"Some of them want to use you, some of them want to be used by you"

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics

"WHERE WERE YOU?" David demanded abruptly as the pair came into view. His irritation was tempered only by the satisfying meal they'd just shared. Sevyn's lateness had made them easy targets for the lingering girls looking for their chance.

"Sevyn saw us with those girls so she thought she could go get herself laid," Marko explained needlessly. He exchanged a knowing glance with David, the two having a silent conversation. Sevyn pushed him indignantly.

"Excuse you, I was not trying to get laid. I was making a friend before you got all salty about it and threw a fit. And even if I was trying to get laid, there's nothing wrong with that. I like sex and it's been too long since I've gotten some."

"Well, that's too bad," David drawled. Marko's grin widened.

"Why is that, David?" Sevyn challenged.

"We own you," David stated flatly.

Sevyn's eyes widened in disbelief at his audacity. "Excuse me? You what?!" She obviously didn't hear him right.

"We own you, kitten. At least until this is over," David clarified, casually lighting a cigarette. Paul scoffed quietly, knowing full well they wouldn't be letting her go anytime soon.

"No one owns me! I'm my own person," Sevyn insisted, crossing her arms petulantly.

"See, that's where you're wrong. You're ours now." David declared with a malicious grin full of pure male arrogance.

"Aw, babe, don't you want to be our girl? That hurts," Paul teased with a pout. His anger at some punk flirting with Sevyn had been replaced by possessive satisfaction. They were finally claiming the pink-haired girl and he was all for it.

"How does helping you equate to ownership?" Sevyn asked firmly while ignoring Paul, though a strange thrill ran through her.

Apparently, feminism has left her body.

"You don't need to split your time between us and some asshole. I'm sure if you need something one of the boys will give it to you." David offered with infuriating nonchalance.

"I volunteer first!" Paul shouted, raising his hand.

"Shut up, Paul," David growled.

"You're sounding awfully possessive there, David. Is it possible you like me?" Sevyn teased, hoping to change the subject. It was easier to try and make David mad, that was safer territory. She was confused by the feeling that came along with being declared their property.

She liked it a little too much, but she'd be damned before admitting that out loud.

"Not a chance. You're an annoying little pest who steals our shit, but you happen to be useful," David scoffed.

"Oo, I think you do like me, David. I think you find my quirks endearing," Sevyn purred mockingly.

"Stealing my shit isn't a quirk it's annoying and I'm going to kill you if you keep doing it," David threatened.

Sevyn bit her plush lower lip, trying not to smile, and made a noncommittal noise in response. He liked her. She was certain of it.

"Hey, Sevyn, what does salty mean?" Paul asked.

"It means you're acting bitter or irritated. Like David, he's always salty about something," Sevyn replied with a grin. Paul and Marko just crowed with laughter in response while David rolled his eyes. Clearly, he was done with her.

Dwayne shook his head. He liked Sevyn so he didn't mind this new development. The memory of their kiss and those pictures lingered, making his blood heat up. His gaze drifted over her petite form.

Yeah, he definitely didn't mind.

Without a word, Paul snatched Sevyn's glasses and took off, Marko close behind. She shrieked in protest, chasing them while hurling threats and insults, though her laughter softened her curses.

The other vampires followed silently as they approached the carousel. Its tinny music was a siren song, drawing them in.

Sevyn tackled Paul from behind, miraculously he stayed upright.

Reclaiming her glasses, she growled, "Don't steal my glasses, you bastard," she did her best David impression.

Paul raised an eyebrow, teasing, "Oh, so you don't like it when people take your things?"

She scoffed and hopped onto the carousel, Marko assisting her. She stuck out her tongue at Paul, who winked in response. A blush crept up her cheeks before she could hide it, annoyed at their ability to fluster her.

"Aw, you're blushing, babe!" He called after her, laughing. Sevyn scoffed and started weaving her way around the carousel. "Hey! Come back, I'm just teasin'!"

Humming, she circled the ride before settling on a black stallion with a colorful saddle. As she waited for the others, she spotted a familiar couple in a sleigh just ahead of her. Realization dawned.

The boys joined her, surrounding her on the carousel. Marko and Paul flanked her, while David and Dwayne covered her horse's front and back. Their possessive gesture was unmistakable and oddly endearing.

"Look, boys, it's showtime," Sevyn announced, gesturing to Greg and Shelly. Malicious grins spread across the vampires' faces.

David's curt nod was his version of approval. She figured that was the best she'd get from him.

For now.

The vampires broke away to stalk their prey, Paul leaving a lingering kiss on Sevyn's cheek. Anticipation thrummed through her. This was happening. A giddy grin spread across her face.

She watched intently as the wild boys approached the couple, David ensnaring Shelly with a glance and a soft touch. The inevitable fight erupted, Greg lunging at David, only to be met with force from the vampires.

Shelly's presence made the fight awkward, but it didn't matter because Greg was clearly outmatched. Sevyn felt a surge of excitement. Maybe Paul was right, and she had a hidden bloodlust.

Unfortunately, a security guard intervened, restraining David. The vampire's fury was brief.

Sevyn couldn't hear what was being said, but she didn't need to, to know what was going on. After David's release, he gave her a pointed look before walking away with the other boys following dutifully. She sighed and joined behind them.

Spotting Greg and Shelly, she smirked and waved tauntingly. Their increased anger only fueled her amusement.

Giggling, she caught up with the group, linking arms with Paul and Marko. "That was awesome! I wish I'd recorded it," she lamented.

Dwayne chuckled. "Next time, pretty girl. We'll be sure you get a good shot."

"That's all I ask," she replied dramatically.

At their motorcycles, Sevyn slumped against Marko, feigning disappointment. "Goodnight, boys. As much as I want to watch you feed," she lamented sarcastically, "I think I'll pass. I'm not ready for that."

Marko bumped her playfully with his shoulder. "You'll get used to it. You'd be surprised what you can do to survive."

She ignored his comment. He was right, no one knew what they were capable of until they were in the situation. They might like to think they know, but they don't. "Yeah, well, I'm a runner, not a fighter. Happy hunting!" She called out as she made her way to a safe place to blink away.

And so it began.