CHAPTER 7: THE FOUNTAIN

The principal sat behind his desk trying his best to look stern and in control when in fact he was scared out of his wits. Gustav sat cross-legged in front on me and totally composed. He regarded the principal with bored eyes, making it overly obvious that his time was being wasted on nonsense like Melanie’s innocence and my emotional breakdown which lead to destruction of school property. The principal was planning on suspending me for a week.
“Ms. Lacriox’s actions have been monitored by the faculty and there were earlier instances that she demonstrated inappropriate behavior within the campus—”

“Is my child that dangerous that you order your subordinates to spy on her rather than do their real job as teachers?” Gustav interrupted. “Mr. Daniels you’ve wasted my time with your insignificant speeches. I suggest we cut to the chase so everybody can go home.”
The principal stared at my maker like he was really seeing him for the first time. I could count the beads of sweat that trickled down the side of his face and he looked like he was on the verge of fainting.

Gustav continued his onslaught. “My daughter would never attack anyone if she wasn’t provoked to in the first place. That Melanie girl pushed her to the edge and I think she got a lot less than she really deserves.” He gently touched my ruined hair. “Just look at what she did. Being a parent, I know that girls value their hair as much as they do their lives. If I were in Sanguine’s place, my reaction wouldn’t be any less than she had demonstrated. And furthermore, if you’re so keen on making a big fuss about the plastic tray, I would gladly replace it with a hundred more.” Gustav sat back looking very smug.

Snip. Snip. Snip. The monotonous sound of the scissors cutting through my hair bounced off the walls of our empty house. Gustav was no coiffeur but he knew what he was doing and I entrusted my hair to him without a second thought.

“It’s not as bad as I thought it would be.” I rotated my head side to side, examining my new hairdo. The bubblegum had done so much damage that a haircut was inevitable. “Though I look like a emo now.”
“I’m sorry cherie but I did try my best to save your hair.”
“It’s just so unfair that Melanie got away with all of this. The principal is totally on her side.” I complained.
“The principal won’t do anything to punish her but her father will.” Gustav smiled.
My head snapped up and I flashed my maker a confused look. “What do you mean?”
“There are still some things I haven’t told you, cherie. Melanie’s father doesn’t own the Hunky Dory toy factory. He was only appointed as the president.”
“Your point being?”
“I am one of the major stockholders of that company and anything he does to upset me – which he already did through his daughter – will greatly affect his job.” Gustav twirled the scissors on his finger. “I’m sure Melanie is getting her just rewards right now.”

I reclined on the sofa and rested my feet on Gustav’s lap. “That somehow made me real happy.”
“Cherie, there is one thing I’ve been meaning to ask you. Who was that boy I saw you with?”
I stiffened briefly but forced myself to relax. “Oh. That was Jesse. He’s a junior.”
“You two looked very friendly with each other.”
“Gustav it’s nothing. We eat lunch together sometimes and he just happened to be there when this…” I gestured to my hair. “…happened. He stopped me from attacking Melanie.”
Gustav looked skeptical. “He was able to hold you back?”
I stopped to think. “Yeah…he did.”

Come to think of it he was very strong for a human.
“Have you noticed anything different in him aside from his strength?”
“No.”
Gustav nodded his head. “Well the important thing is that he stopped you. Things could be a lot worse if you killed Melanie.”
“I admit, the world would be a lot better with one less bitch but then we’d be on the run again.”
“Exactly, no matter how much they hurt us we must remember always that they’re just humans and we can’t kill them. We need them as cover.” He concluded.

I was touching my hair all day. I think I would never get used to it. Melanie did a great job with her revenge. She made my life miserable alright, but this wasn’t over yet.

As I drove my bike through town the next day, I saw a press conference being held in front of the town hall. The mayor was being bombarded with questions related with his son’s death.
“Mayor Matthews, did your son have disputes of any kind which could have led to his murder?” one reporter asked.
“Not that I know of, my son was a kind and upright young man who cared for his studies and he never got in a fight.”
The mayor sure had thick skin. Any sympathy I might have felt for him was replaced with disgust. The town knew of Toby’s exploits and yet he chose to praise him with words like “kind” and “upright”.

“The mayor’s completely out of his mind.”
I rotated my torso to the sound of the unfamiliar voice. Leaning against a tall birch tree was the Shade. Her long hair fluttered in the cool morning wind. The sight of her long tresses sent a pang of jealousy through my veins. She looked fragile and weak in the light. Her skin was translucent and had a powdery appearance. Her ashen eyes looked past me and straight at the mayor.
“His son was a monster.”

She seemed different from our last meeting in the locker room where I had almost made a meal out of her. I wondered if she retained any memory from that day.
“I remember our first encounter very clearly.”
I froze and met her steely eyes. “You can read minds?”
She shook her head. “No, but I can feel your emotions through your shadow.”
She pointed to the ground and I saw that my shadow was lightly touching her small feet.
“If you can sense emotions through other people’s shadows, why didn’t you run when we first met?”
“I knew what you wanted but I wasn’t awakened yet at the time.”
“What do you mean?”
The Shade turned and began retreating into the forest.

“Wait, who are you?” I asked.
“My name’s Ester. You know what I am and I know what you are…vampire.”
“Did you kill Toby?”
She paused momentarily. “I may have.”
And with that she vanished into the darkness.

Ester wasn’t in school that day. Not that I was looking for her, it’s just that I could always somehow feel her presence on the campus even if I couldn’t see her. But today was different. I wanted to tell someone about Ester but I could think of no one. Gustav was out of the question. If he found out that I’ve been to that party I’m as good as dead. Well I am dead but…you know what I mean.
The cafeteria lady looked at me suspiciously like I would lose myself any minute. I flashed the brightest smile I could muster and she cringed away from me. I grabbed a slice of pizza and left her. Jesse beat me to the table again. This time he was eating.

“Can I make a comment without you ripping my head off?”
I arched a brow then nodded to his request.
“You look better now.”
“Really?” I asked nonchalantly.
“Yeah, your face looks perkier.”
“I look like an emo.”

“You’re a perky emo.”
“Whatever.” I bit into my pizza.
“Did you see the press conference?” Jesse asked, changing the subject.
“Sure did. The mayor’s making Toby look like a boy scout.”
Jesse snorted. “If he’s a boy scout, then I’m an angel.”

Unwillingly, I chuckled out loud, startling the people sitting close to us. I glanced at them and they simultaneously began eating.
“You’re beginning to grow on me, you know that?”
Jesse grinned. “I was hoping I would.”

To my utter surprise, Gustav met me at the front steps of the school. He had tied his hair back in a harsh ponytail. Everyone was just as shocked as me. The girls were starting to flock around him, giggling and batting their eyelashes.
“Is this going to be the trend since I now have a record in school?”

Gustav shook his head. “I just want to spend some time with my daughter. You’re always too busy with school while I on the other hand have plenty of time to spare.” He rested an arm around my shoulders. “I’m taking you out for dinner.”

I shot him a questioning look but he just smiled. Gustav got into his car while I followed behind him on my bike. We drove to the outskirts of town and arrived at a fancy restaurant. It was a quaint little place with dimmed lighting to set the mood right. After ordering, the waiter set a basket of breadsticks on our table. Out of habit, Gustav took one and started nibbling on it.

“I know you have something to say—” I began.
“Later, cherie for now let’s just enjoy the meal.” He cut me off.

As if on cue, the waiter returned carrying our food. The wine was poured and we started eating. The smell of well cooked meat was mouth-watering but my curiosity got the best of me. I finished my meal without really tasting it. We lingered at the table for another minute. Gustav played with his wine glass while I fidgeted in my seat. Finally he stood up and I followed suit almost automatically. A cold gust of wind hit us as we exited the door.

“Come let’s go for a walk, cherie.” Gustav invited.
We trekked at human pace for the first meter then leaped into the trees. I followed Gustav for a good ten minutes before we came to a stop at a high ledge. My maker sat on the ground not caring if he soiled his immaculately tailored pants. I lowered myself right next to him.

“Tell me, cherie have you ever heard of the fountain of youth?” he blurted out randomly.
I nodded. “A fabled spring that can grant immortality to whoever drinks its waters.”
“True. Anyone can gain life eternal through it. But did you know that we built it?”
My head snapped up violently. “We?”

“Our race.” Gustav lifted his head to the heavens. “The fountain is most sacred to vampires. It’s not just a spring, cherie. It’s the resting place of the father of us all, Nosferatu.”
I frowned. “Resting place? You mean like a grave?”
Gustav bobbed his head. “Exactly a grave. But he isn’t really dead. He is merely sleeping, waiting for the perfect moment to return to the world again.”
“And you’re telling me this, why?”

“No one knew but our coven once held the map which leads to the fountain and in case of an attack – which has happened – our leader chose someone who is well-known and trusted by all to keep it safe.”
I studied Gustav carefully. “It was you.”
“Such a burden they have placed on my shoulders.”
“So you have the map with you now?” I asked.
My maker turned his head slowly to face me and took one of my hands and pressed it to his lips. “Yes, I have it with me. I always have.”
“But those who attacked the coven, what do they want with it? They’re all immortal anyway.”
“Immortality is only one of the many things that the fountain can offer. The vampire who killed Lionel is their leader, Nathaniel. He’s an ambitious bastard. He always made it known that he wanted the fountain the vampire council had him imprisoned but to our disbelief he escaped and when he found out that we were the key he didn’t think twice before striking us down.”

“But how did he know that we had the map? I thought that information was hidden from everyone?”
Gustav stretched out his legs in front of him. “That’s the sad part, cherie. Someone from the inside told him.”
“That’s impossible.”
“Nothing is anymore, cherie. There once was a time when our coven was known to be indestructible but then look what happened. We can’t deny the truth any longer. We are the living proof of it all. We’re the only survivors.”

Gustav’s words struck me painfully. He was right but I would never accept it.
“Then what’re we gonna do?”
“We have to protect the map.”
“Somehow sitting here helplessly doesn’t strike me as a good plan.”
“We have no choice. Austinford is the only place in the world that they would never dare set foot upon.”
“Then why did we?”
Gustav pulled me closer and embraced me. “Let’s just say I have a lot of friends here.”

 

Sanguine Doll

Couldn’t find any bat wings so these cute black wings would do.

It reminds me of Castiel though XD

 

SHADES

Shadow creatures, also called shades, shadow people, shades, shadow beings, and a host of other names are a mysterious, and often frightening apparition.

Tales of these creatures have been around for almost as long as humanity has dwelt upon the planet. They always appear as a dark shadowy form, often in the peripheries of people’s vision, as well appearing in full view. If they become aware of being noticed they will simply disappear, or fade away into the dark and shadowy corners of rooms and closets.

Many times people have  these shadow beings outside on dark, rainy, overcast days darting through the shadows of the surrounding trees, or in the shadows and the alleyways between buildings. They seem to be drawn to places where violence has been perpetrated, or is immanent.  Many theories abound as to what these creatures are and why these things are drawn to violence, sorrow, and other forms of suffering, but none have been proven to be fact. Most of the time we see them on those nights when, in spite of there being an almost full moon and plenty of security lights burning, the night is unusually dark and feeling extremely tense and creepy. They will dart through the shadows of the trees and have even raise right up in front of us…seemingly from the very ground itself.

The Austinford shades however are more vicious. The can manipulate their corporeality as well as the other shadow around them making them tangible enough to inflict harm on their victims. Their vulnerability can be initiated by shining light on them. It reveals their true form rendering them helpless and in a sense human.

Source:  http://www.profilingtheunexplained.com/ghosts_and_hauntings/shadow_creatures.html

WEREWOLVES

A werewolf, also known as a lycanthrope (from the Greek λυκάνθρωπος: λύκος, lukos, “wolf”, and ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos, “man”), is amythological or folkloric human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or an anthropomorphic wolf-like creature, either purposely or after being placed under a curse and/or lycanthropic affliction via a bite or scratch from a werewolf, or some other means. This transformation is often associated with the appearance of the full moon, as popularly noted by the medieval chronicler Gervase of Tilbury, and perhaps in earlier times among the ancient Greeks through the writings of Petronius.

In addition to the natural characteristics inherent to both wolves and humans, werewolves are often attributed strength and speed far beyond those of wolves or men. The werewolf is generally held as a European character, although its lore spread through the world in later times. Shape-shifters, similar to werewolves, are common in tales from all over the world, most notably amongst the Native Americans, though most of them involve animal forms other than wolves.

Werewolves are a frequent subject of modern fiction, although fictional werewolves have been attributed traits distinct from those of original folklore. For example, the ideas that werewolves are only vulnerable to silver bullets or pierced by silver weapons, or that they can cause others to become werewolves by biting or wounding them derive from works of modern fiction.

In Austinford however, the lycanthropes are neither vulnerable to silver nor needs the assistance of a full moon to change. They also have a wider range in their transformation skills which varies from a half-human half-wolf creature, a full blown wolf, and even the visage of a harmless puppy.

 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolf

VAMPIRES

Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence (generally in the form of blood) of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person/being. Although vampiric entities have been recorded in many cultures, and may go back to “prehistoric times”, the term vampire was not popularized until the early 18th century, after an influx of vampire superstition into Western Europe from areas where vampire legends were frequent, such as the Balkans and Eastern Europe, although local variants were also known by different names, such as vrykolakas in Greece and strigoi in Romania. This increased level of vampire superstition in Europe led to mass hysteria and in some cases resulted in corpses actually being staked and people being accused of vampirism.

Over time, some attributes now regarded as integral became incorporated into the vampire’s profile: fangs and vulnerability to sunlight appeared over the course of the 19th century. Some also include the ability to transform into a single or a swarm of bats, mist, or even a wolf. In addition to their physical manipulation ability, these nocturnal predators can also lure their prey in with glamour. Letting them see what they want them to see or even believe what they want them to believe. And contrary to the popular belief, the mere bite of a vampire won’t turn you into one of them. The victim needs to ingest their blood in order for the full transformation to take effect.

 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire

CREATURE PROFILE

The seemingly ordinary town of Austinford houses a wide range of supernatural beings coexisting with it’s residents. In order to acquaint my readers more with these fantastical individuals, I have provided a guide in explaining their origins and vicious nature further.

Vampires

Werewolves

Shades

CHAPTER 7 TEASER

Snip. Snip. Snip. The monotonous sound of the scissors cutting through my hair bounced off the walls of our empty house. Gustav was no coiffeur but he knew what he was doing and I entrusted my hair to him without a second thought. 

 

*Sanguine just got a haircut – hmm, we all wonder why?*

CHAPTER 6: BUBBLEGUM CRISIS

It took every bit of my persuasion skills to stop Jesse from really taking me home. We lingered by the old windmill taking in the silence around us. The police arrived minutes after Jesse unknowingly rescued me from the Shade. Thankfully, he locked the kitchen and led the police straight to the upstairs bedroom slash crime scene.

“His name was Toby Matthews.” Jesse said, breaking the stillness.

“Matthews? Isn’t that the Mayor’s last name?”

“He’s the mayor’s son.”

“Oh.”

“He was a real bastard.” He grumbled. “The mayor I mean.” Jesse added.

I looked at him. His brows were furrowed and his mouth was set in a grim line. He had meant what he said.

“How so?”

He shifted his weight and raised his eyes to the sky. “It’s a long story.” Jesse shook his head in dismay. “Toby is just as big a lowlife as his father and with his sudden death, the topic’s bound to resurface anytime soon.”

“What’re your parents gonna say?”

“I have no idea. My parents died when I was a month old. I never knew them. But I bet they would have had a fit.” He said calmly.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay. It was a long time ago anyway. They barely have anything to do with the present anymore. I live with my two brothers now, but they’re usually out of town so basically, I can pretty much do whatever I like.” he turned to me. “Speaking of parents, yours in particular is gonna be pretty pissed if he knew you were still out this late.”

“Nah, this is still early. I stay out later than this.” I boasted.

“But it’s a school night.”

“I did my homework before I left.”

“Such a diligent student, I thought you never take orders from anyone?”

“Nobody ordered me to do anything. I simply acted on behalf of my predisposition. Besides, I don’t like leaving things unfinished.”

At that Jesse pulled me against him. “Really, so you wouldn’t mind concluding our earlier engagement which was so rudely interrupted?”

I released myself from his grip. “That on the other hand should have never happened.”

“I don’t think you actually believe that.” He crossed his arms. “But I would never force you to do something against your will. So I’m giving you time to think it over.”

I huffed. “Your cockiness is incurable.”

“I prefer the term confidence.” He smiled.

I threw my hands in the air, giving up the conversation. “I’m going home.”

“Leaving already? I thought you had a very dynamic night life?”

“I do. I just don’t find joy in talking with someone who’s so full of himself.”

Actually I wanted to stay a while longer. I could always sneak into my room before the sunrise but a second more with Jesse might lead to things I’d be sure to regret later. It was safer to keep a distance.  I strode off towards the trees.

“See you in school then, if you manage to wake up on time.” Jesse called from behind me.

I kept walking but raised a hand and waved.

Gustav was furious the next day – but not at me, thankfully. He was standing in the middle of the living room with his hands clenched at his sides. The TV was showing a news flash about Toby’s death. The reporter was in Jesse’s living room which in the daylight looked messier than it was last night.

“Tobias Matthews, the son of mayor Richard Matthews was found dead during a party last night. His girlfriend Abigail Warner stated that Matthews left her to use the upstairs bathroom but never came back. It was then that the other guests discovered him lying on the floor in one of the bedrooms already lifeless. Forensic experts say that he suffocated but there were no signs of strangling or anything lodged in his airway to cause choking.”

The screen then flashed a photo from the said bedroom where Toby – censored of course – was lying face down on the carpet.

“Where’s the remote?” I asked my motionless maker.

Gustav remained silent. I searched the couch but it wasn’t there. Then I spotted some mangled bits and pieces of plastic by Gustav’s feet. I shook my head and reached behind the TV and pulled the plug. I gripped Gustav’s upper arms and gently shook him until he finally looked at me. He sat on the couch and rested his elbows on his knees.

“The Shade did this. Toby is a perfect example of what their victims end up like. They somehow trap targets in a cocoon of shadows so tightly woven that it cuts off the oxygen. What I don’t understand is why was Toby chosen?”

I settled beside Gustav. “Maybe he pissed someone off and didn’t know he was a Shade or maybe it was a personal grudge?”

Gustav scratched his chin. “I’m not sure. But it’s dangerous even for us. Shades aren’t our biggest fans, cherie. When they see or even sense a vampire they strike. No thinking twice.”

“Why are you so hung up with the issue anyway?”

Gustav forced a smile and shook his head. “I’m not,” he continued. “Aren’t you gonna be late for school?”

Clearly the subject was over so I grabbed my backpack and marched out the door.

Jesse was waiting for me when I rolled my bike into the parking lot. It looks like he took our little bonding as a sign that we were past our awkward period. He waved at me cheerily and began jogging in my direction.

“Hey!” he greeted.

“Is this gonna be a regular thing now, ‘cause honestly I’m not used to it.”

“Used to what, hot guys waiting around for you to arrive so they could escort you to class?” he grinned.

“Essentially…” I looked up at him. “…though I can’t say anything about the ‘hot’ part.”

“So you’re saying that I’m not attractive, that you’re not in the least interested in me physically?”

I slung my backpack onto my shoulders and strode off. Jesse followed from behind egging me on about the subject. Obviously, I had wounded his vanity.

“C’mon Sanguine answer me.” He pressed.

I turned on my heel, surprising him that we almost bumped into each other. “Give it a rest; we’re going to be late.”

Before I could take another step he caught my elbow with startling strength – which amazed me because he was human – I lost my balance but he held me in place. Jesse leaned closer and whispered in my ear.

“Aren’t you ever going to say my name?”

“Not a chance.”

Have you ever felt the feeling that you’re being watched? I do all the time, but besides the fact that I’m naturally paranoid you can’t escape really escape it especially if it’s looking you straight in the eye. Mr. Thatch has been observing me during the whole class. He never calls on me when he asks a question and his lecture was right on track but his gaze was always locked on my face. Sure he scans the room every minute but I swore he never really did look at anyone. It was just a random movement of the head.

“However, after World War II, scientists gradually began using high-energy particle accelerators to provide subatomic particles for study. Quantum field theory, a generalization of QED to other types of force fields, is essential for the analysis of high-energy physics.” Mr. Thatch droned on while scribbling on the blackboard.

His weirdness continued for a week and it was a huge relief for me to finally exit the lab after every class. I found solitude in the school corridors but then one day my temporary peace was invaded by the pungent smell of amber perfume that surrounded me as I stepped into the hallway. Melanie was glaring at me through her glittery blue eyeliner and purple contact lenses. I couldn’t tell if she was trying to copy me or what ‘cause her lenses were almost exactly the same shade as my eyes.

“Step aside Lacroix you’re blocking my way.”

“Why Melanie dear, the door’s big enough for both of us – or maybe you need to trim off some of that fat you’ve been putting on lately.” I jeered.

Melanie blew air through her nose. “You know Sanguine, Jesse can’t protect you forever.” She said.

I shifted my weight and crossed my arms. “And what makes you think I need protecting?”

“Oh really?” she harrumphed. “We’ll see about that.”

The threat seemed shallow and it was obviously a waste of my time, because what could a human ever do to hurt me. Little did I know that I was underestimating Melanie’s capabilities. Later that day, I had totally forgot about my little hallway encounter as well as Mr. Thatch and his obsessive stare. I had bigger things to worry about like whether they were serving the all meat pizza or the Hawaiian special again. I hated pineapples. Jesse was sitting at my usual table. There wasn’t a tray in front of him. Not even a can of coke. It was new to me because the last time he sat with me he was wolfing down a mountain of food. He beckoned to me with a flick of his finger.

“You’re sitting in my table.”

“Are you that large enough to occupy four chairs?”

I set down my tray and slid into the seat. Jesse was grinning from ear to ear.

“You should wipe that stupid look off your face. You’re starting to freak me out.” I said as I took a huge bite of pizza.

“Me freak you out? Hah! That sounds ridiculous coming from the girl who wears too much eyeliner and who stalks the halls like a predator waiting for its prey. I mean, no offense but people do seem afraid of you. Are you honestly trying to scare them away or does it come naturally?” He rested his chin on his cupped hand.

“I could consider both options but neither of them really works.” I took a swig of my soda.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s just that I can’t seem to scare the shit out of this one guy. It’s getting on my nerves, really.”

“Hmm you’re right; I guess your freakiness doesn’t work on the whole student body.”

I nodded. “Yeah it doesn’t work on the whole faculty either.”

Mr. Thatch was leaning against a wall not far from where we were sitting. Jesse must’ve noticed my eye movement and bobbed his head as well.

“Yeah he’s been there for quite a while now. Is he bothering you?” he shifted in his chair becoming protective all of a sudden.

“No he just stares but he hasn’t done anything yet.”

Jesse began to stand. “Well let’s not wait until he does. I’m going over there and –”

“No, don’t!” I grabbed his arm tightly. “You’re just wasting your time and it’s really none of your business.”

He hesitated but kept his mouth shut. I finished my pizza and stood up, taking the now empty tray with me. Jesse followed at my heels and I saw Melanie approaching from our left blowing a piece of gum into a pretty big bubble. After a few seconds Jesse spoke up.

“You know, you can never really tell when you’ll need protecting.”

“Trust me I can handle any sit—”

At that moment, Melanie tripped (?) and collided with me. We went crashing onto the floor taking an innocent bystander with us. It was nothing serious but unfortunately Melanie’s gum bubble popped in my hair.

“Oh I’m so sorry.” Melanie exclaimed. “Here let me help.” She pretended to pick the gum out but just made it worse on purpose.

Jesse slapped Melanie’s hand away and dragged her off me. I stood up slowly trying to control the trembling of my body. No one dared come near me. I was still clutching the plastic tray in my right hand. This was obviously Melanie’s earlier threat. She was trying to make my life a living hell but what she didn’t know was that I could send her there faster than a bullet train. She was smiling when I lifted my eyes to her, a smile I so eagerly wanted to rip off.

“What’re you gonna do now, huh? Run home to daddy?” she laughed.

That infernal laughter pissed me off like never before. I loved winning and I hated losing, especially losing to someone like Melanie. I took a step forward and tightened my hold on the tray and swung it over my head. In a heartbeat I heard the students gasp. In a blink of an eye Jesse tackled me. In a second the tray smashed on the floor flinging bits and pieces of plastic everywhere. I let out a throaty scream not caring who saw my tantrum. I didn’t hold back the stinging tears. They flowed down my cheeks freely and continuously like there was no tomorrow. Jesse was still holding me, trying to prevent me from jumping Melanie but I sagged in his arms like a broken ragdoll. If there was anything I loved as much as my second life, it was my hair but now it was ruined.

“Get the hell out of here before I change my mind and let her attack you!” Jesse shouted at Melanie.

The ice bitch didn’t look too cool after my almost assault. She pushed everyone out of her way and ran out the canteen. The other students chose wisely and exited as well. I found myself collected in Jesse’s arms being rocked back and forth. It was similar to how he handled me during last night’s party. Then I realized I had been attacked for two days straight, by a Shade and by a human. Though the Shade physically injured me more, it was Melanie’s attack that hurt most.

The canteen was nearly empty; it was just me and Jesse. Then I spotted the cafeteria lady run from the safety of her booth and out into the hallway. She would most likely call the principal if some of the other students haven’t done it yet. Then the principal would phone Gustav and I would get into a lot of trouble. But I didn’t care…yet. I just wanted to be left alone to wallow in my misery.

“Starting today, even if you don’t ask for it I will protect you, Sanguine.” Jesse whispered, while smoothing my hair. “I will protect you.”

CHAPTER 7

A tale written in blood

 

Sanguine Lacroix and her maker, Gustav barely made it out of their coven’s hideout. The rogue vampires took them by surprise ans laid waste to what was once known as the most impenetrable coven.

Gustav brought his beloved progeny to a foggy little town called Austinford where unknown to Sanguine, her maker had a marvelous villa. What adeventures await them in their new abode?

read now…

Bloodmoon Chapter 1: The Escape

CHAPTER 5: PARTY CRASHER

“Oh boy, how am I gonna pull this off?” I complained to myself. “Pull yourself together, Sanguine. You’ve gone out alone a million times without Gustav’s permission what difference does this one make? Well, the fact that I’m going against his word not to get mixed up with human affairs. Not that I’m having an affair. It’s not an affair affair; it’s an event affair, riiiiiiiight.”

I slumped onto the floor. This is wrong. No progeny should ever go behind their maker’s back. Not only am I disobeying Gustav, I’ve gone completely nuts as well. I’m freaking talking to myself. I sat up and rubbed my face vigorously with my hands. Relax. Inhale. Exhale. Why am I so jittery? I’ve handled situations scarier than this. I glanced at my wall clock, eight-thirty. I’ve got an hour to calm my nerves and find something to wear. That was a lot of work.

                I got up and took a quick shower. I emerged wet and smelling of strawberries. I wrapped my wet hair with a towel and slipped into a decent pair of underwear. Gustav and I left all our belongings behind when we escaped from the council’s headquarters and unfortunately that included my favorite dresses. Luckily, we went shopping on our second week in town. Couldn’t wonder around in bloody clothes now, can we?

I turned my closet upside down and I still couldn’t decide. There was this cute red number but it looked too flashy. Then there was the pale yellow dress that came just above my knees. It was neat and simple, but I didn’t want to be any of those two. I wanted to look right for the party without seeming whorish like Melanie. I spied something black on the floor. It must’ve fell down when I ransacked the closet. I held it up and nodded appreciatively. It was a bit shorter than the yellow one but it didn’t ride up when I moved. The cloth clung to my body like a second skin it was both comfortable and stylish. It would do.

                I didn’t bother bringing a shawl because it would only get snagged on branches while I jumped from tree to tree. I told Gustav I was hunting, or I rather hollered it from my room so that he wouldn’t see my dress.

                Jesse was on time. I could see him from above so I slowed my pace and found a place to land on. I slipped on my shoes and continued at human speed.

                “Hey you!” I called when I reached the main road.

Jesse sported a leather jacket covering a white collared shirt and a pair of skin tight pants. He looked exceptionally handsome but I would never say it out loud. He was leaning against a motorcycle but stood straight when he saw me approach.

                “Wow, you look… wow.” He looked frankly pleased to see me.

                “Is that Austinford talk for, you look kinda pretty?”

                His eyes melted into warm pools. “You look beautiful.” He reached out and pulled something out of my hair. “But your hair is a bird’s nest.” He held up the leaf between his two fingers. “Did you run to get here?”

                “Uh… sort of.”

                “Put this on, we’re gonna be late. I don’t wanna miss my own party.” He handed me a helmet and swung onto the bike. “You can ride sideways.”

                “No I’m fine.”

                “What do you –?” Jesse stopped in midsentence when I hitched up my skirt. He quickly looked away. “What do you think you’re doing?”

                “I never ride sideways.”

                “Then you shouldn’t have worn a short dress.”

                “You don’t like it?” I teased.

                I saw his sharp intake of breath and his shaking of his head. “Get on before I leave you here.”

                “I could always run after you, you know?”

There were a lot of cars blocking the driveway when we arrived. The party had already started. We were ten minutes late but some of the guests were already drunk and I saw a couple making out behind a tree.

“Great party.” I said half-heartedly.

                “Yeah, they’re just getting warmed up.”

I followed Jesse into the house. It was a complete mess. Wherever Jesse’s parents were, they were gonna get a real surprise when they get home. Carver was dancing with a girl on top of the coffee table each of them with a beer in hand.

“Hey hey! My man, you made it!” he called loudly.

                “Yeah, it’s my house remember?” Jesse said hitting Carver’s fist lightly with his.

                “And who do we have here?” Carver’s eyes roamed all over me. “The little French girl, you’re my new hero man. I never thought anyone could tame this sweet piece of –”

                “Okay we get it, Carv. I think Alicia’s looking for you. You should get back to your bumpin’ and grindin’.”

“I get it man, I get it…” He winked at me. “…see ya’ later French girl.”

Jesse turned to me, embarrassed. “It’s the beer talking.”

“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry I won’t run home to daddy. I’m tougher than you think.”

He gave me a small smile; my assurance did nothing to ease his humiliation. We made our way to the mini bar and he whipped up a drink for both of us.

“Don’t worry I didn’t drug it or anything.”

“I know, I was watching you very closely.” I joked.

My eyes scanned the living room. I knew almost everyone present at the party, mostly the jocks and cheerleaders. Jesse’s dance crew was present as well as the group they defeated earlier. The boy that I had recognized as the leader sauntered over and shook Jesse’s hand.

“Great moves your crew have there, Hudson. It’s always a pleasure dancing with you guys.”

“Anytime Paul, you guys having a good time? More drinks?” Jesse offered.

“Nah, we’re good.”

I marveled at the sportsmanship that both groups we’re showing. Why couldn’t things be that easy with vampires and other species?

“Heads up, furious cheerleader coming at two o’clock.” Jesse whispered.

“What?” I glanced at my right and found Melanie charging straight for me. She was wearing a sequined sleeveless top and a micro miniskirt. She was being followed by a couple of girls who were just as scantily clad as her.

“Just give me a signal and I’ll get you out of here.”

“I can handle this.”

“Really?”

“Watch me.”

Melanie stood inches away from me completely invading my personal space. I backed up to make room for her humongous ego. Unfortunately, she thought I was intimidated by her and smirked at me.

“Well, I never thought you’d actually come here.” she said acidly.

“Miss me that much?” I returned.

Her uber thin eyebrow shot up. “You know, you’ve got a lot of guts dissing me in front of the whole school the other day.”

“Would you rather I pretend to like you and throw myself at your pedicured feet?”

Melanie was about to burst. She eyed my drink then looked at me. I knew what she was thinking and so did Jesse.

“Wanna dance?” he interjected.

Melanie began to smile but it fell as soon as it was made when she saw Jesse looking at me. I wanted to orally murder the bitch more but I opted to let it slide lest I lose control and tear her apart with my teeth and smear the walls with her blood. I took Jesse’s waiting hand and let him lead me to the dance floor. When we were a good distance away I stopped in my tracks.

“What’s the matter?” Jesse looked alarmed, I guess he was expecting me to cry or something.

“I can’t dance. I have two left feet.” I whined.

“Just imitate the other people.” He suggested.

I looked around me and saw a one of my classmates rubbing herself against a guy. To my right I saw another girl swaying and shaking her head so wildly. I looked back at Jesse.

“You want me to imitate them, seriously?”

He saw what I meant and shook his head. “Okay forget I said that.” He raised his arm and signaled something to the DJ. On cue, the fast paced music changed to a slower tune.

“May I?” he asked, taking hold of my right hand and gently placing his other hand on my waist.

 I rested my unoccupied hand on his shoulder.

“Follow my lead.” He whispered.

Jesse was so tall and I only came up to his chin. He pressed his cheek to the side of my head and slowly swayed to the music.

“Now who said you couldn’t dance?”

“This isn’t dancing.” I mumbled. “This is stepping from side to side.”

His breath washed over me as he chuckled. “Yes it is. This is dancing in its simplest form.” He leaned his head back to look at my face. “Why do you always argue with what other people say?”

“Because it would be too boring just to shut up and obey. I’m not some meek lamb. Conforming was never my thing.”

“I bet I can make you take orders?”

“Now what did I say about you being so sure of yourself?”

Jesse lowered his head.

“I forgot.”

He let go of my hand and placed it beneath my chin, pushing it up. His eyes were smoldering and I lost myself to the moment. I rested my hands on his hard chest, feeling the bulge of his muscles under the thin fabric of his shirt. The other people disappeared and it was only the two of us. There was no drunken Carver and no Melanie. No Melanie. I smiled at the idea. Jesse smiled as well like he followed my train of thought. Our lips parted simultaneously as we drew closer. I closed my eyes to relish the taste of his mouth but it never came. A horrified scream rang in the air. Our eyes flew open and I pushed Jesse away lightly.

                There was movement from the second floor. People started running down the stairs, knocking over other guests and breaking glasses in the process.

                “What’s going on?” Jesse shouted over the music.

                Carver ran to him looking very pale and shaken. “Someone died, man!” he cried.

                “What?”

In the far corner of the room I spotted a familiar face. Her white skin glowed eerily in the dimmed room. She was glancing frantically in every direction as if she had done something bad… like kill someone! The Shade!

                I made a beeline for her, but she saw me approaching and ran to the kitchen. I quickened my pace and followed her. The kitchen was empty; everyone was in the living room panicking about the dead body. The temperature suddenly dropped and it became too quiet for my taste.

                “I know you’re he –”

                I was cut off by the unexpected power outage. The whole house was plunged into darkness. People began screaming. The Shade did this. She needed the dark. As if on cue, something gripped my ankle causing me to fall on my back. It dragged me across the room and I crashed hard into a lot of things. I knew they were gonna bruise.

“Let me go!” I thrashed my legs wildly, hoping to kick something or someone.

                I heard a door open and I started to panic. She was dragging me to the basement. I quickly transformed and felt my fangs elongate along with my fingernails which I dug deeply into the floor, cracking the tiles in the process. I tried to anchor myself to the floor but I still continued to slide on the ground. I tried to change into my bat swarm form but I couldn’t concentrate. I was so infuriated that I roared.

                Almost instantly, the lights went on and my pupils were stung with the sudden transference. I curled over to my side and rubbed my eyes with the heels of my palms. I heard the thud of heavy footsteps and automatically regressed to my human form.

“Sanguine, are you okay?” Jesse swiftly gathered me up and cradled me to his chest.

                I opened my eyes and found myself staring at an open door.

                “You almost fell down the basement. That was a close call.” Jesse said.

                I’ll say.

                “What happened here?” he took in the crushed tiles and the ruined furniture.

                I summoned up my meekest voice and made up an excuse which bore the truth but hid it as well.

“Something attacked me.”

CHAPTER 6