Guy ran through the city, tears in his eyes. He had no driver's licence. And no time. The phone call had been short, but it told him everything he needed to know. He hoped he remembered the way to his father's apartment. If only he could use his vampire speed, this would've been so much easier. So much faster. But this was New York. There were more people there than in some countries, and he couldn't let anyone see him.
He pushed through crowds, yelling apologies on the way. Finally, he was next to what he was almost sure was the right building. Guy ran up the stairs and saw the door.
Phew.
This was the right place. The right door. He stared at this door for a long time while his parents were talking. Parents. Weird to hear the word. Anyway, there was no time to think about that. He pulled the doorknob. It was locked. Of course it was. Okay…
One…
Two…
Three…
He jumped at the door. It fell because of his vampire strength. Once inside, he saw Lucas on the floor. He wasn't moving. Guy stood up as fast as he could and ran to him.
-Dad!- the word came out all on its own. He's never called Lucas that, but seeing him bloody and motionless, he couldn't think of anything else to say.
He kneeled next to Lucas's body.
-Dad,- he gently touched his shoulder. -Dad?
-Guy.- Lucas whispered, barely audible.
-Dad!- Guy bit into his wrist. He held the quickly healing wound to his father's mouth. The bleeding on Lucas's neck stopped and his eyes slowly opened. Guy hugged him.
The two of them just hugged for a few seconds. After that, Guy slightly pulled back.
-What happened?
-Strawberry Meadows happened.
-What? What do you mean? I mean, I love strawberry meadows, Mommy took me to one when I was a little kid, but I don't see…
-No, no, Guy, Strawberry Meadows is a vampire. First name Strawberry. Last name Meadows. She's a part of Derek's gang.
-But… but Derek's gang wants to kill me. Why would they come after you?
-To hurt you, son, to hurt you.
Lucas stood up and looked at Guy. His son still had tears in his eyes. Right now, seeing him like this, it was hard for him to believe he was only seeing the boy for second time. He couldn't express how lucky he was that Guy had picked up instead of Ella. Explaining this to her would've been much harder. Especially the part with Strawberry. That vampire was, after all, a rebound.
-How did you know her name?
-Whose name?- Lucas snapped out of his train of thought and looked at a confused Guy.
-Strawberry's. Did she introduce herself?
-Uhhh… Yes. That's what happened. Yes.
That wasn't exactly a lie. Strawberry did introduce herself. Just… a long time ago.