Meeting: Vampire Hunter Saga Book 1

by Sands, Charlene

  "First of all," I began, "vampires are a bit more agile than humans—heck, even I can see that. Second, how did you get up there, anyway?"

  "Window."

  "Oh."

  "Come on," Zane coaxed, taking a few paces until he was standing atop the third step. "Trust me."

  "You know, I've been thinking," I started again, though I reluctantly began up the stairs. "How many girls have you said that to before you bit them?"

  Suddenly, Zane's face became as impassive and emotionless as stone. He turned his back on me and began quickly walking up the stairs. Instantly, I realized that I'd said the wrong thing, and went after him. "Hold on!"

  Going up the stairs took less time than I thought, though each step groaned as if it would tumble beneath me. I gave a shiver at the thought. Zane was silent for the few minutes, reaching the end of the staircase way before I did. Finally, I stood face to face with him—well, not face to face, since he was about nine inches taller than me, but still.

  "Sorry," I panted. I'd done this weird combination of jogging, tip-toeing, and dancing to try to keep up with him and avoid causing the house to fall down at the same time.

  "Is that how you walk up stairs all the time?" His voice and face were dead serious, but there was amusement in his eyes.

  "No." I gave him a smile.

  "Thank God." He gave his own brief grin. "Told you you'd make it up here without dying."

  I shrugged. "Miracles happen. So, where to now?"

  "Follow me." Zane began walking down the halls of the second story again. These were pretty twisty, but he seemed to know exactly where he was going. Finally, we reached a small, drab room that had only a small bed and a chair in it, both badly taken care of antiques.

  "You can choose where you want to sit, or if you want to stand," Zane offered. "Sorry I couldn't take you someplace better—this was the only option at the time."

  "It's all right." I thought about whether to sit or stand. Quickly, I chose standing. Sure, I'd probably have no chance against Zane anyway, but... "I think I'll just stay the way I am."

  Zane reclined in the dusty chair. "Good choice. Maybe you are starting to smarten up." When he saw the anger and annoyance on my face, he quickly added, "I'm not saying that you aren't smart. You're just not..." He snapped his fingers, trying to name the phrase. "What do they call it? I always lose track of all the slang..."

  "Street smart?" I guessed, a small smile beginning on my lips. In a weird way, he'd reminded me of my dad when I said that. Except, you know. I don't think my dad's hot. And I only think Zane's hot on the outside, anyway. Inside, he's kind of annoying.

  "Yes, that one." He propped his elbow up on the wooden arm of the chair and rested the side of his face in his palm, studying me. "Supernatural smart would be a better term for it. I can't blame you for being naïve, though. You're very new to this, and the only guy you've had to reference from is barely into the game as well."

  Clearly, he meant Ty. "If he's known about his... destiny... for so long, then why is is he so new?"

  "The Sanders family is ancient," Zane began, straightening up. "They, in fact, are descended from some of the first Hunters. A lot of people now are becoming Hunters from mixed blood, and they choose whether to be Hunters or not, but some of the old families follow tradition. They tell their children about being Hunters young, and start training them at around Ty's age. However, even if a young Hunter has only begun his training, he must become fully initiated into the SCA if his parents die. It is an honor-bound contract he must sign as soon as he begins his training. Ty did that."

  "Wow..." I wanted to sit down, but didn't. "So what you're saying is... Ty can't get out."

  "He could..." Zane seemed hesitant with his words now. "But the SCA... Once you're in, you should really stay. He'd be in extreme danger if he left. Especially considering his parents. Rick and Jennifer—they were renowned. That's why I think he has potential."

  "Jennifer... Ty's mom," I started. "Was it really brain cancer that killed her?"

  Zane gave a shrug. "There are many rumors speculating her death, but only the family will really know what happened. In fact, I doubt that Ty even knows... He probably just fed off whatever his father told him." Disgust entered Zane's voice with his final sentence.

  "Hey," I said defensively. "He's been plunged into a world he barely knows. What do you expect him to do? Rebel?"

  "I expect him to at least listen," Zane snapped. "Who knows who Roxanne has teaching him about being a Hunter... If he has a mentor at all! Nobody bothers to listen to the Supernatural side of things, and if they did, they could probably catch the ones that are actually causing trouble."

  There was a pause, and the anger in his eyes was clear. I clasped my hands together, worried. Suddenly, I blurted one of my thoughts out. "Howdoyoustayinthesun?"

  "What? My hearing is sensitive, but I don't interpret babble."

  I took in a deep breath, blushing. "This is going to sound stupid, but... How do you come out in sunlight? Is the whole sun thing a myth?"

  A smile lit Zane's face, and he gave a soft laugh. Reaching down the collar of his shirt, he pulled out what seemed to be a simple guy-necklace. At the bottom of the bronze chain was a small onyx stone. "My amulet. We vampires buy them from witches, and as long as we have them on, the sunlight cannot harm us. However, if they're taken off... we're toast. Literally."

  "Oh." I nodded as if I understood. "I have a necklace." Wow, that sounded stupid. "See?" Looking more idiotic and childish by the moment, I pulled my own necklace out from under my shirt. To my surprise, though, a low hiss escaped Zane's lips as he looked at it.

  "What?" I looked down at the ruby stone. "Is something wrong with it, or something?"

  "Yes." Zane stood, walking over to me. "It seems like George wouldn't have been able to bite you after all. He wouldn't even have attempted if he'd seen that."

  Though things were starting to make sense, I looked up at Zane curiously. "I still don't understand."

  "That, my dear," Zane said dryly, pointing to the ruby. "Is not a normal jewel. It's a Bloodruby—one of the few charms that can ward off someone of my kind. It burns us to the touch. I'm glad you kept it under your shirt, or I would have been in trouble."

  Shock registered in me. Ty had given me a vampire-shielding necklace for my birthday? Talk about protective... But why would he think I'd need protecting from vampires? In fact, this made me kind of mad. I'd been wearing an amulet sort of thing myself, and I hadn't even known about it. I hadn't given any permission...

  "Well, I don't want you to get burned," I admitted, trying to sound nonchalant. "So I'd better take this off." Not bothering with the clasp, I broke the chain and stuffed the whole necklace into my pocket. I wished that the tank-top had been a bit lower cut—then Zane would have alerted me to this problem sooner.

  "You're irritated with him," he commented, his eyes roaming over my face.

  "Sort of," I allowed. "I mean, what if I had been... A bit of a trap? Maybe he hoped you would try to bite me and get your mouth burst into flames, or something."

  "I doubt it," Zane said, shaking his head. "He's too attached to you for that." There was an emphasis on attached, subtle but made me look at my shoes. Zane's next words surprised me. "Although, maybe you should wear it."

  "What?" I snapped my head up to look at him. "That's not going to be a big help if I'm going to be working alongside vampires."

  "Look," Zane began. "The ones I might be introducing you to... They have good intentions. But that doesn't mean they're safe for you to be around. Every single one of them will want your blood. And then there's the fact that you're alone with me. I've been fine for a while, but my track record... It isn't the best."

  I looked steadily into his eyes. "I'm not going to be afraid. Wearing this necklace will just trigger more fear, and that's not going to work out if I'm going to continue helping you with this murder thing... Though I still don't know why you want me here."

  "Y
ou're a good way to get a Hunter to listen to us," Zane explained. I assumed that by 'us' he meant whoever agreed with him on the murders. "Not to mention the fact that I see something in you... I just can't name it. So, in summary, you're either a good idea, or the biggest mistake I'm ever going to make."

  "Well," I shrugged, giving a smile. "I guess there's always hope. I'll try to get Ty to listen... But I'd like to meet at least one person who's with you on this before I do anything."

  "Well, that's easy," Zane smiled. "She's right behind you."

  Taking in a sharp breath, I turned around to find myself face to face with one of the most perfect girls I'd ever seen. She was maybe an inch taller than me, and petite. Her skin was porcelain, of course, her face round, and she had tight blond curls cut short in a style that was familiar... though I'd never seen it in real life before. You know that expression, 'doe eyes'? Her eyes were an exact description of that. Big, brown, and beautiful. Though she looked eighteen or nineteen, I had a feeling that she was a lot older than that.

  A smile curved her lips just a bit. "Is this the girl you were telling me about, Zane?" To my surprise, she leaned forward a tiny bit and sniffed me. "You're right... Her scent's unique."

  "Well, that's nice," I said shortly, jumping away from her. "But please, can you people ask before you sniff? It's like... dogs."

  "I apologize," the vampire-she was clearly female, so I'd guess it'd be vampiress?-said brightly. "It's a bad habit; werewolves are even worse, being canine, and everything. Alex, isn't it?"

  She spoke so casually, as if she already knew me. I forced a smile, but still looked at Zane for introductions. The vampiress seemed to do the same.

  "Oh, sorry," he laughed, walking between us. "I was just enjoying the show." He glanced at the other vampire. "Yes, her name is Alex. Alex, Madison, Madison, Alex." There was a long pause before he added a few more words. "Madison is my Sireling. I turned her."

  I could feel my own eyes widen, and I stared at Madison. She laughed at this, as if it was no big deal. "Um... Wow. Nice to meet you."

  Madison shook my hand, her own hand chilling my skin. "Likewise, Alex. Zane tells me that you intrigued him... You and your Hunter."

  "As I've cleared up with Zane," I said, shooting him a dirty look. "Ty-the Hunter-is not mine. We're just really good friends. Sorry, just wanted to make that certain." Madison nodded in respond, amusement in her eyes.

  "So," I continued, somewhat awkwardly. "Madison is one of the Supernaturals that supports your cause, Zane?"

  "Correct," Madison answered for him, her round, cherubic face hardening a bit. "Though the Hunters won't acknowledge the murders, we certainly will. Besides, Zane is usually right about these kinds of things." She went to stand next to him. I wondered if that was just a vampire thing, or if they were a couple.

  "You flatter me, Maddie," Zane smiled. The pet name made me wonder... "But we'll need a Hunter to help out with this. It would just make us stronger... Especially if we have multiple Hunters, but I'd be happy with one. Do you have the time, Madison?"

  Nodding, she glanced at an expensive-looking watch on her wrist. "Five-thirty."

  "Looks like I'd better be getting you back to your house," he said decisively. "Your parents will probably be getting home soon—not to mention the fact that Sanders will probably be worrying that I'm draining your blood."

  "His family always has been a bit flighty," Madison murmured, yawning. "I remember his grandfather quite well... A very anxious man, wouldn't you say, Zane?"

  This girl didn't look old enough to be married, let alone known Ty's grandfather in his prime. "Excuse me," I began hesitantly. "But before I go... Um, how old are you, Madison? In real years."

  She looked thoughtful for a moment, and Zane seemed to think about it as well. "I bit you in 1923," he mused, as if speaking casually. "And you were...?"

  "Nineteen," she finished. "I was a flapper, remember?" She touched her short hair.

  I stared for a moment, then composed myself. "Well, thanks. Should we go, Zane?"

  "Yes," he nodded, walking over to me and giving Madison a wink good-bye. "See you, Madison."

  "Bye, Zane." She gave a bright smile—and this time I did not miss the difference in her canines. They were normal-sized, but pointed a bit more than they should be... Calmly, I followed Zane out the door. Once again, we made it down the precarious staircase and out the door.

  Once we were in his car and were beginning to drive off, I managed to do what any teenage girl would do. "You and Madison make a great-looking couple."

  To my surprise, Zane gave a laugh. "Madison and I? Together. No, we're not a couple, just Sire and Sireling—closely bonded."

  I could feel my face heating up. "Oh, sorry. I just-It seemed-"

  "No need." Zane still seemed to be holding back a laugh. "You're only human. It was natural for you to assume-"

  "Hold on." This time, it was me cutting him off. "Just because I'm human, my intelligence is inferior to yours?"

  "No." Now there was a strain of annoyance to Zane's voice—again. "It's like what we were speaking of before. You're not experienced in this field. And isn't 'you're only a human' an expression? Must you take offense at everything I say?"

  Letting out a huffy breath, I folded my arms over my chest. I wasn't touchy, he was. Well, maybe it was a bit mutual... But he got annoyed more easily than I did, so there.

  Soon we were at my house—except there was one problem: Ty stood in the front yard, his face stormy. He folded his arms over his chest, and I thought I saw something in one of his hands—something long and wooden. A stake. I reached into my pocket and skimmed my fingers over the necklace. No, I wasn't going to wear it—not if I was going to be on good terms with the vampires. But he'd be seriously mad when he found out I'd decided not to wear it anymore... Not to mention possibly hurt, which would be worse.

  "I don't think he's in the mood to talk to me," Zane said quietly, his eyes flickering to my face as he pulled up to the curb. "Though if you want me to come..."

  "No," I smiled halfheartedly. "You've done enough today. Thanks."

  "It was no problem." Zane suddenly was out of the car and opening the door for me. He shrugged at my surprised expression. "It comes with living in multiple eras."

  "Hmm," I said as I got out of the car. "Maybe the guys at my school should take a few lessons from you. If you weren't such an annoying jerk. And a bloodsucker."

  "If I wasn't that," Zane agreed, amusement coloring his voice as I walked onto my front yard. I turned my head to look at him one last time, but he and his car were already gone. My stomach dropped. Time to face Ty.

  "So." He didn't move. "Your vampire buddy was too cowardly to come out here and face me?" There was a mixture of amusement and disgust in his voice, similar to what Zane sounded like when he spoke of him.

  "Ty," I began carefully. "We both agreed that it was better that you didn't talk to Zane until you've calmed down and I can explain things to you."

  "You explain things to me?" Ty asked in a way that reminded me of when Zane had spoken of me being only human. To my anger, Ty took a step forward, clearly examining my eyes.

  "Ugh!" I exclaimed wordlessly, placing my hands on my hips. "What's with it with you unnatural people and your superiority?"

  "Me? Unnatural?" Ty's voice was scornful. "Says the girl who hangs out with vampires."

  "I would hardly call that hanging out," I said, beginning to walk into my house. My parents weren't home yet, so we could be undisturbed. "Zane just told me some things about vampires... And about what he thinks of the murders."

  "Destroying of vampires is not murder," Ty replied adamantly, following me up the stairs. (I was very happy to be stepping on a staircase that wasn't about to collapse.) "They're already dead."

  "Let me ask you this." I turned around to find him one step behind me. The height advantage thanks to this was quite satisfactory. "Have you heard any opinions of anyone but a brainwashed SCA Hunter? You sound so unif
ormed. The Ty I know wouldn't be so narrow-minded. Of course-" my voice softened "-you don't seemed to be the Ty I know anymore." Slowly, I turned, only to feel his hand on my shoulder. He spun my around, causing me to slide over the last step and lean into him. Our faces were very close, and I felt a weird sensation.

  "There are some of us," he began, his voice low. "That believe that Supernaturals and humans can live together in peace. Some that agree with Zane on the disappearances. But if they ever revealed their views at the present time... Who knows what could happen."

  "Who said you had to reveal how you felt?" I asked quietly. "You don't even have to make a choice yet—just soon. But you should listen, and consider your options. I'm not entranced or anything... I'm me. I hope you can tell that."

  After a moment, Ty gave his answer. "Yeah. I can."

  Maybe it was the way he said those words. Or maybe it was the fact that we were standing so close to each other. But I could feel myself begin to blush, and I wrenched myself away from him. "So, um... yeah. Let's go up to my room, and I'll tell you what's I've learned."

  By the time we were in my room, I was already beginning to explain, recounting everything Zane had told me about his theory. Which, admittedly, wasn't much, since he was being all cryptic and everything... But I could see that Ty, leaning again my wall, was thinking about it. It was tugging at Old Ty, the non semi-brainwashed Hunter. He didn't say much, though he opened his mouth several times and gave wordless grumbles here and there.

  "And that's it," I finished after about half an hour. I sat down on my bed and looked at him expectantly. "I'm guessing that you have something to say."

  Chapter 6

  "Yes." Ty stood up straight. He still had that stake in one hand, I noticed, and was tossing it from hand to hand with grace he'd never had before. "Look, whatever I choose, I am a Hunter. It's in my blood. My natural instincts tell me to be wary of any Supernatural—I have a sense for them. I'll never be able to get rid of that natural aversion... But if they're reasonable, I could work with them... Just to investigate for now."