xxi.

"Princess," a voice whispered in my ear, and a hand ran through my hair. "Wake up."

I groaned and rolled over, grabbing the hand and holding it to my face. I opened my eyes slowly to see Dwayne kneeling in front of me, a worried smile on his face. "Hey," I mumbled before letting go of him and stretching my body. I clutched unfamiliar sheets and looked around in confusion. Why was I in Star's bed?

Oh.

I turned back to Dwayne and grabbed his hand, kissing his palm. "How'd you sleep."

"Terrible."

I huffed and nodded. "Me too." It wasn't a lie. My bones felt stiff, and I was still tired though I slept the entire day. Though holding Star helped a bit, it was nothing compared to being with my boys. "When did you guys get up?"

"Only a minute ago. Couldn't wait to see you again. It was weird without you there."

I pulled myself up and stretched my limbs up again. I let out a loud yawn and shook my head, trying to wake up. A sharp pain hit my lower stomach, and I flinched involuntarily, moving to grab at my flesh. Dwayne gave me a sad look and grabbed one of my hands, locking our fingers together.

"You should drink from me," Dwayne mumbled, leaning in a bit.

I shook my head. "No, I shouldn't always have to take from you guys."

"Please," Dwayne whispered, giving me a look that had me nodding almost instantly. Dwayne smiled and pulled himself up a bit so my mouth was level with his neck. "Go ahead."

I didn't waste time. I bit into him and took long pulls of blood from him, almost moaning at the taste. Dwayne wrapped an arm around me, moving his hand up and down my back in a reassuring manner. I pulled away after only a few seconds, not wanting to take too much. "Thank you," I whispered, licking the remaining blood from my lips.

Dwayne nodded and pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry for last night."

I shook my head. "You're not the one who's supposed to be apologizing."

Dwayne huffed and pulled away. "I know. I'm just sorry for not stepping in."

"You're forgiven," I stated simply and pressed a kiss to his lips.

I stood from the bed and looked around the cave with only mild interest. The boys seemed to be getting ready to leave, but David was watching me, a look in his eyes I didn't understand. I watched him lift his hand and motion for me to come to him.

I hesitated for a moment, but after Dwayne pressed a kiss to my temple and pushed me forward a bit, I made my way over to him. David reached his arms out and pulled me onto his lap. I tensed at the action, the argument from the night before still on my mind.

David took a deep breath and took one of my hands in his. "I'm sorry." It was two words, but his voice held deep meaning. "I'll admit that it's weird to say that because I never really say it – ask any of the boys – but I'm truly sorry. I got too emotional and didn't think when I was speaking. I was trying to look out for you and the others, but obviously, fighting didn't do very much." David laughed a hard laugh and shook his head. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for getting angry and doubting Star and making you mad. I'm sorry that I don't think before I talk. Please forgive me."

"You're forgiven," I stated, and David immediately pulled me into a long kiss. It was obvious that he was trying to convey his emotions during it. I had to pull away from it, out of breath and a bit flustered. "And I'm sorry as well." David looked at me in confusion. "I should have at least given you a second to defend yourself, but I got defensive and mad. I shouldn't have done that."

David smiled and shook his head. "That's fine. You're fine."

"So, what are your plans for tonight," I questioned, twirling a piece of his hair in my hand.

David grinned at the action. "We're going to go scare Michael a bit, go to the boardwalk and find a meal, probably steal you something." I rolled my eyes but nodded. "Are you coming with?"

I shook my head, pursing my lips. "No, I think today's going to be a bad day," I mumbled, thinking about how I had woken up to immediate cramps. "Don't think I can go out."

David nodded in understanding, his face turning concerned. "Do you want one of us to stay with you? I'm sure Paul would love to - or Marko."

I shook my head again. "No, it's fine. I'll hang out with Star and Laddie. I'm sure we'll find something to do."

David seemed to not want to take my answer, but he nodded. "We'll make sure to feed a bit more than usual so you can drink plenty, okay?"

I grinned. "Thank you, David."

"Anything for my girl."

I bent down and pressed my lips against his as a goodbye kiss before standing from the chair. I went to each of the boys and kissed them softly, though Paul had grabbed my ass during his, and bid them all a good night. They left after a few minutes of complaining to which I had to push them toward the entrance with a 'stay safe and don't die again, please.'

Once they had finally disappeared, I turned to face Star who was already staring at me. "So, I guess you heard me and David talking, huh?" Star nodded. "I'm guessing you want to know what the argument was about." She nodded. "Laddie listening to music?" Star nodded. "Okay."

I motioned for her to follow me, and I led us to the couch. I plopped down and kicked up my feet on a makeshift table in front of it. She sat down with her hands in her lap. "I don't want to intrude. I just heard my name, and I don't want to be the reason you guys get in arguments and stuff." Her voice was wobbly as she spoke, and I quickly shook my head.

"No, no, no, it wasn't your fault. Well, not really. I mean, you couldn't have stopped it." I paused and pursed my lips. "After some activities last night." I coughed. "David asked me in a rude manner who Michael was to you and basically said he didn't know if he could trust you. I told him he was being ridiculous and that you would never betray us because even if we're terrible, we're family. I don't think you could betray us, at least I hope you wouldn't. I know our circumstances aren't the best, but I feel like you could get used to it."

Star looked taken aback by my words. "You believe in me that much?"

"Of course. I told you last night. You're my sister. I'm not letting you go."

Star lunged forward and pulled me into a hug, burying her face in my shoulder. "I'm sorry I'm making you have to wait so long. You don't understand how thankful I am that you're here with me. I don't know what I would do without you, to be honest."

I rubbed her back and smiled a bit. "Of course, Star. Take your time." Star held me for a few seconds before pulling away. "I do have something I need to talk to you about, though." Star looked at me in confusion, and I bit my lip. I wasn't sure I was supposed to tell her about this, but maybe it would help her accept everything. "It's about Michael."

"Michael? What about him?"

I scratched my nose and took a deep breath. "So, this might sound completely insane, but what if I told you that Michael was your soulmate?"

Star's face went blank. "I- I don't know. I mean-"

"Hey, hey, hey," I calmed her down, "it's okay. I just need you to answer a question or two." Star nodded slowly. "When you saw him for the first time that night, tell me what you felt."

Star took a moment to think before she spoke. "I don't know. I was in the concert that Paul wanted to go to, and I felt someone staring at me, and I turned and met his eyes, and something inside my head was like 'this is him. This is the one you've been waiting for.' I was confused and startled so I grabbed Laddie's hand and led him to the bikes to get back to you and talk, but he followed me. I think maybe he felt it too, or maybe it was lust. Either way, I could pick his heartbeat, his breathing, his footsteps out of everyone on the boardwalk, and it scared me, but it intrigued me." I nodded and encouraged her to keep going. "Then, last night, I saw him while he was looking at piercings, and I couldn't stop myself from walking up to him. Then, he was offering me dinner, and I was going to get on his bike, and then you guys showed up." Star shook her head and frowned. "I should have just stayed away, Eva. Maybe he wouldn't have gotten dragged into this. Maybe he wouldn't have to go through this too."

I grabbed Star's hands to calm her down and gave her a smile. "I've been reading some of Dwayne's books that he has. I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to, but what's he gonna do about it?" I laughed a bit before getting back on topic. "I think that even though you're only a half-vampire, you found your mate on accident. I mean, from what you describe, that's definitely what it sounds like. I know it's a weird concept but think about it. If Michael becomes a vampire and you follow through, you'll be together forever. You'll have him like I have my boys."

"I think I'd like that," Star whispered, staring at her lap. "I think I'd like that a lot."

"David's been a bit rough with you because he's scared you're not going to follow through, but when you're doubting, think about this: you're going to have five brothers, a sister, and a lover that'll stick by your side forever. We'll get to watch this world tear itself apart and sit back and laugh because we're not going to get hurt. We all look out for each other because that's what family does, and they're ready to accept you completely. Just give in to your urges." I winced a bit as a sharp cramp hit me.

My ears perked up a bit as I heard a motorcycle pull up outside, but it didn't sound like one of my boys'. I looked at Star confused, but she was staring at the entrance with an entranced look. "Is that? Can you tell if it's him?"

"It's Michael," Star whispered.

I stood from the couch a bit too quickly but rushed around, grabbing Laddie's favorite book, the stereo, and his art supplies. Rain stood from his position beside Laddie and followed me around. He had been sitting around with Laddie most of the time, and I was thankful for it. "I'm going to take Laddie to my room. Whatever you do, make sure you're dressed by night time tomorrow." I moved to where Laddie was, knowing I didn't have much time left to get out of sight. "Star, please don't tell him anything. Let the boys tell him. Stay safe."

Star sent me an appreciative smile, and I pulled Laddie up from the ground, pulling him behind me right as I heard Michael enter the cave. "Where are we going, mom," Laddie questioned, walking behind me easily.

"We're going to stay in the room for the night. I know you won't like it much, but we have to leave Star alone. Okay, bud?" I looked over my shoulder to see Laddie nodding. I grinned and opened the bedroom door, setting his stuff down on the bed. Laddie climbed on easily and grabbed the stereo so he could put in a cassette.

I went through the room and lit a few more candles before dropping on the bed beside him. "Well, the boys won't get back for a few hours, so what do you want to do?"

The next few hours were spent doing random activities while mostly staying in the room. At one point, I let him run off to take a shower as I knew the main room wouldn't be able to hear it, but he was back about thirty minutes later, and I gave him one of Paul's shirts to use for the night with his own underwear. It would do. We went through time drawing, coloring, dancing, and reading to him, and soon, he was passed out on the bed right in the middle with Rain curled around him. I had just pulled on an oversized shirt when I heard the familiar hoots and hollers of my boys. I moved and opened the door quickly so they all flew in one after the other.

Paul immediately enveloped me in his arms and pulled me into a kiss, grinning the entire time and making our teeth clack together. "I didn't get to see you this morning," he yelled out as he pulled away. I covered his mouth with my hand and shushed him, tilting my head back to motion at Laddie. His eyes followed, and his eyes went wide. "Sorry," he whispered against my hand, and I grinned as I pulled my hand away from him. He immediately pulled me into another kiss, and I screeched as I was pulled away from him.

Marko was holding me now, and he gave me a grin before kissing me like Paul had. I rolled my eyes and complied. "Guessing you missed me as well," I teased when I pulled away.

"Well, of course," Marko replied, a grin taking over his face. "I missed you last morning as well."

I gave him a sad smile. "I'm sorry. I missed you too, though." I placed my hand on his cheek, and he nuzzled his face into it. Marko kissed me once more before placing me back on the ground.

"We got you something today, doll," David spoke up. I looked over to him to see him holding a box out in front of him. I raised my eyebrows and moved over to him. I reached out to grab it only for him to lift it above his head. "Can I get a kiss first?"

I shook my head and gave him a lopsided grin but complied, giving him a short and soft kiss. David hummed in appreciation before handing me the box. I sat down on the bed and quickly opened it, grinning at the content inside. Sitting on the inside was a necklace with four hearts hanging from it. After lifting it from the box and inspecting it, I noticed that each of their initials was carved into a heart.

"We know we get you a lot of jewelry, but it's like one of the only things that last for a really long time, y'know, and you seem to like it, so," Marko trailed off, and I looked up at them, biting my lip as my lips formed into a smile.

"I love it," I stated, emotion raw in my voice.

Dwayne stepped forward and offered to help me put it on. His cold hands clasped it around my neck easily, and I played with the hearts sitting on it. After clasping it, he pressed a short kiss to the back of my neck before moving away.

I could feel the sun rising, and I yawned quietly. The boys took that as a cue to start getting ready for bed. "Let me tell you something," Paul began as he took off his mesh shirt, "seeing Star in bed with Michael was so gross. Like, that's my sister. I don't want to see that!"

"So that's what they're doing," I questioned, shaking my head. "Gross."

Paul and Marko laughed, and David sent me a small smile over his shoulder. "So, mates," he questioned.

I nodded and stared at the door. "From what she tells me, yeah. I think they're mates. Maybe it'll help us get him to join and her to finish. Either way, she's not leaving anytime soon."

David nodded and shoved his pants down his legs. "We talked to Max. He said that things are going well with his new lover, but that the younger brother, Sam, might be a bit of an issue as he is becoming friends with the Frog brothers." I rolled my eyes at the name of the two. They ruined everything, didn't they? "We're going to show Michael what he is tomorrow, try to get him to drink."

I nodded and bit my lip again. "Please be safe."

The boys each responded with their own form of 'of course,' and I watched Dwayne pick up Laddie and Rain and move them to the side of the bed. Then, we each climbed in and fell asleep with the thought of tomorrow on our minds.

MrsMalfoy-19:

Great chapter! I absolutely LOVE it when Marko initiates the sexy times amongst the group he's my FAV I also am really happy that Evie is sticking to her guns and showing the boys she won't bend to their every will, but also she really should get a move on and mate with them fully as a full vampire. I wonder...what if she gets pregnant as a half vampire? Do you have any plans for your plot with a twist like that? Please update soon!

Hey! Glad to know you like it. I put this here so I could address the question. I'll say now that no she will not be getting pregnant. I kind of figure that once you become half, it's like 100 times harder to get pregnant because your body won't allow it as it's transitioning toward the dead, y'know? Also, we have Laddie! Laddie is her kid in every way but biological, and I think I'll probably just stick to that. Plus, as much as the guys having an actual kid is absolutely hilarious to me because imagine Paul and Marko trying to figure out how to take care of an infant is just a funny thought, I don't doubt that they would absolutely not want one. I mean, you become a vampire to get rid of the worries of growing up and having to actually face responsibilities, and a kid is A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY. AnYwAY, NO there will not be a kid. I'm sorry.

P.S. .. go follow my Instagram! It's