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Sindie and Ashley

By: Dracede



I was sitting on the bench in the park just watching people. Trying to decide what I was going to do about my girlfriend. You see we had this really big fight and now she won't talk to me. Oh, where are my manners. My name is Sindie. I am a five foot ten inch tall woman. I have short dark brown hair and I am told that I have a body to die for. I guess in order for you to understand my situation I should go back to before the fight. 

***********

"God where are my damn heels?" I asked to the empty room. "I don't have the time to get redressed and still make it to the restaurant in time."

I am supposed to meet Ashley in about an hour and it would take me longer to find something else that would make me look this good and still be conservative. I hope that I still have those ballet flats that I bought last year. If not then I am going to have to change my outfit. And I really don't want to. Well needless to say I found a pair of espadrilles after about ten minutes of searching. I really don't like wearing dresses or heels but I do for special occasions. And tonight is a very special occasion. I am going out on my first date with Ashley. Well it's our first date as a couple. I want this night to be amazing for her.

When I finally finished getting ready I hopped in my car and left. I drove like a possessed woman. I have never been so nervous. Not even when I had to meet with the VP of my firm. And that was an interesting day that I may tell you about later. Any way I got to the restaurant about five minutes late. I went up to the man standing behind a podium taking names of those that come in and gave him the name that I had used to reserve a table for our date. He looked for the name and grabbed two menus and beckoned for me to follow him. I was surprised that the table he led me to be empty. Ashley was not here yet.

I was starting to get a little nervous after waiting for about ten minutes. But when I decided to call her and see if everything was ok the gentleman that led me to the table rounded the corner followed by Ashley. I stood up and waited for her to take her seat before I retook my own. When we both were seated she started to apologize left right and center for being so late. She was starting to get worried when I just sat there saying nothing. 

"Please say something Sindie."

"Well I would if you weren't looking absolutely breathtaking. My dear you have nothing to be sorry for. The way I see it you are just fashionably late. Plus I wasn't waiting that long." I told her.

She sighed in relief and I smiled at her. But as I started to really look at her I noticed that her hair looked like she had just gotten out of a convertible with the top down. But I know for a fact that she does not have one. And that was something that I asked her about. But before she could answer the waitress had come to the table to get our drink order. When the waitress left to get our drinks I looked back to Ashley and she looked like she wanted to tell me but was afraid of telling me. So she tactfully changed the subject on me.

"You said that you didn't have to wait long for me were you running late also?"

"I had trouble trying to find my high heels but I found a different pair of shoes that went with this dress. It took me about ten minutes longer than it should have. So I basically sped the whole way here from my condo to try and get here before I was really late. I got seated about ten minutes before you got here." I replied.

"Don't you just hate that? You are done getting everything ready and you go to get the perfect pair of heels and they just disappear on you." She said and then she made the funniest pout I have ever seen and we both just burst out laughing.

"Here you ladies go. One long island iced tea and one vodka martini dry with extra olives." As the waitress placed the drinks in front of us we both ordered our meals.

About fifteen minutes and two drinks later our food arrived. I got the chicken parmesan and Ashley got the chicken cesar salad. Ever since we had lunch together for the first time that was all she would eat. I just assumed that she was a vegetarian but she told me later that chicken and fruits and vegetables were the only things that she was not allergic to. I have never heard of someone that had that many allergies to food but I have never really met anyone quite like her either. She had this way about her that I never could quite figure out.

Anyway I am getting off track sorry about that. We talked about every day affairs in our firm and we discussed just everyday things. I forgot to tell you that we both are lawyers and we both work for the same law firm.

"So have you guys started going to trial yet or are you still waiting for the court date to be set?" I asked her.

"No we are still waiting for one. I swear this judge is starting to really piss me off. I think that he is waiting because the defense attorneys have convinced the judge that they need more time. That or the judge is a complete dumb ass." she replied.

"Ashley you know better than saying something like that. Any way I know how you feel, but you need to watch what you say in public." I chastised.

"Damn Sindie you sound just like old man Witherington. Relax ok. I am just really frustrated, that and something just doesn't seem right about the whole thing. I think that the only time that I have ever seen this judge was after night fall. Plus he just really gives me bad vibes." Ashley responded.

"I wander why that is. Does he just look at you funny or anything like that?" I asked.

She shook her head no and that she had told the others about it but when she realized that she had spoken aloud she looked nervous for some reason. But when I asked her about it she just ignored me.

"Well this is supposed to be a date remember. So lets forget about the work related shit and just focus on us shall we?" I joked trying to lighten her mood. And it worked beautifully.

"You are so crude that it is really any wander why I agreed to go out with you to begin with." Ashley said. And when I looked totally hurt she just started laughing like crazy. And I realized that she was teasing me about the language and I started to laugh with her.

"You are such a prude that I cant believe that you did too." I said laughing even harder.

When we finally finished our dinner we decided to go and have some drinks back at her place. I asked if she was ok to drive but then she kindly reminded me of why she was late in the first place. And so I drove us back to her house. Although it was more like a mansion than a house. The first time that I had seen her place she said that she had inherited it from one of her great uncles that she was really close to and that he was more like a father than an uncle. I was surprised that day when she started to get teary when she talked about him, which I could understand seeing how he just died a year ago. I comforted her and she said that she would be ok. So she took me on a small tour of her house but I could tell that she had half of the house as an off limits area.

We walked through the main part of the house to her kitchen and she went to pour us both a glass of wine. As we both started to relax we went to sit in her living room to sit in front of her fireplace. She sat on the couch and as I began to sit in one of her armchairs she patted the spot next to her. So I sat next her and she pulled me into her arms and gave me a very soft kiss on my neck and I looked back at her and she smiled tentatively and I smiled back at her lovingly. I turned so that I could face her, and I leaned in to give her a gentle, sweet, and loving kiss on her mouth. I wanted to let her know that she has my heart and that she could never hurt me. She kissed me the same way that I kissed her. It was sweet and passionate. I loved the way her lips felt on mine. Then I yawned.

She giggled and grabbed my hand and led me to her bedroom. Her bed looked so inviting then I remembered one small detail that I should have prepared for and I got very nervous and very scared.

"Um Ashley baby I don't have anything to sleep in." I said nervously.

"Oh ok here let me see if there is anything that you can wear." she replied kind of hurt.

"Is everything ok baby?"

"I was hoping that we could forgo the night wear. But if you are uncomfortable with that then that is ok. I can promise you that I won't do anything that you are not comfortable with doing since this is our first night as a couple." she said.

"Please don't take it the wrong way but like you said this is our first night as a couple and I am not comfortable enough with myself to sleep with nothing on yet." I explained.

She nodded her understanding and pulled a cute little night gown for me to change into. She led me to the master bathroom for me to change in. I got out of my dress and put the night gown on and I looked into her full length mirror that she has and I have to admit that she does have some seriously good taste in her night wear. The gown was short but still appropriate enough for company. It was made of pure silk. It must have cost a pretty penny. I walked out of the bathroom and I saw the most beautiful sight that I have ever seen, she had her back to me and she had just got her own dress off and she was sliding her own night gown on but her butt oh my god. It was tight and firm. It was like it was sculpted from stone. It was perfect. I gave a gentle sigh and she jumped and spun around. After the rest of her night gown fell into place.

" Damn Sindie you scared the hell out of me. And what is with that look anyway?"

"You have the most beautiful ass. I am sorry but you weren't done changing yet when I came out. Sorry." I told her. She blushed after I told her that.

Then she smiled at me. I would have smiled back but I yawned instead. She pulled the covers down on her bed then slid in and patted the spot in front of her. So I went over and laid down next to her. When I was comfortable she moved in behind me and pulled me back into her arms. That was the last conscious thing that I remember.

I awoke to the greatest feeling I have ever known. I had Ashley's arms around me and I could feel her slow breathing on the back of my head. I was very happy. But my body was unhappy. I had to use the restroom and I did not want to wake my angel up. I tried to move out of her arms as gently as possible so as to not wake her. I was doing good until I sneezed. Then I felt her jump a foot off the bed, or that was what it felt like to me. I apologized to her for waking her and told her to go back to sleep that I would be back in just a second. 

"Damn I can't even sleep on days off no later than 5:30 in the morning." I complained as I looked at the clock next to the bed. Ashley just groaned and told me to just shut up and use the bathroom already as she giggled.

So needless to say I was back in her arms and almost asleep again when she got up and picked something up that was slid in under her bedroom door. She stood there looking over the piece of paper that she picked up then immediately began to get dressed.

"Is everything ok Ashley?" I asked kind of scared by the fierce look in her eyes.

"No. I am sorry to have to do this but I am going to have to ask you to leave this morning. I promise that I will see you this after noon." She said. And when she saw the hurt in my eyes she walked over to me and gave me a kiss and tried to put as much feeling behind it as she could.

I got up and started to get dressed not really thinking about the fact that Ashley was still in the room. I was still somewhat hurt by the fact that I was asked to leave in such an abrupt manner. When I was dressed she led me back down to the front door and she wanted to give me another kiss but I kind of just sat and stepped away from her.

"Sindie please don't be mad at me I would not have to ask you to leave like this if it wasn't for something important. Something that I can't tell you about, at least not right now." She pleaded with me.

"You know, I was hoping to spend the whole day with you and try to learn every thing about you." I replied.

"I know you were. And like I said before I would not have asked this of you unless it was something important." She was looking upset but I know that she was speaking the truth. I leaned in to kiss her and show her that I forgave her and that I trusted her.

As I was walking out to my car I heard her say that she would see this afternoon. And that she loved me. I waved to let her know that I heard her and I smiled at her to show that I was looking forward to it. I saw her smile before she went back into the house.

As I drove back home I started thinking about what I was going to do until I could see Ashley again. So when I got home I decided that I would try to get a work out in then shower and just relax until I knew when I was going to see Ashley.

It took me about an hour to get in a really good work out in and to shower and get dressed in some lounging clothes. I just got comfortable in my favorite chair when I heard a knock at the door. I swore under my breath but got up to see who was at my door. Thankfully I have windows on either side of the door that I can look out of but not be seen. And what I saw on the other side of the door frightened me.

There was this man standing there that I have never seen before. Granted that is not what scared me but the fact the man had a hand on the butt of a gun is what scared me severely. I ran back to my living room and got my phone out of my purse and immediately called Ashley. I didn't know for sure if she would actually answer since she had me leave so unexpectedly but I thought that I would try to call her anyway.

"Hello?"

"Ashley! I am so glad that you answered. I need to know if there is any way to come over now!" I said still scared about the man at the door.

"Sindie? What's wrong you sound....."

"There is a man at my door and he has a hand on the butt of a gun. I am scared to answer the door and I don't know what else to do." I interrupted her with out thought. And before I could say anything else she had hung up the phone.

I waited assuming that she was on her way here and I really hoped that she was not, but at the same time I hoped that she was. I was sitting as far away from the door as possible when I heard another knock at the door. When I looked at the clock I saw that it was a half hour had passed since I called Ashley. But I never realized the time had gone by that slowly. Which I guess is why when the knock came I jumped right out of the chair.

When I went to see who was at the door this time I saw that it was Ashley and I opened the door and flew into her arms. She tried to push me back to look at me but the harder she tried the tighter I held on to her. So instead she led me into the living room and sat me down and offered to make me a cup of hot tea. Which only took about two minutes but seemed like an hour. When she came back she handed me the cup and slid me down a little so she could sit behind me on the couch.

"How are you feeling now Sindie honey?" she asked me.

" A little better especially since it not even noon yet and you spiked my tea with a little rum. Thank you." I replied.

"So why did you call me instead of the police?"

"Because you were the first person that came to mind. And I thought that you would have calmed me down enough to tell me to call the police." I replied.

She sighed and she told me to pack some things that I would need for the rest of the weekend and for work that week. I looked at her and she just nodded her head that she was serious and so I did. When I returned from packing I heard her close her phone. And when I saw her face she had a serious almost pissed of look. She started mumbling things as we got on the road back to her house.

"Damn it why would they have gone after Sindie? Why now? They couldn't possibly be planning what I think they are planning." she was rambling things off like that since we got in the car.

"Who are 'they' and why were 'they' gone when you got to my place?" I asked her.

"Sindie there is something that you need to know about me that may upset you or even frighten you. I was planning on telling you at a later time but I don't have much of a choice now. Not if you are to understand the things that you are going to witness and for you to understand the things that are going to happen in the next forty-eight hours. Have you ever read or seen old horror movies about Vampires?" She asked me.

"Yeah why? What does that have to do with what's going on?" I asked back.

"you see there is always truth behind some of those books and movies. Although the truth is a bit exaggerated. Vampires don't have fangs though they do drink blood, or most of us do. Sunlight won't kill us but it does weaken us. At least a true vampire it does. But in order to keep our race going some of the full vampires have mated with humans in order to keep from being completely wiped out." she explained.

"Wait you keep saying us, like you are one of them. And like they actually exist. But those are just stories that are meant to scare people and little kids." she was shaking her head before I even finished.

"We do exist Sindie. Last night I literally ran to the restaurant so I would not be to terribly late. That was why my hair looked windswept, because it was. The reason that I never showed you the other half of the house is because I am apart of a clan. They have become my family and they are some of the most of the most powerful of all vampires. They would have killed you had you entered that part of my home. When we get back to the house they may try to kill you to make things simpler but they may not. You see there are vampires that are more powerful than they are and they have half the number that we have but they are gaining more by the day. The only problem is, is that they are also using humans to help them in finding out where there are more vampires and study them. See if they have anything that could be used to sway them to join there side. You see I believe that they were after you to get to me. And then to get to the rest of my clan." she told me all of this like it was no real big deal. And I guess to her it isn't but to me I was shocked. I just sat there in silence and she let me, knowing that I needed time to think. 

The way I see it is that I had two choices; I could either believe her or not. And as I was thinking on weather I believed her or not was put to the test. But the thing that got to me was that I had no reason not to believe her. The more I thought about it the more pissed I got. But before I could say anything we were parked outside of her house.

I stepped out of her car and walked over in front of her and started yelling at her.

"So with us being friends for how long now you didn't think that I would have liked to have known that my best friend was a vampire! When were you planning on telling me about this, if you were really planning on it? You know maybe I should have answered my door and taken my chances with the guy and his gun. That way if he did abduct me or kill me or what ever he was planning on doing I would not have felt so betrayed by you!" I shouted.

I think the whole house probably heard me and I really didn't care. Because before she had the chance to say anything I was already walking away from her. I would have walked right into her if I was not paying any attention.

"Sindie please let me explain. Please you can't just walk out of here. Its not safe."

"Get out of my way Ashley. I want to leave and I don't want you near me!" I shouted at her as I walked around her toward the street.

She tried to grab my arm as I passed but the look I gave her she just dropped her hand and she didn't try to stop me a second time.


Sindie and Ashley Ch. 02



"I see." that was the last thing that I could say before Ashley kissed me again. It was slow and tender and it was also short. I was about to complain but my eyes lids started to get heavy. I woke up about two hours later to see my angle laying next to me. She was watching me then I went back to sleep again.

When I woke up again it was to the sound of someone arguing outside the bedroom door. I looked over and saw that Ashley was not there and I got up and, hopefully, made my way quietly to the door.

"What do you mean that she cannot stay here! I am the one that rules this house and I am your queen after all. It should be my choice to have anyone, human or not, into this house!"

"I understand but she may be in graver danger here than at her own home." Said a second voice that I was unsure of.

"Then please by all means explain to me how she is safer at home."

I knew that tone from earlier and other times when she was starting to lose her cool. I decided that it was time for me to make my presence known. Thankfully the door was opened wide enough for me to squeeze out. I was standing behind Ashley and I rested my hand gently on her shoulder and squeezed it ever so gently. She did not move but I could tell that she was calming down knowing that I was there to help her keep control of her temper.

"Ah Sindie, did you sleep well my dear?" Ashley asked me.

"I did thank you. So I assume that there would be a good reason that this gentleman is asking that I return to my home, am I right mister..."

"Andre. My name is Andre Whitehorse, and it is a pleasure to meet you Sindie."

"Likewise Mr. Whitehorse. If you don't mind my asking what tribe were you from?"

"Very perceptive Sindie, and please call me Andre. I was part of the Sioux tribe." Andre answered.

"Cool. I bet that you could probably make a great Indian professor at any college you want huh?" I replied.

He started to chuckle and even though she was upset with him so did Ashley. "As a matter of fact that is exactly what my profession is Sindie."

"Oh." Well I felt like a total dumb ass. "Ok so what is the reason that you have for asking me to return to my home instead of staying here for the weekend and the rest of next week?" I asked and that brought the conversation from a light tone back to the argument in a hurry.

"You see Sindie as I was trying to tell Miss Ashley here I have been observing the rest of our coven's conversations and I was afraid that they would do you more harm than the gentleman could do with a gun. Then again there are those that would also like to keep you around for donor reasons, if you get my drift.

"Though there are those that would rather be kind enough to make your acquaintance like I have and try to become friends but there are not that many of them. Then the ones that want to keep you for donor reasons think it is unfair for Miss Ashley to keep you all for herself. So you see there is a good reason for you to return to your home."

"I see. Those would be good reasons, but what could be worse than death?" I asked.

"Being turned against your will." Ashley answered a little pissed off. So I took her hand in mine and she looked down at our joined hands in surprise.

I nodded my head to let her know that it was ok and that I trusted and believed in her no matter what her decision was.

"Ok cousin IF I took her back to her condo who is going to protect her? I would be more than happy to if I was not needed here. And I know that I could trust Marcello but I am going to need him here as well. And of course there is also the fact that she can also see some of the more powerful auras of the house. You know that I will do everything in my power to protect Sindie even if it means forfeiting my life."

"The hell you will you will do no such damn thing." I yelled at her. Which she was not expecting me to do, and to be honest I was not expecting that either. "You are to important to lose Ashley at least from what I have gathered any way. My life means nothing compared to yours."

Ashley continued to look at me and I watched as her face turned beat red.

"Andre my friend would you be ever so kind as to leave us alone for a little bit?" She asked and Andre bowed respectfully toward the two of us and turned to leave. Ashley then grabbed my arm rather painfully and pulled me back into her bedroom. "What the hell is the matter with you? Do you not realize what you are saying? You see if I lost you I would have no more reason to continue to live. And I have lived a very long life. Yes I have found love but not like that for which I have for you. Have you no idea what losing you would do to me." She scolded me. Though I was going to fight to make my point clear.

"Yes Ashley I do know what losing me would do to you. It would do the same thing to me and every one that you rule and watch over. And that is my point you are so much more of a valuable person to lose. From what I have noticed the people or rather vampires here look up to and respect you far to much to lose you. And besides if anyone were to change me it would be you. Though I am not saying that I want to be changed. And if you ever feel the need to bite me you can. I told you before that I would never leave or hurt you." I told her. And by the lack of argument that I was expecting She was stunned by what I had said.

"Do you really mean that Sindie?" She asked me and I just nodded my head yes. Though with one stipulation that she would ask before she took any of my blood. And she did exactly that she asked me before she bit me for the first time.

I have to admit that she was right I had felt no pain what so ever. Not to mention the loss of blood that I was feeling was making me feel kind of funny. And if she had not grabbed me by the arm I would have fell to the floor.

She picked me up in her arms and carried me to her bed and laid me down gently and climbed in behind my while holding me in her arms. I could barely feel her kissing my neck but I will say that it felt wonderful having her lips on my skin. I felt like I was dreaming and who knows I may have been dreaming and if I am I hope that I don't wake up from it.

Naturally what you want is never what you get. When I did actually wake up Ashley was not there behind me and I was concerned that I had dreamed up the whole affair the previous day. When my eyes had finally focused I saw the piece of paper laying on the pillow beside me. I picked it up and I read what it said.

"Sindie I am sorry for not being here when you woke up. I was called to a meeting that was supposed to be yesterday I thought that it would be best if you got your rest from the loss of blood from last night. I thank you for allowing me to bite you and I promise that you will not change because of it. You would have to take some of my own blood in order to be changed. I will say this though you would do better to just stay in bed and I will have Anita check in on you while I am in this meeting. She is very trust worthy and she will answer any questions you may have unless it is something that I would rather tell you myself. I love you Sindie and I will pray that this meeting will not take all day like some of them have in the past. Though they have been known to take several days also. I miss you and I will look forward to seeing you (hopefully) soon.

Your love,

Ashley"

"Well I guess that yesterday was not a dream after all."

"No ma'am it was not. I am glad to see you are awake. How do you feel?" Came a woman's voice from the door making me jump. "I am sorry ma'am I did not mean to scare you and for that I apologize."

"No it's ok. I take it you are Anita correct?" I asked and she nodded her head yes in reply. "It is a pleasure to meet you Anita. Please call me Sindie. I feel weak. I suppose that is normal after having a vampire take blood from you?"

"I believe so Miss Sindie. It has been so long since I have had blood taken from me. Over five hundred years actually. Though keep in mind that Miss Ashley is far older than I am as well. I will let her tell you more about that in due time. Is there anything that I can get you?"

"Would it be possible to have some orange juice and maybe a small bite to eat? One more thing is it true that I would have to drink blood from a vampire to become a vampire?" I asked.

Anita informed me that she would get me my orange juice and something to eat and she also informed me that Ashley was right about having to drink the blood of a vampire to join their ranks. I told her thank you as she went out the door then I got out of bed and discovered that I had no clothing on. I blushed from the top of my head all the way to my neck. I wonder when Ashley had removed my clothes. Oh well I just hope that she did not do anything to me while I was out of it.

I slowly got out of bed and I found that my legs would barely support my weight and that is not a feeling that I like seeing how well I take care of my body. I went to the restroom and as soon as I made it I got very sick. I just hope that Anita does not come back before I can get myself cleaned up.

I had just finished getting dressed when a soft knock at the door came I really needed that shower. It helped my body feel better and get little stronger. I slowly walked over to the door and opened it to see Anita standing there with a tray in her hands. 

"Please come in Anita. Thank you so much for doing this. I really do appreciate it. I know that Ashley had asked you to do it but I wanted to thank you." I said.

She slightly blushed and an said your welcome.

"You don't have to thank me Sindie. I am happy to be of service. Ashley also said thank you and that it was my decision to do this. She is a kind leader and I cherish her so. I would do anything that she asked of me. Even if it is not something that I would normally do. Besides I wanted to meet you anyway and this is a wonderful opportunity." she replied. "Did you get a shower? You know that you needed to stay in bed and rest. I would have helped you after you had something to eat." she reprimanded me.

"I do know but I was needing to use the rest room so I went then I got sick and I needed to get cleaned up so I could try to feel better." I told her then before I could move my knees gave out. Thankfully Anita is a vampire and her reflexes were so fast that she had caught me before I hit the floor and was still able to hold on to the tray that she was carrying. She led me to the bed and had me lay back down. She sat me up a little and had me slowly eat the food and slowly drink the o.j. so as to keep me from being sick again. Then she had me lay down and try to get some more rest. Then something had occurred to me.

"Anita do you provide any food or drinks while they are in their meetings? Or do they take a type of recess so that they can eat and drink and all that stuff?"

"They sit and have the "drinks" brought in to them. And No I do not take them in to them either. Is there a reason that you are asking?" 

"There is but I do not want you to get into any trouble especially since you have no loyalties to me seeing how I am just a mere human." I told her.

Giggling she said, "Human or not Ashley loves you and I can tell that you love her as well. Human or vampire all you need to do is ask and I will try to do what you need, as long as Miss Ashley has not told me not to. I am hoping that we could become friends Sindie."

I was surprised that she would do something that I would ask even though she really doesn't know me and because she is a vampire and I am not. So I thought that I would go ahead and ask her. "Would you try to deliver a message to her for me if you are able to? Keep in mind that I do not want you to get into any trouble doing this because of me."

She smiled and asked me what the message was And I asked her if she had anything to right on/with. She handed me a piece of paper and a pen from the table next to the bed and I wrote down the message as Anita watched.

"That is so sweet Sindie. I can see why she loves you so. Is there anything else that you would me to do?" she asked.

I had asked if there was any way to tell how much longer they would be in their meeting and she said that she would let me know.

She was gone for a while, long enough for me to get some more sleep. When I opened my eyes I was surprised that there were a pair of arms around me. I looked over my shoulder expecting to see Anita and make it known that I was not comfortable with this but was further surprised to see Ashley was in bed with me. I rolled over as gently as I could to make sure that she did not wake. Though as hard as I could it did not work she was awake before I could have said hi.

"Hello my darling angel, how did you sleep?" She asked me.

"I slept wonderfully. How was the meeting?"

"Boring until I got your letter. That was cleverly done. I loved your note, 'Hello you breathtakingly beautiful woman, I hope that I do not distract you to much by sending this but I just wanted to say that I love you with all my heart. Love Sindie.' How could I not be distracted by that. But it did get me through the rest of that meeting. I wish that you were there so that you could have given your input about some of the topics that were discussed, But I know you were not up to it."

"What topics were there that I could have possibly have given any input on? I don't know the first thing about what vampire meetings are about and you know that." I told her.

"Well as you see my dear there are some financial needs that we are trying to figure out but no one seems to know, in our long existence, how to figure them out," she giggled. "Then the topic of you staying was also brought up again. This time the vote was very evenly split so we decided to reconvene tomorrow and have you present this time but we agreed to have you and I arrive early tomorrow so that you would not be put into the same situation as two days ago. That way you could try and see if everyone arriving one after the other slowly would make it easier for you to get used to the amount of power that will be in the room at one time." She told me.

I thought about it and it seemed like such a good idea now but only tomorrow will tell just how good an idea it really is. Then I realized that she had mentioned that they were having trouble figuring out the finances of the estate. "Ashley honey would you happen to have your copy of this months financial records with you so that I may give them a quick look over, that is if you don't mind."

It really should not have surprised me that she would have had them with her but I guess that she must have known that when she said that she would have known that I would have asked for them. I took them and I started to go over them.

They were what you would have expected from an ordinary house hold, you have the electric bill, the water bill, and so on but there was something that I was not sure what they were. When I asked she tried to tell me that I would rather not know but when I said that I needed to know in order to give an accurate check on this that I had to know. Well I guess even new vampires need to have blood at some point so they have to make due with blood bags or else getting it from other inhumane sources. So I went through everything and noticed that everything added up was around fifty thousand dollars just in the main household and another fifty thousand in the blood supply. But what I was having trouble figuring out was where another five thousand was going. I mentioned this to Ashley but she could not tell me.

"I guess that we might have a problem on your hands other than the more pressing issue of my safety huh?"

"I guess so. We will have to make sure to mention this tomorrow if you are able to. I wonder how long this has been going on. If I can get the others to agree to it would you mind taking a look at the past year to see when this all began?" she asked me and I told her that if they let me I would. Then something occurred to me.

"when did you take my clothes off last night? And did you do anything while I was asleep?"

"It was after you fell asleep and all I did was clean you up. It had been a long time since I had taken blood from anyone that I kind of took a little more than I should have and was a little on the messy side. I am so sorry." she answered.

"That would explain the weak feeling that I was feeling earlier." I told her. Though I did not tell her about being sick considering that she looked ashamed of herself for being weak enough to take so much blood from me.

I told her to explain to me what I should expect tomorrow. And she proceeded to tell me.

"Ok tomorrow we will sit at the table like we always have but you will now be joining us for this meeting and hopefully others. Now the one sitting to my right is Andre, then to his right will be Sandra, and to her right is Marcello. To my left after you will be Marco, then Deirdre, then Penelope.

"Andre aside from what you have noticed is a Sioux Indian as he told you but it was my uncle that had turned him. Some think that he was turned by force others think that he bugged my uncle to the point of turning him. But the truth is my uncle saved his life. Of course he told him everything about vampires and what it meant to be a vampire before he changed him. He will not tolerate anyone that talks down about my uncle or me. He has also swore that he would not change anyone either.

"Next is Sandra. She is a mystery to us. We do not know when or how she was turned. She won't tell any of us so don't try and ask, she gets touchy about that which makes us all think that she was turned by force.

"Of course you know Marcello so I don't think that I need to add anything else about him.

"Marco is a Vampire that comes and goes from time to time."

I interrupt her at this point. "Wait Marco as in Marco and Polo Marco?"

"Yes that Marco. Now if I may continue, Marco has seen a lot of the world. Almost all of it come to think about it. So if you ever want any traveling advice he is literally the best travel agent you could ask for.

"Now Deirdre is a unique Vampire. He was turned by the great Dracula himself. If there is anything that you want to know about the first vampire then he is the one to ask.

"Penelope may have just joined our coven but she is older than my thousand plus years. I think that Deirdre knows more about her than I do. So he would be a better person to ask.

"Now keep in mind that when addressing anyone specifically you must keep eye contact."

I was starting to lose concentration and awareness by now I was getting so tired and was ready to fall asleep again. When I awoke the next morning Ashley was gone again but I could hear the shower running so I knew that she was in getting ready for the day.

Suddenly I was nervous to the point of a panic attack. I slowly got out of bed and found that I was feeling good again and was quite hungry. But I wanted to get a shower before I got anything to eat. Plus I had to use the restroom but I knew that Ashley was in there.

Well Apparently when nature calls and the only bathroom I know of has my naked girlfriend in it there really is no choice but to use it even though it is occupied.

"Ashley do you mind if I use the restroom while your in the shower?" I called through the door.

"Go ahead I don't mind." she called back.

So I went in and she was stepping out of the shower as I went in. I almost turned around but I could not take my eyes off of her. She was even more beautiful undressed as she was dressed. I thought that I had a body to die for but Ashley's body is far more sculpted than I could ever hope for. Apparently Ashley noticed my prolonged gaze and was starting to squirm under my scrutiny.

"What is the matter is there something on me that there shouldn't be?" she asked.




Sindie and Ashley Ch. 02



"No, no, no, I am sorry but you have to keep in mind that you had seen me naked once already and this is the first time that I had seen you in your birthday suit. You look like you are sculpted from stone. A living statue I guess you could say." I said.

If I had blushed when I noticed that she had seen me naked then it was nothing to how red she was now.

She was kind of speechless and that was a first for her. I have never known her to be at a loss for words but I have now.

She had excused herself so she could get dressed and I called out to her that I was going to use her shower and she said ok.

I heard the door open and Ashley was just standing in the doorway.

"I had noticed that there were good clothes in your suitcase so I laid out a dress of mine so you can wear to the meeting. I don't know if you heard everything that I was saying last night." She said.

"Ok you told me the order that everyone sits is going from your right is Andre, Sandra, and Marcello. Then to your left will be me, Marco, Penelope, and Deirdre right?"

"Correct."

"You told me about them but that is the last thing that I remember. No wait I do remember you saying that if I address anyone specific that I should keep eye contact with them."

"Also correct. Ok so here is what I said after that, and what I would have said had you still been awake. The first thing is you need to be in formal attire hence the reason that I have one of my dresses laying out for you. Next is that when you are there you address everyone by mister or miss, except for Penelope you address her as mrs. She was very fond of her husband before she had changed and she has refused to give up that title. That was something that I had started because I was tired of being called highness and majesty. The council, my friends, had agreed that it would be a good idea. So the next thing, and the last, is that you may not speak over someone when they are talking like you would in court. That is the biggest thing that we adhere to. We are a very polite species and we will not drop those standards at any point."

It might have seemed like a lot of information for any one to take it in but I knew better than that. After all I am a lawyer.

I informed Ashley that I was getting out of the shower incase she wanted to give me any privacy but I was not excepting her to.

She continued to stand in the doorway watching me and I felt self conscious but not as bad as I would have thought. After all we had both seen each other naked. I motioned for her to come in and when she was right next to me I gave her a kiss, which she returned but only briefly. She reminded me that we had a meeting to go to. So I hurried getting ready and when I put the dress on the material felt familiar.

"Ashley what is this dress made of?" I asked her.

"I guess that I forgot to mention that all of my clothes are made of pure silk." She replied.

That would explain why it felt familiar the night gown that I had wore my first night here was also made of silk.

Meaning that if she ever decided to get a new wordrobe it would cost her a fortune. After I was dressed and ready Ashley had asked if she could carry me to the meeting. I asked what time we needed to be there and she said that we had no time as she handed me her hand.

I sighed and took her hand and she pulled me into her arms and she kissed me all the way to the meeting room.

"I could get used to that." I said, speaking my thoughts.

Ashley giggled and led me into the room. It was almost the size of a ballroom and very ornately decorated. I was afraid to touch anything for fear of breaking it. Everything looked like it was one of a kind. And most of it probably was if not everything.

It was overwhelming me until I had a reason to stop looking at everything. The first of the council had arrived. It was a tall woman most likely in her thirties maybe forties. I stood and greeted her as I would anyone else.

"Good morning. I am Sindie. It is a pleasure to meet you." I said as I extended my hand in greeting.

"And a splendid morning to you as well Miss Sindie. I am Penelope. It is quite an honor to finally get to meet you. I must apologize for my rude behavior the last time that you had stepped into this room. We had all been taken aback by your unexpected appearance." She said while shaking my hand and as she gave a pointed look right at Ashley.

"Hey come on Mrs. Penelope I said that I was sorry didn't I?"

"You did Miss Ashley. I am just saying that for future reference that you do not forget. I am glad that we have finally met Miss Sindie and I am looking forward to see how this meeting will turn out with an odd number in our ranks to keep the vote from being tied. Which is why on very rare occasions they can last for days." 

"Thank you."

We both sat down and waited for the next person to come in. We were still talking when Marcello came in and since I had met him before there were no introductions needed. And since the meeting had not yet started we both greeted each other and continued the conversation.

The next person that came into the room was a gentleman that I did not recognize. So I stood as he walked into the room and he introduced himself.

"Ahh, Good to meet you Miss Sindie. I am Deirdre. I have been looking forward to seeing you again and I most sincerely regret my most uncharacteristic rudeness for not meeting you sooner. And seeing how Miss Ashley has been more than kind enough to explain that you were not really up to having any visitors yesterday with the loss of blood that she had taken I can understand that you would have been sick after trying to move."

Ashley looked over at me when he was done talking and gave me a stern look that told me I was going to hear about this when we were done with the meeting.

"That is ok Mister Deirdre I accept your apologies. It is a pleasure to meet you."

I took Ashley's hand under the table and she squeezed my hand rather hard at first to know that I was in trouble with her after the meeting and I squeezed it back to let her know that I had a reason. But she continued to keep my hand in hers so I knew that I was not in that much trouble.

We continued to talk while we waited for the rest of the group to arrive when there was a very loud scream from the main foyer. We all looked at one another and after standing every one was gone and Ashley scooped me into her arms and we joined everyone in the foyer.

When Ashley set me on my feet I saw that the front door was opened and I caught the scent of blood in the breeze coming in the opened door. I moved further forward but was blocked by Marcello. He took my arm and led me away from the door and further into the house. I noticed that he led me to the kitchen and he had me stand next to the sink.

"Marcello was that blood that I could smell in the air?" I asked.

"Yes and it was the blood of one of us. It was Andre. I wanted to keep you from seeing that sight. As well as to keep out of sight from what ever did this to Andre." he explained.

Now I know why he had me stand by the sink. The thought of something that could kill a Sioux Indian vampire and that same something could still be out there waiting made me sick to my stomach. 

Ashley must have noticed that I was no longer with her because I felt her gentle touch on my back while I washed my mouth out and washed my face. I turned and hugged her so tightly that I knew when I let go of her my arms would be sore.

"Why Ashley? Why would anyone want to kill him? Why kill Andre?"

"I know honey, I know. This is not what we wanted but they have just forced my hand. I can not let this go. I need to take action." she told me. "Marcello, my brother, would you mind going and asking our friends in the north if they would mind coming for an emergency meeting as soon as they are able? And you know what you must if they deny my polite request." Then she said a little louder, "Penelope can you come to the kitchen for just a moment?"

"Yes Miss Ashley, would you like for me to make the request of our western friends?" she had asked.

"Yes please. Oh good Marco you came just before I was going to call you. We will need our furry friends for this meeting as well if you do not mind me asking you to do this."

"Of course Ashley. Miss Sindie I wish that we could have met under better circumstances."

"I agree Marco, I do too."

"Ashley What did you mean by your furry friends?"

"Sindie I wish that there were more time to bring you into this slowly but we have more friends from the north and west Vampires and shape-shifters and of course werewolves. Again I am sorry that we do not have the luxury of time on our side. This attack has just forced my hand."

"Ok I am overwhelmed beyond the point of knowing what is real and what is not. So when you told Marcello that if your northern friends do not accept your polite request that he knew what to do you don't mean force them do you?"

"No Sindie I meant to make it an order from their Queen. But that is why I sent Marcello. He is very well liked by them and he is very trusted. Knowing him he won't even make the request but merely tell them what happened and they will come." She explained.

"So I assume that you are calling a war meeting then?" I guessed and was miserably answered correctly.

"Sindie How well do you know Italian?"

"Decent though I am some what slow in speaking it. I can understand what someone says to me but it takes me a moment to reply back to them."

"Good that will be fine. Now I just need to get you ready so you know what to expect for this meeting."

Well there goes any chance of spending some peace and quiet with her before the big meeting. I guess that when you are busy learning things that you never knew existed time has a way of going by quickly. Of course when dealing with things that you thought were just made up stories and you find out how real they are then your sense of reality tends to go out the door as well.

It may have taken several hours for everyone to show up especially when they had to arrive two by two incase of an attack but I found it better this way than having them all show up at once. And I am grateful that Deirdre was with me and Ashley he made the introductions of every new vampire that came in and he explained that they were almost as old as he was, if not older. And that was what surprised me because I thought that he was the first one that Lord Dracula had changed.

So when the last one new vampire came in with Marcello I could feel the rise in power in the house. But I guess that with them all coming in slowly made it easier on me so that I would not have to leave the house in these unsafe times. 

Then the Shape-shifters started to arrive. About an hour after the last one came in the werewolves showed up. Needless to say the main part of the house was fairly well full. The meeting was designed to start one hour after everyone was there. I asked Deirdre to join me on a walk and he agreed.

"Deirdre would you mind if I asked you a question? It might be somewhat personal."

He chuckled "Let me guess you want to know if it hurts when you are being changed do you not?" I nodded my head yes and he proceeded to answer my question. "Painful not that much but when drinking the blood it is a very gross taste. And the attributes that you gain depends on the age of the vampire that you are taking blood from. If you thinking of joining the vampire race then you will be the first one in over a century." he told me.



Sindie and Ashley Ch. 03



"Thank you Deirdre. I know that you did not have to answer my question but I appreciate your honesty." I told him.

As we were walking around the house I started to feel these thumps hit me in the back. I had no idea what it was but then I started to hear a growling coming from behind me. With the startled look that Deirdre was giving me I knew that I was in very deep trouble.

Before I could even turn half way toward the sound I was pulled to the ground and felt a sharp pain in my leg. I looked down at it and realized what had happened. The wolves were attacking me. But for some reason Deirdre would not pull them off. Before I lost consciousness I heard another growl and all the attacking wolves had heeled and left me alone. What I did not realize was that the second growl had come too late.

When I regained consciousness I realized that I was in no pain what so ever. Which was weird considering that three wolves had attacked me like I was their own personal chew toy. I tried to sit up but realized that I was already in a sitting position. Then I started to take in my surroundings. I was in a room that was completely white and had a small TV hanging on the wall across from my bed. I was just about to call out to Ashely when she came into the room.

"How are you feeling Sindie?"

"Why is it that whenever I am here you are always asking me how I feel?" I was surprised that my voice was just a whisper but that did not stop me from noticing the small wince that she gave. "Is everything ok? What about the wolves that attacked me? Why am I not in the amount of pain that I should be in? And why in the hell can I see and hear so much better than I have before?" At the speed at which I asked my questions she was not expecting, and neither was I. I had just gone lawyer on her and it put her on the defensive.

"Well as to the reason that I am always asking how you feel is because I can't tell with my ability. Yes everything is ok. The wolves are being punished by their pack leader for attacking you, which was uncalled for and if she was not going to then I was." She replied in a clipped tone that I have heard her use in the court room.

I also noticed that she did not answer my last two questions and that she was very nervous about answering them. Almost to the point of being affraid. Then I noticed just how clearly her aura was and as I started to look I noticed that there were other thin strands that I had not noticed before. I was about to ask Ashely but changed my mind. I got out of bed and realized that I had exceptionally good balance. I looked at Ashely but she just kept her eyes on the floor. I was getting nervous with her not wanting to look at me but that was suddenly replaced by the curiosity of where the strands led. I noticed that one of them was coming from Ashely but I ignored that one since she was standing right here.

I opened the door and proceeded out of the room and noticed that the strands went in both directions down the hall. I turned left and saw that one of the strand was getting thicker and turned down a side hall. I followed it and was aware that someone was following me. I looked over my shoulder and saw that Ashely was behind me. She was just following to make sure that I was ok I am sure so I continued following the strand that was growing bigger and thicker.

When I rounded the next corner I saw Marcello standing with his back to me. I moved up behind him and I touched his shoulder.

"What the... Oh it's you Sindie I didn't hear you. Which is unusual considering that..." his voice trailed off as he was looking at Ashley over my shoulder. I turned to see that she was shaking her head no like she hadn't told me about something which confirmed what I thought earlier in that strange room.

"Ok Ashely what haven't you told me? It can't be that bad. It's not like you changed me or anything like that." I said trying to make a joke out of it. Although with the way she looked down at her feet when I mentioned being changed made me think that I may have been. "Sindie I wasn't changed was I? The wolves wouldn't have hurt me that badly would they?" I asked her more than a little scared that the answer was going to be yes on both counts.

Ashely wouldn't look at me when she answered but atleast she did answer me this time, "Sindie I am so very sorry but they had. By the time that me and Cassie realized that what the wolves were doing it was too late. they had already opened your stomach when they stopped their attack on you. Cassie is trying to figure out why they even attacked you in the first place. because as they all passed you when they got here they had acquired your scent just like the rest of the vampires had. The shape shifters on the other hand have a very unusual way to track what they are hunting. Kind of like how you tracked down Marcello. Although I have never seen a vampire hunt like that before, especially since you have just woken up from the changing process."

Well that just put a damper on things but the really weird thing is that I can actually see Marcello's aura, even though I have never been able to. Well I guess that things just never end up the way you plan them to.

"So I guess that it's unheard of for a vampire to be snuck up on then huh?" I asked.

They both nodded and I was proud of myself. Atleast until I realized that they both had a very serious and thoughtful look on their faces.

"We need to go and get my council summoned as well as Cassie and LeFluer." She said and Marcello bowed and headed off to find them. "Could you do that again? Track someone else I mean. I just want to see if it was just luck that you found Marcello or what." 

"Honestly I didn't know that i was tracking him I was just following the strand that was coming from his aura. I can see everyone's aura. Let me see if I can find Deirdre. I want to ask him something." I said and no sooner did I think it all but one strand disappeared. So I started to follow it.

Ashely was going to ask where I was going but I shook my head to keep focused on his strand. When the strand led me to a door I slowly pushed it opened so as to keep from making too much noise, but once we were inside I saw Deirdre cleaning the table in the room. I caught the scent of human blood but it didn't make me thirsty. It made me sick because it was the smell of my own blood. This must have been were Ashely gave me her blood.

Deirdre must have heard something because he suddenly had Ashely by her throat and off of her feet. Then I noticed that he was about to do the same thing to me but I was the one that beat him to it. I had him by the throat and off his feet and, subsequently, Ashely as well. But once he realized that it was me and Ashely he released Ashely and I released him.

"My deepest apologies Miss Ashely I never heard you come in and then you were suddenly there my instinct took over at the startle."

"Its ok Deirdre. You wouldn't have known, and I am assuming on this, unless Sindie wants you to know." Ashely replied.

"Wait you mean that Sindie brought you here not the other way around? How could she, she doesn't know this half of the house well enough yet."

As they were talking I focused on both of their auras and when they both started to look around for me I realized that Ashely was right. It was my decision to keep hidden or not. I heard the door start to open and rushed over to it to see who was coming in. I saw that it was Marcello and told him to act normally and not to give any indication to Ashely that I was talking to him. He nodded and proceeded to meet Deirdre and Ashely where they stood in the middle of the room. And where he stopped was with his back to the door.

"Find a way to circle around them so that you can see anyone who is coming in and if they start to speak to me then find some way to keep that from happening this is going to be pay back on Ashely for not telling me what happened when I first asked her." I told him. 

He smiled probably at what I said but it was hard telling. But when he spoke I could hear the laughter in his voice and I knew that he loved Ashely but that he also loved teasing, joking, and messing with her. Just like all siblings do.

"What is it that you think is funny about all of this Marcello?" Ashely asked.

"Oh nothing dear sister. Just that Sindie is a newborn Vampire and you lost her after you got here." he replied.

"Oh you would find it funny Marcello. For all I know you helped her come up with this didn't you?" I figured that it would be a good time to start messing with her, a little bit anyway. I was behind her and I don't know how Marcello was keeping a straight face but I don't think that he will when I am done.

I gently touched the side of Ashely's face and drew my hand back before she hit it. I did it again and again. But when I did it a fourth time i did it to the other side of her face. It was hard not to join with the crowd that was starting to laugh but Ashely was waving her arms over her head and rubbing her hands on her cheeks. I made sure that I was standing there beside Marcello before releasing her aura. While I was messing with her I released Deirdre so I could keep hidden from Ashely. But he was laughing with everyone else. I could tell that she was getting pissed by the rising spike of her aura and I did the only thing that I could.

"Marcello, Deirdre stop laughing she is getting really pissed. and I want to be the main focus of it that way it keeps you guys safe. Spread the word I want to be the only one laughing." I told them.

They both nodded and headed around the room in opposite directions talking to the group and getting the group to stop laughing at Ashely. By the time they met each other on the other side of the room I was the only one laughing and Ashely turned at the sound. But the thing is I could always resort to my little trick though if things got to hairy for me.

"Sindie you know better than anyone that I hate being humiliated. How could you do this to me?"

"Come Ashely you know that if the group was this big I wouldn't have done it at all. but you were starting in on Marcello for it and accusing him for coming up with the plan but I was the one who came up with it and he was the one that went along with it. You really did have it coming for not telling me that you changed me in that recovery room you know." I said.

"Sindie we have more important things to do than pull stunts like this. And you know that I could do the one thing that I swore I would not do..."

"No you wouldn't Ashe. You love her to much to do that and to top it off you would lose the respect of everyone here and you would be alone. You we respect and love you for the way you treat us like equals and family even though, and forgive me Andre, your Uncle Al always said that a truce between species would never happed and you proved him wrong. You have powerful allies here and ones that you would not have had if you treated them anything like peers and equals." Marcello said, interupting her.

"Considering that this meeting has not officially started Marcello's interuption is fine." Deirdre commented.

"Si Marcello is right though about the peace we have with you and your coven senorita Ashely. My clan respects you too much to allow yourself to be controlled by the power to rule and dominate but with your compassion and sincerity. You are the reason we are all here today, even though it is on such horrible events." Spoke one of gentleman from the corner of the room.

"Yes the only reason we all laughed, well atleast for me any way, is because of the horribleness of the attack on Andre and then my own pack attacking your mate. I think we all needed the laugh in order to kind of brighten our hearts instead of the darkness that has been found here recently." spoke the wolf sitting directly in front of me, and I took a couple of steps back.

She turned her head to look at me with a curious look and gave me a nod of understanding, or atleast I think it was. "Umm no offense meant by stepping back but After what happened I think I will keep my distance."

"She is wise to be cautious and now I understand why my pack attacked I can smell HIM on you. and I swore that if I ever caught that scent again I would remove it from this world. Although I am confused though as I am seeing your beautiful mate Ashely but I can smell the Hunter on her."

"That's not possible Cassie. I made it my vow after what he did to you and your pack to kill him and make sure that you and yours feed off of him for a while. I even showed you his dead head. I gave that to you as a peace offering, what twelve-thirteen years ago." Ashely said.

I sat down hard where I was and was completely stunned. "Ashely what was this Hunter's name?"

"I think that it was O'Seann or O'leary..." As her voice trailed off she looked at me.

"My father and mother died twelve years ago on December 1st. You mean to tell me that they were both hunters? What does that even mean? not to mention that you were the one who killed them!" I focused on all the strands but on and that was Deirdre's.

"Deirdre I want to know everything about the Hunters, and where they came from. What there lineage is, all of it I need to know the truth about my past, my family's past."

"I knew that this was going to happen sooner or later. Although a vampire Vampire Hunter is kind of ironic. Although that does make sense as to how you were able to see auras and bend them to your will like you are. although you are starting to lose your focus on them all at once so leave this hall and stay in Ashely's room and when she starts to come up to her room you will know. I am sorry that you found out like this. I really am Sindie." Deirdre said.



Sindie and Ashley



As I walked away I thought that I heard her start to cry but I was to pissed to notice. As I walked out of her gates I remembered that there was a park near her house. So I decided that that was where I was going to go.

And so that is where I am at now. My walk was what I needed to calm down and really think about what I did and said. I was so frustrated with her for not telling about who she was that I never gave her a chance to really explain things to me. I guess that the only reason that she did not tell me was because she was only trying to protect me but I have no real way of knowing with out actually talking to her. And now that she won't answer her phone I can't give her the chance to explain things better to me.

I had most likely been sitting here for about a couple of hours when I saw someone walking up to me. The way they were walking told me that it was a male. But the way he was walking made me think that he was trying to keep his pace slow and deliberate. It kind of made me think of the way people approach someone that they have never met and was uncertain if it was that person or not. When the man got close enough for me to make out details I could tell that he was an older gentleman, about forty five years of age and very fit/athletic.

As he sat next to me he bowed his head in greeting.

"It is nice weather we are having don't you think so?"

"I do think it is pleasant." I replied out of courtesy.

As we sat there I could tell he was watching me. It was starting to freak me out a little bit I stood up and started to say good by until he told me something that shook me to the core.

"Sindie you need to know that if you leave I will just kill you before you have a chance to scream unless you listen to what I have to say."

"How... how do you know my name?" I asked as I sat back down scared that this man could very well do as he threatened.

"Ahh, forgive my rudeness my dear. My name is Marcello. You see Miss Ashley has asked me to come to find you even though you have hurt my dear sister." I was about to protest but he stopped me before I could get a word out. "I know that she has also hurt you by not telling you the truth sooner. I tried to advise her that it would have been better for her to tell you when you guys first started to be friends but unfortunately she would not listen to me but to the will of the others.

She was so sorry that you got hurt, she would have followed you here but I warned her against it. You see she was in no shape to come, she was to upset to come. So in order for her to agree to calm down was for me to come after you and talk to you. You see she only gave you a short explanation of who she really is, you see, she was telling you the truth about being a vampire but what she didn't tell you was that there are also half vampires, or dhampires as we call them. You see us dhampires are not like a true vampire we have all of there strength, speed, sight, and everything else that makes them a vampire but the need to drink blood. She also forgot to mention that vampires age about five hundred years to a humans year. As do us dhampires. The other thing that she forgot to tell you is that not only did she inherit her uncle's home she also inherited his title. You see her uncle was the famed son of the legendary Dracula. I know what you are thinking. 'Dracula? But he is just a fictional character in horror films and books.' but you could not be more wrong. He was the greatest vampire that the world has ever known.

Yes the world feared him but they were unjust. He never had the need for blood that vampires today need, although they do not need to kill in order to survive. They drink it to maintain their strength. Well not the ones that are apart of our clan. There are other clans that feel the same way then there are those few that think that we should just kill those that they feed from. And it is those that she told you briefly about. You see they are the ones that sent the person to your door with the gun. They wanted to get to Ashley to get her to fight an out right war. But you see by calling her you saved yourself. The rest of the clan does think that by killing you would make things easier but they are a minority. And they are new to our coven. The majority think that she did the right thing by getting to you as fast as she did.

You see the longer you were here without one of us the more danger you were in. she knew that but I also knew that she would not be able to protect you like she would have if she came to you as upset as she was."

He remained silent to let me digest all of what he said. Marcello gave me a lot to think about. We sat there for about a half hour while I thought everything through. I stood up and he joined me but he still looked like he would still try to kill me if I tried to walk away from him.

"Ok You say that her uncle is the son of Dracula, and that she inherited his title. What title did she inherit any way?" I asked.

"She is the Queen of the vampires." he replied.

"Oh"

Great I gave my heart to the queen of vampires and she gave me hers. Now I understand why she didn't tell me sooner. She was trying to protect me. But what I don't understand is why some one would come after me to get at Ashley. I was going to ask Marcello but I asked him something else instead.

"Can you take me back to her?"

"Will you trust me if I promise not to hurt you?"

I nodded yes and he offer me his hand. I took it and he picked me up in his arms. And then he ran. Before I could blink an eye we were back at her house. He set me back down on my feet but caught me as soon as he let go of my arm. I was so light headed from the experience. I made a mental note to never do that again. I told him that I was ok to stand on my own and he let go of my arm. He told me that he would take me right to her room so that I would not have to deal with the others.

As we went upstairs to her bedroom I thanked him for his kindness and he bowed and left me alone to see Ashley. I opened the door to her room and I was knocked to the floor.

The last thing that I remember was seeing Ashley looking at me with a tear stained face and then she moved and that was when I got knocked to the floor. When I woke up I had a pair of arms wrapped around me. At first I thought that it was still morning then my memory came back to me.

"How does your head feel Sindie?"

"Painful." was my only response. 

"I am so sorry about that. I didn't think that Marcello would have been able to get you to come back. In fact I don't understand why you did come back."

"Well if you can answer me one thing I may not leave, your highness."

I heard her groan behind me and I had to quickly hide my smile in order to keep her from seeing that I was teasing her as she rolled me over to look me in the eye.

"I wish that he would not have told you that, that little piece of shit. But I suppose that he had to. Ok so what do you want to ask me?" she said.

"Ok really I have two questions but the one that I really want you to answer and the most important one to me is do you really love me?" I asked of her.

"Yes I really do. I would do anything to keep you safe from harm." she answered.

I could see in her eyes that she was telling me the truth. And believe it or not she answered my second question with out even realizing it.

"So what was your second question, my queen?"

"You have already answered that question. But you have to swear to me that no matter what happens you must not give control over to those that would rather kill than to live with us humans."

"I guess that when my half brother explained things to you he told you everything huh?"

I nodded to answer her question. She just sighed in resignation of everything that I could possibly know. Before I could stop myself I burst out laughing.

"Sindie, why are you laughing?"

It took me a full five minutes to settle down enough to give her my answer.

"You know you guys really suck right?" then I just started to burst out laughing again. And she gave me a and if I wasn't looking at her I would not have braced myself for her smack on my rear-end. Then she started to laugh with me.

I was finally able to calm down enough to give her a kiss and before she was not expecting it. She just lay there and when the shock of my lips on hers faded she started to kiss me back. I think she heard someone approaching because when a knock sounded at her door I just about jumped out of my skin but she just looked over my shoulder.

"Your highness..." The woman at the door faltered then corrected herself, "Ashley we need you downstairs when you are ready."

"Ok." As the woman started to leave Ashley added, "Oh and have them place one more seat at the table."

The woman nodded her head in respect but before she left she shot me a cruel malicious look. That, thankfully Ashley saw.

"And if you ever look and her like that again, and I don't care how few numbers we have, I will kill you with my bare hands."

I leaned back to really get a good look at Ashley and I could just see the power radiate off of her. It kind of spooked me but when she spoke to me her voice was gentle and kind.

"Come my dearest Sindie we have a meeting to go to. That and I can introduce you to those that are my loyal and trusted friends."

I nodded ok but when she asked if she could carry me to the meeting room to get us there quicker I vehemently shook my head no. She looked at me confused then it dawned on her that Marcello had already treated to the speed of a vampire. So she understood how I felt and so we walked at my speed until she pointed to the left. I saw that she was taking me to the side of the house that I have not been to yet. She warned me not to look in any of the rooms. I may not like what I found there. I nodded that I understood.

When we reached the end of the hall I was surprised by the sheer beauty of the artwork that was hanging on both sides of the door.

"Would you believe that it took me ten years to paint the both of those?"

"You painted those? They are absolutely beautiful." I answered.

She blushed and said thank you. Then her hand rested on the door handle.

"Are you ready my dear?" I was going to ask ready for what but then I remembered where I was. I told her yes but every nerve in my body was screaming no. She opened the door after she checked a second time if I was ready.

"Honestly no but lets just get it over with. Are you sure that I won't be attacked when I walk in the room?"

She just shrugged her shoulders but I saw a smile play at the corners of her lips to say that she knew for certain that I would not. Before I could do or say anything she had the door open and walked in. She noticed that I was not beside her she laughed and grabbed my arm and walked me into the room.

But when I entered I would have been safe to say that all hell literally brook loose. Every one was shouting about why I was there and that I should be killed on the spot for daring to walk in this chamber. It was all the same but said differently. I went to start to back out of the door but Ashley put her arm around my waist.

I could feel the power that she used earlier when that woman looked at me start to radiate from out of Ashley.

"Ashley please I can go if they don't want me here." I told her.

"It's about what they want but what I want." She said just loud enough for me to hear her but the effect was enough to receive a bow and curtsy from those that were gathered.

"Now if you all would please take your seats I will introduce you all." she was not mad but the others knew that if they dared to refuse that they would pay the price later, because Ashley was still radiating such a powerful aura. "Now as you all may have heard earlier this morning Sindie here was wise enough to call me to save her. And then again after we got here. Needless to say that the anger that she felt was understandable. I did not have enough time to explain everything to her on the way here. I thank you Marcello for making sure she was safe and that she fully understand what I was unable to tell her. Though I wish that you would have let me tell her that I had become the queen myself. Please note that I am not mad at you. You did what you had to make sure that she understood everything. I am grateful. Sindie shall we take our seats so as to be on equal grounds with my council?" she asked me and I was understandably dumbstruck. She laughed at me and grabbed my hand and led me to the chair next to hers. "Please sit my dear. I promise that I won't bite, unless you want me too." I knew that she was trying to make a joke out of it but I was starting to get a sick feeling in my stomach.

I leaned in to her to ask "Where would the nearest bathroom be?" She rolled her eyes and told me to close mine. I did and before I could protest I was in her arms like I weighed nothing at all. Then when she told me to open my eyes I saw that we were back in her master bathroom. I went straight to the toilet and got sick.

Ashley was kind enough to get me out of the hallway and somewhere safe. I thought that I was ready to accept this but I was not.

"Sindie are you ok? Is there anything that I can get you?" she asked I could hear the concern in her voice and that was hard but not as hard as what I had to tell her.

"A glass of water. Then I need to talk to you before you return to your meeting." she must have noticed that I said she was going to go to the meeting and I was not going to go. "Please let me say what I need to before you misunderstand. I was not ready for this. Any of this. I need time to think and I can't do that with that much power in one room. I was scared Ashley. I have never been that scared in my life. Not even when that man with the gun was at my door. I don't know if I can be in a room with that kind of presence. I will never leave your side but please if you still want to introduce me to them please do so as I see them around the house. I could literally see the aura of power you used to get them to quiet down and take their seats. I need to be brought into this slowly. I can't just be thrown into like that." I told her what I was feeling and she seemed to understand.

"Sindie I am sorry that I did that to you. I should have been more thoughtful. I should have been more considerate." She would have said more but there was a knock at her door and Marcello entered.

Ashley almost let go of her self control but she felt my hand on her arm and she took a deep breath and spoke calmly. "Marcello please go back to the meeting I will be there shortly. And tell the rest of them that I am going to be there in a minute."

"I would Ashe, but they understand that dear Sindie here may take up the rest of your evening so they have decided to convene until tomorrow. Also I did not tell her everything when I talked to her at the park. Just so you know." he walked over and gave her a brotherly kiss on the top of her head before he left us to ourselves.

"What did he mean that he did not tell me everything?"

"I will tell you later I promise you that. I am curious about something though. You said that you could see an aura of power around me when I was upset. What did it look like?"

"It was like you body was covered in purplish transparent flames. I have never seen anything like it before. Then I saw the auras of the rest of the members of your council. Though I could not tell what color they were. They all just seemed to combine into one aura, even yours was the brightest one that I could see. I think that was what made me sick. All of that power was combining. Thank you for getting me out of there."

"You are welcome Sindie. Since you answered my question I will answer yours. All of us has a special gift. Marcello and his fellow Dhampires also though not as great as a true vampire though. Mine is that I know someone is feeling though it seems that I am unable to read you. Ok enough talk you should get some rest." I was about to protest but she stopped me with a kiss and it felt nice.

"One more question please?" I asked her. She nodded and held up one finger. I knew that she meant she would answer one more question then I would need to try and get some sleep. "Did you really mean it about biting me?"

To answer my question she gently and tenderly bit my shoulder. "That's not the kind of bite that I meant and you know it." She nodded her answer. "How do you know when to stop?" I asked in response.

"I would listen to your heart beat but since I have been around for a while I have learned self control. And no it would not hurt you, at least not after the initial break of the skin. I would make it feel wonderful. Unless of course you did something to make me mad then I could make it be unbearable. But for you, if you let me, I would make sure that you felt no pain what so ever."