchy guys"
"Pshh..Of course" we laughed. Finishing our talk over how I was let out early, I decided to leave the part about Dwayne out. I did however mention the occurrence of being followed… I still had no idea what that was all about, and I noticed a thoughtful expression crossed her features once again. "What is it..?" I questioned but after I described them, it seemed to vanish.
"Oh no, it's nothing. Just yeah, that is creepy" genuinely looking just as confused as I did.
Her time at the barbecue did sound like a good time. Santa Carla always has a fun night to explore and I wouldn't have passed up if I hadn't had to work. Kelsey soon decided to head out for the night, but before I could even lock the door, I noticed she left her keys on the table. Grabbing the set, I'd surely catch her at the stairs.
Walking out onto the second floor hall, "Hey Kels, you forgot…"
My smile instantly faded when I saw her entirely cornered by four grungy looking guys. Two of which I had seen just earlier at the boardwalk…. the ones following me.
"This where you live?"
"Told you following her would get us somewhere." Kelsey looked in shock to see them and they instantly noticed me.
"Hey that's her"
"So you're Marina, aren't you?" the heinous way those words left his mouth, I instantly spun around and dashed into my apartment, heavy steps hot on my tail. Passing the entrance, I saw my bag right on the table and shot my hand out; I need my-..! Feeling a harsh pull on the back of my shirt, I groaned in pain after being spun around for my back to hit the wall.
"Why you running? That's no way to greet someone" he taunted, and I cringed from the impact. His hold keeping me directly in place.
"Who the hell are you and why have you been following me?" I demanded, a million worse case scenarios running through my mind while looking to him and his henchman there.
"Oh like you don't know, honey" He was squeezing my upper arms and it only made me angrier.
"No I really don't. Were you following us both? What do you want?" That was when the other guys walked closer, pulling Kelsey by her upper arm too.
"Marina…" Kelsey instantly looked guilty "They must have followed me here because they wanted to know where you and Molly live"
I realized who the situation referred to "These are the guys who were asking about me?" Looking at each one, aside from tonight I had never seen any of their faces in my life.
I still tried shaking out of his hold but he wouldn't budge, going into an explanation "Yeah, see no one has heard anything about your friend Molly in weeks. So who better to ask than her roommate?"
And that's why we're being manhandled? I shook my head in disbelief "I haven't heard from Molly either. I've been worried sick getting updates and hanging flyers." Why am I even explaining myself "What do you even want with her?"
He chuckled "You see Molly made a few deals with us. Earn herself a little extra cash, you know. The thing is… now it's time to pay up. She's not here, and I'm not sure I'm buying your story"
Suddenly a new worry flooded into my gut "…Pay up what?"
"Why the supply of dope we have her sell for us"
The initial shock had my jaw drop but it didn't take long for shock to turn into anger. Finding the strength to push him back, "My roommate did not deal drugs" I retorted.
"Oh yes she did, cut the act"
"No, I know Molly and neither of us would have gotten into that" I declare, refusing to believe these thugs.
"You don't know her like you think, baby. She's been a part of this since you two got to Santa Carla" he smirked, loving the distress and realization that was slowly starting to fill me when I sensed it the truth. I was speechless for a moment, thinking back on our several months here, I barely even registered that his goons were starting to scrimmage through my apartment.
"Did you know about this..?" My voice coming out more desperate this time when I inquired from Kelsey. A deep look of guilt was once again in her eyes as they shifted to the carpet before she nodded.
"I've bought a bit in the past" Oh my gosh…
Chuckling came from the dealer who had been holding me down earlier. "If you really didn't know sweetheart, it looks like she bailed on you"
The scenario he suggested then began tearing at my heart. Could Molly really have ditched me with this kind of mess..? I was snapped out of my daze when I heard tearing sounds, glass breaking and rummaging of my drawers.
"Hey what are you doing?" I ran into the room we used to share to find it being torn apart. Before I could make any move to stop them, I was restrained once again.
"Any of our stock left here?"
"Nah… Oh, look what I found" a snicker was heard.
My eyes widened, "That's mine! Don't you dare touch that" I struggled while they counted the savings I had stored inside one of my books.
"Your friend owes us money, babe" the dealer hissed in my ear "She's gone, looks like you'll have to pay us now"
"Stop this or I'll call the cops!" I tried elbowing but his arms wrapped around me kept my own immobile.
"You say one word of this and it won't end well for you" he threatened, squeezing me tighter. I was seething but then realized I had to control myself. I knew well how this worked; with networks like these I couldn't just go to the police. I wouldn't hear the end of it.
"Looks like her date's not here to do anything about it either" the one with my savings continued counting it.
"I've heard some real messed up things about that gang though…" The third one noted while tearing through Molly's things I had boxed away.
I heard a scoff behind me "What are they, like 19? You think I buy any of that stuff about those punks. Please" He and the one holding Kelsey cackled
"It's short" he called.
"That is my savings. I need that. You can't just take it" I declare but they only laughed. That aggravating, hyena laugh that disgusting men like them share that just makes me want to explode.
"Nothing else here? What about her?" He motioned to Kelsey and her eyes widened in terror at the thought. Before they could pull her from the room, I panicked "Wait, stop! Leave her alone. Fine, just take what I have there" I persisted. I'd just start from scratch but anything to get rid of them.
"That's still not enough, babe" Looking between the two of us, a toothy smirk came to their ring leader. "But you know, I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and say you are innocent of all this" his voice had softened but I flinched in his harsh hold "I'm gonna give you two a little time to come up with the money. And you're both gonna keep your mouths shut about this"
.
.
.
Meanwhile…
Arriving home that night, Cassi wasn't surprised to find that her brother wasn't back yet. At least their apartment finally looked very neat. It would likely be a longer night for him but she decided to wait up until he got back. They really needed to talk.
Kicking off her shoes, she looked out from their balcony while thinking the long day through. If only she could have more night outs. It had been a fun night but there were still a lot of concerns she had to get back to in the morning.
She spotted her key board and decided to plug it in. Everyone in the building is up late, so she knew the sounds wouldn't disturb anyone. Resting on the floor with it, she got to thinking about what to play. Feeling up for one of her favorite bands, she knew some of their songs by heart.
She mouthed the words quietly. The chords sound fluently without even much thought. Playing 'These Dreams' had become a second nature.
Nice ending to a long day… She'd start her new job tomorrow and continue conducting lessons. Despite some conflicts she's seen, she knew things would still work out here in California.
Caught up in thought, she found herself curious about earlier when Greg was going on about Scarlet. Cassi recalled hearing she was friends with people the Surf Nazi's didn't like, but she's mostly seen her out on her own. Could that have been them they were fighting with? There were so many groups the surfers had trouble with, it got out of hand. Deciding the drama was no concern of hers, she delved back into the music, hearing the words of the chorus in her mind. 'These dreams go on when I close my eyes, every second of the night...' Smiling softly, she adored the piano. Playing in the dark living room was surreal, getting her relaxed and even a bit drowsy. Quickly transitioning down the keys to quicken the tempo, Cassi then gasped sharply with the music suddenly cut off. A small stab left her gawking in alarm and she looked down to see a tiny trickle of blood run down her arm. One drop fell on the c key.
What the…?!
It had come from her. Looking down to the front of her sun dress, she found what had poked her. A large safety pin was embedded in her dress. It wasn't clicked shut and slightly dug into her arm while playing. But where did that come from? She's sure it wasn't there when she got dressed this morning…
Ouch…
Pulling it off of her dress, it must have latched on her sometime today. Washing her arm, the small stab was no big deal now but what exactly did she run into?
.
.
.
The Lost Cave…
"Woohoo!" Paul was the first to zoom in, dropping right onto the couch. Dwayne created a large gust that threw several of the hanging veils and trinkets to the wind.
I had been watching the flames blacken the scraps inside the fire barrel, the anxiety had been eating away at me. As soon as I got off of David's bike earlier, I found out they had no intention of calling it an early night. When they didn't follow me inside, I realized they only wanted to drop me off back here like some petulant child, taking off without me again.
Pushing past 4 a.m., I was still very restless. Distracting myself by accounting for the funds that I obtained from Max with the small portions I had saved, I was sure to stuff it into the seams of my mattress to keep them from finding it.
When the familiar sounds of their flying echoed around the cave, I had shot away from the stash. All four vampires had now descended over the collapsed hotel. Howling with laughter, my eyes immediately inspected each one of them closely, while they gave an amused grin at seeing me so anxious. David sat himself comfortably on the wheelchair that carried the illusion of a throne, lighting a last cigarette while the guys basked in the aftermath of their hunt, ridding themselves of the bloodstained shirts and smears across their faces.
Crossing my arms, a frown was evident on my face. At first no one said anything, but when David looked my way snickers were hard for the others to suppress. "Is this me being grounded or something..?"
He didn't respond and while I may not be able to enter his mind back, his expression clearly said 'you're not interrupting my smoke, kid.'
Striding up to him, I dared to snatch the cigarette from him and chuck it away. This action instantly had him shoot up to his feet, towering over me. My features didn't show it, but even I then questioned my choice...
"Whoa, come on now..!" Paul laughed, quickly resting his arm over my shoulder to guide me back. "Lose the frown, girl. No need to pout." He nudged. As David remained standing with a glare my way, I finally let my expression melt with a sigh. I realized my blood pressure had spiked and saw that I could have made things much worse for myself if Paul didn't intervene.
"We were feeding, girl. We didn't want you combusting on us again" Paul tried consoling, while strutting to the rock box. "You didn't like coming with, right?"
"There's no understanding girls sometimes," Marko called as one of the cave pigeons settled in his hand. The others chuckled and David resettled on his chair,
"I thought you guys wouldn't kill after so many people saw you fight?" If the Surf Nazi's are dead then…
"This isn't their blood" Dwayne revealed. Not that I care much for the Surf Nazi's, but after the vibes I sensed tonight…
"Then who..?" I pondered, trying to only ask this of Dwayne but there was no masking it.
"Why all the questions?" a sly grin etching onto David's features while holding the cigarette between his lips. Using my own words against me, he released a puff of smoke. "Dwayne… how was Marina tonight?"
I instantly stiffened at the playful notion. I quickly looked to Dwayne, whom had just finished cleaning the blood from his necklace. There wasn't any malice, actually having a thoughtful look to his eyes before responding.
"Looking as tasty as ever"
"Too bad she didn't take" Paul teased, tuning up the middle of Bringing on the Heartbreak by Def Leppard. "Could have been a good time" Dwayne shot unamused daggers at this action.
"Don't worry, bro." Marko climbed back down "Max likely has her alert about us" this revealing that she was unharmed… for now…
I tried not to let relief show in my features…
"You don't have to feign with us, kid" David leaned back with his ankle over his knee "We all know very well how you've been making friends…" I remained apathetic to this declaration. What I had worried for tonight, is that a strike towards me would bring bloodshed. That I might have earned some kind of punishment from them…
That charming smile looked innocent, but I knew well what could be behind it. When my gaze sank to the ground, he went on... "The clerk girl, her circle of friends; maybe even a Surf Nazi?"
I knew that look he had back on the carousel. Now Cassandra is getting pulled in? Despite how our circles were polar opposites that hate each other, I found that the two of us were in very similar situations. She herself wasn't even a Surf Nazi, but there was no reason to give him that kind of explanation. The talk had narrowed to just us while the boys chatted to themselves. Neither they nor I have addressed it but we know the recent death count took on a pattern since that first night I made my own plans.
"Nothing better to do than spy on me?" Arms crossed I scoffed and simply turned away to walk towards my corner of the cave. I didn't get very far however, before I was sharply spun back around. This even caught me off guard; gasping softly at being harshly gripped while standing nose to nose with him. The playing among the guys had even gone quiet. Paul lowering the music of his Rock box, Marko grinning behind his hand, and Dwayne still appearing apathetic to the situation.
This time I didn't look away, scowl or talk back, actually nervous that I'd push his buttons even further than I had been doing. Swallowing back a dryness in my throat, for a moment I thought I might actually be hurt this time, which is until his hold softened. I grew confused by how he slightly soothed where his grip had been. Releasing a last exhale of smoke, his gaze softened too. "Look I get it, alright kid.."
I gave him a questioning look.
"If you need a companion you can relate too. Have at it" This statement made me even more disbelieving. He's always been… territorial, and now he's says a half-vamp can freely associate with humans…
"Why? So you guys can do here what you did to my classmates?" I suggested, hearing the others chuckle around us. A wicked smile didn't grace his features this time though.
"No, to show you how understanding we can be." I didn't know what to say, looking skeptically to him… "You think you can handle yourself as a half around humans, fine. Maybe now you'll pout less. I'm willing to grant some… immunity…"
"Say what?" all three of them practically chorused. Confusion and even slight disappointment was evident.
"And maybe so you'll stop with your pathetic attempts of sneaking around." He walked away but now I was the one to immediately follow.
"What?" What did he mean by that?
"We know you went to see Max" Marko noted, letting one of the cave pigeons fly over the fountain.
These sneaky, lurking, mind reading…
"You want to explain why you needed to ask Max for money, kid?" I wasn't about to let them catch me in another slip up. I hadn't expected them to notice off the bat. Boldly taking a seat on his wheel chair, where moonlight reflected vividly, I propped both my legs over the arm rest to demonstrate. "Like my new heels?" I revealed. These planned as a cover since I doubted Max would have kept my visit unmentioned. Scarlet pumps, it actually came at a good deal and there was no way the male mind would question this.
"Nice" Paul playfully whistled.
"Buying shoes?" Marko gave a dry laugh. David eyed my pumps before turning away, and Dwayne was still delved into his own thoughts. Score 1 for me.
Standing back up, it was still very confusing what he declared but I was starting to feel drowsy and we all knew daylight was coming.
"Get to sleep, Scar." Our eyes remained locked on one another all the way until David reached the elevator shaft. I moved forward slightly to tell him to wait, but he vanished and I exhaled without a word as the boys followed behind him.
Once I had made my way back to my own bed, minutes dragged on before I could sense the sun, even without rays shining into the cave. Lying down, I was left to decipher what this truly meant. Was he really allowing me to befriend mortals? Was this gesture intended to butter me up for the change? Regardless, I knew the fund that was buried in the mattress I slept on. Even having the drapes block the light, I felt weak. Daytime would be the best time to execute my plan, but how could I overcome this weakness during daylight hours? I had to find some way to leave Santa Carla…
.
"You weren't serious back there were you?" Marko inquired as the boys arrived deep within the buried elevator shaft they rested in, kicking away the remains of past feeds along the base.
"She could end up exposing us" Dwayne added with arms crossed at what had just been declared.
"On this I will give her credit." David was the first to fly up to his respective resting space. "The kid knows better than to let something like that happen. She can handle herself in public"
"If you're sure, that's great. But immunity, man?" Paul whined. "Earlier you were cool with the hot sales clerk, and now we can't munch on any of them?" The rest of the boys shot up to hang alongside their leader.
Looking his way, they all witnessed a curve rise over his mouth. Waiting for an explanation, David let out an amused chuckle. Their linked minds allowed them to see into his thought process while they each hung from the bars.
I never said who had immunity, or from what, or for how long.
Satisfied smirks fell over each of the boys faces as they fell dormant for the day. She was close. He could tell. Scarlet had impressive control but what he was confident would come about from her condition was that one of these little companions would end up in the wrong place at the wrong time; serve as Scarlet's first kill...
She would pick her poison, providing her own punishment. The rest of the people on the playing field were still in the middle of a blood stained free for all.
.
.
.
That morning…
In Santa Carla when someone doesn't appear the next morning, its something to worry about. But in this case…
"Thanks for paying my bail" my brother had spent a night in jail. I turned around and glared.
"Look I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me"
"Yeah, this isn't like you at all." I was more surprised to find out he already had a record "I mean dad's going to…"
"He already knows…" he scoffed
What? Why was I in the dark about all this?
"Maybe that's another reason we don't like talking to each other" I was confused beyond belief.
"Hey man, you good?" Johnny came up, having been the next to be released. Both had got brought in.
I stopped them both as we reached the sidewalk "Okay, please clear this up. What happened?"
A pained look almost surfaced to Grants face, but he covered it with a grim expression. Johnny was the first to begin "We went to a casino after the barbeque. There was a bit of a fist fight between us and this group of gamers." Gambling?
Grant leaned tiredly on a lamp post "Look the thing with Shelly got back to me and I was in a… difficult betting situation… which I obviously lost. I let my anger out on it.
And here I wasn't sure how to explain what I had seen first-hand "So you knew" News travels fast. I rubbed my temples from this stress "Look I told her off, but she is not worth getting yourself in jail f-…"
"I just have to win that surf competition" Grant assured to his best friend. My jaw practically dropped as they continued walking into town. Did he suffer a head injury in that assault last night?
"Are you kidding me?" I stormed behind them. "Grant how is that going to make any difference? Shelly isn't even worth all this!"
"You just don't understand, Cassi." How she's playing him for a sucker? I looked to Johnny and even he appeared skeptical too "Man, your sister might have a point…"
"Okay, look." He finally turned back my way. "I love Shelly, okay"
"…You're joking" It felt like talking to a wall.
"I'm not an idiot, sis. We have history. Last summer Shelly and I were together, but when it came time for her to go back to school she wanted to stay together long distance and I'd go visit, but I wanted to be free to see different people… So I broke things off. Okay, I actually hurt her." Slowly uncrossing my arms, I guess this revelation somewhat left me understanding things from the other side.
My brother continued. "Then when she came back during spring break, Greg took interest but I realized I really wanted her back… And I'm positive she still feels something for me too."
I sighed "And yet she's with Greg…" I've seen how they act around each other. Is it to get back at him?
"She's only with him because of the recognition he has being the current surf champion" That is still pretty shallow reasoning!
"Well look bud. You're pretty good for a guy who hasn't surfed very long." Johnny placed his arm around my brother, patting his back while I walked behind them. "Greg won last year. The year before that, Shane won. You got your sight set on the title, you got a lot of competition to take out…" they both nodded. I wasn't very happy about the scenario, but if my brother felt he needed to redeem himself this way, well I couldn't stand in his way…
"You guys wanna grab breakfast?" Johnny suggested.
"I'm broke thanks to Grant" I muttered, piano money and smashing my piggy bank.
Noticing my serious expression look to my feet on the sidewalk, my brother and Johnny slowed down to have me walk between them. "Cassi, I know I haven't been the greatest brother lately, but it does mean a lot to me that you're here and everything you've done"
"Yeah, it's like the old days" Johnny added and this comment did make me quirk a smile. Johnny was from our home town. They've been best friends for years.
"The competition is fourth of July weekend. I'm really gonna need you there, sis. You'll come to support me right?"
I rolled my eyes "Of course" Finally letting go of this fiasco, I tried not to just not let this get to me and we shared a laugh. Johnny treated us to some breakfast sandwiches in town and we sat outside. Debbie worked here and turned out to be our server.
"Oh my gosh. Frank isn't in jail is he?" while talking, they had explained things to her, but Frank wasn't one that got arrested yesterday. She hadn't seen him this morning, but this was much to her relief.
"Cassandra were you alright last night?" Johnny noted "It wasn't just those gamblers we had a problem with. We heard a few others also had a confrontation"
"On the carousel" I nodded. "I saw Greg and Shelly there. After telling them off, I was talking with this girl, Scarlet, when Greg and the others started a rumble with four guys…"
"What?" Grant inquired, partially with his mouth full.
"They ran into the Lost Boys" Debbie revealed after setting down some condiments. Taking a sip of my juice, the name confused me.
"Okay now back up. I thought you two were hanging out" Johnny motioned to Debbie and I before turning.
"We had to sit in different places" she noted.
My brother turned to me in a serious manner "Cassandra, do not tell me your suddenly friends with that girl"
Well no, we've only met twice but she seemed like a cool person; helping get jerks off my back two times. Now with Greg and my brother sounding discontent about it I had to ask "Why would that be a problem?"
He groaned, leaning forward "Cassi, I had told you to stay away from them. Okay, we have nothing against the girl.."
"But those guys she hangs out with are bad news. Trust us" Johnny added but I didn't feel like their argument was very supported or rational.
"Okay first of all, every time I've seen her she's been on her own." I began to contradict them. "Secondly, I'm not part of your gang issues. Thirdly, I may not know why you guys have a rivalry with them, and so many other people, but most of the problems we've had have come from your own circle of friends" I asserted, standing to throw away my trash.
.
.
.
.
That Night…
Upon leaving the store, Marina was instantly met with Kelsey. "Did you ask him? What did he say?"
"I told you, I am not asking Max for an advance. I just had a raise and I'm not gonna screw up my position there. Don't worry, I've got money." She reassured. Her latest check with her savings would put up her half. A thousand dollars wasn't easy to come by for them, especially when other things needed to be paid. But they would both cover a half each of Molly's drug debt to be rid of those dealers. Both were on the alert since they could show up any time and at any place to collect from them.
(A/N: I'm not sure I adjusted for inflation correctly. I think about $2.50 or $3 today was worth $1 then. None the less, if you support yourself at a young age, $1000 debt is hard to make room for)
"What about you?" Kelsey knew off the bat there would be no luck.
"There's no way I'm getting paid any extra. My next check comes at the end of the week. I just hope they'll give us till then.
She sighed… "Don't worry. I might be able to come up with a little more if you're short. I'll find a loan somewhere" They began walking together.
"Marina I can't thank you enough for sticking up for me. If those guys had come to my house, if my parents found out about this I'd be screwed." I was just so frustrated. This wasn't fair. They didn't deserve this… they're basically being extorted. But handling the situation the way she could have wouldn't have done anyone any good.
"We're in this together" she assured. They had to look out for themselves. "Just focus on getting your half"
Walking in silence, the serious expression on Marina's face wouldn't melt away. Kelsey didn't know what happened to Molly, but she knew Marina no longer cared, truly considering she might have run off and left her with her mess…
"I'm sorry about this thing with Molly"
"I just can't believe I had no idea" walking along the boardwalk, she hoped to learn more about how this came about. That last night, was she distributing? Was she seeing people she would leave with?
Darren was away in San Diego. At least as far as Marina knew…
Upon hearing the familiar revving of engines, the girls looked up just as four motorcycles zoomed by on the road. Instantly Marina locked eyes with the handsome dark haired biker of the group. Eyes like coals; deep and stoic, time seemed to slow down between them in that millisecond it took them to pass, riding their bikes up into the boardwalk.
There was someone else she could ask…
Entering the heart of Santa Carla, Marina had no problem being out here because a public place proved safer than her home did now. Scanning the crowds and lines of the various attractions, she was able to spot the bikes parked together. Kelsey was trailing close behind, and that's when she recalled a mention that those dealers had commented on.
"Marina were you talking to one of the Lost Boys when those lug heads saw you?" It was Dwayne, wasn't it…
She found herself intrigued, considering this might be the only positive she's heard since this mess surfaced to the light. Marina, however, didn't give it much importance.
Nodding, "Yes, it was a brief walk that they misjudged though." She understood but now had to wonder why she arrears to be looking for them.
"Why are you trying to find them?" A new idea uplifted Kelsey's spirit "Do you think they could get these thugs off of our backs with this debt?"
Marina turned back around, already disapproving the thought. "No, nobody else is going to know about this situation. But one might be able to tell me more about this business that Molly had"
And just as that sentence came out, a loud ringing of a bell and crumble sounded and Marina spotted the group. Even as people walked between the distance separating them, his raven hair stood out among the group of blonds, and her feet carried her forward on their own.
The bell on the High Striker had just been smashed to pieces while down below, the game attendant was gawking, his gang was howling in laugher and the brunette smirked by having put little effort into it. The people who happened to see either had jaws slacking open, or applauded. Brushing off the audience, the boys took their leave from the game.
Before Marina was able to come closer, they spotted their next source of entertainment. Judging by the shirt design, it appeared a sorority was paying a visit to Santa Carla. Praising the group on the display with the High Striker, the boys decided it was worthwhile to grant them some attention. Over the few remaining shoulders and heads, Marina caught sight of Dwayne. Hoping to speak with him again, she felt a tickling sensation in her stomach. Butterflies may sound cheesy but that is its typical definition. Despite thinking back to their walk yesterday, she had to tell herself to focus on what she needed to know about her ex-roommate. The boys appeared busy but if she caught his eye, she would just ask if they could speak for a moment.
When his eyes flickered from the conversation, they did land on her. Stopping a few feet away, they held their gaze. Marina smiled slightly and did a wave, not only to say hi but that signaled she wanted to talk. However, Dwayne remained stoic. Eyes boring into her, he made no move to approach. Just staring back at her, Marina grew confused. Deciding to signal another slight wave for him to come talk, that's when he simply turned away. The entire group of bikers decided to continue on down the boardwalk with the fresh picked tourists. David and Dwayne in the lead.
Marina stared now in disbelief.
"Err… Looks like he doesn't want to talk" Kelsey stood right beside her as they were ignored. Or at least, Marina was…
Even while talking, his brothers knew that she was there to speak with him. It was simply left for Dwayne to handle as he chose. Paul and Marko still shot grins their way, and that's when a new development occurred. Now assessing her friend Kelsey…
When she felt the eyes on her, Kelsey turned beat red. Especially after receiving Marko's boyish smile…
She returned it but found herself looking to the ground to hide her giddiness.
"Unbelievable" Marina whispered a scoff while shaking her head. The boys had walked ahead; returning to the matter at hand, Kelsey had to wonder why that just occurred. Marina could presume why though…
"What was that all about?" She honestly thought these two liked each other. He clearly saw her and even after not wanting to talk, he was still checking her out.
"What happened is I didn't want to hang out yesterday. If he won't even talk to me now, it means I made the right decision to begin with" she declared, crossing her arms. She had a point, though still feeling slightly hurt. Any information, looks like they're on their own then.
"My gosh" Kelsey was bewildered, even if she was just flushing over another one of them.
"It's no big deal" she sighed. These actions, and her being 21, she should be looking for older anyway "If I were to take an interest in someone, I need a man..." not a younger guy
Despite being a distance up ahead, they didn't realize the subjects of their topic could distinguish the comment. Three laughed out while one felt a growl want to emit.
.
.
.
Later…
Airplane… no.
Bus… maybe.
Hitchhike… risky.
Who was she kidding? Every part of this plan was risky on so many sides. The boys had taken her out tonight, but she wasn't too certain how far she could go or where to visit without them knowing. Thankfully, the boardwalk had several facilities with tourist info. Bus would probably be the best option, if not her only. Routes, schedules, rates, she concealed the information inside her jacket.
The night was really blazing with life this weekend. A concert was going on just up ahead on the beach. Releasing a sigh as she looked up to the boardwalk, it was melancholy really. She had left her previous life in the wake of destruction to live in Santa Carla, and now she was … well, running from it…
It was an odd feeling.
Ironic really. For years, she would dream of this place. Finally having the means to come here at sixteen during a school break. And the year after that, and the year after that, that being when this entire change took place…
It had been like looking for something. And she was. The atmosphere here just kept pulling her back. Any chance she got to come down here with her classmates, she would… Hoping he had been drawn back here too.
Or even just coming back to the boardwalk had made her so happy…
Nearby…
Cassi just happened to be finished with her first day's work. Having been on from 3-11; today she wasn't required to stick around till the bars closed, but she knew eventually her schedule could transition to later. Especially with the fourth of July weekend not too far off.
She didn't have her car again because Grant wanted to take a look at the start up issues it had been having, but unlike last night, people were still all over the place.
(Start playing I still Believe by Tim Capello)
Let's see, get dinner. Finish Krissy, Tim and Laddie's lesson plans, finish my financial aid applications, call dad, write to mom… Walking up the street along the beach, the sounds of cheers and a beating caught her attention. Looking around, she began following the sound.
Passing the pier and down towards the sand was a large stage and crowd surrounding it. The drums and that rumbling… its got to be a saxophone…
Singing began while she walked onto the sand to get a closer look. More and more people moved in. Fire barrels lit up. A wide smile had made its way onto her face with the infectious song. Striving to see better, she dove into the crowd until she was at an opening over people's heads that let her see the singer and band. She then heard the jingles from an electric piano while what was indeed a saxophone made the crowd holler even louder.
Whoa, that guy is super oily. None the less, he sure could play. She was really getting to enjoy this song, feeling the drums and the roar of the saxophone make her move slightly to the rhythm.
The heat was heavy in the waves of people gathered around. The fire barrels glowed and flared. Looking around now to find herself trapped in the crowd, Aw, what the hell? She could spend some more time out here. So Cassi waved her arms up like the people around her.
Scarlet too found herself drawn in by the melody. Bobbing her head to music while she maneuvered past the crowd. She couldn't help smiling at everyone. How can a town filled with so much life also be filled with so much death?
I guess it balances itself out.
Pushing past the crowd, her sharpened sense of smell spiked with everyone's racing blood by the music. Okay stay calm, soften breathing, and get past the thick part of the crowd. It was incredible to notice how her vision honed in on necks. One blink and suddenly pulses became so vivid. Urging herself not to focus on that, people dancing so close didn't help. It was hypnotizing…
The beating glowed…
It would have consumed her if her trans wasn't broken by walking into someone. The two almost both fell over.
"Oh, I'm sorry" catching themselves and turning to each other.
"Cassandra?"
She looked back up "Scarlet, hi. Sorry did I hit you?"
"No, no your fine" she was actually relieved. "It's my bad. I was actually sleepwalking"
"Whoa, whoa" The pushing crowd left them caged inside the wave of people. Wasn't much to do except move with them. Cassi noticing the relief that had taken her composure… "Are you okay..?"
She looked beside her questioningly. "…you look a little scattered" and it wasn't the concert she looked too focused on.
"Uh, you can smell that right? I guess the fumes of pot are getting to me…" she lightened, and they both burst out laughing because it was a very good point.
Okay, out of the way. Scarlet was the first to begin shoving out a path. Helping dig Cassandra out, the two found a clearing and were now able to stand on an elevated space to see the concert without being pushed and shoved.
She was right about the fumes. Concerts are perfect for those kinds of recreation. "…believe it or not, I actually grew up around those fumes."
"Really? Your family is into that?"
"My mom was. Later my brother got into it too" That's probably a reason things didn't workout between their parents but that's unmentioned…
"That sounds like a really chill mom." Cassi nodded. She's didn't have the prominent parent gene but she's definitely been like a best friend. Even that is something Scarlet once wished she had more time for.
"This guy seems like a big deal"
Scarlet nodded. "They say he toured with Tina Turner" Cool.
The sax was going all out! Deciding there was no harm in taking in the rest of the concert now, Scarlet elected to stand with Cassi, whom was also drawn here on her own. The two clapped with the crowd. People were going crazy, bobbing their heads for their voluminous hair to spray out. Two guys even rested their hands on each other shoulders to do so. The atmosphere was contagious. It just kind of felt like neither one has had too many opportunities to be without worry lately.
Cassi wanted to feel… more free, like the people of Santa Carla. And if Scarlet was planning to leave, she'd let herself enjoy this now. A few songs later, the finale was announced. It was probably a good idea to get a head start out of there, so they climbed out of the crowd laughing.
"Funs over" Cassi sighed.
A strong gust of wind then blew a pamphlet from Scarlets sealed jacket without her notice. Cassi hastily reached for it. "Hey you dropped this."
Picking it up while she spun around, Cassi noticed it was travel bus information. Snatching it back quickly, she turned away with a thanks. She stared back curiously.
Scarlet had ceased laughing at this point too and just like yesterday, Cassi was able to read how serious the strawberry blonde looked now. "Is something bugging you?"
"No, why?"
It might not be her place to ask, but the criticism she recalled her brother and the others had made about her had Cassi wanting to clear the air.
"I don't know…" she shrugged "it's just that each time we've spoken you seem to really have a lot on your mind. I know Greg can be a blubbering ass but from what I heard, your friends don't really get along with them. Why are you by yourself now?"
She sighed before smiling. "Well I'm kind of like you in a way. Some of the guys I know can give me a hard time now and then. Remember I told you I have these quasi brothers?"
It was very unclear what concealing bus information was about. Ideas came but it wasn't her business... Cassandra nodded. "If it makes you feel any better, mine woke up in jail this morning. Had to bail him out"
"Should have left him there a while" Scarlet joked. The familiarity with the gangs of Santa Carla had been hinting to Scarlet who her brother was, an auto mechanic… "Are you related to Grant Chamberlin?"
She nodded "Were those your friends the surfers fought with yesterday?"
They were supposed to be. Despite their view of her and some of their apathy, on her part Scarlet did care for each of them "Not the best of friends, but yes."
Cassandra wouldn't pry about it. "Well I'm sorry about that tussle" Maybe that's why she too left. "I hope none of them are hurt or anything"
"None of that spat was on you." She reassured her "And they're at it all the time"
She smiled before spotting the late bus up ahead. "Well I better head out. I'd offer you a ride but I'm without my car right now. Bus it is today…"
"Don't worry about that. It was nice talking"
Cassi smiled sincerely, wishing the other girl well and walking on ahead.
Scarlet returned the smile. She wasn't able to find Marina tonight but her short time with Cassi was a pleasant substitute. The slip of the bus information was likely no big deal. Back to the matter at hand, she'd try to waking up in the morning to see how much sunlight she could take. The earlier she could make a break, the better…
If only she had her own vehicle. She may one day have to hijack one. Before any of that though, she needed to make sure the person who'd turned into her best friend here stayed alive, and bid them farewell…
.
.
.
"You're the best" Kelsey winked, putting away the small contribution.
"No prob" Cooper winked back before closing up the shop. Kelsey knew a couple guys who might be willing to spare some cash. None the less, it still wasn't enough. This sucks. There was so much she and Marina could do with $500 each, and having to cough it up to scum. She'd regretted ever trying it now.
Hopefully Marina is able to obtain some more. Kelsey was still short on her share, but there was no way she could let any of this get back to her folks. They'd take her car and this could ruin her time when she moves back to school for the new semester.
She'd get home and call Marina about their total before meeting up again tomorrow. Walking out to her car, only a few were pulling away from the boardwalk parking lot now. Once inside, she too pull out when a loud sound and rumble of the car made her stop. Stepping out, there was a slight whistling in the wind around her. Down in front, it appeared to be a flat tire.
"Oh you're kidding me" she scoffed. Where was a Surf Nazi when you need one? She knew a few of them were mechanics and might have been able to change this for her. Wait…
Checking her trunk and lifting the storage lid… Great! There is no spare tire!
Maybe a payphone was nearby. Shutting the trunk's lid, a figure appeared standing beside the car.
"Nice night."
Kelsey yelped, jumping slightly before realizing who it was standing there.
"Oh my gosh… its you" she blushed at her reaction before smiling at the handsome boy before her.
"I'm Marko" he introduced, holding his hand out. "Pretty sure we saw each other earlier tonight. Flat tire?"
"We did. U-uh I-I'm Kelsey." She almost stuttered, taking his hand. "And yeah. But I'm without a spare too."
"Man that sucks. Sorry to say that payphone is dead too" He motioned to the corner. "Looks like you're out of luck for the moment" his tone flirty and a playful grin in place, she caught his game.
She too smirked "Well not quite. At least I'm not alone. You're here…"
"Yeah, what are the odds? I guess I rode by in the nick of time."
She chuckled, taking a moment to admire the blue-green of his eyes. "Maybe it was meant to be" she shrugged.
"Maybe… Santa Carla is no place to wander alone at night. What kind of guy would I be if I left a lovely girl like you out here by herself?" He motioned up the street, informing her his motorcycle wasn't too far. "How about I give you a ride? You're cars secure for the night…"
Biting her lip, she nodded eagerly "How gallant of you."
Earlier that night, when she had been under both Paul and Marko's gaze, Kelsey was flushed like never before. No matter what rumors go around about them, it was still flattering to be notice by the two of them. Marko was probably the least intimidating. He sort of has this adorable Boy Next Door charm that made her heart race slightly…
Together, the two walked to his bike. There wasn't much of a backseat, but the two could still sit well on it. He even helped her on first. Her previous worry with her car was washed away.
What harm could come of a ride? This was pretty exciting. It was clear that Scarlet knew them well, and Marina was getting along with Dwayne before… Maybe she'd now get to properly know them too.
"You ready, Kelsey?" He sat himself in the front and he secured that she sat comfortably and held on tight. Marko must be the sweet one…
How far wrong she was…
.
.
.
.
The cave…
(Start playing Rock you like a Hurricane by Scorpions for the background)
"This place is amazing!"
"Yeah, how did you guys find it?"
Paul was alone with two tourists in the upper tunnels. Marko would catch up soon, David had gone to pick up Scarlet, and Dwayne had led some of their guests to see the caverns.
"One of my brothers was already familiar with the place" he took a drag of a joint, offering it to the petite blonde beside him while the other looked around. "You like?"
They both nodded, finding the remains of a canopy bed. "Let's sit" the red head suggested.
It wasn't long before Paul was in the middle of the two, both smiling to him.
"Thanks for showing us your place"
"So what do you do for fun here?"
The sounds of the Rock Box still reached into this room. He smirked cheekily with a shrug "Just stuff… you in the mood for fun?" he suggested.
The girls looked between each other, one blushing while both suppressed a smile. The shyer ones were usually the most fun. Paul cradled her jaw and the distance between them was soon closed when their lips connected. Repeatedly kissing while she gained more confidence, her friend was starting to feel left out. Pulling his jaw from the other girl, they too were soon kissing. Paul smirked behind it. The blonde wasn't disregarded long. Each was pulled to straddle one of his knees, the make out was soon turning into a three way…
Soon feeling a grinding begin from them both, he leaned back further. Groans and panting soon followed, the skirt of the blonde hiking up… The red head was tugging on his sleeves. Removing his jacket embellished with safety pins and a chain of coins, this could really turn into a satisfying threesome. Too bad at this moment, he was more on the hungry side. Nuzzling the blonde's neck while she pulled his hair, the other kissing his own; he sharply hooked both his arms around their heads to leave their necks in the open.
The two suddenly gasped at the yank. First was the blonde, then the redhead. Blood pouring out onto both their bodies.
.
Being near the pools that filled in the deep parts of the cave by the ocean, it didn't take much before the sorority girls dove in for a swim, clothes and all. As he let them amuse themselves for now, he sat at the edge, finding his thoughts drifting back to seeing Marina at the boardwalk. Quite honestly, he had spared the girl…
A thought he was regretting now, since David too had declared this immunity.
He just found it strange how she refused yesterday. His ego wasn't a blimp, but he could tell Marina had taken a liking to him. Even under the impression that he was younger than her, Marina craved him like he craved her. It was just odd that his ability to persuade didn't do anything. It worked on all humans. Was the eye contact not long enough?
Broken out of his thoughts, the sorority sisters encouraged him to dive in. Dwayne was the one that fooled around the least, though enjoying truly passionate and rough relations when the opportunity did come up. It hadn't been his intentions, but now was an opportunity to release some frustration.
He simply removed his jacket and shoes before he swam in. Before he could come up between them, both girls had eagerly stripped to their underwear. Latching onto him, he knew exactly what they wanted, but he found their eagerness somewhat distasteful.
Giving in to a little pleasure, their bodies mingled in the water before Dwayne pulled them both underneath. One broke free and came up for air with the biggest smile. Waiting for the other two to resurface, her smile faded after a series of bubbles was followed by a spreading of red in the water.
Grasping and swimming away from the red, the other girl's body resurfaced face down in the pool of blood. She screamed in absolute horror before shooting for the edge.
She didn't get far however, before she too was pulled underwater.
The splashing and commotion had some of the wandering girls rush into the room to experience absolute horror. Dwayne's dripping form emerged from the pool with his long dark hair concealing his feral features.
.
Not far from the collapsed hotel, Marko and Kelsey explored the rock formations. Pools of water sometimes reaching their feet. He wanted to show her the The Point, and she agreed how amazing it was out here.
Feeling bold, Kelsey linked her arm with Marko's while the climbed over the elevated rocks together. He didn't oppose and pulled her along. Kelsey couldn't smile any wider. This was a pretty romantic spot. Standing over the peaks, she nudged Marko to look her way. Locking eyes in the silence, the air around him was so inviting to Kelsey. Stepping forward, her gaze moved to his lips…
They hardly know each other but she couldn't help it. The pull once again encouraging her, they finally kissed. Her hand brushing by his gold curls, she was freed from her worries. After a heated series of kisses and moans, the two were nose to nose while she caught her breath.
"I knew those rumors about you guys weren't true." Kelsey chuckled.
"Rumors?" he inquired.
"Yeah, I know you guys probably have a reputation to uphold, but I can tell you have a sweet side too Marko"
"You think so?" he smirked, letting her step back.
"Yeah." They walked ahead "You know, you've probably noticed by now that Dwayne and Marina were talking." He nodded. "I'm not sure what going on with them, but Marina really had some things she wanted to ask tonight." Maybe Marko might know something.
"That being?"
"We wanted to know if you guys might have seen her former roommate dealing anything? Or taking off with anyone at that bonfire party..?" Marina didn't want her to mention this drug debt that fell on them, but Kelsey held hope that maybe they could find help.
A devilish chuckle was suppressed by Marko. Kelsey watched him curiously as they paused at an opening. "Oh yeah, she had quite a nice supply…"
Kelsey cocked her head, confused. He explained, "We know, because Dwayne scored all of it…"
Wait, hadn't his friend told Marina they barely talked that night?
"Wait, I'm confused…" He finally spun back around.
"That's because you're very gullible." Suddenly Kelsey was slammed back against the hard surface of one of the cliffs. At this point, there was no need to continue the ruse. Marko had even been reading her thoughts most of the time.
"First of all… I'm not sweet, and I'm not romantic." Shock was taking over Kelsey's features. "Secondly, those rumors are in fact not true… because we're much worse" his hand now squeezed her neck, making her choke. His eyes soon turned an orange-yellow, bringing true terror to her face. "Thirdly, you made it so easy by taking a ride from me and presuming you know me. And to enlighten your confusion, the same thing that happened to that girl, is about to happen to you" he laughed almost evilly, fangs elongating.
.
.
Cliffs…
David was on his own when he picked her up. The racing and stunts that the boys revved when riding together had always been a fun adrenaline rush. They're agility made it an art almost…
But this isn't to say that riding alone with just David wasn't a nice change. Just the two of them on one bike, the sea side beside them. This felt like it did in the beginning. She always liked to look ahead, her chin almost on his shoulder, but she hadn't realized that this time she rested her head against his back while she watched the dark ocean beside them. This didn't mean she was tired, but she had been having this melancholy feeling all night…
David didn't seem to mind, he even drove rather smoothly. What could be on his mind? Despite that he always infiltrated hers, she often wished she could do the same with his. She couldn't read him sometimes… then again, that had always been something that drew her to him.
A thought came to her, being in private with him for a change "Did you mean what you said?" she asked beside his ear.
"About what?" he called back.
"About immunity… That if I wanted to engage with humans, that you wouldn't interfere…"
It was a long silence when the bike mounted over the hills and dunes of sand…
"Yeah, kid. I did." There was that pet name again. When they finally pulled up to the top of Hudson's Bluff, Scarlet moved to dismount but David didn't, leaning back to pull out a smoke. Scarlet paused at this, relaxing her muscles to stay seated where she was.
The wind had settled around them, and they both just sat in private, overlooking the sea. Was he wanting to talk to her? Something felt off…
After a while, he still made no motion to move, relaxed at the view while she remained tense. He then offered his own cigarette back to her. Hesitant at first, she still took it between her fingers to have a drag. "What game are you playing, David?"
"What do you mean?" The ghost of a smirk was evident on his face.
"If you're buttering me up to lure in meals for you, forget it." He wouldn't say anything, then she would state what's on her mind.
He snorted slightly at the notion "We were doing that long before you, sweet heart." She tilted her head in thought…
"Are you planning on initiating more people..?" Theory number 2.
He scoffed "We don't take in just any stray" he sat up to bring his leg off from the bike. He still leaned against the Triumph while I sat still straddling it. "Which is why we were less than happy when someone I thought worthy… had this change of mind…"
She remained silent. "Isn't this what you wanted? I freed you from a life you didn't want…"
She thought she wanted this…
To be with them… him. To have the family he had.
"Yes… I just thought it would be different" much different…
Maybe she was wrong when she thought they were the ones…
Not wanting to delve into it any further, she stood from the bike. Before she could walk any further though, David turned to where his stubble almost bushed her temple. Both unmoving "It's easy to just judge isn't it?" his tone dark "But you can't see if the grass is greener when you haven't really been on the other side, Scar"
David stepped away, being the first to descend the stairs. "And enough worrying, your friend is in the clear"
After a few moments of standing there on her own, she followed him inside. Watching his vexed form, she began to wonder how the boys would respond to her choice of leaving them behind. They hardly wanted her there sometimes…
Would they go looking for her? Would he care? She truly wondered this.
It was… possible. But why really bother? Quite honestly, it would be without liability. How long before they write her off as dead anyway?
She did care for the guys… but she was getting to think her place wasn't beside them.
A series of screams then broke her out of her thoughts. David had stopped two whimpering figures in their tracks.
"Leftovers?" a devilish grin was playing at the corners of his mouth. Scarlet immediately looked from behind him.
"Just in time bro. Saved some for ya" Paul hollered from the fountain. Urgently the girls backed away but not wanting to come back near Paul. Two more suddenly came screeching into the lobby. Dwayne close behind, unable to hold in the laughter of how fun the chase was.
"Feeding time!" Marko yelled from the higher opening and another figure was thrown into the room, tumbling down the rubble. Scattering to her feet, tears in her eyes and hysterically petrified. All of them backed together in the center of the room, and each one was already covered in dripping bite marks.
Messes of bloodless husks also littered the room. They brought their dinner home tonight…
From the looks of them, three wore a shirt with the same symbols that represented a sorority. Another two weren't tourists, Scarlet recognized them very well…
Her eyes still wide at the scene… one was affiliated with the Surf Nazi's. She had been one of Cassandra's companions that she mentioned on the carousel. More shocking than seeing this girl, was seeing the second one… Kelsey.
"She as tasty as she looks, bud? Don't tell me you're sick of her already?" Paul nudged Marko, who smirked.
"Hey I won the rock, paper, scissors, Paul. No mooching off my dinner" they both laughed, eyeing the sandy brown haired girl. The boys had picked up appetizers all over town tonight, men and women alike, and now …. The main course at the bluff was ready…
"No, please let us go" one of the sorority girls cried.
"I don't want to die"
"Please!" Despite being strangers to each other, all the humans still huddled together.
"Aww lighten up" Paul used a lighter to inflame the end of a joint.
David walked closer to fully analyze the humans, and one quickly took hold of a broken bottle to point back at him "Don't do anything stupid now. This doesn't have to be hard" he chuckled, rolling his eyes.
"…S-scarlet?" Catching sight of her, Kelsey suddenly broke away, dashing straight for her. "What are they?! Please get me out of here" she was grabbing onto both her arms in desperation.
"She's one of us, babe" Paul called out.
Gasping, she suddenly pulled back. Fear of her now filling her eyes. More tears streamed down her face. She looked down to the bruised and disheveled girl with sympathy in her eyes…
"How is this possible? What the hell are you?"
"We're vampires Kels, isn't it obvious?" Marko walked around the girls, making his way towards her like a vulture circulating its prey.
"Can we eat now?" Dwayne crossed his arms. Blood was visible on his lips, but he was clearly still hungry.
"No..!" Suddenly even more yelling sounded when they saw their faces morph and eyes glow. All except David, whom tossed away his cigarette…
"What the hell? You cannot be serious?" Scarlet marched up beside him.
He exhales, "Dig in boys"
Alarm overwhelmed Scarlet when each one was picked out. Just as they closed in, four of the girls scrambled in every direction while one was too petrified to move.
The blonde sorority V.P attempted to dash into one of the higher tunnels when her feet were pulled out from under her. Face planting into the ground, Dwayne dragged her back. Kicking and screaming did her no good as the begging and kicks didn't faze him, but they were slightly irritating. Taking both feet, he sharply twisted the two to make the jabs stop. Loud cracks of bone were followed by a cry of shock as the girl's ankles were twisted.
It was all shits and giggles with Paul, until one of the girls stepped on some tapes and knocked over his rock box in an attempt to flee. The laughter and smile instantly faded, his morphed features and eyes now nothing but demonic and fierce… He flung the girl straight through the air for her to crash onto the remains of what was once the front desk. The fall had directly hit her head, cracking the back of her skull.
Kelsey struggled too when Marko had appeared behind her. Having her head pulled to the side, he finally yanked at her hair to fully expose her neck. They had been having a mutually satisfying make out session on the cliffs not 10 minutes ago "Not into hickey's, Kels?" he laughed.
Even knowing what she was, her eyes pleaded to Scarlet.
Having tourists for take-out shouldn't surprise her, but what had her outraged was that Kelsey and Debbie were here to. David who was set to follow one of the girls he gave a head start to was then stopped by Scarlet.
"You lied to me." She glared "I know them and you said immunity…"
"I said I'd be willing to grant some" he declared fiercely. "And I did… we decided one of these would be Marina's substitute. She's in the clear… I didn't specify how many and who else" Scarlet was left gawking…"What'd you expect? If we took it lights on every poor crying human, there'd be no damn food"
Another ear piercing scream sounded as she turned back to see Marko tearing at Kelsey's neck. Claws sank into her arms while he held her in place. Paul had dragged back the one he threw, now likely suffering a concussion, and unfeeling to the pain of having her wrist drained by him.
Dwayne had his face shoved away, but that only got the girls wrists broken too before he used his claw to let the blood from her neck fountain out… The girl chocked on it while she was drained. David had flown up to stop the others from leaving, throwing them both back over the center of the ground. Cracks signaling they'd fractured parts of their body.
That Surf Nazi girl was now being held down by David…
"Alright, Paul. You can have a taste." Marko and Paul now both shared Kelsey. One arm, one leg, the pain was excruciating for her. Multiple bites, twists and rips…
Dwayne descended on another two, while David tossed Debbie aside. Scarlet stormed to her corner where the veils and mattress were set up, not wanting the smell to get to her. She sighed as the tearing and mauls silenced the screaming. It was very slow though.
There's always a catch when the boys say something… loop holes.
Scarlet had seen gore before, but she wasn't about to sit through it. Seeing Kelsey here, another one of Marina's friends would vanish now, appearing on a missing person's ad. She's not sure how Debbie's disappearance would affect the Surf Nazi's, or Cassandra for that matter... Even if she herself wasn't killing, some of the fault fell on her too.
The boys would likely stay up much longer. When clean up came, they had a pile of bodies across the lobby, tunnels and pools to dump as shark food. Scarlet however, she was determined to shut her eyes and later see how early she could be up with the sun up high….
.
.
Hope you enjoyed ;) Let me know what you think. I know there is still some filler but some fun and real action are coming up next... We're getting close. Stay tuned and please review your thoughts.