chapter 4: desire

When I woke up we were still driving but it was a lot lighter out.

“Are we getting close, Zero?” I asked in a small voice, sitting up. He glanced at me as if he had forgotten I was in the car with him, which was weird considering I was sleeping against his shoulder. Maybe he just didn't feel me there...? Anyways, he nodded.

“It shouldn't be too long now.” He responded softly.

Jake stared out in front of him as if oblivious to us and our conversation. Zero wasn't lying, about five minutes later we arrived into a thick forest which we proceeded into by a small trail. The others continued to follow from close behind us.

Eventually we came up to a fairly large house with another huge garage. But the garage and house were a good distance away from eachother as the house was on a slight hill and the house was below it. Zero and his hills. It was a strange house. It was literally a black house with tinted windows.

As we pulled into the garage I looked over at Jake for one reason or another and I saw what appeared to be a disgusted look on his face. He was looking out the back window as the other cars pulled into the garage.

“What?” I asked, not able to stop myself. I bit my lip, wishing I would think before I spoke.

He looked at me now. Just like Zero, he seemed to forget I was there. His gaze was on Zero now who shut off the truck. Zero looked at me for a moment then turned his attention on Jake.

“What?” He repeated my question.

Jake looked disgusted again, like he were going to be sick.

“She's here...” He grunted. I looked at Zero now who had the same disgusted look on his face.

“You don't mean...” Zero's voice trailed off.

They looked at eachother at the same time, both letting out a pained groan in unison. Before I could curiously ask who they were talking about there was a banging noise on top of the truck. I think I had my answer.

Standing in front of us, wide eyed and smiling with delight, was a very pretty girl with long dirt blonde wavy hair that went just past her chest. She had these golden brown eyes that were just huge and looked like they were full of wonder. Her face was delicate. Besides her eyes, her features were quit small, which oddly with her eyes being so big, it didn't look strange at all, not like one would expect. It actually worked for her and made her look innocent. Her frame was small but she wore a dress that wasn't so elligant, like she seemed to be herself. It was, how could I put it lightly? Well, a little slutty...and that's being nice.

“Master Zero!” She squealed. “I knew you'd be back!” Her voice was so loud we didn't even have to roll down the windows or even get out of the car to hear her. Her voice echoed through the whole garage.

The vampires who had gotten out of there cars and trucks by now looked over and laughed to themselves as they walked past the truck, heading out of the garage. Her eyes shifted to Jake now.

“Hi Jake!” She continued to squeal. Jake and Zero glanced at eachother.

“Hi Anabelle...” They muttered but she still was able to hear them. She crossed her arms.

“You don't seem very excited to see me, Master Zero.” She pouted.

Her eyes were back on Zero and I didn't like the way she was looking at him. I subconsciously frowned, grabbing Zero's arm. He looked down at me in a way that seemed he was glad I was there. I grabbed his arm a little tighter.

It was then that I noticed that she seemed to just notice me. Her face twisted, her fangs baring, for the first time in my life I knew what fear really was. I grabbed his arm even tighter. Zero looked at Anabelle now and tensed.

Jake jumped out of the truck now, rushing over to her. He grabbed her arm and whispered something in her ear. She looked at him apprehensively. He nodded. She then smiled, looking pleased and turned to leave with a group of passing vampires.

Jake looked at Zero, who nodded as if in approval of something. Jake smirked and left with the rest of who was left in the garage. We were alone now. The whole garage was empty.

“What did he tell her?” I asked as he moved to get out.

“Nothing.” He told me quietly. I still had a hold of his arm but I couldn't grip any tighter.

“No. Kale, what did he tell her?” When I said his name, I spoke it quietly, just in case. He looked at me.

“It's a vampire thing. You wouldn't understand.”

I raised my eyebrow at him. “Try me.”

He sighed, saying it in my ear. I gasped, pulling away from him.

“You're...going to have sex with her?!” I was half shocked and half angry. His eyes widened slightly.

“NO!” He said suddenly.

“Then what does that mean?” I raised my eyebrow again.

He stared at me and I could tell he was trying desperately to think of something to say. He finally sighed heavily.

“Ok. That's exactly what it means.” He had said that Jake told Anabelle that he, being Zero, was going to lay with her tonight, or really this morning. Lay may be a “vampire term” but it was obvious and any idiot would be able to figure it out. “But I have NO intention on doing it! We just need her to stay away from you until I can figure something out.” He spoke as he pulled me out of the truck with him.

“But why would he tell her that? What's the deal with you two?” He turned to me as we left the garage and headed up the hill. He took my hand gently in his as he had actually been dragging me tightly by the arm.

“Things happened a very long time ago, when I first became Zero. I guess you could say we kind of had a...thing...” He muttered, sounding disgusted. “Then I found out she was doing something that I had banned many years before. She kept humans, mostly males and tortured them, played with them, teased them until she finally killed them. It was...” He was having trouble forming words now as we came to the house door.

“Disgusting?” I asked and finished his sentence at the same time. He nodded.

When we went in, we both stopped talking. It wasn't surprising that we were walking down a dark hallway. We rounded a corner, eventually going up a flight of stairs, down another hall and up even more stairs, where we came to a door. He opened it. We walked into a big room. It was a little strange but most vampires actually lived like normal humans. There was a bed and a fireplace on the other side of the room. He shut the door now. I could see my breath. It was freezing. He glanced at me then led me to the fireplace.

“It was here when I found this place. I've never used it, but luckily I kept it.” He smiled at me as he tried to light it. It took him a couple times but he was finally able to get it started.

I couldn't help but laugh at him as I sat down on the soft carpet in front of it, putting my hands out for warmth. He had disappeared, I hardly noticed before he came back in less then half a second. He wrapped a soft blanket around me as I shivered. I couldn't figure out why it was cold but I assumed it was because it had been awhile since they'd been here. He sat down behind me, I leaned against him as he wrapped his arms around me. He kissed the corner of my eye.

After awhile I was extremely warm. The heat was making me sleepy. Before I could actually drift off into a sweet sleep, a question popped into my mind. One that was way too hard to ignore.

“Did you love her?” I whispered half asleep. He pulled me closer. He had been still this whole time we were sitting here, until now. His sudden movement made me jump slightly.

“No.” He said without hesitation. I sat there quietly, trying to figure out if he was really telling the truth. From what I could tell, he was.

“Have you ever been in love?” I asked after a moment. This time it took him longer to answer .

“Just once.” He finally said. Then when I didn't say anything because I couldn't find my voice, my heart sinking in my chest, he continued. “But, it's really strange for me, because she's human. She's very tempting. I'm drawn to her, unable to resist.”

I couldn't help but smiling to myself. Who else could he be talking about? I've never seen another human since i've been with these vampires.

“Does she know you feel this way?”

He shrugged.

“Do you think she feels the same way?” I asked, turning to him now. He shrugged again.

“I'm unsure...Does she?” He breathed. I stared at him for the longest time before answering. I wanted to make sure of my feelings before saying it for the first time in my life. He began to look a little uneasy. I'm sure if he had a heart beat I would be able to hear it right now.

“She loves you too.” I nodded.

He smiled as if relived. He pulled me to him, kissing me softly on the lips. I knew now, with 100% certainty that I was going to have Dante turn me. I wanted so badly for Kale to do it, but I knew better. Dante was the only one willing to do it. Any other vampire would most likely kill me rather then stop and Kale wouldn't be able to force himself to do it. Our lips stayed locked for the longest time before I pushed him away from me.

“More.” He breathed. I shook my head.

“Sleep.” I whispered. He gazed down at me before finally nodding and kissing my forehead. I melted into him as he wrapped his arms around me. I rested my head on his chest.

“Sweet dreams, my only love.” I heard him breath softly in my ear as my eyes became too heavy to keep open. I didn't have time to respond as I drifted into a deep sleep.

****

When I woke up again, Kale was gone. He left a note on his pillow. He must have moved us over to the bed while I was sleeping. I had to move over to the fireplace to read the note. It was too dark on the bed. It was comfortably warm in the room now. I sat down in front of the fireplace, reading the note.

Went to go deal with Anabelle. I shouldn't be too long. Nothing will happen, I promise.

-Zero Kale

Of course I trusted him and believed him. He never would have told me where he went if he planned on doing anything with her. After staring into the fire for a moment, I realized that if I was going to somehow find Dante, I would have to do it now. I got up, setting the note on the fireplace and went quietly over to the door. I slipped out and rushed down the first flight of stairs just as quietly. As I came to the bottom I saw a room on the right side of the hallway. The door was barely cracked open and I heard voices.

“No, Anabelle. You listen to me. You will not go near the girl!” Zero's voice snapped coldly. I winced, hearing the sharp edge in his voice.

“How dare you protect a human! Have you gone soft, Master Zero?!” She snapped back. He growled at her.

I rushed past the door, leaving the argument behind me. I ran down the second flight of stairs. As I got to the bottom I ran into a hard body. My heart exploded. I slowly looked up to see who the vampire could be. All the muscles in my body relaxed.

“Oh good, it's you! Zero told me, to tell you, to take me back to Dante...” I tried my best to lie. Jake frowned.

“I should go check with Zero.” He began to move around me. I grabbed his arm, he seemed to freeze in place. I ignored his strange reaction.

“He's with Anabelle.” I told him quickly. “He doesn't want to be disturbed.”

He turned around, looking down at me. He looked like he was studying my face. 'I'm not lying...' I repeated in my head, maybe it would show on my face that I was telling the truth.

“Let's go then.” He mumbled.

We left out the front door. The sun had just set, like always. I felt bad dragging Jake into this but I had no idea where Dante was. As he opened the garage door, the vampires that went east were just getting out of there cars.

“Hey Jake! Going somewhere?” One of them said looking up from getting out of the car. Jake nodded.

“You know where Dante is?”

“Sure. Same place as before...You taking the girl back?” Another one answered him.

“Zero's orders.” Jake shrugged.

I bit my lip as the others glanced at eachother. It was then that I realized there were 11 of them and only one of me. I also noticed, through my moment of terror, all of them were so much more relaxed since Zero wasn't here.

“Anabelle's back.” Jake informed them, leading me over to a black Scion XD. All of the cars in the garage were all different but they were all the same color, black.

The others murmured as if they suddenly understood something.

“Try not to get yourself killed, Jake.”

He smirked as he opened the passenger door for me. I got in and he shut it. He was saying something as he went around to the drivers side. He opened the door, I heard laughter. As he got in the garage door opened. He shut his door, started the car and took off as soon as the garage door was opened just enough for us to get under without scratching the top of the car. After awhile of silent driving, he spoke.

“It's too bad he chose Anabelle over you.”

I looked over at him.

“Yeah. Too bad...” It hit me now, that that's what the others thought too. No wonder it was so easy to get them to believe me. What vampire in there right mind would actually chose a human over their own kind?

“Nobody likes Anabelle. She can't take a hint that we don't want her around.”

“Well, why doesn't anybody just come out and say it?” I asked. He glanced at me and shrugged. “Just say 'Anabelle, no one likes you. You're annoying and slutty and stupid--”

He laughed cutting me short. I blushed. That was mean.

“Why didn't you say those things? You didn't have to let her take him.”

I looked down, getting annoyed now. Of course none of it was true. Zero didn't choose her. It was starting to get a little hard, pretending that he did. I took in a deep breath before looking at him.

“She's a vampire. One of the scariest i've seen yet...” My voice trailed off.

“And what? I'm not?”

I laughed, looking at him again. He just kind of stared at me. I stopped laughing.

“Oh. You're serious.”

He burst out laughing now.

“No, i'm not serious. I'd rather be scary to other vampires but not to humans. Of course, that's not the case. Except with you.” He was looking at the road now. “It's like you see past the monster in all of us. You have the ability to bring out the human in us, because you treat us like we're human. I mean, i've seen it first hand with Zero. And you make me feel human in a strange way.”

I stared at him for the longest time. He seemed absolutely happy about it.

“Is that a good thing?” I asked, unsure. He looked at me again and nodded.

“It is.” Vampires were very good at driving and looking away at the same time.

“You're gonna get me killed if you don't pay attention to the road.” I let him know after he stared at me for too long. He smiled now but turned to face the road again.

“So the human doesn't trust the vampire.”

I sighed. “No. Jamie doesn't trust Jake when he's not looking at the road.”

His eyes shifted to me for a moment then back to the road.

“That's amazing.” He breathed.

“What?” I was looking at the road now too.

“I never learned your name but turns out you've known mine all along.”

“I just pay attention, that's all.”

He was quiet now but it didn't last long. He must have liked to hear the sound of his own voice...not that I could blame him. It was different from the other vampires but not as distinct as Kale's.

“Do you know Zero's real name?”

I didn't answer for a moment. I probably should have answered right away though.

“No...”

I saw his eyes widen in the corner of my eye. I looked at him as he looked at me.

“You do!”

“I don't.”

“What is it?”

“...I don't know...”

He slammed on the brakes and looked at me as if he just realized something.

“He loves you!”

“What?!” I let the shock in my voice make it seem like I thought what he said was crazy.

“He didn't choose Anabelle.” He was a lot smarter then I was giving him credit for. “Seriously, what's going on Jamie?”

I shook my head, telling him silently I wasn't going to tell him.

“Take me to Dante, Jake.”

“Zero's gonna kill me!”

“If you go back without me, then yes! But if you take me to Dante, i'll make sure he doesn't touch you.” I quickly said without thinking.

“Who? Dante or Zero?” He wasn't just wide eyed now, he was wild eyed, like the first time I ever saw him.

“Both.” I answered softly. He stared at me until he sank back into his seat, sighing. He put his hands over his face.

“I'm in too deep now.” He murmured. I watched him carefully. Finally he sat up again and began driving again. Thankfully in the same direction. I sighed, sinking back into my seat now.

“Thank you, Jake.”

“You owe me one.” He muttered. I nodded.

“I know.”

We became very quiet, watching the road for a long time. After nearly two hours of driving there were suddenly headlights fairly close behind us. They came out of nowhere. Jake kept glancing in his rear-view mirror. He frowned.

“What's wrong?” I asked after watching him glance in the mirror a few times. He looked at me now.

“They tracked us.” He muttered, then turned sharply, making my head hit the window.

“What? Who?” I rubbed my head.

“Seatbelt.”

“What?!” That confused me. He glanced at me while speeding up.

“Put your seatbelt on!”

I reached for it and easily snapped it into place.

“It's either Zero himself or some of the others.” He explained. “Whatever you got us into, it doesn't look good.”

That made me feel great, Jake! I couldn't help but think to myself. Something hit the back of the car. I glanced back. Jake couldn't shake them loose. There was a noise above the car. I knew that sound.

“The doors!” I squealed, remembering how I ended up with these vampires in the first place. He grabbed a hold of his so they couldn't easily rip it open.

“Come here!” He ordered.

“But I just--”

“No, they'll rip you out of the car! Take it off and come here!” He demanded.

I unbuckled it just as my door flew open. I let out a scream. He pressed harder on the gas and reached over, taking my hand and pulling me against him in one smooth motion. By doing this he had to let go of his door, so in seconds his was ripped open too. Jake wrapped his arm tightly around me as he gripped the steering wheel.

I heard a hiss, followed by Jake growling. There was a popping sound. Whoever was hanging in the door way, Jake had punched hard in the face. There was a tumbling sound on the roof. I felt someone tug forcefully on my arm.

“Get closer.” Jake muttered. I wrapped my arms around him, moving even closer. His arm wasn't around me anymore. He grabbed whoever it was.

“What's going on?!” Jake hissed.

“Zero wants the girl back, traitor!” He snapped. I turned to whoever it was, staying close to Jake.

“Tell Zero that I-I asked him to take me back to Dante. I told Jake that Zero demanded me to have Jake take me back. And tell him, it's my decision.” I told him, then without thinking, I tried to push him. He didn't budge of course.

“Go!” I snapped.

He growled. Jake gripped me tighter.

“We'll be back.” He growled again. Both doors slammed. The car behind us fell back.

Even after they were gone for a few minutes, Jake didn't let me go. I slowly looked up at him, not sure what I would see on his face. His jaw was moving back and fourth. It was tense as if he were deep in thought. I bit my lip, not really sure what the look meant.

“I'm sorry, Jake.” I didn't know why I was apologizing, I just knew that I felt like I had to. He looked down at me. He seemed a little confused and angry. He was becoming really hard to read though.

“It's not your fault.” He muttered. I frowned.

“But I dragged you into this. Now your whole clan thinks you're a traitor.” I looked away from him now, trying to pull away but he wouldn't let me. I gave up, leaning against him again. “Zero will never believe that I willingly decided to go back to Dante.” I looked back up at him. He frowned. His eyebrows scrunching together. He looked even more confused.

“Why do you want to go back to Dante?” He stopped the car again, letting me go. He looked at me as I sat up. I moved back to the passenger seat. I shook my head. He shook his back.

“I won't take you unless you tell me why.”

I was silent as he stared at me. I sighed, then turned away from him, opening my door.

“Fine. I'll walk from here.”

He reached over grabbing my arm. He pulled me back into the car as I was already half way out.

“You don't know where you're going! You have no idea what's out there that won't hesitate to kill you!” He snapped at me.

“Jake--”

“Tell me!” He continued to snap, holding my arm tightly. I shut the door as he gripped tighter. Vampires were so strong. I don't think they realize how strong they are sometimes.

“I want him to turn me!” I let out in pain. He pulled back his hand fast when he realized he was hurting me. I looked down at my forearm where he had grabbed me. The bruise was already forming. I grabbed onto it.

“Owe...” I groaned. I looked up, he did look sorry but more pissed off at the same time. I scooted away a little. “He's the only one that will do it.”

“You don't want this. You don't want to be like us.” He told me through clenched teeth.

“So i've been told.” I muttered. “But it's my choice. You have no say in what I do. None of you do. Not you, not Zero, nobody!” I remarked, angrily. He sighed, looking a little less pissed off until he let out a growl.

“Ill take you to him, but damn it Jamie, really think about this.”

“I have.”

“You haven't”

“I--”

“You haven't!” He interrupted.

“Fine! I'll think about it!” I sunk back in my seat, crossing my arms.

We were quiet again as he let me think about it and continued driving. I already made my decision and wasn't about to change my mind. We drove on as the starry sky turned from black to a deep blue, showing signs that morning was just about here.

“You won't get to see it ever again...” He told me quietly as he pulled into some dense trees. I looked at him. “The sun.” He said seeing my confused expression. “The brightest star in the cosmos, the life force of humans, the death sentence to vampires...” He parked the car in the shrub.

I didn't say anything. He wasn't going to change my mind. I pulled my knees to my chest. He stared at me for a long time before leaning back and shutting his eyes. I didn't know if he slept, but I did.

I woke up abruptly to the sound of something on top of the car. I looked up at Jake. I had somehow ended up in his lap. He was looking around. His eyes moved in front of him where somebody jumped down in front of the car. He tensed seeing who it was. I sat up, instantly tensing too.

Zero's gaze went from Jake to me. His expression screamed disgust. I glanced at Jake, realizing how close we were. I pulled myself away from him and opened the door.

“Jamie--”

I looked at Jake, then got out of the car and shut the door. He didn't follow me, he stayed in the car watching us carefully. I walked up to Zero kind of slowly. I didn't move as close to him as I normally would have. I stopped a couple feet away from him. He looked at me as if waiting for me to move closer. When I didn't, he did. I wanted to take a step back but decided against it.

“What are you doing?” He spoke without really moving his lips.

“Kale--” I barely moved my own lips. He glanced over at Jake. His face was the same, he didn't hear me. He looked back at me. I bit my lip and took a deep breath. “Zero, I was just going back to see--”

“I know where you're going. Alex told me what you said. What I don't get is why and what are you doing with Jake?” He interrupted me. Now I knew what he was really upset about at the moment.

“Oh. No. K—Zero, it's not what it looks like. I just fell asleep.”

He stared at me. “Why are you going back to Dante?”

“I um...eh...How's Anabelle?” Wrong answer. I was just trying to avoid telling him. His jaw tensed. He stared at me now as if he were hurt. That was worse then seeing him angry or hungry.

“Sorry.” I muttered. “You won't like my answer.” I finally told him after meeting his eyes with mine and gazing at him for a moment. He let out a growl. He figured it out.

“No.” He reached for my arm.

The arm he reached for was the one with the bruise. I pulled back and turned away from him. I looked over at Jake, he was staring at my arm. His eyes shifted to Zero, terrified. He knew what would happen if Zero found out about the bruise. I didn't know but I sure could guess.

Zero frowned deeper, grabbing my arm so fast I didn't see him move. He grabbed right on the bruise of all places. I let out a pained gasp. He grabbed my right arm, pulling me closer to him. He let go of my left one just slightly as he took a look.

His eyes snapped over to Jake who tensed and eyes widened. Zero snarled at him and I heard a deep growl from the back of his throat.

“Zero, he didn't--” He glared at me, making me shut up instantly. He pushed me behind him and went charging toward the car. “Zero!” I ran forward.

Jake got out of the car. When he did, Zero was right on him, grabbing him by the throat. He continued to snarl as he lifted him off the ground. Jake grabbed Zero's arm, digging his fingers into his marble flesh. For some reason vampires always went after eachothers throats when they fought, like it was just instinct for them to attack the throat.

“You want to touch her again?!” He hissed through clenched teeth. Jake sneered back at him but didn't say anything. “I will--”

“Stop Zero! It's not his fault!” I pleaded grabbing his arm. He was so tense. I could hardly believe it. He didn't even look at me.

“Shut up!” He snapped. I let go of his arm and took a step back.

He's never talked to me like that before. For the first time he scared me. And then I suddenly got angry at him.

“Let him go, Zero!” I snapped at him now. I began pounding on his back with his fists repeatedly. Of course it did nothing but maybe bug him a little.

He dropped him. Jake landed on his feet but fell back against the Scion. Zero turned on me. I kept hitting him, now it was his chest. I couldn't bring myself to stop. He grabbed my arms. I looked up at him. Tears were in the back of my eyes. I was hurt now.

“You can't do this.” He begged quietly.

I clenched my teeth, trying to blink the tears away.

“But i'm doing it for you.” The tears grew too heavy and fell. “Don't you want to be with me forever, Zero?”

His face completely changed now. All of his muscles relaxed. He wasn't holding my arms so tightly now. He looked at me like he didn't know what to say but he tried anyways.

“Of course I do but I...I can't let you...I just...Jamie...” He changed his sentence a few times before pulling me into his arms and wrapped them around me. “I'm so lost right now, Jamie.” His voice came out small-like.

I dug my face into his chest, wrapping my arms around him too. He held me for a long time. We stood there in silence. I pulled back just a little seeing Jake in the corner of my eye stare at us in wonder. After a moment, Zero pulled back too. His head snapped toward Jake. Jake, being taken by surprise, looked quickly away then back at him. Zero was frowning at him, he still had a hold of me.

“Come talk to me next time. You shouldn't listen to her.” He said to him sternly. Jake nodded and stood up tall, trying to look attentive rather then curious.

“Sorry Master Zero.” His voice was even and strong. Zero sighed, sounding irritated.

“You can head back to the clan. I can take her from here.” He still didn't let me go.

Jake hesitated a moment. He gazed at me for that moment before nodding and obediently spinning around and opening the Scion door. Before he got in, Zero stopped him;

“Oh and Jake,” He said suddenly. Jake stopped, meeting Zero's gaze. “None of this leaves this forest, got it?”

Instead of nodding Jake actually answered.

“Of course Master Zero. I wouldn't dare--”

“No.” Zero interrupted him with a smirk that showed his cocky side. “You wouldn't.”

Jake shook his head, which actually meant he was agreeing with him.

“No Master Zero, I wouldn't.” He seemed to mumble. He got into the Scion, almost instantly speeding off.

I turned to Zero, well I guess I could refer to him as Kale now, realizing the car was the only light we had and from what I could see there was no other car in sight.

“Let's get out of here.” He softly spoke. I was looking up into his eyes, not that I could really see them.

“But Kale, where's your car?”

I saw him smile. “I figured we could take a walk--”

“A walk? But I can hardly even see you and you're only inches away from me!”

I heard him sigh as he pulled me against him.

“Did you already forget what I am, Jamie?”

“No...” I mumbled against his chest, not seeing what that had to do with us walking around in the dark.

“Rest for awhile.” He whispered in my ear. I pulled away, looking up.

“Wh--” I began but suddenly he lifted me off my feet and into his arms in a smooth motion. He began to walk.

“Kale are you serious?” I honestly wasn't sure if he was being serious.

“Close your eyes sweetheart. We'll be there before you know it.” He pulled me closer against his chest.

“Where are we going?” He wouldn't take me back to Dante and we wouldn't go back to his own clan or else we would have went back with Jake. He laughed.

“You'll see. But just sleep for now. Trust me.”

My arms were around his neck. I was resting my head on his shoulder. I slowly ran my thumb in an up and down motion against the side of his neck.

“I do trust you.” I breathed. He was silent for a second, then I felt him nod.

“I know. Now stop tempting me and just sleep.” He seemed to be ordering me, gently.

“Tempting you?” I couldn't help but ask and giggle.

“Jamie...” He sounded a tiny bit agitated.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked curiously. He sighed again.

“It's just the way you're touching me—”

I laughed, interrupting him.

“My whole body is touching you.” I giggled. “You're carrying me, remember?”

“Well, if you would just sleep it'll be easier for me to carry you.”

I let out a deep sigh. My breath hitting his neck. I felt him tense slightly.

“Jamie.” He breathed as if I purposely did it.

“Sorry.” I apologized softly.

He let out yet another sigh. We both became very silent. I listened to his soft, quick, long strides. I shut my eyes forgetting I was being carried and fell asleep. I slept for what seemed like a very long time, having a very good but at the same time, bad dream.

*******

Instead of Kale showing up and swooping me off my feet, Jake and I got to Dante before Kale got to us. I slept through the journey there, as in reality I had no idea where Dante's clan was located. We were walking through the familiar darkened hallways. We were going towards Dante's quarters which was forbidden after day one. I pounded my fist on the stone door.

“Dante, it's Jamie--”

The door opened before I could shout anything else. He stood there. I saw him smile under his hood. He lifted his hand to pull it back but stopped himself suddenly, obviously noticing Jake who stood close by me, his hand resting on my shoulder. Dante's mouth lost it's smile and was now somewhat tight.

“Come in then.” He murmured which was very out of character for him.

He stepped aside letting us both into his quarters. We turned to him as he shut the stone door. I was surprised he didn't have a few of the others in here. He stood very still staring obviously at one of us but it was very hard to tell which one he stared at. Finally he broke the silence.

“Do you mind waiting in the other room?” He pointed to a nearly invisible black doorway. Me and Jake looked at eachother then back at Dante, not sure who he was talking to. Dante sighed.

“Jamie, stay with me.” His lips curled into an almost sly smile.

Jake looked at Dante then at me very hesitantly. I kept my eyes on Dante but nodded at Jake. A moment passed before he took his hand away from my shoulder. He spun on his heels, heading for the dark room.

“No peaking, please. No matter what you hear.” Dante said patiently.

Jake stopped at Dante's last couple words, whipping around. He looked at Dante wide eyed, then at me. His expression was worried, a little uneasy looking.

“It's okay.” I told him. He took a step toward me.

“But Jamie--” He began but I interrupted.

“Jake--” He interrupted me now. His eyebrows scrunched together. He looked angry now.

“Don't just do this for Zero--”

I shook my head, interrupting him again as I saw Dante turn his whole body toward me.

“I'm not. I'm doing it for me. I'm sick of being a miserable, weak human.” I spat, disgustedly. I frowned. “It's my decision, remember?”

He didn't look angry anymore, just sad. I had to turn away from him. Dante turned toward Jake. A moment past before he turned back to me.

“So. You've come back I see...”

I looked up at his hood where his pale eyes should have been. I only nodded. He waited a moment.

“What for?” He asked innocently. I sighed, hesitated only for a second, then spoke;

“I want you to turn me.” I muttered quietly. I was surprised hearing the fear in my voice considering I wanted it so badly. He grinned.

“That's what I thought.” He said amused. I smiled at him. Again, I was surprised that it was a forced smile. “Let's go then.”

He put his arm around me, leading me across the room and behind a satin sheet that I just noticed was hanging on the other side of the room. There was a king sized bed on the other side, but nothing else. He sat me down next to him and pulled back his hood swiftly.

His eyes were black, his face ghostly white. He looked at me almost hungrily, moving the hair from my neck. Before I could flinch he lunged his fangs toward my neck. I felt a sharp pain. I opened my mouth, letting out a dry scream. His arms around my waist, pulling me closer. After a moment snarling noises came from him. I saw the satin sheet fade in and out. I knew he was taking too much blood.

“Dante...” I heard myself murmur. He didn't respond. He only dug deeper and forced more blood into his mouth. “Stop!” I gasped. But he didn't.

“Stop!” I cried out.

My eyes snapped open. Kale stared at me, his whole body tense. His eyes were searching my face. I was hanging onto him so tightly I was hurting my arms. I loosened my grip, sinking further into his arms.

“Jamie?” He breathed. “Are you OK?”

I let out a deep sigh and rested my head against his chest.

“I'm fine. Sorry, Kale.”

“For what?”

I looked up at him, meeting his soft eyes,

“Making you worry.” I murmured. He pulled me closer.

“I'm used to it.” I heard the smile in his voice. I looked back up at him, seeing his gentle smile as he gazed down at me, continuing to walk at the same time. I looked away from him. Nothing seemed to change since I last closed my eyes.

“Are you going to tell me where we're going now?”

“You need to be more patient.” He seemed to laugh. I looked back up at him. His eyes were still on me.

“Well then,” I said after a moment. “will you at least put me down now?”

He smiled again.

“Not a chance!” He said with good humor. I frowned, crossing my arms.

“Why?”

“You don't know where we're going.”

“I can walk. Following you isn't so hard.”

His eyebrow raised asi f I was missing something very obvious. I looked around again, a little annoyed. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just a bunch of trees and more trees. Then my eyes moved down. I gasped. My arms uncrossed, swinging back around Kale's neck. He was laughing again. We, or Kale, was walking up in the trees as if we were on the ground!

“Surprised?” He grinned.

“No.” I muttered, sarcastically.

“Think you'd be able to follow me?”

“No...” I muttered again but much less sarcastic. He laughed again. I looked back up at him. After a moment I realized I was staring.

“You seem happier then usual.” I informed him. He was looking down at me, smiling radiantly. His fangs nearly visible.

“Well it's not everyday we can get away from both clans.”

“I guess not. But Kale, where are we going? Won't you please tell me?” I looked up at him with the biggest, most innocent and sweetest looking eyes that I could manage. He was gazing down at me. He was struggling, I could tell, as if he were having an inner battle with himself.

“Jamie...” He finally frowned. “Don't do that to me.”

I shrugged.

“What?” I asked innocently.

He mumbled something under his breath. I didn't catch it but the frustrated look on his face made me laugh. His face went hard for a moment. His eyes caught mine. His face softened and his lips curled into a smile.

“Just trust me. OK, sweetheart?”

We had a staring contest for a few moments, he won. I sighed and tore my eyes away, resting my head against his shoulder and part of his chest.

“Okay, Kale.” I whispered. I felt his body relax. I hadn't realized his muscles had tensed.

He strode on. After awhile my hand lifted, almost subconsciously, and I began to trace random invisible shapes on the side of his neck with my finger tips. I felt him shutter beneath me so I continued. A moment past. Then, subconsciously of course, I raised myself up closer to him and softly pressed my lips to his neck. He shuttered again but much more violently this time. A groan, or moan possibly, escaped his lips as I moved gently up kissing near his chin now.

“Jamie.” He breathed in a pleading way.

“Hmm?” I mumbled. I pressed my lips against his before he could say anything else.

His lips felt reluctant against mine at first. He hesitated and then his lips moved perfectly with mine. His arms went tighter around me as I ran my fingers threw his hair. Then it happened so fast, I had no idea exactly what happened. Kale let out a sudden gasp, keeping our lips together.

I felt the wind whip threw my hair. My stomach leapt and so did my heart. There was a sound of rustling leaves and that was followed by a crunching thud. Kale set me on my feet and pushed me slightly away from him. He turned away from me, mumbling under his breath again.

He was looking up, he ran his fingers through his hair. Finally he spun back around, facing me. He looked at me emotionless. I was confused about what just happened. He let out a sigh and moved toward me, grabbing my arm.

“Only you can make a vampire forget what he's doing.” He was quietly laughing. I sighed now. Relived he wasn't angry about what just happened.

“Sorry.” I muttered as he pulled me against him. He laughed again.

Then, without warning, he lifted me into his arms and we were flying again. There was nothing to do up in the trees. When I tried talking to Kale he would just start laughing as I asked him questions that he obviously wasn't going to answer.

“Fine. Then i'll just sleep again.” I pouted after he avoided my tenth question by laughing.

“Good idea.” He chuckled.

“You weren't supposed to agree with me.” I murmured. He laughed again.

“I didn't know there was a certain way to answer that.” I didn't say anything. After a moment, he did. “Jamie, i'm sorry.” He continued to laugh.

“Sometimes you're just too adorable.” He said almost to himself. I let out kind of a 'hmph.'

“That's not fair.” I muttered.

“What?” I could tell he was trying not to laugh.

“You can't say stuff like that to me when i'm mad at you.” I pouted again. He let his laugh go.

“What did I say?” He continued to laugh.

I waited til it subsided, even just a little.

“ 'Sometimes you're just too adorable' “ I mocked him the best I could, failing at it of course. “It's that kind of stuff that makes it impossible to stay mad at you.” Maybe I shouldn't have told him that. He laughed yet again.

“Oh, I will remember that, Jamie.”

“No you won't.” I tried to convince him that he wouldn't but he just laughed.

“That kind of stuff doesn't work on me.”

“Are you sure?” I still tried.

“Of course.” I heard his smile. I let out a groan.

“I wish you wouldn't.” I said under my breath. Of course he heard me.

“I can't help it.” I felt him shrug. “I remember everything, especially when it's about you. Everything you say, everything you do. It's hard sometimes, to get you out of my head.”

“Well good.” I remarked quietly. He laughed softly. “I hope I stay in your head.”

“You're not going anywhere, Jamie.”

I bit my lip.

“Promise?” I finally asked, looking up at him. He met my eyes and grinned.

“Of course. I don't think i'd be able to stop thinking about you even if I tried my hardest.”

I smiled at him.

“I know what you mean.” I had to look away when I said this as I felt myself blush. “I have a hard time getting you out of my head too.”

“I love it when you blush.” I could hear him trying not to laugh again. I wish he didn't have such good eyes. “It's a beautiful color. I don't think it would look as cute on anyone else.”

I bit my lip again.

“Umm, thanks?” I heard myself laugh a little awkwardly. He laughed too, but not as awkward.

“It's true.”

“I bet...” I murmured. He sighed.

“I love you, Jamie.”

He said it so suddenly that it surprised me. I couldn't help but smile.

“I love you too, Kale.”

I felt him grip me tighter.

“Don't you ever forget that.” He breathed in my ear.

I looked up at him, his face was closer then I thought it was going to be. Our lips were inches from eachother. I didn't dare look up into his eyes, at the risk of making us fall out of the trees again.

“No.” I breathed shaking my head. “Never.”

“Never.” He repeated as if not understanding the word or something. I gazed at his lips for a second, then forced myself to turn away.

“Kale?”

“Yes, Jamie?” He wasn't near my ear anymore.

“Will you ever let me become--”

“NO.” He snapped, interrupting me, knowing exactly what I was about to ask. “As long as i'm around you won't become anything like me.” He sounded disgusted. All the humor in his voice was gone. I looked up at him. He was snarling as he thought about it.

“I want to be with you always, Jamie,” He finally spoke again after a long silence. “But not at the cost of taking your life.”

We were both very quiet now.

“Does it hurt?” I let the question come out as softly as I could as I remembered my dream. He tensed.

“You'll never have to know, Jamie.”

He seemed to not even come close to answering my question.

“So it does?”

I was still looking at him. His face was hard. He grimaced.

“Yes.” He muttered. I could barely understand his answer. “There's more then one reason why I don't want to turn you--”

“Th--” I began to interrupt him but he quickly interrupted me instead.

“Or see you be turned by someone else.” It was as if he could read my thoughts. I was going to suggest he let Dante turn me if he didn't want to.

“But Kale--”

“Drop it, Jamie.” He snapped. I bit my lip. “If you can't understand for your sake, then understand for mine.”

“Oh, do tell...” I whispered. He pulled me closer to him.

“I don't want to see you in pain, or hurt, or in danger. I don't want to see the color drain from your face or the life from your eyes. Don't you get it? I love you too much to watch you have to go through misery. It will destroy me, torture me. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you....”

I cringed as his voice trailed off. This added even more complications to my plan. I didn't realize how much it would hurt him. I figured he'd just be mad. But he would be very hurt if I went and got myself turned.

“I understand, Kale. I don't want to hurt you.”

“Then don't.”

We both were quiet again for a moment.

“I won't.” I finally responded.

“Promise me.” He breathed. I swallowed hard and took in a deep breath, taking in his sweet scent.

“I promise...”

“You promise what?”

I flinched for one reason or another.

“I promise I won't let anyone turn me. I won't become a...vampire...” My voice seemed to go weak when I said 'vampire' but it was because in that moment I realized what I had just promised him. He kissed the top of my head.

“Good girl.” He murmured.

I sighed deeply and needed badly to stop thinking about my promise that I was going to have a hard time keeping.

“Are we almost there?”

“Yes. Almost.” I heard the light humor in his voice again. I began to wonder where we were going again, but I couldn't figure it out. I rested further against him. I slowly drifted off to sleep as we were both silent now. But I didn't quit fall asleep. After awhile Kale spoke very softly.

“Are you sleeping?”

I waited a moment to answer.

“No.” I finally spoke, surprised by how tired I sounded.

“Well don't sleep now.”

I frowned. “Why?” I really wasn't planning on it anyways.

“You'll see.”

“I can't believe you won't tell me anything.” I pouted just annoyed now. He laughed again. Another moment past and he suddenly set me on my feet. He let go of my arms.

“Turn around.” He grinned.

I gazed up at him for a moment and then spun around. I let out an awed gasp. We were still in the trees, standing on a thick branch overlooking a valley of flowers that was surrounded by purple, pink, blue, and green lights. They reminded me of the northern lights. Was this even possible? It was so warm here.

“Where are we?” I breathed.

“Just somewhere that's quiet and no one knows about...”

“Except you.” I looked back at him.

“And now you.” He smiled.

I smiled back and turned back around. I gazed out for a minute, just staring and taking in the sight. Kale took my arm and gently pulled me so I was sitting down next to him on the branch.

“Worth the wait?” He asked in my ear. I turned to him.

“Definitely.” I grinned, pressing my lips against his.

He wasn't reluctant or hesitant this time. His hand was instantly tangled in my hair, his other arm wound around my waist. He actually kind of kissed me roughly this time. I wasn't expecting it as he tugged on my hair but pulled the rest of me roughly toward him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, liking how rough he was being. Our lips moved frantically against eachother for a long time. And then he let out a growl, pulling his lips away from mine. He pulled me even closer to him in a protective way.

“Let's get out of here.” He continued to growl. I looked up, meeting his eyes. I was expecting them to be black but they were just a shade darker then his normal bright blue color.

“What's wrong?” I breathed. His eyes didn't meet mine for a moment. He frowned then looked at me finally.

“Dante.” He murmured. I bit my lip.

“I thought you said nobody--”

“He followed your scent.” He continued to murmur. He lifted me into his arms, then sped off.

“He's right behind us Jamie, but don't look.”

I dug my face into his chest.

“Why?”

“I don't want you to see...” Was all he said.

That just made me want to see but I resisted the urge. What didn't he want me to see? It was only Dante....and then I realized what he was talking about. He didn't want me to see Dante when he was hungry. Now I wondered how bad it was.

I thought of Kale's black eyes, he was pretty scary when he was hungry. It made me shutter. Maybe Dante was worse. No, he probably was. Why else wouldn't Kale want me to look? He pulled me suddenly closer to him and started to move even faster.

~~~~~

Note to my lovely readers: Hey guys. So i would LOVE it if you gave me feedback please and spread the word about my story. I'm hoping to get fans and support so I can feel more comfortable about publishing my other stories. If no one wants to read my work I don't see a point in publishing anything else, you know? well anyways, thanks for reading :3 and if you're not liking it so far im sorry you feel that way.

The picture in this chapter is Anabelle