AN: So I have to warn you there will be swearing from now on. And a little spoiler/explanation- Anna talked to Kora in this chapter because they both want to see Jason and Mystery suffer… Anna's reason is just plain revenge and Kora's reason is because Mystery didn't pay up. Anyway, enjoy!

Jason's eyes widened as he smelt the air then turned his back to protect me.

"She's here. I'm sorry you're involved."

"Wait, you mean…" I stood like a statue as I saw a blonde with blue eyes just like Holly's.

"Hello, Jason," Anna said in a deep voice smiling.

"Anna," Jason said.

"I see your girlfriend is enjoying herself. I wonder how long that will last."

"What do you want, Anna?"

"Oh, I think you know perfectly well what I want; both of you dead."

"Look, I'm sorry about what happened with your sister."

"No your not you lying little pig! Now hand me the girl. I'll make her death as fast as possible. But you, you will pay for what you did slowly."

"You know I can't do that."

"Oh, she is blinded of love. Come on, I've seen her type before. Soon she will hate you so much that you'll want to kill yourself. And when you do, I'll be there making the stake going in and out repeatedly." Anna launched herself at Jason screaming. She was fast, but eventually Jason caught her and threw her at a tree. At that moment Hamish and Lily appeared in front of Jason, cautiously watching Anna's every move. "I will kill you, Jason." Anna vanished in super speed. Hamish and Lily were about to run after her, but Jason held up his hand.

"Lily, check on our father. Hamish, take Mystery home and watch over her and her house. I'll gather some old friends. For all we know Anna could be plotting something big." Jason held my hands as he kissed me. "I promise I'll come back." I nodded then Jason disappeared.

"Hop on," Hamish crouched down so I could hop onto his back.

Hamish checked around my house before he nodded for me to go in. I was afraid that my mother and sister would be either dead or against the wall begging for mercy from Anna. But all I saw was mum's hands on her sides, Kora sitting on the couch with a grin and Joey staring at the walls like a bored teenager. He didn't even look up when he knew I was here.

"Thought you could get out of school without getting caught did you?" Mum questioned.

"Mum, I couldn't handle-" I started.

"Kora got told by Anna where you've been going. We know were you've been going now, Mystery. And if you go there again, the cops will catch you. I have that authority Mystery, what do you have? A boyfriend that won't be around for long. He is your first out of many. So I won't punish you. No, your punishment will be the gut-wrenching heart ache you will have. I'll be there when the tears drop."

"You can't make Jason break up with me!"

"Oh, yes I can, darling." We both knew my mother had a way of making things happening.

"Why are you being so mean to me?"

"Because frankly Mystery, I don't like you. I never have. And I will make sure Kora follows you everywhere. Even that party. I'm sure you'll be the laughing stock of the whole party. Now that's a good lesson. Words do hurt." Mum walked into her room with a smile. I glared at Kora.

"You didn't pay up," Kora laughed then skipped to her room of sick ideas.

"Mystery," Joey stood with a sympathetic look. Oh sure, now he tries to comfort me. Why didn't he stand up for me? "Are you OK?" I shook my head. "He didn't hurt you did he? I saw your expression when you came in." I shook my head again. Joey cupped my hands in his.

"Anna paid us a visit."

"Oh Mist," Joey pulled me into his chest. "You don't deserve all of this. I'm so sorry. I wish you were with me." I pushed Joey away.

"Well your not. We probably never would be. Even if I was with someone normal you'd do this. So just stop. You weren't there for me when I needed you. You played with my feelings."

"I'm sorry. I won't ever do that again. You know why? Because I love you. I wish you could love me more than Jason." I quivered; he said he loved me, Jason never had said that- at least not to my face. How could I say Jason didn't love me? His actions proved he did. Actions are better than words, right? But those words; I love you. I had a feeling they would mean something more if he said it out loud. Mum was right; words do matter.

"I mean I bet he doesn't even love you."

"He does, of course he does."

"You sure about that?" I stayed silent as I bit my lip. "Your not are you? He's using you that's why."

"Why would he do that?"

"For his own selfish blood-sucking reasons."

"You're wrong; he gave me a necklace to protect me, and I can see it in his eyes."

"You do know how easy it is to cover up your feelings right?"

"Don't do this, Joey."

"Mist, I don't want to see you get hurt, you're too important to me. I love you too." I wasn't sure if he meant is well as Jason loving me or as if I loved him too. I did, but I had to push those feelings away.

"I'm sorry Joey, but I don't love you. Not as much as the way I love Jason or the way you want me to."

"I won't give up on you, 'cause I know somewhere in there-" he pointed to my heart "-is a place for me. I know you love me, you just won't admit it."

"I don't love you!"

"You're lying."

"Well it doesn't matter, because I'll always choose him. And even you can't change that."

"Mystery," Joey laid his hand on my cheek.

"Joey, stop before I-" Joey quickly went to kiss me gently. Tears dripped from my eyes because I was angry and confused that I loved him as well. Joey's scent only made it more compelling for me to kiss him. I couldn't help that I felt emotionally attached to him.

"I'm probably being a bit of a bad Christian, but you're worth it." Joey walked into Kora's room, leaving me shocked. Half of me wanted Joey to back off, but the other half had a deep lust for him that I had to keep under control.

"Well, that Joey sure is persistent." Hamish said opening the door.

"Back off Hamish," but I was the one backing away.

"Poor Jason wouldn't like to know that you've been kissing around. Maybe a little kiss could make it all go away."

"You're a jerk, you know that?"

"Maybe, but you can't change me- or Jason."

"Why would I want Jason to change?" Hamish had backed me into a wall just like before.

"Well, you hate that he still goes around killing people when he could be spending time with you. But you can't take him away from that. It's who he is and he would be weak without blood. You said at the start you didn't mind, but it does get to you when you spend more time with him and, well- fall in love."

"Falling in love is not wanting to change your partners."

"Oh, but every girl eventually feels that way, and we guys have no choice but to 'cause we still love you girls. I know you feel that way; you're just like every other girl. And I know girls like me."

"I do not like you, I love Jason. Why can't everyone get that straight? Why can't everyone just leave me and Jason alone?!"

"Because Jason isn't right for you." Hamish cupped his hands on my face. I pushed Hamish away, even though I was scared of him.

"Well that isn't your job to tell me, is it? Just go Hamish. I will not be blackmailed into kissing you."

"So be it." Hamish smiled then slammed the door after him. I wanted Jason with me, so the best thing I could do was text him.

'I miss you babe,' I texted.

'Miss you too babe, what's up?'

'I want to kiss you again.'

'U no how much I would love 2 make out with u 4 da whole day? It frustrates me dat we have 2 b separated 4 a while. But I meant my words. I'll c u at da party.'

'I 3 u babe.'

'I 3 u 2.' Tears streamed through my eyes. Jason knew how to cheer me up. If only I could hear him say it….. I had never wanted to go to a party so much. The only thing left for me to do was handle Kora. I could handle Joey staying here, but I couldn't handle him trying to kiss me or Kora watching my every move. I had to pay up this time if I was ever going to stop her. Yeah, all I have to do is not look at Joey.

At first I was afraid I might catch Kora and Joey making out like they used to, but those days were over. Kora was on her bed crying over a book that had a picture of the devil on the front. Joey was on his mattress reading a bible.

"OK, what do you want?" I demanded.

"Hm, for the price not to tell on you or not to follow you? That's gonna cost ya your purple dress." Kora kept her eyes on her book not crying anymore.

"Deal."

"But I want it when I ask for it." I thought hard about it, but I couldn't see any alternative.

"Fine by me."

"There's one more thing I want in exchange for keeping the sex secret."

"What do you want?"

"The rose."

"No way, that's too important to me. Jason gave it to me. Please, anything else!" Joey sat up as if he were asking her to obey me.

"The rose-is what I want." I imagined Kora ripping the rose apart petal after petal while laughing.

"No, tell her. I don't care anymore. I won't spoil my relationship!"

"Mum!"

"Yes sweetie?" Mum came rushing to the door to stand beside me.

"Mystery had-"

"OK!" I panicked then went to get the rose.

"What did Mystery have?" Mum asked calmly.

"Mystery had my rose, but she's giving it back."

"Good girl."

"And she kissed Joey."

"What?!" Mum's un-expecting slap made my cheek burn. "You little slut." Mum stormed off to her room. I threw the rose at Kora.

"I hate you." I slammed my door then sobbed on my bed.

The Party

The only thing I feared was if Kora were to wear the rose and Jason would find out. That rose meant a lot to Jason to give to me, and I just gave it away for my selfish reasons. But Kora didn't wear the rose to the party; she just wore a tight pink top with skinny jeans. This only made me more paranoid; she could have destroyed it already. Well, I guess it would be better than Jason seeing it with her.

Instead of wearing anything fancy or sluty, I just wore my black dress that went down to just above my knees showing no cleavage. But because I didn't want to embarrass Kora or anything if someone asked her if I was her sister and had no make-up. So I let Kora put the pinkest lip gloss, black eye liner and a little bit of blush on me. I felt like a clown.

Joey wasn't going to the party; he was going to the arcade to play basketball with his mates. Joey was always more sociable than me, but hardly ever went to party's. I looked around in Kora's room as I sat, but I couldn't see the rose.

"You still have the rose, right?" I was a bit afraid to ask.

"Oh yes, it's hanging up somewhere," Kora said casually. Hanging up? What's that supposed to mean? "Remember, I go in first."

"Oh no, I'm going with Jason in his van."

"Whatever. OK-done!" Kora shoved me off the bed to show me the mirror on the wall. My gosh, my make-up made me look good. I hate this- I'm going against my personal rule of not wearing any make-up- but I look nice.

"What the hell did you do?"

"I made you more pretty, stupid. Now let's go, I don't want to be late."

"You said more pretty," I smiled. Kora punched me on the shoulder but tried to hide her smile.

I had to pay the cab driver fifteen dollars to drive to Jason's house because he was still busy. He didn't really get lost because the main light was on in Jason's house.

"Thank you," I said to the cab driver then went to knock on the door.

"Ah, Tory! How wonderful to see you. Jason won't be far away." Max smiled. I felt a chilling tap on my shoulder then I was being lifted into the air from my back.

"Jason!" I squeezed Jason tightly, not wanting to let him go. Jason laughed then set me down. "Where are the others?"

"In the van. So, listen, do we really have to go to this party?" a sudden anger rose in my stomach.

"Look Jason, we are going whether you like it or not!" What came over me?

"OK, but I just don't see why it's so important to you," Jason remained calm.

"I'm sorry. I just- if this party doesn't make you happy we'll leave."

"No, I can't take you away from your first party." Jason noticed my dress. "May I say you look hot?"

"I wouldn't use those words-" Jason scooped me up in bridal-style.

"No, my girlfriend deserves the best!" He carried me to the back seat where Lily was. To my surprise Lily was actually dressed up; she wore jeans and a big top that showed her green singlet on her shoulder.

At first I thought it was just nerves until I saw Amy's house and people going. I kind of wanted to go in, but my legs were completely numb.

"Here we are," Hamish announced. Hamish had his hair spiked up with gel, a leather jacket and jeans on.

"You guys go in," I said.

"Are you kidding? I'm not going in without my girl." Jason looked concerned.

"Well I'm not going in without a girl by my side. It would look like I'm single. I am, but that's not the point." Hamish crossed his arms.

"Well I'm not going in there at all. You guys know I can't go in. They will know something's wrong with me. I will not be the freak of the party." Lily crossed her arms.

"Both of you can wait outside." Jason ordered, they glared but obeyed. There was an awkward silence for a moment.

"You know it's my first party, right. I mean, because they know what I'm like."

"Well, if it's any consolation, this is my first…. human party since I've been a vampire. It's the same for Lily, she's ashamed of what she is and even swearing reminds her of her friends."

"Why do you still hang out with them?"

"Their mates Mist." I nodded.

"OK fine, let's go then." my legs were wide awake. I wanted to talk to Lily, because well, we're both girls. "Hi Lily," I greeted.

"Hey," she said emotionless.

"So, what's the big deal with your human friends anyway?"

"My friends aren't stupid; they are the sort of people who can spot losers a mile away. I used to be popular. Now look at me, I'm a pale loser vampire. Who'd want to be friends with me? They'd just stare at me weirdly and think I'd kill people, then the cops would have to be involved and they'd be blamed and under stress…."

"Are you joking? Vampires' rock! I mean, you have super speed and strength. Some people would kill for what you have. If people knew you they'd envy you. Imagine how much popularity you'd get. I really think you're over thinking this."

"I think your exaggerating, but thanks. I guess I have to face my fears some day." Lily was smiling now, but stopped when she saw Amy and Mazy at the door. They were in short black skirts and pink singlets. At first I feared they would make a remark about what I'm wearing or be surprised that I actually showed. Instead they just smiled and gave me compliments, but I could still see behind those fake smiles that it was a lot of effort.

"Were so glad you could make it. Hey, you actually wore make up!" Amy smiled. I was surprised that people weren't actually pointing or laughing at me, but then I just assumed Amy made an announcement to be nice to me. I'm guessing if I don't play tennis Tom will get the scholarship.

"Oh my god! Is that fucking Lily Skylar?!" Three girls made their way over to Lily and Hamish.

"Hi guys," Lily said.

"We thought you ditched us! Hey, who's this?" they fluttered their eyes at Hamish.

"He's my boyfriend. He's like always so horny for me." I'm guessing their 'relationship' is just for show.

"So you guys fuck a lot?" Lily nodded then started fully making out with Hamish. But if I didn't know these two, I'd say the kiss was genuine. The girls were too busy squealing to notice Hamish and Lily looking away blushing.

"You know, we'd probably be pissed if you showed up with no explanation to why you've been gone so long. But we totally understand now!" they shrieked.

"Yeah, that's what it was- guy problems."

"Guy problems? How could you have guy problems with a hunk like this? Oh we totally forgot. You have to meet our boyfriends! I'm sure my sister would totally want to hear from you." one of the girls dragged Lily away while Hamish followed and growled at any guy that looked at her.

"Well enjoy the party. Help yourselves to the beer." Amy handed me a bottle of beer and walked away before I could protest. I wasn't used to beer, so it tasted horrible.

"I want you to meet my friends that will be helping us with the Anna situation." Jason pushed me towards four guys that blended well; you couldn't tell if they were vampires or not. "Hey guys, this is Mystery. This is Lucas, Nick, Namone and Lest." They were all dressed in black with black hair like Jason and were taller. It somehow felt like they were older than Jason is well. They nodded at me as if to say 'hi'. Jason got into deep conversation to catching up with them which made me feel out of place, so I left quietly, not that they'd notice.

The party had music going but no one was dancing, they just stood like statues talking in groups and drinking beer. The place smelt like alcohol and sweat mixed together. Two couples were just making out on the couch. Even if Jason was by my side I would refuse to be one of those couples…. It was just a way of showing everyone you had a hook-up partner and were deeply in love… or something along those lines. I could think from the top of my head better places to make out. I'd prefer somewhere private like the lawn or a tree or a locked room.

Instead of acting like a dummy by just standing here, I walked into the kitchen to drink in piece. I was perfectly relaxed and calm until Tom walked beside me also drinking his beer making my body tense. It was never a good chat with him.

"So he abandoned you to be with his mates, huh?" Tom was pleased with himself.

"Other way around Tom. Why would they be interested in talking to me?"

"All the same, I wouldn't leave you out if you were my girlfriend. No one hits on my girlfriend and gets away with it."

"Tom, why are you even talking to me? I blew you off, remember?"

"Uh, well, you can't blame a guy for trying."

"Please Tom; I don't want to do this again."

"You know that you're better off with me." Tom went serious.

"No, I'm not. I'm not better off with you, Joey, or Hamish. So you can all back the hell off!"

""Mystery…" Tom grabbed my arms.

"Stop Tom!" everyone in the kitchen turned to look at me making me blush. Jason rushed to my side immediately. Oh sure, he cares about me when I'm in trouble.

"What's going on?" Jason frowned at me.

"It's OK, he gets the message."

"Why would I leave you alone when this Jackass can't look after his girlfriend properly? A lot of things can happen at parties."

"Back off pipsqueak!" I could almost feel the tension Jason held as he got closer to Tom, but Tom didn't back off or look scared.

"How much are you willing to fight for her?" Tom glared.

"Stop it!" I didn't want to see them get hurt.

"You're willing to bet your life? Or are you too worried about your reputation? You know, that you can get in any girls pants?" Tom looked away embarrassed. "Reputation it is. Now get lost." Jason pushed Tom away then sat on the stool to the kitchen table.

"Huh, I could kill you blindfolded, dick!" Jason stood then kicked Tom to the wall. "Is that all you got?" Jason punched Tom to the ground.

"You want me to beat you up in front of all these people?" Tom stared at Jason angrily then looked at me in sympathy.

"Jason," I said firmly.

"He'll be fine." Jason hugged me.

"You are a fucking asshole!" Tom yelled still on the ground.

"Oh, look who's a sad loser." Jason laughed then others joined him. Tom got up to punch Jason in the nose, but no blood came out.

"Stop it now! Or I'll have neither of you." I stepped in the middle before it could go any further. Jason looked at me as if I was serious, I was, and so Jason calmed down then putted up his hands as a sign of peace. I could tell by Toms glare that this wasn't over- Tom walked out of the house still angry.

"I'll see you later," Jason left. What was the whole point in the fight then? There wasn't; all fights are pointless anyway. I felt awkward with all the eyes on me so I walked into the living room where Amy was doing a toast on a table with wine in her hand.

"To Lily Winks death! May this party remind us how cool she was." Everyone cheered then the lights went out then rays of bright colours flooded the room. The music turned up and everyone started dancing, screaming and kissing randomly. I figured that I should join in by wailing my arms and body about to the song as I drunk from my bottle. By the time the first song was halfway I went to get another bottle. It went on like that for what seemed like forever until I had finished my fifth bottle then the world started spinning. Peoples sweat showed me I had been dancing for quiet a while. If Hamish hadn't caught me I would have completely blacked out.