Chapter One: Eternity's Price

There was too much sunlight, and the sunglasses weren’t strong enough for my sensitive eyes. The mid-winter sun felt hot on my pale skin. Leaning against the building, my fedora not blocking much more sun than the glasses, I watched them mill passed with mild fear or disinterest. All of them glanced and hurried on by now; they knew already what I was. It was easier for them every day to see us; to point us out.
They’re making this harder than it needs to be. Honestly. It’s not like we’re killing them now. And there are those born hovering about, too.

Finally the group of girls I’d been waiting for came out of the cafeteria. A scent hit my nose, and I only just held back the hiss of frustration.
“Girls…you understand that I’m not born, right?” I demanded as they approached me giggling. They were all around fifteen – the leader maybe a little older. I couldn’t tell anymore; the adolescence of today acted like young children from my days, and every girl older than ten had boobs. Puberty was earlier every year.
They’re growing up faster physically, but mentally they just keep getting dumber…

The leader was the one to answer. “I’m pretty damn sure I didn’t feel her heart beating.” She was short for her generation, but her hazel eyes were as merciless as her curves and bumps were alluring. Her long black hair and pale skin had been what had originally drawn me, but the scars along her wrists, lower arms and neck were what made the choice easy.
“That’s right. So who suggested that I wouldn’t smell the heroine you’ve just injected into your damn veins?”
They looked confused a second, then burst out in laughter. “Some guy gave it to us a while back.” The third rank said as the other two laughed. She was tall with blond hair and gray eyes. It was easy to see why she wasn’t top-dog, even though she had a healthier body weight, olive skin and an athletic body; she was too smart for the guys. “I only agreed when he said vampires love it.”
That’s just stupid. I’m not getting high around a bunch of other vampires.

“Get lost.” I hissed angrily. “I don’t care if I was half-dead and desperate; I’m not feeding from druggies.”
The three of them stared at me with eyes filled with confusion. “But –“
“I’m not biting any of you three.”
There should be somebody else…

“Whatever.” They flaunted off. I could smell the confusion, the need they all went through.
I hope when they bleed themselves trying to get high that they cut too deep and are found in a pool of crimson.

Feeling weak with hunger and hot from the sunlight, I watched the people milling about. Too many of them shied away from me.
How am I going to hunt with five minutes to class and hunters wondering the halls to control my kind?

Furious that I was being tamed like some dog – that I had to ask permission every time I fed on anybody – it was difficult to not punch a hole in the wall. Suddenly a boy broke from the crowd. Inwardly flinching when I saw the hunter uniform they were required to wear now – thanks to the government’s new laws.
At least they’re easy to spot in that shit. Why the hell would any hunter in their right mind agree to wear a white and lavender silk uniform? The men look almost gay and the sskirts inhibit movement.

He approached her unsurely. “Are you alright, vampire?”
Does he have to approach me like that?

“Be a little polite, kid. My name is Aria Le’von. Now what’s yours, hunter?”
He looked at his feet a moment. “It’s Vince Leon.”
I felt my eyebrow raise slightly with my interest. “A Leon in school huh?”
He nodded. “Um…I’m supposed to ask for your ID.”
“Why?”
“It’s protocol if I approach you for any reason. If you’re not feeding properly then I need to record your name…and you look like the sun is getting to you.”
Sighing, I reached into my purse and handed him the ID. He looked it over, wrote something down and gave it back. “Sorry about that. Now…um…everybody is a little skittish around the ancient vampires, so never mind those girls.”
“We had prearrangements that they seemed to fuck up. So I told them to hit the road.”
“But you should really feed soon.”
“You should leave me alone before it’s your fucking neck.”
The boy looked back. I noticed he kind of looked cute in the outfit, actually. His skin held that natural tan of some other country, as did his accent. It kind of sounded like a mix between Hispanic and Cherokee. Though he was lean and his hair was so dark brown it looked black with the sunglasses, his high cheek bones made it evident he had Native American in his blood anyway. Vince was a little taller than me, but that wasn’t hard anymore; people were taller than they were during my generation.
“I…uh…wouldn’t mind.”
Instantly the thought of some kind of trap slipped into my mind. “Why would you let a vampire feed from you? You're family kills my kind and all that. Wouldn't you hunters rather see me dead?”
He sighed. “What do I hunt anymore? I just came up to you and talked to you like an officer to a foreigner or gangster. We should really change our career name, but I have a feeling the Association will want to keep that for the good old traditional days when we were more than officers of the government that made sure the big bad vampires sat and stayed for us.”
I like him. He amuses me.

“It works for me, really. Wearing that get-up, I doubt you’ll sneak up on me in the middle of the night. I’m sorry, but it’s a little difficult to stay awake during the day. That means I need to feed twice as often, and we have a right to eat too.”
He shrugged. “Fair enough. So do you want to taste the blood of your enemy or do you want to sulk in the sun about changing times and a temporary lack of power over your prey?”
Okay. I really like him! This is an interesting boy!

“You amuse me, kid.” I smiled slightly. “If you’ll feed me, I won’t stop you. But I’m not making the first move.”
“What? Why not?”
The laugh came more naturally than usual. It was cracked from the pain in my throat and shallow from the fire in my lungs, but I was ravenous! “Are you insane or just stupid, Vince? There are hunters all over this school who will instantly kill me for ‘attacking’ you. Make it very obvious you’re willing or I won’t do it.”
Vince thought for a moment. Then he gave a mischievous smile, took out his issued dagger for protection – hell, I wasn’t saying we were safe, was I?never claimed we were safe – and drew a thin line of blood along his wrist. The scent that hit me was almost overwhelming. It was rich and hot, full of the iron and oxygen that I needed. But I restrained myself. Blushing slightly, Vince very clearly waved me over. Then I let him put it against my lips.
After that, however, it was completely out of his control. The fangs dug in deeply as the blood touched my cracked lips. I felt eyes – curious, confused, disgusted, and amused – on us. He only flinched, trained to deal with this pain. The blood wasn’t just soothing and relieving of the tormenting sun, the agony of my body’s weakness. It tasted amazing. I found as the control returned and the torture faded away it was still difficult to remove my fangs.
But I pulled them out and caught him. He staggered back, looking dazed and pale.
“Y-you were h-hungry…” He was shivering.
Shit. I really should be more careful.

Frustrated at my own carelessness I removed my own coat – exposing me to more sun – and wrapped it around him. Then I quickly retreated with him to the café. Sitting him down in a dark section, I made my way through the more expensive line to fetch him pizza, chicken wings and a salad full of veggies. Thinking quickly, I grabbed a bottle of water and two bottles of V8 Splash. There was no need to even look at the price as I returned to the exhausted human.
The confused look on his face irritated me only for a second.
“It’s for you. I usually buy the person I feed from something to eat. It’s a meal for a meal, you know? I see no reason to leave them miserable…”
“T-thanks.”
After a moment of indecisive hesitation, I slid in to sit across from him. He didn’t make much of it. The hunter ate quietly, looking tired.
Why I am sitting beside him? It'll just cause trouble!

Two older teens approached. One was a lithe warrior of a woman with pale skin, blue eyes and red hair. She was so clearly Celtic it was stunning. The other was a bulky male with sharp, cunning green eyes. He had this Russian look to him. Both of them wore the white and lavender uniforms.
“Yes?” I asked respectfully – if not terse.
“You bit him.” The male said as if in shock.
“I think it was pretty damn obvious that he offered. Hell, the boy put his wrist to my lips. If you expect a hungry vampire to not bite a bleeding wrist pressed against their mouth then you need to give up the crack.”
“What hunter would willingly –“
“How about a hunter doesn’t want her to bite another human? She’s not fed all day; I’ve watched her.” Vince defended me and his decision – sincerely impressing me.
“What’s up with her sitting there watching you eat, Leon?” The woman asked quietly. She was curious, not accusing.
“Oh.” I stretched. “I usually buy a meal for the one who allows me to eat. Why leave them half-starved and weak? Most of them don’t know how to get their iron count back up.”
They both looked surprised.
“And you’re sitting here because…?”
The smile was closed and half-sweet. “Hey, he’s a hunter. I think he deserves a little extra attention for giving one for the people he protects, don’t you? Besides…he’s kind of cute.”
I winked at him, making the child choke on a drink of his veggie juice.
That was worth it.

“Class is starting soon.” I elbowed my way out. Looking back at him with slight concern, I wondered if he’d be alright. “Um…if you have any problems today, especially with other vampires, just tell me. I’ll take care of it. Just remember to say my name, Vince. I’ll hear you anywhere on campus.”
“Shouldn’t he call us?”
I snorted. “Sure. If you two really want to run half across campus and risk his life, he can. And those cell phones are so reliable…”
“Whatever.” The guy muttered. “Just attend your class.”
Vince cleared his throat. “If I need you today, I will be sure to call you.”
With a smart-ass bow, I took my leave. A shiver went down my spine at the thought of helping a hunter. Yet it was only fair to offer him the same twenty four hour protection that I offered all those I took so much blood from.
It’s just that it’s been about fifteen years since the last one...and every time it wasn’t my enemy but my prey.

Then I zipped to class, took my seat and allowed myself to drift off to sleep.
Hey, no matter how much blood I took, it was still daylight; I was still a vampire. Humans couldn’t change that.

Chapter Two: Proposal

Ethereal light was cast from the heavens, almost hidden by the clouds. Vince’s voice echoed in my ears as I leaped from tree branch to tree branch not far ahead, enjoying the feel of the bark and slight rustle of leaves. It was clear not even Vince knew I was. It was best I kept it that way, since his two fellow hunters walked proudly beside him.
They really should be brought down a notch or two. I mean, seriously! They probably haven’t even been taught more than kill strikes and basic defense. Not in these days.

Yet I couldn’t bring myself to leap down; I was here simply to make sure Leon got home safely – and to find his home, of course. It was a huge advantage to know where your enemies lived. Since hunters moved around once every six months when they don’t have kids and once every school year when they did. I would have to keep track of that kind of thing.
It’s been about three or so years since I followed a Leon home. This will be useful; I didn’t know they were back on my turf, since I’d chased their family off last time…

It was even better when the other two hunters paused at the boundary to my turf and my masters. They spoke a minute about whether or not to walk Vince home.
He glanced at the tree I’d paused in to ease drop. “No, I’m good. The moon is full enough for me to see easily, and I have my daggers on me. Besides, if I’m right about where we are, I don’t think I have to worry about a coven hunting here.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. My parents said that we live on lone vampire turf, and that usually she don’t bother hunters who leave her alone.”
They shrugged. “Call us when you get back home. Whoever that vampire is may be hunting tonight.”
Then the two moved from my territory onto a much older, crueler vampire’s.
He does keep a Coven like the old days.
When they disappeared around a corner, he skimmed the tree openly. It was clear he didn’t know for sure it was me – or even a vampire. Knowing he wouldn’t go to his real house if I revealed myself, I spun a spell of illusion around him to see an animal if he did spot me. For a moment he tensed. Then his eyes locked onto mine and the boy relaxed.
Vince turned and walked on. Smiling smugly at my little game, I trailed behind him until he turned to a large house. It was well off, unlike most hunter homes – since they rarely did anything else, and only until recently were hunted by the cops as a cult or gang.
Now they’re being paid by the very government who thought we were both insane. Well…that means they will hoard that money for times when we’re at war again.
He unlocked the door. I slipped into the shadows and scented the air; it was definitely the Leon home.

“Hey, mom. I’m home at last.”
A gratingly familiar voice called back “How was school, my little diplomat?”
That voice…it’s her! It’s that bitch who turned to the hunters when I fed from her…that’s why his blood is so good. He isn’t fully human! Vince is half Fae!

That was an interesting little twist.
I’ll keep an eye on Sam’s kid for sure. He should have some kind of his more magical traits…perhaps I tasted it in his blood.

“What do you mean I was followed?” Vince demanded.
“She’s right outside. Keep your voice down, Vince.” His mother answered quietly.
I became tense.
“Oh.” Her Halfling son laughed. “That’s just the local vampire, Aria. I kind of thought she was following me. When I saw a red-eyed cat in a tree I realized even if she was she only wanted to know where her rivals lived.”
Sam gasped “You shouldn’t let her follow you, darling! Aria has killed many of your forefathers!”
He sighed. “I know, mom, but she won’t look for trouble. If she was one of those type she would’ve killed the girls who broke their agreement with her at school instead of just telling them to scram.”
“You had to discipline her?”
“No.” I could hear the impatience so clearly for a moment I thought I could feel it. “She looked half-starved so I helped her out.”
There was silence. “You…let a vampire bite you…willingly?”
The anger surging through my veins was in his voice as he replied “You’ve been bitten willingly, mom. By her. She didn’t hurt you. And she even offered to protect me. You know she would. Not all of the Re-born are as vile as –“
“That’s enough.” A male voice sent shivers down my spine. “Samantha dear, I know how hard it is to allow him to do his job, but this is how it’s handled in his generation of hunting. The original hunters even hunted during the day. They dragged them out and burned them with torches and prayers from the god that abandoned them. I hunted them in a fair fight in their own element – we even formally challenged them and allowed them to back down. Now they’re giving vampires a chance. There’s no need to be so dramatic about it.”
You challenged me so often that it was either fight or die in the hands of those who would consider me a coward, and you know it!

The pain from his Solar Whip still seethed from three years of scarring. It ached in the daylight and re-burned any time I was hungry enough that my body couldn’t constantly heal it over and over again.
The wounds he gave me will never fade…

“Thank you for understanding, father.”
“It’ll get heavier again in a few hundred years.” His father – Jonathan was his name, if I remembered right – replied wisely. “But you’re job isn’t to worry about that. Just do what they teach you, son. Now go wash up and see if Aria would like to come inside.”
What? And smell that Fae's blood again?

The thought was enough to almost bring back a very painful memory.
“She can’t hear us can she?”
Vince laughed. “She can hear us as well as you can feel her, mother.” He re-opened the door and called toward the shadows, searching for me. “Well? Do you want to come in or not?”
I hesitated. Sam was right there…
But Vince is more entertaining than going home. What do I have there? Dark memories I cannot outlive?

So I stepped out of the shadows and followed him inside.

*****

It was actually pleasant for Vince to hear his father understand the difference in his line of work. The older hunter had retired from vampires and begun hunting the other creatures of the night that the government considered too dangerous to deal with. He was paid per head. Vince would be paid per day, and wouldn’t pay taxes.
What he didn’t expect was for Aria to actually come into the house. She’d seemed too reserved to desire human company.
She’s the proud, peaceful type, I think. Aria is just one of those vampires who enjoys a rival reprieve every century or so.

“Thank you for inviting me into your home.” She was tense and suddenly formal – very different from the girl he’d seen at school.
She was changed so young…I wonder how old she really is…

His mother tensed, shook her head and left. There was a flash of pain behind those calloused crimson eyes. Then her face washed cold of all emotion.
Vince was shocked to see the shift. From what his mother had said there had been very little between the two. Aria had been desperate; she’d allowed her to feed, and the vampire liked her blood so came back infrequently for more.
“Never mind my wife, Aria.” Though he’d welcomed her into his home, Vince saw how tense his father was. “She’s a little distraught at what hunting is becoming.”
“A truce like this is fair…to those who follow it, anyway.”
I have to do something or she’ll leave!

Not sure why the idea bothered him, Vince said the first thing that came to his mind. “Want to see my room? There are all sorts of cool animal bones up there.”
Her interest sparkled again. The vampire tensely nodded. “If that’s alright with your father…”
“Of course. Just don’t forget to offer her entrance and keep the door open, son.”
Yes. Remind her of what she is, father.

There was slight animosity in the room, so the boy quickly led the way up the stairs and into the largest room on the floor. He was quite frond of it now; it was the largest he’d ever had, and with the allowance boosted, there was all sorts of cool stuff. New daggers, whips and guns weren’t really his thing. No, instead he had a large bed, a big-screen TV and excellent cloths. The animal bones were donated to him by the science club for effect.
I hate killing anything. Why does my father do it? Vampires have a right to eat and live too!

“Nice digs.” She wasn’t quite herself, but at least now Aria stood just outside his room with her slightly cocky smile. “I can get you better.”
Vince stared at her. “What?”
“Those bones,” She nodded her head at the animal bones. “I can get you better ones.”
“Y-you want to get me a gift?”
She blinked, looking startled. “D-did I say something strange?”
Man is she uneasy.

“No, you’re fine. I just wasn’t expecting gifts…”
Looking at her feet, the immortal muttered something. He barely picked it up “Stupid…hate formalities…”
“W-why don’t you come in here?” He asked as he sat on the bed. “We’ll be having supper soon, and I need to wash up soon, but we can talk a while.”
She was looking around, her eyes curious but unsure. When she didn’t say anything for a time, he asked the first thing that came to mind “About how often do you feed, normally?”
The vampire’s eyes blazed crimson as she sharply replied “You have a serious problem with being rude.”
There’s a temper on her after all!

“S-sorry. Um…I just wanted to know if maybe there could be an arrangement made with somebody from school or something.”
That hurt, and I’m still dizzy. So why can't I stop thinking about it?

Aria didn’t answer. She was staring sadly at the door, listening to something. The look of regret and anger was almost hidden from him, but he saw it. He knew it was there.
How do I distract her?

“So you keep to yourself?”
Sighing, she nodded. “No need to worry about a coven here, though the man who changed me keeps a powerful one neighboring me. Unless I do something to pressure the laws or move onto something he considers his we don’t see one another – keeping away helps us get along.”
She’s lived a while…

“Stop watching me like that, please.” Aria snapped out of nowhere. “If you wanted me to visit your room, was there any reason?”
Suddenly his mother was at the door, looking in. “Have you washed for supper Vince?”
“No. I have a guest.”
She gave a weak smiled. “I think she won’t mind being left be a moment while you wash and eat.” The woman turned and hurried down the hall.
“Why does she hate me? What the hell did I do wrong?!” Aria rose from the bed, the distress in her eyes as clear as the anger in her voice.
Completely alarmed, Vince scooted unconsciously away. She looked at him with pure hate. “I-I don’t know why she doesn’t like vampires.” He tried to sooth her, but had no answer. “I was told she fed them frequently, but something happened and she became a hunter.”
The vampire shook her head. “Not even telling her own son…”
“Aria? Are you alright?”
“No. I have to leave; I’m unwelcome here. Wash and eat; you need every meal. I’ll see you Monday.”
“Um…” He looked around, an idea popping into his head. “Instead, I’ll go over to your place. You’ve not moved, right?”
"You want to over to my place? Are you insane?" Aria exploded, looking furious and terrified at the same time. "Do you know how much trouble that can cause?"
Vince glanced at the bite marks on his wrist. The memory of the agony from the bite made a shiver travel down his spine - which wasn't missed by his sharp-eyed guest. "Well, you vampires seem to have a new problem from our laws..."
I shouldn't even be saying this! My mother will kill me! And I would never get my official license. But maybe I can get to know her, understand what plagues her and why my mother wakes crying in the night. Maybe it will tell me why sometimes she cuts herself and just stares at the blood.

"Hunters not killing us, you mean?" She asked snidely, breaking the child from his thoughts.
"No. The fact that you guys are feared so much that nobody will feed you. I mean, it's dangerous and all since some vampires won't stop..."
"Which is what makes them terrified of us - with good reason. Look, Vince, no matter how much humans attempt it, vampires aren't their friends, equals or slaves; we're your predators. Humans are the rabbit, we are the hawk. The only difference is that we only take your blood. Even hunters, with their solar guns and crosses, are still prey - they're just something that fights back, but are just as human."
Her words were almost too quiet for him to hear, but were unnerving either way. Vince just went back to examining the scars that probably wouldn't heal for a couple months.
The two were quiet for a time. "Okay...why would you come over, Vince? I can't figure it out. Is this a challenge? Because I'll give you damn fight for your life. Or is this some kind of home visit to see what a vampire who doesn't have to hide anymore lives like? I really don't think I'd let you in just to gape at my home and pet my werewolf."
He didn't answer for a time. "I thought maybe I could come and give you blood once a week...so nobody else really got hurt."
Aria slipped into a deep, brooding quiet. What she said when she answered was utterly chilling.
"There is a problem with you coming over to my place to feed weekly. It would affect not only us, but your friends, your family...their friends and family. It seems simple, boy, but it's like the ripples caused by tossing a pebble into a large pound. Eventually the ripple will die, sure, but only after somebody kills me." She came over and sat beside Vince, making him tense.
"What kind of problems? Like arguments and stuff?"
She laughed - a cruel, coldly amused sound. "Yes, I'm sure even your father wouldn't understand that. He'd be ready to kill me the moment he found out. And I'm positive you'd no longer be considered a real hunter. But that's not what I'm talking about. Human-level problems like that don't concern me."
Aria came a little closer to him, cat-like in her graceful steps. "What I'm talking about are the other problems.For both of us, the main concern would be that you would need

to be there the same day every week. I mean it. Feeding only from you once a week means I only feed when I'm desperate. But that would lead to another problem."
The vampire began to kiss his neck, making him tense and uneasy.
"The more I feed from you the more I risk becoming addicted - literally - to your blood. I'll want more, and that means control slowly becomes impossible. This could kill the human very easily."
Aria nipped at his neck.
"You're blood...I already like it. It wouldn't take long for me to want only

your blood. I would start getting sick off others, or even drain them dry trying to get the same thing I get from yours - which won't be possible, because you're a hunter."
"So I'd refuse you if you got rough or tell you to stop. Then you'd stop...right?"
She laughed, obviously completely amused by that. "I'm a damn vampire, Vince. You think that because you ask nice I'll just back off? You're my meal. I would try to stop, just because it's who I am. It just becomes difficult. And...I'm not the only one who could become an addict."
Shocked and not sure he believed her, Vince just stared at her.
"Okay, Vince. Let's say we agree to meet. We start now. It's the beginning of the school year, so we'd agree on weekends most likely. Just for the hell of it, we'll say Saturday evening. You'd say you were going to stay the night at your friends, or something of that effect. For most of the year, if you don't come on Saturday you can warn me ahead of time during the week, so it would work out."
She pushed him down - even though he resisted,there was no way to stop her.
"It wouldn't be long before I would be taking the blood on the promise, even if you said no once I would tell you we had a deal. There would be no backing out. The hunters would be unwilling to help you, because they'd see it as a betrayal, so it's likely you won't tell them, and they'll never even know - the wounds heal faster the more I bite you, and stop scarring very quickly. Your parents wouldn't like it - if they knew already, which I doubt because they're both busy and easily lied to. Believe me; I know them well." Vince started to squirm a little under her cold, tight grasp. "The problem would occur around summer. This is when you start training seriously to slay the beasties that the government realizes won't work with them - banshies, poltergeists, necromancers and such. Even the real witches. You don't get weekends, and when you do it's because you're hunting. So you miss a week - we have no way to reach one another, and you come over to my place.
I have an easy way of keeping track of humans I've bitten more than once. There's a bond formed that allows us to hear each others' thoughts and feel emotions and physical pain. I will

do that - no matter how painful it is for you when other vampires say high, or how much different the sun is on your skin next to me. The promise is made, so you're going to keep it.
This connection is more for me than you. I will enter your mind the night you don't come. That night you will dream about me. It will be a terrifying dream, but to you it may just be a nightmare. It's not easy for me to go that long without blood, Vince. Imagine not eating for a week. Then the food you rely on doesn't come - it isn't there. You have only a few choices. I will kill druggies or other people who won't be missed that night, but you will know what you did."
"I-I would come the next day."
"I would welcome that, but would have fed the night before on several low lives. See? You missed the day. I would expect you there, and depending on my mood, even punish you somehow."
Vince noticed how big her fangs looked suddenly.
"You come every week for a while. Then your parents find out. So you can't go. They tell you that if you did they'd remove you from the Association and disown you. I know you have a life other than feeding me, but an agreement is an agreement. When you don't show up, the dreams grow more and more frequent and painful, until you're waking up screaming in agony every night. The new starts showing deaths from a vampire in your area, but your parents - or your friends and their hunting families - can't find me. The only one who can is you, and you won't tell them."
"Why not?"
Now she sounded impatient. "Because by now the only thing that will stop the pain and nightmares is me biting you. You know it. You'll be in agony if I die - for the rest of your life. We have to break the bond a special way. So one day I just show up. You're glad to see me - and afraid. If you refuse I'll drain you dry without your permission. I'm too hungry, and you broke the deal. I may even decide to change you, to make you realize how much it hurts.
You don't want that, though. Because you couldn't come to me without leading your family there, all you could do was wait. So you embrace me. I bite you and take more than usual. This time would be different, though. It wouldn't be agonizingly painful to give the blood."
"Why?"
"Because you need

it. Your body has fought the nightmares and changed while I was biting you. This time, when I bite you it'd be better than sex. You wouldn't want it to stop, and keep begging for more." Her voice became deep and lustful. "I love that bond. I used to do it all the time, before these damn laws..."
"What the hell is going on in here?" It was Vince's father. The vampire jumped up with a hiss of surprise, releasing the diplomatic hunter. "Was she going to bite you again?"
"N-no. We were talking." Vince stuttered. "I was asking her about feeding before the laws."
The stern look on the man's face told it all.
"I think I should leave now." Aria said with a half-growl. "Memories can be painfully delicious." She looked at Vince with her crimson eyes. "I want you to remember my words, boy. Think them over carefully. Just maybe you can learn something."
Then there was a gust of wind and she was gone. The window slammed shut as the vampire fled.

Chapter Three: Master's Wish

It was too much, to have been so close to biting him again, to feel that soft flesh and smell his delicious blood. It was so similar to Sam...so many memories I didn't want. The story I'd told him haunted me every day I closed my eyes and slept. I dreamed of my mistake every time I drifted off, every time the hunger returned.
So I fled her house, stinking of Fae and human blood, and from her. It was painful, to leave her behind. I still wasn't sure what the hell I did wrong, what I'd done to deserve her anger and desertion. It made it difficult to take myself to the huge mansion, old but well painted and kept remodeled. Feeling alone - always alone! - and hungry again I stepped carefully through the arched stained glass doors into my home.
The first thing I saw completely ruined my night. It was a tall ashen skinned man. He had black, cruel eyes that reached into mine to pull control. A wave of disgust wrapped around me like a cotton blanket; he stank of death and human blood.
I cannot avoid you forever, then, can I you son of a bitch?

His presence alone was enough to make my throat rage like a wildfire. The bite mark I carried on my neck throbbed. The man stood, his cold eyes examining me carefully yet callously. It wasn’t because he cared; it was because of the power he held over me. I struggled not to approach and curl myself around him. How I wanted to kiss him…how I hated the desires that he forced upon me.
“You’ve not been properly feeding. Perhaps since you left my coven you should start your own.”
“Why are you here? I’ve not seen you since that little whore replaced me.”
He laughed. “She’s much easier to manipulate than you. But you’re right; I’m not here to offer you my bed again.”
Good. I don’t really want it anyway. I only feel this because you force it.

The smile was alluring and sickening at the same time, tugging my mind and body in two different directions. He waved his hand to dismiss the thought.
“Never mind that, Aria. I’m here to talk about that hunter. He’s not dangerous, sure, but that means using him is easy. Why didn’t you accept the offer? It will make him like putty in your hands, to have a little hunter spy.”
Don’t start this. I don’t need another Sam. The hunters are leaving us alone for a while. Can’t I rest in peace and feed on who I wish?

“No.” He snarled the word. “And you will do it willingly or I shall force you to bind him. Is that understood?”
“I’m not dealing with another blood slave. Sam is hard enough to stop dreaming about.”
Suddenly he was right in front of me. I felt that instinctive pull. When he grabbed me and pulled me into his arms, it made my muscles melt like spring-time snow. “Come now, darling Aria. You’re a bright child. The dreams will stop if you have her son. He’s in her line. And he’ll stay.”
"F-fine." Though it was almost painful, I was able to break away. "But only under my conditions."
"What if he won't agree to them?"
I glared at him. "I'm still a vampire, Syn. I think I can handle a human not agreeing to something."
It seemed like he paused not to think but to make me wait. It pissed me off that even out of his coven, I still had the need for his permission while he was around.
"Alright. But it must get done; I really don't care how." My master went to brush past me. Feeling a sudden need, I reached up and grabbed him. The vampire paused, looking at me carefully.
It's been so long...since I felt them. Too long...

Again his smile lured me as it sickened me. "Wait for me in the room. I'll bring you a snack."
The shivers traveling through my body as I zipped down the stairs and into my bed weren't any more welcome than his orders or natural than our lives. It seemed to take him forever as I waited in my huge bed for his fangs. I stripped, wanting it to mean more than it did. Finally he was there. One moment he was standing at the door, the next he was over me. Before I could fight the urge any more his fangs were in my flesh.
A moan filled with the pain and pleasure from the bite broke the silence. Instantly my hand burred his fangs as deep as they would go. I felt roaming fingers touch me. The pain ebbed. As if to contradict the laws of the body the weaker I became the more the pleasure grew. Even though my vision was blurring I still begged him for more. It was almost painful for him to retract.
"I love to hear you call my name."
So hungry...

"Come on, then." He heaved me up. I followed him blindly to a dark room with a powerful human scent. There was no way to stop the massacre that went on in that room. Four humans lay dead by dawn.

Since I wasn't given a time limit, it wasn't until Sunday that I approached his house again. Vince was outside on his roof, to my relief. There was no way to run into either his father or mother there. And I didn't need permission to drop by and talk to him.
So that's exactly what I did; I landed right in front of him from the tree above his house. Vince screamed in shock, nearly jumping off the third story like a suicidal deer.
Rolling my eyes at his reaction, I caught the human to toss him back onto his seat. "Honestly, Vince. You'd think you were a little girl. Man up."
His green eyes stared at me with open astonishment. "What the hell are you doing?"
Do they teach hunters and slayers anything at all?

"I decided I wanted to talk to you again." I half-lied. "And tonight I did."
The boy looked me up and down. His surprise grew into a nervous smile. "What's up with the cloths?"
Suddenly glad he couldn't see me very well in the dark, I cleared my throat. "It's easier to hunt." I replied quietly. Then I slipped to sit beside him. It was hard enough to resist biting him. With Syn so close the smell of any human blood was too much. Even if I had to pull down the skirt a little self-consciously.
"Well, I can see why."
"Stop staring at me!"
I don't think men will ever change!

"Why? It means it's effective, right?"
"S-shut up!" His sparkling eyes just embarrassed me more. "Look, I'm here to talk about your offer the other night."
"Really?"
They always sound so happy when I say this shit. And then they realize what it really means. Sam was the only one who didn't come to live with me and I'm not doing that again.

"Yes." There was no keeping the impatience from my voice. "Except I was thinking that maybe you would like to come stay with me. It'll be easier for you to learn about vampires, for me to feed and less likely your association and parents would know."
"How will I hunt?"
I knew that

was coming!

"I can even fucking help you hunt. I'm a vampire; hunting the others is doing me a favor. I think I can improve your skills."
"And how will my parents not know?"
"I don't care what you tell them. Just move in with me. You can go to school, hunt...live normally except that you live with me and I feed from you. There. Simple as that."
He looked thoughtful. "L-look...I'll think about it."
"If you accept it move in by Tuesday night. If not...I'll see if we can come up with something else."
Vince nodded, his eyes full of emotion I would rather not see. "Two days to decide? This is huge..."
Anger rushed throguh me. "You wanted it, right? All I did was suggest a way to make it work."
"No need to yell." He snapped.
I liked his temper - a lot.
I can give him a little clue to why, but I'm not going to directly say it. Besides, he needs riddles!

"Whatever. I may live away from my master, Vince, but that doesn't mean he doesn't effect me. Just work with me here and nobody will get hurt."
Gently taking his hand, I nipped his wrist where I'd bitten. His wrist jerked automatically, but the look in his eyes told me a different tale. A part of him wanted the fangs. His mother's blood would definitely curse him now.
"I will await your answer, Vince."
Then I drew the night around me and leaped off into the trees; to him it would appear I'd completely disappeared.

******

Vince watched the branches wake in the sudden wind as the vampire disappeared. He couldn't help but want her to come back, to ask her anything to make her stay longer. Even to duel her was better than to be on that roof, alone. He'd waited for her, like the man with black eyes and ashen skin said.
What he said is true. I wonder...is that the man who changed her? Is that the man who caused her so much pain?
Did he force her to try and accept the offer I made her?

"Vince? Is somebody up there?" His mother called quietly. "I thought I heard voices."
"I was just listening to some music, mom." He answered, feeling a twinge of regret for lying to her.
So how will I lie to her about moving away?

Retreating inside, he wondered why he would give up his home to let some leech bleed him for a meal at least once a week. If he knew her, she'd make sure the addiction never kicked in - that she only used him when it became absolute. But it still didn't sound logical. The idea was psychotic. But he still couldn't bring his mind away from it.
She likes my blood already, she said. Is that a good thing?

Feeling frustrated and confused, Vince slipped into the house from his window. Pulling out a piece of paper and sitting at his oak desk, the hunter began to write a list of things he would take with him if found a way to tell his folks. The first things that came to mind were his best hunting gear - a favorite knife, his newest gun, a comfortable pair of boots, a warm coat - and his first aid kit. Then a knock rapped on his door, making him jump.
"Time to wrap up the homework, champ. It's lights out; you have school tomorrow."
"I know, but this is important." Vince countered. Then an idea hit him. "Hey, I'm supposed to compose a survival list for a class. Mind looking it over and giving me some advice?"
"Sure." He came in and glanced over the list expertly. Then he frowned. "You have no preservable food there. Are you thinking you'll hunt down bunnies in the city, son?"
Why didn't I think of that?

"Thanks..."
"Are you okay Vince? You've been distracted all weekend."
"I wasn't feeling well."
His father reached over and snagged his wrist. The bite marks had become irritated, so Vince had reopened them to clean them out.
"Did you reopen this?"
"Yes. I thought it was infected."
"The wounds don't get infected. Was it swollen and red?"
"Yes."
His father knelt down. "Have you had any dreams about her?"
The thought sent a shiver down his spine. "No. She's not bonded me to her."
"Good. But I'm guessing that won't last?"
"Who says?" Vince tried his hardest to make his tone believably angry.
But his father pointed at the list. "That says so. There isn't anything to hunt a werewolf or vampire in that list. Not even a damn cross. You either didn't think about it because the truce right now or that isn't for school."
"How-"
John closed the door and came to stand in front of his son. "Your mother and Aria have bad history, Vince. I know the signs. She's still blood letting to get that same sensation. She still wakes up at night screaming in agony, or crying over what could have been or was. Aria didn't willing leave her Coven; because of your mother's blood line, her master told her to stop feeding from her or he'd kill Sam - and possibly Aria. They both tried really hard, but the bond was there. Your mother refused to break it - still does, even when Aria tries through her dreams."
Vince's mouth dropped open, "They're bonded?!"
"Yes. Vampires can have several at a time, but for some reason Aria never took another one. She lost her home, her true love and sometimes I think her sanity. She's always alone in her home. She never bothers other vampires, or changes humans. That's the Born way of doing things - the modern way. It isn't her way. You have to be very careful with her."
Hope fluttered in his chest. "You mean -"
He sighed, looking uncomfortable. "Who offered?"
"I did."
"What did she say?"
He shrugged. "She wasn't happy about it at first. Then today she came back and said alright, but only if...only if I live with her."
The look of pain in his father's eyes was clear. "What about hunting? Did she say you had to stop hunting?"
He scoffed. "No. Aria isn't like that. She even offered to help me hunt."
"Did she mention another person?"
"Yes. Her master. She said that she couldn't get away from him even out of the coven."
"I don't think she's willingly -"
"I know, dad, but...I can't stop thinking about her. There aren't any dreams. I just like her - not her fangs, but Aria."
Maybe he'll let me, and talk to mom about it!

For a time there was silence. It was clear his father didn't really agree to this. But slowly, the man let out a deep breath and said quietly. "I'll make sure your mother doesn't suspect what you're doing. The Association won't care even if they find out, so long as you're hunting other beasts. They can't do anything like fire you because of your blood line and the fact that the government will nail them for it."
"What will you say to mother?"
"That you've decided your ready to move on. Hunter children rarely stay with their families as long as you have. Andy left at twelve."
"But he's -"
"It wasn't like he wasn't ready. That was just a really bad time to leave. I left at fourteen and look at me. Your sister left last year."
"I'll visit often, and stay in school. I promise that."
"So long as you keep your grades up I won't come after Aria. But the first time I get a call about slipping grades -"
"Alright. I'll keep them up."
"Pack well, son. Make sure you know where everything

is. And be careful not to trust her too much."
"She's still a vampire, right?"
"Well, yes."
Vince began to pack carefully as his father opened the door to head out. The young hunter looked up, making his father pause. "I...uh...won't be coming home from school tomorrow."
"That soon, huh?"
"Yes."
John gave a single nod, stepped through the door and shut it quietly. A few minutes later he heard his mother begin to cry, and his father telling her she couldn't say goodbye.

Chapter Four: Hunter and Prey

In the bright sunlight of late afternoon the mansion Aria called home was amazing. The pictures of the Victorian style home were far off; the vampire had remodeled in the three years they'd been away. It was more modern in style, though it still said 'I have old tastes, deal with it'. The building was several stories, with almost no windows but made of brick and stone. There was no gate, no cameras - what did a vampire need of them? But the front yard alone was about as big as his house, and decorated with sand, rocks and pounds - a rock garden, in the front yard!
On the largest stone a black wolf with humanistic eyes watched him like stone; cold and full of hate, the amber eyes followed the nervous boy as he walked up the cobbled path. Vince paused to examine him. It was too large to be a normal wolf, and Aria, like most vampires, didn't seem to like animals much.
"Is she home?" Vince asked quietly. The wolf leaped from the rock to stand beside the hunter. It nodded. "Is she awake, or are you my guide today?"
The huge animal stood and began to walk up the path with careful paws. Vince followed warily. Even under Aria's control, the beast was dangerous at best. The inside was just as astounding. It was clear that the vampire was just as wealthy as most of her kind. Plush carpets with expensive black leather furniture lined the many rooms, while the halls and stairs were smoothed limestone.
There were no windows. The few sources of light there were had been turned off. The only sound was the echo of his lone stops upon the stone and carpet. The paws of his escort made no sound at all. It wasn't easy to relax in a dark, empty house being guided by a black wolf the size of a lion.
His guide stopped in the kitchen. It was granite counters, basalt floors and stainless steel utensils. A single plate of food so expensive Vince didn't know what it was. The wolf nudged Vince toward the food. When the boy set down his stuff by his chair it was snatched by his beastly butler and taken away.
How does she live in such a large home all alone? Where are the maids and help that almost every vampire who ever lived in her times always has?

His unease prevented the boy from enjoying the meal much. It felt strange to eat alone in a large house. His entire life he'd been surrounded by friends, family and other hunters in small areas. He couldn't remember a meal filled with people and some emotion; celebration, anger, disappointment, sorrow - something, anything. The house felt as cold and lifeless as the materials it was made from.
A slight growl made him jump. The wolf had returned. He finished the food hastily and continued with the wolf up more stairs, into a large bathing room. Sitting on a smooth, well-made tile was a three-person hot tub, a toilet that heated itself and a shower that could fit at least four people in without cramping. Above the hot tub was an L.D big screen TV; it looked like it somehow rotated. It wasn't on right now, and before Vince could explore he was urged into the shower.
It feels like I'm a peasant being prepared to meet royalty.

But at least in here the water was hot. There was expensive soap, conditioner and shampoo. Even though the shower had the feel of a hotel shower used for the first time he was still able to melt in the amazing, steaming shower. When he was done, high-dollar towels and clothing were set out for him. His little wolf escort was nowhere in sight, making it easier to put on the brand new clothing. At least it was closer to his style than what his folks could afford.
Seriously, though. The more I think about it the more I feel like I'm being prettied up to meet somebody better than me!

Then he was brought into a huge room. The floor was the best carpet he'd ever felt. There was a wall of weapons meant to kill everything but vampires and werewolves - all the most expensive, best stuff. The adjacent wall was a glass door leading to a balcony with a wonderful view of the forest behind Aria's manor. The wall next to it was literally a wall of books. They were on history of several cultures, the many races in mythology and nightmares and weapons. Each were categories, but none were fictional. The room's bed was elm-framed. It was a canopy bed, too, with red blankets and black sheets. Across from it was a huge TV with a PlayStation three, an Xbox 360 Kinetic and cable. The ceiling dangled real animal bones - which put him in awe as much as it gave him the creeps.
Who's room is this? I mean, damn...

"Do you like it?" Aria's voice made him whirl around so fast it almost gave him whiplash. Her crimson eyes showed the amusement that always flashed when they met like this...which was apparently going to happen a lot. "I made sure it was all moved in this morning."
They knew I was coming...that's not creepy at all!

"I-it's awesome."
Her smile showed him fangs. "Excellent. Did you enjoy your shower? And the meal? I wasn't sure what to do to help a human boy relax. It's been a long time since I tried to entertain anybody at all..."
There was a hint of sorrow and regret in those words.
"It's a little hard for me to relax in a new house. I'm sorry."There was a pause. Aria was watching him carefully. "Wait...is this my room?"
She laughed. "Oh, yes, Vince. This will be the only room you'll have to invite me into. Just remember that, and stay in here when I'm hungry and you're unable or unwilling to give blood."
It was the second reminder that he was here for her. The prospect of willingly letting that pain rake his body over and over again suddenly seemed daunting.
"Vince...I'll give you one more chance to back away from this." She sounded almost hesitant to say this. "But I cannot guarantee that I will keep away. I know it's painful now, to be bitten. You offered me your blood, though. It's important that you know the bond will make it less easy to refuse me - if not impossible sometimes."
What choice do I have, then? Besides, I came here for her!

"I'm here, right?" He answered calmly. "If you want, you can even bind me right now -"
There was a gust of air, a thud onto his chest and he was lying on his bed. She was on top of him. Aria only paused long enough to pin his arms and tilt his neck before Vince's agonized scream echoed through her lair. His pain only seemed to make her fangs sink deeper. As the pain numbed, so did his mind and body. It felt as if the world had become a thick, binding fog. He couldn't think straight. An overpowering weakness came over his eyes, lungs and muscles.
By the time Aria withdrew her fangs he felt nothing but weak and tired. In a daze, he was alarmed and confused when she drew a thin line of blood from her own wrist, then licked the wound shut. The wrist pressed against his lips. Something drove him to drink the blood. As it touched his lips, Vince's eyes grew wide with shock. As it washed away the pain, the fog, and brought strength, his mind kept trying to understand what was wrong with it. The blood was missing something vital, something important.
Somewhere in the back of his mind the hunter knew she was enjoying this. Then she was pulling away her wrist. The feeling of relief depleted into weariness.
Her blood is amazing! Is that how it always feels to her?

A twinge of amusement confused him. "Something like that, yes. And it's similar to how we begin to feel, too."
He gasped - how did she do that?!
She leaned down and kissed him lightly on his lips. He could still taste their blood, mixed together. Part of him was disturbed by it; another didn't want her kiss to end.
"When our blood is mixed than two things can happen, depending on if you're dead or alive. If I kill you and leave even a drop left than you will wake up a vampire like me - except, of course, I have the ability to tell you what to do. But you're very much alive. This forms a bond." Aria was cuddling very close to him. "I control how strong it is by how much blood I let you take. You and I have a very loose bond. I will hear any thought I want and feel all emotions and pain. You will feel my hunger and any emotion I feel like letting you. If I want you to hear a thought you will hear it. And of course the dreams..."
"My mom is still having them."
Aria's entire body tensed. Instantly he realized it had been the wrong thing to say. "I-I'm sorry...I.."
"Never mind. Your mother dreams of me because she won't break the bond. She won't let me feed, or look me in the eyes. I've been trying to haunt her until she agreed. It's been four years and still she simply taunts me...cutting herself to release the blood she promised me..." There was anger, sorrow and even confusion in her voice.
"What happened?"
"I don't fucking know!" She snarled, her eyes blazing with fury. "I left my coven so we could stay together. I would have died for her. Anything she asked for, no matter how difficult it was for me to get, I would get for her. If she said I couldn't feed because she was week, I would hunt down those druggies she prefered me killing. I'd struggle back completely high..."
It was honestly heart stopping to hear. Vince saw the pain in her scarlet gaze. For a moment he hated his mother for doing this. But it was only a moment. Because it was then that he realized why.
"She loves my dad and I."
"What?"
"It's why she stopped letting you." He said quietly. "I mean, you've only recently started trying again, right? How long ago did you actually stop trying?"
She looked him up and down. "Around four months before you were born, actually. Her blood had started to taste different, so I told her to go to the doctor and check to see if she was alrigt. Then all of a sudden she wouldn't talk to me. She wasn't answering my call for her blood, and the dreams did nothing. I came to her, but she only told me she couldn't anymore..."
"She was pregnant. You didn't do anything wrong. She just stopped because she wanted me to live. I was almost miscarried twice early in my development, and was very sickly as a baby. Don't you remember that?"
She relaxed, her eyes glazing. "She could have let me help."
"Help?"
"Yes. I...wasn't allowed near you. She said I was making you sick. It wasn't me...it was Syn. I wanted to help..."
Vince just let her think. He wasn't sure what to think. He just knew there was a lot of pain in her. And it wasn't just from his mother...but from the cold darkness of a vampire's life.
Perhaps it is from the fact that she is the hunter and we are the prey. For her...it was different once. It was different for twenty years. Then Syn took all that away...and made her family prey.

"You need sleep, Vince. Never mind about what I feel." Her voice was normal again, if not a little tired. "I will see you tomorrow night. Don't wake me for school."
He didn't argue. There was no real reason in his mind for vampires like her to go at all. So he just wrapped around her and fell fast asleep.

Chapter Five: Bleeding Hearts

It wasn't until I knew Vince had fallen completely asleep that I relaxed. He'd brought the memories back, but at least now I knew it had been for a reason. I wondered a moment if now that her children were raised Sam would come back to me. But the thought made me feel numb. There was just too much pain when we saw one another.
//Why keep the bond, love?//

I sent the thought to Samantha.
//I understand now why you stopped. But why keep it?//

To my shock, she answered quietly.
~I did it for him, too. I knew you would stick around and protect him...if he ever told you who he was. I will break the bond if you want. Come here, now. Let John see. Is the bond already made between you two?~

For a moment I wondered if I should let her on. The idea was stupid, however. The Fae knew more than humans. She would have known before he left the house.
//Yes. His blood...is so much like yours. I'm sorry. //

~No. I'm happy for you two. Perhaps he is better for you. Maybe you can find real love.~

I was rising when Vince groaned as if in pain. Alarmed, I froze. He turned over, grabbing at his back and head. Rolling him onto his stomach so I could reach his back, I gently peeled up his shirt. Shock flooded me. His entire back was covered in flaking skin and blood.
I gave a powerful mental call to his mother.
~What's wrong? What's going on?~
//You're son's back is peeling and bleeding. He's in a lot of pain. What's going on?
~Oh...your blood must have given him what he needed for his wings. I have them, but I was born with them since I'm only Fae. Most of the time halflings don't get them.~
//So what the hell am I supposed to do?! //
~Darling, don't be silly. Keep his back clean and tell him what he is when he wakes up. I'll come over there and break the bond, but he can't see me. When this happens I can't be near him. It's just the way things are.~

"Kane."
The wolf emerged from the shadows.
"Go get some hot water and anesthetics; I have to help this halfling get his wings."
The beast growled and disappeared.
He's certainly a pain in my ass. I hate werewolves!

The prospect of simply keeping the wound clean was easier said than done. Sam and John - yes, John - were there quickly. I put Kane on cleaning duty and went to see them.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked Sam quietly.
She glanced toward the room. "How is he?"
Looking at the boy's father, I said "Tired. I just finished with him."
"How do you break the bond?" Her husband and Aria's rival asked hastily. He was clearly uneasy to simply be here.
Right now? I mean, there's kind of a sick, bleeding boy in the other room...

"It's a simple process." The words were only a half lie. It was simple...just very painful and cost both of us a lot of blood. "But I'm not sure it's a good idea to do this now..."
"You said yourself that you two should."
Drama, drama, drama! Is that all hunters are fucking good for?!

"Damn-it, John." I snarled, losing my patience. "Do you know how painful this shit is? I'll do it, sure, but somebody will have to give me blood afterwards while somebody else rushes her to the damn hospital. I have to remove her bound blood from me and mine from hers. Not only that, but I have to resist feeding from the one human who I've ever became completely addicted to and still alive."
They stared at me with wide, frightened eyes. "You said simple -"
"It is simple. But it's painful and dangerous too. These bonds aren't meant to be broken and keep the human alive. Up until recently a broken bond meant shutting the human up about our existence. That's a damn sure way, and it's not like we're known for our gentle nature."
Kane snarled for me.
"Look, I will do this in a minute." I sighed, feeling pain shoot through my back. "Kane needs me."
Retreating into the room the scent of Fae blood was overpowering. Instantly the hunger burned. Vince was awake. He groaned. "What...what's going on? Everything hurts..."
He really needs his mother for this.

Walking over, I began to clean the area. The wings were out now, in a mucous membrane I really wasn't sure I should touch. Removing all the blood with the antiseptics. After the wings were dry I wasn't sure what to do.
"Your mother has been doing a lot of hiding things from you, hasn't she?"
"W-what does that mean?"
"Baby...look behind you."
When he listened his face paled. "What the hell are those?!"
"What does it look like genius? They're wings!"
"How is that possible?"
"You're half Fae. Something like a fairy. But the real Fae are rare, powerful human-like beings. They're an ancient race that fight often with vampires over who rules humans. It just so turns out that your mother is one. Your father is human. Congratulations, Vince. You're one of the most powerful people in the world."
He just stared at me like I'd gone mad. "My mother is a fairy?!

"
"Oh, common, it isn't that hard to believe she's Fae, is it? Not seeing those damn wings."
The boy looked at them again with wide, frightened eyes.
"Is...is she here?"
"Yes. But she won't see you now. You're mine, and now she doesn't want you. Because my blood awakened your ancient hidden blood, her kind doesn't want anything to do with you."
The pain in his eyes reflected the agony rippling through my back from our bond. But it was deeper; it was all emotional for him. Betrayal of the mother...those words were hard for me to say, let alone try to comprehend.
"Look, she's here on business. She and your father let me take you so she could rid herself of our bond."
It was difficult to be so cold toward him when I felt his pain. Right now, though, I wasn't sure what to do for him. I wasn't Fae. I was a vampire.
~Expecting a vampire to comfort her son...what the hell...~

It was Vince's thought - it just slipped in, full of anger and grief.
"I'll be right back in. I'm sorry I don't know what else to do here, Vince."
"It's fine...it isn't your fault I'm a freak."
Freak?

Snarling, I got in his face. "Freak? You - a freak? You want some advice kid? I'm not going to sugar coat the fact that your parents aren't concerned for you. My parents died a long time ago, and I have to live through that every damn day. Except I don't fucking age like the Fae, werewolves, witches and humans do. Mixing Fae and Human blood brings a lot of power and respect to you in these ages. You want to call somebody a damn freak, I'm right here."
Furious, I pulled away and walked out, signally for Kane to take back over. Slamming the door made Vince's parents flinch.
"Your damn son just called himself a freak. He's fucking miserable in there. The pain is agonizing even for me. What the hell is wrong with going and sorting things out with him?"
Sam just shook her head. "It isn't my place, Aria. He has to work it out himself; it's a part of the trials his kind go through."
"Whatever." I snarled. "Let's just break this bond. John...you can watch if you want to be my next meal. I'll have Kane fetch an ambulance. He's good at that."
"No need to take me to the hospital." Samantha told me quietly. John stared at her. My heart fell.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"I'll just go home. They won't mind that."
"What about us?" Her husband demanded. "What about your son and I? And your daughters?"
"My daughters will be lucky to make it this long. Our eldest son was killed because of what you and I knowingly did. Now Vince is the blood slave of my people's enemy. I think I've caused enough trouble here."
The words stung - they were enough to make a beating heart bleed. Something inside me just...froze. The cold feeling deep within hovered.
"You want to desert your family over laws and a feud?!"I snarled in fury. "You want to break this bond and go back to your little between-world paradise over this

?! What the hell is wrong with you? You gave me a fucking promise, Sam! You gave this man a vow!

Do you have no civility? No honor in your heart?" Both were back away from me. "Your son is in there in pain because you said you loved his father. You raised him. You left me for him."
She looked at the floor. Through the bond I felt her lack of care. She'd grown cold over the years - colder than I.
How did I not see this? How did I not see that she never loved this man?

"It was orders." Samantha told them quietly. "And now I'm being called back. I was supposed to bring the boy. He would have been a wonderful king."
John was stumbling back. The doors slung open. The rage emanating from behind me, from within Vince, had me step out of the way with curious surprise.
"You...gave birth to me...and lied to me...for seventeen years..."
He shouldn't be up.

Blood was dripping down his legs and arms in a steady stream, but I felt the energy from six feet away. I wasn't going to stop him. Whatever he was going to do he could do without me saying a word. She betrayed him too.
"You should go lay down, Vince. I lied to you because you showed no clear sign of my kind. There was no reason for me to return, or tell you at all."
"Then why didn't you just leave?" His voice was full of pain and anger. He took a step forward, staggering. Instantly I was there to steady him. Touching him gave me a small shock of Fae magic.
"Do this now or go lay down." I growled in his ear. There's no reason to draw it out. You'll only hurt yourself."
A feeling of warmth spread through me. It was strange, sending a shiver down my spine. I'd not felt the emotion that sprung up suddenly since I was a little girl.
My god...he...

The boy slowly removed himself from me to face his mother. "I want to kill you." He said quietly to Sam. "But I know how that would affect Aria while you two are bonded. I can't hurt her when she was the only one who tried to help me."
"Vince?" I asked quietly. "Are you alright?"
He nodded. "I want to see you break the bond. From your thoughts it sounds painful."
We may get along after all.

I approached Sam slowly. She stayed where she was, a smile on her lips. I wasn't going to let her return to paradise. I wasn't even going to break the damn bond. Pushing her against the wall, I sank my fangs in without asking - to her utter shock. Hunger burned through me. The moment her blood touched my lips the only thing I knew was that I wanted more.

There was no stopping me now. She pushed and struggled for a minute, but soon I could hear her gasps for more. Slowly, as Sam's strength drained, they quieted until they stopped.
She was completely limp when I forced out my fangs.
"You..." John came to her and picked up her body.
"It's better than breaking the bond." I told her husband very quietly. "She would have been in pain if I'd done that. She would have still left you...for a life of perfection. Her soul will go there now. I won't take that."
I could see it had shocked and crushed him. But all I felt was emptiness from Vince.
"You need to get some sleep, Vince. You've lost too much blood."
He nodded, turned quietly and went to lay back down. I turned to John. "Leave my home. Now. I don't want a hunter and his Fae bride here when Syn comes back. This is your only warning, John. If I see you when Syn comes I won't abide by that truce."
Slowly, the broken hunter picked up his dead lover and left with a blank, sad gaze.
They cry. They feel sorrow and anger. All I feel is alone. And yet I still cannot cry for the loss of the only woman I've ever loved.

Chapter Six: Hunter and Prey

Vince paced the dining hall, lack-lustily picking vases or lamps up and dusting them off before replacing them. He stared at the dinning hall's mahogany long table. The wolf watched him, head on paws. The boy sighed in boredom, not sure what more to do. The entire mansion was spotless.
Who would have thought she was so bad at cleaning? She's been completely alone for at least seventeen years!

A shadow moved out of nowhere. His eyes locked onto it. Red eyes shone from the shadows only seconds before Aria stepped into the dim light. She was finally

awake.
"You've paced the house enough. Why don't you go play your video games?"
"I've been playing video games since you bit me last week! I've missed a week of school lectures and done no hunting at all."
"You weren't even strong enough to get out bed for the first three days. Then out of nowhere you wanted to go to school!" Aria argued. "The school day is over. It's five thirty. Tonight, since you're so anxious...I'm going into town for a bite to eat. You can hunt then."
Vince's anger flared. "What? You're going to feed from somebody else again?"
"You're not strong enough, Vince. If I feed from you tonight you will be in bed another week. I won't make this personal - please try not to do so yourself."
Sighing, Vince realized there was no point in arguing. The mere idea of somebody else feeling her fangs - whether they liked it or not - was enough to not only piss him off, but make him feel...inadequate.
"Look, I want to show you a few things. Slayers becoming Hunters and then a government control group takes skills away. You're people have became tame compared to your ancestors."
The insult burned, but he had to admit that he wasn't the best at killing things. "We usually just trap them and a clean up group comes..."
"Do you have a clean up group?" Aria snapped. "I don't fucking think I see one. Now man up; you're going back to the methods of a slayer."
"Won't I get in some trouble over that?"
She snorted. "Let's see them find out it was you. Or try to charge you. I'll make sure you and your job are safe."
Vince had nothing to say to that. Aria was a powerful vampire with a lot behind her. He had no reason to doubt her word.
Or is that the bond?

"Get your weapons." She said. "I'll meet you in your room."
Then her body flashed too quickly away for him to see her.
How did slayers in her time ever

win?!

Shaking his head, Vince made his way quickly to his room. Aria was already there, just outside. He waved her inside as he unlocked the door. She chose the center of the room. The hunter picked through the weapons until he found a scimitar. It was a well balanced blade that would be very useful against a demon or werewolf...well, if the blade was used right, anyway.
"Fine. Come at me and I'll try to disarm you."
"Why disarm me?"
She laughed. "Because you're armed and I'm not. Demon and werewolves rarely are. They want your weapon gone simply because your weapon is what makes you superior to other humans. Now hurry up...before I strike first."
He took a stance against a demon - a stance that moved quick, flowing movement. Then he rushed at her, acting like he was going to hit her left thigh. Just when he was a few feet away he raised for a right-side waist slash. And his face hit the floor. The weapon was jerked from his arm as both were twisted back. It was to his neck.
"How the hell do you expect to get anything done doing that shit?" Aria growled in his ear. A shiver went down his spine. She was so close to his neck...
Aria released him. Vince let himself cool down before getting up.
"You'd be dead twice now." She hissed at him. "How the hell do you stay alive out there?"
He shrugged. "We're in teams."
"Fine. I'll show you how to hunt with a vampire. Since you guys are cowards now and don't know how to fight anymore...you're staying with me."
"So...I'm getting hunting lessons...from a vampire?"
The irony...

She smiled. "You'll enjoy it. Because you'll be around me. Now here. Let's try that again."

It was an hour and a half before Aria was even slightly pleased with Vince's performance.
"That should be good enough." She growled. "Simply because the people you have to really worry about will avoid you because of who I am and the fact that we'll stay in my territory, I'm sure you'll be fine. Most of the people who you will be killing

I will have seen before and have a problem with. Now, get your stuff and let's leave. I'm hungry."
Vince heard the impatience in her voice. It sparked a fire to hear her talking about feeding on somebody else again, but he didn't have a chance to argue; she was gone. Vince packed his stuff and headed for the door, aware of her in the shadows just beyond human sight.
I have a feeling my lessons haven't ended for the night.

******

It was a nice night for hunting; a new moon and a crowded street. I knew the bars would be a good place to hunt, but...he wasn't old enough. I walked in the shadows just out of human sight. A group of teens spotted him and waved, looking relieved to see the velvet uniform.
"Is that you Vince?" They were girls from school. He paused and approached them.
"Hey guys. It's been a while, huh Rose?"
She nodded shyly at him. She was a short girl with dark brown hair and light green eyes. The smell of the group's blood was revolting. Only one person's blood made my throat burn, and he was too weak for me to feed.
"We were starting to get worried. Your dad said you were out on your own now as a hunter. But we've not seen you! We thought you'd died on the job or something!"
If he were a slayer I could see that. But the world isn't as dangerous for his type. Most of those he hunts laugh and walk away - without letting him know they were even there.

"No. I just got roughed up." He shrugged it off. "Since I can hunt again, I'll be happy to walk you girls home. Maybe I'll go to school tomorrow."
"We want to stay out late tonight, though."
I couldn't take it; I revealed myself to the humans. Everybody but Vince jumped. He just looked irritated.
"Common, Aria. Not here..."
"They want to stay out late." I remarked, starting to get anxious. "Why don't you introduce me?" I slightly enforced the idea through our bond.
"Look, girls, this is Aria. She's not the type to hurt you."
The group actually relaxed.
"Are you friends with her?" The only guy of the group asked. He was taller than Vince, with an emo hair style and chains on baggy black pants and no shirt.
Kids these days...

"More or less." I answered for him. "I'm showing him a few things about hunting the baddies."
"She's the vampire who keeps other vamps out of this area."
"You mean this is her turf?" Rose became tense. "Does that mean she's hunting...um...you know..."
Vince looked like he was about to loose his temper.
"Yes." I replied again, watching him closely. "But I don't take unwilling blood. Vince here has agreed to let me without tagging me as long as we live together and always help one another out - so he can keep an eye on me."
If I don't feed from him he'll start feeling the repercussions. Maybe I do need to take some from him...after I've had enough to control myself.

Rose looked interested. "You know...I've never been bitten before."
Her friends looked at her like she was insane. "Ever? You've never

even offered?"
Her cheeks became red. "Well...n-no..."
Relief washed through me. She wouldn't need convincing. "How about we find a place for just the three of us, then? I'll show you how my fangs feel."
I saw a shiver of fear and excitement passed through the girl. Taking her hand, I nodded the lead to Vince. He would know the best place to go at this time. I just used my place, but he wanted to hunt some of those that took from me.
We moved down the block toward an apartment complex I knew had a few vacancies. Rose became quiet as she allowed me to lead her away from the company of her astonished friends. I heard them talking about being worried, but none of them moved; they were too afraid that maybe Vince wouldn't be able to protect all of them if something went wrong.
Not even he was a match for me. Even they knew that.
As we walked down the street a girl and her dog paused. They watched me carefully. Both of them stank of death. The energy of souls flowed around them. Vince blinked. He looked a little confused, and I realized that our bond would allow him to feel that power.
"What's wrong?" Rose asked quietly.
"Nothing. Vince...can you deal with this mongrel?"
He nodded.
"Just remember that the shadows aren't your friend in this case. I'll be right there."
"What are you talking about?"
Rose sounded confused and frightened.
"Never mind. We'll take care of it. But right now you and I will need to go off on our own."
I grabbed her into my arms and kicked off the ground. The Necromancer growled in frustration. Before she could react, Vince had knocked her off her feet. I heard her cry out in surprise a moment before I hit the air current. Choosing a flat roof quickly, I put the hunter's friend down.
"W-why are you leaving him alone?"
"I need to feed before I'm useful." I told her quickly. "And I need to hear you agree to me biting you."
"Of course."
Taking her wrist, I knelt down and sank my fangs in. She tried to jerk as she called out in pain. Blood, hot and high in oxygen flooded my mouth. It took all my might not to pull away; my body wanted Vince's. But the fire in my throat, the weakness in my limps, told me there was no way around it. I gulped down several mouthfuls before pulling away gently. Her eyes were wide.
"W-why would anybody like this?" She demanded. I could see she'd started to cry.
"I'm sorry, Rose. I needed that. Normally I'd take more, until you became light headed, but I can't give you that. Vince needs me."
She looked confused. "You mean they get high off it, and that's why?"
I laughed. "Exactly. Try it with a vampire who isn't protecting a human and you'll see the difference."
The scent of Vince's blood stirred the need. He was cut. I felt his pain.
"Look, I'll be right back. Rest here for a moment."
Then I rushed back to the fight in time to pull the Necromancer off the boy; he'd somehow ended up on the ground with a cut along his arm. The dog lurched at me. Vince put a holy bullet through the dead animal's skull, sending it flying as I pinned the little death-keeper to the ground.
"What the hell are you doing on my turf, Necromancer? Did you fucking ask me if you could collect souls around here?"
She was shaking. From the smell of her she'd not been doing this long.
"I-I didn't know a vampire walked these roads! I'm sorry!"
I pulled myself off her. "Mess with my bonded again and I will fuck you up."
She picked herself up and went over to her animal. I felt her use magic to heal the body and bring the animal back. He would be tangled into her soul, and therefore very important to her.
"I won't bother you the hunter, alright? I just need souls! They're dead already."
"Kill a single human, Necromancer, and your death will be slow and full of agony."
Her and her dog ran off into the night. I doubted she'd come back here for a while, just in case. Turning to Vince, I helped him up.
"Are you alright?" I asked quietly, trying to keep my eyes away from the wound.
"Yes. I think that dagger was poisoned."
Looking at the wound alone told me it was. I knew how to solve that, but it wasn't something he wanted to hear.
"Why are you looking at me like that? This fucking hurts!"
It took me a minute to locate the mind I wanted. Once I did, however, I sent the pulse command.
"Sit down; Kane will be here in a minute."
He did. I looked around warily. There was a group of teens that I knew for a fact were demons. They were watching us warily. One in particular looked anxious to be away from my glare. The group could kick our asses, but stayed back. Demons didn't work together often, and were probably here for a reason that didn't concern me.
Still...this isn't free grounds. I'm getting tired of the demons picking off the humans and it getting blamed on me. They may just be here to dine.

Kane was there in five minutes. He sniffed the wound and gave it a lick.
"Ouch! Hey -"
The wound healed completely. The wolf looked at me. I pointed at the demons. "Take care of them for me, would you?"
There was a gleam of excitement in his eyes. The wolf raced across the street. Half-way there the bones cracked and shifted. By the time he reached the demons the beast was a powerful wolf that stood like a man. I relished in their screams as I fetched Rose.
I leaned down and began to kiss Vince's neck.
"Please don't tease me..." The hunter told me quietly.
"I'm not teasing."
Then I bit deep. Waves of his pleasure washed through me. He laid onto his back. The sound of a girl running away told me Rose wasn't sticking around. The blood was refreshing; full of a power I understood was from the blood of the Fae. It was so good...exactly what I wanted, what I needed. His moans only encouraged me.
I forced myself to stop before he was weak. It was enough to last me for a few days.
"Did you use your magic tonight?" I asked quietly.
"No. I don't understand how."
"You could kill her easily with that magic of yours."
"I didn't want to kill her."
It was strange to hear him say that, being a Fae and human. Necromancers were the nemesis of both his races. But he didn't know that. Picking up onto his feet, I signaled for Kane to come back to me. My werewolf partner was a wolf again, trotting away from me covered in demonic blood.
"Let me tell you a story, Vince, about the Fae."

Chapter Seven: Dreaded Memories

Memories flooded back to me powerfully as I explained to him what the Fae really were.
"There are four courts of the Fae."
"Courts? Tiny winged people go to court?"
I stared at him as if he'd just announced that he loved me. "Are you tiny with wings, Vince?"
"I'm only half."
"And you're still not tiny with wings. The Fae aren't tinker bell. They are anything magical. From vampires to necromancers, they are some kind of Fae. But their are four offical...I guess you could call it levels

. They call it Courts."

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 25.10.2011

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Widmung:
To my Fiance Joseph Pruitt and my sister, Angel McLaren