Chapter 3
Pulling into the driveway, you would never have guessed that this mansion was inhabited by supernatural creatures. The house, resembling a castle, was white and freshly clean, like it was done daily. Flowers in an array of bright blues, yellows, pinks and oranges were neatly tended, and they surrounded the house and even strayed into the open yard before the house. A brick walkway lead up to a large entrance, cradling two big doors. Old style white pillars held up the balcony of the second floor. It took my breath away, this beautiful house. How could "people" like Farren and Derek live here? I expected a lot darker, and even danker. Farren's sunglassed eyes caught sight of a tall man on the outstretched balcony and she sighed. "I hope he jumps dammit, I'm tired of his ass and he hasn't even been here two weeks." Derek smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Farren rolled down the window as Derek stopped. "Vlad, get your ass away from there! You know how insanely clumsy you are. Your dumb ass is going to fall." "No I'm not!" came his voice across the lawn. She rolled her eyes, and opened her door. "Come on," Derek said, throwing open my door and dragging me out. "Easy with the mitts there mutt." I grumbled. His eyes flashed red, but he sucked in a breath and reached in to grab Spencer. Once he was out, the door was slammed shut and we were prodded forward. I continued to take in the huge scenery before us. It wasn't long before we reached the door and Farren opened it. "Should I yell 'dinner is served'?" Derek's voice came from behind us. Farren sighed and called around the house. Within seconds, there was a group assembling from out of nowhere. I counted out the people arriving. I could tell apart the vampires from the werewolves, and I could tell Derek had a large pack. When the room was full, I counted out six vampires and seven wolves. "Everyone," Farren began, "meet Spencer and Aaden. She's the chosen one we've been talking about bringing here. Everyone make sure you give them a nice welcome and they are not to be harmed. Is that understood?" Mumbles of agreeance were provided and then everyone quickly dispersed. "Everyone isn't very welcoming." I stated. "To us vampires, you're a food source, and that's changing. Even though some are here on the account of the werewolves, they're not going to be very open to not eating you. I suggest you make friends with the wolves before trusting a vampire in you vicinity." "You seem to be okay around us. Now what is with all this 'chosen' business?" "Aaden, you are special. I've explained that to you. You still have to make a choice, but before those details come into light, we're going to show you around first." Derek walked ahead, pushing me out of the way. Upon walking up the white marble stairs, we were presented with a hallway housing probably close to thirty doors. "Each of these doors leads to a bedroom, we'll show you yours. Your room is equipped with a bathroom and closet. I don't think you'll have many possessions." "Obviously. What's going to happen IRL huh? I happen to have a mother y'know." "For all she knows, you're on vacation. Of course, if you aren't careful and make yourself a meal, she'll plan your funeral." Derek's voice instilled in me a rage like no other. Suddenly, the vampire from the balcony appeared, seemingly bouncing with glee. "O….kay?" I heard myself say. "Hello, I'm Vladimir, but you can call me Vlad. Let me be the first to formally welcome you to the house!" He grabbed my hand, pressing a quick, cold kiss to it. I shuddered, but pushed past to offer him a smile. "Hello Vlad," I said, taking my hand back, "I'm Aaden Carrow. It's nice to meet you." "Likewise. And you are?" His gaze shifted to Spencer. "I'm Spencer." "Well, a big welcome to you as well young Spencer. If there's any time you need to chat, look for me!" With those words, he shot off. That was weird. I thought to myself.
After a long tour, Farren and Derek permitted us to retire to our rooms. Unfortunately for me, I was placed in a room close to Derek's, what joy. Hopefully I didn't get the treat of forcefully listening in on a conquest. As I rested into this new huge bed, I wondered what life had in store for me. Would I ever see my mother again? What was to become of us, me and Spencer? If I didn't apply myself to the world of the supernatural, it would either kill me or change me. I turned onto my side, trying to settle into the pillows that weren't mine. The curtains closing my rather large window fluttered softly, and I stood, shaking the feel of unfamiliar bedsheets from my skin. Rubbing my arms, I lifted the curtain away from the glass, and was met with a gorgeous sight, one that made me think that maybe my short time here as a human wouldn't be so bad. The crescent moon shining in the purple night sky shone bright onto the dampened emerald grass of the manor's lawn, making the dew glitter as if diamonds had been smashed onto the ground. The stars that made Orion's belt seemed to brighten, and I looked over just in time to see an orange streak fly across the sky. If I believed in wishes, I would have asked for anything, but more than ever, that seemed childish. I sighed, breathing in the frozen air as I lifted the latch and pushed the window open. It was not quite winter yet, but fall was promising it. I couldn't wait to see this place covered in snow. Upon breathing in the crisp, fresh air, I relaxed, feeling goosebumps flit up my arms and down the sides of my body. Sleeping wouldn't be so far away now. I pinned up the curtains and laid back down, closing my eyes and before drifting off, sent off a last minute prayer. Please, keep my mother safe.