Bernice waited for her sister outside the Guidance Counsellor's office. It was the end of a school that had gone painfully slowly and now they were waiting for their parents to arrive to meet with the counsellor and the principle, ready for a lengthy discussion over Bridget's behaviour.

While her sister sat outside the office, slouched with her legs stretched out and a moody pout on her face, Bernice had her own troubles. She tugged and twirled strands of blonde hair around her finger, glancing around the corridor as students collected their belongings and eagerly headed outside, away from the building. She wanted to catch Leon who had ignored her in most classes and sat away from her. She had passed on numerous notes to Edgar and Bonnie if he was in their classes but as far as she knew, he had read the notes where she had begged him to come talk to her or accept her apologies but he never responded. As soon as she caught him leaving, she would be having words.

"Leave it," Bridget said. She sighed when she saw her older sister hunting for her… boyfriend? Ex-boyfriend? Boyfriend-on-the-rocks? "You haven't been doing anything on purpose. If he can't accept you being busy then he can fuck off."

Bernice frowned at Bridget. "You don't just give up on a relationship like that. We've got a problem and we need to work it out and get past it. That's how relationships work."

Her sister shrugged. "You've tried to talk to him and work it out. He's completely blanking you. He's given up so you should too. It's pathetic chasing after a guy."

"Shouldn't you be more sympathetic now? I know what's going on between you and Alan."

That made Bridget fall silent. She huffed through her nose, tapping her foot against the floor.

"I don't see you giving up on him," Bernice added. "I'm sure if he became a full vampire that would mess things up for you two."

"Okay. Touche."

Damn, Bernice thought. That was a low blow for her sister. But it was also reality and it was a shame that Bridget and Alan had chosen now to take their friendship further. If Alan had been human she would have been ecstatic that Bridget had finally found a guy who she was actually interested in. She would have approved of Alan straight away, knowing he would be a decent boyfriend.

But instead she felt sick that Bridget was getting involved with him while he was a half vampire. It was dangerous and if her sister was really falling for him how heartbroken would she be if Alan took that next step?

At least, Bernice thought, if I did end breaking up with Leon, we would just be two humans who drifted apart. Eventually you can move on from that.

"Sorry," she said to Bridget. "You don't want to think about that. I just meant relationships aren't simple. Some guys you won't be bothered about but then you'll come across a guy that you won't want to give up on so easily. You'll be prepared to take any obstacles and fight against them. There's nothing pathetic about it."

She glanced at Bridget who stared ahead. Her brow was furrowed and her lips were pursed, tugging to the left. It was the same look her sister always made when she was thinking or concentrating.

"I want to fight," Bridget said. She slumped further in her seat, crossing ankles and she sighed. "Feeling like this is scary. It's going way too fast and it shouldn't be like that."

"Why?"

Bridget shrugged. "Well, the smartest thing to do is develop feelings over a long time. Like, really slowly. Right?"

"You can't plan feelings. Sometimes you'll date a guy for months and things won't click at all. Sometimes you'll find a guy who you know you like a lot already. I think it was a month after I started dating Leon that I knew I wanted to be with him for a long time. I knew I loved him." She nudged her sister with a smile. "You have been Alan's best friend for eight months and I think you've been feeling more for him during those months, even if you didn't fully realise it until now."

Bernice watched the crowds again and she finally caught a glimpse of dark brown hair and acid wash denim.

"I need to go," she said to Bridget who grinned at her.

"Go fight," she said.

Bernice squeezed her sister's hand once and jumped up, scooping her bag up. She said goodbye, wishing her sister good luck with the Guidance Counsellor and darted through the crowds. She pushed through until she finally reached Leon and practically leapt in front of him. He halted, leaning back at the sudden figure in front of him and frowned when Bernice put her hands on her hips.

"Look, we're talking," she said. "I've been distancing myself and letting us grow apart. Not because I want to. It's just something that's happened. But I want to have the chance to at least try to spend more time with you and not shut you out like I've been doing because I love you, I want to be with you for the rest of my life and damn it, Leon, we've got to celebrate one year. I've never been with a guy for a year and I don't plan on letting us give up on each other."

She breathed out, realising that as she had been speaking she was holding her breath and talking at a fast, rambling pace. Now she bit her lip, watching his face for any signs of caving in and accepting her apology. He looked stunned for a while, slowly taking in what she had been saying until his lips twitched and he was smiling at her. There was the tiniest glistening of water in his eyes and she wanted to tear up as well. He was incredibly sensitive and whenever he started getting emotional she was always bound to follow.

"I don't want to give up on you either," he said, taking her hands.

She beamed at him. "I've got to go straight to work. But I get off at nine. Meet me at the restaurant and we'll hang out. Just you and me."

He nodded, scooping her up in his arms for a hug. She sighed, closing her eyes and feeling his grip tighten once around her waist while she dug her fingers into his hair. He pulled away but kept hold of one of her hands.

"I'll walk you to your car," he said, gesturing to the exit.

With the restaurant busy it was hard to keep track of all the customers and take the time to properly observe them. Staff wise, it was the same old people who had worked here for years and had been working when she walked in to start her shift. That had been when the sun was still out so none of them could be the mysterious Head Vampire that was determined to keep himself or herself out of complete sight. There was no lead whatsoever. Maybe everyone else would have better luck lurking around the other work places tonight.

The customers came and went, not messing about as they entered, ordered food, ate, paid and left. The restaurant was particularly packed with families tonight. Bernice highly doubted that a Head Vampire would go to the extent of bringing a fake family to look normal. Not when most of the children were loud and unruly. She had been half tempted a few times to shout at one of the kids and order them to sit down and stop running about the restaurant.

When nine o'clock came, she was ready to dance out of work but at the same time she was disappointed that she had come away with no lead. Her mood lightened when she saw Leon standing at the entrance and he waved at her. She took in his smart appearance, shirt and jeans with a thin tie and gestured to his clothes.

"Very smart," she said.

"I thought if you're not sick of the sight of restaurants we could go to our own and eat out tonight. Gives us a chance to talk properly."

"That sounds amazing," she smiled. "Where were you thinking?"

"I'm really fancying ramen tonight."

Her face lit up. "Japanese sounds perfect."

The staff car park was behind the building, separated from the customers' car park. Bernice could smell the grill dishes being cooked by the chefs. Gammon, steak, chicken… she groaned and her stomach responded.

"I'm starving," she said. "It's torture working in that restaurant when those steaks are all you can smell."

She took out her keys from her bag, beaming at Leon and thinking of what she was going to order when she heard a familiar screeching sound. The wind picked up around them and she froze, grabbing Leon's hand.

"Are you okay?" he asked, noticing her stiff posture.

"Fine," she said. "Um, didn't expect that wind." She started walking again, quickening her pace and dragging Leon with her. "Come on."

"You that hungry?" he asked, grinning at how quickly she walked. Or rather power-walked.

Bernice didn't respond, gripping her car keys tightly in her fist. They were almost near her car. All she had to do was get the doors open quickly, get Leon in, and drive off. She kept her bag unzipped where she had hidden away a couple of crosses and bottles of Holy water. The stakes, however, were in the boot of her car.

She heard growling and she tugged Leon's arm, pulling him closer.

"What was that?" he asked. She felt him jump next to her and he glanced around.

"Just be careful," Bernice said. She pulled out one of the crosses and handed it to him. "Take this."

"Uh… what the hell?"

"Please just take it."

"What's going on?"

Charlotte landed near them and Bernice turned, pushing Leon so he was behind her. He glanced at the vampire's sudden appearance, swearing aloud before gawping.

"That's Charlotte," he said. "Bridget's friend. But she's missing."

Another vampire landed on the ground behind them. A male with dark hair and young features.

That must be Logan, Bernice thought, remembering Alan and Edgar's description of him. Another girl appeared and they were surrounded, the vampires forming a triangle around them both.

"Bernie… what the hell is going on?"

Bernice cringed. "This is kinda why I've been distant. Look, I'll explain later. We need to get ourselves away because they're here to kill us. Focus on fighting and do anything I tell you to do." She kept her knees bent in a stance, holding up her cross. She started moving, turning into a circle and nudged Leon to do the same.

"Keep your eyes on all of them. They'll move fast but just do your best. Shout if you spot any movement, anything that looks like they're about to pounce."

"Bernie…"

"I love you, you know," she whispered, hot tears prickling at her eyes. She screamed when one of the vampires, the other female came flying at her. She was pushed backwards, losing her cross and keys as she fell into Leon. They both tumbled to the floor with chuckling and snickering echoing around them.

"Get up!" she ordered, leaping to her feet. Arms grabbed her from the side, pinning them behind her back and she cried out. Charlotte had grabbed Leon, dragging him up as he yelled out and threw him into the car. A quick toss aside as if he barely weighed anything. Bernice screamed as he fell to the ground, limp.

"He's not dead," Logan said, walking up to her. There was a smirk on his face. "We need him."

She swore out loud, the best insults she could think of and bent her knees. Her body tilted back, leaning back into the vampire girl who had hold of her and brought her legs up, into the air. Her feet collided with Logan as he got near, pushing her feet sharply into his chest and he stumbled back, losing his balance. But he laughed, quickly steadying himself.

"You are surprisingly feisty," he said. "I mean, not that I'm saying I assumed you'd be weak. I've seen you hunt and you got some moves, doll. You're just fiercer than I expected." He glanced at Leon on the ground, still unconscious and not moving. "Then again, I am threatening the love of your life."

He grabbed her face, fingers gripping at her chin. She winced as they dug into her skin, locking her face in his hold. "And you're very protective, aren't you? That's a good trait."

"If you touch him I am going to kill you!"

"Well, I'm in luck. I'm not going to touch him." He grinned and nodded as Bernice tilted her head, confused. The vampire girl let go but there was a quick blow to her head. She grunted, falling sideways. Her head bumped against the ground when she fell to it.

Darkness was quick to wash over her.

Bernice woke in a cold, damp room where there was no light whatsoever. But despite that, she could see perfectly. She could see Leon tied up in the opposite corner, gagged as well as he stared wide eyed at her. There was an ugly, red lump on his forehead and one of his sleeves was torn, exposing his skin. Her stomach growled, cramping, and she struggled to breathe. There was a delicious smell in the air that made her throat burn.

"No…" she whispered, sitting up. She looked around. The wallpaper was peeling off, white with fading designs. An old rack, rusty with hangers left on, had been tipped over. Logan sat on a dressing table, smiling when her eyes met his.

"How're you feeling, doll?" He jumped down, moving to sit next to her. That smile never left his face and he glanced at Leon who breathed fast and pulled at the rope tying his hands together. Bernice could see his body trembling.

"Have you…?" She was cut off at another stab in her stomach. The pain shot through her, feeling like a knife twisting at her insides. She groaned, baring her teeth as the agony swept through her.

"While you were unconscious. You seem like the type who would put up a fight. It was easier for us to give you blood with you knocked out."

She put a hand to her mouth, gagging. She squeezed her eyes shut where tiny drops of tears trickled down her cheeks.

"I don't want this," she whispered. She glared at him and grabbed his shirt. "You bastard!"

"You're lucky," Logan snapped, pushing her away. "You and Alan could have been killed but we've chosen you. You two get to live."

"I'm not turning," she hissed and felt her teeth sharpen. A tiny gasp escaped her lips and she put her hand back to her mouth, tongue running over the sharp points. In the other corner, Leon cried out and wriggled, pulling at the ropes again. Bernice's eyes narrowed, taking in those ropes before she leapt up, backing into the corner.

"Not him," she snarled, turning her eyes back on Leon. He laughed when they flashed amber. Already she was letting that vampire out.

"I know you won't. Not willingly at least. But my plans need to move forward a little bit and while I'm enjoying watching Alan torment himself and slowly give in to his vampire side, I don't think I can stomach two whining half vampires."

"What is the point of this revenge?" she asked. "If I turn I'll be switching sides and won't care that I'm a vampire. There's no misery in that. There's no point in you turning me for revenge."

"It's not about misery," Logan said, moving closer to her. He leaned against the wall next to her, head resting against the damp wallpaper and smiled. "I just get the advantage of having two very skilled hunters on my side. Those other kids get to suffer the pain, which is the point. None of them will be able to kill you two."

He chucked her under the chin. "You and Alan get spared from the real hunt. Count yourself lucky. Now… you must be starving."

He had disappeared, appearing next to Leon who screamed and scrambled away but Logan grabbed his arm.

"No!" Bernice ran for him, hands reaching out to grab at the vampire but he knocked her backwards. He grabbed a knife from his pocket and sliced the blade through Leon's bare arm who screeched. Skin opened, red pouring from the wound and trickling out. Logan had cut down from the crease of his elbow and down to his wrist. Blood rolled down his arm, dripping onto the floor and Bernice started to crawl away. The scent hit her and she wanted every drop she saw. Her face prickled and tingled, shifting to expose those sharp cheekbones and bumpy forehead. Her fangs lengthened.

"No, you don't," Logan said and reached for her. He grabbed her arms, dragging her towards him and lifted her up to move her into a kneeling position. Right in front of Leon. She couldn't help the hungry growl. "Kill him. Now."

Bernice shook, gritting her teeth and trying not to look at the blood. Or listen to the rapid beat of Leon's heart. She breathed in and out fast.

"Bernie," he mumbled despite the scarf that had been used to gag him. He shook his head, eyes pleading for her not to give in. She looked unrecognisable, her face angled with her teeth bared to flash those sharp fangs. Long incisors with the canines just a bit shorter but just as pointed. Her eyes burned, a fiery yellow that shone with hunger.

Logan reached around, dipping his hand in the pool of blood. It smeared all over his pale hand. Bernice snarled again, trying to wriggle out of Logan's hold. He wiped the blood across her mouth. Leon noticed her freeze instantly, yellow eyes wide.

"Bernie, no," he begged through his gag.

"Go on," Logan urged. He pointed to a vein on Leon's neck and Bernice's eyes locked onto it. "See it?"

She couldn't help darting her tongue out, licking at the blood on her lips. It tasted rich and warm and her throat burned, aching to have a proper taste. She could feel it closing up, suffocating her and it wouldn't go away, she realised, until she fed.

Leon trembled in front of her as her eyes suddenly narrowed at him. He screamed as she hissed, letting her mind and emotions shut down. Instinct took over and she stretched her hands out for him. He writhed in her grasp but she managed to grab a handful of his shaggy hair and tilted his head sideways. His throat was exposed. She kept her eyes on that vein. His cries of protests were distant and she didn't care to pay any attention to him. She stretched her mouth open wide and lunged, fangs breaking the skin.

Logan stood up, staring down at Bernice with a smirk on his face as she drank greedily.

Thank you for reading. If you would like to leave a review, please feel free to. :) Next chapter will be going up this coming Wednesday.