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Blood and Love Ch. 01

By: Eternalivan



The bright sunlight hit my face as Amanda slid the curtains from the windows. I moaned and pulled the covers over my head. I wanted to sleep. Last night had been like the many nights since that dreadful day when I had lost my parents in the car crash. The screams, the horror and the guilt kept returning to me every night. I couldn't sleep and would lie awake looking at the ceiling. Tears would swell in my eyes as I would re-collect the memories of that tragic night, a year ago. My dreams haunted me. I dreamt of the car crash, my dead parents, my brother Aaron who accused me of being the reason of their death. But, there were nights when I had strange dreams. I would be running away from someone in some unknown woods. I never saw what was that I was running away from. I would suddenly wake up at nights bathed in sweat. I thought it was my guilt I was trying to escape. But I had a feeling this was something else.... or maybe someone..

"Get up, Sean! It's the first day of junior year. You don't wanna be late, do you?" Amanda cried pulling the covers off me. 

I knew I had no choice. Amanda was my mum's sister and had come up as guardian after my parent's demise. She loved us and tried her best to fill in our deceased parents place. I appreciated this and loved her. I dragged myself out of the bed and into the bathroom. . I looked at myself in the mirror. I saw a tired and messy black-haired guy looking back at me. I had brown hazel eyes which people said were very expressive and sensual. I was 5 ft 6 or 7 inches, lean and well handsome. I was the life of sophomore year and quite popular. But since the accident, I had lost it. I didn't care about my appearance much and had locked myself in my shell. My friends tried to approach me but I seldom talked to anyone. I hated this but I couldn't get out of this. After my parent's death I had thought Aaron and I would get over this together. But Aaron hated me. He blamed me for their death and never talked to me; except whenever needed. 

But, I was fed up of this marooned existence. I wanted it to end. I wanted to break the fetters of guilt and sorrow and pull the pieces of my life together. I wanted to begin anew. And I knew the time had come.



*****

" Hey Amanda! What's for breakfast?" I walked into the kitchen with a smile on my face.

She looked at me, surprised. "  Hey! Someone's looking handsome. Ready for junior year, stud!" she winked. I smiled again and sat down to a meal of cereal and eggs and bacon. 

"So what has brought this stud back?" Amanda smiled at me.

"Well. I dunno. I just woke up today and felt like I've had enough of this lonely life and wanna go back to my normal life. Its time I accepted things and moved on."

"That's great, Sean. Just a tiny suggestion. I hope your 'normal' life doesn't mean too much of bunking, alcohol and sex with random guys." 

I choked on my cereal and quickly downed a glass of water before looking at her, only to find he smiling slyly. She laughed and gave me a I-know-teenagers look. I started laughing too.

Aaron walked in at this moment and looked at us. He gave me a dirty look and turned to 

Amanda, "I'm off to school. See ya later." He shot past me without looking again.

I felt my confidence shaking and my smile wearing off. 

Amanda called after him but he left. She came over to me and put a hand on my shoulder. 

"It's gonna be fine, Evan. He's gonna be okay and you guys will be back together. Just give him sometime. You know he's rash and all. But, you're the mature guy. Give him time."

I looked at her face which had an assuring smile and smiled in turn. "Guess, I should be heading now. Don't wanna be late." I picked my bag, kissed her on the cheek and got out of the door.

"Ready to go, mate! Hop in!" I smiled at my best friend Stefan sitting in his car. I gave him a high five and hopped in.

"So mate. All cool now. Junior year! Way to go, babe!" He shouted in his characteristic thundering manner jumping in excitement. I laughed and joined him in his discussion of the year's big plans!

Things were gonna be different this year. They were gonna be better. My life was about to change. I smiled at the thought.

If only I knew the change had already begun. Not just my life, everything around me was about to change.

*****

"Sean! Stefan! Over here guys!" We turned in the direction from where the voice had come. I saw Ralph hollering at us. I beamed at our gang all seated in the football grounds. 

Tyler, Rachael, Drake, Chris, Sophie, Rebecca and Sarah looked at us with huge welcoming smiles on their faces. Stefan and I made our way towards them. 

"Look who I brought here! Presenting to ya, Sean!" Stefan boomed again.

The girls hugged me while the guys either patted me on the back or messed my hair. I was happy to be back with them. We talked for a couple of minutes about the year, our plans for Tyler's party this weekend, subjects, and then headed to our respective classes.

Rachael, Tyler and I had the same class- Literature in English and we headed to it. Entering the class we took our seats. I took the third seat from the front. Rachael took the one next to me while Tyler the one behind me. Everyone was pretty excited about school, chatting animatedly about plans and classes when the teacher walked in. Tyler kicked my seat and I leaned back( I knew the signal- time for his smart- arse jokes!). "Man! She's smoking hot! I love literature. Love and poetry!" I sniggered at his comment and gave him a thumbs up while looking straight at the teacher.

I guess she was kinda hot. Perfect figure and features. Some package! Hot yeah but I didn't really care. My interests were different. 

"Good morning everyone. My name's Selena Reynolds. I'll be teaching you Literature In English this year. I'm new here and I' hoping to have a close relationship with my students."

"You sure will, ma'am." I heard Tyler's comment. Rebecca and I exchanged looks and quickly looked away trying to stop smiling. It was then that I realized that Ms.Reynolds had stopped talking and was looking at the door. I followed her gaze and saw a guy. My mouth fell open.

It was 'some' guy. The girls in the class were stirring and I could sense buzzing excitement. Even I felt drawn to him. Tall, handsome guy, jet black spiked hair, blue hazel eyes, toned physique evident in the fitting black v-neck shirt and baggy jeans. Very pale complexion and blood-red lips. Something about him was intoxicating. He was smoking hot and stood in the doorway smiling at Reynolds. I couldn't take my eyes off him. 

"Yes?" Reynolds asked him.

"Hi ma'am. My name's Evan Damien. I'm a new student here. Joined today. I'm sorry I couldn't locate the class. May I come in?" He answered in his soft and deep voice that made me and also the girls go.....ahhhh.......

Ms.Reynolds smiled at the charming guy and allowed him to come in. He walked up to me and took the one next to me. I felt butterflies in my stomach. I turned towards him. He looked at me and gave a subtle smile. I was taken aback but smiled back, awkwardly though. I quickly took my eyes off him and looked at the teacher.

She had written 'Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen' on the board. I quickly took out my copy from the bag but in the haste a pen fell out and landed itself at Evan's feet. Shit! I thought. However, I bent to pick it. I hadn't noticed but Evan had bent too. Our fingers touched and I shivered. They were very cold. I was taken aback and retreated. Evan picked the pen and extended his hand towards me, smiling. I took it without speaking much, muttered a thank- you and looked away. But, I could feel his eyes on me. However, I din't have the courage to look back. I guess I was very nervous. 

Tyler kicked my seat again and I leaned back. "Looks like someone has found an admirer." I tried to kick him back but hit the table and created a ruckus. Ms. Reynolds turned towards me. 

"Any problem? Erm Mr?"

"Sean Geller." I spoke.

She raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps Mr.Geller can tell us about the novel. Please comment."

All eyes were on me. I felt myself going red. First day and I was planning to make things better! 

Seeing me silent she addressed Tyler. " Perhaps this young man will be able to enlighten us."

Tyler smirked sheepishly and spoke, " Well, I guess the novel is written by Jane Austen and that its about getting girls and guys and marrying them for money."

The class burst into laughter but it soon died away. Aparently, Ms. Reynolds was not amused. "I hope you don't expect a detention on the first day, do you?"

Tyler's grin faltered. I could sense his discomfort. 

Ms.Reynolds looked at the entire class and smirked. "I guess I'll be teaching a bunch of ignorant scumbags."

"Pride and Prejudice is a novel written by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. It's a novel that gives us an insight into the social mores of Victorian England. How marriage was an instrument of upward social mobility and the amalgamation of the aristocracy and bourgeoisie was seen as an immediate need."

My jaw dropped. Everyone led out a 'Woah!' and looked at the person who had spoken up. Evan Damien!

Ms.Reynolds was astounded as well. However. She regained her composure and smiled. " Gud work, Damien. I guess someone does know his stuff."

She said with a smile but I could see how fake it was. She was bugged.

I looked at Evan who smiled at me again.

I smiled too.

*****

"Are you okay?" Rebecca put her hand on my shoulder. The class had ended and students were spilling out of the room. I was arranging my backpack and looked up.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

"She was mean. She seemed so sweet at first but turned out to be a bitch!? Rebecca rattled.

"But. That was one hot bitch! Attitude! Oh! I so want her, right now!" Tyler grinned making lusty gestures.

Rebecca shot him an eye of indignation and walked out. " See ya at the café, Sean."

"Man! What's her problem? She doesn't like me or what?" Tyler said watching her march off. " I mean I am super handsome, hot, toned muscles. Girls die to get in bed wimme. Whats up with her?"

" Probably, she has an anti-Tyler charm that blocks self-praising baboons." I shot at him.

Tyler jumped at me, caught my arms and pinned me to the wall. " Smart mouth. Don't wanna mess with Tyler, do ya?" He said grinning at me.

" Lemme go, Jerk! You're hurting me!" I laughed. 

"Ahem?"

Tyler let go off me. We looked at the door and saw Evan there. My heart skipped a beat.

"See ya, Sean!" Tyler said grabbing his bag and walking out, not before mouthing beat of luck and winking at me.

"Uhmm....Hi!.." Evan said to me.

"H,....Hi!" I said trying to stand in a perfect pose against the wall. But my shoe slipped and I almost fell. But caught myself and stood straight. God! I was so embarrassed.

Evan smiled." Are you okay? Reynolds did become mean."

"I'm fine." Was all I could manage.

"That's great. I was thinking I am new hear and would like to know everyone. Could we hang out together sometime?"

I was excited but tried to be controlled. "Yeah! Sure. We can. I'll get you aquainted with everyone around." I smiled.

He gave me a charming smile and said. " Thanks. See ya then."

"See ya." I extended my hand.

He looked into my eyes and then at my hand. He held it. I shivered again. Dunno. Whether I was excited or his hand was too cold.

Anyway, we broke the handshake and he gave me a brief smile before leaving.

I stood watching him go.

I guess this year would be a great one.

Blood and Love Ch. 02



Evan's story I—The future is dark.

**************************************

I looked into his eyes and grabbed his extended hand for the handshake. I sensed him shiver. But I also sensed an excitement in him. The warmth of his hands sent shivers down my spine, something that had not happened for a very long time now. I was always cold but Sean's touch had the warmth I had long forgotten. 

I broke my chain of thoughts, smiled and walked out of the door.

So long had I waited to meet him. But, I could never approach him. I yearned for him but no one listened. I yielded to the commands. But, things were changing now. I couldn't just stand in the shadows and watch it happening. I decided to go against them. I had to step out and protect him. Sean would not meet the 'pre-ordained fate'. Never! Not till I was around. 

"How was school, brother?"

I halted and looked around. With such thoughts raging my mind I didn't realize I had walked all the way from the campus building to the woods about two miles. The Mysticus was what the residents of the town Mysticus Domus called it. 

I turned to come face to face with Daniel, my elder brother leaning against the trunk of an old elm tree. Tall, dark, extremely handsome with chiseled looks and a toned body, Daniel was quite appealing for his age, twenty I daresay. I was 18 and quite impressive but Daniel was the man with all charms and a deadly instinct with immense pride.

He gave me a sarcastic look and spoke again. "You didn't answer me, Evan. How was school? Or should I ask how was 'your' boyfriend?" He sneered.

I smiled. "Better than I expected."

Daniel stopped smiling and started walking towards me. "What is wrong with you? Why are you doing this? For the sake of a mere guy? He cannot be involved in our affairs. You know what they ordered. Yet, you defy them. You are aware of the consequences, Evan!"

He continued rattling in frenzy, pacing the forest's ferny floor up and down. 

"I love him, Daniel. I cannot stay out of this. He is unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows. He has to be protected. I will be his shield. I cannot bear to see them ..."

Daniel cut across me, "Love! Are ya kidding me? Don't ya realize you can NOT be with him! Your destinies are not intertwined. Stay out of this. You have no future with him. You know who you are, Evan. Don't turn your face away from the truth!"

His heated argument didn't do any good and I lost patience. Anger raged in me as I cried. "I am NOT turning away from the truth! I know who I am. But, I also know that I love him and I cannot bear any pain being inflicted on him. Our destinies are intertwined, Daniel. They have been since that day. And shall remain so. You are incapable of love and cannot feel! That was why you lost him!"

I broke off. Daniel's face was clouded with anger. I should not have mentioned him. I had gone too far.

"I don't know about love! Really! Is that what you think, Evan! Huh! I know what it is to be in love and to lose the one you love the most. You don't know about the sheer pain that gnaws at your heart and tears your soul apart when you see the death of your love. You don't know anything!"

Saying this he hit the tree trunk with his fist. And turned away from me. Tears filled my eyes and I tried to speak. "I'm sorry Dan. I didn't wanna say this. I just lost it. I cant help it. I am madly in love. Please understand me." I cried.

Daniel turned and came towards me. He embraced me and said. "I understand you, Evan. But, things are gonna get dangerous. The transition in our lives has been set in momentum. Do what you want to. I will support you. But, don't forget who you are and what will you get from Sean later. The future is dark. There is no inkling of what lies on this dark path ahead of us."

I listened but couldn't utter anything. I knew he was right. But, I had taken up this responsibility. I had to save Sean. No matter what. 

**************************************************





Sean's Story II: Tyler's weekend party

*****************************************

Finally! An hour of vigorous attempts to choose the perfect attire, get the perfect hairdo and accessories seemed to have come out well. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I wasn't a self-centered person but couldn't help thinking how handsome I looked. Evan would be forced to make a move. 

Evan! The mere thought of his made me blush. The entire week at school had been an amazing one. I had spent a lot of time with Evan getting him acquainted with my friends and the school stuff. I He and I had become good friends and things were sailing smooth. He had become a favorite with my friends and quite popular at school for his knee-weakening looks, amazing academic skills and cool athletic activities. A pro at everything he did. This made him more attractive and I felt drawn towards him. I could sense that he too had some feelings for me- the way he looked into my eyes or the way he smiled at me- but he was distant in some ways. He never gave even the slightest hint of things going to another level between us which disappointed me a bit. But, I had hope that things would get even better between us.

And tonight was the perfect to try to woo him. I smiled at the thought, gave myself a final look in the mirror and went downstairs. Amanda was in the living room with Stefan, Rebecca, Chris and Rachael waiting for me. She smiled and winked when I walked in.

"Amanda, don't stay up tonight. I don't think Sean would return. Evan is bound to take him home tonight!" Stefan remarked. Everyone burst into laughter while turned deep red and threw a sofa pillow at Stefan, who playfully dodged it.

"Stop mocking him, Stefan." Chris spoke and turned towards me. "By the way, do we need to stop at the store to grab a few condoms?!" He shot at me.

"Oh! Shut up!" I shouted while everyone laughed their heads off.

"Okay! Okay! Give it a rest guys. We're getting late for the party. Lets get going!" Rebecca said.

We took heed and quickly spilled out into the starry night. A cool soothing breeze touched my face. This is gonna be an amazing night. 



*****

I looked around but Evan was nowhere in sight. The clock struck ten. It had been two hours since we arrived at the party. I had enjoyed a lot. Danced with my friends, downed a beer and chatted with a number of people from school. The party was a great one. Tyler had always been a pro at such bashes. Perhaps, one of the many benefits of being the Mayor's son. But the enthusiasm was wearing off me. I had spent an entire week waiting this night and Evan hadn't turned up. I was depressed and decided to go back. I turned to leave and walked straight into someone.

I looked up with annoyance only to be surprised. Evan stood there giving his usual seductive and very charming smile. I hastily re-arranged my expressions and beamed. 

"Going somewhere?" He enquired.

"No! Not at all. Was going to grab a drink!" I replied checking him out. He looked so hot dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans. "You are late though. The party started hours ago." I spoke without realizing the tone of accusation. "I mean I....We were waiting for you." I felt myself going red. Why on earth was I fumbling and acting a complete douche-bag! 

Evan looked surprised for a moment but cracked another smile. "Got stuck at home. Some urgent work. Sorry."

"Oh! You don't need to apologize to me. I was just..."

"Evan! Heya buddy! What took you so long?" Tyler entered speaking loudly. I heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, I had time to brace myself and get control. 

"Nothing, mate. Some work. The party looks great!" 

"Thanks, man. Grab a drink and join us in the next dance." Tyler beamed and headed off to a couple of guys in the other corner.

"Let's grab a seat." Evan motioned to a corner where Rebecca sat with Rachael. 

We walked to them and took our seats.

"Hey hottie!" Rachael winked at Evan and began her persistent efforts to woo him. She had been flirting with him the entire week and didn't seem deterred in the least by his minimal interest. In fact his lack of interest fuelled her passion. I took a drink and made a face at Rebecca who had been seeing things. She winked at me and mouthed "Competition".

"Let's dance." Rachael suddenly said to Evan. He didn't seem interested but Rachael being herself grabbed his arm and dragged him to the dance floor. I saw them dancing. Rachael was all over him. Throwing herself against him, dancing seductively. I was fuming.

"Why can't she keep those hands to herself?" I grumbled.

"Oh come on, Sean! Stop sitting in a corner grumbling like a hag. Just go there and get him." Rebecca chided.

"Yeah! I should get going. Its time she realized who Evan Damien belongs to!" 

I finished the rest of the drink and walked towards them. 

"Hey guys, why you don't get some drinks. You'll be tired now." Was all I said and saw Rebecca shaking her head in exasperation. 

"Yeah! We should get some drinks." Evan spoke before Rachael (who showed all signs of refusing) could reply and headed to the bar. I followed him suit while Rachael stood there fuming.

"Thanks for saving me." Evan said after we sat at the bar with the drinks. I almost choked on my drink. 

"Saving? Nah! I just thought you guys would like some drinks. That's it." I stammered.

Evan smiled and turned to look at the dance floor. There was an awkward silence with the music playing in the background. Rihanna's "We found love" was playing. I felt more uncomfortable. 

My cell rang. Amanda had sent a text. "Need ya at home. Nothing urgent. Just wanna talk about Aaron. C ya." 

I sighed. Amanda was worried about Aaron again. Why doesn't he learn?

I got to leave. "Going somewhere?" Evan enquired.

"Home. Amanda texted. See ya at school." I smiled and turned to leave. What a waste of the night!

"Sean! SEAN!" I heard Evan shouting over the music and hurrying towards me. "Will you mind if I walk you home?" 

I couldn't believe my ears. "Yeah! I won't mind." I smiled.

*****

The night was starry and cold. A cold breeze would blow every now and then and make me shiver. Evan and I walked on the roadside. Neither of us had uttered a word since we left the party. The silence seemed uncomfortable. The only sound was our footsteps on the gravel and my pounding heart! I couldn't stand it anymore and decided to strike a conversation.

"It's a cold night." I cursed myself. Such a lame topic! The weather of all things! 

"Yeah," Was all he said.

A couple of minutes passed and I tried again. 

"So, how do you find school? How're my friends?" I asked.

"School's great. And 'our' friends are amazing. A cool gang, I daresay." He replied with his characteristic smile.

"That's great. And what do you think about me?" I made a bold attempt without looking at him. I walked a few steps and realized Evan wasn't with me anymore. I halted and turned around. He stood at some distance and was looking at me in a strange manner. He seemed nervous and uncertain. I walked to him and looked at his face.

"What happened, Evan?" 

"Please. Don't be mad at this."

He put his left hand on my cheek. His red lips met mine. The kiss lasted for a few seconds before he pulled off. I was shocked. Evan had kissed me! I stumbled back.

"I love you, Sean. I dunno what you feel about me but I can't live without you. If you don't like me, tell me. I'll leave and not say anything again'" Evan spoke, his eyes meeting mine. 

I hesitated for a second. In an year of despair and guilt of my parents' death, life had seemed harsh and unbearable. And now, I was standing on a deserted road looking at a person I had met a week ago claiming to be in love with me. I had been crushing on him but now that he had reciprocated my guilt had come flooding and the feeble façade of bliss had been washed away. I didn't have the right to be happy. My eyes filled with tears as I said, "I'm sorry, Evan."

I turned and ran away from the person who loved me. I ran away from the chance of bettering my life. I had failed. My guilt and despair had won. 



Blood and Love Ch. 03-04



Chapter 3

**********

Aaron's Story I— Messed up

*****************************************

"One...Two.....THREE!" Drake shouted. Randy and I quickly began our shots of vodka. Amidst the loud music and the deafening cheers of the guys, Randy and I were gulping down drinks, each one trying to out do the other. Finally, Randy splurged and gave up. I finished the winning shot and looked around beaming.

"That's my man! The stud won! Yeah, Babe!" Drake was shouting himself hoarse while patting me on the back as a sign of congratulation. Randy looked pissed and went to the other corner away from the bar. I got Drake off my back and followed Randy.

Randy was my boyfriend. Six feet tall with chiseled manly looks and a ripped muscular frame, his temper and ego was as ripped. People always wondered how things worked out between us. I was an extrovert, haughty and very straight-forward. Why shouldn't I be? Almost six feet in height, shiny jet black hair, very cute looks, awesome fashion sense and a great personality. I didn't take crap from people and didn't give a damn to what they said. My friends wondered how I could get along with Randy with such conflicting attributes. Aren't like poles supposed to repel each other? Randy had been my best friend over the last ten years before we got committed. Our friendship had prevented our heading to splitsville. 

"What's up with ya, Ran?" I sat next to him on the couch and tried to snuggle closer.

"Nothing!" The sharp tone with which he spoke, the impassive face and the refusal to accept my snuggling was loudly suggesting the contrary.

"Come on, honey. It was just a stupid game. Don't spoil your mood over it. Come on. Let's dance." I got up and pulled his arm.

He refused to budge and jerked my hand away. The vodka had made me tipsy and his actions had frustrated me.

"Fine! Go to hell! Keep sitting here like a berserk hag and grumble to yourself. You're a douche bag! I don't know why the hell I am even trying to make things work with an immature jerk!"

I was shouting in frenzy, venting my frustration when he suddenly got up and punched me square on the face. I fell back with my nose bleeding. But, he didn't stop. He kicked my stomach and I rolled onto my side in pain. I was shouting in pain and tears were flowing from my eyes. I saw Randy picking a bottle and coming towards me. Everyone watched in shock. He looked demoniac with murder in his eyes.

"I'll show you what happens when you act a smart-arse in front of Randy Gram." He grabbed my shoulder roughly, made me lie on my back facing him and raised the bottle to hit me.

I shouted and shut my eyes, dreading the blow. But the searing pain never came. I opened my eyes and saw a guy had grabbed Randy's hand mid-way.

Randy was momentarily shocked before he tried to free his arm. Apparently, the stranger was quite strong; while Randy seemed to be exerting all possible force, the guy seemed unaffected. The guy applied pressure and Randy shouted in pain, letting the bottle go. The guy pushed him off him and threw him away. He seemed to have some supernatural strength because Randy collided with the bar a few feet away and passed out.

Then, the guy bent over me and putting a hand under my shoulders helped me get up. He helped me leave the pub. I saw a final glimpse of my 'friends' around Randy before I left with the guy.

We reached his Porsche parked outside. Even in the pain and shock I couldn't help noticing it. He helped me into the passenger seat and got into the driver seat. I saw the sign of the pub "Mysticus Grill" before he pulled out of the parking.

"So, where should I take you? The infirmary or your place?" The guy turned to me and asked in an unaffectionate and deep voice. 

His tone and impassive face punctured the bubble of the feelings of gratitude I was feeling for him. I looked at him coldly and told my address. He nodded and started driving.

After ten minutes of driving he spoke, "What happened at the bar? That man seemed bent to rip your head off."

His cold and impassive tone irritated me. "He was my boyfriend Randy. We quarreled over something." I had no intention of giving him details.

He shook his head and muttered "Teenagers" under his breath before speaking, "Quite a passionate lover you got there." He shot his sarcastic comment.

I turned to look at him. "Listen, Mister..."

"Daniel Damien." He interrupted with a teasing smile and air of superiority.

"Whatever! Mr. Damien I thank you for having saved me but I didn't need your help. I could have dealt with him on my own. And.."

He interrupted yet again. "Yeah, I saw what an awesome job you were doing of saving yourself! Here you should be sitting on one knee thanking me for SAVING your life. But you act like Princess Lala in Lalaland snapping at me."

I was infuriated. What the hell did this guy think of himself! "I've had enough. Please stop the car. I'll walk my way back home."

"Huh! Now that we have reached your place! That's a nice act of self-respect!" He sneered and brought the car to a halt.

I looked out and saw we had reached my house. I was too irritated and frustrated to say anything. I got out of the car and slammed the door shut before realizing the sheer pain in my ankle and stumbling backwards. I quickly balanced myself against the car and stood.

"I guess you need my help again, your highness." He shot another sarcastic comment before coming towards me and supporting me with his arms.

I reluctantly put an arm around his neck while he put his arms under my shoulder helping me to walk. In spite of my pride and anger I couldn't help noticing how strong his arms felt or how warm his breath on my neck.

We walked to the door before he rang the bell. 



*************************************************************************************





Chapter 4

*************

Sean's story III – A New beginning 

*************************************

I stopped at the door trying to catch my breath and control my emotions flooding out of my eyes. Amanda shouldn't see me in this pathetic state. She had tried so hard to get me out of my shell and had been really happy a week ago when I had declared my fresh beginning. I didn't want to upset her when she already had some news about Aaron. After I was sure I was calm I rang the door bell.

The door opened and I looked up to find some one else instead of Amanda standing there. I tried to re-collect but he was a stranger. About 6 ft 5 inches in height, jet black hair, a haughty face with a sharp nose and arched brows. He had hazel blue eyes which immediately reminded me of Evan. 

"That's Sean, Daniel. Let him come in." I heard Amanda's voice from the living room.

The guy named 'Daniel' moved his muscular frame to let me in. I walked in and saw Aaron seated on the sofa, with bruises and band-aids on his face. 

Worried I asked. "What happened to you, Aaron?"

He threw me a dirty look and turned his face to stare in the opposite direction. I sighed and cast Amanda a questioning glance. However it was Daniel who answered my question.

"He got into a fight with some boyfriend of his, Randy something. They were pretty drunk and he hit him. He was going to smash a bottle on his head but I intervened and brought him here."

I was shocked. "I dunno how I can ever thank you for this..."

He cut across me, "Its fine. Ain't a big deal. I should get going now. It's late." With his pompous and cold announcement and a brief nod in Amanda's direction, he left.

I turned towards Aaron. "What the hell were you thinking getting drunk and involved in a dumb brawl? Don't you realize that Amanda and I would have been worried sick if something bad had occurred? After our parents' death, do you want to rip the small family apart completely?" 

I thundered in anger. The fear of losing him and his irresponsible behavior had fuelled my anger. Amanda sat their crying silently. However, Aaron turned his face towards me, anger, pain and hatred etched in his features.

"Shut up! Had it not been for you, mum and dad would have been around today! You are the reason our family was torn apart. I hate you! I don't wanna see your face! Don't you dare gimme any sermons?"

With these words that slashed my heart, he got up and went to his room as fast as his injuries could allow. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to Amanda with tears in my eyes. She was crying too and looking at me sympathetically. 

"I'll see you in the morning." I quickly spoke and ran upstairs to my room. I looked the door and slid down it, sitting on the floor. Tears continued to leave my eyes as Daniel's words repeated in my mind. I cried bitterly. I was deeply hurt and my heart was aching. I was trying hard but fresh tears continued to escape. Suddenly I heard a tap at the window.

I stopped crying, my senses alert. What was that noise? The room was dark and the window closed with white drapes on it. I couldn't see any shadow outside. Gathering courage, I switched on the lamp beside my bed and steadily approached the window. My heart was pounding in my chest and I could sense a high rush of adrenaline. 

After what seemed an eternity I reached the window and removed the drapes. Then with a shaking hand I reached out and opened the window. 

"Hey! Can I come in? It's cold outside!" 

I jumped back in fright and fell on the floor. I looked at the face outside in complete shock. When sense and relief washed over me I whispered in frustration.

"Evan! What the hell are you doing here in the middle of the night! And at my window! For Christ' sake! Are you nuts?"

"You can scold me as much as you like. But at least allow me to come in. I need your permission to enter your house." He gave me his ever charming smile.

I softened and said, "Come in, Evan. Why do you need my permission?"

"Courtesy." He winked at me while entering. "Nice room!" He said after casting one sweeping glance across my neat and well-organized room.

"How come you're here at this hour, Evan?" I gave him a meaningful look.

"I came to check on my friend. You seemed very upset and when I reached here I heard Aaron shouting." He confessed with his head bent.

I remembered Aaron's words, sat on the edge of the bed and broke into tears. In a heartbeat Evan was sitting next to me. He put an arm along my shoulders, lifted my head with the other and looked into my eyes. 

"Please don't cry, Sean. It's not your fault that your parents died. Aaron is just unable to get over them. You shouldn't feel guilty for it." His eyes showed pain and his voice empathy.

I buried my face in his chest. He slowly ran his hand though my hair and patted my back. After ten minute I finally gained control and was sobbing.

"Come on, Sean. Speak with me. Spill your heart out. You'll feel loads better."

I hesitated for a second before speaking, "Aaron is right. It's my fault that our parents are dead. Last summer I had run off to a late night party at a friend's where the cops raided on a tip of weed. They found the drugs and everyone was taken to the sheriff's office. My parents were called to the office. While returning from the office mum and dad were telling me off in the car. Suddenly, a tow truck coming from the opposite direction went out of control and spiraled on the road. Dad steered hard and the car went off the bridge into the waters. The next morning I woke up in the hospital. My parents had died but I had miraculously survived. Miraculously! No! I'm condemned. It's my entire fault!" 

By the end I had become hysterical again and was crying hard. Evan hugged me tight and tried his best to comfort me. When I had calmed down he spoke.

"Listen to me Sean. It was not your fault. You are not responsible for their death and you should not feel guilty about it. It was fate. Things happen in life which we feel responsible for. And we are at times. But this was something that wasn't in your control. No one had any idea what was destined. Your parents would hate to see you in this state. Their love for you and their peace rests in your serenity, Sean. We know life can be harsh but we have to accept and move. Burying yourself in the past is a grievous mistake. You have to move on. Aaron will understand your love sooner or later. We will make him realize. I love you, Sean. I cannot bear to see you in this state. It pains my heart."

I looked into his eyes and saw tears. The tight knot in my chest was slowly dissolving. I could breathe freely as if a burden of ages had been removed. A wave of relief and serenity washed over me as I felt the guilt and despair fade from my life.

As I looked into his eyes I reached forward, and touched his lips with mine. With my left hand on his cheek I moved closer to him while my tongue entered his mouth. He hands on my back; he pulled me against his chest. His lips were warm and wet. Our tongues were playing against each other. I could feel him smiling enjoying. My heart was fluttering with happiness. 

Finally, we ended the kiss. His blue eyes met mine and I finally said. 

"I love you, Evan."

"I love you too, Sean."

"And now you should get some sleep. I don't want my boy friend looking all puffy-eyed and depressed tomorrow." He laughed and pulled me to lie with him on the bed.

"Yeah. I should. It's been a long day." I smiled as I rested my heat on his arm.

"Hang on for a sec." He got up and pulled off his shirt and threw it on the chair. 

"It was wet. You leak a lot." He teased me and got back into bed. I laughed and snuggled. 

"Not anymore. Now that I have you." I winked at him.

"I love you." He smiled and switched off the light.

"I love you too."

I spoke in the darkness as his lips brushed against mine for a brief kiss. I put my head on his arm and hand on his chest. I felt happy and calm in his arms. The past had been buried. Tomorrow, I shall wake to a bright morning and step into the world with Evan. A new beginning awaited us.



Blood and Love Ch. 05-06



Chapter 5

*************

Daniel's Story I – Yes and No

***************************

As I walked out of the Geller residence into the cold night I sensed a presence. My body stiffened, senses alert as I walked down the stony path leading towards the gate. My eyes were fixed ahead but my sharp ears were waiting for an impending movement while my olfactory perception had already recognized the scent. I heard another set of footsteps on the stone slabs on the path. The movement was brief and the person stood behind me. Without turning back I spoke.

"Have you now taken up stalking people?"

"Why did you come here?" He shot a question in reply.

"I understand that this is your boyfriend's house but that doesn't give you exclusive right to decide the visitors." I turned and fixed my eyes on Evan.

"Don't try to humor me, Daniel. I'm your brother. And if I've spent a long time with you to know that the only contact you have with humans is to satiate your insatiable thirst for blood." 

I laughed at his feeble attempt to coax me.

"I came here to drop your boyfriend's brother. He got hurt badly at the bar. Had got into a brawl with his boyfriend." I scoffed.

Evan looked skeptical. When he spoke his voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"And you saved him! I don't believe this. Daniel Damien, the meanest of vampires 'saved' a human and not fed on him. Amazing."

"I thought you would know better. I guess now that I've had pity on you and allowed you to be with Sean, it's our responsibility to save his brother. Family, ain't it?"

Evan smiled. "Come on, Dan. Stop denying and covering up. I know you have a soft corner for Aaron. It's great, big broda! In fact I'd be very glad if you tried to move on. It's been years now. Why are you still stuck up on Alexander?"

In a second I was face to face with Evan, my hand tightly grabbing his throat. My vision became red. My pupils contracted into slits and radiated a reddish aura while my canines emerged. Sharp enough to rip his throat. I growled.

"Do not utter another word! I will never give up Alexander's memories. He has always been my love. I had vowed never to let go in life or in death!"

With this warning I released him and walked away. While he stood on the path watching me go.

*****

I grabbed a champagne coupe and poured some blood from an ornate flask into it. I was still fuming at Evan's stupid assumptions. Anger filled me and I finished the drink in one gulp. Re-filling the coupe I sat down on the eighteenth century Victorian settee. Evan's words were still echoing in my ears. Who was he to decide what I should do? How dare he suggest that I should forget Alexander's memories? How could he assume that I liked Aaron! He says I saved him because I had a soft corner for him!

I got up and walked to the mirror. Looking at my reflection, I pondered over what he had said.

No! I didn't love Aaron. I cannot have feelings for him. I cannot walk over Alexander's memories and begin a new life! No! I had no right to do so. But why Am I justifying myself! I don't have feelings for Aaron. Yes. I saved him because.... But no answer came to my mind except Evan's statement. No! I shook my head. No! I saved him because he was hurt and he was Sean's brother. I did it for Evan and his boyfriend. It had nothing to do with my feelings for Aaron. Evan was wrong and talking nonsense. 

My brain was in frenzy. All thoughts were swirling in my mind. I needed to get away from them. I needed a break. 

My pupils were slits and the canines emerged again. I knew what to do.

**********************************************************

Chapter- 6

********************

Sean's Story IV—And life's back on track!

***********************************************

"Soft, wet lips were pressed against mine. Demanding. Insistent. I let out a soft moan and rolled onto my back as Evan got on top of me. My hands started wandering. I had no control as they began exploring the sculpted physique of my Adonis. As they moved over the treasure he withheld, Evan growled. My little sensual gestures had arisen the animal in him. His fingers found the spaces between mine as he pinned me to the bed, his wet lips moving from my lips to my neck where he playfully bit me. A strong shiver ran through my body and I quivered like the string of Cupid's bow when the arrow of sensual love is shot......"

I smiled as I remembered every moment of the sensual night that had passed between us. Our love for each other had manifested itself in the act that had left us exhausted and in extreme bliss. I smiled and turned under the covers extending my hand. It was empty.

My eyes sprang open. Was it a dream? Wasn't Evan here last night? Or had he left? Had he used me? My mind was raging with such depressing thoughts when I noticed him. He was standing at the window looking at the rising sun, with his bare back towards me. I sighed. Some insecurity from the past had come over me. That was so stupid! 

I silently got out of bed, planning to surprise him. However, the moment I kept my bare feet on the floor, my heart beating fast, he spoke without turning back.

"Have been waiting for you to get up for an hour now."

I was shocked. However, I gathered my senses and walked to him. He encircled me in his arms and we stood watching the morning awaken. The sky burst into orange flames as the sun appeared on the horizon. We were bathed in yellow-orangish light, the heat of the sun washing over us. The sun's soft warmth combined with Evan's body heat gave me an almost orgasmic pleasure. 

Cherishing this pleasure I spoke. "How did you know I was awake?"

"I could hear your heart beating fast in this body I admire." He playfully answered and nibbled at my ear.

I giggled and tried to get away. The tickling and nibbling was turning me on but he showed no sign of stopping. Sensing my resistance he tightened his hold on me and pressed me closer to his body. We continued struggling as he retreated from the window and pushed me onto the bed once again. Getting on top of me he buried his face in my neck and continued to bite playfully. I was getting excited and ecstatic. He growled and pinned me to the bed again. I started losing control and was about to give in when the door knob gave a click and Amanda walked in.

"Hey Sean! Time to get U............Oh my God!" 

We turned our heads to look at her. Shock was etched on her face as she quickly turned her back towards us.

Evan got off me teasing me with a smile. I rolled my eyes, grabbed some sheets to cover my privates and tried to speak.

"Oh Amanda! We were just having s.....No. I mean he came in the night......And we slept together... Slept as in.....Aarggh!"

What was wrong with me! I was so nervous that I kept on saying the things I should never have uttered. Lord knows, what else I would have said had Amanda not interrupted.

"Yeah! Yeah! I get the story. It's fine. You're grown up enough. It was just the shock. I don't really expect to walk into my nephew's room and find him going at it with his boyfriend." 

She smiled and I relaxed.

"I'll be downstairs. Shower and come for breakfast. Hurry up or you'll be late for school."

She walked out but stopped at the door and turned.

"Evan, will you mind using the front door now that I know you're here."

Evan looked at her and smiled sheepishly, scratching his head.

"And Sean." She looked at me and began closing the door. "The sheets are not opaque."

I dashed to hide behind the bed while Evan burst into laughter.

*****

"And then I turned around and saw dad standing. I almost peed in my pants."

"I thought you were nude." I cut in while Amanda laughed loudly. 

Evan had been narrating the event when his dad had walked on him to find him indulging in self-pleasure. I loved to hear him talk. He was funny, cute and a decent charmer as the little compliments he gave Amanda proved. She liked him now and had given me a thumbs-up ascertaining her approval while he had been indulging in the pie.

"That's just an expression, darling." He retorted, stressing 'darling' and seductively smiling. Amanda let out a teasing "Awww" while I blushed and laughed, only to see Aaron standing at the door.

My laughter stuck in my throat while the others turned to look at him in apprehension. The bubble of happiness I had created had been pricked with Aaron's entry. I looked down on the cereal bowl and started eating. I had no appetite now but that seemed better than staring at him before he blasted. 

Dead silence echoed in the room. I heard Aaron's footsteps as they made their way from the door, crossed the distance and came at a halt right next to me. My heart was beating fast as I turned to look at him. I was dreading to look into a face distorted with rage and hatred etched in every feature.

But, I was surprised. Aaron stood with the tenderest expression on his face, with tears running down his cheeks while he looked on the floor. I turned to look at Amanda who looked equally surprised and Evan who was watching him intently. 

After an awkward minute, Aaron finally spoke. "Sean, I....I am very sorry about what I said last night. I was drunk and hurt and didn't realize how much I had hurt you. I was wrong in blaming you for our parents' death. I have treated you very badly since last year and am very ashamed. I can't look into your eyes now. I feel so dwarfed with my attitude while you continued to bear my insolence and love me. I want to bring everything back to normal between us. I apologize for everything. I dunno whether you will forgive me or not, but...."

I threw the stool aside and hugged my brother. Tears of happiness found their way out of my eyes and my heart filled with great emotion. I heard Amanda sobbing while Evan sat beaming at us, nodding in appreciation.

"I was never angry at you, bro. You don't need to seek forgiveness for anything." Was all I could say before I got too overwhelmed to speak.

When we calmed down, Aaron and I broke the hug and looked at each other. I got another stool and we sat together to finish the breakfast. Amanda continued fussing over us while Evan took my hand under the table and pressed it lightly.

We had a great time talking about everything under the sun with Aaron making us roll in laughter. Aaron told about the weird stuff he had done since last year which sent Amanda over the edge for a minute before we calmed her down. Aaron then went on to talk about last night and how the things had gone at the Mysticus grill. I learnt about Daniel being Evan's brother. It was then that Aaron spoke.

"Oh and I forgot to thank the person who knocked some sense into my thick skull. Thanks Evan." 

Evan smiled. "Mention not, Aaron.

I was surprised yet again. "You didn't tell me. When did you talk about this?"

Aaron broke in. "Last night. I couldn't sleep when he came to my room and talked to me. He made me realize your worth." Aaron smiled and gave me a hug.

"However," Aaron continued. "Next time when you come to make me see sense Evan, please don't walk in smelling of sex."

I blushed and playfully hit Aaron on the shoulder. Aaron, Amanda and Evan laughed heartily.

"Guys, you should get leaving now. Time for school." Amanda instructed.

Aaron took the car while Evan decided to drop me in his. I winked at him. We left for school though not without Amanda inviting Evan and his brother to dinner that night.

*****

"Are you sure? I didn't get any such feeling from him. Your self-centered brother didn't really like Aaron." I voiced my doubt as I got out of the car.

"Oh! Daniel is that kind. Doesn't want to be predictable and stuff. He hates when someone guesses his feelings." He said slamming his door shut.

"Anyway, how should I thank you for what you've done? You've just made life so perfect!" I smiled and watched him come over to me. He put his arms around my waist and pressed me against the car's side.

Looking into my eyes he gave me a sly grin. "Tonight, I'll take my thanks. However, let's check up how much gratitude do you feel right now."

He came closer to me. His lips were inches from mine when Tyler's voice boomed across the parking lot.

"Oye! Stop making out and come here!" 

I laughed on seeing Evan roll his eyes pissed. We turned to face our gang coming towards us.

"So you two love-birds have ended the hide-n-seek game. I tell ya we knew something was cooking but you guys acted Bean and so did we." Stephan grinned and messed my hair while giving Evan a hug.

Rebecca came to me and hugged me; she whispered in my ear. "Rachael doesn't look very happy."

I turned my eyes to the green-eyed Rachael whose expressions proved the "green-eyed fiend's" existence. Jealousy. 

"Let her be." I whispered back. 

Rebecca retreated winking at me. Chris and his girlfriend Rose congratulated us while Rachael stood pretending nothing important was happening.

Next, we headed to the school café and grabbed our favorite seats. I sat with Evan and Rebecca on either side, while Rachael, Stephan and Tyler sat across the table. Chris and Rose brought the burgers and pizzas while we pulled extra chairs for them. That done we sat down to a hearty meal and began talking about school stuff. True to his nature Tyler began his announcements of our plans.

"Listen guys. We have Halloween next Sunday. There will be a super-cool bash at school and I want everyone to be present with dates. That's important. Considering that the party rules will be made by me, dates will be mandatory. No dates, no entry. And, I want great costumes. The winner has to be some one from among us. I'd hate some loser walk away with the grand prize."

After Tyler's rather pompous and intimidating address, we began talking about the preparations for the "Monster Ball" to be held at Halloween night.

"Good that I found a boyfriend." Evan whispered in my ears.

"When did I say yes? You should officially ask me out." I answered with a sarcastic smile without looking at Evan.

"You are so going to regret this tonight, honey." With this sarcastic comment he pinched me on the thigh.

"Aeow!" I howled.

"What happened, Sean?" Stephan asked while everyone turned their heads towards me.

"Nothing, my foot hit the table leg. So, what were you saying about Halloween?" I tried to cover up.

Tyler gave me a quick, searching look before delving into the subject once again. Evan continued to snigger in the next seat.

Suddenly, my attention was caught the news telecast on the TV in the café. All heads turned in that direction as someone increased the volume. The famous reporter George Keats was on TV speaking.

"The body of a nineteen year old girl was found lying on the Mysticus highway. The girl has been identified as Tara Smith. The local authorities are saying it's an animal attack. The girl was found by a local resident who was returning to town. Sources tell that he reported seeing the girl's throat having been ripped open. The Sheriff has asked people not to panic. The situation shall be looked into. Any further reports will be given soon."

There was a commotion and we looked behind and saw Emily Smith from my class cring hysterically. Her friends were gathered and trying to console her. Apparently, Tara was Emily's elder sister who was returning to town after three year. I felt sad for her and turned to Evan.

Evan looked troubled. He seemed to be thinking something that was bothering him. I put a hand on his shoulder.

"What happened, Evan?"

He shook as if coming out from a trance. "I got to go somewhere. I'll be there for dinner tonight." He kissed me on the cheek and left in great haste.

I watched him go. Why was he acting so awkward? Why had the news troubled him so much? Such questions were forming in my mind when Rebecca said. "Let's go and try to console her."

I nodded and walked wit the others towards Emily. But, my thoughts were still hung on Evan and his awkward reaction.



Blood and Love Ch. 07



Chapter 7

************

Daniel's Story II – No one can know

*********************************

"I was lying on an ornate settee padded with velvet cushions while hot chicks dressed in bikinis were swooning all over me. Each trying hard to get my attention. One scantily clad bitch got on top of me and seductively moved her golden locks to reveal her soft neck. She bent over me and I bared my canines. As I bit she moaned. I drank and the moaning became intense. I relaxed my grip and she put her head up. Blood dripping from my lips and my eyes with lust I looked up; and saw Aaron! His green eyes met mine as he leaned and locked lips with mine....."

What the heck! I sat up straight in bed and shook my head. What the hell was Aaron doing in my dream! After everything I tried and ignored his thoughts, I was dreaming about him. Never! I had to shut him out. Alexander was my love. Aaron was an arrogant, cheeky slut! Never could he take Alexander's place.......

Suddenly the door burst open and Evan stomped in scowling at me. 

I raised my eyebrows and questioned. "Is that how the son of a noble behaves, Evan Damien?"

"Screw you! What the hell were you thinking? Why did you kill Tara Smith? Weren't we supposed to lie low? Then why on earth are you attracting attention to us!"

I looked at him coolly. "Done? Well little brother lets get a few things straight. First, I didn't feed on Tara whoever. Second, even if I did YOU have no right to question me. And third, don't ever barge into my room again. Learn to behave."

Evan glared at me but remained silent. He began pacing the room in great concern. After a few minutes he spoke again. "If you didn't do it, then who did? No other vampire should be here. It'll endanger Sean if they learnt about his whereabouts!"

"Listen Evan. Don't worry about this. You remain with Sean. I'll look into the matter and get things sorted. Trust me." I answered with a tone of finality.

"Fine! But, do let me know about it. And be ready for dinner at the Gellers. We'll leave at 8." With this Evan walked out, closing the door behind him.

I threw myself on my back, looking at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling decorated with several exotic patterns from the 16th century. He had stopped Evan from doing his Sherlock Holmes act but that would only be a short while. Something had to be done fast. No one should get to know the truth about Tara Smith's death.

******************************************

Aaron's Story II—Dinner with the Damiens

***********************************************

"And there goes the lasagna. Done!" I stepped back and looked at the dining table. The food looked great and the aroma was luring. Amanda walked into the room smiling.

"You've got an eye for setting stuff, Aaron. Didn't know my hardcore partying nephew had kitchen skills." She winked at me while Sean entered nodding appreciatively.

"Don't get used to it. This stuff is a rare sight. Won't happen often." I raised my eyebrows feigning a reprimanding tone. Sean and Amanda burst into laughter. 

"There goes the bell. Who's answering the door?" Amanda looked at us.

"Me!" Sean turned to leave but I jumped past him reaching first. "What's the hurry, bro?"

"That ain't fair! Amanda!" Sean reproached.

"That's between you guys. I'm outta this." Laughing she came out to join me while Sean followed sulking.

I stuck a tongue at Sean and opened the door with a wide smile while announcing loudly.

"Welcome to our house, Eva......Ewww! Its you." My smile faltered and I frowned. 

Daniel Damien stood at the door frowning at me. I guessed he thought I was too wild. The high-nosed sucker that he was! However his majesty's poker face was soon aside as charming Evan walked in all smiles, He hugged me, presented flowers to Amanda while complimenting her on her prettiness and kissed Sean. All this while Daniel stood at the threshold showing all signs of not wanting to be there; and merely nodded in response to Amanda and Sean's warm greetings. I wanted to kick his snobbish arse there and then! The rest of the party moved to the living room. He and I were left alone at the door. He continued to act as if I were wallpaper! OR in fact a flower on that wall paper! Screw him! 

"Are you coming in?" I asked with raised eyebrows.

He marched in and followed the others. You would have thought I was talking to the door! I rolled my eyes and closed the door. This was going to be a long dinner.

*****

"I must say the lasagna is delicious. And the custard is amazing. You should be a professional chef in one of the leading restaurant chains." Evan complimented Amanda as we sat savoring the delicacies.

"Oh Evan! Please." Amanda blushed. She was so flattered and happy. Daniel sat eating his custard without any remarks. Throughout the dinner he had seemed distant and hadn't joined the conversation except when Amanda had specifically asked him polite questions to which she received half-liners as answers. I looked at Sean who sat opposite to me ogling at Evan next to me.

I decided to have some fun. I took off my slipper and felt for Sean's legs. My bare foot felt his legs. I lifted the jeans a little with my toe and started rubbing the leg. I smiled wickedly looking at Sean. However, he seemed unperturbed and resumed his ogling. I was determined and started rubbing passionately. Suddenly, Daniel rose from his chair and I felt my foot thrown back. 

"I have to use the washroom." He looked flushed and immediately took off.

"I'll get down to the dishes. You guys talk." I took off as well.

Crap! How on earth could I do this? This was so embarrassing. What would that thick-headed majesty ass think about me! Jesus Christ! Why did you let this happen? The Apocalypse would have been more welcome! 

I cursed myself repeatedly. However, when my nerves began hurting I decided to be calm. I tried the deep breathing exercises for a couple of minutes and relaxed. Next, I began washing the dishes to divert my attention.

"Ahem!" I heard the clearing of the throat and rolled my eyes. My face flushed as Daniel came up behind me. His warm breath on my neck reminded me of the other night when he had brought me home. Jeez! Why on earth was I getting turned on! This just so wasn't the right time!

Without a word he picked up a dry cloth and started wiping the wet dishes. We worked in silence. The sounds of the water gushing from the tap, the dishes being washed and my own heart pounding were the only ones in the dead silent room. 

After about ten minutes he spoke. "The dinner was good."

"Yeah. It was." I replied awkwardly.

"I don't really know how to give compliments if you're thinking why I didn't say it to Amanda." He justified himself.

My heart was beating faster. What was this guy thinking? "It's fine." And what the hell was I doing giving such replies!

"You're cleaning the dishes well." He uttered and then bit his lip. I saw the reaction in the steel plate he was wiping.

"You're wiping them well too." For the hundredth time tonight, why Lord, Why?!? Such a lame statement! It was lamer than his attempts!

"Finally, the dishes are done!" I closed the tap and turned to face him. I leaned with my hands on the side of the sink. 

"So is the wiping." He kept the last of the dish on the rack and turned to face me. His hazel blue eyes met my green ones. We looked at each other. This felt so awkward and yet so right. He had a soft look in his eyes. He leaned closer. His face came close to mine. Our lips were inches away. I leaned closer and he retreated. 

I stood there leaning, with a pout, feeling completely stupid and hell awkward. I straightened and looked at him. He was glaring at me now. Holy Christ! A second ago the soft looks and now the satanic glare! 

"Listen to me very carefully, Aaron Geller. I will not get associated with sluts like you. So better back off! Daniel Damien is no cheap crap any whore can have!"

With this he stomped towards the living room. I was furious and burning with hatred.

"Stop right there, Daniel Damien! Or should I say 'your Majesty'!" I sneered. "You call me a whore and a slut! Well, let me tell you that your majesty is an egomaniacal jerk with a highly inflated 'false' sense of pride! You are just an arrogant baboon. And Aaron Geller doesn't hang out with the likes of you!"

With this I marched out of the kitchen while he stood there fuming.

******************************************************

Evan's Story II—Lies 

************************

Sean and I were lying in the bed. My arms encircled him as he snuggled into me and rest his head on my chest. The feeling of having him in my arms was beautiful. I wanted him to feel protected and loved. After a short while he began talking.

"The dinner was great, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, I loved everything. Tonight was so perfect. I love you so much." 

He raised his head and planted a short thank-you kiss on my lips before taking his former position and continuing to talk.

"By the way did you feel that after they returned from the kitchen, Aaron and Daniel seemed a bit charged? I felt a tension in the air. Daniel was kind of fuming and Aaron wasn't his usual self."

"I felt the same too. Probably, something happened in the kitchen which we haven't been a part of." I guessed.

"Should I talk to Aaron regarding this? I dunno whether I should or not. This is a bit complicated." Sean asked me.

I pondered for a while before replying. "I'd say let's leave them alone. It would be better if they solved things themselves. However, if things turn ugly we can always intervene." 

Sean nodded. "I guess you're right. We should give them their time."

There was silence for a while before Sean spoke again.

"Evan, I was wondering where were you all day? You left in haste and didn't return." He raised his head and looked into my eyes. "Is something wrong?"

I looked into his eyes and saw genuine concern. How could I keep him secrets from him? He loved me so much and yet I had been lying or keeping secrets about everything. I couldn't lie to him. I had to tell him my reality.

I opened my mouth and spoke. 

"Nothing, honey. My cousin was supposed to come too last night, so I got concerned about her safety. But, she came safe and everything is fine."

I couldn't tell him the truth. I couldn't risk losing him. 

Sean gave me a long searching look. I could sense the doubts in his mind. His uneasiness was evident. However, he smiled and kissed me. "Fine. Good night, Evan."

"Good night, Sean."

He closed his eyes and slowly dozed off. I lay there looking into the distance. Lies! Lies and Lies! How long before this castle of lies will fall apart? How long?



Blood and Love Ch. 08



Sean's Story V – The Funeral I

***************************************

"May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace." With the final words of the priest the coffin was buried and Tara Smith's burial ceremony concluded. Evan put an arm around my shoulder and hugged me tightly. Emily and her mother were inconsolable as they wept bitterly now; having remained subdued throughout the ceremony. A number of people from town had gathered to attend the funeral. The Mayor Mr. Rochester, the sheriff Cassandra Bronte, the eminent news reporter George Keats, the wealthy estate dealer Arthur Oakwood had graced the occasion. The presence of the most important people in town was strange considering the Smiths had no close contacts with any of them. I turned to look at our friends who stood watching the proceedings. There were others, the acquaintances of the Smiths.

Gradually, the party began to break as people started heading towards the Smith residence. Evan excused himself and told me he would meet me later. As we walked to the residence, Rebecca spoke.

"That was a tragic thing to happen. The Smiths are shattered." 

"They say it was an animal attack. When did this town have animals? I hope the Halloween party isn't pulled off." Tyler Rochester rambled.

"Yeah! My costume's all set for the ball. I won't stand the cancellation." Rachael Bronte agreed with a whiff of her blonde hair.

"Stop it, guys! You're at a funeral. Have some sense." I broke in irritated.

"Hold your horses, Sean. Why are you getting bugged? We were just telling facts." Rachael snapped.

"Forget it." I snubbed her and walked away from the group. Tyler and Rachael were good friends but acted dorks at times. That was so insensitive. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Rebecca and Stephan.

"What's up Sean? You look off today." Rebecca asked me while Stephan cast me a questioning glance. Their faces showed genuine concern and affection. I sighed debating whether to share my feelings with them or not. I had doubts regarding Evan. But the chance of them being completely baseless both relaxed and unnerved me. 

"Is it about Evan? Stephan tried to guess. My silence answered in the affirmative. 

"You can share with us, man. We have been friends for years. Maybe we could help." He put a hand on my shoulders while Rebecca nodded in agreement.

I sighed and began voicing my concerns. "I may be wrong guys but I feel Evan is hiding something from me. Ever since the Tara case has come up he appears to be unnerved. He said it was because of a sister returning on the same night but I could sense otherwise."

Both my friends listened intently. Taking in what I had said, Rebecca spoke after a while.

"I feel whatever Evan said seems right. You are just worrying too much. Perhaps, because of the misery of last year you're seeing too much into things. You should relax, Sean. Give Evan his space and your faith." 

Stephan nodded in agreement. I thought over what she had said. Perhaps, she was right. I was over-reacting. After all the reason he gave me was sensible. I smiled at my friends when Evan walked in.

"Hey honey. Hi guys. Something wrong?" He looked at me in Stephan's embrace and questioned.

Stephan quickly covered up. "Why? You jealous that your boyfriend is in my arms?" Rebecca and I smiled.

Evan gave a sly smile. "Very jealous! No one touches my boyfriend." He took me by the arm and pulled me into a bear hug. I snuggled into him as I felt guilty of doubting him.

"Should we get some drinks?" Rebecca suggested. Stephan joined her while Evan and I decided to leave. As we reached the exit Evan walked into an old man.

The man gave him a long searching odd look. "I know you. I've seen you before."

Evan politely smiled. "No, sir. I think you are mistaken. I haven't met you before. I just came to town a couple of weeks ago."

"No. I remember seeing you around thirty years ago. The same face, the same voice, no you are...." At this juncture a young lady walked in.

"Granddad, we've been looking all over the place. Why do you keep walking away?" She turned to us. "I'm sorry if he has disturbed you. Granddad is sick. We have to take him to the psychiatrist every week." With this she took the old man away who kept on staring at Evan.

Throughout the encounter I stood shocked with my mouth open. Evan turned to me and smiled. "Poor man. His nerves are really messed up. Thirty years ago! Jeez! I wasn't even born. Sean? Sean!"

"Yeah!" My mind had started raging into endless thoughts and I didn't realize Evan had been talking. 

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Weird man. Let's get going." Evan looked at me for a moment before giving me a smile. We walked towards the car. My thoughts were hung on Tara Smith and now the old man.

*****************************************************

Aaron's Story III – The Funeral II.

*******************************************

I saw Evan and Sean leaving in their car and turned to enter the house. People were engaged in conversations in their trios or fours. A consistent stream of visitors would approach the Smiths to console them and express their grief for their loss. Teary-eyed the mother and sister of the deceased talked to the visitors trying to ease their pain. 

I needed a drink and decided to head to the counter. As I took my drink Tyler came up to me.

"Have you seen Sean?" 

"He left with Evan a couple of minutes ago. You need something?"

Tyler seemed disappointed but shrugged his shoulders. "Nay man. Rachael and I acted dorks and Sean got pissed. I wanted to apologize but I guess some other time. Anyway, see ya." With a handshake he turned to join his friends from rugby.

I watched him go and turned to head elsewhere. I didn't notice the waiter and a glass of wine spilled on my shirt.

"Oh! I am so sorry sir. It was a mistake. I didn't see you coming." The waiter tried to clean apologizing fervently.

"It's okay." I shrugged him off and headed towards the washroom. Emily had seen the mess and directed me to go into the washroom in the bedroom on the first floor.

I thanked her and went upstairs. With ease I found the room and went into the washroom. Having grabbed a tissue and soaked it in water, I tried to clean the stain on my shirt. As I continued cleaning I heard voices in the room. I felt I should make my presence known when I heard Mayor Rochester's voice and stopped.

"Why on earth do you want us to meet here, Cassandra? This isn't a safe location. Anyone could be eavesdropping." Rochester rambled in an agitated tone.

A female's voice, perhaps the sheriff Cassandra's replied. "It's urgent, Rochester. I just received the autopsy reports. They have unnerved me and confirmed our darkest fears."

"Your darkest fears, Cassandra. We don't believe in the folklore of the town. Anyway, what does the autopsy say?"

"Tara Smith's body had been drained of blood. The marks on her neck don't bear any semblance to any animal specie around the town. You know what this means."

Another voice boomed in the room. I recognized it to be George Keats. "I knew it. The moment I saw her body I had guessed who was behind the attack."

"Enough, Keats. Stop running your horses. You're gonna throw caution to the winds." Rochester's wife Sybil intervened. 

"Listen up, guys." That voice belonged to Arthur Oakwood. What were these guys up to? "Nothing can be confirmed yet. That was just one victim. Moreover, apart from those age-old journals, there is no proof that they exist. It's better not to jump to conclusions. And let's end this conversation here. The conference will be at my estate some other time."

"I agree. Cassandra, do a bit more looking around before the conference. And make sure no one gets any hint of the situation." Rochester instructed.

"Fine. Till next time then." She agreed.

"Let's join everyone downstairs." Sybil said and they left the room.

I heard them leave and came out of the washroom. My hearts was racing while everything I had heard continued to rage my mind. I was very confused and baffled. Various questions were storming my mind. Tara's death was not an animal attack? What did the folklore say? Why were they talking about beliefs in it? What did Bronte mean when she said Tara's body had been drained of blood? Why were they talking in secrecy? What conference were they talking about? Secrets and lies from the town's authority figures. What more lay hidden behind the smiling faces of these town dwellers?



Blood and Love Ch. 09



Daniel's Story III – Ruth Morris

***********************************

The Mysticus woods were a beautiful and sinister manifestation of nature. Trees from the ancient age of Yore still stood deep-rooted, strengthening and spreading their regime. The forest's floor was flooded with ferns and creepers while the thick foliage restricted the sun rays to the tree tops, maintaining a constant darkness below. Day or night, the forest and its beings remained oblivious to the time change. Like the inhabitants of the town, the forest too had secrets buried deep into its heart.

As I walked on the forest's ferny floor I remembered the events that had passed since Tara Smith's death and funeral last week. Five more women had died and their bodies had been found in the same decapitated state. The Mayor Rochester had declared an emergency while the sheriff Bronte had strengthened security. Evan had been getting edgy and frustrated as I had continued to stop him from acting. Through him I had discovered that Sean was suspicious now. I knew the time was fast approaching when Evan would have to tell Sean the truth; which considering Sean's present state, wouldn't go down well with him. The truth would have to be hidden from him as long as possible. But, Aaron's activities were threatening to blow everything up. He had been acting strange since the funeral. Not that, the guy wasn't weird (I thought skeptically) but he had often sensed a sharp searching look in Aaron's eyes whenever he and Evan were around. 

But, all this could be stopped if he dealt with the person responsible for this. Had he not met him that night, all hell would have broken loose by now. I walked faster getting deeper into the woods. It was pitch dark with the moonlight creating small patches of light wherever it had succeeded in falling though the foliage. But, my vampire vision and strength made this journey a piece of cake. And then I saw it appear- the cabin my great grandfather had built a century ago. 

I stopped at the door and tethered for a second before entering. The room had been lit with candles which dispelled the darkness a bit. I sniffed and a growl emanated from the bottom of my throat. The air was thick with the smell of blood. My eyes moved towards the centre of the room where I saw the corpse of a woman while a man had buried his face in her neck. On hearing my entry, the man stopped and looked up.

A man in his early twenties, blonde hair, pale skin and blue eyes which now emitted a red aura while the pupils had contracted to form slits. He bared his fangs with blood dripping from his mouth. As he returned to his human form, the devilish features concealed themselves and a handsome man stood before me. However the murderous and ruthless look in his eyes was still evident. His lip curled as he gave me a sinister smile.

"Ah! Daniel, my man. What took you so long? I got bored so got a new friend." He made a slight movement of the head towards the presumably dead girl and grinned devilishly.

I looked at him indifferently and said. "I need to talk to you."

He smirked and moved towards the sofa where he had been dining. He bent down, picked up his black shirt and put it on. In spite of the situation, I couldn't help feeling uneasy in my 'region'. Apparently, he had sensed my feeling as well because he left the buttons undone and came to stand very close to me. He was taller than me. His looked into my eyes and spoke in a soft tone.

"What is it that you want to talk about?" He gave me a sly smile.

Remembering the reason of my presence I cast aside all straying thoughts and looked at him. "Listen, Ruth. You have to leave now. Your presence is endangering us and we don't want anything abysmal to happen. You have to leave the town."

He grabbed my collars and with his super vampire strength and speed pushed me hard against the cabin wall. His vampire form took over him as he threatened me in rage.

"No one orders Ruth Morris around. Don't forget this. I shall leave when I wish to. And do not forget, I know about Sean Geller. One false move on your side and that kid is at their mercy! And you and your brother shall not be spared!"

Slowly, his vampire form disappeared and he softened his tone. He smiled cunningly and moved his tongue along my neck. I shivered and pushed him off. My vampire form had taken over me and I was seething in rage. I growled at him while he laughed and sat down on the sofa. 

"Don't think I am weak, Ruth! I've had enough of you. This is my last warning. You will have left by tomorrow and no one will ever know about Sean. If they do, I swear I will hunt you down and rip your heart out!" 

He laughed again but soon started gasping. In a split second my rage had taken over and I had started throttling him. With a swift motion, I took a wooden stick fallen on the ground and thrust it in Ruth's chest. He yelled in pain. I released him and stepped back. He fell on the floor and rolled over in pain. I bent down and took out the stick.

"I didn't miss Ruth. Next time, the stake will be through your heart."

With this I turned and left the cabin while he lay on the floor glaring at me.

*********************************************

Aaron's Story IV – More questions and Answers

******************************************************

I switched off the TV and throwing the remote aside stretched in the couch. Sixth death this week with the 'Animal Attack' tag quickly added to it. The tension in the town was paramount. No one felt safe. However, the mayor and sheriff's continual assurances still worked wonders in avoiding any chaos. I guess in such helpless times, we can't help but continue to put our faith in anyone in position. I closed my eyes thinking about whatever I had heard last week. Everything I had heard was so disconnected that I had no idea how to put all the pieces together. Having re-played the conversation in my head over and over again, I had decided to begin with the town's folklore.

I had surfed the internet but there was a lot of crap that had nothing to do with the town's ancient folklore. There were stupid blogs about vampires, werewolves, witches etc but no authentic archives. However, I had come across the Central Library link which told that the town's library had archives of the town's history and heritage. Probably, I could find the folklore in them. 

I looked at the watch. It was 11 am. I could easily go and check out the archives. I got up, grabbed a coat, took the car keys and was ready to take off when Sean walked in. He grabbed an apple, turned and looked at with me in surprise.

"Ya are going anywhere, bro?" He asked.

I quickly thought and spoke. "Yeah. Sam wanted to meet me. I'll be back late."

"Cool. Say hi." With this Sean went to his room.

I heaved a sigh of relief. This was not the time to tell Sean anything. Sean had already told me his fears about Evan. Though I had pacified him, I had doubts regarding Evan and Daniel. Ever since the murders had started they had been acting weird. If they had something to do with it then I needed proof to save Sean. And I was determined to get it.

*****

The librarian's cute assistant took out the file, wiped the dust off it and handed it to me with a smile.

"Here you go, Aaron. The file has a couple of pages from a journal of Robert Stewart. This was all that was recovered from the fire that burnt down the historian's house. It's a pity. He has done an exhaustive research on the town's history and culture. Guess, fate didn't favor. Poor man, burnt in the fire." 

"Thanks, Steve. I'll check up what information will be useful for my paper. You're a life saver." I smiled charismatically.

He blushed and murmured a "my pleasure" before walking away. The moment I saw him turning the corner I quickly headed to the table and sat down to explore. I removed the cover and opened the folder. There were a few torn pages burnt at the edges. I began reading whatever was comprehensible.

"...the legend of the creatures of the night has continued to be an issue that surfaced at several moments in the history of Mystical Domus. In 1692 when the witch burning trials were flaming in Salem, the townsmen of Mystical Domus were preparing themselves for their first attack on the most detested beings on earth. Churches had become the rallying point of the movement to cleanse God's earth. The governance had initiated the process and the ancestors of the most notable families of the town had been the leaders of this crusade. These creatures of the night had been named the....."

I swore as I reached the end of the page. That part had been burnt in the fire. Frustrated, I looked at another page from the journal.

"...were successful. The war waged against them forced them into hiding. The deaths in the town had stopped. No more was the fear of waking up in the morning to find their family dead and fed upon by the demons of the dark. No more feeling of despair and helplessness at the hands of the foul beings. No woman or child would be found ripped apart with the blood being sucked out of their bodies. But, the governing families of the town suddenly decided not to pass down the truth. They decided to bury the past. No one would ever talk about the crusade. None opposed but under their breaths they all talked of the pact that had been made with the Dark. The pact whose terms if not complied with would bring doom to the town. No one knew the pact. My recent discoveries have led to my present belief that the pact between the beings and the governing families involved a very sinister issue. The sacrifice of ....." 

I reached the end and cursed yet again. Another abrupt end to the page. I looked through the rest of the pages but nothing talked about the folklore or anything about the creatures of the night. Why on earth had Robert Stewart used so many adjectives? Couldn't he have used the name? 

However, the certain thing was that whoever these beings were, they had returned. The manner of death had been exactly the same as described by the historian. Another fact that clicked was that the short conversation I had eavesdropped on now made sense to me. The governing families were the same who were in power positions today. This was so unbelievable. 

But, how on earth were the Damiens connected with this? I thought hard and then it dawned on me. They had moved to town a month ago. And the attacks started last week. It was a small town and no new families had shifted. And the way Evan had reacted that disturbed Sean. What connection could they possibly have with these creatures? 

A sense of urgency seized me. I had to warn Sean. I checked my watch. It was 7 pm. Shit! Sean was to go to the Halloween party tonight. I had to stop him. I quickly picked up my keys and turned to leave. 

"Hello Aaron." Daniel stood in front of me, smiling. "I see you've been reading."

I hastily and unsuccessfully tried to regain my ease. "Project. Yeah. What do you want?"

"You." In a split of a second he was next to me, his fingers hit my neck and everything blacked out.



Blood and Love Ch. 10



Chapter 10

**************

Sean's Story VI -- Halloween

********************************

"I am a vampire!" 

I growled at the mirror and started laughing. The costume looked perfect. I had spiked my jet black hair, paled my complexion and darkened my eye lashes and brows. Fake blood was dripping from the corners of my mouth while the fangs added authenticity to my outfit. 

"Someone's looking wild." The familiar voice with a hint of seduction made me turn and smile at my lover standing at the door. Evan stood there smiling charismatically and looking handsome as ever. I realized he was not wearing a costume,

"You ain't wearing a Halloween costume?" I questioned.

"Nah. I didn't feel like it. Anyway, you look hot." As he spoke he came up to me, put his hands around my waist and pushed me against his chest.

"Won't you drink my blood, sexy vampire?" He looked into my eyes and asked playfully.

I laughed and kissed him on the lips. "Well, this vampire is gonna drink a lot from you. Just wait till I have you all cuffed tonight." I winked at him and licked his ear with my tongue.

He wriggled and laughed. "Ah! Forget the party. Let's do it."

With that he pushed me onto the bed. He started kissing me passionately. Our tongues met and we lost control. His hands were all over me, caressing me firmly, yet delicately. I pulled him closer and started planting kisses on his face and neck. As things got hotter, I started unbuttoning his black shirt. I was half-way through, the awesome pecks were visible now which were turning me on, when I heard a slight cough. 

Immediately, I pushed Evan from top of me. He fell on the floor. His shirt half unbuttoned while I lay in bed looking at the door. Amanda stood there giving a mocking smile.

"Well, I am sorry to break up this cozy session but Stefan has called thrice now. You guys are getting late." Amanda informed us.

"Yeah. We'll be down shortly." I quickly gave a reply signaling a closure of the awkward conversation.

Sensing the hint, she smiled and turned to leave. As she left, her voice floated in. "Don't forget to pull up your pants, Sean."

I freaked and finally noticed that during the make out session Evan had pulled my pants half-way down and my wood was sneaking from the top of my briefs. 

"I've got fast fingers." Evan commented and started laughing heartily. 

I blushed and threw a pillow at him. Why does Amanda have to walk in every time? 

*****

The loud and eerie music was echoing in the vicinity of school when Evan pulled his car into the parking lot. He got out and swiftly opened the door for me.

"Someone's trying to be the gentleman." I winked and stepped out.

He laughed and held my hand as we walked through the grounds towards the hall. It was a beautiful night. The sky was clear with the numerous twinkling stars dotting it. It was a full moon night, and the beautiful silvery orb cast an exotic silvery radiance on the earth. We were walking on the lush green lawns which spread for acres before merging with the dark, forbidden woods beyond which the snow-capped hills stood in all their glory. The fir and pine trees were in all their bloom and stood high majestically. Other people were also walking towards the hall where the music was booming. Occasionally, a sound of laughter would emanate from couples around us. The excitement in me was paramount now as we entered the hall and the loud music hit me. The hall was packed with students dressed in the scariest and most eccentric costumes they could find. My eyes searched through the crowd of monsters and traced Tyler at the DJ console. The unbelievable amount of hair all over him coupled with some really weird make up explicitly suggested he had turned up as a werewolf. 

I felt two arms around me and Stefan gave me a hug by lifting me off my feet. This guy has great strength; he had to, not many had the ripped muscled physique that he had. He was dressed again as a werewolf, only the attire was more "Jacob in shorts" from the Twilight movies. He looked hot and I think my face betrayed because Evan whispered in my ear. "Can't get your eyes off him?" 

I reddened at the remark but was saved from the embarrassment by Rebecca who turned up dressed as a witch. Black robes with a sole pendant, black hat and a broomstick; Rebecca was a perfect reminder of the famous Salem witches. She smiled and gave me thumbs up at my costume. Rachael came to us and looked in a perfect mood. I guessed she had finally moved over Evan. She said she was dressed as a Veela from Harry Potter. Veela or not she looked stunning. 

"Come on, guys. Let's dance!" Stefan's voice boomed over us and we headed to the dance floor. Chris and Rose were already dancing and waved to us. Both had dressed as mummies. Tyler was doing an awesome job as the DJ and the music playing kept us on the floor. The cheers, the high adrenaline rush and the smell of excitement in the air were intoxicating. Evan and I danced a lot. Occasionally, we swapped partners, with Stefan dancing with me and Evan with Rachael or Rebecca. 

"So things are going great between Evan and you?" Stefan asked me as we danced.

"Yeah, we're having a great time." I replied and put my arms around his neck.

"That's great." He smiled but I saw a fleeting disappointment on his face before with a swift motion, he held me by the waist and took a 360 degree turn that made my head spin. He laughed as I hit him on the shoulder. 

Next, Evan took my hand and we danced. My face was red with all the exertion and Evan laughed at his comment of how "delicious" I looked. Stefan was dancing with Rachael but would wink and beam at me quite often. Apparently, this didn't go unnoticed by Evan.

"Is it just me or has Stefan been showing great interest in you lately?"

I shrugged my shoulders. I knew Stefan had been acting more intimate but then hadn't he always been this way.

"Nah, we're best friends, Evan. You're just jealous." I teased.

"What? Noooooooo! I ain't jealous of him." He stressed his statement with fervent shaking of the head.

"Yes, you are. Now that I think, Stefan is quite hot." I played further.

At this Evan 'accidentally' stepped on my foot and I winced in pain. I was about to retaliate when I saw Daniel coming into the hall. With a swift glance across the room, he traced us and came straight to us.

"We need to talk right now." His tone suggested urgency and as he looked at me he added. "In private."

Evan gave him a brief searching look. "Yeah, sure. Sean, I'll be right back."

I nodded as he and Daniel made their way outside the hall. I was puzzled and a bit worried. What was wrong? Why did Daniel seem so worked up?

Rachael broke into my thoughts. "Wanna grab a drink?"

"What? Oh, yeah, my throat's dry." We headed towards the bar to get some drinks.

"Great party, isn't it?" Rebecca commented.

"Yeah, Tyler's done an awesome job." I agreed without thinking. My thoughts were still hung on Evan. My cell rang and I saw a text from some number. I checked it out and froze.

"Want to know the truth about Evan and Daniel Damien. At the Mysticus woods in ten minutes. Near the old cemetery."

My mind was racing as I took in the meaning of the words. Who was this person? What did he know? What was the truth? Without another thought I drained the glass and headed towards the exit.

*****

The night had grown and the wind had turned chilly. Traces of mist produced the mirage of flying ghosts as I struggled walking on the ascending land which led to the cemetery in the woods. The woods stood against the dark night. Foreboding, dangerous, mysterious and uninviting. I gulped and tethered at the edge before deciding to enter the cavern of trees. 

It was dark and I couldn't see much except the area where the moon light had penetrated the dense canopy of trees. There was dead silence pervading the woods and the occasional breaking of twigs or the rustling of dried leaves under my shoe did nothing to ease my nerves. I felt like an intruder disturbing the layers of dead calm so pervasive in the woods. I switched on the faint light of my cell which helped me to find my way without tripping on creepers on the forest floor. After what seemed an hour, I saw the desolate cemetery taking shape in the distance. I was seized by a sudden impulse to run back to safety, but the desire to know the truth was too strong. I gathered my courage and stepped into the cemetery and stood amidst the graves.

I felt I was in the worst Halloween nightmare possible. The air was freezing and sent shivers down my spine. I felt as if someone was watching me. Why had I been so stupid? This could be a trap. As the thought passed my fear-stricken brain, I freaked out. But, another voice inside me tried to pacify me. As I regained courage, I uttered a low cry.

"Hello? Is anyone there?"

I jumped when my supposedly low cry echoed through the cemetery disturbing the layers of silence. I was expecting decaying hands to be thrusting out of the ground any moment and grabbing my feet. That was enough. There was no one here and I had to leave. As I turned to execute my decision, someone spoke in my ear.

"Happy Halloween, Sean Gellar." 

I turned violently and in the process lost my balance, landing hard on the ground. My head hit the stony grave's side and I felt a stream of hot liquid slowly making its way from my temple to the chin. My hands got bruised in the attempt to ease my landing. After the sharp pain lessened, I tried taking in what had happened. The sudden appearance of someone behind me when no one had been in sight had scared me shitless. I looked up and saw the idiot smiling viciously amused. He seemed in his early twenties, blonde hair, very pale complexion and cruel blue eyes. He extended his hand to help. With a moment's hesitation, I grabbed it and recoiled. His hand was ice cold. He saw me recoil and smiled menacingly. He held my hand in a hurting grasp and with great ease lifted me and landed me on my feet. I was shocked at his supreme strength. 

"What do you know? Why did you call me here? Why do you wanna tell me? I fired questions at him. He raised an eyebrow and spoke.

"Hold your horses, boy. Where are your manners? Anyway, my name is Ruth Morris." He extended his hand.

I shrugged it away. His cheeky and cold tone was pissing me off. He had called me to this god forsaken place in the dead of the night to talk crap! I was definitely not interested. He shook his head and put his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket.  

"You're brave but stupid, kiddo." He shot at me.

"Can we skip the crap and come to the point. What do you want to tell me about the Damiens?" I was on the edge now. The sooner this meeting ended the better.

It happened in a flash. His right hand grabbed my throat and he lifted me from the ground. I gasped for air and struggled in vain. He began in a threatening voice.

"Do not dare to snap at me! You filthy human I can break your neck like a twig. Behave!"

With this he released me and I fell hard on the ground. I sat gasping as air filled my lungs again and my breathing relaxed. I felt angry but knew better than to lash out. He was very strong and could finish me without much effort. I had to be subtle and submissive.

"I'm sorry. I...I didn't intend to be offensive." I apologized and stood up. A sharp pain in the ankle told me my foot needed care.

"That's better." He mocked. "You are a handsome teenager. It's a pity I have been sent to kill you." 

My eyes widened as his words reached my ears. I was numb with fear. 

"What? You....you're going to kill me? B...but what have I done to you? Who has sent you?"

He simply smiled and started taking short steps towards me. 

"You should have known better than to meddle in affairs that don't concern your kind. Evan and Daniel shouldn't have come in contact with you. Your death will be their responsibility."

I was paralyzed in fear and couldn't move an inch while Ruth came near me. I couldn't believe what I saw next. I thought my fear was making me hallucinate. In the silvery moon light I saw his eyes turn red while his canines became longer and sharper. His eyes were emitting a red aura while his hands that now had long sharp nails pushed me and held me against a tree. He growled and bared his fangs, forced my head aside to bare my neck. My heart was racing and fear gushed through me. What was this creature? His cold, sharp fangs touched the skin of my exposed neck and I felt a shiver run though me. I knew my end was near. He lifted his head, his devilish eyes met my scared ones, and he struck.

I felt a sharp pain in my neck and screamed as blood gushed out of the wound. He was sucking like an animal and I felt the life force leaving me. Suddenly, he growled and leapt back from me. I grabbed the tree trunk to remain standing while trying to cover the bleeding wound with my hand. I was shocked to see Aaron standing there, his face white in fear. I looked at Ruth who was writhing in pain. I saw a wooden stake buried in his back which he was trying hard to remove. Aaron ran up to me. He was in frenzy and quickly grabbed my hand.

"Come on, I think I've missed his heart. We need to get out of here before he heals."

I was too shocked to reply or understand what he meant. We ran for our lives. The dark woods did nothing to help us. We struggled through the numerous ferns and creepers on the floor. We broke through them with all strength. Frustration seized us as valuable time was lost in overcoming the hurdles. We had no idea whether Ruth was following us but we needed to put as many miles as possible between him and us. As we ran we saw the woods thinning and the clearing approaching. I could hear the faint sounds of music playing in the campus still at a considerable distance. Desperation was paramount as Aaron and I saw the outskirts of the wood appearing. Aaron reached first and as I ran my foot got entangled with something and I fell hard on the ground. Aaron screamed and pointed behind me. I swiftly turned and saw Ruth standing there, growling and baring his fangs. He was death personified and his devilish look was magnified against the backdrop of the silver moon light. Aaron charged towards him but Ruth slapped him and Aaron crashed into a tree few feet away. Ruth then proceeded to me. He grabbed my hair and I winced in pain. With a last look into his red deadly eyes I saw him lunging to bite my neck. 

It happened in a flash. Something or someone flew out of the darkness and crashed Ruth into a tree. Whatever had attacked him had been a black blur. I struggled to my feet and looked where Ruth had fallen. The ground beneath my feet gave way as I backed and stopped against a tree. The sight in front of me had shaken every nerve in my body. The absurdity crashed around me as my dreams fell apart. No! This couldn't be. This was some bad nightmare. I was dreaming. I had to be dreaming. The sight before me was not real. It couldn't be real. 

Evan Damien stood facing Ruth. His face was contorted with rage. But, was it his face. His eyes were red and his pupils in slits. He had white fangs as he growled at Ruth. They were growling at each other waiting to strike. Ruth lunged at Evan who punched him in the chest. As Ruth fell back, Daniel emerged from nowhere, brandishing a wooden stake. Ruth fell on the stake and let out a scream that made my insides quiver. His scream echoed through the forest, reverberating across the clearing. He writhed in pain and agony. Slowly, his skin began to decay and crumble. Dark black 'blood' gushed from his mouth and wound as he decayed. Within a minute, all that remained was a skeleton with the stake through it.

Evan and Daniel nodded at each other. Evan had returned to his normal form and started coming to me. I saw Aaron getting up with Daniel helping him. I looked at Evan again and started retreating. He frowned and stopped.

"What happened Sean? Please listen to me."

I looked at him with wide eyes. Tears found their way out as fear, repulsion and betrayal flooded my soul. As every emotion reached its zenith, I could not control any longer. I screamed at him venting every bit of frustration.

"What the hell just happened? Who was that man? What.....what is all this? WHO ARE YOU?"

I bellowed and stopped to breathe. He looked at me with tearful eyes as he spoke in a low voice.

"I am a Vampire."



Blood and Love Ch. 11



Chapter 11—Halloween blues

********************************

Sean's Story VII -- Separated 

*********************************

I stood transfixed, unsettled and unnerved by what he had just spoken. His words were still ringing in my ears as the realization of the reality of the situation came crashing down upon me. I stumbled backwards for support. I couldn't stand now. Leaning against a tree I fixed my eyes on Evan. He was teary-eyed as he gave me an appealing look. Daniel stood at some distance watching the proceedings. His face was impassive and indifferent as he saw me taking in the truth. Aaron, standing next to him, seemed apologetic and sympathetic. 

"Did you know?" I fired at Aaron.

Aaron gulped and began in an apologetic and beseeching manner to explain. "Sean, things happened so fast, it was a blur and I couldn't think straight but..."

I cut across him. "Did you know?"

An ominous silence lingered before he murmured meekly. "Y...yes."

The barrier of patience already pushed to its limits by my raging emotions gave way under this new discovery of betrayal. Everything that had happened in the last month came gushing to me. My sense and love was washed away by the tsunami of memories of the last month. Every moment flashed before my eyes. When Evan had first entered my life, his smile, the touching of our fingers and his unsettling cold; the proposal on Tyler's party, the first kiss, the tears and happiness when Aaron and I had patched up our differences, Evan and I cherishing our love together; every moment played before my eyes. And then came the lies that tarnished these memories. The deaths of the women, the lies I was told, the awkward reactions, the old man from Tara's funeral, all of them had lied! 

Tears ran from my eyes as I stood in the freezing night. The familiar feeling of being vulnerable, betrayed and despair slowly swelled in me. The flame of love had extinguished. The cold outside seemed to have seeped and settled itself into my aching heart. I felt a knot in my chest and couldn't breathe. The feeling of being choked was building fast as I struggled vainly for words to vent my frustration and despair. Evan walked over to me and in an attempt to pacify me, put his palm on my cheek. Repulsion seized me and I jerked his hand away, shouting.

"Don't you dare touch me! Stay away from me! You've betrayed me! You've lied to me! You've destroyed everything between us. Go away!" 

Pain and fear showed on Evan's face as he walked towards me trying to justify his betrayal. "Please don't say this Sean. I can not live without you. I didn't wanna lie. But, I had no choice. I couldn't tell you the truth. I'm sorry."

"I don't wanna listen to anything. I've heard enough lies and can't bear any more! Nothing is left between us. Just get lost!"

With this I turned to leave. Evan grabbed my hand and turned me around. His strength was great as he held my wrist tightly. I winced in pain. He didn't seem to have realized he was hurting me with his vampire strength as he rambled on. 

"No. You have to listen to me. I didn't tell you the truth because I could not. I didn't wanna lose you. I was afraid you'd react this way!"

"Let go of me. Evan, you're hurting me!" He saw me in pain and immediately released his grip. I was furious and as I felt his hold relaxing, I pulled my hand away and slapped him across the face. The sound echoed throughout the woods. Daniel frowned but remained silent while Aaron's eyes widened and his jaw fell open. Evan stood looking at me in shock. I was still raging with anger.

"You are a fucking monster! Stay away from me! I hate you! All those deaths and this freak who tries to kill me! And you were lying to me! Keeping all secrets! Hurting me! I don't want to do anything with you anymore. We are done!" 

With that declaration that tore my heart to a million pieces, I stomped away from them. I stomped away from the person I had loved. I stomped away from what I had thought was my hope, my love, and my life.

*********************************************

Evan's Story III -- Fallen Apart

*********************************

I watched him go. I made no attempt to stop him. I couldn't attempt to stop him. The slap on my face had thrown the reality of the situation at me. He hated me now. I was a liar. His slap hadn't hurt me in the least, physically. But, the mark that the slap had left on my soul was breaking me. Every part of my love for him, my dreams of him, of us was falling apart. Every hope had gone, every dream was shattered, and sorrow and agony crushed me as I fell onto my knees crying. 

The warmth of his fingers when they had first touched my cold hands, the light with which his eyes sparkled whenever he saw me, the beautiful radiance that lit my life whenever he smiled, the tenderness of his lips and his amazing scent had gone from my life. The hope of redemption my damned life had received was now gone.

I heard the rustling of dry leaves and felt a hand on my shoulder. Daniel helped me get up and hugged me. His love and sympathy removed the remnants of restraint as I broke down in his embrace. He hugged me tightly and tried to console me.

"Don't cry Evan. It had to happen sooner or later. He's just hurt and angry. He'll come around sometime. Don't lose hope. Give him time." He patted me on the back and continued to murmur words of hope and encouragement.

As I gained control, I asked between sobs, while in his embrace. "W...will he forgive me?" 

"Yes, he will. He has to. He loves you, Evan. And that's what has hurt him most. He'll get over it and realize he loves you a lot." Daniel broke the hug and wiped my tears. "Now relax and stop crying."

I nodded and my sobbing eased. I looked into Daniel's face. He was composed and strong. Things never unnerve him much. Sorrow or pain hardly showed on his face. Anger, rage and arrogance were all he bore. Tonight, he was firm and strong as always. A determined guy, his support had led me through a lot in life. He had always been at my side. And here he was again.

I turned to look at Aaron standing and watching us. He had an odd look on his face as he looked at Daniel. A searching and scrutinizing look accompanied with some uncertainty. When he saw me looking, he turned towards me quickly getting rid of his expressions.

"Evan, I'll talk to Sean. Don't worry; I'll try my best to persuade him." He smiled assuring me. 

I smiled back and turned to Daniel. "I'll see you around."

Daniel looked surprised. "Where are you going?"

"I just need some time alone. And Dan," I added after a thought. "Please drop Aaron home. The woods are not safe."

Daniel looked uncertain but considering my state gave in. "Yeah. Take care."

I nodded and ran into the night.

*******************************************

Daniel's Story IV -- I Can't Say

*******************************************

I stole a look at Aaron. He was looking outside into the night. His head was leaning against his hand as the wind blew his hair into his eyes. He was deep in thought. The twenty minutes that had been spent from Evan's departure to the present traveling in the car had been an awkward silent period. He hadn't uttered a word and I didn't feel comfortable. However, the silence had been too long and the tension in the air too intense. I decided to try to break the ice by making a conversation.

"How does the neck feel?"

He shook as if from a trance. "Did you say something?"

"I asked how your neck feels. I hope I didn't hurt you." I tried to give an apologetic smile but my usual sarcastic one forced its way out. Aaron raised an eyebrow but seemed too tired to argue.

He muttered "Fine" and continued looking at the passing woods outside the window.

I continued speaking. Apparently, his lack of conversation didn't deter me. "Cool. I'm sorry though. I didn't wanna hurt you. It was just that you had guessed a lot and it was not the right time or way to tell Sean. But, this Ruth thing happened and things got spoilt anyway." 

He muttered an "hmmm" as I continued to chatter. Lord! What was wrong with me? "By the way I must say you've got some nerve. When I told you the truth about us, you didn't even flinch. And then fighting Ruth, you're very brave." 

He simply shrugged his shoulders and continued to fix his eyes on the scenery. It was true. Seeing him so brave and unnerved in face of such stuff which made people shit, had impressed me a lot. In fact, his bravado had kind of turned me on. Somewhere, we were quite compatible in spite of our temperaments. 

"That was great of you supporting Evan. You're the best brother someone can have." This sudden compliment brought me from amidst my cloud of thoughts and banged me hard against hard earth. 

"What! Oh, well that was nothing. Thanks. You'd have done the same for Sean." I replied. I got a compliment from the pompous Aaron Geller! I was too shocked to speak. I felt warmth surging in my chest. I knew I had feelings for him but giving him Alexander's place was impossible. Evan had said often that Alex was gone and I shouldn't spend my life mourning him. But, I couldn't break my word. Plus, I had no idea whether Aaron felt the same way or not. I did sense feelings in him but I could be wrong. I had no intention of acting a fool in front of him. Nothing was to happen between us. I decided and started concentrating on the road.

*************************************

Aaron's Story IV — He Has to Say

**************************************

I continued to look outside the window after complimenting him. I didn't do it because he had called me brave. I did it because the way he had supported Evan had touched some place deep in my heart. I knew he was a braggart, sarcastic, arrogant, pompous and annoying jerk; but tonight the side I saw had warmed my feelings for him. I did like him but was apprehensive of his reaction.

I knew he had feelings for me. Or should I say, I felt he had feelings for me. I looked into the distance. I wasn't seeing the passing woods. The moment when we had almost kissed was playing in front of my eyes. That excitement, the rush of emotions, the nervousness and the inexplicable attraction; I sat re-living every feeling of that night. 

He had been trying to strike a conversation but was silent now. His eyes glued on the road. He was such a weird guy. One moment he was all into you, the next he's distant and indifferent. Sometimes, I felt strong feelings of love and sometimes hate. I still remembered the insult of last time, but I too had retaliated. We never discussed the episode. Neither of us ever brought it up. An unsaid apology may have been said. 

But, why didn't he admit his feelings? What was it that made him withhold all emotions? Did he think I was below standard for him? Or that I wasn't worthy enough? Or was it his ego? Did he feel embarrassed in admitting his feelings? All said I had no intention of solving issues. He had to move over his ego or embarrassment and say what he felt. If he couldn't realize my worth, then he couldn't have me. It was as simple as that. However, this could wait. There were more pressing matters on my mind.

"We have to try to bring them together. What do you think we do?"

He pondered and replied. "You try talking to Sean. Be careful. He'll be mad at you for not telling but you can explain all this. He'll be willing to forgive you especially after last year. Just talk to him. We can't do much. Evan will have to take charge. He alone can make Sean feel."

I smiled at his suggestion. The irony was paramount. Why couldn't he follow his own advice? "That sounds great. Eh! We've reached."

He pulled over and I got out. I turned and leaned in through the window, looking at him expectantly. He looked into my eyes. Silence followed before I smiled and said. "Good night, Dan."

He smiled. "Good night, Aaron."

I turned and walked to the house while he drove away.

**************************************



Blood and Love Ch. 12



Chapter 12—True Love

*******************************

Sean's story VIII

*******************

The sudden noise made by the screaming alarm cut through the dead silence in the room, pulling me out of the thoughts I had buried myself in. I sighed but didn't take my eyes off the ceiling. With usual habit I extended my arm and hit the alarm shut. Immediate silence was restored. It was 7:00 am now. I hadn't slept a wink seventh night in a row since the Halloween. Spending the night staring on the ceiling thinking about Evan and the injustice life had wrecked on me yet again. Not once since I had asked him to get lost had I been able to get him out of my thoughts, my heart. His smiling face continued to play before my eyes. My dreams pivoted around him. I yearned for him. I loved him. I wanted to be with him again. 

But, I could not. The lies, the betrayal, the cruel reality had constructed an insurmountable barrier between us. A barrier which how hard I tried, continued to exist, firm and solid. Aaron had come running to me that night begging me to forgive him. He told me the truth. He cried for me. I had to forgive him. I didn't want to lose my brother when I had just got him back in my life. We had hugged and the tears had eased the pain a bit. But, he mentioned Evan and the agony came gushing back. I was bent on not forgiving him. I couldn't just forget everything and act as if nothing had ever happened. The shock of his being a vampire had subsided. That hadn't been an issue. I loved him. And I knew he was not a monster. I regretted having called him that. I had cried over the harsh words I had said to him. In the dark room, crying my heart out, I had breathed "Sorry Evan" into the darkness. 

I couldn't understand my feelings. If I so loved him and regretted having called him a monster, then why had I decided to distance myself from him? Why did his lies hurt me? Was not he trying to protect me? But, he had lied to me. He had kept me from the secrets of his life. He had thought me unworthy to be a partner in his life's secrets. Why should I continue to be with him if he thought of me as unworthy? Why should I be with a person who insulted my intelligence and muddled with my brain whenever I had doubts and was close to knowing his secrets. I couldn't move over the fact that he had not considered me an equal and deserving. My self-respect had proved stronger than my love for him. I didn't want a suffocating relationship. A relationship built on the feeble foundations of lies was not what I sought. Everything had ended that night. Or had it?

Evan had not walked up to me or confronted me. In fact he had maintained his distance. However, he kept glancing at me, his beseeching look seeking an answer, a hint of renewing our wilted relationship. I continued to ignore him and did my best to prevent my face from betraying any weakness or even the slightest emotion of pain and love. We still hanged out in our gang but never spoke. The others had sensed that something was amiss. Rebecca had asked me over lunch once. But, I hadn't revealed anything. I couldn't bring myself to revealing Evan's identity. That was not my job. In fact that wasn't what I could ever do to him. I couldn't even think of hurting him, no matter how hurt I felt. Tyler hadn't asked questions but tried to keep the tension at bay and the liveliness of the group intact. 

Stephan had not said a word over the affair, nor had he asked me anything. I guessed he had contacted Rebecca for the info and decided to stay mum. I wasn't going to bring it up either. Stephan was my best friend and I had never kept any secrets from him. All these years we had shared every little thing of our lives. Ever since I began to go out with Evan, I had got distanced from Stephan. We didn't go to school together anymore or get that quality best friend time. He had never complained but I had sensed it. Perhaps, that was the reason he had seemed disappointed on Halloween night when I had said things were great between Evan and me. Evan had said he was interested in me but I had rejected the thought. This best friend reason seemed more apt and sensible. Plus Evan hardly knew Stephan as I had. Since Halloween Stephan had been distanced too but always popped up whenever I approached him. He never ignored me and respected my privacy. Aren't best friends those you can always rely on?

I sighed and got up to get ready for school. Another day of struggle to stop myself from running into Evan's arms. Dragging myself out of bed I walked to the washroom. Pulling the curtains aside I switched on the geyser before getting to brush. Looking into the mirror I realized I was back to my messy form. Messed hair, puffy eyes with dark circles and a weary look met me as I glanced at my reflection. Shaking my head I continued to shower. 

*****

Several teens made their way to the campus laughing and chattering away. Everyone seemed care-free and jovial. Their lives were so easy, so happy and content. No one seemed to have any miserable thoughts to pester them. Letting out a heavy breath I got out of my car and proceeded to meet my friends. As was the tradition they were gathered in the football pitch, enjoying the warm sun, talking. My eyes immediately settled on Evan who sat among them sad and secluded. How did the guy move out in the day? Aren't vampires harmed by sunlight? The thought passed my mind as I made my way through the lush green field to join them.

"Hey dude! How's it going?" Tyler addressed me in his usual manner.

"Fine." Was all I said accompanying it with a smile. The others gave a nod or a 'Hi' or a smile and I acknowledged it. I sat down without as much as a glance at Evan. However, through the corner of my eyes I saw a fleeting moment of disappointment before he re-arranged his expressions. 

Stephan continued. "So as I was saying, let's go to Mysticus Grill tonight. It's been ages since we've been to the pub."

"That's my man!" Tyler beamed and gave Stephan a high-five. "Been ages since I banged a chick."

Rebecca rolled her eyes and shook her head. The action grabbed Tyler's attention. 

"What's up with you?" He frowned.

She gave him an I-don't-talk-to-idiots look and turned to me. "You'll be coming, right?"

"I don't think so. Gotta finish Reynolds's assignment before she rips my head off." I quickly made up an excuse. School was enough; I couldn't hang out with Evan without risking falling for him again.

An immediate round of protests made its way throughout the group.

"That ain't done, dude!" Tyler protested.

"Yeah! You haven't been hanging out with us apart from classes for an entire week now. Don't be a jerk." Chris chimed in while Rose nodded in assent.

I wasn't willing to give into their protests. "I dunno guys; the assignment's important. I'm already late and delaying it will mess things." 

Suddenly, Stephan grabbed my arm and with easy strength turned me to face him. Eyebrows raised and a stern look on his face he spoke. 

"Listen boy, we ain't asking you! I'll be there at your place at seven to pick you up. Don't you dare say no or I swear I'm gonna kick your sorry ass real hard!"

Shocked out of my wits, I stammered. "Y...yes. Fine, I'll be there."

"Sensible." With a satisfied look he released me and turned to the others.

Evan rose. "Guys, I think I'm gonna take off. See ya at the grill."

A quick round of byes and see ya-s and Evan was gone. He had momentarily hesitated to say something to me but I had deliberately fixed my eyes in the opposite direction.

"So, how long is this shit gonna go on?" Tyler fired at me.

Deep in my thoughts I couldn't place what he was referring to. However, as sense dawned on me I looked away. After a brief silence, I spoke.

"There's no shit now. We've split and are moving on."

"Moving on, my ass! Who do you think you're kidding? We're not retards. It's obvious you guys love each other a lot. Then why the fuck are you hurting yourselves and each other?" He rambled.

"I said we're moving on. And that's it. It was a casual fling that lasted a couple of weeks. Now, it's over and I don't give a rat's ass what you think is happening!" My temper had broken the restraints and I rambled on in rage and frustration.

Tyler opened his mouth to reply but Rebecca cut cross him. She put her hand on my shoulder and softly spoke.

"Sean, we are simply concerned about you. Ever since you guys broke up, you've been suffering. And that's very evident. If you don't want us to intervene, we won't. But, at least think for yourself what is happening and where is all this leading to? Just think once; for our sake, if not yours."

I nodded silently. Her words struck a chord somewhere deep down in my heart. I knew she was right. But, I had my reasons. And they didn't know the truth. They couldn't step into my shoes and experience what I had. 

I turned to look at Tyler who seemed pissed. "I'm sorry, Tyler."

He got up and with a sweeping look said. "At the grill at seven. Don't be late." With this he turned and left.

I sighed watching him go. What was wrong with me? Why was I venting my anger and frustration on my friends? They cared about me and wanted to see me happy. I shouldn't act like a jerk. I decided to go to the grill tonight. If not for Evan, for my friends at least.

*****

"Over here, man!" I looked in the direction from where Stephan was hollering. Tyler and he were playing pool. Judging by the flushed looks and over-board enthusiasm, the game had reached its unnerving level. Rebecca stood there sipping coke while Rachael was busy flirting with a couple of football jocks. Chris and rose stood hand in hand smiling at me. I noticed Evan wasn't present. I didn't want to meet him but a sense of disappointment rose in me. Why on earth was I having such conflicting feelings?

"Out in space again? Sean? Sean!" Tyler snapped his fingers before my face. 

I started. "Yeah, I was listening."

Tyler frowned. "Yep, I saw how attentive you were. Anyway, take a bet, who's gonna win, Stephan or me?"

I shrugged knowing I couldn't take sides. "Uhm....well....It's a tough game."

"Bah! Always the diplomat!" Tyler rolled his eyes.

I grinned sheepishly. After a crushing hug from Stephan I approached Rebecca who smiled at me. Tyler bent to take a shot and winked at her playing with his tongue. I smirked while Rebecca showed him the finger. He grinned and went back to the game.

"Seriously, he's head over heels in love with you." I teased her.

"Whatever. He's a 24*7 horny scum bag. I've got better taste." She said with a whiff of her long black hair and took a sip.

I laughed only to stop midway as I saw Evan making his way towards me. He seemed like a man on mission and I gulped. I knew it was time for him to confront me. Bracing myself for the attack, I started concentrating on the game.

"We need to talk right now." Evan shot at me.

Without taking my eyes of the table I answered. "I don't think there's anything left to talk about. Go Stephan!" I clapped and hooted.

Evan grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the gang against the wall. He was breathing hard and his sharp blue eyes looked into me. 

"I love you. And I can NOT live without you. Why are you doing this? Whatever I did was only to protect you! I just didn't want you to know anything that could have to hurt you. Is protecting someone you love such a grievous mistake?"

"No, it isn't. But lying to someone who loves you a hell lot and betraying his trust is! Do you think I'm a kid incapable of handling the truth? Or am I not worthy to know the truth? Everyone knew it except me! I can NOT be with someone who finds me unworthy!"

I boiled in anger while Evan's eyebrows rose higher disappearing in his messy hair. The band had playing loud music and with every argument we shot at each other the music reached its loudest.

"Are you fucking kidding me? Unworthy? Lies? I love you more than anyone I have in all these years. And mind you when I say all these years, I mean a lot many! Why can't you understand I did everything to protect you?" His last statement had been soft and pleading.

I felt my heart melting but steeled it again. "I'm sorry. I can't get back with you. Now please lemme go."

With a defeated look he released me. I took a deep breath, adjusted my shirt and walked towards the others who had been trying to hear the heated conversation over the deafening music. I gave them a I-don't-wanna-talk-about-this look which prevented any queries.

Rebecca took a drink and handed me. "Here drink this and relax." 

I took the coke and started gulping it. I was in frenzy, my mind racing with the encounter. He had been so close and demanding. It had shaken me to the roots. 

"Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention please?"

I turned and so did everyone else to face the platform where the band had been playing. The lead guitarist was addressing everyone. Good Lord! I guessed some guy was planning on a proposal or shit. I liked cheesy stuff but with arguments with Evan I was extremely cynical.

"We have a young man here whose lover is angry with him. He plans to apologize by singing. Please cheer for this handsome young man here, Evan Damien."

I spat the drink coughing. With eyes wide open I looked at Evan getting onto the stage. My heart was beating fast. What on earth was he planning now? Everyone cheered him, not to mention the sheer enthusiasm among my friends. Tyler was wolf-whistling while Rebecca beamed. Stephan quietly smiled while Rachel laughed and got on the pool table seating herself seductively. Chris put his hand around my shoulders laughing.

"Hey guys. My boyfriend's angry with me. Sean Geller in that corner."

A blue pool of light was hit at me and I felt myself going red with embarrassment. 

"He thinks I've lied and think he's unworthy. He refuses to forgive me. This song's for him. I hope it gets him to realize what I've been trying to tell."

There was another round of loud cheers as he began singing. A lot of "Awwwwwwwwwws" were heard and I heard "He's so cute" from a number of girls. I looked straight at him, not having the nerve to look at the many faces turned towards me.

"No one ever told me*

It would come to this

What began with such a promise

Would end with such a twist

I lean into a whisper

But I don't hear a thing

It's a tear in the dark

All alone in the car

In pieces, in pieces

It's the sound of mistake

As I lie here awake

Sleepless, sleepless

This is the sound that made

When a heart breaks."

His voice showed his pain and love for me. The cheering had reached a maddening level now. There was a lot of wolf-whistling and admiration running their rounds. Tyler kept on shouting "That's my man!" repeatedly while Rebecca seemed close to tears. 


I felt an arm encircling my shoulders and Aaron stepped forward looking at Evan smiling. His smile told me what he meant. The fast music became soft and slow as I saw Evan now looking directly at me.

"Please don't leave me here

Life, for now, I've come to fear

You've dropped me off and left me here

With nothing here to find my way

But the lights you take as you pull away

Far ahead the brush is moving

There's others here and good is proving

Nothing's wrong, it's in my mind

Nothing's wrong and I'll be find

It's a tear in the dark

All alone in the car

In pieces, in pieces

It's the sound of mistake

As I lie here awake

Sleepless, sleepless."

As the song ended I felt a tear rolling down my cheek. The grill was filled with deafening cheers and applause for Evan. I knew what I had to do. I turned to leave, to do what I had to.

**********************************************

Evan's Story IV

****************

As I finished the song, completely unleashing all my feelings into the last words, I opened my eyes to look in Sean's direction. He wasn't standing in the blue spotlight. I looked through the crowd of applauding people, my heart sinking with every moment that brought me closer to the realization that Sean had left. My attempt had failed. Sighing with a tear rolling down my cheek, I made my way down the stage towards the exit.

Dejected and in despair, my head hung low, I felt the light in my world had finally extinguished itself. He hated me and didn't want to be with me. I had failed. I had lost the love of my life. I reached the exit and tethered at the edge. Letting out a heavy breath I took the first step out of the exit.

"Heaven**

A gateway to hope

Just like a feeling

I need, it's no joke."

I froze in my steps and spun around. I knew the soft voice. I knew the face that was looking at me from the stage. The soft music made its way towards my heart as I saw the love of my life standing on the stage; looking at me with tears in his eyes. 

"And though it hurts me

To see you this way

They traded by words

I'd never heard

To hard to say them"

I walked slowly towards the stage as he extended a hand towards me. 

"Up, down, turn around; please don't let me hit the ground

Tonight I think I walk with you to find my sole desire to go home."

I stepped on the stage as he turned towards me. The spotlight was on us. We stood facing each other with him singing and me crying in happiness.

"And I have never met anyone quite like you before

And I've never met anyone quite like you before

And I've never met anyone quite like you before

Oh, up, down, turn around; please don't let me hit the ground

Tonight I think I walk with you, to find my sole desire to go home."

Without another word, I grabbed him in an embrace, pulled him against my chest and kissed him deeply. Our lips met furiously, as my tongue found its way into Sean's. He melted in my arms. The grill was now booming with deafening cheers and applause. We looked at each other.

"I love you." His soft lips let those magical words out.

"I love you too." I replied and grabbed him for another kiss.

Tyler was shouting his head off. Rebecca had finally burst into tears. Even Rachel was smiling happily while Stephan stood beaming with a little sadness. Chris and Rose stood in a tight embrace smiling. Aaron stood with Daniel both looking at us smiling. But, I had eyes only for the cute guy in my embrace. He looked into my eyes, his eyes brimming with tears. 

He whispered into my ears. "Take me to your place."

I looked into his eyes. Happiness and mischief both reflected in the beautiful pair. "Sure."

*****

Dropping the car keys onto the floor and leaving the door unlocked, Sean pushed himself against me and started kissing my lips. I gave into the tender touch and lost myself in the sweet kiss and his amazing scent. My hands were on Sean's waist while his started working on my clothes. He took off my jacket and let it fall. His fingers started unbuttoning my shirt and I lost it too. We had not broken the kiss once during my stripping. I pushed him against the wall pinning his arms against it; kissing him continuously. 

We broke the kiss and he pushed me against the wall. He began kissing me from the lips downwards. Planting kisses on my neck and the chest he made his way down to the abs. He kissed my pecks and licked my nipples. Making his way down my toned bare chest he reached my jeans. He kissed my excited organ through the jeans. This sent me over the edge and I took him into my arms carrying him to my bedroom. He continued kissing and licking my chest while I climbed the staircase. Once in the room he jumped onto the bed and lay there, extending his inviting arms for the hug.

Getting on top of him I worked his shirt off revealing the beautiful body beneath. Lying on top of him, supporting my body with my hands on either side of his head, I brushed my chest against his, while kissing him. He shivered with the skin contact and groaned during the kiss. I could sense the surging excitement in his orgasmic shivers while mine was evident in the huge bulge. He worked his hands to my jeans and unbuttoned it. Putting his hands in my jeans, he softly slid his hand against the raging and leaking organ. I growled as his fingers moved over the sensitive tip sending shivers throughout my body. I got out of the jeans and boxers, throwing the jeans on the floor. With a swift motion, I pulled his jeans off him and they joined mine on the floor.




Blood and Love Ch. 12



Sean lay beneath me in all his glory. He was beautiful and I loved him more than anyone in the world. I couldn't let anything happen to this fragile, beautiful person in my arms. We lay naked on bed, our bodies touching. I slid my hand under him pushing him against me. He moaned as our organs brushed against each other. I nibbled on his ears while pinching his nipples making him moan and cling to me. He dug his nails into my back as I bit his neck, planting hickeys. He leaned and whispered into my ears. 

"I want you, Evan."

The soft, seductive voice sent me over the edge. My hands moved to his thighs and rubbed their inside. He moaned and shivered as I worked my way on his inner thighs and privates. His organ had reached its hardest and stood erect against the soft patch of black hair. My too had reached a hard on with his hands all over them. I lifted his legs to raise his cute butt. Leaning to the butt, I slid my tongue over the crack before licking the entrance. Sean shivered and moaned in ecstasy demanding for me to enter him.

After a bit more licking, I thrust a finger into him and then a second to make the entrance smoother for my organ. When I felt the act had worked I entered him. He moaned in pain and pleasure. Letting him adjust to my presence in him, I started pushing in. Our bodies were working rhythmically as the thrusting increased in pace. His moans increased with every thrust while my organ felt hot and sent shivers of ecstasy throughout me. As we reached climax, the thrusting increased in pace.

We were covered in sweat which had wet the sheets beneath us. His body was glistening in sweat as he moaned in pleasure with eyes closed. My toned chest and back was covered in sweat from the activity. Sweat dripped from my forehead onto Sean who enjoyed this dripping. The climax was over-whelming. Nearing release we lost all sense and control as electric shivers ran throughout our bodies. The muscles tightened, the breathing became heavier and intense as a gushing throughout the organs indicated the ejaculation. As the release ended I lay down on him, both of us tired and spent. 

Slowly, our breathing eased and I pulled out of him. He was smiling and in bliss. I lay down on the bed with my arm under the head. He snuggled and kept his head on my sweaty chest. I pulled him closer and put another arm around him. This was the best feeling in the world. I was happy and peaceful. A tear found its way down my cheek onto Sean's face who looked up surprised.

He leaned and kissed another tear rolling down. "I'm sorry. I've been such a jerk. I love you and can never live without you."

"I love you too. You're the only person who's made this damned existence a life." I smiled and he kissed me on the lips. Breathing in his scent and melting in the kiss, I felt we were the luckiest ones on earth. True love isn't something everyone finds and preserves.

*********************************************

*When a heart breaks by SOStereo

**Temptation by Moby 




Blood and Love Ch. 13



Chapter 13

************
Evan's Story V
**************

"And that is why I ain't affected by the sun." I beamed at the awe on Sean's face. A streak of sunlight sneaked from among the branches and hit his wide eyes sharpening the blue in them. The sparkling eyes kept me captivated, little registering Sean's digestion of what I had just told him.

"So, you're saying that your vampire blood provides you immunity from the sun. That's so confusing. All this while I thought the vampires couldn't walk in the sun." 

"Yeah, but those are the vampires who don't have the blood of the Sanguinatus. Those who were turned by the Sanguinatus can walk in the sun. Apparently, there is some witchcraft involved, but that happened like centuries ago. Even before we were around. The Sanguinatus' blood provides protection from the sun. " 

Sean nodded, trying to understand whatever I had told him. Seriously, he was a huge question-bag and I was more than willing to answer all his questions, rather than keeping secrets and risk losing him once again.

"So, these Sanguinatus guys, are they like the oldest ones? As in your, well, ancestors kinda stuff?"

"Yes and No. Well, there are two bloodlines or clans- The Sanguinatus and the Noctimonstra. The story of origin goes way back to 666 AD. I ain't familiar with it. I'm kinda too young to be knowing. Just 432 years old you know." 

I grinned at him. He raised his eye-brows and I continued.

"Yeah, so the two bloodlines originated from Mortui Viventrant, the ruler of western Romania, the region of the deadly cold, Transylvania."

"Oh! Oh! Count Dracula is from Transylvania! Isn't he? Isn't he?" Sean raised his hand, jumping like a student in thrill and excitement.

"Can we keep fiction out of this? So, Mortui had two sons, Sanguine and Noctus. During an invasion of the Slaves in 666 AD, when defeat was near, Mortui had performed a ritual. He made a pact with Lucifer. However, tricky and equivocating that the Devil is, something went wrong and his sons turned into vampires. Sanguine beget the Sanguinatus who could walk about in the sun while Noctus beget the Noctimonstra who were the night monsters. Both were vampires with the latter being more powerful. Noctus didn't tolerate the injustice and killed his father and the witch who performed the ritual. Thus began the feud between the two bloodlines, which exists to this day."

If possible, Sean's wide eyes had widened in awe and thrill. He was astounded by everything I had told him. I didn't know the details but the general story that all vampires had heard of. No one knew the exact nature of the rivalry. 

"Sibling rivalry. That's like everywhere in history. Brothers really don't get along. Anyway, so Dan and you are Sanguinatus?"

"Yeah, we are the Sanguinatus."

"But, how were you turned?"

"Well, that's a long story. Tell you some other day, ok?"

Sean pouted but then smile and put his arms around me. Smiling and looking into my eyes he spoke.

"I see you so differently now. But, it's kinda cool. A vampire boyfriend! Yeah, man!"

I laughed and softly pulled him for a deep kiss. Another streak of light made its way through the thick foliage and hit us. A soothing breeze made its way through the area, making its way through his hair and lifting it lightly. It was perfect.

"Ahem? Can't get enough of each other?" 

We started and turned to find Daniel leaning against a tree looking at us, a sly smile playing on his lips. 

"No, we can't." The usually timid Sean retorted and pulled me back for another, more passionate kiss. I guessed he was putting up a show for Dan there.

"Whatever, just letting you lovie-dovies know that Sean you are supposed to be at home for helping Amanda with the cleaning."

"Crap! I forgot all about that. I better get going. Will catch ya later, honey." With a light kiss he walked towards his car and drove off.

"You told him about the Sanguinatus and Noctimonstra. Did you tell him about the tip we got that the Noctimonstra are looking for him?"

I looked into Daniel's serious face remembering the conversation with Emily. 

"No, I didn't tell him that. There was no point scaring him. We still don't know why they want him. Plus, the town is well-protected. The witch is doing her job well saving him. Nothing happened to him in spite of Ruth's bite, remember."

"And did you wonder why Ruth was here in the first place? Why did he attack Sean? Surely, someone knows Sean is here and wants him dead."

"I dunno Dan. Noctimonstra want Sean for a reason, we don't know. Sanguinatus want him dead so that they don't get him. But, I fought with them and they allowed me to guard him and keep him away from the Noctimonstra. If I fail that condition Sanguinatus will kill him or the Noctimonstra will capture him. Gawd!!!"

I groaned and stamped my feet in frustration. Dan put his hand on my shoulder and tried to comfort me.

"Relax, brother. No point getting worked up. Sean's is very safe right now and we don't need to worry. Ruth is dead, the witch is working well and Sean trusts you. Things are in control All we have to do is be alert for any suspicious activity."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." I smiled and hugged him.

*****

"So when do you drink blood? Like every meal of the day?" Sean shot another question at me as he cut his steak.

"Huh?" I looked up at him surprised. "How many more questions do you have?"

He smiled. "I can't help it. My boyfriend is so mysterious and intriguing." 

I rolled my eyes at him as he burst into laughter.

"I drink blood twice a week. Sanguinatus don't kill people for blood. We drink the required quantity and then wipe the person's memory. The Noctimonstra are the night predators. They kill and drink brutally."

"Thank god, these night guys have this sun-allergy! So, you can wipe memories?" He laid his fork and leaned in. 

"Not just wipe, I can read minds and control your actions. I can hypnotize you to do things for me." 

He smiled and looked into my eyes. "Well, then read what's in my mind?"

I smiled and fixed my eyes into his blue ones. The moment I saw what he intended me to I started and pulled back. Satisfied and smiling. Sean went back to eating his steak.

"You are so dead for this! I hate you!"

He smiled seductively. "Isn't that what you want?" With that he licked his lips reminding me of a very graphic image of his mind exciting me further.

"Enough, okay!" I jerked my head trying to get the picture and the feelings out of my head. "Let's eat."

"Eat? Don't you wanna drink my..."

"EAT!" I cut across him and he laughed heartily.

"Anyway, a question has been bugging me. Why did Ruth attack me?"

I took the cup and drank the water. After a minute or so I answered.

"Honestly, I don't know Sean. Maybe, because he and Dan had a fight the other night over the killings. And he was a Noctimonstra, if that explains."

"Weird. If the brothers didn't get along, how do the younger vampires interact?"

"The rivalry existing between the bloodlines isn't binding on socialising. The two bloodlines socialize, the rivalry happens under the covers. We killed Ruth, but no one knows about it. And everyone's happy. No one wants a full- fledged war. That would mean the end of the bloodlines. They are more powerful but we have the Sun. With even things, the war would mean annihilation."

"Oh-kay. That's interesting. So as long as this balance remains, everyone's happy."

"Yeah. And now eat! No more vampire questions. You've asked enough."

Sean smiled and nodded. "I know all that I want to. This is so exciting! I still can't believe you sang for me!" He smiled teasingly. He had been mocking me for ages now.

"Sean Geller! I can kill you right now for mocking me!"

He laughed and leaned in, kissing me softly on the lips. "I love you."

I looked at him with dreaming eyes. "I love you too."

*************************************************

The man in the shadows looked across the street through the restaurant's glass. The vampire sat there dining with his lover. That had to be the guy He had said. This wasn't the time to do the job. He would wait till the boy was alone. A loud horning bus went rattling by. Silence restored itself on the desolate street. Only this time, the man in the shadows was gone.

***********************************************



Blood and Love Ch. 14



**********

Aaron's Story V—The Confession

*******************************

"Dude, I'm ordering pizza. What do you want?" Sean shouted from the kitchen. Comfortably seated on the sofa, watching a random Dracula movie (How ironic life is!) in the living room, I replied loudly.

"The usual one would be great."

I heard him speaking our regular order into the kitchen landline and making his way to the living room. Jumping onto the sofa, he sat facing me, eyebrow raised with the familiar smile of I-have-a-question.

I had an inkling of what was coming and continued staring at the screen ignoring him hard. Finally, when he realized I wasn't going to initiate the conversation he blurted.

"So, what's the deal with you and Dan?"

Without taking my eyes off the screen where a Dracula clad in flowing black robes was floating towards a sleeping woman, I grunted. 

"There's no deal there. Don't get ideas. Now can I watch the movie in peace?"

Without warning he grabbed the cushion whereupon I was resting my head and yanked it away. Annoyed I turned to him frowning, only to find him grinning with puppy-eyes. I rolled my eyes, mute the TV and turned to face him.

"Okay! What do you wanna know?"

Grinning widely, he shoots. "What's up between you and Dan? Is something hot happening?"

Smiling slightly I answered in the negative. "He doesn't say anything and I ain't gonna presume stuff and tread on an unknown path."

Sean let out a heavy sigh, and fell back against the sofa, resting. "You guys are impossible. Seriously, can't you work out a simple thing? Even the blind can see you guys care about each other. But no, you both dung-heads have to be hard nuts! Don't you love him?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I dunno Sean. I like him. But, at this point I can't really say that I love him. I will not hurry into this till he shows some sign."

Sean shrugged. "Whatever you want. Just don't delay to the point of no recovery."

A few minutes of silence established itself. Amanda had gone to a college re-union and was to be back late. I was supposed to meet Jacob, but plans had changed. So, now it was just Sean and me, spending quality brother-time. 

"What do you think is up with Stefan these days?" Sean shot a question out of the blue.

"Huh?" I started. Dragging myself out of my fantasy world, I turned to Sean. "What makes you ask that?"

Sean thought for a while, sighing and then answered. "I dunno man. He has been dodging my calls for a week now. And doesn't talk much in college. Since, the night Evan and I came together, Stefan has been a bit distant. This worries me. On the Halloween night, Evan had said something about Stefan having a crush on me. Do you think that's possible?"

I ruminated over whatever I had heard. "That's a likely situation. I mean Stefan and you have been best friends for like forever. So, there may be a chance he developed something for you. It's natural dude. If I had been in his place, I'd keep myself away from the person, since I'd not want to ruin his happiness. If I couldn't have him, that doesn't mean I shouldn't let him have his happiness. But, then this is just a hypothesis. Perhaps, you should speak with him sometime. Confront him off-guard. That way he'll be vulnerable for you to know what he feels."

Sean looked at me with a mixture of amusement and appreciation. "What are you? Dr. Phil?" 

I winked at him. "Nay. Been there, done that."

We were laughing heartily when Sean's cell started ringing. By the brightened looks on his face, I guessed it was Evan calling.

"Hey honey. Wassup?" 

I winked at him, making a pout and mouthing "Awwww!He misses you!" 

Sean threw a cushion at me which I dodged when the door-bell rang.

"Go get the pizza! Yeah honey, so as I was saying when can I expect some company in the solitary hours of the night?" 

Laughing and dodging another pillow I headed towards the door. I could hear Sean talking loudly in the living room as I made my way to the front door. The doorbell rang again. Harder this time. I guessed the pizza-delivery guy was in great hurry.

"Coming!" Hollering at him I reached out and opened the door to see a man in his late twenties. Dressed in the pizza hut attire, carrying two pizza boxes, he had a mean air about him. He didn't seem a very appealing character as he frowned at me. He seemed anaemic by his paleness and had sharp eyes which seemed as cold as ice.

In a voice which seemed as cold as steel he spoke slowly. "Your pizzas, sir."

I grabbed the boxes and asked him to wait for me to bring the money. I headed to the kitchen, kept the pizzas, grabbed some dollars from my wallet and headed to the front door. The guy still stood there. Arms crossed at his chest staring sharply at me. That guy seemed really creepy. As I proceeded towards him the landline rang. I hurried to receive it. 

"Hey Amanda. Oh! You won't be coming back tonight?"

"Can I have my money?" He shot at me.

Still on the phone, I beckoned him to come in and take it. However, he just stood at the door looking at me. I guessed he had not understood my expression.

"Dude, come in and take this. Yeah, so I'll lock the doors and get to the kitchen stuff. Anything else?"

He stepped in when I asked him to and took the money from my hands. However, he stood there looking at me. Still on the phone, I frowned and cast a questioning glance at him.

Without another word, he turned and departed, closing the door behind him. 

*****

"That was awesome!" Sean exclaimed reclining on the sofa. I finished the remaining pizza and started gathering the crumbs, cleaning the sofa. Amanda would freak out if she found crumbs in the living rooms. Picking up the boxes, I headed to the kitchen to chuck them.

"Dude, get me a glass of water while you're at it." Sean called after me.

"Yes, your highness." With a wide sarcastic smile I exited.

Chucking the boxes in the trash, I reached out for a glass. As I made my way to the fridge I remembered the incident that had happened here. A slight smile at the weird point of our kissing, followed by disdain at the exchange of some not so lovely words during the encounter; as I reminisced that night. I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle. Placing the glass on the table, I started filling it. But, my thoughts were wandering. Now, I was remembering our first encounter. The way he had fought to save me, his strong arms as he supported me to the house, the intensity in his looks whenever he set eyes on me, everything had transported me into my realm of fantasy; leaving me clueless of my surrounding.

"AARON!!!" 

A heart-wrenching scream brought me crashing to the earth. Sean had shouted out from the living room. The bottle fell from my hands, knocking the glass of the table, which made its way to the tiled floor and shattered into a million pieces. But, I was already on my way to the living room. The scream had been followed by the sound of breaking china. My heart was banging in my chest as I entered the living room. The sight my eyes met rooted me to the spot. Transfixed and astounded I tried to make sense of the situation. There was no blood or gory sight before me. There stood Stefan before me, dressed in some stupid robes, holding a crappy hideous monster mask while Sean was on the floor glaring at him.

Letting out a heavy sigh of relief I dropped into a chair shaking my head. Stefan, still laughing, turned towards me.

"The look on his face is priceless!"

Sean got up and stomped towards the sofa. Throwing himself into it he scorned. "What are you, twelve?"

"Really Stefan, you almost gave me a heart attack. And that vase you guys broke; Amanda's gonna be pissed." I smiled.

"Come on guys! It's been ages since I've done this. The good old days!" With a wide grin of contentment and reminiscence he settled next to Sean and put an arm around his shoulder. Sean threw his arm away and moved to the far corner of the sofa.

Insistent that Stefan is, he moved closer to Sean and pulled him into a close hug. After a bit of struggle, Sean finally let go of his annoyance and snuggled with him, laughing. I smiled at their childish acts; they really were best friends after all these years.

"Another time, and you'll be dead, Stefan!" Sean playfully warned him.

"I'd love to die at your hands." Stefan smiled flirtatiously.

"Jeez! That's so cheesy!" I frowned shaking my head while they burst into laughter yet again.

"Anyway, how come you're here after avoiding me for a week now?" Sean questioned turning to face Stefan.

A slightly uneasy expression replaced the beaming one as the handsome face gave every sign of withholding something he had long wanted to say. Sean raised his eyebrows expecting an answer while Stefan shifted uncomfortably in the sofa. The temperature in the room seemed to have fallen several degrees. Finally, after what seemed an eternity of awkward silence Stefan got off the sofa, went down on one knee and faced Sean. 

"I...I don't know how to say this. But....but I cannot keep this to myself anymore. Sean, I don't know when this happened; or how this happened. I mean all these years we've been best friends and very close. But, what I feel for you now is something very different from what I could ever imagine feeling for you. I know this is wrong as you're with Evan and I cannot ask you for this. I tried distancing myself from you but I failed to do that too. Sean," he looked deep into Sean's eyes and after a heavy breath spoke the words that were to affect our existence forever, "I love you."

*****

Daniel's Story V

****************

Flicking another page of the magazine I looked up at Evan. Something was up with him. An hour ago he had been calm and in bliss after having chatted quite animatedly with Sean. But, something was bugging him now as he paced the living room fervently. I had tried to concentrate on the magazine but the continuous pacing and 'subtle' hints of seeking a conversation were getting to me now. Chucking the magazine aside I spoke.

"Seriously dude, what's wrong? Why are you being a tornado?"

He stopped pacing and turned towards me. "I don't know."

Perplexed and sceptical I questioned," Excuse me? What do you mean?"

"I said I don't know. This weird sense of foreboding is getting to me. I have a strange feeling of something not very good happening. I feel nostalgic and uneasy. I can't place the feelings but it's as if I'm losing something and can't see what."

With this pronouncement he resumed his to and fro motion while I pondered over what he had said. Nothing seemed amiss to me. Everyone was safe and happy. I couldn't think of anything that could go wrong at this juncture. 

"I guess you're fears are pointless, Evan. What could possibly be wrong? It's just a false alarm of your intuition. Relax."

My attempt at comforting him didn't do a great job. In fact, his agitation was paramount now as his pacing became faster. Suddenly, he grabbed his coat and declared.

"I'm going to meet Sean. I can't be at peace till I've seen him."

I frowned in astonishment. "What? Really, you're turning into one of those obsessed boyfriends."

"Whatever dude. I have to see him."

With that he went away with his vampire-speed while I sat staring after him. Evan could be very obstinate and obsessed at times. He had to learn to chill and give his 24*7 charged antenna of intuition a rest. However, on second thoughts, there was nothing wrong with checking up if things are wrong. Even the most fool proof plans have been known to fall through due to carelessness. Perhaps, I should check them too. 

With this thought crossing my mind, I took out the cell and dialled the number of our only ally in the town. Had it not been for her we wouldn't have got the witch protection on Sean. Thanks to her Sean was still alive and moving and not turned into a vampire. She was quite strong for a young witch and our only hope in keeping the Noctimonstra at bay along with keeping a track of the Sanguinatus.

The familiar voice spoke on the other end of the call. "Hi Daniel, is something wrong? It's eleven in the night and your calls don't really bring pleasant news."

"Hi. Nay. Nothing is wrong but I'd like you to check the charms on Sean and the Geller residence. Are they still intact? Evan's feeling a bit uneasy so I thought if you could check them."

"Ask Evan to take a break! Anyway, I get to know if my charms have been broken but I'll check them, just in case. I'll get back to you later."

"That'd be great. Thanks a ton."

"Mention not. Bye." And the line went dead. Now all I had to do was to wait for her call to confirm everything was fine. Evan shouldn't worry much about this. He really needed a break. Perhaps, a trip to the nearby town could chill him. Sean and he would do well with a break. Plus, I could accompany them for protection. And Aaron would come too. Aaron, the name started a train of thoughts that none could stop. As I stepped into the cloud of thoughts encircling him, my cell rang loudly, ending the just beginning thoughts. A very distressed voice of the witch was speaking.

"Daniel, I don't know what happened. But, the charm I put on the Geller residence to keep Noctimonstra away has been broken. Apparently, a counter-charm that hid the effect from me was performed. The worst part is that the safety charm I put on Sean has been shattered too. Someone is cornering them and will strike soon. You have to go. I'm on my way."

"There's no time to lose. Evan has left to meet Sean. We need to reach there ASAP."

Without another word I rushed out of the house. Evan had been right. A huge danger was looming on the Gellers now.

*****

Sean's Story IX— The tumult

***************************

I sat transfixed and shocked. Stefan's confession had initiated a tumult of paradoxical emotions in me, rendering me numb and incapable of thinking in the process. Aaron sat in the chair across with his mouth slightly open and eyes wide. Stefan was still on his knees looking at me with expectation, love, hope and earnest in his eyes. As time passed, and my numb brain began to make sense of things I tried to voice my tumult.

"I...I don't know what to say to you, Stefan. I mean you love me is just so unbelievable. This...this is so confusing. I don't know how to react to this. Why? Why? And how did this happen?"

I could no longer sit. The storm within me was raging and unnerving me. The flood that had come into my life had messed everything up. I had been forced to reach a bifurcation; to make a choice again; my best friend of all these years versus the love of my life. How could this happen? How could I choose between them?

"I don't know how this happened Sean. I never saw you as more than my best friend. But, lately after you started going out with Evan, and we became distanced I realized how much I was used to your presence around me. I realized how much I missed being the only one you loved the most and loved to hang out with all the time. I missed 'you'. I missed 'us'. Please try to understand me. I know this is wrong, that I'm being selfish; but I can't help it. I love you and cannot live without you. And now that I've realized my true feelings for you, it's become even harder to live without you."

Every word that he was uttering was pushing me to the edge making this confusion even greater. The tumult and chaos in my being was paramount now as he incessantly confessed his love for me. Suddenly, I couldn't understand my feelings anymore. I loved Evan. Yes I did love him. But, somewhere these words had raised new feelings for Stefan. The fact that we had been friends for all these years and that he had a special place in my life was giving these new-found feelings a name I didn't, I couldn't use. A yearning for Stefan had started forming in my heart but Evan's thoughts were still existent. I was confused, torn between both of them. I couldn't live without any of them. I couldn't choose between them. This was not helping. I had to decide between them. I had to lose one. I had to realize my feelings and make the other realize them too. This was not what I had meant my relationships to be. This trio was something I had never imagined in my life.

"What the hell is happening here?" 

I froze in my tracks. No. this could not happen. I turned to look at Evan standing at the living room door. He was glaring at Stefan in fury. This was definitely not going well.

"I asked what the hell you think you're trying to do."

I decided to intervene. "Nothing Evan. Stefan is just--"

But, Evan cut across me and directed his furious looks towards Stefan. "Answer me Stefan! What do you think you're doing by coming up to my boyfriend and talking crap when you are aware that he loves me, and that we are together!"

Stefan's temper was also reaching its dangerous level. "Crap?!? I'm not talking crap Evan! I love him and I have to tell him. He should know my feelings. You have no right to decide what he will and will not hear."

"Shut the fuck up! I have every right to intervene if some crackpot fool turns up and decides to ruin our relationship. What kind of a person are you?"

"I'm not ruining anything." Stefan bellowed. "I was simply confessing my feelings. We have been best friends for ten years now. I have a more important place in his life, Evan. You just came a couple of months ago. Sean and I have known each other for years. You are the one who came butting in and ruined everything."

Evan's temper lost restraint. He flew at Stefan and with a swift blow knocked him across the room. He collided with the wall and landed on the floor. Evan's vampire strength was showing itself. I had to stop them. I ran between them and tried to push Evan away from Stefan.

"Don't do this Evan. You cannot hurt him! For my sake, retreat!"

Evan looked at me and stepped back. Stefan got up from the floor, scowling and furious. However, I was ready for him. I swiftly reached him and wiped the trail of blood from his cut lip. I gave him a beseeching look to not retaliate. He looked into my eyes and stayed put while I nursed him. Evan stood in the other corner casting murderous looks at Stefan.

"That's enough, Sean. He'll be fine. I guess it's time for him to leave." Evan ordered.

Stefan ignored him and turned to me. "Sean, please say something. I love you and I need you. Will you leave your best friend? Will you turn your back to our ten years of friendship? Will you turn your back to my love for you? Will you turn your face away from my life? Will you leave me alone on this road?"

A single tear swelled in his eyes and made its way down his cheek. I felt my heart soften and cry for him. I was confused but compelled. I couldn't be with him. I loved Evan. I loved Stefan too. But, somehow we couldn't be together. I couldn't bring myself to say this to him. I couldn't bring myself to snatch the little hope in his eyes. I couldn't stand to see despair and dejection in the eyes that had fuelled my life all these years. But, I had no choice.

"Stefan...I...I don't know how to say this to you..."

The window pane shattered and a dark shadow swiftly flew into the room. All of a sudden I saw Evan crumpling as the dark blur passed by him. I saw a wooden stake in Evan's chest. Blood was gushing out of his chest as he fell to the floor. I screamed in horror and fear. The shadow moved towards Aaron and he was lifted and thrown at the cabinet. He crumpled into a senseless heap on the floor. The shadow stopped and the man materialized. He had been moving with the swift vampire speed and appeared a shadow. Tall man, thick jaw, menacing eyes and a murder etched in every feature of that stony, monstrous face. He walked over to me. Stefan was dumbfounded and shocked but seemed to have gained courage as he jumped between us. The vampire bared his fangs and growled at Stefan who backed a step or two but tried to keep his ground. 




Blood and Love Ch. 14



"Run Sean!" Stefan pushed me away and lunged at the vampire. The vampire was swift and a successful predator. He struck before Stefan could touch him. Stefan fell on his back and I saw a deep gash in his chest. I looked in horror at everyone in the room. Everything had fallen apart in sixty seconds. This ferocious monster had hurt every person I loved in a minute. He now moved towards me. He was taking short menacing steps. I backed and found my way obstructed by a wall. I had been cornered.

"Sean Geller, don't worry. I am not here to kill you. You will come with me. My search has finally ended."



Blood and Love Ch. 15



**************

Sean's Story X—The story unfolds

*************************************

The vampire grabbed hold of my collar and pulled me closer to him. I struggle to escape. I tried to hurt him, but my attempts were feeble against his physique. He grasped my shoulders in an iron grip and pushed me against the wall. The sheer force of the blow made me see stars. However, he didn't stop at that. He pulled me towards himself and banged me yet again against the wall. This time my back got arched and the back of my head hit the wall. I felt a trickle of blood making its way from the fresh wound. I felt dizzy now. The world around me was blurring now; moving in and out of focus. The distinct features of my attacker were now a mere outline as I struggled to hold on to the fast losing strands of consciousness.

All of a sudden the door to the living room banged open. In my dizzy state I heard two pairs of hasty footsteps making their way into the room. I couldn't make out who they were. I tried to recognise but all I saw were two blurred figures, one of them male while the other a familiar female. I heard a familiar female voice shout out what seemed some spell.

"Per virutem naturae I praecipio tibi ut vacent." 

All of a sudden the vampire's grip on me loosened and as I fell to the floor I saw him being thrown against one of the cabinets. I heard running and a male was on my side helping me to get up. With great effort I finally started gaining sense of my surroundings as I recognized Daniel bent over me. Taking in his presence I moved my eyes to the other person I had heard. This couldn't be happening. I got the shock of my life. Rebecca was standing at the entrance looking at the vampire murmuring something. However, I didn't get to think about it more because the vampire sprung from the floor and made a swift motion towards Rebecca.

"Rebecca! Look out!" I shouted. However, she didn't need the warning. She stood calm and alert and immediately started speaking something viciously and energetically.

"Per virtutem collocetur in minibus meis, I maledicentibueis vobis, et ad doloris luctu!"

As her chanting of the words finished, the vampire recoiled as if in great pain and agony. He fell back a step or two and then fell on the floor writhing and screaming in sheer pain. His screams seemed to shake my disturbed nerves and I put my hands on my ears, trying to shut them out. I saw Aaron and Stefan stirring as the loud screams brought them to consciousness. But, I had to see how Evan was. I quickly got up and rushed to his lifeless form. Dread and fear pulsed through me as I reached him. With my heart racing I bent down and turned him. I saw a stake buried deep into his chest . I cried in horror at the stake. Daniel was by my side in a split second. He started examining Evan. Finally, he let out a sigh of relief.

"He'll be fine. The bastard missed the heart. The stake passed side to it. Here, I'll pull it out." With that he pulled the stake out of Evan who immediately screamed and started breathing deeply.

"He'll be fine but weak. He has lost a lot of blood." Daniel consoled me.

I sighed and started crying in relief. Aaron came up behind me and squeezed my shoulders. Daniel helped to get Evan up and into the sofa. We now turned to the screaming vampire. Rebecca was still chanting and he continued to writhe and scream. Stefan stood in the opposite direction to us watching the scene in immense horror.

"What the hell is this?" He shouted in horror.

"Relax Stefan." I tried to console him. "We'll tell you in a short while."

Daniel turned to Rebecca and signalled her to stop the magic. He then turned to the bleeding vampire.

"What are you doing here? How did you get in?"

The vampire looked at Daniel and spat at him. Rebecca chanted again and he started screaming. Aaron recognised him and spoke.

"Hey! This guy came to deliver the pizza and I let him in."

"That's why my spell broke. The owner allowed the vampire to enter. My spell can't bind him. Plus, Sean's protection charm was connected to the residence charm. So both of them broke."

Daniel listened to her intently and nodded his head. He turned to the vampire and shot another question.

"Don't test our patience. You are outnumbered and we have every reason to kill you. So talk now. Who sent you? Who else knows about Sean? Do the Noctimonstra know about him?"

"Fuck you, Damien! I am not telling you anything!" The vampire scowled at Daniel with a sneer. All of a sudden he jumped up and attacked Stefan. Before we could realize he had buried his fangs into Stefan's neck. Stefan screamed in pain as the vampire sucked his blood roughly. In another second he grabbed Stefan's head and banged his head against the wall. Stefan fell to the floor and remained still. I shouted in fear while Rebecca lost all control and shouted in sheer anger, sorrow and vehemence.

"Invoco virtus pretium lore maledicire monstrum annihiliate et cor ejus!"

The vampire instantly clutched his chest and a fierce gurgling sound issued from his mouth as blood and foam made their way out it and his nose. He screamed in pain with his heart slowly decaying within him. Slowly, the decay in the heart took over his frame as his flesh decayed and fell. It was a gory, horrendous sight as the vampire decayed into a mass of bones and finally nothingness. Rebecca looked vicious and furious as she saw the vampire's annihilation brought about by her. I rushed to Stefan's lifeless form. I reached to check his pulse. There was no pulse. His heart was not beating. Desperation, frustration and hopelessness seized me as I hit hard on his chest with the hope of making his heart beat. I tried resuscitation, but it didn't work. Tears were streaming from my eyes as I tried all I could to make my best friend speak to me, to open his eyes and smile back to me.

"Stefan! Stefan please get up!" I cried in sorrow, fervently trying to wake him from his eternal slumber. "You can't leave me here. Stefan, you have to get up! Please don't leave me. I love you, Stefan. You can't leave your best friend alone! Please wake up! Please get up! Please! Please! Please!" Speech failed me as my throat filled with emotions. I broke down into tears crying hysterically. Rebecca bent down and hugged me. She was crying too. Daniel moved ahead and examined Stefan's dead body.

"He's undead!" Daniel declared.

I looked at Daniel in disbelief. "He's alive! Stefan's alive! But, his pulse isn't working. How do you know?"

Rebecca shook her head and faltered backwards. "No, Dan! This can't be happening."

"It is, Rebecca." Daniel looked at her gravely.

"What are you talking about?" I intervened in desperation.

Daniel sighed and turned to me. "Listen to me carefully Sean. That vampire has turned Stefan. He's undead now. That means he's turning into a vampire- a Noctimonstra to be precise."

I stared at Daniel and then Stefan in disbelief and horror. How could this be happening? Oh my god! My worst nightmares were being realized right in front of my eyes.

"No! This cannot be! We have to stop this! You have to stop this! There has to be a way!" I turned to Rebecca. "You do something. You have some powers. Like you killed that vampire, can't you save Stefan?"

"I'm sorry Sean." Rebecca looked at me in despair. "As much as I want to help him I can't. I'm a witch Sean but I have a limit to my powers. I can't help him."

I shouted in agony and dejection. Nothing could be done. I stared at the now limp form of Stefan. His life had been ruined because of me. 

"Don't think that Sean." Evan's weak voice came up from behind me. Putting a hand on his wounded chest and wincing in ain he sat up straight. "You are not responsible for anything. If anyone's responsible it is the Noctimonstra and they'll pay for it."

"But why the hell are they after my life? What the hell do they want?"

Evan looked at me in sorrow and pity. He cast a questioning glance at Daniel who nodded his head. Evan turned to me and spoke.

"Okay Sean, I want you to listen very carefully. The Noctimonstra are looking for you. We don't know why. But, it cannot be anything good. The Sanguinatus are determined to kill you so that the Noctimonstra can't fine you and do whatever they want. However, I fought with them and vowed to keep you safe and protected from the monsters. No one knows where you are. I don't know how Ruth and this guy found out. But, one thing's certain. There's someone else who's looking for you. He may be a Noctimonstra or a Sanguinatus. But, whoever it is, is doing it hidden from both the vampire clan heads. That's our theory."

I gulped trying to comprehend the enormity and complexity of whatever Evan had just told me. This entire aspect of being searched for gave rise to a fear in me. A feeling of being vulnerable and unsafe crept over me. I was reminded of my nightmares wherein I used to be escaping from the unknown. Had those been a signal? A premonition?

There were tons of questions raging in my mind. "But how did you get Rebecca? Plus, who are you Rebecca?"

Evan continued to answer my questions. "When I first came to town, on the first day of school, Rebecca had followed me to the forest and overheard my conversation with Daniel regarding you and the danger you were in. We found her eavesdropping and were about to erase her memory. However, she revealed to us that she was a witch and could assist us."

Rebecca joined in the answering. "Sean, I haven't told you this but my maternal lineage goes back to the old Salem days of witch burning. One of the few lineages that survived, I am a part of it. I discovered my powers at the age of thirteen and have been developing them ever since. We witches are guardians of nature and equilibrium. The oldest witch was the one who performed Mortui's ritual for Lucifer. She was a part of the vampire initiation process and so all her descendants had the power to slay supernatural elements and maintain the life on earth."

This overwhelming information was too much to handle. I grabbed a seat and settled down trying to get everything into my system. The situations now made sense to me. However, Stefan was the one who's thoughts were continuously perturbing me. 

"What will happen in his turning?" I addressed the question to Daniel.

"He'll change in the physical portrayal. His features will become pronounced, the bad ones eliminated and the good ones more prominent. Fangs will emerge and so will the thirst for blood. He'll have to feed on someone. I don't know whether the Noctimonstra killer instinct is inborn or he'll have discretion in his choices. Also, he cannot step into the sun anymore."

"No! You can't make him a night predator. There has to be a way to allow him to move in the sun." I addressed the last statement to Rebecca.

"Well, there is no permanent way of doing that. The division between the two clans rests on this important attribute of sun and moon traversing which determines the powers and the regimes. All I can do is provide a charm so that he can move out when the intensity of the sun isn't very high. When the sun is at its peak, Stefan will have to stay within. That's all I can do."

"I don't have any issues with that." I concluded.

"So, what should we do now?" Aaron questioned.

"Let's shift him to my bedroom. And Aaron and Daniel, please clear up the room. Amanda will be back in the morning. She need not know about this." I suggested.

"Very well. Aaron and I will do the clearing. Evan will accompany you in taking care of Stefan. We can't leave you alone with him. And Rebecca you go back and re-construct all enchantments on this place." Daniel made the decisions.

As we all set to our respective jobs, I thought of what had happened tonight. The unpredictable nature of life had shaken the very roots of my existence. My best friend had confessed his love for me. My lover and my dearest friend had fought for me. I had almost lost u best friend. Stefan and Evan had almost died tonight for me. I had endangered so many lives. Rebecca had been trying to protect me all along. Why was my life so complicated? What was to come the next moment, the sheer unpredictability of this existence had raised several unnerving doubts and queries that were to shape many lives ahead.

*******************************



Blood and Love Ch. 16



***********

Aaron's Story VI- It will never be.

***********************************

I hissed in pain and clutched the arms of the chair. The antiseptic Daniel had applied on the cut at the back of my head was stinging. Daniel stopped applying it and looked at me with concern and uncertainty.

"Are you okay? I guess it's stinging but I need to clean the wound lest it gets septic."

I nodded and he dabbed the cotton in the liquid and started cleaning the wound. This time he touched a sensitive spot and I recoiled in intense pain, clutching his arm and clinging desperately to dear life in the process. After a minute, the sharp pain subsided and I relaxed. It was then I realized I was clutching Daniel's arm with intense strength and that he was seated in an awkward position with an awkward confused expression on his face. His awkwardness seeped through me and our eyes met. Immediately, I let go of his arm and sat straight while he shuffled uncomfortably. I noticed that I had left red marks on his arm where I had clutched it. I cursed myself wordlessly.

"I'm sorry for that. It was the pain. I couldn't think straight."

Daniel looked at his arm and then at me; and to my disbelief turned red. The usually snobbish and confident guy stammered a reply.

"No. It's fine. In fact it was pleas- I mean it didn't hurt. Vampire strength and all." 

"That's good. I mean in spite of that I'm sorry." I bit my lip at my thoughtless replies.

"So, I have to resume the cleaning." Daniel spoke.

I nodded giving my assent. After five minutes that took me all my strength to stop clutching his arm again, he had cleaned and dressed my wound. With that done he began examining the scratches on my arms and back. 

"Uhm..Aaron, please take off your shirt."

"What??" I turned and almost shouted. "Why?"

Daniel was taken aback and quickly started explaining himself. "I have to see your back. I mean I have to check for cuts or muscle injury in the back. You hit the cabinet on your back and then hit the floor. I have to check all's fine."

"Oh! Hang on for a sec." I replied turning red in embarrassment at my outburst.

Slowly, with extreme awareness of him watching me strip, I pulled the t-shirt over my head. Daniel extended his hand to take it. I hesitated but handed it to him. 

"Jeez! It's all wet." Daniel remarked but then saw my eyebrow rise and quickly kept it on the nearby chair. "But, it smells great. I mean...all the activity of the last hour made you sweat. I understand." His voice trailed off as he looked at me. My chest was glistening with sweat and his eyes were travelling all over me. The feeling of awkwardness and self-consciousness flooded me. I cleared my throat which brought Daniel back to earth. He quickly shook his head and asked me to turn. Very conscious, I turned my back towards him.

After a few minutes that filled the room with more awkwardness (if that was possible), I felt Daniel's cold fingers touching me. A shiver ran through my body and I felt a twitching where it shouldn't be at this point. Daniel's fingers too seemed colder than usual and bit shaky. I could guess he was nervous and perhaps this 'twitching' was happening to him too. Embarrassed and swearing I adjusted my posture and tightly crossed my legs. Daniel's fingers were sliding all over my back. After a moment he applied pressure at a spot. I shivered in anticipation and (I hate to admit) pleasure.

"How does it feel?" He asked.

"Pleasurable." I murmured out of my orgasmic feelings.

"Excuse me?" Daniel asked all squeaky-voiced and high.

"I...I meant it feels fine. No pain at the spot." Cursing myself without stopping I tried to cover up.

"Oh!" Daniel said sounding uncertain. "Well, then nothing's wrong with the muscles. Just a few scratches but they'll go."

I heaved a sigh of relief that the examination had ended. I quickly got up to get my t-shirt but in the process, swung my wounded head, which made me dizzy. I lost control and fell. But, I didn't hit the ground. I fell into Daniel's outstretched arms. As I gained composure, I looked up at him. He was bent and holding me in his arms; while I was clinging to his shirt and had ripped a few top buttons in the process. I could get a peek at his toned chest with a slight hint of hair. I felt his muscular arms holding me. He was looking straight into my eyes but his breathing was heavy and his heart racing. My eyes travelled from the slightly exposed chest to the huge bulge in the jeans. That made me conscious of the fact that such a bulge had emanated in me to. I quickly tried to stand straight. He too broke his X-raying and helped me stand.

"I'm sorry about the shirt." I apologised to fill the awkward silence that had prevailed.

"You don't need to apologise. Here." He handed me my t-shirt and I wore it. 

"It's too silent here." Daniel said looking around my room. Evan and Sean were in Sean's room with Stefan's body. Daniel had accompanied me to my room to clean the wound. The house was very silent and the silence very awkward.

"I'll play some music. That's the player. Where's the remote?" Daniel enquired.

I handed it to him and settled on the bed while he figured out the buttons and started playing the song. He pressed the buttons and music flowed in the room.

"Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm,

And your cheeks so soft,

There is nothing for me but to love you,

And the way you look tonight."

Daniel froze when the song played. The awkwardness now reached another peak. However, he soon gained senses and after great fumbling put on another song. 

"I'll switch off the lights." He said and moved towards the switch board when the new song thus said.

"And then I tell her, as I turn out the light,

I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight.

Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."

Daniel turned around and slightly hysterically seized the remote and changed the song. I couldn't help but smile a bit in spite of all awkwardness I felt. 

"That if I leave with you and I get you home

Baby you're gonna love what I do

When I'm on top of you

When I'm on to-"

Daniel switched off the player. Turning towards me he spoke. "No good songs tonight! Let's not listen to any music."

I nodded and smiled slightly. He stared at me, turned red and looked away. Silence restored itself in the room. I could hear the ticking of the clock. The night noises seemed louder and more annoying in the dead awkward silence prevailing between us. I don't know what got into me. I don't know what I was thinking. I don't know when the words escaped from my lips. All I know is I asked him," Are you seeing anyone?" 

Daniel started and looked at me in disbelief. However, he answered my question without giving way to anymore embarrassment on my part.

"No, I'm single right now."

"Good." I muttered.

"Sorry? I didn't catch that."

"I asked why you not seeing anyone?" I tried to cover up.

He looked into the distance, thinking for a while. Then he turned to me and smiled slightly.

"I don't know. Ever since my last relationship with Alex or Alexander, this was way back in 1840s, I haven't really felt the urge to embark on that road again."

I smiled slightly at the prospect of Daniel having been in love and still hung on. He saw me smiling and enquired.

"Unbelievable, is it? That Daniel Damien, the snob arse can fall in love with someone."

I fervently shook my head but it hurt so instantly stopped. When the dizziness subsided I continued speaking. "Well, it's kind of strange but not unbelievable. I mean you may be a bit full of yourself but that doesn't mean you can't love."

"So, I am full of myself?" He asked a bit curtly.

"A bit." I smiled mockingly.

"Well, you are not a bottle of honey either." He shot at me and turned his head in the opposite direction.

"Excuse me? I am perfectly sweet and humble to people." I retorted with a hint of smugness.

"You really have an awesome sense of humour. That was insanely hilarious!" Daniel laughed loudly.

"Oh shut up!" I snapped in frustration. "Ever done a reality check. The high-nosed prince that you keep on pretending to be. No wonder you're single."

Daniel stopped laughing and shot at me. "As far as I can see, there is no line of boys behind you either. Dude, you too are single! Unless you're talking about your Lalaland chronicles!"

"That's because I don't want a relationship right now. In case you didn't notice, you're talking to the sexiest guy in town. One look and all drop on their knees. What about you, huh? With the kind of attitude you have, all you'll get is some kick on your snobbish arse!"

"That's enough!" Daniel got up and stomped towards me. I had no clue what he was about to do. He leaned on me, held my face firmly and kissed me on the lips. Shocked and stunned I was numb as his lips pressed intently against mine. He was definitely one hell of a kisser. The platonic and passionate kiss sent me whirling in fantasy world. However, when he broke the kiss I was yearning for more.

"So, you see what I've got. After that I believe you won't have any doubts about my potential."

I simply stared at him. I didn't know what to say. I was still intoxicated by the euphoria of the deep kiss. He had turned away from me and was looking out of the window into the night sky. A pale crescent moon was radiating a feeble but distinct silvery glow. I was not sure how to react. I was torn between shouting on him for kissing me and running up to him and kissing him. I had no words to fill the silence now. My rationale had simply flown out of the window with the kiss. All suppressed emotions for him were now surging and raging at their restraints. A storm was raging within me. I couldn't stop myself anymore. I flung the sheets away, got out of bed, reached Daniel, turned him around and kissed him intently.

My hands were straying all over him. Moving my fingers through his hair, I worked them down to his chest and pushed myself against him while locking lips with his. As my hands travelled downwards and moved over his crotch, he held my arms and pushed me away. I looked at him in confusion and slight annoyance. He had a frown on his face, with denial etched in every feature. He looked at me intently, opened his mouth to say something, hesitated and shook his head. 

"This cannot happen between us. I am sorry. We cannot be together. I loved Alex and I won't ever give his place to anyone."

I stamped my foot in frustration and anger. "Alex! Alex! Alex! Why are you doing this? Can't you see? Why don't you see what's between us? Don't you love me? Don't you see I love you?"

"You have no idea what it is to love. You don't know how life gets centred on that one person who becomes the closest to your heart; the one person whose life defines your existence; the one person whose happiness is all that matters to you. You don't know what it is to be in love. And Alex is the best thing that ever happened in my life. I can't move over him. I'm sorry but I don't feel for you and will never feel for you the way I did for Alex. It's my fault I sent you these signals. I'm sorry Aaron. This won't happen again. I'll ensure our distance."

With that he turned and walked out of the room. I watched him go. Frustration and anger seething in me I grabbed the player and flung it on the floor. As tears came to my eyes I fell on my bed stifling my sobs and trying to gain control over my emotions. With every tear I felt my feelings for him give way to a decision.

"If it can never be, then it shall never be. Daniel Damien, I assure you, we will never be together."

*********

Evan's Story VI

****************

A streak of bright sunlight hit my face, making me cover my eyes, trying to adjust to the light dispelling the night's darkness. Slowly, I opened my eyes and looked around. My eyes immediately rested on Sean who had fallen asleep with his head on the bed while sitting on the floor. Stefan was lying on the bed, still dead. I checked the time. Any minute now would he wake up as an Undead. Realizing the risk I immediately got up and woke up Sean.

"Sean, get up. Sean!"

He stirred and rubbed his eyes. Looking up at me he enquired. "What's wrong?"

"It's almost time. Any minute now he'll be awake. You shouldn't be with him. It's a great risk."

Sean shook his head. "No. I won't leave. He's in this state because of me. I will not walk away from him."

Exasperated, I reprimanded him. "Stop being a jerk, Sean. Firstly, it's not your fault. Secondly, you need to get away from him. Any moment he'll wake up and will crave for blood. I will not allow this!"

However, Sean was adamant and unyielding. "No Evan! I will stay here. He needs me and whatever happens I will not leave him alone."

"Fine! Stay with him." I shouted in anger and frustration. "But remember one thing Sean. Your life is priceless to me. If he tries one attempt to harm you, I swear I'll rip his heart out!"

He stared at me in shock and disbelief and opened his mouth to object. But, the look on my face told him to back off. He yielded and turned to sit next to Stefan. I glared at Stefan. I was angry and annoyed. The fact that he had tried to take away from me the person I loved the most had annoyed me. And Sean giving him all the attention in the world wasn't really helping to ease my temper and feelings for Stefan. My usual calm composure had deserted me now. As I stood reflecting on everything, the lifeless form of Stefan stirred. Alert and ready I quickly shouted for Dan, who came rushing in, followed by Aaron. We stood in silence as Stefan got up groaning and clutching his head. He sat up straight and opened his eyes.

"Where am I? Why are you all staring at me?" He enquired. None of us responded. No one knew how to address the situation. However, gradually as memory came to Stefan's aid he seemed, he looked at me with wide eyes and fear. I realized that the night events had come rushing back. His breathing became fast and his hand quickly felt the side of his neck (now healed) where the vampire had bit him. He became hysterical and quickly jumped of the bed and rushed towards the window. However, the moment a streak of sunlight touched him, he yelled and backed off into the dark corner of the room, staring in disbelief and confusion. His paranoia was paramount now as he began yelling.

"Who the hell are you? What...what happened to me last night? That...that man...that creature attacked me. He bit my neck and there was blood everywhere. And then everything became blurred and finally blacked out. What happened to me? Someone fucking answer me! Sean! SEAN!"

He was hysterical and shaking in rage and confusion. His state was chaotic and unsettling. I looked at Sean who was close to tears at his best friend's state. However, he calmed himself and moved towards Stefan. He bent on his knees and took Stefan's hands in his own. Stefan clung to him like a child afraid and confused, unaware and scared of everything.

"Sean, please tell me. What's wrong with me?" He looked at Sean expectantly with hope brimming in his eyes.

"Stefan, listen to me very carefully. Please be calm and do not get paranoid by whatever I tell you." Sean spoke assuring him amidst his own sobs. "Daniel and Evan are vampires. The man who attacked you is a vampire too."

"WHAT? What the hell are you saying Sean?" Stefan shouted in utter confusion and disbelief. If anything, he was getting even hysterical by the minute.

"Please listen to me Stefan." Sean intervened and yearned. "The vampire who attacked you last night is now dead. And they will not hurt you. You are safe. But..."

Sean's silence was unnerving and unsettling for Stefan. He probed him to continue. "But what Sean? What happened last night? Tell me!"

Sean took a heavy breath to regain composure. "Stefan, when the vampire bit you, he turned you. You are transitioning into a vampire now."

Stefan was stunned. Dead silence filled the room as the reality of the eternal damnation of his life crashed down upon him. Stefan's entire world seemed to be slowly crumbling. His life, his aspirations, his dreams, his hoped had all been shattered and marred by this one ugly and bitter truth. In spite of everything, I felt sorry for him. I felt I was being unreasonable and over-reacting in Stefan's confession. The guy was shattered now. He needed support and not wrath born out of insecurity and jealousy.  

"You...you are kidding right." Stefan finally blurted the statement. Disbelief had turned him into a hysterical being, trying to escape reality by seeking conviction in his perception. "I know you are kidding. This cannot happen. Vampires don't exist. Ha!" He looked at Sean and attempted to laugh. But, stopped as nothing but a paranoid laughter was what emanated. "Say that you are kidding Sean! Please say that you are! SAY IT SEAN!" 

"I...I am not." Sean uttered through sobs and tears and broke down.

The ultimate declaration seemed to snatch the proverbial twig to which Stefan had been trying to cling to in desperation. He broke down into tears, groaning and screaming his disbelief and hysteria. His paranoia unnerved everyone in the room, especially Sean. Amidst tears Sean leaned and tightly hugged Stefan. 

"Everything will be alright Stefan. All will be fine." He kept on iterating the assuring statements. Stefan finally gave up his hysteria and clung to Sean. Both friends sat in each other's embrace; one assuring while the other seeking his destroyed identity in the assurances. Dan put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it. I did not remove my gaze from the duo on the floor. This turn of events had been the least expected. My return to Mystical domus had been to protect Sean. But, what about everyone close to him? Who is responsible for this? The answers lie in the dark, out of reach. But, time will come when all secrets will be unearthed. The guilty will be trialled. I knew where to start.

**************

The news of the vampire's death was not unexpected. The fool had to die. But, the job he needed him to do had been done. Stefan Klein had been turned into a vampire. Very soon he will serve the purpose. 

"Anything else that I need to do?" The witch named Diana asked the young guy.

"Nothing yet, Diana. But I'll need you soon enough. We have a witch in the enemy camp to deal with. Plus, my ulterior motive is not possible without you." He replied.

"After all these years, they still don't know. They never knew. You are one cunning wolf." She smiled.

"They were stupid, especially Daniel Damien. He never realized what I had planned. He'll be receiving the shock of his life soon." He gave her his cold smile. 

"Love is one powerful weapon. The one who knows how to make others love him without getting carried away himself becomes the puppeteer of so many lives." She ruminated.

"It's a complicated game, Diana. We risk everything to gain. It has no rules, it has no fair play. Manipulation, control and cunning is what we need. The game that began years ago will now reach its culmination." With that he drained the coupe and walked away.

Diana saw him leave. He faded into the darkness of the night. She had never met a guy as cunning, manipulative, brutal and unsympathetic as him. He knew his game well. The Damien brothers would never know what hit them. They've never known what hit them then. How could they know now?



Blood and Love Ch. 17



Chapter 17

**************

Sean's Story XI—The lover or the best friend.

**********************************************

It's been two weeks since Stefan was turned by the unknown vampire who had attacked me. These two weeks have been the most turbulent and testing times of my relationships, especially with Evan. Stefan had finally embraced the truth and had begun leading his life as a vampire. Rebecca had performed a spell that gave him some liberty to walk about in the sun when it was mild. Bright hot sunny days were his cue to stay indoors. Thankfully, winters had set in the region and the cold climate made it easier for Stefan to move about during the day as the sun either appeared as a cold ball of fire or remained concealed behind the foggy atmosphere. I should have been happy that some solace had been obtained in the tragic accident but Stefan had not given up on me.

In fact as Evan had said happens after turning, Stefan's emotions for me had become stronger and over-whelming. He was almost obsessed with me and made obvious persistent attempts to get me. I had been trying my best to give him the this-can-not-happen signals but he refused to see all signs of denial. I couldn't be harsh with him as he was my best friend and was recovering from this traumatic experience that had changed his life forever. Evan however was not as sympathetic as me. Initially, he had felt sorry for Stefan and remained silent but sensing Stefan's increasing attempts he had got irked. The only thing that held him from retaliating was the promise I had made him give me. He had yielded to my request of not hurting Stefan but was burning with fury inside which got manifested into slightly cold behaviour towards me. I knew I had to bear this if I had to keep both my relationships intact.

With so much and more happening in my life, school had taken a backseat. And needless to say my grades had suffered. As expected Amanda was called by Reynolds and given an earful about parenting and my abysmal performance. Amanda had called me and spoken with me about the entire meeting. She had appeared distressed, sad and disappointed. I apologised and promised to scrap better grades next time. However, the promise appeared to be mammoth task with Reynolds being one hell of a bitch. This is how the episode goes.

As all dull Mondays are, this one wasn't any different. I was drowsy but tried my best to concentrate on her rambling and not Evan's silently loud gestures. In fact I went to the extent of turning to my side and giving Evan the angriest of my looks which made him raise his hands in surrender and mouth "Sorry!" Anyway, I turned my attention back to Reynolds and who was now writing "Jane Eyre" on the board. She turned to the class and began the well-rehearsed speech in her usual nasal accent.

"Time for the quiz I had asked you guys to prepare for. I'm sure all of you will have read the novel." She spoke with a smug look on her face.

There was a general round of sighs and flicking of pages as students looked everywhere except her. Suddenly, the scratch on the table, the pen, a particular line on the page had become very interesting and intriguing. 

"Ah! My dear intellectuals at work." She remarked sarcastically. She cast a glance around the class and finally rested her eyes on Rebecca.

"Ms.Myers, in which year was the novel published?"

Rebecca looked at her for a minute and then answered, "Uhm...was it 1847?"

"I expect an answer to a question; not a counter-question. Tell me the year."

"1847." Rebecca shot at her.

"That's fine. Now, Mr.Damien will you tell us the year when Bronte first met G.H. Lewis?"

I rolled my eyes. The woman had somehow never got over the fact that Evan had shot her humungous nose in the drain in the first class. This was not even related to the text. However, one of the things about my boyfriend is that this guy loves to surprise/shock me.

"He leaned back in his chair and answered with a slight smile. "Charlotte was in London in Jun, 1850 attending a dinner party at Thackeray's home where she first met G.H. Lewis."

Needless to say Reynolds gave her sarcastic smile once again to mask her defeat and repeated humiliation. This retort simply exhilarated me even more now after she had been a bitch with Amanda. I couldn't help but raise my eyebrow and smile sarcastically; an action that her eagle eyes didn't miss. She turned to me.

"Quite amusing, wasn't it Mr.Geller? Perhaps, you would like to tell us the name of the only novel wherein Bronte doesn't use the first person narrative."

I looked at her in alarm. How on earth was this related to the text? She had specifically said the quiz was to be on the text. I had spent hours reading the novel, killing my sleep and drinking mugs of coffee. And this was what she asked me?

"I'm sorry but I don't know." I muttered.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Was that the answer?" She retorted in the highly annoying fake manner she was so skilled at.

"I don't know the answer." I muttered a little loud through gritted teeth.

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" She shot at me and turned to stand at the head of the classroom. "Sean Geller, I daresay, I've not seen a student as obstinate and hard-headed as you. In spite of my speaking with your aunt about your abysmal grades I see there hasn't been any change. This indicates that either the parenting you're receiving is not adequate or you refuse to listen to everyone. It is sad to see how a student can be hell-bent on ruining his life without caring about anyone."

I felt colour rising in my cheeks and tears swelling in my eyes. Her words stung me and every inch of me wanted to retaliate but I fisted my hands to stop myself. However, another person seemed to have taken this responsibility.

"What are you talking about? That's not even related to the text!"

I turned to look in alarm at Stefan glaring at Reynolds. She was giving him with a cold and pissed look.

"So now Mr Klein, I will have to learn my job from you." She shot her mocking comment.

"Considering all this, yeah you need to!" Stefan retorted. He was on fire. He looked furious now and Reynolds was no less pleased.

"Detention! My office after class!" She declared and turned away from both of us. I turned to look at Stefan. He was still glaring at her. I had to talk to him after class lest he did something stupid. I knew he retaliated because of me but that shouldn't make him do anything beyond what had happened.

The rest of the session passed without any further outbursts except Reynolds being colder and meaner while Stefan almost at the edge of his seat to jump on her and rip her throat. The bell for the end of the last class rang and Reynolds exited followed by the mass of chattering and laughing students. T swiftly turned to Stefan's seat but to my horror it was vacant. I looked around trying to figure him out in the sea of students but he was nowhere in sight. My heartbeat was slowly gaining speed and panic was filling me. Evan came up behind me.

"What's wrong?"

"Stefan isn't here! We need to rush to Reynolds!" I whispered violently. 

Evan's eyes widened and he quickly grabbed my hand. We headed as fast as we could to Reynolds' room. I tried to get in but the door was locked. I tried to listen what was happening inside. To my horror and dismay I heard Stefan's low voice and Reynolds' whimper. I turned to Evan who looked around to see if the hallway was clear before he banged the door open and we rushed in. I stood rooted in shock as I saw Reynolds' sliding down the wall with her throat ripped open and blood spilling out of the deep wound and her mouth. Her lifeless eyes still showed horror and fear of the monster she had seen before life had left her body. Stefan stood staring at her, smiling monstrously, with blood dripping from his mouth. His jaw was stained with blood, the reddish aura in his slit eyes and the fangs added to his dire cruelty and animalistic tendencies. Evan was next to the body checking the pulse, trying to examine if there was any hope. However, I knew this was futile and was not surprised when Evan turned towards me and shook his head.

"The bitch won't pester you again." Stefan spat at her.

I don't know what got into me. I had never thought I would do this. I was furious at Stefan and his indecent animalistic behaviour. I grabbed a few pencils from the table and before anyone could realize what had happened; I stabbed his chest with the pencils and punched him on the face. Evan looked at me in shock and disbelief. Stefan staggered backwards howling at the wounds made by the pencils. However, he pulled them out and the wounds healed. He then turned to me in anger and in a split second his face was inches close to mine.

"Do you want to kill me now? Do you hate me, Sean? Didn't I do this for you?" He shot at me in a low menacing voice.

I refused to retreat. Enough of the best friend sympathy and pity; if he was going to take innocent lives on the pretext of this thing he called 'love' then he needed to know better. I stood my ground and in a low but steady voice retorted.

"I don't hate you yet. I don't want to kill you, yet! But, Stefan, I'm warning you. If you dare hurt innocent people in my name, I'll forget the ten years of our friendship. I'll not hesitate once to finish you. However much it may hurt me, it may destroy me but if you become a threat for people, I will not hesitate to eliminate you." 

Stefan glared at me for a minute. Then his vampire look slowly faded and a sombre, sad expression appeared. A tear rolled down his cheek as he pulled back and rested himself against the wall staring at the ceiling. 

"Kill me now then."

"What?" I stared at him.

"Kill me now. Living every moment knowing I can't be with you is an eternal punishment I can't bear. Kill me." He looked at me teary eyed, yearning as if in great mortal pain and sorrow.

I sighed and walked towards him. Without a word I hugged him tightly. Initially, he stood straight but as my hug became closer, he put his arms around me and hugged me tightly. I tried to put in all unsaid words and feelings in the hug. As we stood hugging tightly Evan's slightly disgruntled and irked voice came.

"We need to do something with the body."

Stefan and I broke apart. I shook as if I had got out of a trance. Started and slightly dazed I turned to Evan and gave him a questioning glance. I had no idea what to do.

"Well, we can leave it in her car with the door open. They'll just think it was an animal attack." Stefan suggested.

Evan raised his eyebrow in scrutiny while I shrugged implying my assent. 

"Here take the car keys. Wait at the car while we bring the body." Evan instructed me.

"Fine." I took the keys and with one swift glance around the room head to the parking lot.

*******

Evan's Story VII

******************

Sean took the keys and left for the parking lot. Though my vampire senses I heard him getting out of the hearing range of any conversation in this room. I cleared my throat to grab Stefan's attention who was staring at the door through which Sean had just left.

"You killed her. Carry the body while I keep watch." I instructed in slight contempt.

He raised his eyebrows but didn't say a word. He moved forward, lifted the body and walked towards the door. I followed him suit and we began our walk down the deserted corridor to the parking lot. The only sound apart from the night voices was that of our footsteps that seemed to echo in the dead silence. I was in no mood to strike a conversation and remained silent. However, he seemed to have stuff to discuss.

"This is entirely you and your brother's fault. Neither had you moved here, nor would I have been turned. Sean would have been with me and we would have had a normal life!"

I decided to remain silent and ignore him. The vein throbbing in my temple was not a sign of any good coming out of this conversation. He didn't seem to be deterred by the silent treatment. In fact it did nothing but aggravate him.

"All your fault! Why don't you just leave? Why are you endangering his life? I'm here with him. Just get the hell lost from our lives."

I had had enough. I turned to face him. "I'm protecting him. And I'll do what I want. You're not speaking anything in this regard. Just stay the hell away from my boyfriend. You may be his best friend but I won't think twice before ripping your heart out!"

"I'm no weakling, Damien. I can rip that heart out of you too! And don't forget, I've been your boyfriend's best friend for ten years. If I try I can get you chucked out of his life in a second!" He threatened me contemptuously.

I grabbed his collars and was about to thrust him into the wall but then realized the body would fall. Stamping my foot and swearing under my breath I let go of his collars and turned to walk away.

"What happened Damien? Afraid you'll lose?" He jeered at me.

I stopped and turned. "Try whatever you want. He will always be mine!" I declared.

He scowled at me and in a menacing tone growled. "Damien, I challenge you. I will snatch Sean from you. I will destroy your relationship forever. I will make him mine!"

I glared at him but knew better than to quarrel with him. I started walking towards the parking. He followed suit and within five minutes we were standing in the parking lot. I looked around and saw Reynolds' car with the headlights on. Stefan and I reached the car but something seemed amiss. The keys were in the ignition but there was no sign of Sean. A sense of dread and fear gripped me. This was not right. What the hell had happened?

***********

Sean looked around in horror and panic struggling against the tight ropes that bound him to the chair and the cloth tied on his mouth to stop him from shouting. He tried to scream for help but what issued was a mere muffled squeak. Whoever had tied the bonds had done it well. He couldn't move a muscle without the ropes cutting into his skin.

As he struggled in despair, dejection, horror and earnest the metal door to his claustrophobic jail opened wide and light spilled in. He couldn't see who it was as the person was standing against the light. His face was in the shadows but Sean could guess he had never seen the man before.

However, the man moved further and entered the light. Sean's eyes widened in horror and disbelief. The memory of the Halloween night came rushing back to him; the chase through the forest, the fiend-like creature, the biting of his neck, the drinking of the blood, the stabbing of the vampire and his annihilation.

And yet the vampire stood before him. He stood glaring at him in fury and menace. His eyes turned red and his pupils were slits. He bared his fangs and growled. All that was heard was a muffled whimper of disbelief.

"Ruth Morris!"



Blood and Love Ch. 18



**********
Aaron's Story VII
*****************

I lowered the magazine to sneak a look at Daniel sitting across the room engrossed in the newspaper crossword. It had been two weeks since we had spoken to each other. Since that dreadful night when he had declared the impossibility of any relationship between us I had been fighting the raging battle between my ego and my love for him. To be rejected should have made me immune to him, but it had strengthened the desire to be with him. However, I had managed to control any urges of flinging myself at him because I knew rejection would be immediate.

In stead I had been trying to use his weapons against him. I would completely ignore him and act as if he didn't exist. However, he seemed to be unaffected and continued to put on a stoic appearance. At this moment sitting opposite to him I just wanted to take a pot and smash it on his head and scream, "I LOVE YOU, ASSHOLE!"

But, before I could act on the impulse, the phone rang and I got one opportunity that would definitely make Daniel yield to me. The phone rang breaking the silence in the living room. Daniel didn't look up from the crossword. I rolled my eyes and put the call on speaker. Randy Orton's voice filled the room.

"Hey babe! Please don't hang up. Listen to me. I...I want to meet you at the Grill tonight. I'm very sorry for last time. I swear I won't do it again. I love you, babe. Please. Babe?"

I sat stunned staring at the speaker wherefrom the voice of my ex-boyfriend was emanating. I remembered the night when he had jumped on me and almost squashed me to pulp; he would have killed me had Daniel not entered the scene. I was ready to disconnect but my eyes met Daniel's. Instantly, I recognized concern and a hint of jealousy with the earnest urging to decline the invite. However, the moment he saw me looking he returned to his crossword acting indifferent. But, I could tell his brain wasn't on the crossword, he was consistently hanging onto every word I'd say. I knew I had my moment now.

"Hey Dude, It's fine. It's been a long time and I'm ready to meet you. See you later."

Randy was thrilled. "Thanks a lot, babe. I'm sorry for being an ass. I love you. See ya." With that he disconnected the call. I threw the magazine aside and started stretching myself. With every stretch I let out a deep audible sigh. I noticed how with every sigh Daniel was fidgeting more and trying to sit in a comfortable position with his legs tightly cross-legged. I smirked, got up and walked to him. When near him I bent on him. He looked at me confused and gulped. Small beads of sweat appeared on his forehead as his ears turned red. I leaned on him and took the magazine kept on the table behind his sofa.

Having achieved my objective I turned to resume my sitting position. He sat with wide eyes and wide open legs, breathing deeply, staring at me. I looked at him, noticing a huge bulge in his pants, and gave a questioning look. He raised his eyebrows, shook his head and went back to filling the crossword. I laughed in my head. That was the third time this week I had teased him this way. He fell for it every time. He looked at and perhaps some of my inner merriment accidentally got reflected on my face, because he threw the newspaper away and shot at me.

"Seriously, what are you trying to do?"

I hastily regained my sober expressions and gave him my best puzzled look. "I'm sorry I do not understand what you are talking about." 

"You hell do know! All this teasing me and then ignoring me another minute. You really think I'm so stupid." He retorted in exasperation.

I coolly flicked the pages of the magazine. "For the record, yes I do consider you stupid. And I don't know what you're talking about. Ever since YOU said nothing will happen between us, I have completely kept my distance."

He looked at me in seething rage and frustration. At complete loss to say anything, he sat there glaring at me like an over-grown child. I can't describe how exhilarated I was at that moment over my consistent triumphs. 

"Now if you would excuse me, I have to change to meet someone who WANTS to be with me." With a whiff of my head I walked out of the room to change.

"Fucking midget. Dunno what he thinks of himself. Screw him!" I heard Daniel mumbling in the room and smiled to myself. An idea struck me and I quickly rushed to my room. Reaching my room I quickly took off my t-shirt and threw it across the room. I opened the closet and took out the best fit jeans and wore it. I stood in front of the mirror and lowered the jeans that the seam rested between the two cheeks and my butt was perfectly accentuated. I lowered it in the front to a critical point making sure some traces of my trimmed and well maintained pubes were visible. Then I took some water and damped my hair. Having achieved the effect I ran downstairs and re-entered the living room completely ignoring Daniel's presence.

"Where is my chain?" I mumbled to myself making sure that Dan heard my excuse to enter the room. While moving around the room, I made sure that I gave him a good show of my athletic lean torso and the perfectly shaped ass. Aaron Gellar was at the peak of his charm tonight. Out of the corner of my eye I saw his eyes stuck on me, traveling all over me. He gulped and wiped the sweat from his head. He was flushed and simply writhing in libido. In the blank TV screen I saw him adjust his pants and get up to say something. I quickly rushed out of the room saying, "I guess it's not here."

While exiting I saw a disappointed look on his handsome face. I knew I had hit the bull's eye tonight.

*****

Evan's Story VIII

****************

I looked around in sheer frustration and frenzy. Panic gripped me as each eternal minute passed with no sign of Sean in the parking lot. I found his cell under the car. Stefan was looking around and by the look of it, hyperventilating like me. A sense of fear and dread slowly dawned on me. Had Sean been abducted? If yes, then by who? There were so many enemies: the Noctimonstra, the Sanguinatus and the unknown person who had been sending assassins. Anyone could have figured out Sean's whereabouts and kidnapped him. This was so freaking mental! Everything seemed so haywire.

Stefan came up running to me from inside the school. "He's no where inside. I checked out every place I could. There's no one there."

"Fuck!" I growled and kicked the side of the car. I had to do something and fast. I had to find Sean before anything terrifying happened to him. I hastily drew out my cell and dialed Dan's. The call got connected and I heard the dialing tone. I was pacing the parking area urging loudly for Dan to receive the call. Why the hell was he not answering his phone? This was so fucking urgent. I tried again, annoyed further, and growled in frustration when the familiar cool female voice said, "The subscriber you're trying to reach is not responding at this moment." 

Who else could I call? Aaron! Yes, I should call him. I quickly punched speed dial and called Aaron. He didn't receive the call either. My frustration paramount I shouted in desperation.

"Where the fuck is everyone? How on earth am I going to trace Sean?"

I tried to think harder and then called up the Gellar residence. No one picked up on the first call. At the second however, Amanda's voice came up at the end.

"Hello?"

"Amanda! Hey, Evan here. Is Dan or Aaron- anyone there? I tried their cells but no one answered." I made complete attempt to keep the tension at bay from my voice.

"Aaron went to a party at the grill. And Dan, I don't know; he just walked out five minutes after Aaron left. He was in some hurry cuz he left his cell here. It was on silent so I didn't know you called. Sorry."

"That's okay. Perhaps Aaron can't hear his cell at the party. Thanks, Bye."

"By the way, is Sean with you? He should have been back by now."

I gulped knowing I had to lie to her. "Y...yes, He's with me. He's staying over at my place tonight. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh! Not at all. Bye."

And the line went dead. My desperation was beyond limits now that I had lied to Amanda. I had to find Sean at any cost now. But how? How could I find him? No one was in contact tonight.

"Why don't you call Rebecca? She may be able to trace him."

I stared at Stefan. Why hadn't that struck me? Rebecca! She could definitely find where Sean was! As the realization dawned on me I hurriedly dialed her number. As the call connected I found myself desperately beseeching her to receive the call. My prayers were answered as the call connected and she answered,

"Hey Evan! Wassup?"

"We're in deep shit! Sean's missing!"

"What the fuck? How? When?" She replied, sounding shocked and extremely concerned.

"Some time ago. He came to the parking lot alone. Stefan and I followed ten minutes later and he wasn't there. His cell was found lying under the car. Can you find him?"

"Fuck! Hell I can try to find him. If no magic is done then I can trace him. All I need is something that belongs to him; that has been touched by him."

"I'll get that right away. At your place?"

"Yeah! My folks are out of town. You goys hurry up while I set up things here!"

"Be there in ten." I hung up and turned to Stefan. 

"I have a t-shirt he wore. We kept clothes for sleepovers. My place is five minutes from here."

"Let's get going." Time was running out. We had to hurry up. We quickly got into my car and rode to Stefan's.

*****

I rang the bell as hard as I could. I heard Rebecca bustling inside, rushing to let us in. She flung the door open and invited us inside. Stefan and I hurriedly entered the house and followed her down the lit living room and hallway into a semi-lit small room. Unlike the rest of the house, this room was old-fashioned. In the semi-darkness the shadows of the room added to its occult appearance with the heavily perfumed incense sticks giving it a strange hazy look. The curtains were drawn on the windows and the heavily padded sofas and settees lay aligned at the corners. At the centre of the room, there was a 9 by 9 feet pentacle drawn; with thick lit candles kept at each vertex.

Rebecca sat down at the head of the pentacle while Stefan and I at the vertices away from the first. We sat in a triangle position as she said.

"Hand me the artifact."

I handed her Sean's t-shirt. She took it and kept it in the middle of the pentacle. Then she took a stand of burning incense and kept it at one vertex. Next, she took a crystal flask which when she uncorked let out an effervescence. She poured three drops on the shirt.

"Let us hold hands." We held each others' hands and sat in silence with Rebecca having closed her eyes in meditation. With nothing better to do Stefan and I followed her suit. She then began her enchantment.

"Ego vocare potentiae occultis invenire humana quaero."

In spite of the room being locked, the flames of the candles suddenly burst and became bigger. A steady wind started blowing in the room as the flames strengthened. Rebecca remained unfazed and in a louder voice declared.

"Ostendere me viam! Ostendere me! Revelare!"

The flames reached their zenith; a strong wind gushed and then everything became silent. Stefan and I cast questioning glances at each other. After a tense minute Rebecca opened her eyes.

"I have found him."

*****

Daniel's Story VI

****************

The loud music hit me when I entered the grill and I staggered a bit. However, I quickly regained my composure and looked around for him. Sure enough I found him. I could find him in seconds even if he stood in a horde of millions. Aaron stood at the bar talking to Randy Orton. My jaw clenched as I remembered the night when he had proceeded to kill him. I swear I'd have broken every single bone in his body before ripping his heart out, had he done anything lethal.

I looked at the duo. Aaron's back was towards me. Randy was talking to him and by the look of it quite desperately trying to urge him to forgive him. I concentrated on the duo's conversation and sure enough I could hear them as distinctly as I would have were they sitting right next to me.

"Please babe, I know I've been a jerk. And that you should kick my sorry ass right now for hurting you; but I love you and I can't live without you. Please forgive me." Randy was saying.

"Well, I don't know Randy; it's been two months and what happened that night-" Aaron was saying when Randy cut across him.

"What is Daniel Damien doing here?"

"What?" Aaron turned to look at me while I hastily turned to look the other side. "Asshole!" I muttered. 

"Hell yeah, I can forgive you! We've been best friends for a decade! Come let's dance!" I noticed the sudden change in tone and the hint of mockery. At this point I wanted to walk to him and punch his snooty nose for doing this. However, I went to the bar and got myself a large beer. I turned to look at the dance floor and my insides went on fire. Randy was all over Aaron. He had pulled the latter in a close hug and was playing with Aaron's butt; while Aaron's arms were around him. Aaron was flirting with him and Randy seemed to be getting turned on by the second. I took the beer and downed it in one go; and growled at the horrified bartender. "Another!"

I was halfway through the third glass and seething with rage. Now the seductive dance had become platonic with the music having turned into a soft intimate one. Aaron was pushing his butt into Randy's crotch; while Randy was lustily grinding. And then it happened. Randy flung Aaron around and pulled him for a deep mouth kiss. I lost it at that point- the fucker's tongue in my lover's mouth. Oh I could tear that tongue from his mouth. I downed the beer and stomped across the room towards the duo. I didn't care who I bumped into. I didn't care who I pushed aside. I didn't know who was abusing me. All I knew and saw was Aaron ahead. I reached them and with one swift movement grabbed Randy's arm and threw him away. He fell back, sliding the entire way to the bar and finally colliding with it. I flung Aaron around as he fell in my arms looking straight at me. I looked into the light glittering in those brilliant blue eyes. 

"Aaron Gellar, I love you and I cannot live without you." 

AT that Aaron's eyes lit up and sparkled like the brightest stars in the universe; a wide smile spread on his face and our lips met to celebrate the moment. A deafening applaud emanated from the crowd around us as I pulled Aaron closer. This felt right. This felt perfect. Nothing could go wrong now.

*****

Evan's Story IX

*****************

Stefan and I looked at the light from the cabin falling onto the dark ground. The Mysticus woods were eerie and silent except the occasional hooting of an owl or the sound of snapping of twigs and rustling of leaves as some being made its nightly prowl. I had been shocked when Rebecca had told Sean's location. It was our family cabin in the woods- the one where Dan had made Ruth stay. The cabin should have been deserted but the light inside told us that the abductor was holding the abducted captive inside.

If this were a vampire (the chances of which were enormous) then we had to tread carefully and launch an immediate attack to take him/them off guard. We had no idea how many would be there inside. We had no idea in what condition was Sean himself. As time passed, I felt panic rise in me. I couldn't just stand there and wait for anything untoward to happen. Stefan, beside me, was getting edgy by the second.

"Let's just rush in! What the hell are we waiting for?" He whispered furiously.

"We need to be careful. Don't forget they have Sean as captive. And we have no estimate of their defenses." I chided.

"But we can't wait here forever!" He fought back.

"I know that. But we can't just run in there!" I retorted.

"Go to hell!" Stefan thundered and ran towards the door. I swore loudly and ran after him as he kicked the door, thereby knocking it off its hinges and landing it on the opposite side. I followed suit and we stood face to face with two vampires. They looked at us and in a split second their forms changed to the vampire attack mode. With the red aura, the slit pupils and the bared fangs, they growled and rushed at us.

Stefan immediately launched a kick that caught the vampire square in the jaw. He recoiled falling backwards, hitting the wall. The other vampire lunged at me but I quickly got out of the way, turning up behind him; and with one swift motion, burying my hand in his back, only to remove it with his heart. He screamed in horror and fell on his knees, decaying and degrading every second, till there was nothing but remnants of the being.

Stefan jumped at the other vampire and holding his throat with one hand enquired. "Where is Sean?"

The vampire gasped in breath and tried to attack but Sean thrust his head into the wall, meanwhile tightening his grasp on the throat. All of a sudden, a wooden stake came flying out of nowhere towards me. My sharpened senses had already hinted the approaching danger and I quickly jumped out of its way. But, the stake buried itself into the vampire's chest. Stefan let go of him and turned around only to find me missing another shot stake.

We looked towards the source of the shots and I froze. Ruth Morris stood there! How the hell could that be! I had buried a stake in his chest myself. He came out of the shadows pulling Sean with him. Sean looked at me and shouted my name but Ruth slapped him and he hit the wall, and fainted. I growled in anger and rushed at him. He shot another stake which I caught and in one swift motion buried in his shoulder blade. He screamed in pain and let the bow fall. Stefan turned up and quickly bound the vampire by ropes lying in a corner. I turned to Sean. He had bruises on his face, with a cut lip and clotted blood at one side of the head. He gained consciousness and hugged me tightly.

"Are you okay?"

"Y...yes." He murmured.

"Who the fuck are you?" I turned and shouted at him.

"Drake Morris. I'm Ruth's twin. The guy you murdered!" Drake said through gasps of pain and spat on the floor.

And realization dawned on me. So he was Ruth's twin. No wonder he had abducted Sean. All for vengeance. Stefan looked at him and pulled the stake out of his shoulder. He howled in pain and gasped. After a couple of minutes he relaxed and looked at us.

"What are you waiting for? Kill me! Come on! Cuz I will not stop." He shouted in desperation.

I looked at Stefan who simply grabbed the stake and stabbed Drake in the chest. With one final scream, he decayed to his death.

"Let's go home." I said and helped Sean to get up. Stefan followed suit. As we reached the door, I heard a low painful sigh come from the inner chamber. We froze in our tracks. Stefan and I exchanged looks. Every muscle in our body had tightened. Sean looked at us puzzled and scared. We looked at the room from where the cry had come. I loved forward with Stefan shielding Sean. With my heart beating fast, I grabbed the door knob and turned it.

*****

Daniel's Story VII

****************

We didn't care where the clothes fell. We didn't care where the car keys fell. We didn't care which lamp or flask got knocked down and fell onto the floor. We didn't care where the thrown cushions landed. We didn't care how much mess we made. All we cared about was getting the most of each other- getting as close as possible- of being so intimate so close that we became one. 

The kiss in the pub that had marked the beginning of the consummating of our relationship had now reached another dimension of intimacy and platonic love. Our lips had hardly been apart since the kiss except on the way back to my place. Lucky, we didn't meet an accident in spite of Aaron consistently nibbling at my earlobe, and sliding his soft, tender wet tongue on my neck, sending ecstatic shivers down my spine, to the already hard and leaking soldier.




Blood and Love Ch. 18



Once at my place, I had lost all restraint. Grabbing him in my arms we had flung our clothes away, kissing all the while. I threw him on the couch and got on top of him. He pulled me in for a deep kiss. His lips were soft and tender; his scent sweet, boyish and woody. His wet lips clung to mine as if for dear life, and he pulled my lower lip with his, biting it slightly. I let my tongue get involved, and he allowed his own out. Our tongues met, wriggling and playing with each other; he took my tongue in his mouth and sucked it passionately; while his hands went to work on my painfully hard penis. As he began sliding its skin, I shivered in pleasure and pulled t his hair, breaking the kiss and burying my face in his neck. I began to kiss and bite and lick playfully at the erogenous zones on his neck, making him shiver and moan loudly in erotic excitement.

I pilled his arms on the side, exposing the suitably hairy and sweaty armpits. I slid my tongue in the pits making him shiver violently, trying to get out of my hold. He moaned and moaned loudly as his skin broke into gooseflesh as all testosterone levels went haywire. Then, I proceeded to his nipples and licked each simultaneously, kissing and caressing it. He was almost wild with excitement now and simply lost it when I licked his extremely hard member. Taking the leaking penis in my mouth, I sucked it hard, bobbling my head on it, the saliva mixing with the salty precum. He began thrusting hard into my mouth and moaned loudly. "Fuck! Yeah!"

As the sucking intensified, so did his thrusting. Finally, I let go of his wet dick and released him. Almost immediately, he pushed me back. I landed on the floor on my back and he jumped onto me. I looked into his blue eyes, glittering with lust and pleasure while his beautiful lean, white as snow, body glistening with sweat. He rubbed his chest against my slightly hairy and ripped chest, making me moan with the skin contact. His sweaty boyish scent was turning me on making me harder than ever before. He licked my earlobe and nibbled at it consistently making me shiver and moan deeply. He began licking my neck and my ear, discovering each erogenous zone, making me growl in intimate passion and sheer lust. Next he proceeded to take care of my rock hard and leaking like a faucet penis.

He took it in his wet mouth, removing the skin and exposing the sensitive area beneath. He licked at the piss slit making me writhe in pain and excitement. Exposing whatever part he could of my uncircumcised penis, he began licking and sucking it slowly. He let his tongue slide slowly all over it, mixing the preecum with his saliva. Eveery time his tongue slithered over it, intense orgasmic shivers ran through my body. When his slow treatment, started making me ache foe more, I grabbed his head and began thrusting in his mouth as hard as I could. As I neared release, I began thrusting faster and began moaning loudly. However, just before release, Aaron pulled back and grined at me.

"No, you're not releasing now. And not in my mouth." With that he winked at me and laughed. I sat sprawled looking at him, slightly dazed with the near orgasm feeling, and confused. However, I was too charged to care about anything now. I quickly got up and pulled him in my arms kissing him passionately. He melted in my muscled arms and clung to me. I picked him up, carrying him to an ornate table. With one swift motion, I slid everything off the table, not caring what fell on the floor.

I lay him on his back and lifted his legs, spreading them apart to expose the ass. Next, I licked the length of the crack making him quiver like the string of a bow when an arrow is shot. I spread the cheeks and exposed the pink hole. I licked the hole slowly trying to get my tongue into it. He quivered and shivered, moaning in ecstasy as my tongue fondled with his ass, entering his hole. As the playing became intense, he tried to push me off but I pinned his arms, making him moan and beg.

"Stop Dan. Please stop! Hell!" He moaned loudly as my tongue continued to rim his ass. He shivered yet again and I spoke.

"What should I do now? Let's just play more." I winked and grinned.

"What? No! Fuck me! Dan! FUCK ME YOU BITCH!"

I stared at him with wide eyes and he put his tongue between his teeth and smiled sheepishly. "Please fuck me." He added in a low shy voice. I looked at him and laughed loudly, inserting two fingers at once, making him gasp. After he adjusted to them, I added another finger to stretch the hole further. When I had stretched the hole as needed, I proceeded to let my eight inches member enter it. Aaron winced in pain as the head passed through the tight ring of muscles and into the hole. He breathed heavily, trying to adjust to the invasion. He grabbed my sweaty muscular arms and pulled me for a kiss. As I leaned in for a kiss, I pushed in deeper making him take in a heavy breath. His ass was hot and wet, making my sensitive penis harder and making me writhe in sexual apprehension. As we kissed, I began thrusting slowly. With every thrust, Aaron let out a deep sigh and moans. Pain and pleasure seemed to competing, deciding who would appear on his face.

Every thrust sent a powerful shiver through me, drawing me closer to orgasm. Ten minutes of slow thrusting and our bodies were covered in sweat. My sweat dripped from my damp hair and forehead and fell onto Aaron who too was bathed in sweat and flushed like me. Our mutual deep breaths and moans seemed to have filled the room; our mutual boyish scents over-whelmed our olfactory senses, pushing us towards the exhilarating release. 

"Faster! Faster!" Aaron instructed and pleaded; my senses sharper, my desires deeper, my passion over-whelming; I began thrusting deeper and faster, now picking him up and pushing against the wall, continuously thrusting. He continued chanting while I thrusting. From the table to the wall, and then to the couch, we moved as if in a trance of sexual pleasure, not stopping, not separating. Finally, I reached my exalted orgasm and with a growl, buried my seed deep into Aaron; who followed suit cumming between us; the sweat and cum mixing and smearing us. I dropped onto the couch, pulling Aaron on top of me. He buried his face in my chest; both of us panting after that long sexual ardor. As our breathing relaxed Aaron lifted his head and looked into my eyes.

"I love you, Dan. I can never think of being separated from you."

I looked deep into those blue eyes. I realized how much in love I was with this person. I had moved on. I had started loving someone else. I had let Alex's place been filled by this amazing boy lying in my arms. As I kissed him softly, I assured him.

"I love you too, Aaron. And I promise; no one can ever come between us."

*****

Evan's Story X

*****************

I turned the knob and stepped inside. The room was quite dark and the only faint source of light was a small candle at one corner. With my vampire vision I saw a person lying on the floor in the centre of the room. Whoever the person was was lying with his back towards us. He let out another deep cry of pain and the dark figure shifted a bit. Tense and alert I approached the figure while Stefan and Sean remained at the door.

Standing next to the figure, I bent on one knee. With a steady hand I turned the person to look who he was. The face was extremely pale with a sickly greenish hue. A look that any vampire would know came from lack of blood for a long span. It was a result of starvation. The lack of blood had intensified the sickness and there were pock marks on what had to be a very handsome face. No one living could have recognized who he was. But Evan knew who lay in his arms. He couldn't believe he was seeing him. After all these years. How could it be? How could he return? HE had seen it happen with his own eyes. How could it be him?

The candle light flickered and the shadows in the room shifted. The figure opened his eyes and looked at Evan. The familiar dark brown eyes, only without the twinkle they had whenever he met them. Whenever he met 'them'- I though of Dan as the though crossed my mind. I looked into the eyes of the person and softly said.

"Alex."



Blood and Love Ch. 19



Hi everyone. Great to be back. I had taken the season break to think about the story and to shape it better. Season 2 begins with Ch.19. I have added a recap of Season 1 to refresh the events for old readers and to acquaint the new readers with the story till now. This will be the longest chapter so far. Considering I was asked a lot to write longer chapters, I will now be posting chapters of 5000+ words. Hoping that you guys like the story. Also, I've tried to brush the style of writing a bit. All reviews, suggestions are welcome and desired. Also, Season 2 will mark the end of the novel. Also, Should i include a list of characters in the next chapter, so that you don't feel lost when they come up? Thank you. :) 

Season 1: RECAP

***************

Sean Geller lives in the town of Mystical Domus with his brother Aaron and aunt Amanda. His parents died in an accident last summer. His life has been disappointing since then with Aaron blaming him for their parent's death.

But, fate has something else in store for him. Evan Damien has come to town. This new student/ stranger soon becomes his love interest, helps solve his life's issues, esp with Aaron. It is soon revealed that he is a vampire. Evan's brother Daniel, also a vampire, is interested in Aaron. But his complicated past and inability to move over Alex, his dead boyfriend hasn't helped matters.

It is soon revealed that Sean's friend Rebecca is a witch and is assisting the Damien brothers in protecting Sean from 'Someone'. Sean is attacked thrice. In the first attack by Ruth, Sean discovers the brothers' identity. In the second attack, Sean's best friend Stephan, who happens to love him too, becomes a vampire. In the third attack, Sean is abducted but rescued by Evan and Stephan, only to find that Alex is alive. Meanwhile Daniel and Aaron have resolved their complications and are now lovers.

What will happen now begins...

Season 2

********

Chapter 19

**********

Excerpts from the journal of Daniel Damien....

***********************************

1855, 5th January.

******************

Today has marked the end of the bond closest to my heart. Arthur has gone. The promises of a lifetime of bliss and love have gone with him. I have nothing left to cherish. My life has come to a standstill. The entire Damien estate around me is bustling with activity: rigorous cleaning and preparations. A serene chaotic atmosphere is pervasive in the mansion. I enquired and was informed by our bubbling butler that my father's closest friend of years Mr. Askern and his son Alexander are coming to stay with us. While the butler was providing me with the information, I heard my father's commanding voice from the top of the spiral marble staircase. 

"Daniel, I would like to talk to you in my study. Now."

I looked up at the frame of the decisive man, his hand clutching his sturdy walking stick, standing against a large portrait of the smiling visages of my brother, my father and me. I noticed the differences between the art and the muse. The thick bushy eyebrows and moustache set on a hard, lined and impassive face. While the art showed a smiling benevolent father, the muse was a decisive, firm, strict and dominating authoritarian. I had no inclination to speak with anyone, let alone him. However, I was in no mood to direct another argument and decided to do as directed.

The study was a huge room with shelves of books, maps and artifacts, some family heirlooms while others mere decorations. The ensemble boasted of generations of royal education, the Damien lineage and bloodline. My father was sitting in the ornate chair behind his huge ebony desk covered with papers, few books, quills, ink et al. Perhaps, matters regarding the city's governance and development. Being the Mayor, my father exhibited the grandeur of the position and the associated responsibilities.

"Yes father. You wished to speak with me."

He looked at me with his piercing grey eyes from below the bushy eyebrows. After analyzing me for a minute, he spoke.

"How are you?"

I bit back the retort and answered in a restrained tone. "Let us not discuss my well- being father. I do not wish to talk about ...that."

He narrowed his eyes but spoke softly. "You know whatever I did was for your good. Your association with that young man was most unnatural and unacceptable. The prestige of the estate, the family and the honor of our lineage was at stake."

"For my good! Unnatural and unacceptable! I'm sorry father but you were, you are and will always be incapable of understanding your children. After mother's death, you may have given us wealth, name, education but the one thing, the most important one: love; Father, you failed to provide us!" I hissed in frenzy.

"Daniel Damien! That's enough!" He bellowed. I could see anger building in his shivering frame and hurt pride in his eyes. "I will not tolerate an argument from my sons. Behave and be in control of your tongue! You will not indulge in your unnatural whims till I breathe. Arthur Ray was a abomination and you will forget him! You will do as I say!"

I looked at him in sheer anger but could not utter another argument. I couldn't argue any further. Seeing me quiet he continued.

"My friend Askern is coming tomorrow. His son Alexander will accompany him. Remember Daniel, I have known Askern since my Wittenberg university and militia days and I shall not tolerate any misdemeanor. Moreover, Alexander is nineteen now and wishes to enroll in the University. You have been an eminent scholar there and with your twenty-first birthday next week, you will have earned your degree. Askern expects you to help Alexander with the University enrollment procedure. And I have promised that you will. Is that understood?"

I looked straight into his eyes. I had a lot to say. I wanted to refuse. I wanted to do anything to thwart the man. 

"Yes."

"Then we are settled. You may leave." He said and returned to his documents.

I turned and walked out to the roof. As I stood looking into the distant orange horizon and the vast landscape of slowly darkening greenery, a tear made its way down my cheek.

"Was I going to suffer forever?"

1885, 6th January.

******************

The Askerns arrived today. A certain feeling has emanated in my being. I can't make sense of it. The more I try to fathom the depths of this alien feeling, the more elusive it seems to comprehension. My existence appears to be a paradox. Perhaps, I'll narrate the entire episode in this journal. Maybe then I shall receive some clarity about this issue.

We stood at the ornate, majestic oak door waiting for the Askerns. My father stood leaning on his stick looking into the distance. I stood near the entrance away from him. Evan was not back from the trip to a relative. The other officials and servants stood according to the decrees and status. As the receiving party stood patiently I started taking in the weather. It was a gloomy day. The January sun was veiled by slightly dark clouds promising rain. The wind had gathered momentum and was cool, slightly strong. The clouds cast their shadows on the earth below and the ambiance was that of a dusk scene at noon. Birds were flying towards their nests perhaps; the rain was to come soon. The scent in the air indicated that the clouds had landed somewhere. 

Suddenly, the call of the watchman brought me back to my company and I saw the iron gates being thrown open to let in a carriage drawn by two handsome white horses of superior breed. The black but lavish carriage traversed the path leading up to the house and halted in front of us. The valet got off the ride and handsomely, with the grace of a noble's official, opened the carriage entrance. An old man in his sixties, clad in a traveling coat on top of a handsome suit, with a stick and an eye-glass, got out. With a beaming face he walked towards my father and the men embraced.

"It's been so long, Damien." Mr. Askern spoke in a cheery booming voice.

"Sure it has. There is a lot to talk about. Let's proceed to the hall." My father stopped for a second and looked around puzzled. "Where is Alexander?"

"Oh! Alexander was behind us. You are aware how charged a youth my son is. He decided to ride on his horse to the place. He will be here in another minute. Ah! There he is." Askern pointed towards the gate from where the neighing sound had come. 

I turned to look and time stopped. 

A handsome black horse was galloping on the stony gravel path that led up to us. But the rider, Alexander was a rarity. Young man, the look of an eighteen year old, an innocent face with a cute grin rode the horse. The wind was flirting with his medium length blonde hair. His coat flying with the wind as the horse gained speed. He stopped at the door and dismounted. He wasn't that tall. In fact he came up to my shoulders. 

"Alexander! How are you, my boy?" My father cheered and embraced him.

"I'm fine, sir." Alexander curtseyed and flashed a shy charming smile. 

I found my self gaping at Alexander. His face was flushed with the ride and a rosy complexion arose on his pale cheeks. His lips were light pink and his eyes the color of the emerald green. They twinkled like a diamond and had an intensity that could seer through you. His physique was impressive. He appeared to be athletic. 

"Meet Daniel. He will be helping you in the admissions." My father suddenly said. 

Alexander turned to look at me and flashed another charming smile and lifted his hand. 

"Good morning, Mr. Damien."

I hesitated for a second as his words got me out of my reverie. Slowly, I took his hand. It was very soft and cold. My hand was cold and sweaty. At the touch he politely frowned for a split second before smiling cheerfully.

"Call me Daniel." That was all I managed.

"Only if you call me Alex." Alexander answered softly and winked.

I simply shook my head and smiled confused. 

"Let's get going. It's time for dinner. I'd suggest that you both get ready for the dinner. It'd have been a long journey." My father announced and everyone entered the mansion.

Alex stopped and turned to look at me. There was something in his eyes that I couldn't read. A soft smile on his face as if he was amusing himself on a private joke. With that he turned and entered.

I stood watching him go. I walked outside the portico and stood staring into the mansion. I could see Alex smiling. Laughing and talking to my father, acting a perfect gentleman. I could see my father being impressed. I felt a rush of warmth in me. But, this warmth had a tinge of fear to it. I was soaring into unnamed territory. I had no idea. Was this right?

Suddenly, the sky burst open and thunder and lightning filled the atmosphere. Rain made its way to the earth. I stood in the rain letting it wash over me. I needed answers. But for now tranquility was what I desired.

1885, 10th January

*******************

Alex. The mere mentioning of the name sends shivers throughout my being. An unfamiliar nervousness coupled with ecstasy, a fluttery feeling in the heart and an immediate smile are the results of his name. I can only imagine how I look when he is actually present. 

It's been a few days yet I feel drawn towards him. His charm is magnetic. Whenever we sit for the meals or during the conversation sessions in my father's study, I can't stop myself from looking at him and losing track of time and space. But, the best feeling of bliss comes when I see him subtly looking at me and smiling softly. Often he winks at me while taking a sip of wine. Whenever we run into each other in the corridors, he smiles his charming smile while I stand with my hat in my hands, staring at him and smiling foolishly. Often he arms brushes mine while passing in the corridors and I can't help getting shivers of anticipation running all over me.

Today, he spent the afternoon with me writing his applications for the university. We were seated in my room. While he sat at my table writing a letter, I sat across from him feigning to read a novel. Often I tried to sneak a glance at him. Heaven knows he was innocent and beautiful as he sat nibbling at the end of the quill, slightly frowning at the contents of his letter, thinking deeply. He then looked up and our eyes met. I hastily returned to my novel.

After a few minutes I heard his soft boyish voice addressed to me. 

"What are you so engrossed in Daniel?"

I looked up aghast. Perhaps, the look on my face showed some mortification, for he instantly said.

"Did I disturb you? I'm sorry I had no idea you were busy."

"Oh! No, not at all." I immediately spoke. "I was just lost in these lines here. It took me time to take in what you were saying." I tried to smile.

"What lines have enamored you so much? Can you read them to me?" He suggested and leaned on the table to listen.

I was trapped. I looked down at the random page that was open. What impressive lines would I talk about? My nervousness was getting paramount when I noticed a line which explained my predicament well. I cleared my throat and in an almost steady voice read.

"He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking." 

That was all I read. It hardly took a few seconds. I looked up at the reaction of my listener.

Alex was smiling softly. There was a twinkle in his dark brown eyes. 

"You seem to be of a very romantic disposition."

"Uhm...Well...I can't really say." I tried to formulate an answer. "It's just that the lover's predicament is so universal."

"This predicament has been the bane of several unrequited relationships." He said.

"True. But it's not his fault. Love is an over-whelming emotion. We tend to transgress all boundaries, all social and even moral codes for love. Love is like the raging waves of the oceans. Once they cross the limits of the shore and enter lives, they wash everything away that comes in their path. Love over-whelms everything. Hence, this predicament is natural and justified. It prevents any crossing of lines." I answered thinking about Arthur and my failed relationship and my swaying aside the feelings for Alex.

Alex got up and walked towards the window. He cast the curtains aside and threw them open. It was raining outside. Cold strong winds made their way into the chamber. He stood looking into the night without speaking. I felt uncertain about what to do so I sat still looking at his back. Finally, he spoke.

"Do you see the rain, Daniel? It's another form of the waves you talk about; another form of water's existence. You say love is like the raging waves. It encompasses and over-whelms. Love is also like this rain. It sooths, it washes away the mundane, the dust, the weariness of the summer sun. It liberates and rejuvenates. True love breathes life into you. You look at the destructive side only. Yes, love over-whelms. But that's the nature of love. The thirst for love.....the pining for affection. Unrequited love gives a lot of pain. But, the worst is the regret of not confessing your love. It stays there forever like a thorn stuck in your heart."

He turned to look at me. He was smiling. I sat transfixed, staring at him. I had been swept away by what he had said. Lightning and thunder appeared outside and I woke from my trance. I looked at him framed against the rain enveloped landscape. I don't remember how it happened. I threw the book aside, crossed the distance between us in three strides and came face to face with him. He was a head shorter and looked up into my eyes. I looked into the deep twinkling brown eyes.

"Then, I don't want to live with this regret forever. I love you, Alexander Askern."

With that I took his face in my hand and kissed him on the lips. He reciprocated and our lips united in a passionate confession of love. The rain intensified, the winds blew harder and thunder filled the air. Love had prevailed. 

1885, 17th January

******************

It has been the most exhilarating one week of my life. Alex and I are gradually coming to terms with this new found intimacy and platonic love between us. Ever since the first kiss and declaration of love, I have started feeling the familiar warmth and deep connection with Alex. I become uneasy if he's away from me for more than an hour. The desire to hold him to me and never let go is gradually gaining strong hold in my heart. I feel a yearning for him whenever he's away from me. Our physical intimacy is restricted to kissing and lying together. The consummation of our relationship may happen tomorrow night.

Evan is back and I immediately told him everything. Evan and I are very close and never keep secrets from each other. He was extremely happy for me and congratulated me while embracing me. I was at peace. As long as I had Evan with me, I felt the sense of right being there and my conscience wouldn't prick. But, the moment of truth remained. My father was unaware of what was budding under his very roof. What he had banished in the form of Arthur from the door step had crept in and pervaded his entire realm as Alex.

1885, 19th January.

********************

What has happened? The sole question has been gnawing at the edges of my existence as I'm trying to comprehend the events that have happened in the last 36 hours. Where has everything suddenly come to? Everything that has happened since the eve of 18th January is now a blur for me. I need a clear memory to envision my next step. I need to get rid of the frenzy. I'll write down everything that has happened chronologically and decide my stratagem.

It was the town's establishment day. The elite members of the society of Mysticus Domus were to sign the document of the town's establishment and establish governance comprising of the elite families. The historic event was to happen during the grand gala ball in the evening. Our family was the oldest and most respected, hence the Damiens were hosting the event. Needless to say, my father had gone all out to ensure the grandeur of the historic event that would mark the prestige of our lineage. 

The guests had gathered in the atrium of the Town Hall. The Town hall was at a convenient distance from the Damien estate and hence the management of the event had been easy. Amidst the huge gathering that had turned up for the event, the proletariats staid outside, waiting for the announcement. Inside were the rich and wealthy upper middle class and aristocrats. The inner circle of the governance, the core of the establishment comprised of the Damiens, the Rochesters, the Gellars, The Brontes, the Keats and the Oakwoods. The atrium was huge and could accommodate about five hundred people. Ornate, grand with beautiful and expensive portraits, velvet curtains and intricate designs, the Town hall was a symbol of power, position and the town's history. 

The evening commenced with the signing of the documents by the core members at a table in the centre of the hall, designed for the specific purpose. My father was made the Mayor while the legal authority went to the Brontes. Oakwoods took the economic departments while Keats the public concerns. The Gellars held the law and justice departments while Rochester became the deputy Mayor. Hereafter the Mayor declared the celebrations to commence.

An exquisite night of fireworks and carnivals! The entire town was rejoicing its new status as a developing place. Development was knocking at the doors. The elite celebrations moved from the atrium to the Damien' estate. Wine, music and dance- a lavish feast and ball had been thrown for the rich. I stood with a glass of wine looking at the party. My father was busy socializing while Evan was dancing with the Ms, Rochester-s and the Ms. Bronte-s. As I turned towards the staircase I saw Alex and my heart stopped due to the breathtaking view. He looked exceptionally handsome, in fact gorgeous. The suit he wore fit his form perfectly and accentuated his physique. His hair was done neatly and he glowed. At that moment I just wanted to rush to him and make him mine.




Blood and Love Ch. 19



He came down and socialized with the other families. After some time he walked towards me with a glass of champagne.

"You look amazing." I whispered to him.

"And we're still in this boring party." He looked straight into my eyes and said. That was one of the most wonderful things about him. His straight-forwardness, his defiance, his unabashed manner gave me strength. I felt a new person around him. I felt I could take the world with him. I took his hand and we sneaked to my bedroom. Once in our lips met passionately. Passion and lust over-whelmed me as his scent and ardor filled my senses, switching all off except the need for contact, for pleasure, for love. Our clothes were gone in a jiffy and I was on top of him kissing every part of his beautiful body. Pinning him to the bed, rubbing myself against him, getting every contact I could to satiate the yearning in my skin to feel him, to touch him. Our love-making became intense and soon I was in him. Our bodies swayed rhythmically as he moaned in pleasure while I became passionate with the strong sensations of thrusting, of control, of making him moan. We climaxed in our arms. Sweaty, heavy breathing, glassy-eyed we kissed. Our relationship was consummated. I declared I would love him till the end of my days. Before he could reply the door opened and my father walked in.

In my lust, I had forgotten to lock it. One look at us and rage, shock scarred his face. He walked to the bed and pulled Alex away from me and onto the floor. I growled in anger and pushed him away. I went to help Alex and turned around to face the even shocked, disheveled and angry old man. My father's aura and power had diminished with my act of defiance. 

"What the hell is happening here? In my house, under the very roof of your lineage, you are defiling the family name and honor with this most unnatural, desecrating act of -"

"That's enough!" I interrupted. "I've had enough of your worthless rants for honor and the pretence that enthralls every little happiness of my life. I defy every protocol, every belief, and every pretence of hollow honor that you talk about. I couldn't do anything in Arthur's case."

At this moment Evan walked in and stood shocked on witnessing the scene. Alex took my hand and I continued.

"I love Alex. And whoever comes in between us. I swear to God, I'll destroy him."

My father looked at me in rage and opened his mouth to speak when a chilling scream of a woman filled the room. It had echoed throughout the mansion, having emanated from the hall. We rushed towards the scene. The guests were huddled at one side while the leading family heads and sons were looking upon something. 

"What is the scream about? What happened?"

Rochester and Gellar cleared the way and our eyes met the most horrifying of sights. There lay on stretchers, four almost mangled blood-drained bodies of humans. My father froze and looked at the others with an incredulous and puzzled look. I turned to look at Alex. His face was impassive and showed no sign of emotion. He simply looked ahead at the remains.

"The police just walked in. One of the carnival processions in the east of town, towards the woods was attacked. This is a small example of the bloodshed that has happened there. No one knows what or who attacked. No witnesses or survivors. It looks like a savage animal attack." Rochester spoke.

"We shall intensify the search. Look again. Any witness or survivors who saw what happened." Ms. Bronte spoke to the officers. 

"This is most unfortunate. I think we all should meet and discuss what security measures are needed." Oakwood suggested.

"As well as get a high alert in town and ask people to stay safe and indoors. At least till the time the attack has been seen into." Keats added.

"Yes. That would be best." My father said and turned to the others. "The celebrations have to be ended. This is a matter of great chaos and obloquy. It has to be dealt with. The men of the families are requested to stay. We need to figure out what has happened and how should it be dealt with. Good night the rest."

All dispersed except the men from the families of the town. The hall was arranged for a conference and chairs were set up according to hierarchies for people to sit. The hall was buzzing with whispers. Everyone present was speculating about the incident that had happened. Finally, my father got up and silence followed.

"We have a major issue at hand. Mutilated bodies of our kin have been found and there is no idea whatsoever of who is responsible for this horrendous crime. What do the police have to say about it? Sherriff Bronte?"

Mr. Bronte cleared his throat and spoke. "The mishap tonight has not been the first in town." A collective gasp and rising whispers followed but were immediately silenced by my father's look. Bronte continued, "There have been individual deaths in the past one month and we have been attributing them to that of animal attacks. But, an event of such magnitude has dismissed our conviction and we are forced to believe the hand of a more lethal agency."

"Why was this hushed up?" A man spoke and others agreed.

"It wasn't hushed. The event did not seem significant enough to raise panic and disturb the town's peace." Bronte answered in defense.

"What has happened is done. We need to make plans to deal with this threat." Oakwood added.

"The citizens will work with the police and organize themselves into groups to patrol the streets and ensure the town's security at nights. The council will have a meeting after this. The gathering is now dismissed." My father announced.

As the people exited to perform their respective duties, the members of the council set forth to their meeting. Evan, Alex and I decided to leave, considering we were not the members of the order. However, father stopped me. He said that it was time for me to be a part of the council. I looked at Alex who showed signs of wanting to stay but I pressed his hand slightly and gave him a meaningful look. He left with Evan.

For the next hour the council debated over the possible causes of the event. The policies of governance and the collateral damage were discussed for the search of alternatives. It was at the moment when the council decided to end the meeting that our butler walked in and announced a visitor. The visitor had refused to send his name but had emphasized that the council was in dire need of his help regarding the happening casualties. He was allowed entry amidst whispers of curiosity and speculation. The stranger was dressed in black. A huge black overcoat covered his attire which showed a sturdy frame. His face was half-hidden by a hat. His almost white chin, blood red lips and slightly sharp canines were noticeable when he spoke. His presence had brought sheer silence and a certain chill in the room. His aura was intimidating and slightly hypnotizing. He spoke in a low but clear cold voice.

"My details are not important. And I do not have much time at hand. I have come to inform you of the dire danger that surrounds this town. Death and destruction is on its way. It will be a massacre you have never seen before. Every night will bring death. In the darkness lurk the shadows of the horrifying nightmares."

"What do you mean?" My father spoke. Everyone present was looking intently at the stranger.

"Ever heard about the creatures of the night, the drinkers of blood, Mr. Damien?"

My father stood up angrily as everyone else. "What rubbish do you talk about? There is no such thing. Mere foolery! Fables!" 

"Bodies ripped limb to limb, bloodless, and you call it the work of beasts? Perhaps, you'd like a demonstration." With that he suddenly moved, grabbed a man from the other end of the table and buried his face in his neck. There was a splash of blood while the man screamed in agony. All watched in horror, transfixed. The man crumpled in a heap on the floor. The stranger removed his hat. Red eyes with black slits, protruding canines and blood dripping from his lips, shining against the alabaster skin.

"Don't worry about that. He was a spy. Appointed by the Noctimonstra to report your moves." The stranger answered casually as he wiped his face with a handkerchief.

In the next fifteen minutes the stranger informed us of the events happening around us. Apparently, there were two clans of vampires: the sun-walking Sanguinatus and the night-creatures Noctimonstra. The feud between the clans had been centuries old but now the Nocti had involved the humans in it. One of the witches of the ancient order had prophesized that in one of the bloodlines of the town would be born those that shall either end the Nocti or provide it unimaginable power. Hence, the Nocti were determined to destroy the town and capture the family. But, that couldn't be allowed by the Sanguinatus. If the bloodline fell into the hands of the Nocti, the Sanguinatus would be doomed. It was a political pandemonium for them.

We listened, rapt in attention, horror and incredulity. My father stepped forth. 

"We will work with you."

*****

"What happened at the meeting? You have to tell me everything. You don't look well." Alex spoke earnestly as I entered the room. Evan came forward too. I looked into Alex's eyes and saw frenzy. He really cared about me. My heart filled with warmth at the thought.

Over the next ten minutes I informed them of the vampire Oblonsky's arrival and the information he had related.

"But, did he tell us which family is threatened?" Alex asked.

"Yes, he did. He says the Oracle has told them that the Gellar bloodline is the one. The Nocti are not aware yet. The Sanguinatus' witches have performed charms that have prevented Nocti from deducing the identity of the bloodline. But, promise me Alex, you can't tell this to anyone. This information is shared only by the top order of the Council."

"I love you, Daniel. Why would I possibly betray you?"

I looked into his deep emerald green eyes and saw sincerity there. I kissed his softly. The time ahead was sure to test our love.

1885, 20th January.

*******************

It is over. My life, my dreams, and my love, my family: it is all over. Alex is gone. And I... I am no longer who I was. Evan is lying next to me. He's dead. But, he'll wake up. I know he will. And then he'll be like me. 

The Nocti attacked in full swing last night. The Sanguinatus were there to help us. The battle raged at midnight. But the beings were ferocious monsters. So much bloodshed, so many lives lost. Battle was fought everywhere. Troupes of men with guns and stakes accompanied with Sanguinatus stationed themselves at different location of the town, to battle. The Gellars were hidden in the cellar at our mansion. A number of Sanguinatus supporters and the men of the Council were guarding them.

The attack was vicious and sudden. We were betrayed by someone. They knew that the Gellers were the bloodline they sought. I saw my father ripped limb to limb by a monster. I screamed and buried the stake in him. Every single man around me was dying. But the Sanguinatus were powerful. Victory seemed to be coming. Dawn was nearing. Sun break was to happen any moment. I ran to check on Evan and Alex. The room was in a huge mess. And there was blood splattered on the walls. Horrified I rushed out of the door that led into the woods. As I approached a grove, I saw Alex fallen on the ground. A Noctimonstra was pinned to the tree by a stake through his arm while a Sanguinatus grabbed Alex and buried his teeth into his neck. I screamed in horror and anger, and rushed at him with my axe. The vampire released Alex who fell to the ground and lay still. He grabbed me and bit me in the neck. As he began sucking blood, I felt life draining out of me. But, suddenly, a stake surfaced from his chest. Evan had rescued me.

But he staggered, swayed and fell to the ground. I saw blood gushing out of his throat too. The Nocti got rid of the stake that pinned him to the tree and moved towards Alex. I saw him bend and look at Alex's dead body.

That was the last I saw before the world faded out... forever.

*******

Aaron's Story VIII

****************

I finished reading and kept the journal aside. The mist shifted a little. It was a cold, gloomy day, much like my mood after I had finished reading Daniel's journal. I finally knew his life's story. I saw how much he had been hurt. The pain he had felt when he had lost Alex. No wonder he was so unwilling to commit to our relationship, any relationship.

I looked up from my spot under the tree and saw Daniel smiling sadly, sitting under the huge oak opposite to me. I got up and walked slowly towards him. The twigs and dried leaves crushed and broke under my feet as I headed towards him. Apart from the chirping of a few birds and the occasional wind that swayed the mist, everything was silent in the woods. This was the spot where he had lost Alex, his love, his humanity... his life. As I reached near him, he let out his left hand for mine. I gave him my right hand and he pulled me close to him. I sat between his legs, resting on his chest. His strong arms surrounded me in a tight embrace and I softly kissed the nape of his neck.

"So, how did you find my love story?" He asked with a slight smile.

"I never thought you could be so romantic." I answered with a wink.

A wide grin appeared on his handsome face. 

"You still don't know a lot about me."

"And what could that be? I thought I pretty much saw everything last night." I winked and laughed.

"One hell of a smart ass, aren't you?" He retorted before tickling my sides.

I giggled and tried to get away from him. But, he grabbed my arms and pushed me toward himself. I crashed into his chest and he wrapped his left arm around my waist while tickling me with the right hand. Our combined laughter echoed throughout the woods. 

"Ok! Stop. Come on, stop!" I insisted out of breath with laughter.

He stopped and looked at me with an affectionate smile.

"You know why you're so special for me?" 

"Cuz' I'm super hot and you can't get a better guy." I joked.

He laughed. "That and the fact that you make me feel. All these years, I never felt anything. After Alex I just couldn't feel for anyone, anything. But when you came, I don't know. Everything just changed. Even in the frequent arguments with you, there was this passion, this feeling of being alive. Yeah, that's it. You make me feel alive."

I leaned in and kissed him on the lips. 

"You really need to stop complimenting me so much. It'd be bad for you if I became a snob due to all that praise." I added to the kiss.

"Excuse me? If you became a snob? Really now? So, you are saying that you're not a snob?" He replied sarcastically.

I narrowed my eyes. "You know dude, that attitude won't get you any from me."

"Really?" He questioned wickedly and pulled me closer. He breathed on the nape of my neck. A strong tingling sensation ran through my body. I felt my member stirring. His hand moved from my shoulders, travelling the length of my body and coming towards my waist. I shifted in his embrace and my hand travelled to unzip his jacket. I slipped my hand under his shirt and caressed his chest. The feeling of the strong pecks with a little hair on the chest made me crave for more. My member was throbbing and leaking now. He pulled me for a kiss and his tongue began to ravish my mouth. I caressed his chest with my right and grabbed his member through his jeans with my left. I felt him grunting as he kissed me with increased intensity. He pulled me closer as if he wanted every part of me. The feeling of being desired so much filled me with great ecstasy. 

But the moment of bliss and love was not to last. Daniel suddenly pulled away.

"Someone's coming." He said with alertness. It was amazing how he could get out of the making out so soon. My brain was still fuzzy with all the testosterone.

We got up and I turned to look in the direction Dan was looking. Within a minute I heaved a sigh of relief. It was Evan with Sean. 

"It's you guys! Dan here freaked me out." I said jovially.

"What's wrong?" Dan said and then I noticed the tense looks on their faces.

"You guys are together now?" Sean looked at us holding hands.

"Yeah!" I smiled and Dan put his hand around my waist.

Sean and Evan exchanged crestfallen looks. 

"Okay! Seriously, what is wrong?" Dan questioned noticing them.

"Daniel..." 

I looked around. Evan had opened his mouth to speak but it wasn't his voice. Sean stood frozen. I turned to look at Dan. His face registered nothing but shock. He was numb and pale. I followed his gaze and saw a young blond guy step forward. He looked pale and slightly weak. He walked towards us. He stopped a foot away from us. Dan was staring at him incessantly. His hand fell from my waist and he staggered. I started to realize, the description I'd just read... the innocent face, the blonde guy, and the emerald green eyes. No! It couldn't be. This wasn't him. How could it be? But my fears were realized. I had nothing left to say when I heard my lover's voice.

"Alex...!"



Blood and Love Ch. 20



Hey guys. First: A sincere apology to everyone for the delay. I fell sick and by the time I got well, I had assignments and by the time they got over, I had exams. However, I have finally come up with this chapter. We finish a year to the story in December. And I guess it's time to end it. So the end begins from here. Consider it a prologue to the end.

Reviews/ Comments welcome.:)))

Chapter 20

*****************
Daniel's story VIII
*****************

"Alex...."

The world had come to an abrupt halt. The slowly drifting mist that had parted to reveal the love of my life walking towards me was now still. There was absolute silence in the woods. All that I could hear was the sound of my heart pounding in my chest. How on earth could this be? After all these ears... Nay......centuries- how was my long lost love standing before my eyes?

He looked the same as he had so many years ago. A long cold flame seemed to have ignited itself within my soul. I couldn't believe my eyes. I opened my mouth to ask questions but no sound came out. I had forgotten everything and everyone around me.

Alex looked up at me with twinkling eyes and a soft smile on his lips. It was the same smile that had robbed my heart all those years ago, that made me utter words.

"Alex, I... I can't believe that.... I mean how? W..what is this? Where were you?"

But before I could finish my incoherent speech, Alex touched my lips with his finger. The touch sent a strong shiver of anticipation through my body.

"It doesn't matter how I am back. It doesn't matter how long it has been. All that matters is that at this moment today, after all these years of separation- you and I are back together."

With that little address, Alex stood on his toes and putting his arms around my neck, kissed me on the lips. I lost myself in his scent and the soft wet touch of his lips. My arms wrapped themselves around his body and I pulled him closer. Our kiss deepened as the flame of passion that had gone cold, enflamed itself and consumed us.

"No.... No!"

The low whimper struck me like lightning and brought me crashing back to the earth. I broke from Alex and turned to look at Aaron. Aaron had tears streaming from his eyes as he stepped back slowly, disbelief and denial etched on the very features of his face. The realization of what had happened brought my temporary euphoria crashing to the ground. Alex's return had made me forget everything that had happened in the last few months. I had forgotten that I had committed to Aaron. Aaron- the guy who had brought me back from my despair and solitude to the beautiful world of love. In my darkest phase he had been my redeemer. And now in an instant I had deserted him.

I turned to him and extended my hand for his. At that moment I felt Alex's hand taking my left hand. I saw Aaron's eyes travel from my outstretched hand to the other in Alex's firm hold. A sense of dread filled my heart as I saw tears swelling up in his eyes as he continued to retreat further.

"Aaron.... I.... We can talk." I tried to console, to say something but words abandoned me.

"We are sorry, Aaron that it had to end this way. This is just not in our control." I heard Alex suddenly speak.

This was the final nail in the coffin. Aaron turned and ran away from us. I tried fo go after him but Alex held me back. I turned to him.

"I need to go after him."

"No Daniel. Nothing you say now is going to change anything. He is heartbroken. He needs time. Leave him alone."

I looked into Alex's eyes and decided he was right. I should leave him alone for now. I looked in the direction he had run away. The mist had covered the path now.

********************************************

Aaron's story IX

****************************

This can't be happening. No! This is impossible. How on earth can this happen out of nowhere? We had just started to be together! It was just last night that we had vowed to never be separated. And now Alex was standing holding his hand! How the hell did all hell break loose on my life? 

These questions raged my mind as I ran through the woods. I had no idea where I was going. I had no idea if I would stop. I had no idea what I would do now. I had no idea what was going to happen. I had no idea when I'd stop. Fuck! Did I have any idea? 

My side started hurting and I stopped. Panting, sweating and crying I leaned against a tree for support. I was too wound up now. I needed to clear my head. I needed to get myself together. After a couple of minutes my breathing eased and my fuzzy brain started to clear up. 

"Aaron!" I heard Sean's voice and turned to find him scampering towards me. I quickly wiped my face but the cold air had already frozen the tears. I gathered as much composure as a guy who has just lost his much sought relationship to an ex after a mere twelve hours could possibly be. Turning to Sean who was finally next to me and breathing heavily I managed, "Hey!"

Without a word Sean pulled me into a tight hug. I felt tears swell into my eyes again but managed to dissolve the lump forming in my throat. I cleared my throat and tried to console Sean.

"Hey Sean! It's okay bro. I'm fine."

Sean pulled back and looked at me squarely in the face. "Are you?" He spoke in almost disbelief.

"Yeah man! You know I'm not a wimp. Fine if Alex is back. I know you'll say I loved Dan." At this point I felt my throat choking with emotion but I quickly finished. "But Alex is back and I know how hung up he was on him. I know when to step back Sean. Guess this was all I could have with him. I can live with it."

I managed a faint smile. Sean looked at me for a moment, scrutinizing and processing all I had said.

"Well. Let's go home broda." He put an arm around my shoulders and we turned to walk into the now more obscure fog. 

*****

It's been a week since Alex came back. A week? It seems like an eternity if you ask me. And what's more Dan has hardly spoken a word to me this entire time. I guess I didn't give him the chance to either. But hell he is the one whose ex is back from the dead! He should know what I'd be going through. He should have tried hard enough. Oh and don't get me started on that Alex! All smiles and charms. Everyone is totally smitten by him. Dan just keeps ogling him. Sean and Evan remain silent in front of me but I can so tell that they like him too. And now he's joined school with us. He's out becoming Mr. Popular while I hang around in my sweats eating ice-cream out of tubs watching depressing shows. But I can see right through him. I can tell he's a supercilious fake jerk. And what a story he told of his return. Worth a Tarantino plot! Apparently, the Nocti vampire took him after his death and held him captive thinking he had information on the founding families. I don't believe him. There are so many loopholes in his grand movie plot. But no one seems to notice. I guess you'll say I am just getting paranoid with jealousy. That is so not the case. I don't trust him because he is too good to be true. He could make you diabetic with all his compliments. And he knows I don't trust him. He gives me these smug smiles and keeps on pulling Dan in for smooches around me. What would I give to stake his heart right through his tongue and all the way down!

Anyway, life at Mysticus Domus has been very peaceful for the last week. In fact it's too peaceful. It feels like the calm before the storm. Something untoward is coming toward us; coming fast...

*****

"Are you sure you don't want to come?" I looked up from my laptop to Sean standing in the doorway. He's dressed in black jeans, white tee and a leather jacket. Hair all spiked he's radiating enthusiasm. 

"Nah! Don't feel like it." I answered stretching lazily.

"'Kay. Rachel's birthday party would be a gala affair. Anyway, Amanda won't be here tonight so she's made you macaroni and cheese. Have it when you feel hungry. And don't hesitate to call me if you need me! I'll come running."

He winked and I smiled.

"You go have fun with Evan. I'll look after myself, brother."

Sean smiled once again and left closing the door behind him. A party wasn't really on my cards tonight. Well it hadn't been since Alex decided to drop in but the mood had still not lifted. I turned back to my laptop and started typing the assignment.

Suddenly, I heard a noise from the living room downstairs. No one was at home. Who the hell could it be? I lifted my laptop and got out of bed without making any noise. I grabbed my baseball bat and decided to go and check downstairs. I made my way down the staircase hiding in the shadows, tip-toeing to prevent the floorboard from creaking. I looked inside the living room but it was vacant. Suddenly, I sensed movement behind me and quickly flung my bat.

"WHOA!" Dan jumped back and the bat hit a vase which shattered into tiny pieces but not before a piece flew and made a home run at the mirror on the wall.

"Easy there Rambo." Dan muttered looking at me with wide eyes.

"What are you talking about? You sneaked into the house. Plus, the bat wouldn't have hurt you." I speak dryly. 

He looked at me without speaking. He seemed apologetic but at the same time a little hurt at my lack of compassion.

"Why are you here anyway?" I quickly questioned. I had no interest in seeing pity for me.

"I... I just wanted to... to see you. To talk to you." He began.

"That's what you said last week too. 'We need to talk's. But I guess that didn't come around to happen. I guess your back from the beyond boyfriend keeps you busy." 

Dan looked at me, assessing the situation and spoke in a measured voice. "Aaron, I... Frankly, I don't know what to say to you. I mean Alex's coming back has really complicated things and I just don't know what to do. I love you but..."

"But you can't leave Alex. He's the love of your life. He's alone in this century. He needs you. It's sunshine and flowers. Yes! Yes I know what the entire deal is Dan. I know it's all about what Alex needs." I paused for a moment and fixed him with a teary eye. "I just don't count, do I."

"No Aaron! No! You do count. I really love you. I just can't leave Alex." He beseeched.

I couldn't control myself anymore. "You love me? You Love me! No you don't! You love Alex. You care about Alex! Alex is the centre of your life! I? I am just a conquest. A one night stand that you worked for a long time!"

Dan looked at me dumbstruck and hurt. He opened his mouth to speak but the front door opened and Alex walked in. He stopped in his tracks and looked from me to Dan, understanding the situation.

"Alex? I was just..." Dan began.

"It's okay Dan. I just wanted to tell you we're getting late for Rachel's party." He spoke softly with a no-need-to-explain understanding look. 

"Yeah. I guess we should get going." Dan said and without another look at me left. Alex looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. His lips twitched slightly. I raised an eyebrow.

"Is something amusing?" I snap.

Alex looked at me with triumph in his eyes. "Possibly."

"Get out!" I gesture coldly.

Alex's firmly purses his lips and turns to leave, banging the door behind him. That was all I had and I collapsed onto the sofa crying.

Tear after tear flowed from my eyes and I sobbed heavily. A week of stoic pretence had collapsed in a two minute encounter with Dan. Suddenly, my cell buzzed. I wiped my face and looked at the screen. 

"Want to know the truth about Alex? He's not back for the right reasons. If you want to save everyone you love; if you want to save Dan, meet me at the Mysticus Grill at 8PM."

I read the message thrice trying to grasp the meaning. Thinking hard I finally got up. Guess I was finally going to the party tonight.

***********************************************************

Sean's Story XII

*****************

"You okay?" Evan asked me and took my hand in his left while steering the wheel. I looked away from the edge of the woods passing by and turned to face him. His eyes were filled with concern.

"Yeah! I'm fine." I manage with a half smile. "It's just Aaron you know. I'm worried he's suffocating himself. It's always so with him. He doesn't like to be seen as vulnerable and so locks away all his sadness. I can tell all his cold indifference is just a defense mechanism."

Evan pressed my hand gently. "I understand Sean. But there is no point in worrying endlessly. Things are complicated right now. But as they say Time will heal. After that kidnapping and then Alex, you really need to relax, Sean. Tonight, you'll forget everything and enjoy yourself. 'Kay?"

I looked up at his expectant face with an assuring smile. My heart melted and I felt a burden lifting from my mind. "I don't know what I'd do without you. You make everything seem so easy."

"And I love how much you care about everyone." He said as pulled into the grill's parking zone. His hand moved to my face and he bent to kiss me.

"I love you." He mumbled through the kiss.

"I love you too." I replied with radiant eyes when the kiss ended.

As we stepped into the grill, loud music and the smell of teen spirit hit us. I felt myself loosening and relaxing as my body started responding to the beats of the DJ. As always, Tyler was DJ-ing. Evan and I found Rachel surrounded by Rebecca, Stephan, Chris, Rose, Daniel and Alex. They seemed to have just arrived and were exchanging wishes, gifts and jokes. I noticed that Dan seemed grim and uneasy. He and Evan exchanged looks. I hugged Rachel and handed her our gift. 

"Happy Birthday Rach!" I shouted over the music. Evan wished her too.

"Thanks guys! Help yourselves around!" She shouted in response and then headed elsewhere. Rose and Chris hit the dance floor while Dan and Evan started talking to each other. Clearly something was up but I chose to remain at bay. Alex stood looking at the crowd thinking something.

"Great party, right?" Rebecca said handing me a martini.

"Rachel always outdoes herself at bashes." I replied sipping the drink.

"How is Aaron? He isn't coming?" She enquired.

"He says he is fine. No, he's not coming. Guess he's got an assignment or something."

"Are you sure he's not coming?" Rachel asked again.

"Yeah! Why?"

"'Cause he just entered the grill."

"What?" I turned to look at the entrance and there stood Aaron. Well, the sweats had been done away with and he was dressed in his best jeans, a black vest and a leather jacket. He looked mighty handsome and I guessed the post heart-break phase was finally over. He caught me looking and with a grin came to us.

"Hey there!" 

"I thought you were not coming." I said.

"Change of plans. The house was boring. Hey Rebecca!"

"Hey Aaron. Good you came!"

"Hi Alex!" Aaron spoke to Alex with raised eyebrows and a sardonic smile.

"Aaron." Alex acknowledged narrowing his eyes and with a hint of a sarcastic smile.

I sensed crackling animosity between them. But before I could enquire Aaron checked his cell and said.

"I gotta go. See you in sometime." He left.

Alex looked at Aaron going. Then went to the bar and sat down for a drink. Rebecca and I exchanged looks. Before I could dwell on this any further, I felt an arm wrap around my waist.

"Let's dance." Evan whispered in my ear.

I beamed at him and we moved to the dance floor. 

*****************************************

Aaron's Story X

****************

I made my way through the crowded dance floor and towards the door that led to the staircase to the roof. I entered and shut the door behind me. The music was still echoing but at a lower decibel. The staircase was lit with a faint red light and a tube light that kept on flickering. I made my way up the filthy staircase and finally emerged onto the roof. As I stepped on the terrace, a cold wind hit me, making me shiver. I quickly zipped my jacket and looked around. The terrace was dark. There was no source of light except the faint light from the billboard of the grill. However, I could still walk easily and saw who seemed a woman standing near the terrace edge.

"Hello? Did you text me?" I spoke, a little too loudly. I guess I was nervous. 

The woman turned to look at me. She was middle-aged, probably in late thirties with gothic make-up. I hazarded a guess considering she knew about vampires and dressed in this fashion.

"Are you a witch?"

She looked at me for a minute before nodding.

"And you know the secret that Alex is hiding?"

She nodded again.

"So? What is it?" I asked slightly annoyed at the lack of conversation.

She simply stared at me, scrutinizing. I got slightly frustrated.

"Listen, if you really don't want to say anything then please don't waste my time."

At this she smiled a malevolent smile. I felt shivers going down my spine.

"My name is Diana. As you smartly guessed, I am a witch. Now about Alex. Well, I worked for him. Or let's say I work for him, considering he doesn't know I'm spilling the beans to you." She answered in a matter of fact tone.

I felt the ice in her voice. 

"So what are you going to tell me?" I uttered.

"Well, Alex is the master mind behind everything that has been happening. He sent Ruth Morris. He sent the assassin who tried to kill Sean. He got Sean kidnapped. He wanted to get Sean. And he wants to destroy the Damien brothers, especially Dan. Oh and also, you're on his hit list priority." She added with a smirk.

"But? Why is he doing this? What does he want with Sean?" I was perturbed.

"Well, I don't really know. But he needs Sean for something. There is a prophecy involved. The prophecy is the reason that the Nocti attacked the town in 1850s. If you can find out about the prophecy then you can find the motive."

"Okay." I let the information sink in. "Why are you helping me?"

"Because she wants to die." I froze in my tracks as I heard Alex's icy voice. It happened in a flash. He came out of the darkness, ripped Diana's throat open and threw her off the terrace into the woods behind the bar. He turned to look at me. His slit pupils were radiating a red aura while blood dripped from his fangs, smearing his jaw. He smiled menacingly and in a nonchalant manner wiped the blood.

"So, I see you've been informed." He spoke in a quiet voice.

I stepped back towards the door but he turned up at the exit with his vampire speed. I had no option but to step to the centre of the terrace.

He gradually stepped towards me and we stood face to face. I had no option except to face him. It was our face-off now.

"Yes, I know stuff about you, Alex!" I spoke with as much contempt at possible.

"Such contempt Mr. Pretentious Righteous. You are no saint." He smirked.

"Shut the fuck up! Why the fuck are you betraying Dan? Don't you see he fucking loves you, you bastard!" I shouted in rage. "And don't you dare touch Sean!"

He laughed loudly at my outburst. The more he laughed, the more my rage grew. 

"You are a funny guy, Aaron. You are alone here, with a vampire and threatening him. I could rip that loud throat of yours in a second!" He laughed.

"Laugh as much as you want to. I will tell Dan everything about you. I will expose you! And then Kill you!" I responded in a cold but much controlled voice.

He sensed the determination and the cold threat in my voice. That made him stop laughing and he turned to stand inches away from me.

"And you think he'll believe you? He's been under my control for 170 years and you've hardly known him for 170 days! Have you forgotten how he left you the moment I came? He will never listen to you. And Sean, well he is going down. I've waited for this moment for more than a century now. The Gellar line would have been eliminated in the 1850s itself but for unavoidable circumstances. It will be done now." He spoke with menace shining in his narrowed eyes.




Blood and Love Ch. 20



His words fuelled my anger further. If given the chance I'd have impaled him there and then!

"I will give Dan the evidence needed and I will prove your crap to him. I will expose you and then all the love that you're thinking he has for you, it will be gone with the wind. Your 170 years of influence on him was shattered by my 170 days of courting! Your influence has long gone, bitch! Dan will kick your ass the moment I expose you!"

I stopped to breathe after my angry rant. We glared at each other. In a swift motion he grabbed my throat and banged me against the wall hanging in mid-air.

"You need to be alive to talk!" Alex screamed and bared his fangs.

I don't know what got into me. Perhaps, it was an adrenaline rush. All I remember is that my hand moved and grabbed an iron rod hanging near the wall; and in one swift motion thrust it into Alex's skull. Blood gushed out and he let me fall. I fell to the ground and looked up. Alex was stumbling back. With a scream he took the rod out leaving a gaping hole and blood.

"BITCH!" He screamed and attacked me again. Only this time I was prepared. I pulled out the pocket knife I had in my pocket and thrust it into his right eye. His screams became louder and more horrifying. He retreated and fell. I knew the injuries would heal soon so I needed to leave. I walked up to his writhing figure. I bent down and pulled his hair to make him face me. He looked at me through his left eye.

"Listen to me Bitch! In one week I will expose you. You are in for the fight of your life! I am not like Sean or the Damiens. I know how to deal with your likes! Your days are numbered. You started the game and I will end it!" I spit in his face and pushed him away. 

As I reached the door and pulled it open I heard him laughing softly, only to cough blood and stopping.

"Fine Aaron! Let's play this seven days game. You will lose everything! In fact, the losses have already begun!" With that he stretched on the floor and laughed harder.

With a last look of disgust I banged the door shut.



Blood and Love Ch. 21



Apologies for the delay. Well delay doesn't even come close to the time that has gone. However, I am back and I will conclude the story this time. 

Aaron's Story XI

*****************

The night was not over yet. Anger was raging through me. Perhaps, anger doesn't even come close to describing what I actually felt at that moment. I wanted to grab hold of that Alex bitch and rip him limb by limb. That son of a bitch had planned this entire con from the 1850s! How the fuck did he dare to mess up my life! And to think that Dan trusted him with his life and was more than head over heels in love with that sneaking midget! I had to do something! And I needed to act fast. I needed to tell Dan everything!

I halted at the bottom of the staircase. A muffled buzz of the music playing in the front reached me through the shut door. Alex's words echoed in my ears. How could I possibly make Dan believe about Alex? I needed proof. As my anger slowly dissipated, I tried to analyze my problems. I realized I was headed towards a dead end. In my rage I had given Alex the Seven days ultimatum but now come to think of it, I had nowhere to go. I had no leads. I had no idea where to start. And the worst thing was that giving the laughing bastard a week was simply digging a grave for me and my relationship with Dan.

No! I needed to do something at once. I had to be unpredictable in order to beat that conniving bitch at his game. I had to come up with a plan now! I kicked the door in frustration and something fell on my shoulder. I screamed and jumped to take a defensive stand. I looked around with wide eyes and a boxer's stance. Just the dusty staircase and the flickering light. My recent brush with Alex was making me paranoid. I relaxed and turned to leave when my eyes fell on a small lump on the floor. I stooped to get a closer look. A dead rat! Where the hell did that come from? I brushed it aside. More pressing matters needed my attention and I was freaking over the dead body of a... Hang on! The dead body! The corpse! An idea was slowly forming itself. With a determined and confident air I opened the door to do what I had undertaken.

******

Daniel's Story IX

******************

I kept the empty glass back at the bar. I could feel the effect of several shots of vodka finally having their effect. I finally felt more relaxed and light-hearted after the entire week of pendulum-swinging between Alex and Aaron. Here I had been pining for Alex for almost two centuries and the moment I got over him to be with Aaron, the bitch called Karma lashed out with a whip; and lo and behold I am standing between the two tearing at each other. I felt like booty and they the hunters! Only this time the booty too was running up to console each hunter! I wanted love and Life said, "Thou shall have it! And More!"

As I stood thinking and cursing repeatedly, Aaron suddenly emerged from among the dancing mob and walked up to me. Without a word, he came and sat next to me.

"Scotch on the rocks." He told the bartender who arranged the order. Taking the drink he took a sip and turned to look at the pub leaning against the bar. I looked at him sideways waiting for a hint. After tonight's fiasco I really was in no hurry to start a conversation. Who knew what he would swing at me now!

"It's a great party!"

I sat puzzled. What was he saying? Was he drunk? He's trying to have a normal conversation with 'Me'! I guess my surprise rendered me speechless. He turned to look at me after a minute of silence.

"What? So, you're not talking to me now?" He said with a raised eyebrow.

"Umm No! I was wondering how come you're talking to me now when a couple of hours ago you had no regret at bashing my head with a bat."

He took a sip while rolling his eyes.

"For the record, I did not bash your head. The bat didn't hit you so stop whining!" He spoke coolly.

"Yeah! It didn't hit me. Such solace!" I retorted slightly agitated at his lack of emotion.

"I don't believe this! You dumped me after a night when your supposedly dead boyfriend showed up! You bashed my life! And now you're complaining about a missed shot! Preposterous! Grow up?" He rattled in one breath and downed his drink in another.

"It's not my fault, okay! I didn't know he'd come back! And I didn't dump you! You ran away and didn't talk to me or let me talk to you!" The alcohol had made me brazen and I was not going to take the entire blame! That was so not fair!

"Of course I ran away!" He turned to look at me in the eyes now. "What would I have done? Watch you guys fuck like bunnies? Lapping each other and salivating! Urgh!" He feigned a vomit attack.

"We didn't fuck! I love you, remember? You're the one always running away from me! You didn't stay to claim me! You just saw Alex and took off! Did you think for a second about me? What I wanted? What I would have done! No! It's just you! Every time you lash out at me and whip me with your sarcasm or roll your eyes! It is so frustrating!"

"What? WHAT! I am sarcastic! Really! And who are you? My gosh! Your saliva drips with honey! You've so never been sarcastic! You've not commented when dropping me home after I was covered with bruises! Irritating me when I had been beaten up by my douche boyfriend! You've not ignored me when you came to dinner for the first time! You've not called me a whore! You've not done anything! You've never ran away, have you? No! It's just me who likes running! I am always running!" He thundered in response to my accusations. He paused to take a breath and I thought he was done. But no the volcano had just started erupting!

"Since the first night we met, all that you've done is been rude to me or ignoring me or jeering at me or running away with your back from the dead boyfriend or calling me names! Jeez! I mean where the hell is the love? All we do is fight and argue; and then fight again! I read that romance memoir of yours with all the 'Alex is this!' and 'Alex is that!' and 'Oh! Jesus Christ! I feel I am in love with this angel of goddamn crap!' And when I compare that to our relationship! What do I see? 'Oh! Aaron you're sarcastic!' and 'Oh Aaron! You killed me with a freaking bat!' And blah! Blah! Seriously! Why would I stay when I know I don't stand a chance! Why would I fight for you when you're not even mine? Why would I..."

But he didn't finish his sentence. I pulled him into my arms and pressed my lips against his. He was surprised and stood still for a second while I continued kissing him. Then he resisted a bit trying to push me away but I was not going to release him! No! Tonight I was going to show him why would he stay. Slowly, he stopped resisting and began reciprocating. The lip locking became sensual and my tongue entered through his parted lips. His hands traversed the muscles of my arms while mine cupped his ass and I pulled him closer to me. I wanted him as close as possible. The kiss lengthened and became even intense. My head was getting fuzzy now with all the testosterone. His smell was intoxicating. Finally, I released him. He swayed a little, probably from the intensity of the moment. But then looked me in the eyes.

"This is why I want you to stay. I love You, Aaron. A week without you has made me realize. Alex is my past. He is from the 'romantic memoir' as you called it. But you are my present and my future. I love you."

Aaron beamed and kissed me yet again.

"I love you too, Dan. But."

He looked away. "But what?"

"What about Alex?" He looked at with the question in his eyes. I knew what had to be done. It was time to face it.

*****************

Sean's Story XII

****************

This is so AWKWARD!

How the hell did this happen? The way they're looking at each other. I really don't want to be the one cleaning blood stains from the carpet. I turn to look at Evan who was looking back and forth between Dan and Alex, with a look of utter disbelief. Stephan stood leaning against the wall with a slight smirk on his face. He obviously was enjoying this. Rebecca sat on the couch with Evan and me. She sat silent assessing the situation. Aaron stood next to Daniel, both facing a shocked Alex. The three of them were standing in the centre of the Damien living room.

Finally, the awkward silence was broken by Alex.

"I don't get it. Dan, I love you. 170 years Dan."

Dan shifted uneasily but kept his ground. "I understand Alex. It's just that I love Aaron. And I can't live without him. And I'm really sorry. I know an apology is not enough and that I'm bailing out on you but the problem is that if I continue to be with you it would ruin both our lives. I loved you Alex. I mean I still love you but it's just not that way anymore."

Alex shook his head in disbelief but couldn't utter a word. This had come as a huge shock to him.

"But I need you Dan. I can't live without your support. Especially today, after all these years, in this new place and time, I need you the most. Don't leave me alone. Please Dan." He beseeched with tears in his eyes.

Dan seemed to have no retort. He just stood lost for words. However, to my surprise Aaron spoke up.

"Dan isn't going away Alex. He will still be there for you. However, only as a 'friend'." He emphasized the last word and I noticed a smug smile flash for a second in his eyes. Alex's eyes screamed bloodshed.

I wasn't sure but beneath all of this conversation, Alex and Aaron seemed to be having another one. The air in the room was crackling with unspoken words and suppressed emotions. 

"You see he loves Me now. And there is nothing, absolutely nothing that 'Anyone' can do about it. You have to Let Him Go."

It happened in a flash. Alex had leapt to grab Aaron by the throat and rip it open. But Dan had sensed the impending outburst. He appeared between Alex and Aaron, grabbed the former's clawed hand and pushed him away.

"That's enough, Alex! I'm sorry about this but you need to realize that you cannot harm Alex!"

A dishevelled and flummoxed Alex glared at Dan. Everyone waited for the showdown. Rebecca, Evan and I were on the edge of the couch. And to the shock of everyone there: Alex took one last look at everyone, and left the house in a vampire flash step.

"Well, I guess we should leave him alone for a while. There's no point talking right now. It'll just come to blows. I think I'll go up and take a shower. You want to join me?" Dan turned to look at Aaron with an awkward shy smile, typically unlike him. By the slight staggering of Aaron's stance, I realized his knees had gone weak and a fluttery feeling was making its way from his p- Oh well forget it. Let's not talk about the erotic urges of my brother. That'd be weird. So well, Aaron looked at Dan.

"Go ahead. I'll join you in five, eh?"

"In five then." Dan winked and left the room while taking off his jacket and revealing a chiselled physique ready to get out of the slightly sweaty shirt.

"Well, I'll leave too. Stephan will drop me." Rebecca and Stephan left. Evan went to his room for some blood. Aaron and I remained; it was time to talk and get to know what was he up to.

Aaron looked at me and sighed. Then he began talking.

***

What the hell! I was shocked out of my skin. Alex! The whole game was Alex's thing. This was so screwed. And that Evan or Dan had no idea about it; and probably would not believe unless provided evidence. What was to be done? How could we get such evidence? Especially against a guy who had eluded being outsmarted and beaten or decades, nay centuries?

"We have to do something about this. I don't have a plan yet. But until I do, we need to be careful. Alex has never been beaten. This is his first defeat. He will strike back in earnest. This won't be pretty."

"Yeah, I guess. We should at least tell Evan about this. He can be objective, unlike Dan in this case. I'll talk to him." I asserted.

"That'd be great I guess. We need as many hands on deck as possible. Talk to Stephan as well. I'll get in touch with Rebecca. She could probably do some hocus-pocus and get us a way." Aaron brainstormed.

"Get in here, Aaron!" Dan shouted from the first floor.

"In a minute!" Aaron screamed back. "I'll go to Dan now. Thereafter, I'll talk to Rebecca."

"Cool. I'll call Stephan. And before he arrives, I'll talk to Evan." I concluded.

*************************************************************

Alex stood leaning against an old oak tree in the forest. He had got control on his anger now and was thinking clearly. His cool cold and lethally calm composure was back. As he stood there, a shadow emerged from the grove, dismembering the fog.

"You called?" A deep grave voice whispered.

"Yes." Alex smiled coldly. "I have a job for you."

"And that'd be?"

"You have to kill a witch and a human."

"Very well. Name?"

"Rebecca and Aaron."

"Where and when?"

"You will find both of them together at her place around 11.30 p.m. Here's the address. Don't mess it up. Also, kill these two and get me Sean. It's time. Both jobs to be done simultaneously. You might have some problem in the abduction. There will be two vampires there."

"That won't be a problem."

With that the shadow retreated. As it did, more shadows from the grove followed it. There was a momentary strong buzzing in the air as if multiple winds were whispering simultaneously. And then it was all silent.

"You are dead, Aaron. You have no idea what is or should I say who are coming your way"

Alex announced and walked into the darkness.