“I was born in 1846, bitten in 1863,” he said. “I was bitten during the Civil War. I was a soldier in the Union army. I was badly injured when I got bitten. I didn’t know who it was or where he came from, but I was able to heal and try to figure out this new life.”

  I couldn’t believe my boyfriend was 184 years old. I might as well have been dating my great-grandfather.

  Just as I was about to ask him more, something ran across the road ahead.

  “Juliet, get down,” James said.

  The figures stopped in the road as they saw our lights. It was them: the werewolves from earlier. They were staring straight at us.

  Just as they were staring us down, the sound of a semi honking his horn around the corner scared them off. Did they have any idea who James and Emma were? Could they smell me and were they stopping to have a bite to eat? Whatever they wanted, it didn’t matter anymore.

  “I can’t stand those feral dogs,” Emma said angrily.

  “Why do vampires and werewolves hate each other so much?” I asked. “Wouldn’t you guys get along since you’re both hunted by humans?”

  “Vampires and werewolves have a long history together,” said James. “There used to be a time when we all got along. Emma and I weren’t alive for that. In fact, nobody that I know of was. It was an ancient time. There were no problems between any of the races. It all changed when the wolves killed one of our own. We went from living together in peace to killing each other when we had the chance.”

  I had never seen James so angry before. It was something he was very mad about, and I knew I shouldn’t have asked anything. He scared me when he was like this. It made me wonder if he could control his temper if something ever happened.

  As we pulled up to my house, I saw my father looking out the window.

  “9:57,” I said. “Right on time.”

  “Thank you for coming over tonight,” James said. “I hope you had a good time.”

  “I had a great time,” I said, smiling. “I hope I can come over again sometime soon.”

  “Anytime,” said Emma as she hugged me.

  I got out of the car and waved goodbye as they drove away. I smiled as I turned around and realized where I was.

  “Well, back to reality,” I mumbled.

  I walked in to my father standing right in front of the door.

  “Who was that boy in the car?” he asked.

  “Emma’s brother. He drove me home.”

  “Well, I want to meet him,” he said while puffing out his chest and pulling his pants up.

  “Why?” I asked.

  “If some boy is driving you around places, I think I should be able to meet him.”

  “Emma is 15. She can’t drive. You guys won’t let me drive so her older brother had to drive me home. It’s bad enough he has to take time out of his day to drive me around, but now you want to harass the poor guy?” I shouted trying to get him off the trail of wanting to meet James.

  “Well—uh—fine then,” he said as he stomped off into the kitchen.

  I went up to my room and lay on my bed. I sat there thinking of everything that happened tonight. Now, I had a boyfriend and a second family. I was in love. I had not only a second family, but also people that understood me and accepted me. Things were just now starting to fall into place. I started to yawn and drift asleep. My mind was still racing from what had happened. As I fell asleep, thoughts of James filled my mind.

  I woke up to a beautiful day. The sun was shining through my window, birds were chirping, and the same smile that was on my face the night before was still there. Today just felt different. I felt like a new girl.

  I decided to clean that day. I always clean when I’m in a good mood. I don’t know why, but the smell of wood cleaner always makes my day better. I turned on the radio and my favorite song was on. I couldn’t help but feel that today was my day.

  “We interrupt your previously scheduled radio programming for a special news bulletin. In the early hours of this morning, werewolves were spotted in North Cherryton. We have a witness to describe what happened,” the narrator said.

  “Yeah, um, well, I was getting ready for work. My boss keeps making me come in early even when I say I don’t want to and I really don’t understand it. Why do they think they can—” the man said as he was interrupted.

  “Sir, please stick to the facts of the story,” the narrator said.

  “Right. Anyway, I was outside loading up my truck when I saw them. There were four of them. They were mighty big creatures and I hadn’t seen anything like them before. They were in their full forms, and they looked right at me. They stared at me for a few seconds before they took off, like they had somewhere to be,” the man said.

  “You said there were four?” the narrator asked.

  “Yup, four of em. One didn’t look like he belonged, though. Kind of like he was the new guy and he was being pushed around a little,” the man said.

  “Interesting,” the narrator said. “If any more reports come in, we will broadcast them here first. Now we continue with your previously scheduled programming.”

  As the music started coming back on, I started worrying. There were only three before. Even last night in the car, we only saw three. Was this a whole different pack of wolves, or did they recruit someone? My mind immediately went to Derek. What if James and his family were wrong? What if he was able to transform fully and he was a threat? I had overheard him talking, and it seemed like something he might do.

  I had to talk to James about this. I knew that when I saw him at school tomorrow, I would have to talk to him about all of this. I was just hoping that he wouldn’t think I was crazy. After all, I am dating a vampire.

  Chapter Five

  Death

  The next day I knew I had rush to school. I couldn’t wait until lunch to talk to James. What if I was right? What if Derek was a part of this and someone got hurt? He needed to be stopped, and I was going to make sure he was.

  As I got to school, I pushed people out of the way to get inside. I looked the hallways for James but couldn’t find him anywhere.

  “My locker!” I shouted.

  James was always at my locker. It was like a homing beacon to him and he always knew to find me there. I ran through the hallways and turned the corner to see he wasn’t there. I was panicked, but knew I had to get my things anyway for class. I opened my locker and got my books. As I closed the door, I heard someone say something.

  “Boo,” said James, smiling.

  “I’m so glad I found you,” I said.

  “Well, me too,” he said. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you last night.”

  “Did you hear about the wolf sighting last night?” I asked frantically.

  “The ones we saw?”

  “No. I heard yesterday some man saw other ones. This time there were four of them out roaming in the early morning.”

  “This isn’t good. They must be trying to form a pack,” he said while putting his fingers to his chin.

  “I think it was Derek,” I whispered to him.

  “Derek? Why Derek? He isn’t that level, and besides, he’s never shown aggression.”

  “What if you were wrong about him? What if he really is to that level but doesn’t show it because he knows you would do something?”

  “I’ll talk to Troy about it. He knows all about trapping and hunting wolves. If he says there is a chance then we will check it out.”

  “Just be careful,” I said looking into his eyes. “I couldn’t live with myself if you got hurt.”

  “I will. I would never do anything to hurt you,” he said looking into my eyes.

  As he was about to kiss me, somebody came and interrupted us.

  “What is going on here?” asked Brittany. “You think you can just come and steal my man? I have liked James for a lot longer than you have even been here.”

  “Leave her alone,” James said. “She and I are dating. I have never liked you, Brittany. You’re mean and cruel.”

  I watched on as James defended me. It was a side of him I’d never seen before. He is usually very quiet and nice to everybody he meets. He even has been nice to Brittany even though she was obsessed with him.

  Brittany stormed off in disbelief. She was finally out of the picture. Finally I could focus on building a relationship with James and not have to focus on somebody trying to rip us apart.

  The bell rang as James let go of my hand. He kissed my cheek and walked away, his cool kiss still lingering on my porcelain skin.

  I went to class smiling. As I walked into history class, I saw Mr. Quigley getting another video ready.

  “Today we will be learning about the werewolves and their history,” said Mr. Quigley enthusiastically.

  The entire class groaned as he fumbled with the disc.

  “I know how much you guys would rather hear my beautiful voice instead, but this is important. With the recent spotting I thought it only fitting to show you more about them,” he said.

  He dimmed the lights as the movie started playing. It was an older movie, one that hadn’t been updated in years.

  “The werewolves are an ancient species that we know much about. It is rumored that they come from a shamanistic people. They originated in most of Europe, their presence feared by all. Normal men would take the shape of vicious wolves and hunt the livestock and the people with no regard for their lives. Men would be consumed by their new powers and wouldn’t be able to control their thoughts or urges once they transformed. Many werewolves found that they could make packs, which is a group or family of werewolves living and hunting together. Their power is drawn from the moon and would be amplified by the higher number they had in their packs. Their strength and speed would increase, and the killings would also rise. Werewolves couldn’t be hunted by mortal men, and only had one enemy: the vampires. It is rumored that they used to live in peace, in harmony. Then a vicious attack by the wolves prompted the vampires to retaliate and they have been locked in combat ever since. It is even said if you are lucky enough to slay a werewolf and wear his pelt, you will take on some of his powers and attributes. Werewolves are near impossible to detect in their mortal forms. Next time you are out at night and you hear a howl, be careful. You never know what, or who, will be running out of the woods next.”

  “As you see, class,” Mr. Quigley said, “werewolves are both remarkable and dangerous. You need to always exercise caution and never approach a wild werewolf. They are known to attack on sight and will never show mercy.”

  I looked over to see Cara shifting a little in her seat. I could tell she was uneasy. She looked as though she thought everybody knew her secret: that she was a werewolf. I watched her squirm, wondering if she knew what her mate had become.

  As Mr. Quigley went on with his lesson, I couldn’t help but watch Cara. She was fidgeting as if she wanted just to burst out of the classroom and leave. She wasn’t acting as if she was scared someone would find her out anymore. She was acting as if she needed to tell someone something.

  The bell rang and I watched her push her way out of the class. I followed her from afar as I saw her find and approach Derek. She pulled him aside and started talking to him.

  “We can’t do this anymore,” she said.

  “What do you mean? Do what?” he replied.

  “Be here, in this school. They just played a movie about werewolves and I think they are on to us,” she said frantically.

  “Relax,” he said. “I am sure you are over-reacting. With the spotting yesterday we have to be even more careful than before.”

  When I heard her say that, I walked away. They were the wolves. They recruited other wolves to go with them and terrorize the city. They were turning wild and now Cara was scared that people would find out and try to capture them.

  I decided I was going to try to talk to James again at lunch. He was too quick to put the idea aside earlier, but now I had proof. I knew they were going to try to do this again and I didn’t want to see someone get hurt.

  As the day progressed, I got impatient. I just wanted to get to James and warn him of the impending doom that was headed our way. I couldn’t stop thinking about what Cara had said and how she acted, either. Why would she do this? Why would THEY do this? Couldn’t they just control their urges and leave somewhere?

  As lunch approached, I didn’t have eating in mind: just James. I saw him sitting there at the table with Emma talking.

  “Hey Juliet!” said Emma. “We were just talking about you.”

  “What about?” I asked.

  “Just how much fun we had with you. I’m glad there finally is someone my age around,” she said.

  “Oh—yeah—me too. Anyway, listen. I overhead Cara and Derek talking.”

  “Not again,” said James. “You need to just calm down. They aren’t doing anything.”

  “Yes, they are. I overheard them talking about how they can’t do this anymore and be in this school. They also said they have to be even more careful than before. How do you explain that?”

  “I would be scared too. If our people were in the news the way theirs are, you would be scared you will be found out. Emma and I are scared every day,” said James.

  “I don’t know. I still think they are up to something,” I said.

  “Relax and go have lunch. I told you I will talk to Troy and we will figure it all out. It’s in good hands. Don’t try to get involved.”

  I gave him a kiss and walked away. I knew they were up to something, but what?

  I sat down for lunch right as Ariel and the others were talking.

  “Can you believe what happened to Ashley?” Ariel said.

  “Something happened to her?” I cautiously asked.

  “Yeah. Well, you know she was taken away before, but now it got worse. Apparently they are charging her for the attack on those guys and she is being sent to some holding prison somewhere. Apparently it’s where they keep vampires, werewolves and androidians that they have caught over the years,” Ariel said.

  All I could think was that I could’ve been the one going to this prison. What if they had caught me? If Ashley’s father, one of the wealthiest people in the nation, couldn’t save her, my father couldn’t either. I knew that I had to start being more careful. I couldn’t give any hints to anyone that I knew the things I did and that I was secretly dating a vampire.

  “That’s terrible,” I said

  “Yeah,” said Taylor. “I just hope that Brittany takes it okay. She is a mean girl, but it would be hard to lose your sister like this.”

  As the day went on, I couldn’t stop thinking about what was said at lunch. Didn’t they know Ashley wasn’t a vampire? What could they possibly be holding her for? She was going to spend the rest of her life in prison, and it was entirely my fault.

  The bell rang to go home, and I had to find James. As I made my way to my locker, I saw him talking to Emma in the hallway.

  “Hey, I just wanted to say goodbye,” I said.

  “I love you,” he said while lovingly looking into my eyes.

  “I love you too,” I said, smiling.

  “We are going to watch Derek and Cara tonight. If they change forms and go then we will be right on top of them watching. We won’t let them hurt anyone,” he said.

  “Just be careful,” I said with my hands against his chest.

  He kissed me on the cheek and walked away. He looked back just before walking around the corner, and he smiled at me as his face vanished. I had never felt so lucky before.

  As I got in the car to go home, I turned on my phone and it started beeping. I hadn’t had it on all day and now I had four text messages waiting for me.

  “Hey I need to talk to u.”

  “Are u there?”

  “Please reply, it’s important.”

  “Text me soon.”

  They were all from Marcus. He had never texted me like this before. He was always very laid-back and now all of a sudden it seemed like something was very wrong. I hurriedly replied to him.

  “I’m sorry, what’s wrong?!?” I said.

  “Nothin’ wrong. Just need to talk to you when u get home,” he replied.

  While I was on my way home, I tried to think of what Marcus could need to talk to me about. Nothing major had happened recently, and I hadn’t even talked to him for a couple days. I got home and went upstairs to talk to him.

  As I logged online, he messaged me.

  “Hey,” he said.

  “Hey. What’s up? What did you need to talk to me about?” I replied.

  “I wanted to talk about our relationship.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, we have been good friends for a while now. We have video chatted and I was just wondering if you wanted to go on a date sometime. I think we would have a really great time together.”

  I was shocked. I really didn’t even know what to say. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. He was such an important person in my life, and I wanted to keep his friendship.

  “Oh,” I said. “I’m actually dating someone now, and I love him. I care about you deeply, Marcus, and you are family to me. I don’t want this to hurt our friendship because we have been so close for so long and you are one of my best friends.”

  “You’re dating someone...?”

  “Yes…”

  “Oh, that’s cool, I guess. I’m happy for you. I hope he treats you right. You are the best girl I’ve ever known. I guess I was just hoping that a guy like me could be with a girl like you.”

  “What do you mean a girl like me?”

  “You’re a wonderful person. You’re kind and sweet and beautiful. You always know how to make me smile and you are just the best person I know.”

  “Thank you, Marcus. I hope we can continue to talk and be friends. It would mean a lot to me.”

  “Of course, Juliet. I’m going to get going. I’ll talk to you again soon.”

  Before I could reply, he had logged off. I felt horrible about what happened. I really did like Marcus. I even felt deep down that if he had said these things a few weeks ago, that maybe I would be with him right now. He has always been extremely secretive with me and I am just not sure I could be with someone who was like that. I need a man who will give me everything, especially honesty.

 

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